56
had returned from Persia and Media with the forces that had gone with the king, and that he was trying to seize control of the government.
57
So he quickly gave orders to depart, and said to the king, to the commanders of the forces, and to the men, "We daily grow weaker, our food supply is scant, the place against which we are fighting is strong, and the affairs of the kingdom press urgently upon us.
58
Now then let us come to terms with these men, and make peace with them and with all their nation,
59
and agree to let them live by their laws as they did before; for it was on account of their laws which we abolished that they became angry and did all these things."
60
The speech pleased the king and the commanders, and he sent to the Jews an offer of peace, and they accepted it.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.