20
And so we have appointed you today to be the high priest of your nation; you are to be called the king's friend" (and he sent him a purple robe and a golden crown) "and you are to take our side and keep friendship with us."
21
So Jonathan put on the holy garments in the seventh month of the one hundred and sixtieth year, at the feast of tabernacles, and he recruited troops and equipped them with arms in abundance.
22
When Demetrius heard of these things he was grieved and said,
23
"What is this that we have done? Alexander has gotten ahead of us in forming a friendship with the Jews to strengthen himself.
24
I also will write them words of encouragement and promise them honor and gifts, that I may have their help."
25
So he sent a message to them in the following words: "King Demetrius to the nation of the Jews, greeting.
26
Since you have kept your agreement with us and have continued your friendship with us, and have not sided with our enemies, we have heard of it and rejoiced.
27
And now continue still to keep faith with us, and we will repay you with good for what you do for us.
28
We will grant you many immunities and give you gifts.
29
"And now I free you and exempt all the Jews from payment of tribute and salt tax and crown levies,
30
and instead of collecting the third of the grain and the half of the fruit of the trees that I should receive, I release them from this day and henceforth. I will not collect them from the land of Judah or from the three districts added to it from Samaria and Galilee, from this day and for all time.