3. and went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of a multitude of nations. And the earth was quiet before him, and he was exalted, and his heart was lifted up,
4. and he gathered together an exceeding strong host, and ruled over countries and nations and principalities, and they became tributary to him.
5. And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he should die.
6. And he called his servants, which were honorable, which had been brought up with him from his youth, and he divided to them his kingdom, while he was yet alive.
7. And Alexander reigned twelve years, and he died.
8. And his servants bare rule, each one in his place.
9. And they did all put diadems upon themselves after that he was dead, and so did their sons after them many years: and they multiplied evils in the earth.
10. And there came forth out of them a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of 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.
11. In those days came there forth out of Israel transgressors of the law, and persuaded many, saying, let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles that are round about us; for since we were parted from them many evils have befallen us.
12. And the saying was good in their eyes.
13. And certain of the people were forward herein and went to the king, and he gave them licence to do after the ordinances of the Gentiles.
14. And they built a place of exercise in Jerusalem according to the laws of the Gentiles;
15. and they made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the Gentiles, and sold themselves to do evil.
16. And the kingdom was well ordered in the sight of Antiochus, and he thought to reign over Egypt, that he might reign over the two kingdoms.
17. And he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with chariots, and with elephants, and with horsemen, and with a great navy;