Books Jesus Read

Chapter 3: Spiritual Legacy – Jonathan, Simon, and John Hyrcanus

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“Moreover, let Galilee and Samaria be annexed to Judah, and let it remain under the authority of the high priest alone. Ptolemais and its surrounding district I give as an endowment for the sanctuary at Jerusalem, to supply all its financial needs. Moreover, I commit fifteen thousand shekels of silver annually from the king’s own accounts, in addition to funds not paid in the past, to the service of the temple. And the five thousand silver shekels formerly required from the temple each year is canceled, since these funds belong to the ministering priests. “Finally, let anyone who seeks refuge in the temple or its precincts on account of his indebtedness to the king be freed from the debt, and let his property be restored to him in my kingdom. All the necessary building and repairs on the sanctuary shall be charged to the king’s account. Likewise for the rebuilding of fortified walls around Jerusalem.” Now when Jonathan and the people heard all these words, they neither believed nor accepted them because of the great harm done to Israel by Demetrius in the past. They were pleased with Alexander, however, as he was first to extend greetings of peace to them. Thus, they remained allied to him for all his days. Then King Alexander assembled his forces to go against Demetrius. The two kings faced one another in battle, but Demetrius’ forces were overwhelmed and fled. Alexander pursued them until the sun went down, and Demetrius was slain. Alexander then sent his ambassador to Ptolemy, the king of Egypt, with this message: “Whereas, I have returned to my kingdom, have settled upon the throne