“In those times,
A branch from her roots
Shall rise up
In his place.
He shall come
Against the army.
He shall enter the fortress
Of the king of the north.
He shall take action
Against them.
He shall prevail.
He shall carry off
To Egypt
Even their gods,
With their idols,
With their precious vessels
Of silver,
Of gold,
As spoils of war.
For some years,
He shall refrain
From attacking
The king of the north.
Then the latter
Shall invade
The realm
Of the king of the south.
But he shall return
To his own land.”
The southern King Ptolemy III (247-221 BCE) attacked the northern King Seleucus II (246-225 BCE). Ptolemy III would enter the fortress of the king of the north, as he would be successful. He would take their spoils and booty back to Egypt, including the idols of their gods, as well as their precious silver and gold vessels. There were a few years of peace, but then the northern King Seleucus II attacked the south unsuccessfully and returned home.