September 8: PEACE? AT WHAT COST?
And at the end of some years they will join forces, for the daughter of the king of the South shall go to the king of the North to make an agreement; but she shall not retain the power of her authority, and neither he nor his authority shall stand; but she shall be given up, with those who brought her, and with him who begot her, and with him who strengthened her in those times. Daniel 11:6
In the meantime of the above mentioned some years, the successors of Cassander in the west were conquered by Lysimachus in the north and Cassander’s kingdom (old Greece/Macedon) was annexed to Thrace. But then Lysimachus was conquered by Seleucus, so Macedon and Thrace were annexed to Syria.
So, by the end of some years, Seleucus Nicator was in control over three-fourths of the previously divided kingdom of Greece (comprising Syria to the north of Israel), while Ptolomy Sotor held a firm hand south of Israel (Egypt: Cyprus, Phoenicia, Caria, Cyrene, and numerous islands and cities were now annexed to Egypt).
The frequent wars between the kings of Syria and Egypt (north and south) became tiresome. Ptolemy Philadelphus (successor to Ptolemy Sotor) knew he could not defeat Syria. He made an appeal to Antiochus Theos (3rd king of Syria) to make peace upon the condition that Antiochus send his wife, Laodice, and their two sons away, and marry Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy Philadelphus. He gave Berenice to Antiochus, along with an enormous dowry. But she shall not retain the power of her authority… This is because, within a short time, Antiochus brought back to his court Laodice and her two sons. Laodice used her regained position to secure the throne for her older son, Seleucus Callinicus. She also had her husband Antiochus poisoned to death, lest his fickle nature again disgrace her by calling back Berenice. Thus, neither he nor his authority shall stand.
Not yet satisfied, Laodice had Berenice and her infant son murdered. Berenice’s numerous Egyptian attendants, in their attempt to defend her and the baby, were also slain. And, thus, the entire entourage was wiped out fulfilling the prophecy: but she [Berenice] shall be given up, with those who brought her…
These heinous acts did not pass unnoticed in Egypt, and we will soon see how the revengeful “ancient soap opera” continues. An ongoing negative influence pounded the tiny nation of Israel, who repeatedly allowed shallow and worldly influences to turn their attention away from God.
They do not consider in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness; Now their own deeds have surrounded them; They are before My face. Hosea 7:2