24. we, having heard that the Jews do not consent to our father’s purpose to turn them to the customs of the Greeks, but choose rather their own manner of living, and make request that the customs of their law be allowed to them,—
25. choosing therefore that this nation also should be free from disturbance, we determine that their temple be restored to them, and that they live according to the customs that were in the days of their ancestors.
26. You will therefore do well to send messengers to them and give them the right hand of friendship, that they, knowing our mind, may be of good heart, and gladly occupy themselves with the conduct of their own affairs.
27. And to the nation the king’s letter was after this manner: King Antiochus to the senate of the Jews and to the other Jews, greeting.
28. If you⌃ fare well, we have our desire: we ourselves also are in good health.
29. Menelaus informed us that your desire was to return home and follow your own business.
30. They therefore that depart home up to the thirties day of Xanthicus shall have our friendship, with full permission
31. that the Jews use their own proper meats and observe their own laws, even as heretofore; and none of them shall be in any way molested for the things that have been ignorantly done.
32. Moreover I have sent Menelaus also, that he may encourage you.
33. Fare you⌃ well. Written in the hundred forty and eighth year, on the fifteenth day of Xanthicus.
34. And the Romans also sent to them a letter in these words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manius, ambassadors of the Romans, to the people of the Jews, greeting.