8. But the Greeks in the city, who hadn’t been injured in any way, saw the unexpected turmoil surrounding these people and the purposeless mobs that were forming. Although they didn’t have the power to offer assistance, for they lived under tyranny, they tried to encourage the Jews. They were grieved and assumed that these circumstances would change for the better,
9. because so great a community shouldn’t be left to its fate in this way, since it had done nothing wrong.
10. Already some neighbors and friends and business associates secretly drew them aside and promised that they would fight by their side and make every effort to assist them.
11. But the king took pride in his present success and disregarded the authority of the supreme God. Assuming that he would continue in the same plan without hindrance, he wrote this letter against the Jews:
12. King Ptolemy Philopator to his generals and soldiers in Egypt and in every place. Greetings and good health.
13. Both I myself and our affairs prosper.
14. After our campaign against Asia Minor came to a successful conclusion, as you yourselves are aware, with the gods fighting alongside us,
15. we thought that we should care for the nations inhabiting Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, not with the violence of the spear but with fairness and much kindness, eagerly treating them well.
16. After we had distributed generous funds to the temples in every city, we proceeded also to Jerusalem. We went up to honor the temple of those wretched people who never cease from their folly.