Topical Encyclopedia The Seleucidae, also known as the Seleucid Dynasty, refers to the ruling family of the Seleucid Empire, which was one of the major Hellenistic states that emerged following the fragmentation of Alexander the Great's empire. The dynasty was founded by Seleucus I Nicator, one of Alexander's generals, who established control over a vast region stretching from the Aegean Sea to the Indus River. The Seleucid Empire played a significant role in the history of the Near East and is of particular interest in biblical studies due to its interactions with the Jewish people and its influence on the region during the intertestamental period.Historical Context The Seleucid Empire was established in 312 BC, following the division of Alexander's empire among his generals, known as the Diadochi. Seleucus I Nicator initially gained control over the eastern provinces, including Mesopotamia and Persia, and later expanded his territory to include Syria and parts of Asia Minor. The capital of the Seleucid Empire was initially established at Seleucia on the Tigris, and later at Antioch on the Orontes, which became a major center of Hellenistic culture and influence. Biblical Significance The Seleucid Dynasty is particularly noted in biblical history for its impact on the Jewish people during the Second Temple period. The most prominent Seleucid ruler in biblical accounts is Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose reign (175–164 BC) is marked by his aggressive Hellenization policies and persecution of the Jewish faith. This period is described in the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees, which, although not part of the Protestant canon, provide valuable historical context. Antiochus IV's actions, including the desecration of the Second Temple and the outlawing of Jewish religious practices, led to the Maccabean Revolt, a significant event in Jewish history. The revolt is seen as a struggle for religious freedom and national identity, and it ultimately resulted in the rededication of the Temple, an event commemorated by the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Prophetic References The Seleucid Empire is also referenced in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The Book of Daniel contains visions and prophecies that many conservative scholars interpret as foretelling the rise and fall of the Seleucid rulers. Daniel 8:9-14, for instance, is often understood to describe the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, symbolized by the "little horn" that grows exceedingly great and desecrates the sanctuary: "Out of one of them came a little horn, which grew exceedingly great toward the south and the east and toward the Beautiful Land. It grew as high as the host of heaven and threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled them. It set itself up to be as great as the commander of the army of the LORD; it took away the daily sacrifice from the LORD, and His sanctuary was thrown down." (Daniel 8:9-11) Additionally, Daniel 11 provides a detailed account of the conflicts between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms, often referred to as the "Kings of the North and South." This chapter is seen as a historical prophecy that outlines the geopolitical struggles of the Hellenistic period, culminating in the rise of Antiochus IV. Cultural and Religious Impact The Seleucid Dynasty's promotion of Hellenistic culture had a profound impact on the regions under its control, including Judea. The introduction of Greek language, customs, and philosophy created a cultural milieu that influenced Jewish society and thought. This period saw the emergence of various Jewish sects and the development of the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, which played a crucial role in the spread of Jewish thought in the Hellenistic world. The Seleucid period is a critical era in understanding the historical and cultural context of the New Testament. The tensions between Hellenistic and Jewish cultures set the stage for the diverse religious landscape encountered by Jesus and the early Christian community. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SELEUCIDAEse-lu'-si-de. Library The Greek Kings of Egypt. The Kingdom of God Conceived as the Inheritance of the Poor. Book 15 Footnotes Author's Introduction, The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was ... The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close. The Later Hebrew Histories. Thesaurus SeleucidaeSeleucidae. Seleu'cia, Seleucidae. Seleucus . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SELEUCIDAE. se-lu'-si-de. See SELEUCUS. ... /s/seleucidae.htm - 6k Seleucus Antiochus Seleu'cia (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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