22
And Demetrius heard these words, and was exceeding sorry, and said:
23
What is this that we have done, that Alexander hath prevented us to gain the friendship of the Jews to strengthen himself?
24
I also will write to them words of request, and offer dignities, and gifts: that they may be with me to aid me.
25
And he wrote to them in these words: King Demetrius to the nation of the Jews, greeting.
26
Whereas you have kept covenant with us, and have continued in our friendship, and have not joined with our enemies, we have heard of it, and are glad.
27
Wherefore now continue still to keep fidelity towards us, and we will reward you with good things, for what you have done in our behalf.
28
And we will remit to you many charges, and will give you gifts.
29
And now I free you, and all the Jews from tributes, and I release you from the customs of salt, and remit the crowns, and the thirds of the seed:
30
And the half of the fruit of trees, which is my share, I leave to you from this day forward, so that it shall not be taken of the land of Juda, and of the three cities that are added thereto out of Samaria and Galilee, from this day forth and for ever:
31
And let Jerusalem be holy and free, with the borders thereof: and let the tenths, and tributes be for itself.
32
I yield up also the power of the castle that is in Jerusalem, and I give it to the high priest, to place therein such men as he shall choose to keep it.