1 In the hundreth & sixtieth yere, Alexander the sonne of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went vp and tooke Ptolemais: for the people had receiued him, by meanes whereof he reigned there.
2 Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together an exceeding great host, and went foorth against him to fight.
3 Moreouer Demetrius sent letters vnto Ionathan with louing wordes, so as he magnified him.
4 For, said hee, Let vs first make peace with him before he ioyne with Alexander against vs.
5 Else he wil remember all the euils that we haue done against him, and against his brethren and his people.
6 Wherefore he gaue him authority to gather together an host, and to prouide weapons that hee might aide him in battell: he commaunded also that the hostages that were in the towre, should be deliuered him.
7 Then came Ionathan to Ierusalem, and read the letters in the audience of all the people, and of them that were in the towre.
8 Who were sore afraid when they heard that the king had giuen him authoritie to gather together an host.
9 Whereupon they of the towre deliuered their hostages vnto Ionathan, & he deliuered them vnto their parents.
10 This done, Ionathan setled himselfe in Ierusalem, and began to build and repaire the citie.
11 And he commaunded the workemen to build the wals, and the mount Sion round about with square stones, for fortification, and they did so.
12 Then the strangers that were in the fortresses which Bacchides had built, fled away:
13 Insomuch as euery man left his place, and went into his owne country.
14 Onely at Bethsura certaine of those that had forsaken the law, and the commaundements remained still: for it was their place of refuge.
15 Now when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had sent vnto Ionathan: when also it was told him of the battels and noble acts which he & his brethren had done, and of the paines that they had indured,
16 He said, Shal we find such another man? Now therefore we will make him our friend, and confederate.
17 Upon this he wrote a letter and sent it vnto him according to these words, saying:
All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).