1 Maccabees 8:17-29
Good News Translation
17 (A)Judas chose Eupolemus, the son of John and grandson of Accos, and Jason son of Eleazar and sent them to Rome to make a treaty of friendship and alliance with the Romans. 18 He did this to eliminate Syrian oppression, since the Jews clearly saw that they were being reduced to slavery. 19 After a long and difficult journey, Eupolemus and Jason reached Rome and entered the Senate. They addressed the assembly in these terms:
20 Judas Maccabeus, his brothers, and the Jewish people have sent us here to make a mutual defense treaty with you, so that we may be officially recorded as your friends and allies.
21 The Romans accepted the proposal, 22 (B)and what follows is a copy of the letter which was engraved on bronze tablets and sent to Jerusalem to remain there as a record of the treaty:
23 May things go well forever for the Romans and for the Jewish nation on land and sea! May they never have enemies, and may they never go to war! 24 But if war is declared first against Rome or any of her allies anywhere, 25 the Jewish nation will come to her aid with wholehearted support, as the situation may require. 26 And to those at war with her, the Jews shall not give or supply food, arms, money, or ships, as was agreed in Rome. The Jews must carry out their obligations without receiving anything in return.
27 In the same way, if war is declared first against the Jewish nation, the Romans will come to their aid with hearty support, as the situation may require. 28 And to their enemies there shall not be given or supplied food, arms, money, or ships, as was agreed in Rome. The Romans must carry out their obligations without deception.
29 These are the terms of the treaty that the Romans have made with the Jewish people.
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