Now when Apollonius the son of Menestheus was sent into Egypt for the enthronement of Philometor as king, Antiochus, learning that Philometor had shown himself hostile toward the government, took precautions for the security of his realm. Therefore, going to Joppa, he travelled on to Jerusalem.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 21. Treat. Greek “when king Ptolemy Philometor ascended the throne;” πρωτοκλισια. Bible.—Grotius would substitute πρωτοκουρια, “the first hair cutting,” which was a great festival, the hair being presented to some deity. Apollonius was sent under the pretence of honouring Philometor, but in reality to sound the dispositions of the nobility respecting the claims of Epiphanes to be the king’s tutor. Cleopatra died this year, A. 3831. The regents of Egypt demanded Celosyria, her portion, and war commenced. Calmet.—Epiphanes pretended to defend Philometor against his younger brother, (Livy xliv.) but he wished to seize the kingdom. 1 B. 1:17. Worthington.
The exact meaning of the Greek word is uncertain.