The Fundamentals - 1910: Vol.11

Fulfilled Prophecy a Potent Argument for the Bible 75 when the he-goat had waxed very great, the great horn was broken. This predicted the early and sudden death of Alex­ ander the Great He died after a reign of 12 years and eight months, after a career of drunkenness and debauchery in 323 B. C. He died when he was but 32 years old. Then four notable ones sprang up in the place of the broken horn. This too has been fulfilled, for the empire of Alexander was divided into four parts. Four of the great generals of Alexander made the division, namely, Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus and Ptolemy. The four great divisions were Syria, Egypt, Mace­ donia, and Asia Minor. ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES In verses 19 to 24 of the eighth chapter of Daniel the com­ ing of a wicked leader, to spring out of one of the divisions of the Macedonian Empire and the vile work he was to do, is predicted. He was to work great havoc in the pleasant land, that is, Israel’s land. History does not leave us in doubt about the identity of this wicked king. He is the eighth king of the Seleucid dynasty, who took the Syrian throne and is known by the name of Antiochus Epiphanes, and bore also the name of Epimanes, i. e., “the Madman.” ' He was the tyrant and op­ pressor of the Jews. His wicked deeds of oppression, blas­ phemy and sacrilege are fully described in the Book of the Maccabees. Long before he ever appeared Daniel saw him and his wicked work in his vision. And all this has been fulfilled in Antiochus Epiphanes. When he had conquered Jerusalem he sacrificed a sow upon the altar of burnt offerings and sprinkled its broth over the entire building. He corrupted the youths of Jerusalem by introducing lewd practices; the feast of tabernacles he changed into the feast of Bacchus. He auctioned off the high-priest­ hood. All kinds of infamies were perpetrated by him and the most awful obscenity permitted and encouraged. All true

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