19 This is a copy of the letter that they sent to Onias:
20 King Arius of the Spartans.To the high priest Onias. Greetings!
21 It has been discovered in a written record that the Spartans and the Jews are relatives and are both of the family of Abraham.
22 Since we have learned this, please let us know how you are.
23 On our part, we write to let you know that what is yours—your livestock and property—belongs to us, and ours belongs to you. We therefore command that our envoys report to you in keeping with this.
24 Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ commanders had returned with a larger force than before to wage war against him.
25 So he marched away from Jerusalem and met them in the region of Hamath. He didn’t allow them any opportunity to invade his country.