14. And the city, to which he was going in haste to pull it down to the ground and to make it a mass grave, he now wanted to make free.
15. And the Jews, whom he had said he certainly did not consider worthy even to be buried, but would deliver them to be torn apart by birds and wild beasts, and would exterminate them with their little ones, he now promised to make equal with the Athenians.
16. And even the holy temple, which before he had plundered, he would adorn with the best gifts, and increase the holy vessels, and pay out from his revenues the charges pertaining to the sacrifices.
17. Beyond these things, he would even become a Jew himself, and would travel through every place on earth and declare the power of God.
18. But, when his pains did not cease, (for the just judgment of God had overwhelmed him,) in despair he wrote to the Jews, in the manner of a supplication, a letter composed in this way:
19. "To the very good citizens of the Jews, Antiochus, king and ruler, wishes much health, and welfare, and happiness.
20. If you and your sons are faring well, and if everything is according to your will, we give very great thanks.
21. And so, fixed in infirmity, yet kindly remembering you, I am returning from the places of Persia, and, having been seized by a serious infirmity, I considered it necessary to have a concern for the common good,
22. not despairing in myself, but having a great hope to escape the infirmity.
23. Moreover, considering that my father also, during the time that he led an army into the upper regions, revealed who would take up the leadership after him,
24. so that, if anything contrary should occur, or any if difficulties should be reported, those who were in the regions, knowing to whom the whole matter had been bequeathed, would not be disturbed.
25. In addition to these things, considering that whichever are the nearest powers and neighbors lie in ambush for the right time and await the right event, I have designated my son, Antiochus, as king, whom I frequently commended to many of you while traveling in the upper provinces. And I have written to him what I have added below.