22
When Demetrius heard thereof, he was very sorry and said,
23
"What have we done that Alexander hath preceded us in making amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?
24
I also will write unto them words of encouragement and promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid."
25
He sent unto him therefore to this effect: "King Demetrius unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:
26
Whereas you have kept covenants with us and continued in our friendship, not joining yourselves with our enemies, we have heard hereof and are glad.
27
Therefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and we will recompense you well for the things ye do on our behalf,
28
and will grant you many immunities and give you rewards.
29
"And now do I free you, and for your sake I release all the Jews from tribute and from the customs on salt and from crown taxes,
30
and from that which appertaineth unto me to receive a third part of the seed and half of the fruit of the trees. I release it from this day forth, so that they shall not be taken from the land of Judea, nor from the three governments which are added thereunto out of the country of Samaria and Galilee, from this day forth for evermore.
31
Let Jerusalem also be holy and free, with the territories thereof, both from tithes and tribute.
32
And as for the tower which is at Jerusalem, I yield up my authority over it and give it to the high priest, that he may set in it such men as he shall choose to keep it.