39
gave him the title of "Friend of the King," and treated him with great honor.
40
Demetrius did this because he had heard that the Romans were calling the Jews their friends, allies, and brothers and that they had received Simon's delegation with full honors.
41
"Therefore, the Jews and their priests are happy to have Simon and his descendants as their leaders and High Priests, until a true prophet appears.
42
Simon shall govern their country, have charge of the Temple, and shall be their military commander. He shall be in charge of military supplies, fortifications, and public works.
43
The people must obey him in everything. All government contracts shall be drawn up in his name. He shall have the right to wear royal robes with the gold shoulder buckle.
44
"No one, priest or people, shall have the legal right to annul any of these decisions, to alter or change any of Simon's orders, to convene any assembly in the country without his permission, or to wear royal robes with the gold shoulder buckle.
45
Anyone who disobeys or disregards these regulations shall be subject to punishment.
46
"The people gave their unanimous approval to grant Simon the right to act in accordance with these regulations.
47
Simon consented and agreed to be supreme leader: High Priest, commander of the armies, and governor of the Jews and the priests."
48
It was decided that this declaration should be engraved on bronze tablets and set up in a prominent place within the Temple area
49
and that copies should be placed in the Temple treasury, where Simon and his sons would have access to them.