The king treated him as his predecessors had treated him: This refers to Jonathan’s reception by Alexander and Ptolemy in 1Macc 10.59-66. As his predecessors had treated him may be expressed “just as the previous rulers had treated him [or, had done].”

He exalted him in the presence of all his friends: The Greek verb rendered exalted can be understood to mean “honored” (Good News Bible) or “promoted” (New Jerusalem Bible). We prefer “honored,” since Jonathan’s previous positions were reconfirmed here. However, he might have received one promotion according to the next verse. The pronoun his refers to the king. His friends refers to those with the title “Friend of the King” (see the comments on 1Macc 2.18). Good News Bible says “his advisers,” which is adequate, but a reference to the title would be helpful.

What occurred here would not have happened on the day Jonathan arrived in Ptolemais. So we may translate this verse as follows:

• One day, when all the Friends of the King were there, Demetrius honored Jonathan highly [or, gave him great face] just as the previous rulers had treated him.

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.