16
For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater he son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league.
17
We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.
18
Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.
19
And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.
20
Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting:
21
It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:
22
Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity.
23
We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are our's, and our's are your's We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.
24
Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore,
25
He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.
26
He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told him that they were appointed to come upon them in the night season.