18
But for all this, his pains would not cease; for the just judgment of God had come upon him. Therefore, despairing of his health, he wrote unto the Jews the letter following, containing the form of a supplication, in this manner:
19
Antiochus, king and governor, to the good Jews his citizens wisheth much joy, health, and prosperity.
20
If ye and your children fare well and your affairs be to your contentment, I give very great thanks to God, having my hope in heaven.
21
As for me, I was weak, or else I would have remembered kindly your honor and good will. Returning out of Persia and being taken with a grievous disease, I thought it necessary to care for the common safety of all.
22
Not distrusting mine health, and having great hope to escape this sickness,
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.