In the one hundred and sixtieth year Alexander Epiphanes, the son of Antiochus, landed and occupied Ptolemais: The one hundred and sixtieth year corresponds to 152 b.c. (see the comments on 1Macc 1.10). Alexander Epiphanes is usually known in history as Alexander Balas. He claimed to be the son of Antiochus~IV Epiphanes. This is doubtful, but he appears at this point as a rival to Demetrius~I to rule the Syrian Empire. Ptolemais was a port city in southern Phoenicia (see the comments on 1Macc 5.15). The Greek verb translated landed is the same one rendered “sailed” in 1Macc 7.1, where Good News Bible has “landed.” Much that was said in the comments there applies here as well. The text does not specifically say that Alexander arrived by sea, but it may be safely assumed. Indeed, Revised English Bible translates “arrived by ship.” The text does not indicate where he landed; it was somewhere on the Phoenician coast, probably near the port city of Ptolemais. So it is possible to translate “sailed to Phoenicia and landed at the port city of Ptolemais.” Occupied is better rendered “captured” (Good News Bible).

They welcomed him, and there he began to reign: Compare 1Macc 7.1 again.

This verse may be rearranged as follows:

• In the year 160 Alexander Epiphanes, son of Antiochus~IV, arrived at the city of Ptolemais by ship and captured it. There he proclaimed himself king, and the people welcomed him.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.