Alexander Bows to the High Priest

On the twenty-fifth day of [the month of Tevet], [known as] the day of Mount Gerizim [on which it is forbidden to eulogize], on that day the Samaritans asked Alexander the Macedonian [for permission] to destroy the Temple, and he granted it to them. [The Jews] came and informed Simeon the Just. What did he do? He dressed and wrapped himself in priestly garments and, along with other esteemed members of Israel, [went to see Alexander the Macedonian]. With torches of fire in their hands, all night long, until the break of dawn, [Simeon and the esteemed members of Israel] approached from one direction [and Alexander and the Samaritans] approached from the other direction. At the break of dawn, [Alexander saw Simeon and his escort and] said to [the Samaritans], “Who are these [people]?” They said to him, “The Jews who rebelled against you!” When [they all] reached Antipatras [a place between Judaea and Samaria], the sun shone, and they encountered one another. When [Alexander] saw Simeon the Just, [Alexander] got down from his chariot and bowed before [Simeon]. [The Samaritans] said to him, “A king such as you would bow to the Jews?!” [Alexander] said to them, “An image of this man brought victory for me in the battlefield.” [Alexander] said to [the Jews], “Why have you come?” They said, “Is it possible that the house in which we pray for you and your kingdom may not be destroyed? [For] non-Jews will misguide you to destroy it!” [Alexander] said to them, “Who are they?” They said, “These Samaritans who stand before you!” [Alexander] said to them, “Behold, the [Samaritans] are given into your hands.”

Translated by Matthew Goldstone.