In the one hundred sixtieth year, Alexander Epiphanes, the son of Antiochus, went up and took possession of Ptolemais. They received him, and he reigned there.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 1. Illustrious. He falsely asserted that he was the son of Epiphanes, being of very mean birth. Just. xxxv. Worthington.—Others say that he was illegitimate, and styled Ballas after his mother Bala, though the name in Syriac may denote “a worthless person.” In his medals he styles himself Deopator Euergetes, as if “God were his father,” and himself “beneficent.” Calmet. Usher, A. 3851.—At any rate the Romans and Egyptians acknowledged him, being glad to find a rival for Demetrius, who was become odious likewise to the Jews and Syrians. Heraclides had been deprived of his government ( Calmet.) by the king, (Calmet. 7:8) and in revenge ( Bible.) took Alexander, and Laodicea, daughter of Epiphanes, to Rome, where he gained over many of the senators, who agreed to help them to recover the kingdom. Heraclides then levied forces at Ephesus, and Ptolemais was delivered up to Alexander, whence he wrote to Jonathan. Nothing contributed more than these divisions to secure the liberty of the Jews.
circa B.Calmet. 153.