11 Now the king, elated with his prosperous fortune, and not regarding the superior power of God, but thinking to persevere in his present purpose, wrote the following letter to the prejudice of the Yehudim: 12 “King Ptolemaios (Ptolemy) Filopator, to the commanders and soldiers in Mitsrayim (Egypt), and in all places, health and happiness! 13 I’m doing well, and so, too, are my affairs. 14 Since our Asiatic campaign, the particulars of which you know, and which by the aid of the gods, not lightly given, and by our own vigour, has been brought to a successful conclusion according to our expectation, 15 we resolved, not with strength of spear, but with gentleness and much humanity, as it were to nurse the inhabitants of Coele-Syria and Foinikai, and to be their willing benefactors. 16 So, having bestowed considerable sums of money on the temples of the several cities, we proceeded even as far as Yerushalem (Jerusalem), and went up to honour the temple of these wretched beings who never cease from their folly. 17 To outward appearance they received us willingly, but belied that appearance by their actions. When we were eager to enter their temple, and to honour it with the most beautiful and exquisite gifts, 18 they were so carried away by their old arrogance as to forbid us the entrance, while we, out of our forbearance towards all men, refrained from exercising our power on them. 19 Thus, exhibiting their enmity against us, they alone among the nations lift up their heads against kings and benefactors, as men unwilling to submit to any reasonable thing. 20 We then, having endeavoured to make allowance for the madness of these people, and on our victorious return treating all people in Mitsrayim courteously, acted in a manner which was befitting. 21 Accordingly, bearing no ill will against their kinsmen, but rather remembering our connection with them, and the numerous matters with sincere heart from a remote period entrusted to them, we wished to venture a total alteration of their state, by giving them the rights of citizens of Alexandria, and to admit them to the eternal rites of our solemnities. 22 All this, however, they’ve taken in a very different spirit. With their innate malignity, they’ve spurned the fair offer, and constantly inclining to evil, 23 have rejected the inestimable rights. Not only so, but by using speech, and by refraining from speech, they abhor the few among them who are heartily disposed towards us, ever deeming that their infamous way of life will force us to do away with our reform. 24 Having then received certain proofs that these Yehudim (Jews) bear us every sort of ill will, we must look forward to the possibility of some sudden tumult among ourselves when these impious men may turn traitors and barbarous enemies. 25 Therefore, as soon as the contents of this letter become known to you, in that same hour we order those Yehudim who live among you, with wives and children, to be sent to us, vilified and abused, in chains of iron, to undergo a cruel and shameful death, suitable to enemies. 26 Because by the punishment of them in one body we perceive that we’ve found the only means of establishing our affairs for the future on a firm and satisfactory basis. 27 Anyone who protects a Yehudi (Jew), whether it be old man, child, or nursing baby, will with his whole house be tortured to death. 28 Anyone who informs against the Yehudim, besides receiving the property of the person charged, will be presented with two thousand drachmas[fn] from the royal treasury, will be made free, and will be crowned. 29 Whatever place shelters a Yehudi will be made unapproachable and will be put under the ban of fire, and be forever rendered useless to every living being for all time to come.” 30 The king’s letter was written in the above form.