Topical Encyclopedia Antiochus III, also known as Antiochus the Great, was a Hellenistic Greek king and the sixth ruler of the Seleucid Empire, reigning from 222 to 187 BC. He was a member of the Seleucid dynasty, which was established by Seleucus I Nicator following the division of the empire of Alexander the Great. Antiochus III is a significant historical figure due to his attempts to restore the former glory of the Seleucid Empire and his interactions with the Jewish people and the land of Israel.Historical Context Antiochus III ascended to the throne at a young age and quickly embarked on a series of military campaigns to consolidate and expand his empire. His reign is marked by efforts to reclaim territories that had been lost to rival Hellenistic kingdoms and to assert dominance over the eastern Mediterranean region. Antiochus III's campaigns took him as far as India in the east and Greece in the west. Interactions with Israel Antiochus III's reign is particularly noted for his interactions with the Jewish people and the land of Israel. During his campaigns, he sought to gain control over the region of Coele-Syria, which included Judea. This area was a point of contention between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms, with both seeking to exert influence over it. The Jewish historian Josephus records that Antiochus III was initially welcomed by the Jews when he took control of Jerusalem from the Ptolemies. He is said to have shown favor to the Jewish people, granting them certain privileges and freedoms. This period of relative peace and favor under Antiochus III allowed the Jewish community to thrive and maintain their religious practices. Prophetic Significance Antiochus III is often associated with the prophetic visions found in the Book of Daniel. While the Berean Standard Bible does not explicitly mention Antiochus III by name, many conservative Christian scholars interpret certain passages in Daniel as referring to the geopolitical struggles of the Hellenistic period, including the conflicts between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires. In Daniel 11, the "king of the North" is often identified with the Seleucid rulers, including Antiochus III, while the "king of the South" is associated with the Ptolemaic dynasty. Daniel 11:13-16 describes a series of conflicts and alliances that align with the historical events of Antiochus III's reign: "For the king of the North will raise a greater multitude than the first, and after some years he will advance with a great army and many supplies. In those times many will rise up against the king of the South. Those who are violent among your own people will assert themselves to fulfill the vision, but they will fail. Then the king of the North will come and build up siege ramps and capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will not prevail, even their best troops will not have the strength to stand. The invader will do as he pleases, and no one will stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land, and it will be in his power." Legacy Antiochus III's efforts to expand and consolidate his empire ultimately met with mixed success. While he achieved significant territorial gains, his ambitions eventually led to conflict with the rising power of Rome. His defeat at the Battle of Magnesia in 190 BC marked the decline of Seleucid influence and the beginning of Roman dominance in the region. Despite his military setbacks, Antiochus III's reign is remembered for its impact on the Jewish people and the prophetic significance attributed to his actions in the biblical narrative. His interactions with the land of Israel and the Jewish community are seen as part of the larger tapestry of God's providential plan as revealed in Scripture. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Antiochus IiiANTIOCHUS III (Megas, "The Great," mentioned in 1 Maccabees 1:10; 8:6-8): Son of Seleucus Kallinikos; succeeded to the throne of Syria in 222 B.C.; put to death his general, Hermeas, and then led an army against Egypt. Theodotus surrendered to him Tyre, Ptolemais and his naval fleet. Rhodes and Cyzicus, as well as Byzantium and Aetolia, desired peace, but Antiochus declined to accept their terms. He renewed the war, but was defeated at Raphia in 217, and was obliged to give up Phoenicia and Coelesyria; Seleucia, however, he retained. He undertook to bring under his sway again all the territory of the Far East. His expedition against Bactria and Parthia gained for him the surname of "The Great." In 209 he carried away the treasure of the goddess Aine in Ecbatana, defeated the Parthians, and in 208 marched against the Bactrians. Later he made a treaty with an Indian rajah, and then returned to the West by way of Arachosia and Carmania, forcing the Gerraean Arabs to furnish him with frankincense, myrrh and silver. Then he took Ephesus, which he made his headquarters. In 196 he had crossed the Hellespont and rebuilt Lysimachia. Hannibal visited Antiochus in Ephesus the next year and became one of the king's advisers. He sought the friendship also of Eumenes of Pergamum, but without success. Library They Say that Antiochus of Cyzicum Took from Its Shrine a Statue ... In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ... Severian, Bishop of Gabales, and Antiochus, Bishop of Ptolemais. ... Gennadius. In the Next Place, Miracles were Performed in all Countries... On Daniel. Iii. Scholia on Daniel. The Cruelty of the Sacrifices to the Gods. Esther Index i. Of Subjects Basil: Letters and Select Works Resources What are the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the abomination of desolation? | GotQuestions.org What happened in the Maccabean Revolt? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |