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1 Maccabees 12
English: King James Version
2 He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places, for the same purpose.
5 And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Lacedemonians: 6 Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and the priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting: 7 There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that ye are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.
9 Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us, 10 Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye sent unto us.
11 We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren: 12 And we are right glad of your honour.
14 Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars: 15 For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot.
18 Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.
19 And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.
20 Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting: 21 It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham: 22 Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity.
24 Now when Jonathan heard that Demebius' princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore, 25 He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.
29 Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning.
32 And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed through all the country, 33 Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned aside to Joppa, and won it.
35 After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders of the people together, he consulted with them about building strong holds in Judea, 36 And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell nor buy in it.
38 Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates and bars.
42 Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him; 43 But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself.