Antiochus V
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Antiochus V Eupator, a significant figure in the history of the Hellenistic period, was the son of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and succeeded him as the ruler of the Seleucid Empire. His reign, though brief, is noted for its impact on the Jewish people and the events that transpired during the Maccabean Revolt, a pivotal period in Jewish history.

Historical Context

Antiochus V ascended to the throne as a child following the death of his father, Antiochus IV, in 164 BC. His reign lasted from 164 to 162 BC. Due to his young age, the kingdom was effectively governed by his regent, Lysias, who had been a trusted general of Antiochus IV. The Seleucid Empire during this time was marked by internal strife and external pressures, including the ongoing conflict with the Jewish Maccabees.

Biblical and Historical Significance

The period of Antiochus V's rule is closely associated with the Maccabean Revolt, a Jewish rebellion against Seleucid rule and Hellenistic influence. This revolt is chronicled in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which, while not part of the Protestant canon, provide valuable historical insights into the era. The revolt was sparked by the oppressive policies of Antiochus IV, which included the desecration of the Jewish Temple and the prohibition of Jewish religious practices.

Antiochus V's reign saw continued military campaigns against the Jewish rebels. Under the leadership of Judas Maccabeus, the Jewish forces achieved significant victories, including the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, an event commemorated by the festival of Hanukkah. The Berean Standard Bible does not include the Apocryphal books, but the historical context is essential for understanding the broader narrative of Jewish perseverance and faith.

Political and Military Actions

During Antiochus V's reign, the Seleucid Empire faced challenges not only from the Jewish rebels but also from rival factions within the empire. Lysias, acting as regent, attempted to suppress the Maccabean Revolt by leading military campaigns into Judea. Despite initial successes, the Seleucid forces were unable to fully subdue the Jewish resistance.

The internal power struggles within the Seleucid Empire culminated in the rise of Demetrius I Soter, who claimed the throne and ultimately led to the downfall of Antiochus V. In 162 BC, Antiochus V and Lysias were captured and executed by Demetrius I, marking the end of his short-lived reign.

Legacy

Antiochus V's reign, though brief and overshadowed by the actions of his father, played a crucial role in the history of the Jewish people. The Maccabean Revolt, which continued beyond his death, eventually led to the establishment of the Hasmonean dynasty and a period of Jewish autonomy. The events of this era are a testament to the resilience of the Jewish faith and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people, as seen throughout the biblical narrative.

While Antiochus V himself is not directly mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, the historical context of his reign provides insight into the struggles faced by the Jewish people and their steadfast commitment to their faith and traditions.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Antiochus V

ANTIOCHUS V

(Eupator, "Nobleborn"): Son and successor to Antiochus Epiphanes, ascended the throne as a mere boy (163-161 B.C.) under the guardianship of Lysias, who led an expedition to the relief of Jerusalem, which had been besieged by Judas Maccabeus (1 Maccabees 6:18-30; Ant, XII, ix, 4), who was defeated (1 Maccabees 6:42). Antiochus then besieged Jerusalem. Peace was finally concluded on the condition that the Jews should not be compelled to change any of their national customs (1 Maccabees 6:55-60; Ant, XII, ix, 7). Philip, the king's foster-brother (2 Maccabees 9:29), was defeated at Antioch, but soon afterward Lysias and Antiochus were themselves defeated by Demetrius Soter, son of Seleucus Philopator (1 Maccabees 7:4; 2 Maccabees 14:2; Ant, XII, x, 1; Polyb. xxxi0.19; Livy Epit. 46).

J. E. Harry

Library

Of Severian and Antiochus: their Disagreement from John.
... Severian hearing that Antiochus had collected a fortune by his visit to Constantinople,
determined to follow his example. ... Cf. Bingham, Christ. Antiq. V. 4. 1. ...
/.../chapter xi of severian and antiochus .htm

Demonstration v. --Of Wars.
... Demonstration V."Of Wars. 1. This reflection ... beast. For the ten horns were ten
kings [789] who arose at that time until Antiochus. And he ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration v of wars.htm

Relation v. Observations on Certain Points of Spirituality.
... 10. Antiochus was unendurable to himself, and to those who were about him, because
of the stench of his many sins. [9]. 11. ... ii. ch. v. 3. See Foundations, ch. ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/relation v observations on certain.htm

Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
... V. Abh. ... 3. On the 28th King Antiochus was removed from Jerusalem (supposed to refer
to the day of the death of Antiochus, son of Antiochus Epiphanes, in his ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix v rabbinic theology and.htm

Religious and Social State.
... Another religious feature shews itself in v.28, viz. ... ix.17, headed by AV, "Antiochus
promiseth to become a Jew," on which Rawlinson notes, "it is extremely ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/religious and social state 3.htm

Daniel
... The direct reference in v.31 to the pollution of the sanctuary, the temporary ... that
the impious and "contemptible" monarch is none other than Antiochus Epiphanes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/daniel.htm

The Meaning
... Footnotes: [38] There is an allusion to the profanation of Antiochus, which is
described Psalm 79.Vide 1 Macc. c. vii. v. 17, and Psalm 79:1, 2, 3. "O God! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the meaning 2.htm

Introduction
... many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time" (v.18 ... The first school
of interpreters referred to above, have lighted upon Antiochus Epiphanes as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/introduction.htm

Basil: Letters and Select Works
... Letter IV. To Olympius. Letter V. To Nectarius. Letter VI. To the wife of Nectarius. ...
Letter CXLVI. To Antiochus. Letter CXLVII. To Aburgius. Letter CXLVIII. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/

Of the Sixth Seal.
... the Lord Jehovah, who made heaven and earth, against whom, though Antiochus might
magnify ... v.23, the names of hills and mountains for the temples of idols. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/of the sixth seal.htm

Resources
Who was Antiochus Epiphanes? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org

Who is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org

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