14 He surrounded the town, and ships joined the battle from the sea. He pressured the town from land and sea, and he didn’t let anyone leave or enter it.
15 Then Numenius and his companions arrived from Rome with letters to the kings and countries:
16 Lucius, consul of the Romans. To King Ptolemy. Greetings!
17 Jewish messengers came to us as our friends and allies to renew our ancient friendship and alliance. The high priest Simon and the Jewish people sent them.
18 They have brought us a gold shield weighing one thousand manehs.
19 Because of this, we have decided to write to the kings and countries to tell them that they should not seek their harm or make war against them, their cities, or their country, or make alliance with those who war against them.
20 We are pleased to accept the shield.