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.
23
I have also considered, however, that my father (on the occasions when he fought in the upper regions) used to appoint a successor to rule.