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,
15
and removed the marks of circumcision, and abandoned the holy covenant. They joined with the Gentiles and sold themselves to do evil.
16
When Antiochus saw that his kingdom was established, he determined to become king of the land of Egypt, that he might reign over both kingdoms.
17
So he invaded Egypt with a strong force, with chariots and elephants and cavalry and with a large fleet.
18
He engaged Ptolemy king of Egypt in battle, and Ptolemy turned and fled before him, and many were wounded and fell.
19
And they captured the fortified cities in the land of Egypt, and he plundered the land of Egypt.