Topical Encyclopedia
Alexander Balas was a significant figure in the Hellenistic period, known for his role in the complex political landscape following the fragmentation of Alexander the Great's empire. He claimed to be the son of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and sought to seize the Seleucid throne from Demetrius I Soter. His account is primarily recorded in the historical books of the Maccabees, which, while not part of the Protestant canon, provide valuable historical context for the intertestamental period.
Historical BackgroundAlexander Balas emerged during a time of great turmoil and power struggles within the Seleucid Empire. After the death of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the empire was weakened by internal strife and external pressures. Demetrius I Soter, who was ruling at the time, faced numerous challenges to his authority, both from within and outside the empire.
Claim to the ThroneAlexander Balas's claim to the throne was supported by several key figures and entities, including the Roman Senate, which saw him as a useful tool to destabilize Demetrius I's rule. His claim was further bolstered by Ptolemy VI Philometor of Egypt, who sought to extend his influence over the Seleucid territories. The support from these powerful allies enabled Alexander to gather a formidable force and challenge Demetrius I.
Reign and InfluenceAlexander Balas's reign began around 150 BC after he successfully defeated Demetrius I. His rule was marked by attempts to consolidate power and gain legitimacy. He married Cleopatra Thea, the daughter of Ptolemy VI, which strengthened his ties with Egypt and further legitimized his claim to the throne.
During his reign, Alexander Balas sought to maintain the favor of the Jewish people, who were a significant population within the Seleucid Empire. He appointed Jonathan Maccabeus as the high priest, a move that was likely intended to secure Jewish support. This appointment is noted in 1 Maccabees 10:20, where Alexander writes to Jonathan, saying, "We have appointed you today to be high priest of your nation, and you are to be called the king’s friend."
Downfall and DeathDespite his initial successes, Alexander Balas's reign was short-lived. His rule faced challenges from within the empire, and his reliance on foreign support made him vulnerable. In 145 BC, he was defeated by Demetrius II Nicator, the son of Demetrius I, who sought to reclaim his father's throne. Alexander fled to Arabia, where he was eventually killed.
LegacyAlexander Balas's impact on the Seleucid Empire and the broader Hellenistic world was significant, albeit brief. His rise and fall illustrate the volatile nature of the period and the complex interplay of local and international politics. His interactions with the Jewish people, particularly his appointment of Jonathan Maccabeus, had lasting implications for the region's religious and political landscape.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Alexander BalasALEXANDER BALAS
Alexander ba'-las (Alexandros ho Balas legomenos): He contended against Demetrius I of Syria for the throne and succeeded in obtaining it. He was a youth of mean origin, but he was put forth by the enemies of Demetrius as being Alexander, the son and heir of Antiochus Epiphanes. He received the support of the Roman Senate and of Ptolemy VI of Egypt, and on account of the tyranny of Demetrius, was favored by many of the Syrians. The country was thrown into civil war and Demetrius was defeated by Alexander II took up the cause of his father and in 147 B.C., Alexander fled from his kingdom and was soon after assassinated.
Our chief interest in Alexander is his connection with the Maccabees. Jonathan was the leader of the Maccabean forces and both Alexander and Demetrius sought his aid. Demetrius granted Jonathan the right to raise and maintain an army. Alexander, not to be outdone, appointed Jonathan high priest, and as a token of his new office sent him a purple robe and a diadem (Ant., XIII, ii, 2). This was an important step in the rise of the Maccabean house, for it insured them the support of the Chasidim. In 153 B.C., Jonathan officiated as high priest at the altar (1 Maccabees 10:1-14; Ant, XIII, ii, 1). This made him the legal head of Judea and thus the movement of the Maccabees became closely identified with Judaism. In 1 Maccabees 10:1, he is called Alexander Epiphanes.
A. W. Fortune
Library
HowAlexander Honored Jonathan after an Extraordinary Manner; and...
... satisfied, he also departed this life. NowAlexander, who was calledBalas,
reigned over Asia five years, as we have elsewhere related....
Appendix iv. An Abstract of Jewish History from the Reign of...
... He took the side of the new monarch,Alexander Balas, who sent him a crown of gold
and a purple mantle, and appointed him High-Priest, a dignity which Jonathan...
Book 13 Footnotes
... [17] That this Antiochus, the son ofAlexander Balas, was called "The God," is evident
from his coins, which Spanheim assures us bear this inscription, "King...
On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome...
... incert?? stirpis). So Hippolytus calls him here, "a certainAlexander" (tina).
He had also other surnames, eg, Euergetes,Balas, etc....
Resources
What is the significance of the Greek Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened in the intertestamental period? | GotQuestions.orgFaith vs. belief'what is the difference? | GotQuestions.orgAlexander: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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