The Kings of the South and the North
the ships of... The reason given here for Antiochus not continuing his war on Egypt is the ships of Chittim coming against him. This refers to the Romans who ordered him to cease his war on his two nephews. Antiochus said he would consult with his friends, but the Roman legate drew a circle around him demanding that he give his answer before stepping out of the circle. Antiochus yielded to the Roman demand and left the country after being within seven miles of Alexandria. This is what grieved him.
return, and have... While in Egypt he heard that Jason, who had been deceived by him and deposed of the high priesthood, had gathered an army and marched against Jerusalem to take it from the wicked Menelaus who was beseiged in the castle (see Dan. 11:22-23). Antiochus then came against Jerusalem and took it by storm; slew 40,000 Jews; sold many as slaves; boiled swine’s flesh and sprinkled the broth in the temple and on the altar; broke into the holy of holies; took away the golden vessels and other sacred treasures; restored Menelaus to office; and made Philip, a Phrygian, governor of Judea (1Macc. 1:24; 2Macc. 5:21). He also prohibited Jewish worship and consecrated the Jewish temple to Jupiter Olympius. After taking away the Jewish sacrifices in the Jewish temple, Antiochus offered a swine upon the altar and made the temple desolate of divine worship (Dan. 11:30-31; 1Macc. 1:44-50). All this brought about the rebellion of the Jews under the Maccabees (Dan. 11:32-34). This war with Antiochus lasted about four years after which he died in a war in Persia.
This ends the historical section of this vision (Dan. 11:2-34), which was all prophecy when Daniel received the revelation of these events. Other kings continued in Syria and Egypt until these countries were taken over by the Romans about 30 B.C.
This has suddenly mentioned the Romans. They are opposed to Epiphanes going any further into Egypt. Rome has, at this time, become very powerful, and the Syrians listen to them, and go no further into Egypt.
About this time, there was a systematic attempt to destroy the Jews and Judaism. They all believed if they could destroy the religion of the Jews, they could completely take them over.
Antiochus submitted to Rome’s demands for to resist would be to declare war on Rome. This was a humiliating defeat for Antiochus Epiphanes (he will lose heart) but he had no alternative but to return to his own land.
For a second time (cf. Dan. 11:28) Antiochus took out his frustration on the Jews, the city of Jerusalem, and their temple. He vented his fury against the holy covenant, the entire Mosaic system (cf. Dan. 11:28), favoring any renegade Jews who turned to help him (cf. Dan. 11:32).
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