18 Therefore kindly send us an answer on this matter.”
19 This is a copy of the letter that they sent to Onias:
20 “Arius, king of the Spartans, sends greetings to Onias the high priest.
21 A document has been found stating that the Spartans and the Jews are brothers and that they are of the family of Abraham.
22 Now that we have learned this, kindly write to us about your welfare.
23 We, for our part, declare to you that your animals and your possessions are ours, and ours are yours. We have, therefore, given orders that you should be told of this.”
24 Then Jonathan heard that the officers of Demetrius had returned to attack him with a stronger army than before.