1. From the Greek islands Antiochus son of King Demetrius wrote the following letter to Simon the High Priest and governor of the Jews and to the whole nation:
2. “King Antiochus to Simon, the High Priest and governor, and to the Jewish nation, greetings.
3. As you know, the kingdom of my ancestors has been seized by traitors. I have decided to reclaim it and restore its former greatness. I have raised a large army of mercenary troops and have fitted out warships.
4. I plan to invade the land and to attack those who have destroyed many of the towns and ruined the country.