20
I have instructed your representatives and mine to meet with you to discuss the details of these matters.
21
May all go well with you. Dated the twenty-fourth day of the month of Dioscorinthius in the year 148."
22
Here is a copy of the King's letter: "King Antiochus to the honorable Lysias, greetings.
23
Now that my father has gone to be with the gods, I want the subjects of my kingdom to conduct their own affairs without interference.
24
I understand that the Jews do not wish to adopt the Greek way of life, as my father had intended, but prefer their own way of life and have requested that they be allowed to live according to their own customs.
25
Since I desire that they live undisturbed like the other nations in my empire, I hereby decree that their Temple be restored to them and that they be allowed to live according to the customs of their ancestors.
26
Please inform them of this decision and assure them of my friendship, so that they may conduct their own affairs in peace, without anything to worry about."
27
Here is a copy of the king's letter to the Jewish people: "King Antiochus to the Jewish leaders and all the Jews, greetings.
28
I hope that all is going well for you. I am in good health.
29
Menelaus has informed me of your desire to return home and attend to your own affairs.
30
So then, those of you who return home by the thirtieth of the month of Xanthicus may rest assured that you have nothing to fear.