The Koine Bible

And when the impious man was partaking of these things, he became so exceedingly angry that not only did he rage against those in Alexandria, but also against those in the countryside more severely, and he ordered that they hasten to gather all together to the same place and to transfer them from life by the worst manner.

Now while these things were being managed, an ill report was being spread against the nation, as an occasion was being given to men minded in agreement for wrongdoing, for disposition, as though by the lawful things hindering them from these things

But the Jews were preserving goodwill and unwavering loyalty toward the kings.

But revering God and living by this law, they made a separation on account of food, for which reason they seemed hateful to some

and adorning their conduct with the prosperity of the righteous, they had become well approved among all men

Therefore the prosperity concerning the race, being talked about in all things, the foreigners in no way took account of it

And they were spreading abroad the dispute about the acts of homage and the food, saying that the men were becoming neither allied to the king nor to the forces, but were hostile and opposing the affairs greatly, and they attached blame not to any chance matter.

And the Greeks in the city, having been wronged in nothing, seeing an unexpected disturbance among the people and sudden gatherings taking place, were not strong enough to help, for the disposition was tyrannical; but they kept urging and were in distress, and they supposed that these things would be reversed.

For so great a body, having done nothing wrong, would not be thus overlooked.

And already some also, both neighbors and friends and those trading together, secretly drawing on certain pledges, were giving them to fight together and to bring every earnest effort for help

So he, being puffed up by the present prosperity and not discerning the power of the Most High God, but supposing to remain continually in the same purpose, wrote against them this letter:

King Ptolemy Philopator to the generals and soldiers in Egypt and in every place, greetings and be in good health

But I myself also am well, and our affairs.

of the expedition into Asia that took place for us, which you yourselves also know, by the unforeseeable help of the gods having been brought to an end according to plan

We have judged it better not by force of spear, but by gentleness and much benevolence, to nurture the nations inhabiting Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, and to do good gladly to them.

and having assigned very many revenues to the temples in every city, we were led up also to Jerusalem to honor the sanctuary of the impious men and of the never-ceasing folly

But they, in word indeed having welcomed our presence, but in deed, when we were zealously eager to enter into their temple and to honor it with the splendidest and most beautiful votive offerings, fraudulently

Carried along by more ancient arrogance, they barred us from entry, falling short of our strength, by which we hold good will toward all men

and making their ill will toward us evident, as they alone of the nations boast against kings and their benefactors, they are willing to bear nothing genuine

But we, having been carried along with their folly and brought through to Egypt after victory, having dealt kindly with all the nations, did as was fitting.

And in these things, showing to all forgiveness toward their fellow tribesmen and, because of the alliance and the countless matters entrusted to them from the beginning with simplicity, having dared to alter, we also decided to count them worthy of the citizenship of the Alexandrians and to appoint them partners in the ever-holy things

But they, on the contrary, awaiting it, and having thrust away the good by their innate ill will, and continually turning aside toward evil,

They not only have turned away the dishonored way of life, but also abhor, in word and in silence, the few among them who are genuinely disposed toward us, suspecting in every matter with the most disgraceful manner of life to overthrow us and the affairs quickly

Therefore also, being well persuaded by proofs that these men are ill-disposed toward us in every way, and taking thought lest, when a sudden disturbance should afterwards arise against us, we have these impious men, traitors and barbarians, as enemies in the rear

We have commanded that, as soon as this letter falls in, the settlers themselves, together with wives and children, with insults and plunder, be sent off to us at once, bound in iron fetters, shut in on every side, for irreparable and disgraceful slaughter befitting enemies

For when these have been punished together, we have judged that for the remaining time our affairs will be established completely for us in stability and in the best disposition.

And whoever shall conceal any of the Jews, from an old man even to an infant and even to the babes at the breast, shall be publicly tortured with the most shameful torments, together with his whole house.

But let the one who wishes report it, on condition that he will receive the property of the one who falls under the penalty, and from the royal silver two thousand drachmas, and he will be crowned with freedom

And every place in which the whole body of a Jew is found to be covered shall become impassable and set aflame, and it shall be shown to every mortal nature as utterly useless for all time forever.

And the copy of the letter was written thus: