How does Antiochus’s offer become a demand against Simon?

Antiochus son of Demetrius sends letters from the sea’s islands to Simon, priest and prince, and the Jews. He says usurpers hold his fathers’ kingdom and he plans its recovery with an army and warships, seeking revenge for desolated cities. He confirms earlier remissions and gifts, permits Simon to coin money in his country and declares Jerusalem holy and free. Armor and fortresses remain with Simon; present and future royal dues are forgiven. Greater glory for Simon, nation and temple is promised after the kingdom’s recovery. No minting act is yet narrated.

In year 174 Antiochus enters his fathers’ land and the forces gather to him, leaving few with Tryphon. Pursued along the coast, Tryphon flees to Dora, aware of his trouble and deserted troops. Antiochus camps above it with 120000 men of war and 8000 horsemen. Ships approach while the army besieges it by land; no one can enter or leave.

Numenius and companions return from Rome with letters to kings and countries. Lucius the Roman consul writes to Ptolemee, whom the edition names Physeon, Philometer’s brother and successor. He describes Simon’s envoys renewing friendship and bringing the thousand-pound gold shield, which Rome accepts. The letters direct kings and countries to do the Jews, their cities and lands no harm, neither fight them nor aid their enemies. Pestilent men fleeing from the Jewish country are to be delivered to Simon for punishment according to their law; this is not broadened into an order about every defector. The same message goes to Demetrius, Attalus, Ariarathes and Arsaces. The note identifies the latter three as kings of Pergamus, Cappadocia and the Parthians. Further recipients include Lampsacus, Sparta, Delus, Myndus, Sicyon, Caria, Samus, Pamphylia, Lycia, Alicarnassus, Cos, Side, Aradus, Rhodes, Phaselis, Gortyna, Gnidus, Cyprus and Cyrene. Simon and the Jews receive a copy.

Antiochus camps at Dora a second time, continually assaulting it with engines and shutting Tryphon in. Simon sends 2000 chosen men, silver, gold and abundant furniture as aid. Antiochus refuses them, breaks the covenant and alienates himself from Simon. This occurs before Tryphon’s escape, not after a completed victory. He sends his friend Athenobius to demand Joppe, Gazara, Jerusalem’s castle and tribute from places Simon controls beyond Judea. He charges waste and havoc and offers payment in place of surrender:500 silver talents for the cities, plus 500 for havoc and tribute, under threat of war. The two components are not reversed.

In Jerusalem Athenobius marvels at Simon’s gold, silver and great equipage and delivers the words. Simon replies that they hold their fathers’ inheritance, unjustly occupied by enemies, and now claim it with opportunity. This is his stated defense, rather than a universal doctrine certifying all territorial recovery. He says Joppe and Gazara harmed the people and country, yet offers 100 talents for them. Athenobius gives no answer, then angrily reports Simon’s words and magnificence to the king, who becomes very angry. No calm demeanor or golden tableware is specified.

Tryphon escapes by ship to Orthosias. Antiochus appoints Cendebeus captain of the coast with footmen and horsemen, ordering a march toward Judea, construction of Gedor, fortified gates and war against the people while the king pursues Tryphon. At Jamnia Cendebeus provokes the people, ravages Juda, captures and kills, and builds Gedor. Horsemen and an army are stationed there to raid Judea’s ways. Gedor remains this edition’s name rather than being silently changed to Cedron.