2 “King Antiochus to Simon, the High Priest and governor, and to the Jewish nation, greetings.
3 As you know, the kingdom of my ancestors has been seized by traitors. I have decided to reclaim it and restore its former greatness. I have raised a large army of mercenary troops and have fitted out warships.
4 I plan to invade the land and to attack those who have destroyed many of the towns and ruined the country.
5 “Now therefore, I confirm all exemptions from taxes and payments granted to you by former kings.
6 I authorize you to mint your own coins as legal currency in your own country.
7 Jerusalem and the Temple shall be free of taxation. All the weapons that you have manufactured and the defences you have built and now occupy shall remain yours.
8 In addition, all debts now owed to the royal treasury, or which may in the future fall due, are permanently cancelled.