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.