14
Moreover he strengthened all those of his people that were brought low; the law he searched out, and every contemner of the law and wicked person he took away.
15
He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied vessels of the temple.
16
Now when it was heard in Rome, and as far as Sparta, that Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.
17
But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high priest in his stead, and ruled the country and the cities therein,
18
they wrote unto him on tablets of brass to renew the friendship and league which they had made with Judas and Jonathan his brethren,
19
which writings were read before the congregation in Jerusalem.
20
And this is the copy of the letter that the Lacedemonians sent: The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city, unto Simon the high priest and the elders and priests and residue of the people of the Jews, our brethren, send greeting:
21
The ambassadors who were sent unto our people certified us of your glory and honor. Therefore we were glad of their coming,
22
and registered the things that they spoke in the council of the people in this manner: `Numenius son of Antiochus, and Antipater son of Jason, the Jews' ambassadors, came unto us to renew the friendship they had with us.
23
And it pleased the people to entertain the men honorably, and to put the copy of their embassage in public records, to the end that the people of the Lacedemonians might have a memorial thereof. Furthermore we have written a copy thereof unto Simon the high priest.'
24
After this Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a great shield of gold of a thousand pound weight to confirm the league with them.