17. So he sent Jonathan a letter written in these terms:
18. “King Alexander sends greetings to his brother Jonathan.
19. We have heard of you, that you are a mighty warrior and worthy to be our friend.
20. We have therefore appointed you today to be high priest of your nation; you are to be called the King’s Friend, and you are to look after our interests and preserve friendship with us.” He also sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold.
21. Jonathan put on the sacred vestments in the seventh month of the one hundred and sixtieth year at the feast of Booths, and he gathered an army and procured many weapons.
22. When Demetrius heard of these things, he was distressed and said:
23. “Why have we allowed Alexander to get ahead of us by gaining the friendship of the Jews and thus strengthening himself?
24. I too will write them encouraging words and offer honors and gifts, so that they may support me.”
25. So he sent them this message: “King Demetrius sends greetings to the Jewish nation.
26. We have heard how you have kept the treaty with us and continued in our friendship and not gone over to our enemies, and we are glad.
27. Continue, therefore, to keep faith with us, and we will reward you with favors in return for what you do in our behalf.
28. We will grant you many exemptions and will bestow gifts on you.