19
By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and seventh year.
20
At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against it.
21
Then came ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,
22
Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing, he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him at Ptolemais in great haste.
23
Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to besiege it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel and the priests, and put himself in peril;
24
And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found favour in his sight.
25
And though certain ungodly men of the people had made complaints against him,
26
Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,
27
And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his chief friends.
28
Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free from tribute, as also the three governments, with the country of Samaria; and he promised him three hundred talents.
29
So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all these things after this manner: