2 Maccabees 9:19-21

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

Antiochus’s Letter and Death

¹⁹ ‘To his worthy Jewish citizens, Antiochus their king and general sends hearty greetings and good wishes for their health and prosperity. ²⁰ If you and your children are well and your affairs are as you wish, I am glad. As my hope is in heaven, ²¹ I remember with affection your esteem and goodwill. On my way back from the region of Persia I suffered an annoying illness, and I have deemed it necessary to take thought for the general security of all.