1. Alexander was Philip’s son, a Macedonian, one of the western peoples known as the Kittim. After Alexander became king of Greece, he defeated King Darius, who ruled the Persians and the Medes. By doing so, Alexander greatly enlarged his realm.
2. He successfully fought many battles, conquered fortresses, and put to death many kings.
3. He advanced to the very ends of the known earth, plundering nation after nation. Finally, his battles reached an end, and he was widely recognized as supreme king, which made him proud.
4. He built a very strong army and ruled countries, nations, and princes; and they all owed allegiance to him.
5. But eventually Alexander fell sick and was confined to bed. He knew that he was dying.
6. He therefore called for his most esteemed officers, those who had been raised with him; and he divided his kingdom among them while he was still alive.
7. Then Alexander died, having ruled for twelve years.
8. Subsequently, his officers began to rule, each in his own territory.
9. They ruled as kings, and after them their descendants ruled for many years. Together they caused much suffering across the earth.
10. From these descendants sprouted a sinful root—Antiochus Epiphanes. He was a son of King Antiochus, and he had been brought up in Rome as a hostage. Antiochus Epiphanes began to rule in the year 137 according to the calendar of the Greek kingdom.
11. At that time, some renegade Israelites emerged. These people went against their ancestral laws and encouraged many other Jews to join them. They spoke up, saying, "Let’s make an agreement with the Gentiles around us, because many horrible things have happened to us since we separated ourselves from them."
12. The proposal pleased their fellow Jews.
13. Some of them eagerly went to King Antiochus, who gave them permission to start living by the laws of the Gentiles.