1 Maccabees 8:18

18 and to entreat them that they would take the yoke from them; for they saw that the kingdom of the Grecians oppressed Israel with servitude.

1 Maccabees 8:18 In-Context

16 and that they committed their government to one man every year, who ruled over all their country, and that all were obedient to that one, and that there was neither envy nor emulation among them.
17 In consideration of these things, Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, the son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome to make a league of amity and confederacy with them,
18 and to entreat them that they would take the yoke from them; for they saw that the kingdom of the Grecians oppressed Israel with servitude.
19 They went therefore to Rome, which was a very great journey, and came into the senate where they spoke and said,
20 "Judas Maccabeus with his brethren, and the people of the Jews, have sent us unto you to make a confederacy and peace with you, and that we might be registered your confederates and friends."
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.