23 On hearing this, Jonathan ordered the siege to continue. He selected some elders and priests of Israel and put himself at risk.
24 Taking with him silver, gold and apparel, and many other presents, he went to the king at Ptolemais, and found favor with him.
25 Although certain renegades of his own nation kept on bringing charges against him,
26 the king treated him just as his predecessors had done and exalted him in the presence of all his Friends.
27 He confirmed him in the high priesthood and in the other honors he had previously held, and had him enrolled among his Chief Friends.
28 Jonathan asked the king to exempt Judea and the three districts of Samaria from tribute, promising him in return three hundred talents.
29 The king agreed and wrote a letter to Jonathan about all these matters as follows: