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.
40
All Jews who are qualified may enroll in the royal service. Let us have peace."
41
So in the year 170 the yoke of the Gentile oppressors was removed from the Jews.
42
People began to date their documents and contracts with these words: "In the first year of Simon, the great High Priest, commander and leader of the Jews."
43
At that time Simon laid siege to Gezer and surrounded it with his army. He built a movable siege platform, brought it up to the town wall, attacked one of the towers, and captured it.