From this point in the prophecy given to Daniel in Daniel 11 & 12, the focus shifts from the Seleucid and Ptolemaic rulers. The cruel malevolence which Antiochus IV (175 B.C.E. – 164 B.C.E.) unleashes upon the Jews upon his return from Egypt (after being forced to surrender his hold on the Ptolemaic Kingdom,) ironically, leads to the foundation of the independent Jewish Hasmonean Kingdom.

Co-Co, The Coconut-Throwing Chimpanzee Schoolmaster, thought that it would be useful to note the Seleucid and Ptolemaic rulers from this point on, until both empires were brought under the total control of The Roman Republic.

Kings of the Ptolemaic Period (323-30 BC)

• Ptolemy I Soter (332-282 BC )
• Ptolemy II Philadelphos (282-246 BC)
• Ptolemy III Euergetes (246-222 BC)
• Ptolemy IV Philopator (221-204 BC)
• Ptolemy V Epiphanes (204-180 BC)
• Ptolemy VI Philometor (180-145 BC )
• Ptolemy VII Neos Philopator (145-144 BC)
• Ptolemy VIII Euergetes Tryphon (170-164/3,145-116 BC)
• Ptolemy IX (116-107 BC )
• Ptolemy X Alexander (107-88 BC)
• Ptolemy XI (80�58 BC, 55-51 BC)
• Ptolemy XII
• Cleopatra VII (51-30 BC)
• Ptolemy XIII (47-44 BC)
• Ptolemy XIV (co-regent with Cleopatra VII)
• Ptolemy XV Caesarion

There are ten more Ptolemaic rulers from Ptolemy VI (180 B.C.E. – 145 B.C.E.) but after the uprising of the Jews against Antiochus IV, the prophecy given to Daniel does not note Egypt, until Verse 40 when the famous Cleopatra VII and Mark Antony, the great Roman general, engage in The Battle of Actium and are defeated. The triumphant Roman, Octavian conquers Egypt for Rome, and The Roman Empire is established.

Kings of the Seleucid Empire

Although there are twenty two more Seleucid monarchs after Antiochus IV, the Hasmonean Kingdom is able to survive because the Seleucid monarchs are now descended from the usurper Antiochus IV, and Demetrius I, the son of Seleucus IV. Each line endeavours to use the Hasmonean Kingdom as an ally.

There is, however, An Everlasting Kingdom, which unlike even the mighty long-lived Roman Empire, conqueror of the Ptolemaic, Seleucid, and Hasmonean Kingdoms, is eternal.

“For We know that if our Earthly House of this Tabernacle were dissolved;

We have A Building of GOD,

An House Not Made With Hands,

Eternal in The Heavens.” (II Corinthinians 5:1)

Next Week: Daniel 11:30b Antiochus IV and His Attack on The Very Essence of Judaism