4
And he gathered a mighty, strong host and ruled over countries and nations and kings, who became tributaries unto him.
5
And after these things he fell sick and perceived that he would die.
6
Therefore he called his servants, such as were honorable and had been brought up with him from his youth, and parted his kingdom among them while he was yet alive.
7
So Alexander reigned twelve years, and then died.
8
And his servants began to rule every one in his place.
9
And after his death they all put crowns upon themselves; so did their sons after them many years; and evils were multiplied on the earth.
10
And there came out of them a wicked root: Antiochus, surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been a hostage at Rome; and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.
11
In those days there went out of Israel wicked men who persuaded many, saying, "Let us go and make a covenant with the heathen who are round about us, for since we departed from them we have had much sorrow."
12
So this device pleased them well.
13
Then certain of the people were so forward herein that they went to the king, who gave them license to do according to the ordinances of the heathen.
14
Thereupon they built a place of exercise at Jerusalem according to the customs of the heathen,