Alexander Balas
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Alexander Balas in the Bible?
Alexander Balas was a claimant of uncertain lineage who contested the Seleucid throne against Demetrius I Soter, securing the crown with backing from the Roman Senate and Ptolemy VI of Egypt.
SIGNIFICANCE
His political maneuvering involved appointing Jonathan Maccabeus as high priest to secure Jewish military support, an event recorded in 1 Maccabees that illustrates the intersection of Seleucid dynastic struggles and the consolidation of Jewish religious authority during the Hasmonean period.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Alexander Balas reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Alexander Balas in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Alexander Balas clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Alexander Balas." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/alexander-balas/