32
And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land.
33
Then Simon built up the strongholds in Judea, and fenced them about with high towers and great walls and gates and bars, and laid up victuals therein.
34
Moreover Simon chose men and sent to King Demetrius to the end that he should give the land an immunity, because all that Trypho did was to despoil.
35
Unto him King Demetrius answered and wrote in this manner:
36
King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest and friend of kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:
37
The golden crown and the scarlet robe which ye sent unto us we have received; and we are ready to make a steadfast peace with you, yea, and to write unto our officers to confirm the immunities which we have granted.
38
And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand, and the strongholds which ye have built shall be your own.
39
As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the crown tax also which ye owe us; and if there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid.
40
And look who are meet among you to be in our court; let them be enrolled, and let there be peace between us.
41
Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in the hundred and seventieth year.
42
Then the people of Israel began to write in their documents and contracts: In the first year of Simon the high priest, the governor and leader of the Jews.