37
I have received the gold crown and the gold palm branch which you sent, and I am prepared to make a peace treaty with you and to instruct our tax officials to grant you exemptions.
35
King Demetrius sent the following letter in reply:
36
"King Demetrius to the High Priest Simon, the friend of kings, to the Jewish nation, and to their leaders, greetings.
37
I have received the gold crown and the gold palm branch which you sent, and I am prepared to make a peace treaty with you and to instruct our tax officials to grant you exemptions.
38
Our previous agreements with you are confirmed, and the fortresses which you have built are to remain yours.
39
I grant you pardon for treaty violations committed up to the present date, and I release you from payment of the special tax still due and any other taxes that have been collected up to this time in Jerusalem.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.