5. His crowning achievementwas to take Joppa for a harbor,opening the way to the seawith its islands.
6. He also extended his country’s borders.He gained full control of the land;
7. he took a great number of captives.He ruled over Gazara, Beth-zur,and the elevated fortress.He removed the impuritiesfrom the elevated fortress.There were none to oppose him.
8. People worked their farmland in peace.The ground was fertile,and the trees of the plainswere fruitful.
9. Old men sat along the sides of the streets and talked about good things.The young put onimpressive military uniforms.
10. Simon supplied the towns with foodand with the means for defense.His fame spread to the ends of the earth.