15. Maccabeus, solicitous for the common good, agreed to all that Lysias proposed; and the king granted on behalf of the Jews all the written requests of Maccabeus to Lysias.
16. These are the terms of the letter which Lysias wrote to the Jews: “Lysias sends greetings to the Jewish people.
17. John and Absalom, your envoys, have presented your signed communication and asked about the matters contained in it.
18. Whatever had to be referred to the king I called to his attention, and the things that were acceptable he has granted.
19. If you maintain your loyalty to the government, I will endeavor to further your interests in the future.
20. On the details of these matters I have authorized my representatives, as well as your envoys, to confer with you.
21. Farewell.” The one hundred and forty-eighth year, the twenty-fourth of Dioscorinthius.
22. The king’s letter read thus: “King Antiochus sends greetings to his brother Lysias.
23. Now that our father has taken his place among the gods, we wish the subjects of our kingdom to be undisturbed in conducting their own affairs.
24. We have heard that the Jews do not agree with our father’s change to Greek customs but prefer their own way of life. They are petitioning us to let them retain their own customs.
25. Since we desire that this people too should be undisturbed, our decision is that their temple be restored to them and that they live in keeping with the customs of their ancestors.
26. Accordingly, please send them messengers to give them our assurances of friendship, so that, when they learn of our decision, they may have nothing to worry about but may contentedly go about their own business.”
27. The king’s letter to the people was as follows: “King Antiochus sends greetings to the Jewish senate and to the rest of the Jews.
28. If you are well, it is what we desire. We too are in good health.
29. Menelaus has told us of your wish to return home and attend to your own affairs.