1 Maccabees 13:33-35

New Catholic Bible

³³ Meanwhile, Simon rebuilt the strongholds of Judea, strengthening them with high towers, great walls, and bolted gates, and he stocked the strongholds with provisions. ³⁴ He also sent selected emissaries to King Demetrius with a request that he grant tax relief to the country, since Trypho had done little else except plunder the land. ³⁵ King Demetrius responded favorably to his request with the following letter: