Topical Encyclopedia
Philometor, a term meaning "mother-loving," is a title associated with Ptolemy VI Philometor, a ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt. His reign is significant in the context of biblical history, particularly in relation to the intertestamental period and the geopolitical dynamics affecting the Jewish people.
Historical ContextPtolemy VI Philometor reigned from approximately 180 to 145 BC. He was a member of the Ptolemaic dynasty, which was established by Ptolemy I Soter, a general under Alexander the Great. The Ptolemaic Kingdom was one of the Hellenistic states that emerged following the division of Alexander's empire. Ptolemy VI's reign was marked by internal strife and external conflicts, particularly with the Seleucid Empire to the north.
Biblical and Historical SignificanceWhile Philometor is not directly mentioned in the canonical books of the Bible, his reign is relevant to the historical backdrop of the intertestamental period. This era, often referred to as the "silent years" between the Old and New Testaments, was a time of significant political and cultural change for the Jewish people.
The Ptolemaic and Seleucid dynasties frequently clashed over control of the region of Judea, which was strategically located between their respective territories. These conflicts are alluded to in the prophetic visions of the Book of Daniel, particularly in
Daniel 11, which describes the "king of the South" and the "king of the North." While interpretations vary, some scholars associate the "king of the South" with the Ptolemaic rulers, including Philometor.
Influence on Jewish AffairsDuring Philometor's reign, the Jewish people in Egypt and Judea experienced varying degrees of autonomy and influence. The Ptolemaic rulers, including Philometor, were known for their relatively tolerant policies towards the Jewish population. This period saw the continued development of the Jewish community in Alexandria, which became a center of Jewish learning and culture.
Philometor's interactions with the Jewish people are also reflected in the apocryphal texts, such as the Book of 2 Maccabees, which provides historical insights into the struggles of the Jewish people against Hellenistic influences and the defense of their religious traditions.
LegacyPtolemy VI Philometor's legacy is intertwined with the complex history of the Hellenistic period and its impact on the Jewish world. His reign exemplifies the challenges faced by the Jewish people as they navigated the political and cultural pressures of the time. The historical events of this era set the stage for the eventual rise of the Hasmonean dynasty and the Maccabean revolt, which are pivotal in understanding the context of the New Testament.
In summary, while Philometor is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, his reign is an integral part of the historical and cultural milieu that shaped the Jewish experience during the intertestamental period. His interactions with the Jewish people and the broader geopolitical dynamics of his time provide valuable insights into the historical context of biblical prophecy and Jewish history.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PHILOMETORfil-o-me'-tor.
SeePTOLEMY, VI.
Library
The Friendship that was Between Onias and PtolemyPhilometor; and...
... CHAPTER 3. The Friendship That Was Between Onias And PtolemyPhilometor; And
How Onias Built A Temple In Egypt Like To That At Jerusalem....
How Alexander Honored Jonathan after an Extraordinary Manner; and...
... 1. Demetrius being thus slain in battle, as we have above related, Alexander took
the kingdom of Syria; and wrote to PtolemyPhilometor, and desired his...
Chapter i.
... IV. Philopator I.((BC222"205). V. Epiphanes (BC205"182). VI. Eupator (BC182).
VII.Philometor (BC182"146). VIII. Philopator II.((BC146). IX....
Introduction
... The Ptolemy in question was the sixth, surnamedPhilometor (BC180-145).... The Jewish
Sibylline verses also go back to the reign of PtolemyPhilometor....
Nor is this an Opinion Confined to Ourselves Alone. ...
... of whom mention is made in the Maccabees, from the Peripatetic philosopher who
dedicated his Commentaries on the Law of Moses to PtolemyPhilometor--Vales....
On the Greek Translation of the Old Testament.
... And Aristobulus, in his first book addressed toPhilometor, writes in these words:
"And Plato followed the laws given to us, and had manifestly studied all...
While These Things are Going on in Jud??a, a Certain Young Man...
... general of the Cretans, tried by war to recover the kingdom of his, father, but
finding his power unequal to the task, he implored PtolemyPhilometor, king of...
An Enumeration of the High Priests.
... the nephew of Onias that was dead, and bore the same name with his father, came
into Egypt, and got into the friendship of PtolemyPhilometor, and Cleopatra...
How Alexander when He had Taken the Government Made an Expedition...
... Now while AntiochusPhilometor, and Antiochus who was called Cyzicenus, were making
war one against another, and destroying one another's armies, the people of...
How
... weak, and not yet of abilities to manage affairs of such consequence; so he came
with great forces to Pelusium, and circumvented PtolemyPhilometor by treachery...
Thesaurus
PhilometorPhilometor. Philol'ogus,
Philometor. Philosopher . Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia
PHILOMETOR. fil-o-me'-tor. See PTOLEMY, VI.
...Ptolemy
... 17 is to be interpreted as referring to the relations between Ptolemy V and Antiochus
III, "the Great." (6) Ptolemy VI, surnamedPhilometor (Philometor, "Fond...
Demetrius (3 Occurrences)
... as king. In the meantime, a quarrel had arisen between PtolemyPhilometor
and Euergetes Physkon (Livy Epit. 46; Diod. Sic. fr xi...
Epiphanes
... PtolemyPhilometor was taken prisoner, and Antiochus had himself crowned king of
Egypt (171-167 BC) at Memphis; whereupon Alexandria revolted and chose...
Manius
... and "Manlius." About the same time a T. Manlius Torquatus was sent by the Romans
on an embassy to Egypt to settle a quarrel betweenPhilometor and Euergetes II...
Philosopher (1 Occurrence)
Philol'ogus (1 Occurrence)
Philol'ogus. Philologus, Philol'ogus.Philometor . Multi-Version Concordance...
Philologus, Philol'ogus.Philometor . Reference Bible.
Cleopatra
... kle-o-pa'-tra (Kleopatra, "from a famous father"): A daughter of Ptolemy VI (Philometor)
and of Queen Cleopatra, who was married first to Alexander Balas 150...
Coronation
... James Version, the Revised Version (British and American) "enthronement") where
Apollonius was sent into Egypt for the coronation of PtolemyPhilometor as king...
Acco (2 Occurrences)
... struggles of the Seleucids it fell into the hands of Alexander Bala, who there received
the hand of Cleopatra, the daughter of PtolemyPhilometor, as a pledge...
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