1. In the year 160, Alexander Epiphanes, Antiochus’ son, landed and occupied Ptolemais. They welcomed him there, and he began to rule.
2. When King Demetrius heard about it, he assembled a very large army. He marched out to meet Alexander in battle.
3. Demetrius sent a friendly letter to Jonathan to honor him.
4. Demetrius thought to himself, We should make peace with Jonathan before he aligns with Alexander against us.
5. If we don’t do so, he will recall all the wrongs that we did to him, his brothers, and his nation.
6. So Demetrius gave Jonathan authority to recruit troops, to arm them, and to become his ally. He ordered that the hostages in the elevated fortress be released to Jonathan.