24. We have heard that the Jews would not consent to my father to convert to the rites of the Greeks, but that they chose to keep to their own institutions, and, because of this, that they ask of us to leave them to their own laws.
25. Therefore, wanting this nation, likewise, to be at rest, we have reached a judgment that the temple should be restored to them, so that they may act according to the custom of their ancestors.
26. You will do well, therefore, if you send to them and grant them a pledge, so that our will becomes known, and they may be of good courage, and may look after their own needs."
27. Truly, the letter of the king to the Jews was such as this: "King Antiochus to the senate of the Jews, and to the rest of the Jews: greetings.
28. If you are well, such is what we desire. But we ourselves are also well.
29. Menelaus came to us, saying that you wished to come down to your own, who are among us.
30. Therefore, we grant a pledge of security to those who come and go, even until the thirtieth day of the month of Xanthicus,
31. so that the Jews may make use of their own foods and laws, just as also before, and so that none of them should endure any kind of trouble for things which have been done by ignorance.