14. Only in Beth-zur did some remain of those who had abandoned the law and the commandments, for it was a place of refuge.
15. King Alexander heard of the promises that Demetrius had made to Jonathan; he was also told of the battles and brave deeds of Jonathan and his brothers and of the troubles that they had endured.
16. He said, “Shall we ever find another man like him? Let us now make him our friend and ally.”
17. So he sent Jonathan a letter written in these terms:
18. “King Alexander sends greetings to his brother Jonathan.
19. We have heard of you, that you are a mighty warrior and worthy to be our friend.
20. We have therefore appointed you today to be high priest of your nation; you are to be called the King’s Friend, and you are to look after our interests and preserve friendship with us.” He also sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold.
21. Jonathan put on the sacred vestments in the seventh month of the one hundred and sixtieth year at the feast of Booths, and he gathered an army and procured many weapons.
22. When Demetrius heard of these things, he was distressed and said:
23. “Why have we allowed Alexander to get ahead of us by gaining the friendship of the Jews and thus strengthening himself?