He confirmed him in the high priesthood and in as many other honors as he had formerly had: Since Demetrius’ rival Alexander had appointed Jonathan High Priest and given him the title “Chief Friend of the King” (see 1Macc 10.20, 65), it was by no means certain that Demetrius would allow Alexander’s defender, Jonathan, to continue to hold those positions. But Demetrius confirmed the honors here. He made it official that all the positions and titles Jonathan had been given by Alexander would remain in effect. Good News Bible‘s model is very helpful here.

And made him to be regarded as one of his chief friends: For his chief friends, see the comments on 1Macc 10.65. This clause may be rendered “and let it be known that he regarded Jonathan as ‘Friend of the King’ of the highest rank” or “… as the most important of the ‘Friends of the King.’”

A possible model for verses 25-27 is:

• 25~Some law-despising traitors from his own nation continued to make accusations against Jonathan, 26~but the king treated him just as Alexander and Ptolemy had treated him. He gave him high honors, with all the Friends of the King observing. 27~Not only would Jonathan remain High Priest and continue to hold all his previous titles, but the king let it be known that he regarded Jonathan as the most important of the Friends of the King.

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.