4
The land of Judea was at peace as long as Simon lived. During his entire reign, he used his position of power and influence to do what was good for his people, and they were always pleased with him as their ruler.
5
He added to his reputation when he captured the port of Joppa and opened up the route to the Greek islands.
6
He not only enlarged the territory of his nation and gained control of the whole country,
7
but he brought back many prisoners of war and captured Gezer, Bethzur, and the fort in Jerusalem. He purified the fort, and there was no one to oppose him.
8
The Jews farmed their land in peace; the land produced its crops and the trees bore fruit.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.