20
"Judas Maccabeus with his brethren, and the people of the Jews, have sent us unto you to make a confederacy and peace with you, and that we might be registered your confederates and friends."
21
So that matter pleased the Romans well.
22
And this is the copy of the epistle which the senate wrote back on tablets of brass and sent to Jerusalem, that there they might have by them a memorial of peace and confederacy:
23
"Good success be to the Romans and to the people of the Jews by sea and by land for ever. The sword also and enemy be far from them.
24
If there come first any war upon the Romans or any of their confederates throughout all their dominion,
25
the people of the Jews shall help them, as the time shall be appointed, with all their heart.
26
Neither shall they give any thing unto those who make war upon them, or aid them with victuals, weapons, money, or ships, as it hath seemed good unto the Romans; but they shall keep their covenant without taking anything therefor.
27
In the same manner also, if war come first upon the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall help them with all their heart, according as the time shall be appointed them.
28
Neither shall victuals be given to those who take part against them, or weapons, or money, or ships, as it hath seemed good to the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants, and that without deceit.
29
According to these articles the Romans make a covenant with the people of the Jews.
30
However, if hereafter the one party or the other shall think it meet to add or diminish any thing, they may do it at their pleasure, and whatsoever they shall add or take away shall be ratified.