17
So Judas chose Eupolemus son of John son of Accos, and Jason son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome to establish friendship and alliance,
18
and to free themselves from the yoke; for they saw that the kingdom of the Greeks was enslaving Israel completely.
19
They went to Rome, a very long journey; and they entered the senate chamber and spoke as follows:
20
"Judas, who is also called Maccabeus, and his brothers and the people of the Jews have sent us to you to establish alliance and peace with you, so that we may be enrolled as your allies and friends."
21
The proposal pleased them,
22
and this is a copy of the letter that they wrote in reply, on bronze tablets, and sent to Jerusalem to remain with them there as a memorial of peace and alliance:
23
"May all go well with the Romans and with the nation of the Jews at sea and on land forever, and may sword and enemy be far from them.
24
If war comes first to Rome or to any of their allies in all their dominion,
25
the nation of the Jews shall act as their allies wholeheartedly, as the occasion may indicate to them.
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To the enemy that makes war they shall not give or supply grain, arms, money, or ships, just as Rome has decided; and they shall keep their obligations without receiving any return.
27
In the same way, if war comes first to the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall willingly act as their allies, as the occasion may indicate to them.