14 Only a few Jews who were unfaithful to the Law stayed in Beth-Zur for their own safety.
15 Someone told King Alexander, “Jonathan and his brothers are brave fighters who have fought many wars and who know what it means to suffer. And Demetrius has promised them many things if they will join him.”
16 Alexander replied, “I'd better make Jonathan my friend and ally. I'll never find anyone else like him.”
17 Alexander then sent Jonathan a letter, in which he said:
18 King Alexander sends greetings to his dear friend Jonathan!
19 I've been told that you are a powerful soldier and the kind of man who deserves to be one of my trusted friends.
20 So I appoint you high priest for your nation and a friend of the king. This means that you must be a very loyal follower. I'm also sending you a purple robe and a gold crown.