Topical Encyclopedia Antiochus VII, also known as Antiochus Sidetes, was a Hellenistic king of the Seleucid Empire who reigned from 138 to 129 BC. He was the son of Demetrius I Soter and the brother of Demetrius II Nicator. His reign is noted for attempts to restore the waning power of the Seleucid Empire and for his interactions with the Jewish people during the Hasmonean period.Historical Context Antiochus VII ascended to the throne during a tumultuous period marked by internal strife and external threats. The Seleucid Empire, once a dominant force in the Near East, was in decline due to internal conflicts and the rise of rival powers such as the Parthians. Antiochus VII sought to reclaim lost territories and restore the empire's former glory. Interactions with the Jewish People Antiochus VII's reign is significant in Jewish history, particularly in relation to the Hasmonean dynasty. The Hasmoneans, under the leadership of John Hyrcanus, had established a degree of independence from the Seleucid Empire. Antiochus VII initially sought to reassert control over Judea, leading to military confrontations. The Jewish historian Josephus records that Antiochus VII laid siege to Jerusalem. However, unlike his predecessors, Antiochus VII's approach was somewhat conciliatory. He allowed the Jews to continue practicing their religion and even granted them certain privileges, provided they acknowledged his sovereignty. This approach was likely a strategic move to stabilize the region and secure loyalty. Military Campaigns and Death Antiochus VII is perhaps best known for his military campaigns against the Parthians, who had become a significant threat to the Seleucid territories in the east. In 130 BC, he launched a campaign to reclaim Mesopotamia and other eastern provinces. Initially, he achieved some success, capturing Babylon and other key cities. However, his campaign ultimately ended in failure. In 129 BC, Antiochus VII was defeated and killed in battle against the Parthians. His death marked a significant blow to the Seleucid Empire, which continued to fragment and weaken in the years that followed. Legacy Antiochus VII's reign is often viewed as the last significant attempt to restore the Seleucid Empire's power. His interactions with the Jewish people are notable for their relative leniency compared to the harsh policies of earlier Seleucid rulers. This period is a critical juncture in the history of the Jewish people, as it set the stage for further developments in the Hasmonean dynasty and the eventual rise of Roman influence in the region. While Antiochus VII is not directly mentioned in the Bible, his reign and actions had a lasting impact on the historical and religious landscape of the time, influencing the context in which later biblical events unfolded. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Antiochus ViiANTIOCHUS VII (Surnamed Sidetes, Sidetes, after Sida in Pamphylia, where he was educated): Younger son of Demetrius Soter and brother of Demetrius Nicator, whose wife, Cleopatra, he married when Demetrius was taken prisoner by the Parthians. Antiochus overthrew the usurper, Tryphon, and ascended the throne himself and reigned from 139 to 130 B.C. He defeated John Maccabeus and besieged Jerusalem (Ant., XIII, viii, 2), but concluded a favorable peace (Ant., XIII, viii, 3) from fear of Rome. Later he waged war with the Parthians and was slain in battle (1 Maccabees 15:2-9, 28-31). Library The History of the Prophetic Sermons, Epistles, and Apocalypses In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ... Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures Daniel Basil: Letters and Select Works That it was Before Predicted that the World Would Hold us in ... Life and Writings of Sulpitius Severus. Apion Book 2 Footnotes What Charge David Gave Tohis Son Solomon at the Approach of his ... The Ecclesiastical History of Theodoret Resources What happened in the intertestamental period? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the prophecy of 2,300 days in Daniel? | GotQuestions.org Who was Judas Maccabeus? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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