24 That way, if something unexpected happened, or if some bad news came, everyone in the kingdom remained calm, knowing that the government was in good hands.
25 Moreover, in the countries along our borders, certain rulers are watching and waiting for a chance to take over our kingdom.For these reasons, I have appointed my son Antiochus the next king. I have already told you about him, and some of you even looked after him when I had to hurry off to the northern part of my kingdom.I have sent Antiochus a copy of this letter.
26 Please remember the favors I did for you, both publicly and privately, and keep on being good to me and my son.
27 I am sure he will follow my example and treat you kindly and fairly.
28 King Antiochus murdered people and insulted God. So after he had suffered the same horrible pains that he had caused others, he died a pitiful death in the mountains of a foreign country.
29 Philip, who had been brought up with him, took the king's body home. But Philip did not trust the son of Antiochus, and so he went over to King Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt.