31
Or you can pay me five hundred talents of silver for the destruction you have caused and five hundred more talents for the tribute money of the cities. Otherwise, I will come and make war on you."
32
So the king's advisor Athenobius came to Jerusalem. When he saw the magnificence of Simon, including his special cupboard that had gold and silver on it, all representing his considerable position, he was amazed. But he delivered the king's message.
33
Simon replied, "We haven't taken foreign land or property. We've taken only our ancestors' inheritance, which was unjustly stolen by our enemies.
34
Now that we have the opportunity, we will hold on firmly to their inheritance.
35
As for Joppa and Gazara, which you demand, they were causing a lot of problems for our people and land. But we'll give you one hundred talents for them." Athenobius did not say a word.