61
A group of pestilent men from Israel, lawless men, gathered together against him to accuse him; but the king paid no attention to them.
62
The king gave orders to take off Jonathan's garments and to clothe him in purple, and they did so.
63
The king also seated him at his side; and he said to his officers, "Go forth with him into the middle of the city and proclaim that no one is to bring charges against him about any matter, and let no one annoy him for any reason."
64
And when his accusers saw the honor that was paid him, in accordance with the proclamation, and saw him clothed in purple, they all fled.
65
Thus the king honored him and enrolled him among his chief friends, and made him general and governor of the province.
66
And Jonathan returned to Jerusalem in peace and gladness.
67
In the one hundred and sixty-fifth year Demetrius the son of Demetrius came from Crete to the land of his fathers.
68
When Alexander the king heard of it, he was greatly grieved and returned to Antioch.
69
And Demetrius appointed Apollonius the governor of Coelesyria, and he assembled a large force and encamped against Jamnia. Then he sent the following message to Jonathan the high priest:
70
"You are the only one to rise up against us, and I have become a laughingstock and reproach because of you. Why do you assume authority against us in the hill country?
71
If you now have confidence in your forces, come down to the plain to meet us, and let us match strength with each other there, for I have with me the power of the cities.