13
But we have had many troubles and wars on every side, and the kings that are round about us, have fought against us.
14
But we would not be troublesome to you, nor the rest of our allies and friends in these wars.
15
For we have had help from heaven, and we have been delivered, and our enemies are humbled.
16
We have chosen therefore Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater the son of Jason, and have sent them to the Romans to renew with them the former amity and alliance.
17
And we have commanded them to go also to you, and to salute you, and to deliver you our letters, concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.
18
And now you shall do well to give us an answer hereto.
19
And this is the copy of the letter which he had sent to Onias:
20
Arius king of the Spartans to Onias the high priest, greeting.
21
It is found in writing concerning the Spartans, and the Jews, that they are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham.
22
And now since this is come to our knowledge, you do well to write to us of your prosperity.
23
And we also have written back to you: That our cattle, and our possessions are yours: and yours, ours. We therefore have commanded that these things should be told you.