Alexander the Great was one of the most famous conquerors in ancient history. He was king of Macedon from 336-323 BC and created one of the largest empires of the ancient world by the age of 30. Though Alexander is not directly mentioned by name in the Bible, some scholars believe there are a few possible biblical references to him or prophecies about his conquests.
Prophecies About Greece in Daniel
The book of Daniel in the Old Testament contains prophecies about world kingdoms that would dominate the region of Judea. In Daniel 8, Daniel has a vision of a two-horned ram representing the Medo-Persian Empire (Daniel 8:20). This ram is then defeated by a male goat with a prominent horn, which is identified as Greece (Daniel 8:21). The large horn is broken and replaced by four others, symbolizing the dividing of Alexander’s empire into four regions after his death. Though Alexander is not named directly, this prophecy likely predicts the rise of the Greek empire under Alexander’s conquests and the division of his kingdom after he died.
References to Greco-Macedonian Control in Zechariah
The post-exilic prophet Zechariah made predictions about the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem. In Zechariah 9:13, he refers to the sons of Greece and the mention of Javan, which was believed to represent the Ionian Greeks (Genesis 10:2, 4). This indicates Greek or Greco-Macedonian control over Judea and Jerusalem in the period after the exile. As Alexander’s empire took over the region of Judea in the late 4th century BC, this prophetic text may be referencing his conquests and the subsequent rule of Ptolemaic and Seleucid kings over the area.
Possible Hints About Alexander’s Conquests in Joel
Some commentators think the prophet Joel may offer subtle hints about Alexander the Great’s military campaigns. In Joel 3:6, he chastises the Phoenicians for selling Jewish people as slaves to the “sons of Greece.” Some link this to Alexander’s sieges of Tyre and Gaza recorded secularly. The book of Joel also repeatedly references the valley of Jehoshaphat, meaning “Yahweh judges.” A ravine near Jerusalem bears a similar name, and Alexander is said to have judged captives from Gaza there after conquering the city. However, these possible connections are debated and not explicitly confirmed in the text.
Parallels Between Alexander and the “Mighty King” in Daniel
Daniel 11 provides a detailed prophecy about future conflict between the kings of the North and South. While mentioning specific Ptolemaic and Seleucid rulers, Daniel 11:3 also references a “mighty king” who will arise. Some identify this prophesied king as Alexander the Great because of the description of his unchecked military conquests. The mighty king in this passage corresponds with the descriptions of Alexander’s achievements in extra-biblical histories. However, Alexander is not directly named, so this connection remains somewhat speculative.
Figurative Use of “Greece” to Represent Pagan Culture
Though literal references are few, the New Testament sometimes uses “Greece” or “Grecian” figuratively to represent pagan Gentile culture. For example, Acts 20:3 refers to the danger to Paul from the “Grecian Jews” who opposed his preaching. And some think the “Prince of Greece” who withstands the angelic messenger in Daniel 10:20 symbolizes Alexander resisting Jewish culture and religion through his conquests. So Alexander may be in mind in these metaphorical usages, even if not explicitly stated.
Silence About Alexander in the Bible
Though various biblical texts may allude to Alexander and his empire indirectly, the Scriptures contain no direct mention of him by name. Unlike other pagan rulers like Nebuchadnezzar or Cyrus who are named for their interactions with Israel, Alexander seems conspicuously absent. Some speculate the Jews wished to forget the oppression of his rule. Others think his omission underscores the biblical perspective that focuses on eternal, theological truth rather than temporary earthly kingdoms.
Alexander’s Significance in Relation to Scripture
Though perhaps not directly named, Alexander the Great had an undeniable impact on the world of the Bible. Alexander’s conquests spread Greek language and culture across the Middle East and beyond, influencing how the Gospels and Epistles were written and transmitted. After his death, rule of Judea passed from his successors to the Romans who dominated the New Testament era. The mixing of cultures in his wake facilitated the spread of early Christianity described in Acts. So while seldom mentioned explicitly, Alexander’s legacy significantly shaped the context surrounding both Testaments of Scripture.
Extrabiblical Jewish Sources About Alexander
Although the Old Testament does not provide extensive detail about Alexander, extrabiblical Jewish writings offer more commentary on his interactions with Judea. Sources like 1 Maccabees, the writings of Josephus, and rabbinic literature recount Alexander’s visit to Jerusalem and dealings with the Jews. While focusing on different aspects of these accounts, Jewish historians acknowledge Alexander’s impact while offering perspectives on his rule not found in Scripture.
The Book of 1 Maccabees
The apocryphal book of 1 Maccabees provides the most detail on Alexander’s encounter with the Jews. As Alexander approached Jerusalem, the Jews feared his invasion. But the high priest went out to meet him in peace. Alexander was favorably impressed with the Jews and allegedly offered sacrifices and prayers at the temple (1 Maccabees 1:1-9). This text highlights Alexander’s leniency toward Jewish religion in contrast to persecution by later Greek kings.
The Writings of Josephus
The Jewish historian Josephus confirms Alexander’s visit to Jerusalem in both his Antiquities of the Jews (11.317-45) and Wars of the Jews (1.123-58). However, his account differs from that in 1 Maccabees, claiming the Jews initially refused to support Alexander. Only after his conquest of Gaza did the high priest agree to submit to Alexander’s rule. Josephus focuses more on alleged tensions between Alexander and the Judean leadership.
Rabbinic Literature
Later rabbinic stories about Alexander emphasize God’s providential protection of the temple from his invasion. One tale claims God prevented Alexander from destroying the temple by making the image of the high priest appear before him, inducing shock and awe. While embellished, these stories highlight divine deliverance of the Jews from Alexander’s power.
Why the Bible May Not Mention Alexander Directly
Scholars propose several reasons for the apparent omission of Alexander the Great in the biblical record:
- The prophets focused more on the everlasting kingdom of God rather than temporary human rulers.
- The Jews may have wanted to forget the oppression that accompanied Greek rule.
- His conquests likely occurred after the last books of the Old Testament were completed.
- His interactions with Judea were relatively peaceful compared to other pagan kings.
- Biblical authors saw him as just another earthly ruler who came and went.
- The Greeks were viewed as more culturally dangerous than military threats at first.
- Alexander was providentially used to spread the Greek language that undergirded the New Testament.
While intriguing, these explanations remain somewhat speculative. Ultimately, God in His sovereignty did not see fit to directly name Alexander in the biblical canon for unknown reasons.
Alexander’s Impact on the Old Testament World
Though perhaps overlooked in Scripture, Alexander the Great significantly influenced the biblical era:
- His conquest of Persia wrested control of Judea away from Persian rule.
- His promotion of Greek culture(Hellenism) influenced Jewish culture and language.
- After his death, Judea was fought over by his Diadochi successors.
- Rule by Ptolemaic and Seleucid kings shaped politics when the Gospels were written.
- His empire facilitated trade and communication between distant cultures.
- He spread the use of Greek as a common language across the Middle East.
- His life demonstrated the fleeting nature of earthly kingdoms compared to God’s eternal kingdom.
So while only subtly acknowledged in Scripture, Alexander significantly shaped the Old Testament world and the landscape of Judea leading up to the time of Christ.
Alexander’s Preparation for the Gospel’s Spread
Alexander’s most significant impact was paving the way for the spread of the gospel message in the New Testament era:
- His conquests established Greek as a common trade language in the provinces he controlled.
- The use of Greek allowed the apostles to communicate the gospel widely in a shared tongue.
- Establishment of Hellenistic culture facilitated adoption of the faith across the Roman Empire.
- The Jews of the Diaspora were exposed to Greek philosophy, allowing contextualization of the gospel.
- Conquest created networks of trade and infrastructure later used by early missionaries like Paul.
- God used Alexander’s love of Greek culture to lay the groundwork for articulating the gospel in that language.
So while the Bible is mostly silent about the ruler himself, Alexander was providentially used by God to expand the use of Greek through which the message of Christ would reach the world.
Lessons from Alexander’s Absence in Scripture
The apparent lack of explicit reference to Alexander in the Bible provides some helpful lessons:
- God sovereignly chose what to include and exclude in Scripture for His divine purposes.
- Biblical revelation focuses on eternal truths rather than temporary earthly kingdoms.
- God providentially works through all rulers, regardless of if they are explicitly acknowledged.
- Secular history provides perspective but is judged by the truth of God’s Word.
- Arrogance and ambition for conquest are shown to be folly before the purposes of God.
- The quiet work of God is greater than the noisy achievements of man.
- Avoid being distracted by the rise and fall of human kingdoms.
While intriguing, the absence of Alexander serves as a reminder of what biblical revelation values most – the eternal kingdom established by the Son of God, not any earthly ruler.
Alexander’s Significance for Students of Scripture
For students of the Bible, Alexander’s influence raises some key issues to consider:
- How should apparent gaps in biblical history affect interpretations of prophecy?
- How much should extrabiblical sources be used to fill in details behind biblical accounts?
- What criteria should be used to determine if an ancient figure is implicitly referenced in prophecy?
- When do textual parallels with secular sources represent true correspondences versus imaginative speculation?
- How does God exercise providential oversight of history when working through pagan rulers and cultures?
- Should the Bible’s value depend on its exhaustive detailing of secular history and figures?
- How should recognition of Alexander’s legacy shape teaching on Hellenistic influence on early Christianity?
Wrestling with these issues helps students develop biblical discernment and shows them how God moves through all of human history on behalf of His eternal purposes.
Conclusion
In summary, Alexander the Great appears to be curiously absent from the biblical text, with only possible hints or allusions made to his significance. Examination of his interactions with Judea largely depends on non-canonical sources. However, Alexander undoubtedly prepared the way for the coming of Christ through his spread of the Greek language and culture. This thoughtful study of his influence provides valuable lessons on how God weaves even secular history into the tapestry of His redemptive plan. While not always understanding God’s ways, students of Scripture must seek to interpret life and history under His divine authority.
