4 He built a very strong army and ruled countries, nations, and princes; and they all owed allegiance to him.
5 But eventually Alexander fell sick and was confined to bed. He knew that he was dying.
6 He therefore called for his most esteemed officers, those who had been raised with him; and he divided his kingdom among them while he was still alive.
7 Then Alexander died, having ruled for twelve years.
8 Subsequently, his officers began to rule, each in his own territory.
9 They ruled as kings, and after them their descendants ruled for many years. Together they caused much suffering across the earth.
10 From these descendants sprouted a sinful root—Antiochus Epiphanes. He was a son of King Antiochus, and he had been brought up in Rome as a hostage. Antiochus Epiphanes began to rule in the year 137 according to the calendar of the Greek kingdom.