13. But many tribulations and many wars have surrounded us, and the kings who are around us have fought against us.
14. But we are not willing to trouble you, nor the rest of our allies and friends, about these battles.
15. For we have assistance from heaven, and we have been delivered, and our enemies have been humbled.
16. And so, we have chosen Numenius, the son of Antiochus, and Antipater, the son of Jason, and we have sent them to the Romans, to renew the former peace treaty and alliance with them.
17. And so, we have commanded them to also come to you, and to greet you, and to deliver our letters to you, about the renewal of our brotherhood.
18. And now, you would do well to respond to us about these things."
19. And this is a copy of the letters that he sent to Onias:
20. "Arius, king of the Spartans, to Onias, the great priest: greetings.
21. It is found in scripture, about the Spartans and the Jews, that they are brothers, and that they are of the family of Abraham.
22. And since we know these things, you would do well to write to us about your peace.
23. But we also have written back to you that our cattle and our possessions are yours, and yours are ours. And so, we have commanded that these things should be announced to you."
24. And Jonathan heard that the leaders from Demetrius had returned again with a greater army than before, so as to fight against him.
25. And so, he departed from Jerusalem, and he met them in the region of Hamath. For he did not give them time to enter into his own region.
26. And he sent spies into their camp, and, returning, they reported that they planned to come upon them in the night.
27. And when the sun had set, Jonathan instructed his men to stand watch, and to be in arms, ready to fight, all night long, and he stationed guards around the camp.
28. And the adversaries heard that Jonathan was prepared, with his own, for warfare. And they were struck with fear and dread in their heart. And they kindled fires in their camp.
29. But Jonathan, and those who were with him, did not know about it until morning. For they saw the lights burning.