13. Lysias was no fool. As he thought about the defeat he had suffered, he realized it was because the mighty God had fought for the Jews, making it impossible for them to be defeated. So he sent a message to the Jews,
14. trying to persuade them to agree to a just settlement and promising to do all he could to make the king friendly towards them.
15. Judas Maccabaeus considered what would be best for the people, and so he agreed to all the proposals Lysias had made, since the king had granted every written request that Judas had presented to Lysias.
16. Here is a copy of the letter which Lysias wrote to the Jews:“Lysias to the Jewish people, greetings.
17. Your representatives John and Absalom have delivered to me the official document which you sent with them, and they have asked me to agree to what is contained in it.
18. I have informed the king of the matters that needed to be brought to his attention, and he has agreed to do whatever is possible.
19. If you continue to be loyal to the government, I will do everything I can in the future to benefit your nation.