31 We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our cousin Las´thenes concerning you, that ye might see it.
32 King Deme´tri-us unto his father Las´thenes sendeth greeting:
33 We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who are our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their good will toward us.
34 Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with the three governments of E´phra-im and Lud and Ramatha´im, that are added unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of them yearly aforetime out of the fruits of the earth and of trees.
35 And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes and customs pertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the crown taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them all for their relief.
36 And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever.
37 Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a conspicuous place.