17
We have also ordered them to go to you with our greetings and deliver this letter about the renewal of our ties of brotherhood.
18
And now we request an answer to this letter.
19
"The following is a copy of the earlier letter:
20
" "King Arius of Sparta to Onias the High Priest, greetings.
21
We have found a document about the Spartans and the Jews indicating that we are related and that both of our nations are descended from Abraham.
22
Now that we have discovered this, please send us a report about your situation.
23
In reply, we will send you a letter indicating that we are willing to share our possessions, including cattle and property, if you will do the same. We have given orders to our ambassadors to give you a full report about these matters.' "
24
Jonathan learned that the officers of Demetrius had returned to attack him with an even larger army than before.
25
Jonathan did not want to give them an opportunity to penetrate his own territory, so he left Jerusalem and went to meet them in the region of Hamath.
26
Jonathan sent spies into the enemy camp, who reported to him that the enemy forces were making plans to attack the Jews by night.
27
At sunset Jonathan ordered all his soldiers to be on the alert and to have their weapons ready for a surprise attack any time during the night. He also stationed guards all around the camp.