1 Macc. xi. 39, 40, &c. In the year of the World 3859, before J. C. 141, before the vulgar Æra 145.VI. ANTIOCHUS THEOS, or the God, Son of Alexander Balas, King of Syria, was brought up by an Arabian Prince called Elmalchuel. Demetrius Nicanor King of Syria having made himself odious to his Troops, one Diodotus, otherwise called Tryphon, came to Zabdiel, and desired him to trust him with young Antiochus, promising to place him on the Throne of Syria, which was possessed by Demetrius Nicanor. Zabdiel at first was unwilling to consent, fearing lest Diodotus should destroy this young Prince, after he had made use of him to divest Nicanor of the Kingdom. But at last he trusted him with Antiochus. Tryphon carried him into Syria, and put the Crown upon his head. The Troops which Demetrius had dismissed, came and surrendred themselves to him; and having formed a powerful Army he marched against Demetrius; who was overcome, and forced to retreat to Seleucia. Tryphon seized his Elephants, and made himself Master of Antioch.
Antiochus Theos, to strengthen himself in his new acquisition, sent letters to Jonathan nathan Maccabæus, High Priest and Prince of the Jews, whereby he confirmed him in possession of the High Priesthood, granted him four Toparchies, or four considerable places in Judæa, received him into the number of his friends, sent him vessels of gold, permitted him to use a gold cup, to wear purple, and a golden buckle; and gave his Brother Simon Maccabæus the general command of all the Troops upon the coast of the Mediterranean, from Tyre as far as the frontiers of Egypt. Jonathan, engaged by so many favours, declared resolutely against Demetrius for Antiochus, or rather for Tryphon, who reigned under the name of this young Prince; and on many occasions attacked Demetrius’s Generals, who were still possessed of several 1 Macc. xi. 63, & seq. xii. 24, 34.places beyond Jordan, and in Galilee.
Tryphon seeing young Antiochus peaceable possessor of the Kingdom of Syria, resolved to get rid of him, and himself In the year of the World 3861. before J. C. 139. before the vulgar Æra 143.usurp the Crown. He thought it was necessary in the first place to secure Jonathan Maccabæus, who was one of the most powerful supports of Antiochus’s Throne. He came therefore with Troops into Judæa, invited Jonathan to Ptolemais, and there, upon frivolous pretences, made him a prisoner. Simon, Jonathan’s Brother, headed the Troops of Judæa, and opposed the designs of Tryphon, who intended to make himself Master of Jerusalem. Tryphon, disappointed of his hopes, put Jonathan to 1 Macc. xiii. 2 Macc. xiv.death at Bassa, or Bascama, and returned into Syria, where, without delay, he executed the design he had conceived, of killing Antiochus. He corrupted the Physicians, who having published that the young Prince was tormented with the stone, murdered him, by cutting him without any necessity. Thus Tryphon was left sole Master of the Kingdom of Syria, in the year of the World 3861. before J. C. 139. before the vulgar Æra 143.