A Miracle in Jerusalem
Surprisingly, Alexander the Great’s marauding forces never invaded Jerusalem, even though they passed the city en route to conquering Egypt and returned via the same route. In his work Antiquities of the Jews, ancient historian Flavius Josephus offered an explanation.
As the story goes, Jaddua, Israel’s high priest, heard that Alexander was on his way. Overwhelmed with fear, he ordered the city to sacrifice and pray to God for protection. That night, Jaddua dreamed that God instructed him to be courageous, decorate Jerusalem with wreaths, remove his priestly garments, and have the people dress in white. Then they were to march out of Jerusalem and welcome Alexander with open arms. Jaddua believed this plan was from God.
When Alexander saw the procession, he prostrated himself before the high priest. Alexander’s officers wondered if he had gone insane. Alexander said he had seen this person in a dream, dressed as he appeared, before beginning his conquest of Asia. In the dream, Alexander was told to conquer with confidence and take dominion of Persia. Jaddua then escorted Alexander to Jerusalem. There, the king went to the Temple, offered sacrifices, and was shown from the book of Daniel that a Greek would swiftly destroy the Persian empire.
Alexander offered to give Jaddua whatever he desired. The high priest asked that Jerusalem be allowed to live in peace, abide by its own laws, and be exempted from paying tribute. Alexander granted the request. God kept His promise to give Jerusalem divine protection, resulting in its survival against Alexander the Great.
