1. WHEN the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were kept very well, because of the godliness of Onias the high priest, and his hatred of wickedness,
2. it came to pass that even the kings themselves did honor the place, and glorify the temple with the noblest presents;
3. insomuch that even Seleucus the king of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costs belonging to the services of the sacrifices.
4. But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, having been made guardian of the temple, fell out with the high priest about the ruling of the market in the city.