13
As he was a man of understanding, cogitating to himself what loss he had had and considering that the Hebrews could not be overcome because the Almighty God helped them, he sent unto them,
14
and persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and promised that he would persuade the king that he must indeed be a friend unto them.
15
Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being concerned for the common good; and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.
16
For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to this effect: Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:
17
John and Absalom, who were sent from you, delivered me the petition written below, and made request for the fulfillment of the contents thereof.
18
Therefore whatsoever things were meet to be reported to the king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as much as might be.
19
If then you will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavor to be a means of your good.
20
But concerning the particulars, I have given orders both to these and the others who came from me to commune with you.
21
Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month of Dioscorinthius.
22
Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:
23
Since our father was translated unto the gods, our will is that those who are in our realm live quietly, that every one may attend unto his own affairs.