18 But, when his pains did not cease, (for the just judgment of God had overwhelmed him,) in despair he wrote to the Jews, in the manner of a supplication, a letter composed in this way:
19 "To the very good citizens of the Jews, Antiochus, king and ruler, wishes much health, and welfare, and happiness.
20 If you and your sons are faring well, and if everything is according to your will, we give very great thanks.
21 And so, fixed in infirmity, yet kindly remembering you, I am returning from the places of Persia, and, having been seized by a serious infirmity, I considered it necessary to have a concern for the common good,
22 not despairing in myself, but having a great hope to escape the infirmity.
23 Moreover, considering that my father also, during the time that he led an army into the upper regions, revealed who would take up the leadership after him,
24 so that, if anything contrary should occur, or any if difficulties should be reported, those who were in the regions, knowing to whom the whole matter had been bequeathed, would not be disturbed.