Chapter 13 _{52 He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness. Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.53 And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazera.}

Chapter 14 _{1 Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth year king Demetrius gathered his forces together, and went into Media to get him help to fight against Tryphone.2 But when Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that Demetrius was entered within his borders, he sent one of his princes to take him alive:3 Who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him, and brought him to Arsaces, by whom he was put in ward.4 As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the days of Simon; for he sought the good of his nation in such wise, as that evermore his authority and honour pleased them well.5 And as he was honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he took Joppa for an haven, and made an entrance to the isles of the sea,6 And enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the country,7 And gathered together a great number of captives, and had the dominion of Gazera, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the which he took all uncleaness, neither was there any that resisted him.8 Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave her increase, and the trees of the field their fruit.9 The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of good things, and the young men put on glorious and warlike apparel.10 He provided victuals for the cities, and set in them all manner of munition, so that his honourable name was renowned unto the end of the world.11 He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy:12 For every man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there was none to fray them:13 Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them: yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.14 Moreover he strengthened all those of his people that were brought low: the law he searched out; and every contemner of the law and wicked person he took away.15 He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied vessels of the temple.16 Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.17 But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high priest in his stead, and ruled the country, and the cities therein:}