16. that he would adorn with the finest offerings the holy temple which he had previously despoiled, restore all the sacred vessels many times over, and provide from his own revenues the expenses required for the sacrifices.
17. Besides all this, he would become a Jew himself and visit every inhabited place to proclaim there the power of God.
18. But since his sufferings were not lessened, for God’s just judgment had come upon him, he lost hope for himself and wrote the following letter to the Jews in the form of a supplication. It read thus:
19. “To the worthy Jewish citizens, Antiochus, king and general, sends hearty greetings and best wishes for their health and prosperity.
20. If you and your children are well and your affairs are going as you wish, I thank God very much, for my hopes are in heaven.
21. Now that I am ill, I recall with affection your esteem and goodwill. On returning from the regions of Persia, I fell victim to a troublesome illness; so I thought it necessary to form plans for the general security of all.
22. I do not despair about my health, since I have much hope of recovering from my illness.