1 Maccabees 14:2-12

2 When Arsaces the king of Persia and Media heard that Demetrius had invaded his territory, he sent one of his commanders to take him alive.
3 And he went and defeated the army of Demetrius, and seized him and took him to Arsaces, who put him under guard.
4 The land had rest all the days of Simon. He sought the good of his nation; his rule was pleasing to them, as was the honor shown him, all his days.
5 To crown all his honors he took Joppa for a harbor, and opened a way to the isles of the sea.
6 He extended the borders of his nation, and gained full control of the country.
7 He gathered a host of captives; he ruled over Gazara and Beth-zur and the citadel, and he removed its uncleanness from it; and there was none to oppose him.
8 They tilled their land in peace; the ground gave its increase, and the trees of the plains their fruit.
9 Old men sat in the streets; they all talked together of good things; and the youths donned the glories and garments of war.
10 He supplied the cities with food, and furnished them with the means of defense, till his renown spread to the ends of the earth.
11 He established peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy.
12 Each man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there was none to make them afraid.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.