Epiphanes,* was disputing with Ptolemy VI. the suzerainty of Syria, dissension arose among the Jewish nobles. There were rival claims to supreme power, as no individual of rank could tolerate subjection to his peers. Onias, one of the chief priests, gaining the upper hand, expelled the sons of Tobias from the city. [32] The latter took refuge with Antiochus and besought him to use their services as guides for an invasion of Judaea.* The king, having long cherished this design, consented, and setting