2 When Arsaces, king of Persia and Media, heard that Demetrius had entered his territory, he sent one of his generals to take him alive.
3 The general went forth and attacked the army of Demetrius; he captured him and brought him to Arsaces, who put him under guard.
4 The land was at rest all the days of Simon,who sought the good of his nation.His rule delighted his peopleand his glory all his days.
5 As his crowning glory he took Joppa for a portand made it a gateway to the isles of the sea.
6 He enlarged the borders of his nationand gained control of the country.
7 He took many prisoners of warand made himself master of Gazara, Beth-zur, and the citadel.He cleansed the citadel of its impurities;there was no one to withstand him.
8 The people cultivated their land in peace;the land yielded its produce,the trees of the field their fruit.