Bible Dictionary
ANTIOCHUS II
Antiochus II, surnamed Theos, ruled Syria from 261 to 246 BC. His political marriage to Berenice of Egypt and later recall of Laodice led to violent dynastic conflict.
Definition
Antiochus II, surnamed Theos, was a ruler of Syria from 261 to 246 BC. His succession and marriages became involved in conflict between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties.
Biblical Usage
He is identified with the king of the north associated with the dynastic events described in Daniel 11:6.
Historical Background
Antiochus married Berenice of Egypt to secure peace, later recalled Laodice, and named her son as successor. Laodice then had Berenice, her child, and Antiochus killed. The Milesians called him Theos after he delivered them from Timarchus.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>Surnamed Theos (Theos, "god"): Son and successor of Antiochus (261-246 BC). He made a successful war on Ptolemy Philadelphus of Egypt, but was obliged to buy peace in 250 by divorcing his wife, Laodice, and by marrying Ptolemy's daughter, Berenice. After the death of Ptolemy, "the king of the south" (Da 11:6) 248 BC, he recalled Laodice and named her eldest son (Seleucus Kallinikos) as his successor to the throne; but Laodice (probably because she feared a second repudiation) had Berenice, her child, and Antiochus all murdered (246 BC). The Milesians gave him the surname of Theos in gratitude for his liberating them from the tyranny of Timarchus. (See Arrian, I, 17, 10, and 18, 2; Josephus, Ant, XII, iii, 2; Dittenberger, Sylloge Inscr. Graec, 166-71.)</p><p>J. E. Harry</p>