In 152 B.C. a youth known as Alexander balas, who claimed to be a son of Antiochus Epiphanes, raised the standard of revolt against the reigning Syrian king, Demetrius I. The kings of southwestern Asia and Egypt at first lent their support to this impostor.
"The Makers and Teachers of Judaism"
Charles Foster Kent
Ptolemy Philometor, of Egypt, finally turned against Alexander balas; and in 145 B.C. this strange adventurer was slain near Antioch by his own followers.
"The Makers and Teachers of Judaism"
Charles Foster Kent
On the appearance of Alexander balas in 152 B.C. Demetrius I, in order to retain the loyalty of the Jews, permitted Jonathan to maintain a small standing army and to rebuild the fortifications of Jerusalem.
"The Makers and Teachers of Judaism"
Charles Foster Kent