20 In those days Yonatan (Jonathan) gathered together the Yehudim (Jews) to take the citadel that was at Yerushalem (Jerusalem). He made many engines of war to use against it. 21 Some lawless men who hated their own nation went to the king and reported to him that Yonatan was besieging the citadel. 22 He heard, and was angry, but when he heard it, he set out immediately, and came to Ptolemais, and wrote to Yonatan, that he should not besiege it, and that he should meet him and speak with him at Ptolemais with all speed.

23 But when Yonatan heard this, he gave orders to continue the siege. He chose some of the elders of Yisrael (Israel) and of the priests, and put himself in peril 24 by taking silver, gold, clothing, and various other presents, and went to Ptolemais to the king. Then he found favour in his sight. 25 Some lawless men of those who were of the nation made complaints against him, 26 and the king did to him even as his predecessors had done to him, and exalted him in the sight of all his[fn] friends, 27 and confirmed to him the high priesthood, and all the other honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence amongst his[fn] chief friends. 28 And Yonatan requested of the king that he would make Yehudah (Judea) free from tribute, along with the three[fn] provinces and the country of Shomron (Samaria), and promised him three hundred talents. 29 The king consented, and wrote letters to Yonatan concerning all these things as follows:

30 “King Demetrios to his brother Yonatan, and to the nation of the Yehudim (Jews), greetings. 31 The copy of the letter which we wrote to Lasthenes our kinsman concerning you, we have written also to you, that you may see it. 32 ‘King Demetrios to Lasthenes his father, greetings. 33 We have determined to do good to the nation of the Yehudim, who are our friends, and observe what is just towards us, because of their good will towards us. 34 We have confirmed therefore to them the borders of Yehudah, and also the three governments of Aphaerema, Lod, and Ramatayim (these were added to Yehudah from the country of Shomron), and all their territory to them, for all who do sacrifice in Yerushalem (Jerusalem), instead of the king’s dues which the king received of them yearly before from the produce of the earth and the fruits of trees. 35 As for the other payments to us from henceforth, of the tithes and the taxes that pertain to us, and the salt pits, and the crown taxes due to us, all these we will give back to them. 36 Not one of these grants shall be annulled from this time forth and forever. 37 Now therefore be careful to make a copy of these things, and let it be given to Yonatan, and let it be set up on the holy mountain in a suitable and conspicuous place.’ ”