Bible Dictionary
Alexander Iii
Alexander III, known as Alexander the Great, was king of Macedonia and conquered the Persian Empire, including Syria and Palestine. His rapid conquests and divided empire are reflected in Daniel’s prophecies.
Definition
Alexander III, called Alexander the Great, was king of Macedonia and son of Philip and Olympias. He succeeded Philip, conquered Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and the Persian Empire, and established his capital at Babylon before dying young.
Biblical Usage
Alexander is represented in Daniel by the succeeding world power, whose rapid conquests, great dominion, and division after his death are portrayed through the leopard and the he-goat.
Historical Background
He was born at Pella in 356 BC, succeeded his father in 336 BC, crossed the Hellespont in 334 BC, and died at Babylon in 323 BC at the age of thirty-two. His empire was divided among his generals.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(helper of men—brave) king of Macedon, surnamed the Great, the son of Philip and Olympias, was born at Pella B.C. 356, and succeeded his father B.C. 336. Two years afterwards he crossed the Hellespont (B.C. 334) to carry out the plans of his fathers and execute the mission of (Greece to the civilized world. He subjugated Syria and Palestine B.C. 334-332. Egypt next submitted to him B.C. 332, and in this year he founded Alexandria. In the same year he finally defeated Darius at Gaugamela, who in B.C. 330 was murdered. The next two years were occupied by Alexander in the consolidation of his Persian conquests and the reduction of Bactria. In B.C. 327 he crossed the Indus; turning westward he reached Susa B.C. 325, and proceeded to Babylon B.C. 324, which he chose as the capital of his empire. In the next year (B.C. 323) he died there of intemperance, at the early age of 32, in the midst of his gigantic plans; and those who inherited his conquests left his designs unachieved and unattempted. cf. (Daniel 7:6; 8:5; 11:3) Alexander is intended in (Daniel 2:39) and also Dani 7:6; 8:5-7; 11:3,4 The latter indicating the rapidity of his conquests and his power. He ruled with great dominion, and did according to his will, (Daniel 11:3) “and there was none that could deliver .... out of his hand.” (Daniel 8:7)