16
So he said, "Shall we find another such man? Come now, we will make him our friend and ally."
17
And he wrote a letter and sent it to him, in the following words:
18
"King Alexander to his brother Jonathan, greeting.
19
We have heard about you, that you are a mighty warrior and worthy to be our friend.
20
And so we have appointed you today to be the high priest of your nation; you are to be called the king's friend" (and he sent him a purple robe and a golden crown) "and you are to take our side and keep friendship with us."
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.