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"From Lucius, consul of the Romans, to King Ptolemy, greetings.
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A delegation from our friends and allies the Jews has come to us to renew the earlier treaty of friendship and alliance. They were sent by the High Priest Simon and the Jewish people,
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and they have brought as a gift a gold shield weighing half a ton.
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So we have decided to write to various kings and countries urging them not to harm the Jews, their towns, or their country in any way. They must not make war against the Jews or give support to those who attack them.
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We have decided to accept the shield and grant them protection.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.