1 Maccabees 15:2-4

Good News Translation

² King Antiochus to Simon, the High Priest and governor, and to the Jewish nation, greetings. ³ As you know, the kingdom of my ancestors has been seized by traitors. I have decided to reclaim it and restore its former greatness. I have raised a large army of mercenary troops and have fitted out warships. ⁴ I plan to invade the land and to attack those who have destroyed many of the towns and ruined the country.