Chapter 9 _{72 When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he had taken aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and went his way into his own land, neither came he any more into their borders.73 Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel.}

Chapter 10 _{1 In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for the people had received him, by means whereof he reigned there,2 Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together an exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight.3 Moreover Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with loving words, so as he magnified him.4 For said he, Let us first make peace with him, before he join with Alexander against us:5 Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against him, and against his brethren and his people.6 Wherefore he gave him authority to gather together an host, and to provide weapons, that he might aid him in battle: he commanded also that the hostages that were in the tower should be delivered him.7 Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the audience of all the people, and of them that were in the tower:8 Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had given him authority to gather together an host.9 Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their parents.10 This done, Jonathan settled himself in Jerusalem, and began to build and repair the city.11 And he commanded the workmen to build the walls and the mount Sion and 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 every man left his place, and went into his own country.14 Only at Bethsura certain of those that had forsaken the law and the commandments remained still: for it was their place of refuge.15 Now when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had sent unto Jonathan: when also it was told him of the battles and noble acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the pains that they had endured,16 He said, Shall 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 unto him, according to these words, saying,}