32 Now Trypho was ruler and made everyone miserable.
33 During this time, Simon ordered the Jews to build thick walls, high towers, and strong gates for the fortresses in Judea and to supply them with plenty of food.
34 Simon sent messengers to King Demetrius the Second, and they begged him, “Please make things easier for our country. Trypho is robbing us of everything.”
35 Demetrius the Second did what Simon wanted and wrote him the following letter:
36 King Demetrius sends greetings to the Jewish people and their leaders, including Simon, who is high priest and a trusted friend of the king.
37 Thank you for the gold crown and the gold palm branch you sent me. I am ready to make a lasting peace by ordering my officials to stop collecting taxes from you.
38 I will give you everything I have promised in our treaties. Besides that, you can keep the fortresses you have just built.