¶Jonathan saw that the time was favorable for him, so he chose men and sent them to Rome to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them.

He also sent similar letters to the Spartans, and to other places.

They went to Rome, entered into the senate house, and said, “Jonathan the high priest and the nation of the Jews have sent us to renew for them the friendship and the alliance, as in former time.”

They gave them letters to the men in every place, that they should provide safe conduct for them on their way to the land of Judah.

This is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Spartans:

¶“Jonathan the high priest, and the senate of the nation, and the priests, and the rest of the people of the Jews, to their kindred the Spartans, greetings.

Even before this time letters were sent to Onias the high priest from Arius,^* who was reigning among you, to signify that you are our kindred, as the copy written below shows.

Onias welcomed honorably the man who was sent and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of alliance and friendship.

Therefore we also, even though we need none of these things, having for our encouragement the holy books which are in our hands,

have undertaken to send that we might renew our brotherhood and friendship with you, to the end that we should not become estranged from you altogether; for a long time has passed since you sent your letter to us.

We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and on the other convenient days, remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as it is right and proper to be mindful of kindred.

Moreover, we are glad for your glory.

But as for ourselves, many afflictions and many wars have encompassed us, and the kings who are around us have fought against us.

We were unwilling to be troublesome to you, and to the rest of our allies and friends, in these wars;

for we have the help which is from heaven to help us, and we have been delivered from our enemies, and our enemies have been humbled.

We chose therefore Numenius the son of Antiochus and Antipater the son of Jason, and have sent them to the Romans, to renew the friendship that we had with them, and the former alliance.

We commanded them therefore to go also to you, and to salute you, and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of friendship and our brotherhood.

And now you will do well if you give us a reply.”

¶And this is the copy of the letters which they sent to Onias:

¶“Arius king of the Spartans to Onias the chief priest, greetings.

It has been found in writing, concerning the Spartans and the Jews, that they are kindred, and that they are of the descendants of Abraham.

Now, since this has come to our knowledge, you will do well to write to us of your^* prosperity.

We moreover write on our part to you, that your livestock and goods are ours, and ours are yours. We do command therefore that they make report to you accordingly.”

¶Now Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes had returned to fight against him with a greater army than before,

so he marched away from Jerusalem, and met them in the country of Hamath; for he gave them no opportunity to set foot in his country.

He sent spies into his camp, and they came again, and reported to him that they were preparing to attack them at night.