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Orias II high priest, stops paying taxes to
Ptolemy III in anticipation of loss in battle. However victorious Ptolemy
transfers power to House of Tobias, Jerusalem supporter of Hellenism with
roots in Transjordan.
Tobais maintains economic and political influence
for a century.
Joseph, son of Tobais, turns Jerusalem into a
commercial center, enhancing its Hellenistic character.
Simon the Just serves as last undisputed high
priest in Jerusalem. Reputation as defender of Jewish faith. Fortified
Jerusalem, attempted to stem flow of Hellenism.
Judean population has probably trebled under the
Ptolemies.
Agricultural advance: device for planting seeds
during plowing.
Antiochus III restores much of N. Israel, Jordan
valley and Transjordan to his rule, only to be defeated (217) at Raffia by
Ptolemy
(1.
Daniel 11:10-13)
Antiochus III regains Israel from Ptolemies.
Jerusalem suffers from war between Ptolemies and
Seleuicids. Antiochus III reduces taxes, plans to refurbish the Temple. He
encourages the Jews to maintain ancestral law and to govern autonomously.
Jewish entrepeurnal class emerges. Foreign slaves
abound.
Jerusalem high priest Orias III refuses to pay
funds from Jerusalem temple to Seleucid IV.
Antiochus Epiphanies extends citizenship to Jews
who adopt Greek life style (Hellenists). Some undo their circumcision in
order to play in gymnasium games.
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