An alliance with Rome
17 So Judas chose Eupolemus son of John and grandson of Accos, and also Jason, Eleazar's son. He sent them to Rome to establish friendship, alliance,
18
and also to free the Jewish people from oppression. They observed that the Greek kingdom was completely enslaving Israel.
19
They took the long journey to Rome. They entered the senate chamber, and they spoke:
20
"Judas, called Maccabeus, along with his brothers and the Jewish people, has sent us to you to establish alliance and peace with you. We seek to be enrolled as your allies and friends."
21
This proposal pleased the Romans.
22
This is a copy of the letter that they wrote in reply on bronze tablets, which they 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. May sword and enemy stay away from them.
24
If war comes first to Rome or to any of their allies throughout their territory,
25
the Jewish nation should act as their allies wholeheartedly, as the occasion may indicate to them.
26
They will not give or supply grain, weapons, money, or ships to an enemy that makes war on them. This is Rome's decision. And they will keep their obligations without compensation.
27
In the same way, if war comes first to the nation of the Jews, the Romans will willingly act as their allies, as the occasion may indicate to them.
28
They will not give to their enemies any grain, weapons, money, or ships, just as Rome has decided. And they will keep these obligations and do so without deceit.
29
On these terms, the Romans make a treaty with the Jewish people.
30
If after these terms are in effect and either party determines to add or delete anything, they will do so at their discretion. Any addition or deletion that they may make will be valid.
31
Regarding the bad things that King Demetrius is doing to them, we have written to him, "Why have you made your yoke so heavy on our friends and allies the Jews?
32
If they appeal now again for help against you, we will defend their rights and fight you on both sea and land."