Chapter 10 _{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,18 King Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth greeting:19 We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power, and meet to be our friend.20 Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest of thy nation, and to be called the king's friend; (and therewithal he sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold:) and require thee to take our part, and keep friendship with us.21 So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at the feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and gathered together forces, and provided much armour.22 Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very sorry, and said,23 What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?24 I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid.25 He sent unto them therefore to this effect: King Demetrius unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:26 Whereas ye have kept covenants with us, and continued in our friendship, not joining yourselves with our enemies, we have heard hereof, and are glad.27 Wherefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and we will well recompense you for the things ye do in our behalf,28 And will grant you many immunities, and give you rewards.29 And now do I free you, and for your sake I release all the Jews, from tributes, and from the customs of salt, and from crown taxes,30 And from that which appertaineth unto me to receive for the third part or the seed, and the half of the fruit of the trees, I release it from this day forth, so that they shall not be taken of the land of Judea, nor of the three governments which are added thereunto out of the country of Samaria and Galilee, from this day forth for evermore.}