So he went with pomp to Ptolemais and met the two kings: So he went may be expressed as “Jonathan accepted the invitation and went.” With pomp describes Jonathan’s manner of traveling in the same way as the royal wedding (verse 58). He wanted to leave both kings with the impression that he was an important man, one who could not be ignored. Not only was Jonathan meeting Ptolemy, but this was also the first time he met Alexander. Pomp refers to the size and splendor (clothes and jewels) of Jonathan and the Jews who went with him. For with pomp, Good News Bible says “in a show of splendor,” but a better model is “with a large and splendidly-dressed group of Jews.”

He gave them and their friends silver and gold and many gifts, and found favor with them: Their friends probably refers to the officials that both kings had (see the comments on 1Macc 2.18). Good News Bible says “the high officials who had accompanied them” to explain the presence of these men; otherwise the mention of them seems abrupt. Good News Bible words the translation in such a way that silver and gold were given to the two kings, while many gifts (some presumably not silver and gold) were given to the officials. This is making a distinction that the Greek text does not make, but it is not necessarily wrong. New Jerusalem Bible renders found favor with them as “made a favourable impression on them.” We may also say “everyone was greatly impressed with him” or “Jonathan gained much face with them.” They were greatly impressed. Jonathan accomplished his purpose of making them realize that he was an important man.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.