16. He was certain that he would never find another man like Jonathan and so decided to make him his friend and ally.
17. He wrote Jonathan a letter:
18. “King Alexander to his friend Jonathan, greetings.
19. I have heard that you are a brave man who has earned the right to be a friend of the king.
20. I have this day appointed you as High Priest of your nation and conferred upon you the title of ‘Friend of the King.’ You are to be our ally and give us your support.”He also sent him a royal robe and a gold crown.
21. Jonathan put on the robes of the High Priest in the seventh month of the year 160 at the Festival of Shelters. He raised an army and stored up a large supply of weapons.
22. When Demetrius heard this, he was distressed and said,
23. “How did we manage to let Alexander get ahead of us? He has strengthened his position by making an alliance with the Jews.
24. I also will write them a friendly letter offering high positions and gifts, so that they will support me.”
25. He wrote:“King Demetrius to the nation of the Jews, greetings.
26. We are delighted to learn that you have kept your obligations under our treaty, remained loyal to us, and have not gone over to the side of our enemies.