18
When his pains didn't diminish in any way—for God's judgment had come upon him justly—and he had given up hope, he wrote to the Jews a letter of appeal. This was the content:
19
To the worthy Jewish citizens, from the king and governor Antiochus. Greetings and health and prosperity.
20
If you are in good health and your children and affairs are prospering, I give thanks to God with great joy, having hope in heaven,
21
remembering with affection your honor and goodwill. After returning from Persia and falling ill, which created a serious situation, I regarded it as necessary to think of the common safety of all the people.
22
I haven't abandoned my situation as hopeless but rather hold on to hope that I might recover from the illness.