42. And beside this, the five thousand shekels of silver, which they received from the uses of the sanctuary from the revenue year by year, this also is released, because it appertains to the priests that minister.
43. And whoever shall flee to the temple that is at Jerusalem, and be found within all the borders thereof, whether one owe moneys to the king, or any other matter, let them go free, and all that they have in my kingdom.
44. And for the building and renewing of the works of the sanctuary the expense shall be given also out of the king’s revenue.
45. And for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the fortifying thereof round about, shall the expense be given also out of the king’s revenue, and for the building of the walls in Judaea.
46. Now when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave no credence to them, nor received them, because they remembered the great evil which he had done in Israel, and that he had afflicted them very sore.
47. And they were well pleased with Alexander, because he was the first that spoke words of peace to them, and they were confederate with him always.
48. And king Alexander gathered together great forces, and encamped over against Demetrius.
49. And the two kings joined battle, and the army of Alexander fled; and Demetrius followed after him, and prevailed against them.
50. And he strengthened the battle exceedingly until the sun went down: and Demetrius fell that day.
51. And Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemy king of Egypt according to these words, saying,
52. Forasmuch as I am returned to my kingdom, and am set on the throne of my fathers, and have gotten the dominion, and have overthrown Demetrius, and have gotten possession of our country;
53. yes, I joined the battle with him, and he and his army were discomfited by us, and we sat upon the throne of his kingdom:
54. now also let us establish amity one with the other, and give me now your daughter to wife: and I will make affinity with you, and will give both you and her gifts worthy of you.