63
The king also seated him at his side; and he said to his officers, "Go out 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
When his accusers saw the honor that was paid him, in accord 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 sixty-fifth year Demetrius son of Demetrius came from Crete to the land of his ancestors.
68
When King Alexander heard of it, he was greatly distressed 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 the high priest Jonathan:
70
"You are the only one to rise up against us, and I have fallen into ridicule and disgrace 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.
72
Ask and learn who I am and who the others are that are helping us. People will tell you that you cannot stand before us, for your ancestors were twice put to flight in their own land.
73
And now you will not be able to withstand my cavalry and such an army in the plain, where there is no stone or pebble, or place to flee."