15
I had planned to throw out the dead bodies of the Jews and their children for the wild animals and the birds to eat, for I did not consider them worth burying. But now I intend to grant them the same privileges as the citizens of Athens enjoy.
16
I once looted the Temple and took its sacred utensils, but I will fill it with splendid gifts and with better utensils than before, and I will pay the cost of the sacrifices from my own resources.
17
Besides all this, I will become a Jew myself and go wherever people live, telling them of God's power."
18
Antiochus was in despair and could find no relief from his pain, because God was punishing him as he deserved, so he wrote the following letter to the Jews:
19
"King Antiochus to the Jews, my most distinguished subjects. Warm greetings and best wishes for your health and prosperity.
20
"I hope that you and your families are in good health and that all goes well with you. My hope is in God,
21
and I remember with a deep sense of joy the respect and kindness that you have shown me. "On my way home from Persia I fell violently ill, and so I thought it best to begin making plans for the general welfare of the people.
22
I have not given up hopes of getting well; in fact I am fully confident that I will recover.
23
But I recall that my father used to appoint a successor whenever he went on a military campaign east of the Euphrates.
24
He did this so that if something unexpected happened, or if some bad news came back, then his subjects would not be afraid, for they knew who had been left in command.
25
Also, I know how the rulers along the frontiers of my kingdom are constantly on the lookout for any opportunity that may come along. That is why I have appointed my son Antiochus to succeed me as king. I have frequently entrusted him to your care and recommended him to you when I went on my regular visits to the provinces east of the Euphrates. (He is receiving a copy of the letter which follows.)