Daniel 11:6 "AND IN THE END OF YEARS THEY SHALL JOIN THEMSELVES TOGETHER; FOR THE KINGS DAUGHTER OF THE SOUTH SHALL COME TO THE KING OF THE NORTH TO MAKE AN AGREEMENT; BUT SHE SHALL NOT RETAIN THE POWER OF THE ARM; NEITHER SHALL HE STAND, NOR HIS ARM, BUT SHE SHALL BE GIVEN UP, AND THEY THAT BROUGHT HER, AND HE THAT BEGAT HER, AND HE THAT STRENGTHENED HER IN THESE TIMES".
We are still with the saga of the Ptolemies or the King of the South, namely Egypt. The operative line to begin to unravel this verse 6 is:- "AND IN THE END OF YEARS THEY SHALL JOIN THEMSELVES TOGETHER".
This particular verse for secular history is not concerned with following the Ptolemy dynasty down through the succession, non-stop. It is concerned with picking out of that dynasty, the Kings that affected Palestine and the House of Judah therein, the most! So, the word's -"in the end of years", -gives one a starting point to unravel this verse. Because it is not only the "end of the years" that the Ptolemies will have control over Palestine and its people. It is also the "end of the years" towards that Greek dynasty's ruling altogether. Because it is now rotting from within, and Rome's shadow is looming larger and larger over this part of the world.
So, it is the "end of the years" that the Greeks will call the power tune because this power is played loud and clear by Rome.
Palestine was under Ptolemaic rule from 323 BC to 198 BC yet! It also had a form of self-government at times under the rule of their own High Priests.
The "end of years" that Daniel speaks of in verse 6, now enters a maze of intrigues within this time zone. With many people called Cleopatra, Antiochus, Ptolemy, and Alexander. Making it a matter of great study to figure out who on earth they all were? It is essential reader we have some pointers to the "identity" of who Daniel speaks! He sets forth these "pointers" in a very simple way, putting out the "first line" of verse 6 as identification to build on!
The "end of years" is fixed at the date of Ptolemy VI Philometor 180-145 BC when Egypt's control of Palestine was lost to the Seleucids of Syria, and even the control of Egypt itself nearly slipped away from their grasp to the Seleucids. The next few words of Daniel's verse 6 says:- "AND "THEY" SHALL JOIN THEMSELVES TOGETHER". Now we must build on the first "identification", and ask who are "they"? For the answer to this, we must go back to Daniel 11:4, and remember how Alexander the Great's dominion was given to "others" besides "those". Out of "they" or "those" came the Ptolemy's, the Seleucids and the Romans, all strongly vying for a "plot" of that great Kingdom for themselves. All going about it in different ways. We saw how Ptolemy Soter took over Egypt, then came his son Ptolemy II Philadelphus, and after him Ptolemy III Euergetes. In 221-BC-205 BC came Ptolemy IV Philopator who makes no impression upon Daniel's vision. Following him came Ptolemy V (Epiphanes), 205 BC-180 BC and verse 6 of Daniel chapter 11 began to take shape under him. Because he was to marry Cleopatra I, daughter of the Seleucid King Antiochus III the Great, and from this union, -2 of the "they" of Alexander's winds, namely North and South,- joined themselves together in marriage. Bringing about the first rung of that ladder towards verse 6 and Ptolemy VI Philometor. From out of this marriage of Cleopatra I of the Greek Seleucids, and the Ptolemy Epiphanes the Greek Egyptian. Palestine and its peoples were now going to bear a full onslaught of battles for power between these two. Which was also going to include the coming of the Maccabean dynasty of the Jews, and the looming powerhouse monster, Rome! Daniel 11:6, with all the players called ,"they," were waiting and ready to come onto the historical stage.
Let us go back now to another line of Daniel's vision in Daniel 11:6. "FOR THE KING'S DAUGHTER OF THE SOUTH SHALL COME TO THE KING OF THE NORTH TO MAKE AN AGREEMENT". Ptolemy VI Philometor was the son of the union of 2 Greek houses Seleucid and Egypt, and he ruled after the death of his father Ptolemy Epiphanes, as co-regent with his mother Cleopatra I. Ptolemy VI Philometor, as was the custom of their incestual relationships married his sister Cleopatra II, and from that union came a third Cleopatra called Thea. This Cleopatra Thea is the "kings daughter of the south" that is stated in Daniel 11:6.
The story in secular history is an involved one and it goes this way;- Egypt, though something of a Seleucid protectorate after the marriage of Cleopatra I to Ptolemy Epiphanes, nevertheless was governed by her, and her son Philometor. Together they ruled quite strongly and successfully until she died in 176 BC. Her death however seemed to leave both these courts, and kingdoms, of Seleucids and Ptolemies under much disruption.
Antiochus III the Great had fought Ptolemy V in 195 BC and after a victorious battle had won, but with widespread bloodshed. Ptolemy VI Philometor reigned from 180 BC to 145 BC, and he was now going to clash with Antiochus Epiphanes of Syria, of the Seleucid dynasty.
Which is the same man most scholars give as the "little horn" of Daniel, to which many many verses are interpreted belonging to his times, and of his history. Much of which is in error, as I said before!
Antiochus Epiphanes only reigned from 175-163 BC a matter of 12 years. Whereas Philometor of Egypt reigned 35 years and covered a period from Seleuces IV Philometor 187-175 BC. Antiochus V Eupator 163-162 BC of Syria, plus Demetrius I Soter 162-150 BC - Alexander Balas 150-145 BC (called a pretender). Demetrius II Nicator 145-139/8 (called a pretender) and he reigned again 129-125 BC (all Kings of Syria).
Philometor of Egypt was to die in the year 145 BC from being thrown from his horse fracturing his skull.
Before Ptolemy VI Philometor's daughter, the 3rd Cleopatra Thea of the south, was to be "joined in agreement" with the Seleucid dynasty of the north as Daniel verse 6 says, we must now have a quick rundown in secular history, "why" this agreement had to be made in the first place.
Remember reader, Antiochus III the Great of Syria had already made inroads into Ptolemaic Egypt, which was under Ptolemy Epiphanes. Egypt under this rule lost most of their foreign possessions. Along with the fact the Seleucid Cleopatra I was also on the throne of Egypt.
The Egyptians, after the death of Cleopatra I, sent an expeditionary force into Palestine to take it back but were defeated by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. In 169 BC Antiochus now turned the tables, so to speak, and his army marched into Egypt, where he was to have control of part of Egypt. Even putting Ptolemy VI Philometor under guard. Who was to escape from the guard and the clutches of Antiochus. Antiochus Epiphanes of Syria withdrew to his own lands but returned the following year with a fresh army. But things had now changed in this part of the world. Because Rome stood with its legions to face Antiochus and his desires.
Rome had been involved in the Mediterranean for a long time and now was master of those seas. It had once held hostage Antiochus Epiphanes for 15 years, and no way was it going to allow that same Antiochus Epiphanes self-expression in the Middle East. Rome was now also master of the West wind of Greece, controlling completely the Macedonian/Greek kingdom which it enveloped when it defeated Philip V of Macedonia 197 BC and his son Perseus 168 BC.
Ptolemy VI Philometor of Egypt was quick to see the advantage of friendship with Rome at this stage of the game of power chess with Syria, and he placed himself under the patronage of this power. Knowing Antiochus would now face an implacable enemy if he didn't recognise Rome's wishes.
A Roman envoy called Gaius Popillius Laenas had been sent to Egypt, and there it was to be learned that Macedonia and King Perseus in 168 BC had fallen to the Romans, who were now dominant in the East, and West. Gaius Laenas on behalf of Rome ordered Antiochus to withdraw with his army, which he had to comply very smartly. Thereafter, Roman protection and interference in Egypt was to remain a fact of life. Both in Egypt and Syria the Peoples slid more and more towards impotence in their own lives. Within Egypt also, raged the inevitable dynastic quarrelling between Ptolemy VI Philometor and his brother and successor Ptolemy VIII Euergetes, also their sister and wife Cleopatra II. They together, were also acknowledged at sharing the throne of Egypt.
There was also a Ptolemy VII Philopator a young son who also seemed to have been a co-ruler with them approx. 147 BC or 144 BC.
In 164 BC Ptolemy VI Philometor was banned from the city of Alexandria in Egypt by his brother Ptolemy VIII Euergetes, who fled to Rome with his grievances and for their protection. Whereupon Rome partitioned Ptolemaic possessions, giving Philometor Cyprus and Egypt, the other brother receiving Cyrenaica, which he was not satisfied with, however.
Ptolemy VI Philometor gave a daughter to his brother for a wife in peace. Rome now looking upon Philometor as a good ruler, so things began to settle down in Egypt for a while. In 155 BC problems broke out once more between Egypt's Ptolemy, and Syria's Seleucids, with another eternal round of dynastic quarrels went on in Egypt. This quick run-down of the times of Ptolemy VI Philometor gives one a general idea of the "happenings" around the throne of Egypt, when the prophecy of verse 6 of Daniel 11 came into being. The "agreement" between Egypt in the "South" and Syria of the "North", came about under a pretender to the Seleucid throne, named Alexander Balas -150-145 BC. He became King of Syria and Pergamum, with the help of his soldiers who slew Demetrius I Soter, who was the direct Seleucid heir to that throne. Alexander Balas though called a Pretender, had the support of both Rome and the Ptolemies of Egypt.
One can read the story of the "agreement" between these 2 Greek Kingdom's in Flavius Josephus historical records, called "Antiquities of the Jews". Josephus acknowledged Alexander Balas as "not" a Pretender to the throne of Syria, but as the son of Antiochus Epiphanes IV. It was the later historians it seems that called him the Pretender.
Anyway, Alexander Balas after killing Demetrius I took the throne of Syria, then wrote to Ptolemy VI Philometor, desiring his daughter's hand in marriage. Josephus writes as follows:- "ALEXANDER TOOK THE KINGDOM OF SYRIA, AND WROTE TO PTOLEMY PHILOMETOR, AND DESIRED HIS DAUGHTER IN MARRIAGE; AND SAID IT WAS BUT JUST THAT HE SHOULD BE JOINED AN AFFINITY TO ONE THAT HAD NOW RECEIVED THE PRINCIPALITY OF HIS FOREFATHERS, AND HAD BEEN PROMOTED TO IT BY GOD'S PROVIDENCE, AND HAD CONQUERED DEMETRIUS, AND THAT WAS ON OTHER ACCOUNTS NOT UNWORTHY OF BEING RELATED TO HIM. PTOLEMY RECEIVED THIS PROPOSAL OF MARRIAGE GLADLY; AND WROTE HIM AN ANSWER, SALUTING HIM ON ACCOUNT OF HIS HAVING RECEIVED THE PRINCIPALITY OF HIS FOREFATHERS; AND PROMISING HIM THAT HE WOULD GIVE HIM HIS DAUGHTER IN MARRIAGE; AND ASSURED HIM THAT HE WAS COMING TO MEET HIM AT PTOLEMAIS, AND DESIRED THAT HE WOULD THERE MEET HIM, FOR THAT HE WOULD ACCOMPANY HER FROM EGYPT SO FAR, AND WOULD THERE MARRY HIS CHILD TO HIM. WHEN PTOLEMY HAD WRITTEN THUS, HE CAME SUDDENLY TO PTOLEMAIS, AND BROUGHT HIS DAUGHTER CLEOPATRA ALONG WITH HIM; AND AS HE FOUND ALEXANDER THERE BEFORE HIM, AS HE DESIRED HIM TO COME, HE GAVE HIM HIS CHILD IN MARRIAGE, AND FOR HER PORTION GAVE HER MUCH SILVER AND GOLD AS BECAME SUCH A KING TO GIVE".
From this excerpt of these ancient writings of the Jewish historian Josephus, one can see the "desirable agreement" between Syria and Egypt for this marriage. Which Daniel's vision of Daniel 11:6, has spoken so clearly about. Not only was the "agreement" written, but also the "act" of Ptolemy Philometor bringing his daughter Cleopatra "up" from the South from Egypt to the North to meet Alexander. This very act did Daniel say in his words, "FOR THE KINGS DAUGHTER OF THE SOUTH SHALL COME TO THE KING OF THE NORTH TO MAKE AGREEMENT". They met at Ptolemais, which was a city in Phoenicia, and very much North of Egypt. Being almost on the doorstep of Syria which country was slightly north of that city. -How exacting is this Prince and seer Daniel!-
The next line of Daniel 11:6 is:- "SHE SHALL NOT RETAIN THE POWER OF THE ARM". Approx. 153 BC upon this "agreeable" marriage the 3rd Cleopatra became queen of Syria. Which gave her strength to rule with Alexander Balas. Therefore, having an extension of ones might, which is the "power of the arm". She did not "retain" that ruling power very long it seems according to Daniel, so we'll go back to secular history and see what happened. In 148 BC Ptolemy VI Philometor once more found himself in Syria again, and again the problem of his daughter Cleopatra's marriage raised its head in another "agreement" with another Pretender to the throne of Syria. This Pretender was Demetrius II Nicator, who raised a revolt against Alexander Balas. Ptolemy VI Philometor went to his aid this time against his son-in-law Alexander. One story goes, that Ptolemy had learned after arriving in Syria that Alexander had laid a treacherous plan to have him assassinated. Ptolemy VI blamed himself for making a "league" -or- an "agreement" with Alexander Balas, giving his daughter in marriage to him. Which same "league" was also to include assistance to him, against Demetrius Nicator. So, another line of Daniel's vision in verse 6 was about to become true.
"BUT SHE SHALL NOT RETAIN THE POWER OF THE ARM". -Or- Cleopatra no longer maintained her power in Syria under an "agreement" made between Ptolemy VI Philometor and Alexander Balas. Because Ptolemy VI took his daughter away from Alexander Balas and dissolved the "league" made with him. He then gave her instead to be the wife of Demetrius Nicator. Another "league" of marriage and mutual assistance was made between these 2 thrones, and with Ptolemies help and the blessing of Rome, Demetrius was made King of Syria. After the defeat of Alexander Balas, Ptolemy VI placed 2 crowns on his own head, 1 of Asia, 1 of Egypt. Alexander Balas had fled into Arabia where he was murdered.
In this act of Alexander's death of his power and of the man himself, another line of verse 6 of Daniel 11 was fulfilled, "NEITHER SHALL "HE" STAND, NOR HIS ARM". To recap, Alexander Balas the "he" of this verse 6 did not "stand" -or- retain his visual power as ruler of Syria, because he fled and was murdered. So, this part of verse 6 is now complete. Let us go now to the next line of verse 6 Daniel 11. "BUT SHE SHALL BE GIVEN UP, AND THEY THAT BROUGHT HER". You will remember reader how Ptolemy VI Philometor took away his daughter from Alexander Balas, and gave her to Demetrius II Nicator? Well! This is in accordance with the expression Daniel uses for Cleopatra's role in history. She was "given up" -or- she had to resign the power of Syria under Alexander, -or- it was "yielded up" in hopelessness. -To give up- is to surrender or hand over. This “act” of hers to be "given up" continued in her life story.
Demetrius II Nicator between 148-145 BC defeated Alexander Balas, yet! He was still fighting Alexanders general called Tryphon. Who had proclaimed Alexander Bala's son, Antiochus King of Syria, this struggle was to last until 139-138 BC. Again, there was some sort of conspiracy between Tryphon and the ruler of Arabia, against Demetrius II. Who had now gone into Persia to plunder Demetrius II was taken prisoner by King Arsaces of Parthia who kept him in bonds for 10 years. Meanwhile, Cleopatra and her 2 young sons were kept in "house arrest" in Syria. Again, the expression Daniel 11:6 says of her, "she shall be given up", had come true! She once more lost the "power of her arm" to rule Syria. She feared Tryphon very much and sent a letter to Demetrius' brother Antiochus VII Soter, requesting him to marry her, which he did. Antiochus VII brother of Demetrius II overthrew the young King Antiochus VI and defeated Tryphon, who later was killed, and he took the throne of Syria 138-129 BC. This happened whilst Demetrius II was still alive and a prisoner of King Arsaces of Parthia. Once more Cleopatra was elevated to perform the "power of the arm" in Syria, under Antiochus VII. Eventually Demetrius returned to Syria took the throne in 129 BC only to be driven out and killed, at the hands of his many enemies, with the assistance of another Ptolemy. Demetrius' sons by Cleopatra were also in the "power struggles" of Cleopatra. She murdered her eldest son in favour of the younger becoming King, who became known as Antiochus VIII Grypus, the younger son however, would not bow to his mother's "power" wishes. So, Cleopatra offered him a cup of poison, but had the tables turned upon herself -so to speak,- forcing her to drink the poison herself. She indeed was "given up" to death, in the year 120 BC Cleopatra was "given up" by her father Ptolemy VI Philometor to the power struggles of Syria. Then was "given up" to Alexander Balas, was "given up" to Demetrius II, was "given up" to Antiochus VII and for the power struggles of her sons. Who "gave her up" to her own designs and death in cup of poison. We go now to the last line of Daniel chapter 11, verse 6. "AND THEY THAT BROUGHT HER, AND HE THAT BEGAT HER, AND HE THAT STRENGTHENED HER IN THESE TIMES". This line is a continuation of the expression of "given up", which was used to explain Cleopatra's continued demise in this saga. It's saying, that not only was Cleopatra "given up" and over to this power game. Also, besides her story, -"AND THEY THAT BROUGHT HER". "They" were Alexander Balas, Demetrius II and Antiochus VI (Soter). "They" led her along by degrees, they carried her from a distant place to a near place, which the word "brought" conveys. "They" brought her from Ptolemais into Syria, using her time and time again "for the power of the arm".
We go now to the words of Daniel which says:- "AND HE THAT BEGAT HER". The man King who begat her, -or- caused her to be gotten, was her father, Ptolemy VI Philometor of Egypt, was also "given up". You will remember reader that "he" had many ruling power troubles of his own in Egypt, continually warring with his brother Ptolemy VIII Euergetes. Or his sister and wife Cleopatra II, sharing the throne also with his young son Ptolemy VII Philopator.
The troubles of the "power game" was Syria, who had brought him especially out of Egypt, for the marriage of his daughter Cleopatra, and it was in Syria where he was to end his life. In 145 BC he was engaged in yet! another battle once more in Syria, and during this time where an elephant frightened his horse and he fell, which fractured his skull, dying 3 or 4 days later from his injuries. So, the affairs of Syria were to "give him up" also! The last words of Daniel's verse 6 chapter 11 are:- "AND HE THAT STRENGTHENED HER IN THESE TIMES".
Though Cleopatra had had 3 husbands, and a father all ever fighting for power and the crowns of Syria and Egypt. She herself was on the Syrian throne as a usurper queen. She also had 2 sons, and it is her sons who these last few words are all about. Cleopatra herself was the power behind her sons, and she alone had control over that power towards the throne of Syria, "they" were her strength for a while! Their father was Demetrius II Nicator, who had had an "agreement" signed between himself and Ptolemy Philometor at Cleopatra's marriage to him at Ptolemais. So, her sons were also in the lineage for the throne of Syria. Her sons were her "comfort" when she was put under "house arrest" with them.
Then Cleopatra chose which son was to take the throne, and she chose the second son Antiochus VIII Grypus. The "strength" of the power she wielded at these tumultuous times, behind the power struggles of the men around her, was in the bond she had with her young son.
To "strengthen" means to confirm, to establish, to cause to increase in power and intensity.
You will have noted reader that the last words of Daniel verse 6 says, only "he" strengthened her in these times, only one person, not 2 sons, as we have seen. So, one son was "given up" or killed so that the second son could become "strong" on his throne of Syria. With no fear of fighting between them to undermine that power, which happened so many times in Egypt and Syria. Cleopatra "gave one son up" to death, so that both she and the power of the throne of Syria could be "strengthened", in those times of power struggles. In the end however the power struggle between her remaining son and herself, also "gave her up" in a cup of poison. In conclusion then, they all fell one after the other fighting for the "strength of the power arm" for Syria's throne. Daniel's words in verse 6 were played out to the letter of the Law set for them. As always, it was the role that these kings played out in the land of Judah in Palestine, that is of paramount importance to these "visions"!
Behind the scenes of Egyptian and Syrian politics, the buffer zone of Palestine played an enormous part in these power struggles.
Remember reader that Ptolemy VI Philometor ruled for 35 years one way or the other, and during his ruling and all that went on around him many things happened. Some of which we shall let secular history tell us a little of.
During Ptolemy VI Philometor's reign the "House of Judah" in the land of Palestine, was going to fight for their independence from these 2 Greek thrones of Egypt and Syria in a big way. This you might say, was nothing new, they had been fighting for their independence for a 1,000 years previously, again and again. None of these other struggles were to be remembered in the Jewish minds and religion however, more than the Maccabean war. It stood out for them as a milestone because it was the first time since the exile, and the first time ever in their own land that the Jews had to face up to the fact, and question. Could their minority group of people survive being torn apart in the fighting of the power blocks around them? From one old man this answer was to come for the Jewish nation, and it unleashed a "holy war" that was to carry them through into the years ahead. His name was Mattathias.
During Ptolemy VI Philometor's reign and during the years 175 BC to 168 BC came Antiochus Epiphanes, who was then on the throne of Syria. He changed the balance of power in the Middle East because he marched into Egypt and took that throne. Rome, however, would not tolerate this shift of change of power and stops him in 168 BC Antiochus furious at being thwarted in Egypt by Rome, turned his anger upon the Jews and Palestine. The books of the "Maccabees" in the Apocrypha introduces us to Antiochus thus:- Chapter 1 verse 10 :- "AND THERE CAME OUT OF THEM A WICKED ROOT, ANTIOCHUS SURNAMED EPIPHANES, SON THE ANTIOCHUS THE KING, WHO HAD BEEN A HOSTAGE AT ROME, AND HE REIGNED IN THE HUNDRED AND THIRTY AND SEVENTH YEAR OF THE KINGDOM OF THE GREEKS".
Epiphanes was a surname meaning "god manifest," his subjects however nicknamed him "Epimanes" meaning "the madman". When Antiochus Epiphanes came to the throne of the Seleucid Greek Empire, he determined to enforce Greek culture and religion throughout his Empire. Some Jews supported his policy of embracing all things Greek and rejected the long held Jewish way of life and religion. Antiochus also determined to make himself king of Egypt and become ruler of both Greek Kingdoms. He engaged Ptolemy Philometor in battle with great strength, of men, chariots, elephants, and a fleet of ships. The fortified cities of Egypt were captured and plundered. Antiochus being turned away from Egypt by Rome advanced into the land of Israel, with his massive strength of force.
The books of the Maccabees in the Apocrypha, and Josephus in the "Antiquities of the Jews" give us the memorable picture of his destruction of the Jewish people, and of Jerusalem. Which "memory" has been kept alive to this day, in the "feast day of Hanukkah" celebrated by the Jew.
Antiochus with his killing and pillaging broke into the sanctuary of the temple at Jerusalem and removed all the golden implements. E.g., The altar, lampstand, the fittings, cups, table, censors, etc. He stripped as much out of the temple as he could. He shed innocent blood all around the sanctuary itself, which meant it was now desecrated. He encircled the city of Jerusalem and began a scene of great destruction of the houses, and the children of the "House of Judah". He set the place on fire, and took women and children captive, with their cattle, then he fortified the city of David. A proclamation was issued that the whole of the kingdom was to follow the King's decree and become one. Namely Greek, renouncing all their customs, profaning the Sabbath, banning all things according to the Mosaic Laws, replacing them with the sacrificing of unclean animals, -such as pigs- to idols and the custom of circumcising their sons was forbidden, etc. Anyone not obeying the King's command was put to death. Many of Judah's children were massacred because they chose to defy Antiochus, or they died for keeping a copy of the covenant of the Law. Women who chose to have their sons circumcised in defiance were put to death, and their babies hung about their necks. Many chose death rather than eat unclean food according to the Law. So much did the cruelty of Antiochus Epiphanes perform upon Judah's children, his dreadful wrath etched itself upon their minds and dignity, until it was to explode in one man. Which brought about the story of the Maccabees, and his name was Mattathias, a priest, and village leader of Modein (Modin). Mattathias refused to conform, and after he killed one of Antiochus commissioners, and an apostate Jew, he fled to the hills with his sons. There after many innocent Jews, -amounting to 1,000 persons- were slaughtered on one Sabbath day, who had gone into hiding after they had chosen to run away from the King's decree. When this dreadful news reached Mattathias and his sons who had been hiding elsewhere, they mourned for the victims. But decided there and then to defend themselves and fight against this oppression, even on the Sabbath day. They were joined with notable fighting men called the Hasideans and refugees from the persecution joined them thus, forming themselves into an armed fighting force. They killed the Jews who were regarded as sinners and pagan worshippers, they broke down the altars and forcibly circumcised the boys that had not been circumcised in all the territory of Israel. They hunted down men who had been given a "good living" under the Greek pagan law, whose arrogance became an advantage to the King. It was indeed a time of bitter hatred, and a time also of burning zeal towards the laws of Judah. Mattathias being an old man died, but left the continued fight with his 5 sons, named Joannan called Caddis,- Simon called Thassi,- Judas called Maccabaeus, Eleazar called Avaran, - Jonathan surnamed Apphus - Simon's father, Mattathias entrusted him with the leadership for sound judgement, therefore, he took his father's place. To Judas Maccabaeus who was strong and brave, he entrusted the Generalship of the war against the pagans. Which he carried out with much furore, and the people feared his name. Judas exploits have gone down in Jewish history as a lion roaring over his prey. He tracked down the renegades and routed the Greek forces time and time again. Antiochus Epiphanes was furious at the victories of Judas Maccabaeus, who assembled a large army, promising his troops a year's pay if they would always fight for him. Flavius Josephus the historian, tells us of the story of Apollonius the leader of this great army, and how he mustered the pagans of Samaria in Israel, to fight against Judah, and how Judas Maccabaeus heard of it and went out to meet him with his army. Judas routed Apollonius army and killed him. Many fell wounded and the others fled, their spoils were seized, and Apollonius sword Judas kept for himself, and used it the rest of his life. Again, they sent another overwhelming force of Syrian troops led this time by their Commander Seron. Whose idea was to make a name for himself in the eyes of Antiochus Epiphanes, the King. Seron met Judas at Beth-Horon, Judas had a handful of pitiful tired and hungry men, and they faced this great horde with their hearts failing them. When they saw this great army, Judas spoke to his men to give them strength in which he said, "it is an easy fight, because we fight in the sight of heaven's deliverance, and it is from there our strength comes, we fight for our lives and our law's, etc".
When he had finished speaking to them, he made a sudden move against Seron and his forces and overwhelmed them. With 800 men falling, the rest of the army fled, and he pursued them, into the land of the Philistines. Judas and his army were feared from all the surrounding peoples when all nations talked of Judas and his battles. His name ringing in the ears of Antiochus Epiphanes in anger. The mobilisation of the great army he had envisaged with a year's pay to each man, now put much pressure on Epiphanes treasury. Not having enough to cover his expenses, he decided to visit Persia to raise a levy tribute in those provinces to pay the funds needed. He crossed the river Euphrates with half his forces, leaving the other half behind with Lysias, a nobleman of Syria who oversaw affairs. The Kings young son Antiochus Lysias chose Ptolemy son of Dorymenes, Nicanor, and Gorgias, who were influential men, to go down into the land of the Israelites and destroy it completely, with its memory for evermore.
They commanded an army of 40,000-foot soldiers and 7,000 horse soldiers to invade and devastate, making their camp at Emmaus. With them also were peoples of the Philistine country, and Idumeans who were slave traders. There were large amounts of silver and gold, with many fetters of chains in anticipation for many slaves.
Judas Maccabaeus knew the King had ordered their total destruction, and he mustered the people of Israel for all-out war. Offering prayers to God for mercy upon them all, they went out to Mizpah. (Which was opposite to Jerusalem because the temple had been defiled). This was traditionally a place of prayer for Israel with Samuel and the Judges. So, there they opened the books of the law and sat in sackcloth and ashes in mourning. Afterwards, Judas took his army to Emmaus telling the people to acquit themselves bravely and perhaps die under the will of heaven.
The "Apocrypha" and the 1st book of the Maccabees chapter 4, tells us how the Jews under Judas Maccabaeus fought that battle, against Lysias, his commanders, and their fighting men. It seemed it was a case of the Lord God "divided" that great company of men, -who stood against the puny equipped Israelites- and in that "dividing" they were conquered! The Commander Gorgias took 5,000-foot soldiers and 1,000 horsemen at night and rode out to Judas encampment in the mountains, being guided by men who knew where Judas would be. But Judas being informed of this, took his fighting men with him down to the camp of the Syrians in the plains below. Gorgias arriving at Judas camp at night found the place empty, and he said, "these fellows flee from us." Judas however now showed himself with his 3,000 men who had neither armour nor few swords to help them. The Israelites saw how great the heathen camp was set out as experts of war! Judas strengthened his men once more by saying, "remember our fathers who crossed the Red Sea, when Pharaoh's army pursued them, fear not!" Judas men sounded the trumpets to commence the battle, being joined in fighting with this heathen horde, who lost 3,000 men, the rest were routed, and they fled. Though very weary, Judas reminded his fighting men to forget the spoils around them, because Gorgias and the remaining army were still to be fought.
An enemy patrol appeared on the mountain side and looking down on the plains below saw the smoke rising from their burning tents, and Judas and his men arrayed in battle formation ready to fight them. The enemy was panic stricken at the sight, and they all fled into Philistine territory. So, Judas and his men returned to the camp of the Syrians, and took much gold, silver, blue silk, and many riches.
1 Maccabees chapter 4 and verses 24 and 25 sums up with the words, "AFTER THEY WENT HOME, AND SUNG A SONG OF THANKSGIVING, AND PRAISED THE LORD IN HEAVEN; BECAUSE IT IS GOOD, BECAUSE HIS MERCY ENDURETH FOREVER". Verse 25:- "THUS ISRAEL HAD A GREAT DELIVERANCE THAT DAY". News of this defeat of the great army reached Lysias, and being afraid of the anger of Antiochus Epiphanes, he picked an army of 60,000 men and 5,000 cavalry and took them himself into the field of another battle, the following year.
They went and camped in Idumaea at Bethzur, which was a hill fortress 20 miles south of Jerusalem, between Bethlehem and Hebron. Judas Maccabaeus went out to meet him with 10,000 men, and when he saw the extent and strength of Lysias army, he offered up a prayer to Almighty God as such:- 1 Maccabees 4, verses 30,31,32,33,34. "BLESSED ART THOU, O SAVIOUR OF ISRAEL, WHO DIDST QUELL THE VIOLENCE OF THE MIGHTY MAN BY THE HAND OF THY SERVANT DAVID, AND GAVEST THE HOST OF STRANGERS INTO THE HANDS OF JONATHAN THE SON OF SAUL, AND HIS ARMOURBEARER. Verse 31:- SHUT UP THIS ARMY IN THE HAND OF THY PEOPLE ISRAEL, AND LET THEM BE CONFOUNDED IN THEIR POWER AND HORSEMEN. Verse 32:- MAKE THEM TO BE OF NO COURAGE, AND CAUSE THE BOLDNESS OF THEIR STRENGTH TO FALL AWAY, AND LET THEM QUAKE AT THEIR DESTRUCTION. Verse 33:- CAST THEM DOWN WITH THE SWORD OF THEM THAT LOVE THEE, AND LET ALL THOSE THAT KNOW THY NAME PRAISE THEE WITH THANKSGIVING. Verse 34:- SO THEY JOINED IN BATTLE, AND THERE WERE SLAIN OF THE HOST OF LYSIAS ABOUT FIVE THOUSAND MEN, EVEN BEFORE THEM WERE THEY SLAIN".
Lysias watched the hand-to-hand combat and saw the great courage of Judas men and their readiness to live or die as soldiers, as soldiers should. Lysias now withdrew his troops to Antioch to recruit mercenaries to fight against Judah's sons for another invasion of the land of Israel.
Meanwhile, Judas and his men now turned to go and worship at Mount Zion, Jerusalem, to purify and dedicate it. The sight that met Judas and his men made them mourn bitterly, and as was their custom of mourning, they put dust upon their heads, tore their garments, and prostrated themselves upon the ground. The temple mount had vegetation of weeds growing everywhere in the courts, the storerooms were in ruins, the gates had been burned down, the sanctuary a wilderness and the altar desecrated.
Antiochus had set up a Greek citadel in the Holy City, which overlooked the Temple. Which Judas and his men attacked, so that repair to the temple would not be interfered with.
(This citadel was not to be completely taken by the Jews until Simon took it in 141 BC).
So did the purification and re-dedication take place of the Temple. After the Feast of Dedication -Chanukkah- Judas had the Temple area fortified against the Greek garrison of the citadel. He occupied and strengthened Bethzur in Idumaea, which enabled him to command Southern Palestine. Now, he is able to turn his attention to the war of liberation of his people.
The Idumeans -or Edomites- and the Ammonites, of the surrounding nations to the Jewish people heard how the temple sanctuary and the altar had been rebuilt, and they became very angry. They determined to wipe off the face of the earth all these Jews. They began to murder them and evict them out of their houses and towns. The pattern of things then, is similar to the pattern of things now in the 20th century. Because the children of the Edomites, etc; are today's Arabs.
The hatred of Esau for his brother Jacob, is all consuming he refuses to let the Jew live, because he regards Jacob as an interloper in this ancestral land! Yet! The blessings of their father Isaac, by the intervention of God, were given to Jacob, and the holy land of all Israel; Because ancient Esau was more concerned with the material things of life and his stomach, than the true desire to find God. So, history repeats itself over and over.
Judas Maccabaeus received a desperate appeal from the Jews at Galilee in the North to come to their aid. To which Simon, one of Judas' brothers, was sent with 3,000 men to rescue them Judas himself set out with 8,000 men to Gilead, leaving 2 men Joseph and Azariah with the remainder of the army to act as a garrison for the Jews. Under orders not to engage the enemy except in self-defence. These 2 men, "not" belonging to the Hasmonean family of the Maccabees, were jealous of their successes, so decided to cover themselves in a little glory also. They went out to the coastal plain where Gorgias with his troops were stationed who put those Jews to flight killing 2,000 of them. Judas returning to Jerusalem and hearing of this catastrophe had to restore the situation. With another campaign in Idumea and Philistia, had to show that the Jews were still strong and in charge of their affairs.
All this time Antiochus Epiphanes was away in Persia trying to fill his empty treasury, he had attacked a richly endowed temple at Elymais but is defeated in his attempt. At the same time of that defeat, he also heard the sad news of the defeat of his army under Lysias "who went into Palestine" with a massive force. He had heard also how the Jews prevailed and had thrown down the pagan altars, and re-established their own worship, especially the re-dedication of the Temple. In chapter 6 of the 1st Maccabees we read, Verse 8:- "NOW WHEN THE KING HEARD THESE WORDS, HE WAS ASTONISHED AND SORE MOVED; WHEREUPON HE LAID DOWN UPON HIS BED, AND FELL SICK FOR GRIEF, BECAUSE IT HAD NOT BEFALLEN HIM AS HE LOOKED FOR". Verse 9:- "AND THERE HE CONTINUED MANY DAYS; FOR HIS GRIEF WAS EVER MORE AND MORE, AND HE MADE ACCOUNT THAT HE SHOULD DIE". Verse 12:- "BUT NOW I REMEMBER THE EVILS THAT I DID AT JERUSALEM, AND THAT I TOOK ALL THE VESSELS OFF GOLD AND SILVER THAT WERE THEREIN, AND SENT TO DESTROY THE INHABITANTS OF JUDEA WITH OUT A CAUSE". Verse 16:- "SO KING ANTIOCHUS DIED THERE IN THE HUNDRED FORTY AND NINTH YEAR". (The years here being counted as the length of time of the Seleucids). Antiochus Epiphanes had taken the throne of Syria from the lawful heir, his elder brother Seleucus IV. Whose son Demetrius I Soter, was to take the throne again in a very short while.
Antiochus Epiphanes had to secure his throne for his own son, Antiochus V Eupator, who was in the care of Lysias. Yet! he reigned for only 2 years and was killed. So now the stage is set, and we begin to enter the arena of the players, which verse 6 of Daniel 11 tells us about. Because Demetrius II Nicator married Cleopatra of Egypt, the line of Demetrius was of the elder brother Seleucus IV Philopator, Cleopatra also married Alexander Balas who was of the line of Antiochus Epiphanes. The lineage of the Hasmonean House of the Maccabees was also to continue their fight for independence into the years ahead. The Kings of Egypt and Syria were going to continue pulling the Jews this way and that, which we shall read in Daniel 11:7-10.
This then is the political background and power climate, from 15 years before and surrounding Ptolemy Philometor of the South going to Syria in the North, to marry his daughter Cleopatra to this volatile throne. Which political climate gave a very involved translation of Daniel 11