26 You will therefore do well to send messengers to them and give them the right hand of friendship, that they, knowing our mind, may be of good heart, and gladly occupy themselves with the conduct of their own affairs.
27 And to the nation the king’s letter was after this manner: King Antiochus to the senate of the Jews and to the other Jews, greeting.
28 If you⌃ fare well, we have our desire: we ourselves also are in good health.
29 Menelaus informed us that your desire was to return home and follow your own business.
30 They therefore that depart home up to the thirties day of Xanthicus shall have our friendship, with full permission
31 that the Jews use their own proper meats and observe their own laws, even as heretofore; and none of them shall be in any way molested for the things that have been ignorantly done.
32 Moreover I have sent Menelaus also, that he may encourage you.