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He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy.
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For every man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there was none to frighten them,
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neither was there any left in the land to fight against them; yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.
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Moreover he strengthened all those of his people that were brought low; the law he searched out, and every contemner of the law and wicked person he took away.
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He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied vessels of the temple.
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Now when it was heard in Rome, and as far as Sparta, that Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.
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But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high priest in his stead, and ruled the country and the cities therein,
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they wrote unto him on tablets of brass to renew the friendship and league which they had made with Judas and Jonathan his brethren,
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which writings were read before the congregation in Jerusalem.
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And this is the copy of the letter that the Lacedemonians sent: The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city, unto Simon the high priest and the elders and priests and residue of the people of the Jews, our brethren, send greeting:
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The ambassadors who were sent unto our people certified us of your glory and honor. Therefore we were glad of their coming,