047 Four Generals Coins

Museum Description: Coin Portraits

Room: 22/Case: 2/Number: 9, 10, 11, 14

Scripture: Daniel 8:8

This is one of the most famous prophecies in the Bible.  Once the first mighty Greek king had died, his empire would be split into four.  How do we know this happened?  By studying secular history and archaeology we learn that Alexander's empire was indeed divided between four of his generals.  Coin 11 in this case depicts Ptolemy I King of Egypt.  14 is Seleucus I King of Syria.  10 is Cassander King of Macedonia.  9 is the coin of Lysimachus King of Trace.

Alexander the Great is not mentioned by name in the Bible, but Daniel accurately prophesied concerning him 200 years in advance.  It is easy to think these prophecies could just have been written after the event.  Daniel, however, also records details such as the existence of the Babylonian king Belshazzar that were not known in the time of the Greeks.  The book of Daniel must have been written at the time.  Other similar or related artefacts are on display in The British Museum.