instrument the nebel of the Hebrew exactly corresponded, From the fact that nebel in Hebrew also
signifies a wine-bottle or skin it has been conjectured that the term when applied to a musical
instrument denotes a kind of bagpipe. The psalteries of David were made of cypress, (2 Samuel
6:5) those of Solomon of algum Or almug trees. (2 Chronicles 9:11) Among the instruments of the
band which played before Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image on the plains of Dura, we again meet
with the psaltery. (Daniel 3:6,10,15) pesanterin.
Ptolemaeus, Or Ptolemy
was the common name of the Greek dynasty of Egyptian kings. PTOLEMAEUS I. SOTER,
the son of Lagus, a Macedonian of low rank, distinguished himself greatly during the campaigns
of Alexander; at whose death he secured for himself the government of Egypt, where he proceeded
at once to lay the foundations of a kingdom, B.C. 323. He abdicated in favor of his youngest son,
Ptolemy II. Philadelphus, two years before his death which took place in B.C. 283. Ptolemy Soter
is described very briefly in Daniel, (Daniel 11:6) as one of those who should receive part of the
empire of Alexander when it was “divided toward the four winds of heaven.” PTOLEMAEUS II.
PHILADELPHUS, B.C. 285-247, the youngest son of Ptolemy I., was made king two years before
his father’s death, to confirm the irregular succession. The conflict between Egypt and Syria was
renewed during his reign in consequence of the intrigue of his half brother Magas. Ptolemy bestowed
liberal encouragement on literature and science, founding the great library and museum at Alexandria,
and gathered about him many men of learning, as the poet Theocritus, the geometer Euclid and the
astronomer Aratua. This reign was a critical epoch for the development of Judaism, as it was for
the intellectual history of the ancient world. The critical faculty was called forth in place of the
creative, and learning in some sense supplied the place of original speculation. It was impossible
on the Jew who was now become us true a citizen of the world as the Greek, should remain passive
in the conflict of opinions. It is enough now to observe the greatness of the consequences involved
in the union of Greek language with Jewish thought. From this time the Jew was familiarized with
the great types of western literature, and in some degree aimed at imitating them. A second time
and in new fashion Egypt disciplined a people of God. It first impressed upon a nation the firm
unity of a family and then in due time reconnected a matured people with the world from which it
had been called out. PTOLEMAEUS III. EUERGETES, B.C. 247-222, was the eldest son of Ptolemy
Philadelphus and brother of Berenice the wife of Antiochus II. The repudiation and murder of his
sister furnished him with an occasion for invading Syria, cir. B.C. 246. (Daniel 11:7) He extended
his conquests as far as Antioch, and then eastward to Babylon, but was recalled to Egypt by tidings
of seditions which had broken out there. His success was brilliant and complete. He carried “captives
into Egypt their gods of the conquered nations, with their princes and with their precious vessels
of silver and of gold.” (Daniel 11:8) This capture of sacred trophies earned for the king the name
Euergetes— “Benefactor.” After his return to Egypt, cir. B.C. 243 he suffered a great part of the
conquered provinces to fall again under the power of Seleucus. PTOLEMAEUS IV. PHILOPATOR,
B.C. 222-205. After the death of Ptolemy Euergetes the line of the Ptolemies rapidly degenerated.
Ptolemy Philopator, his eldest son, who succeeded him, was to the last degree sensual, effeminate
and debased. But externally his kingdom retained its power and splendor and when circumstances
forced him to action. Ptolemy himself showed ability not unworthy of his race. The description of
the campaign of Raphia (B.C. 217) in the book of Daniel gives a vivid description of his character.
(Daniel 11:10-12) cf. Macc. 1:1-3. After offering in the temple at Jerusalem sacrifices for the success
they achieved, he attempted to enter the sanctuary. A sudden paralysis hindered his design; but
frankie
(Frankie)
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