18
Therefore whatsoever things were meet to be reported to the king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as much as might be.
19
If then you will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavor to be a means of your good.
20
But concerning the particulars, I have given orders both to these and the others who came from me to commune with you.
21
Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month of Dioscorinthius.
22
Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:
23
Since our father was translated unto the gods, our will is that those who are in our realm live quietly, that every one may attend unto his own affairs.
24
We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our father to be brought into the customs of the Gentiles, but would rather keep their own manner of living. For this cause they require of us that we should suffer them to live by their own laws.
25
Therefore our mind is that this nation shall be at rest, and we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may live according to the customs of their forefathers.
26
Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them and grant them peace, that when they are certified of our mind, they may be of good comfort and ever go cheerfully about their own affairs.
27
And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was in this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the council and the rest of the Jews:
28
If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good health.