15
Now when King Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had sent unto Jonathan, when also it was told him of the battles and noble acts which Jonathan and his brethren had done and of the pains that they had endured,
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he said, "Shall we find such another man? Now therefore we will make him our friend and confederate."
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Upon this he wrote a letter and sent it unto him, according to these words, saying:
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"King Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth greeting:
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We have heard of thee that thou art a man of great power and meet to be our friend.
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Therefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest of thy nation, and to be called the king's friend" (and therewith he sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold), "and require thee to take our part and keep friendship with us."
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So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at the Feast of the Tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and gathered together forces and provided much armor.
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When Demetrius heard thereof, he was very sorry and said,
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"What have we done that Alexander hath preceded us in making amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?
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I also will write unto them words of encouragement and promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid."
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He sent unto him therefore to this effect: "King Demetrius unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting: