16 I once looted the Temple and took its sacred utensils, but I will fill it with splendid gifts and with better utensils than before, and I will pay the cost of the sacrifices from my own resources.
17 Besides all this, I will become a Jew myself and go wherever people live, telling them of God's power.”
18 Antiochus was in despair and could find no relief from his pain, because God was punishing him as he deserved, so he wrote the following letter to the Jews:
19 “King Antiochus to the Jews, my most distinguished subjects. Warm greetings and best wishes for your health and prosperity.
20 “I hope that you and your families are in good health and that all goes well with you. My hope is in God,
21 and I remember with a deep sense of joy the respect and kindness that you have shown me.“On my way home from Persia I fell violently ill, and so I thought it best to begin making plans for the general welfare of the people.
22 I have not given up hopes of getting well; in fact I am fully confident that I will recover.