Ptolemy

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Ptolemy. Ptolemaeus or Ptolemy was the common name of the Greek dynasty of Egyptian kings.

Ptolemaeus I; Ptolemy Soter , the son of Lagus, a Macedonian of low rank, distinguished himself greatly during the campaigns of Alexander; at whose death, he secured for himself, the government of Egypt, where he proceeded, at once, to lay the foundations of a kingdom, B.C. 323. He abdicated in favor of his youngest son, Ptolemy II. Philadelphus, two years before his death which took place in B.C. 283. Ptolemy Soter is described very briefly in Daniel,  Daniel 11:6, as one of those who should receive part of the empire of Alexander, when it was "divided toward the four winds of heaven."

Ptolemaeus II; Ptolemy Philadelphus , B.C. 285-247, the youngest son of Ptolemy I, was made king two years before his father's death, to confirm the irregular succession. The conflict between Egypt and Syria was renewed during his reign, in consequence of the intrigue of his half brother Magas. Ptolemy bestowed liberal encouragement on literature and science, founding the great library and museum at Alexandria, and gathered about him many men of learning, as the poet Theocritus, the geometer Euclid, and the astronomer Aratua.

This reign was a critical epoch for the development of Judaism, as it was for the intellectual history of the ancient world. The critical faculty was called forth in place of the creative, and learning in some sense supplied the place of original speculation. It was impossible on the Jew, who was now become us true a citizen of the world as the Greek, should remain passive in the conflict of opinions. It is enough now to observe the greatness of the consequences involved in the union of Greek language with Jewish thought.

From this time, the Jew was familiarized with the great types of western literature, and in some degree, aimed at imitating them. A second time and in new fashion, Egypt disciplined a people of God. It first impressed upon a nation, the firm unity of a family and then, in due time, reconnected a matured people, with the world from which it had been called out.

Ptolemaeus III; Ptolemy Euergetes , B.C. 247-222, was the eldest son of Ptolemy Philadelphus, and brother of Berenice, the wife of Antiochus II. The repudiation and murder of his sister furnished him with an occasion for invading Syria, circa, B.C. 246.  Daniel 11:7. He extended his conquests as far as Antioch, and then eastward to Babylon, but was recalled to Egypt by tidings of seditions which had broken out there.

His success was brilliant and complete. He carried "captives into Egypt; their gods of the conquered nations, with their princes and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold."  Daniel 11:8. This capture of sacred trophies earned for the king, the name Euergetes - "Benefactor". After his return to Egypt, circa, B.C. 243, he suffered a great part of the conquered provinces to fall again under the power of Seleucus.

Ptolemaeus IV; Ptolemy Pilospator , B.C. 222-205. After the death of Ptolemy Euergetes, the line of the Ptolemies rapidly degenerated. Ptolemy Philopator, his eldest son, who succeeded him, was to the last degree sensual, effeminate and debased. But externally, his kingdom retained its power and splendor, and when circumstances forced him to action, Ptolemy himself showed ability, not unworthy of his race.

The description of the campaign of Raphia, (B.C. 217), in the book of Daniel gives a vivid description of his character.  Daniel 11:10-12; compare  1 Maccabees 1:1-3. After offering in the Temple at Jerusalem, sacrifices for the success they achieved, he attempted to enter the sanctuary. A sudden paralysis hindered his design; but when he returned to Alexandria, he determined to inflict on the Alexandrine Jews, the vengeance for his disappointment. He was succeeded by his only child, Ptolemy V Epiphanes who was at the time, only four or five years old.

Ptolemaeus V; Ptolemy Epiphanes , B.C. 205-181. The reign of Ptolemy Epiphanes was a critical epoch in the history of the Jews. The rivalry between the Syrian and Egyptian parties, some time divided the people, came to an open rupture in the struggles which marked his minority. In the strong language of Daniel, "The robbers of the people exalted themselves to establish the vision."  Daniel 11:14.

The accession of Ptolemy and the confusion of a disputed regency furnished a favorable opportunity for foreign invasion. "Many stood up against the king of the south," under Antiochus, the Great and Philip III of Macedonia, who formed a league for the dismemberment of his kingdom. "So the king of the north [Antiochus] came, and cast up a mount, and took the most fenced city, [Sidon], and the arms of the south did not withstand." [at Paneas B.C. 198].  Daniel 11:14-15. The Romans interfered, and in order to retain the provinces of Coele-Syria, Phoenicia and Judea, Antiochus "gave him See Ptolemy . a young maiden" [his daughter Cleopatra, as his betrothed wife].  Daniel 11:27. But in the end, his policy only partially succeeded.

After the marriage of Ptolemy and Cleopatra was consummated B.C. 193, Cleopatra, did "not stand on his side," but supported her husband in maintaining the alliance with Rome. The disputed provinces, however remained in the possession of Antiochus and Ptolemy was poisoned at the time when he was preparing an expedition to recover them from Seleucus, the unworthy successor of Antiochus.

Ptolemaeus VI; Ptolemy Philometor , B.C. 181-145. On the death of Ptolemy Epiphanes, his wife Cleopatra held the regency for her young son, Ptolemy Philometor, and preserved peace with Syria till she died, B.C. 173. The government then fell into unworthy hands, and an attempt was made to recover Syria. Compare  2 Maccabees 4:21. Antiochus Epiphanes seems to have made the claim a pretext for invading Egypt.

The generals of Ptolemy were defeated near Pelusium, probably at the close of B.C. 171,  1 Maccabees 1:16; ff; and in the next year Antiochus, having secured the person of the young king, reduced almost the whole of Egypt. Compare  2 Maccabees 5:1. Meanwhile, Ptolemy Euergetes II, the younger brother of Ptolemy Philometor, assumed the supreme power at Alexandris; and Antiochus, under the pretext of recovering the crown for Philometor, besieged Alexandria in B.C. 169.

By this time, however, his selfish designs were apparent: the brothers were reconciled, and Antiochus was obliged to acquiesce, for the time, in the arrangement which they made. But, while doing so, he prepared for another invasion of Egypt, and was already approaching Alexandria, when he was met by the Roman embassy led by C. Popillius Laenas, who, in the name of the Roman senate, insisted on his immediate retreat, (B.C.168). A command which the late victory at Pydna made impossible to disobey. These campaigns, which are intimately connected with the visits of Antiochus to Jerusalem in B.C. 170, 168, are briefly described in  Daniel 11:25;  Daniel 11:30.

The whole of Syria was, afterward, subdued by Ptolemy, and he was crowned at Antioch, king of Egypt and Asia.  1 Maccabees 11:13. Alexander, a rival claimant, attempted to secure the crown, but was defeated and, afterward, put to death by Ptolemy. But the latter did not long enjoy his success. He fell from his horse in the battle and died within a few days.  1 Maccabees 11:18. Ptolemy Philometor is the last king of Egypt, who is noticed in sacred history, and his reign was marked also, by the erection of the temple at Leontopolis.

Morrish Bible Dictionary

This name of the later Egyptian kings does not occur in scripture, though the acts of the Ptolemies are prophesied of in Daniel. See under ANTIOCHUS.

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

tol´ḗ - 1001 ( Πτολεμαῖος , Ptolemaı́os , but usually called Ptolemy - "the Warlike"): The name Ptolemy is rather common from the days of Alexander the Great, but is best known as the dynastic name of the 13 (14) Macedonian kings of Egypt (323-43 BC) (as Pharaoh in the Old Testament). Those of interest to the Biblical student are:

(1) Ptolemy I , surnamed Soter, ( Σωτήρ , Sōtḗr , "Savior"), called also Ptolemy Lagi, was born circa 366 BC, the son of Lagus and Arsinoe, a concubine of Philip of Macedon. He was prominent among the officers of Alexander the Great, whom he accompanied in his eastern campaigns. On the death of Alexander, Ptolemy seized the satrapy of Egypt as his share (  1 Maccabees 1:6 ff). Now commenced the long hostilities between Egypt and Syria, Ptolemy on more than one occasion invading Syria. In 316 he joined in a war against Antigonus during which Coele-Syria and Phoenicia were lost, but in 312 regained from Demetrius the son of Antigonus. It was most probably in this year (312) that Ptolemy captured Jerusalem on a Sabbath day (Josephus, Ant. , Xii , i, 1), and by force or persuasion induced many Jews to accompany him to Egypt as colonists or mercenaries. His kind treatment of them induced others to leave Syria for Egypt. In 306 Ptolemy was defeated in the great naval fight off Salamis in Cyprus by which Cyprus was lost to Egypt. About this date Ptolemy assumed the title of "king," following the example of the Syrian ruler. In 305-304 he defended the Rhodians against Demetrius Poliorcetes, forcing the latter to raise the siege - hence, the title "Savior." In 285 Bc P tolemy abdicated in favor of his youngest son Philadelphus - the son of his favorite wife Berenice - and died in 283 BC. According to the usual interpretation this Philadelphus is "the king of the south" in  Daniel 11:5 . This Ptolemy shares with his son and successor the honor of rounding the famous Alexandrian Museum and Library.

(2) Ptolemy 2 , surnamed Philadelphus ( Φιλάδελφος , Philádelphos , "Brother(sister?)-loving"), the youngest son of Ptolemy I; born 309 Bc in Cos; succeeded his father in 285 Bc and died 247. Like his father, he was actively engaged in two Syrian wars until peace was made about 250 BC, Berenice, the daughter of Philadelphus, being given in marriage to Antiochus II. This Ptolemy planted numerous colonies in Egypt, Syria and Palestine, among which were several of the name of Arsinoe (his sister-wife), Philadelphia on the ruins of old Rabbah, Philotera south of the Sea of Galilee, and Ptolemais on the site of Acco. He devoted great attention to the internal administration of his kingdom, endowed the Museum and Alexandrian Library in which his father had taken much interest; in general he followed his father's example as a liberal patron of art, science and literature. According to one tradition it was Philadelphus who was instrumental in starting the Septuagint translation (see Septuagint ). At any rate, he was favorably disposed toward his Jewish subjects, and in his reign Jewish wisdom and Greek philosophy began to blend. Philadelphus is supposed to be "the king of the south" of  Daniel 11:6 , whose daughter "shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement."

(3) Ptolemy 3 , surnamed Euergetes ( Εὐεργέτης , Euergétēs , "Benefactor"), son of Philadelphus, whom he succeeded in 247 BC. In 246 he was provoked to a Syrian war to avenge the murder of his sister Berenice at Antioch; in the course of this campaign he met with remarkable success, overran Syria, plundered Susa and Babylonia, penetrated to the shores of India and captured the important stronghold of Seleucia (  1 Maccabees 11:8 ). Euergetes was, however, prevented from reaping the fruits of his victories by being recalled by internal troubles in Egypt. He brought back with him from the East the Egyptian gods that Cambyses had carried away 300 years before, thus earning from the Egyptians the title of "Benefactor." Two traditions obtain as to his death: the more probable is that of Polybius (ii. 71), according to which he died a natural death (222 BC), or, according to another (Justin xxix.1), he was murdered by his son. Some regard this king as the Euergetes mentioned in the Prologue to Sir, but the reference must rather be to Euergetes 2 (Ptolemy VII). The "shoot" who "shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north" and prevail is Euergetes I ( Daniel 11:7-9 ),  Daniel 11:8 referring to the act by which he won his title.

(4) Ptolemy 4 , surnamed Philopator ( Φιλοπάτωρ , Philopátōr , "Lover of his father"), or Tryphon ( Τρύφων , Trúphōn ), the eldest son of Euergetes whom he succeeded in 222 BC. Antiochus the Great of Syria declared war against Egypt about 219 BC, but, after conquering Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, he was defeated by Philopator at the battle of Raphia near Gaza (217 BC). On his victorious return to Alexandria, Philopator assumed a very anti-Jewish attitude, and indeed caused discontent generally among his subjects. In spite of the victory of Raphia, Egypt began to decline under his weakness. He was as dissolute as Nero, while his domestic tragedies are as dark as those of Herod the Great. He died in 205 BC.   Daniel 11:10-12 refers to the reign of Philopator. He was most probably the oppressor of 3 Macc.

(5) Ptolemy 5 , surnamed Epiphanes ( Ἐπιφανής , Epiphanḗs , "Illustrious"). He was only 5 years old when his father Philopator died. Taking advantage of the king's minority, Antiochus the Great leagued with Philip of Macedon against Egypt. Philip took the Cyclades and some cities in Thrace, while Antiochus defeated the Egyptian general Scopas at Paneas on the Jordan in 198 BC, and thus Palestine passed to the Seleucid dynasty. The Romans now interfered to make Antiochus surrender his conquests. Not daring to disobey Rome, Antiochus compromised by making peace with Ptolemy and betrothing to him his daughter Cleopatra, who was to receive as her dower the revenues of the conquered provinces Coele-Syria, Palestine and Phoenicia (Josephus, Ant. , Xii , iv, 1; Polyb. xxviii. 17), but the control of these provinces seems to have been retained by Antiochus. The marriage took place in 193 BC. After the dismissal of his faithful minister, Aristomenes, Epiphanes' character and reign deteriorated. At last he bestirred himself to recover the lost provinces from Seleucus, the successor of Antiochus, but was poisoned before his plans materialized, in 182 (181) Bc (Josephus, Ant. , Xii , iv, 11).  Daniel 11:14-17 is to be interpreted as referring to the relations between Ptolemy V and Antiochus III, "the Great."

(6) Ptolemy 6 , surnamed Philometor ( φιλομήτωρ , Philomḗtōr , "Fond of his mother"), eider son of Ptolemy 5 whom he succeeded in 182 (181) BC. For the first 7 years of his reign his mother Cleopatra acted as queen-regent, and peace was maintained with Syria till 173 BC. Antiochus 4 Epiphanes then invaded Egypt, defeated the Egyptians at Pelusium and secured the person of Philometor, whom he spared, hoping to employ him as a tool to gain the ascendancy over Egypt. Philometor's brother was now proclaimed king by the Alexandrians, with the title of Euergetes (II). When Antiochus retired, Philometor made peace with his brother, conceding him a share in the government (170 BC). This displeased Antiochus, who marched against Alexandria, but was stopped beneath the walls by a Roman embassy (168 BC), in obedience to which he withdrew. The brothers quarreled again, and Philometor, expelled by Euergetes, went to Rome to seek assistance (164 BC). The Romans seated him again on his throne, assigning Cyrenaica to Euergetes. The next, quarrel was about Cyprus. Philometor this time secured his brother as a prisoner, but sent him back to his province. Philometor was later drawn into Syrian politics in the conflict between Alexander Balas and Demetrius. The Egyptian king espoused the cause of the former, to whom he also betrothed his daughter Cleopatra. But on discovering Balas' treachery, he took away his daughter from him and gave her to his opponent, Demetrius Nikator, whom he now supported against Balas. Balas was defeated in a decisive battle on the Oenoparas and killed, but Ptolemy himself died in 146 Bc from the effects of a fall from his horse in the battle ( 1 Maccabees 1:18;  10:51 ff;   2 Maccabees 1:10;  4:21 ).  Daniel 11:25-30 refers to the events of this reign. Philometor seems to have taken a friendly attitude toward the Jews. In his reign the Jewish temple of Leontopolis near Hellopolis was founded in 154 Bc (Josephus, Ant. , Xiii , iii, 1 f), and two Jewish generals, Onias and Dositheus, were at the head of his armies and had a large share in the government (Josephus, Apion II, 5). The Jewish-Alexandrine philosopher Aristobulus probably lived in this reign.

(7) (On the death of Philometor his young son was proclaimed king as Ptolemy Eupator ("of a noble father"), but after reigning but a few months was put to death by his uncle Euergetes 2 (Just. xxxviii. 8). His reign being so brief he need hardly be numbered among the Ptolemies.)

(8) Ptolemy 7 (VIII), surnamed Euergetes (II) and called also Physcon ( Φύσκων , Phúskōn , "Big-paunch"), became sole ruler in succession to his brother Philometor (or to his murdered nephew) in 146 BC, and reigned till 117 BC. His reign was characterized by cruelty, tyranny and vice, so that he was hated by his subjects, especially by the people of Alexandria, who on one occasion expelled him during an insurrection. It is uncertain whether Physcon was an enemy and persecutor of the Jews or their patron. Some authorities refer the persecutions mentioned in 3 Maccabees to this reign, but most modern authorities are disposed to date them in the reign of the anti-Jewish Ptolemy 4 Philopator. The statement, "in the 38th year of King Euergetes," in the Prologue to Sirach refers to Physcon Euergetes 2 and = 132 BC, since he dated his reign from the year of joint kingship with his brother (170 BC).

The other Ptolemies of Egypt require no mention here.

The following are the apocryphal Ptolemies:

(1) Ptolemy Macron. See Macron .

(2) Ptolemy, son of Abubus, son-in-law of Simon the Maccabee. He treacherously assassinated Simon and two of his sons in the stronghold of Dok near Jericho, 135 Bc ( 1 Maccabees 16:15 ).

(3) Ptolemy, the father of Lysimachus (Apocrypha) (Additions to   Esther 11:1 ).

(4) Ptolemy, son of a Dositheus; he and his father were bearers of the "epistle of Phrurai" (Additions to   Esther 11:1 ).

Literature.

J. P. Mahaffy, Empire of the Ptolemies , is the best account for English readers. A long list of Ptolemies will be found, e.g. in Smith's Classical Dictionary . The ancient authorities are Josephus, Polybius, Justin, Pausanias, Plutarch ( Cleom .), Livy, Diodorus, Jerome ( Commentary to   Daniel 11 ).

The Nuttall Encyclopedia

The name of the Macedonian kings of Egypt, of which there were 14 in succession, of whom Ptolemy I.,

as a favourite general of Alexander the Great, and who ruled Egypt from 328 to 285 B.C.; Ptolemy II.,

ho ruled from 285 to 247, a patron of letters and an able administrator; Ptolemy III.,

ho ruled from 247 to 222; Ptolemy IV.,

ho ruled from 222 to 205; Ptolemy V.,

ho ruled from 205 to 181; Ptolemy VI.,

ho ruled from 181 to 146; Ptolemy VII.,

ho ruled from 146 to 117; Ptolemy VIII.,

ho ruled from 117 to 107, was driven from Alexandria, returning to it in 88, and reigning till 81; Ptolemy X.,

ho ruled from 107 to 88; Ptolemy X.

ho ruled from 81 to 80; Ptolemy XI.,

ho ruled from 80 to 51; Ptolemy XII., who ruled from 51 to 47; Ptolemy XIII., the

ho ruled from 47 to 43; Ptolemy XIV.,

he son of Julius Cæsar and Cleopatra, who ruled from 43 to 30.

Kitto's Popular Cyclopedia of Biblial Literature

Ptol´emy. This common name of the Greek kings of Egypt does not occur in the canonical Scripture, but is frequent in the books of Maccabees and in Josephus (see the article Egypt).