12. Then from the fortress that Bacchides had built, the foreigners fled.
13. All of them left their places and returned to their own lands.
14. Only in Beth-zur did some Jews remain who had neglected the Law and the commandments, because Beth-zur was a place of refuge.
15. Now King Alexander heard about all the promises that Demetrius made to Jonathan. He also heard about the battles that Jonathan and his brothers had fought, the brave deeds they had done, and the troubles they had endured.
16. He said to himself, Will we find another man like this? We should make him our friend and ally.
17. So he wrote a letter to Jonathan:
18. King Alexander to his brother Jonathan. Greetings!
19. We have heard about you—that you are a mighty warrior and worthy to be our friend.
20. So we have appointed you today to be the high priest of your nation. You are to be named the king’s political advisor. You should take our side and keep friendship with us.He sent also a purple robe and a gold crown.
21. So Jonathan put on the sacred garments in the seventh month of the year 160 at the Festival of Booths. He recruited troops and equipped them with abundant weapons.
22. When Demetrius heard about these things he was distressed. He said,
23. "What have we done? Alexander has moved more quickly in forming a friendship with the Jews to strengthen himself.
24. I’ll also write them words of encouragement and promise them honor and gifts so that I may gain their help."
25. So he sent a message to them:King Demetrius to the nation of the Jews. Greetings!
26. We have heard and rejoice that you have kept your agreement and have continued your friendship with us, and have not sided with our enemies.
27. Now continue to keep faith with us, and we will repay you in kind according to the good you do for us.
28. We will grant you many exemptions and give you gifts.
29. I now free you and excuse all the Jews from payment of tribute as well as salt and royal taxes.