13. But Lysias was not a stupid man. He reflected on the defeat he had suffered, and came to realize that the Hebrews were invincible because the mighty God was their ally. He therefore sent a message
14. persuading them to settle everything on just terms, and promising to persuade the king also, and to induce him to become their friend.
15. Maccabeus, solicitous for the common good, agreed to all that Lysias proposed; and the king granted on behalf of the Jews all the written requests of Maccabeus to Lysias.
16. These are the terms of the letter which Lysias wrote to the Jews: “Lysias sends greetings to the Jewish people.
17. John and Absalom, your envoys, have presented your signed communication and asked about the matters contained in it.