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he hundred and sixtieth year, Alexander, the son of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais. For the people had received him, by means whereof he reigned there.
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Now when King Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together an exceeding great host and went forth against Alexander to fight.
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Moreover Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with loving words, by which he magnified him.
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For he said, "Let us first make peace with him before he joins with Alexander against us,
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or else he will remember all the evils that we have done against him and against his brethren and his people."
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Therefore Demetrius gave Jonathan authority to gather together a host and to provide weapons, that he might aid him in battle. He commanded also that the hostages who were in the tower should be delivered to him.
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Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the hearing of all the people and of those who were in the tower,
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who were sore afraid when they heard that the king had given him authority to gather together a host.