Jonathan Is Appointed High Priest

Alexander took Ptolemais, and the people there received him as king. When Demetrius heard, he gathered a very large army to fight. He also sent Jonathan a letter of peace, hoping to win him over first. Demetrius gave Jonathan authority to gather forces, provide weapons, and receive the hostages from the citadel.

Jonathan came to Jerusalem and read the letter aloud before the people and those in the citadel. They were afraid when they heard that the king had given Jonathan authority to raise an army. The hostages were released to Jonathan, and he returned them to their parents. Then Jonathan settled in Jerusalem and began rebuilding and strengthening the city.

Foreigners fled from the strongholds Bacchides had built, though some who had abandoned the law stayed at Bethsura. Then Alexander heard about Jonathan's brave deeds and hardships. He decided to make Jonathan his friend and ally, appointed him high priest of his nation, and sent him a purple robe and a golden crown. In the seventh month, at the Feast of Tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy garments and gathered forces and weapons.

Demetrius was upset that Alexander had acted first. So he sent a long message to the Jewish nation, promising tax relief, freedom for Jerusalem, support for the temple, and many other privileges. But Jonathan and the people did not believe him. They remembered the great harm he had done in Israel, so they were pleased with Alexander and remained his allies.

Alexander and Demetrius went to battle, and Demetrius fell. After that, Alexander arranged a marriage with Cleopatra, daughter of Ptolemy king of Egypt, at Ptolemais. Alexander then told Jonathan to come. Jonathan arrived with honour, bringing silver, gold, and other gifts for the two kings and their friends.

When some lawless men complained against him, the king ignored them, clothed Jonathan in purple, honoured him publicly, enrolled him among his chief friends, and made him a captain and governor of a province. Then Jonathan returned to Jerusalem in peace and gladness.