15
And the Jews whom he said he would not account worthy to be so much as buried, but would give them up to be devoured by the birds and wild beasts, and would utterly destroy them with their children, he now promiseth to make equal with the Athenians.
16
The holy temple also which before he had spoiled, he promiseth to adorn with goodly gifts, and to multiply the holy vessels, and to allow out of his revenues the charges pertaining to the sacrifices.
17
Yea also, that he would become a Jew himself, and would go through every place of the earth, and declare the power of God.
18
But his pains not ceasing (for the just judgment of God was come upon him) despairing of life he wrote to the Jews in the manner of a supplication, a letter in these words:
19
To his very good subjects the Jews, Antiochus king and ruler wisheth much health and welfare, and happiness.
20
If you and your children are well, and if all matters go with you to your mind, we give very great thanks.
21
As for me, being infirm, but yet kindly remembering you, returning out of the places of Persia, and being taken with a grievous disease, I thought it necessary to take care for the common good:
22
Not distrusting my life, but having great hope to escape the sickness.
23
But considering that my father also, at what time she led an army into the higher countries, appointed who should reign after him:
24
To the end that if any thing contrary to expectation should fall out, or ally bad tidings should be brought, they that were in the countries, knowing to whom the whole government was left, might not be troubled.
25
Moreover, considering that neighbouring princes and borderers wait for opportunities, and expect what shall be the event, I have appointed my son Antiochus king, whom I often recommended to many of you, when I went into the higher provinces: and I have written to him what I have joined here below.