14. But some of the Jews who had abandoned the Law of Moses and its commands were still left in Bethzur, which served as their last place of refuge.
15. King Alexander learnt of the promises Demetrius had made to Jonathan and he also learnt about Jonathan himself, about the battles he had fought, his courageous deeds, and the troubles he and his brothers had endured.
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.
27. Now if you continue to remain loyal to us, we will reward you well.
28. We will grant you exemptions from many taxes and allow you other privileges.
29. I hereby grant all the Jewish people release and exemption from payment of regular taxes, salt taxes, and other special taxes.
30. Furthermore, from this day I release you from your obligation to pay me one-third of the grain-harvest and half of the fruit-harvest. From now on I will not demand these payments from Judea or from the three districts that have been added to Judea from Samaria and Galilee.
31. Jerusalem and its surrounding territory is to be recognized as a holy city and to be exempt from the payment of all taxes.
32. I also give up my authority over the fort in Jerusalem and place it under the High Priest, who may station there anyone he wishes to guard it.
33. I freely grant release to all Jews who are prisoners of war anywhere in my kingdom. All of them will be exempt from taxes, even on their livestock.