3 Maccabees 1:8

Ptolemy Philopator at the temple

8 The Jews had sent elders and members of the council to greet him, to bring gifts of friendship, and to congratulate him on recent events. As a result he was even more eager to come to them as soon as possible.

3 Maccabees 1:8 In-Context

6 After overcoming the plot, Ptolemy decided to visit the neighboring cities to encourage them.

7 By doing this and by distributing gifts for their sacred shrines, he reassured his subjects.

8 The Jews had sent elders and members of the council to greet him, to bring gifts of friendship, and to congratulate him on recent events. As a result he was even more eager to come to them as soon as possible.

9 So he traveled to Jerusalem, sacrificed to the supreme God, made thank offerings, and did what was appropriate for the temple. As he entered the temple, he was struck with amazement at its brilliance and beauty.

10 And as he admired the orderly arrangement of the temple, he conceived a notion to enter into the holy place.