Chapter 12 _{8 At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship.9 Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,10 Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye sent unto us.11 We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren:12 And we are right glad of your honour.13 As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on every side, forsomuch as the kings that are round about us have fought against us.14 Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars:15 For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot.16 For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater he son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league.17 We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.18 Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.19 And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.20 Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting:21 It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:22 Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity.23 We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are our's, and our's are your's We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.24 Now when Jonathan heard that Demebius' princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore,25 He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.26 He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told him that they were appointed to come upon them in the night season.}