1 Maccabees 11:20-26

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

Jonathan’s Diplomacy

²⁰ In those days Jonathan assembled the men of Judea to attack the citadel in Jerusalem, and he built many engines of war to use against it. ²¹ But certain lawless men who hated their nation went to the king and reported to him that Jonathan was besieging the citadel. ²² When he heard this he was angry, and as soon as he heard it he set out and came to Ptolema′is; and he wrote Jonathan not to continue the siege, but to meet him for a conference at Ptolema′is as quickly as possible.

²³ When Jonathan heard this, he gave orders to continue the siege; and he chose some of the elders of Israel and some of the priests, and put himself in danger, ²⁴ for he went to the king at Ptolema′is, taking silver and gold and clothing and numerous other gifts. And he won his favor. ²⁵ Although certain lawless men of his nation kept making complaints against him, ²⁶ the king treated him as his predecessors had treated him; he exalted him in the presence of all his friends.