ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the death of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, as possibly depicted by the Hellenistic literary device of dramatic irony. Here, the evil antagonist is usually an arrogant and boastful character. By a series of events and statements, such characters normally succeed in painting themselves into a corner. Moreover, the informed audience, having foreknowledge of the eventual outcome of the drama, can either have pity for or take delight in the demise of the antagonist. The drama normally ends when the antagonist experiences some form of epiphany (albeit far too late to save the villain). In this context, I argue that this is certainly the case with the demise and death of Antiochus IV Epiphanes as described in 2 Maccabees 9. Here, the initial persecution and threats made by this antagonist are dramatically and ironically reversed by the end of the narrative, resulting in a divine retribution (epiphany) for his many victims.
