17. And Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it to Ptolemy.
18. And king Ptolemy died the third day after, and they that were in his strongholds were slain by them that were in the strongholds.
19. And Demetrius reigned in the hundred and threescore and seventh year.
20. In those days Jonathan gathered together them of Judaea, to take the citadel that was at Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against it.
21. And certain that hated their own nation, men that transgressed the law, went to the king, and reported to him that Jonathan was besieging the citadel.
22. And he heard, and was angered; but when he heard it, he set forth immediately, and came to Ptolemais, and wrote to Jonathan, that he should not besiege it, and that he should meet him and speak with him at Ptolemais with all speed.
23. But when Jonathan heard this, he commanded to besiege it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel and of the priests, and put himself in peril,
24. and taking silver and gold and raiment and various presents besides, went to Ptolemais to the king. And he found favor in his sight.
25. And certain lawless men of them that were of the nation made complaints against him,
26. and the king did to him even as his predecessors had done to him, and exalted him in the sight of all his Friends,
27. and confirmed to him the high priesthood, and all the other honors that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his Chief Friends.
28. And Jonathan requested of the king, that he would make Judaea free from tribute, and the three provinces, and the country of Samaria; and promised him three hundred talents.
29. And the king consented, and wrote letters to Jonathan concerning all these things after this manner:
30. King Demetrius to his brother Jonathan, and to the nation of the Jews, greeting:
31. The copy of the letter which we wrote to Lasthenes our kinsman concerning you, we have written also to you, that you⌃ may see it.
32. King Demetrius to Lasthenes his father, greeting:
33. We have determined to do good to the nation of the Jews, who are our friends, and observe what is just toward us, because of their good will toward us.
34. We have confirmed therefore to them the borders of Judaea, and also the three governments of Aphaerema and Lydda and Ramathaim (these were added to Judaea from the country of Samaria), and all things appertaining to them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the king’s dues which the king received of them yearly aforetime from the produce of the earth and the fruits of trees.