Books Jesus Read

64

Books Jesus Read

of my fathers, and have established my dominion once more—for I have defeated Demetrius and restored our nation—now then let us join forces and make a pact of loyalty together: give me your daughter to wed and take me as your son-in-law and I will give gifts worthy of you both.” King Ptolemy agreed, saying, “Blessed is the day on which you returned to the land of your fathers and sat upon the throne of their dominion! And now, I shall do for you as you have written. Only, meet me in Ptolemais that we may greet one another, for I shall become your father-in-law as you have requested. Ptolemy then set out from Egypt with Cleopatra, his daughter, and they arrived in Ptolemais in the 162nd year of the Greek kingdom. King Alexander met him, and Ptolemy gave Cleopatra to him to wed in a glorious ceremony as is fitting with kings. Now King Alexander wrote to Jonathan to come and meet with him. So, Jonathan went with great ceremony to Ptolemais and met with both kings. He presented gifts of silver and gold to them and their friends, and found favor in their eyes. After this some lawless men, troublemakers in Israel, conspired against Jonathan to bring charges against him, but the king would not hear them. Rather, the king commanded that Jonathan be robed in royal garments and seated next to the king. Then he sent his officers into the city to warn everyone not to harass or bring any charges against Jonathan. When Jonathan’s accusers saw that he was so honored, they fled. Jonathan became one of the king’s chief friends and was installed as a governor