4
He gathered a very strong army and ruled over countries, nations, and princes, and they became tributary to him.
5
After this he fell sick and perceived that he was dying.
6
So he summoned his most honored officers, who had been brought up with him from youth, and divided his kingdom among them while he was still alive.
7
And after Alexander had reigned twelve years, he died.
8
Then his officers began to rule, each in his own place.
9
They all put on crowns after his death, and so did their sons after them for many years; and they caused many evils on the earth.
10
From them came forth a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king; he had been a hostage in Rome. He began to reign in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.
11
In those days lawless men came forth from Israel, and misled many, saying, "Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles round about us, for since we separated from them many evils have come upon us."
12
This proposal pleased them,
13
and some of the people eagerly went to the king. He authorized them to observe the ordinances of the Gentiles.
14
So they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, according to Gentile custom,