1 In the year 160, Alexander Epiphanes, Antiochus’ son, landed and occupied Ptolemais. They welcomed him there, and he began to rule.
2 When King Demetrius heard about it, he assembled a very large army. He marched out to meet Alexander in battle.
3 Demetrius sent a friendly letter to Jonathan to honor him.
4 Demetrius thought to himself, We should make peace with Jonathan before he aligns with Alexander against us.
5 If we don’t do so, he will recall all the wrongs that we did to him, his brothers, and his nation.
6 So Demetrius gave Jonathan authority to recruit troops, to arm them, and to become his ally. He ordered that the hostages in the elevated fortress be released to Jonathan.
7 Then Jonathan came to Jerusalem and read the letter in front of all the people and those inside the elevated fortress.