15
Maccabeus, having regard for the common good, agreed to all that Lysias urged. For the king granted every request in behalf of the Jews which Maccabeus delivered to Lysias in writing.
16
The letter written to the Jews by Lysias was to this effect: "Lysias to the people of the Jews, greeting.
17
John and Absalom, who were sent by you, have delivered your signed communication and have asked about the matters indicated therein.
18
I have informed the king of everything that needed to be brought before him, and he has agreed to what was possible.
19
If you will maintain your good will toward the government, I will endeavor for the future to help promote your welfare.
20
And concerning these matters and their details, I have ordered these men and my representatives to confer with you.
21
Farewell. The one hundred and forty-eighth year, Dioscorinthius twenty-fourth."
22
The king's letter ran thus: "King Antiochus to his brother Lysias, greeting.
23
Now that our father has gone on to the gods, we desire that the subjects of the kingdom be undisturbed in caring for their own affairs.
24
We have heard that the Jews do not consent to our father's change to Greek customs but prefer their own way of living and ask that their own customs be allowed them.
25
Accordingly, since we choose that this nation also be free from disturbance, our decision is that their temple be restored to them and that they live according to the customs of their ancestors.