2
He fought many battles, conquered strongholds, and put to death the kings of the earth.
3
He advanced to the ends of the earth, and plundered many nations. When the earth became quiet before him, he was exalted, and his heart was lifted up.
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,