17. and, beside all this, that he would become a Jew, and would visit every inhabited place, publishing abroad the might of God.
18. But when his sufferings did in no wise cease, for the judgement of God had come upon him in righteousness, having given up all hope of himself, he wrote to the Jews the letter written below, having the nature of a supplication, to this effect:
19. To the worthy Jews, his fellow-citizens, Antiochus, king and general, wishes much joy and health and prosperity.
20. May you⌃ and your children fare well; and your affairs shall be to your mind. Having my hope in heaven,
21. I remembered with affection your honor and good will toward me. Returning out of the region of Persia, and being taken with a noisome sickness, I deemed it necessary to take thought for the common safety of all,
22. not despairing of myself, but having great hope to escape from the sickness.
23. But considering that my father also, at what time he led an army into the upper country, appointed his successor,