4
As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the days of Simon; for he sought the good of his nation in such wise, as that evermore his authority and honour pleased them well.
5
And as he was honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he took Joppa for an haven, and made an entrance to the isles of the sea,
6
And enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the country,
7
And gathered together a great number of captives, and had the dominion of Gazera, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the which he took all uncleanness, neither was there any that resisted him.
8
Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave her increase, and the trees of the field their fruit.
9
The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of good things, and the young men put on glorious and warlike apparel.
10
He provided victuals for the cities, and set in them all manner of munition, so that his honourable name was renowned unto the end of the world.
11
He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy:
12
For every man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there was none to fray them:
13
Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them: yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.
14
Moreover he strengthened all those of his people that were brought low: the law he searched out; and every contemner of the law and wicked person he took away.