THE BOOK OF
DANIEL

1 This is yet spoken by the angel that, in the previous chapter, began to talk with Daniel.

2 Hebr. my standing was.

3 Namely, to assist Darius and to uphold his kingdom.

4 The correct and true account of the future state of the Persian Empire and of thy people.

5 That is, reign powerfully over the entire monarchy. The angel does not say that there would not succeed any kings in Persia, but that the kings, who would come after him, would be from time to time of lesser courage and power, and that Alexander would revenge the harm which was done to Greece by Xerxes.

6 Namely, after Cyrus. These three are (as some conceive) Cambyses, Smerdis, Darius Hystaspis, and the fourth is Xerxes. Others (who pass over Smerdis, because he unlawfully took possession of the kingdom under the false name of Smerdis, the son of Cambyses, and reigned but seven months) count these kings thus: Cambyses, Darius, Xerxes, who is the last of the three, counting forth from Cyrus, who was the first monarch in Persia.

7 Namely, Xerxes, the son of Darius Hystaspis, who surpassed all the kings of Persia in riches; and was called at first a terror, but afterward a scorn of Greece.

8 Namely, the kings of Persia.

9 Namely, all his subjects, having under him an hundred and twenty-seven provinces, Esther 1:1.

10 Namely, Alexander the Great, who brought the Persian monarchy under his subjection, together yet with other kingdoms.

11 That is, he shall successfully and prosperously accomplish all that he takes in hand, for, God was with him, having decreed to exalt him to be a monarch. See Dan. 7:6; 8:5.

12 That is, when he shall be come to his highest power and prosperity.

13 See Dan. 8:8.

14 That is, not to his children, nor kinsmen or posterity. Alexander the Great left behind two sons, namely, Alexander, by his wife Roxanne, and Hercules by Barsine, both of whom were killed by Cassander, in order that he might capture the kingdom of Macedonia after the death of Alexander the Great.

15 That is, not with such power and dominion as that wherewith he ruled and reigned.

16 It was rent into four parts.

17 The meaning is, that the monarchy of Alexander would be rent and divided after his death, and that his children, or posterity, as is said before, would get no part of it, but four princes, who were not of his blood, would divide it among themselves.

18 That is, the king of Egypt, namely, Ptolemy, the son of Lagus.

19 Namely, one of the princes of Alexander the Great. And understand here by princes lieutenants or deputies.

20 Namely, Seleucus Nicanor, king of Syria and Babylon.

21 Namely, above Ptolemy Lagus.

22 Namely, after they have warred certain years one against another; namely, about seventy years after the death of Alexander the Great, according to the computation of some.

23 Namely, the king of Egypt Ptolomæus Philadelphus, son of Ptolomæus Lagus, and the king in Syria, Antiochus Theos, the nephew or grandchild of Seleucus Nicanor.

24 Called Berenice, the daughter of Ptolomæus Philadelphus.

25 That is, shall marry with Antiochus Theos, that is, Antiochus the god, king of the north, that is, of Asia and of Syria, situated in the north with respect of the land of the Jews.

26 Hebr. to make equities or righteousnesses, that is, to make things straight and even. Others take it to mean of the marriage of Berenice and Antiochus Theos, of which the angel would speak according to their opinion, though it was indeed no lawful and just thing, but an atrocious incest, for, the wife, whom Antiochus then already had, was the sister of Berenice, by whom he had two children; therefore the Lord cursed this marriage, and instead of peace there arose from it a bloody war.

27 That is, Berenice shall not be like a strong arm, to make the peace between those two kings to be steadfast and constant. Other, but the arm shall not retain the power. See Dan. 2 on verse 43.

28 Namely, Ptolomæus, king of the south, with Berenice, his daughter, whom he used as an arm to make a firm peace. Others understand by he, Antiochus Theos, and by his arm his power.

29 Namely, Berenice, and her retinue that came with her, and also her father, and her husband, who strengthened her and made her great, putting away her sister, Laodice, whom he had married first; they shall be all punished of God and shall be delivered into the hands of the enemies. Laodice instigated her son Seleucus Callinicus to besiege the city in which Berenice was, who, having conquered it, slew Berenice with all her retinue. At last Antiochus Theos was also miserably poisoned by Laodice. See Appianus, of the Syrian wars.

30 Other, and he that was born of her, namely, her youngest son, who was at that time but a child, but he notwithstanding was also slain.

31 Namely, Antiochus Theos, who exalted Berenice to royal power and greatness, putting away Laodice, her sister, his first wife, who therefore caused him to be poisoned.

32 The meaning is: In the estate, that is, in the kingdom of Ptolomæus Philadelphus shall his son Ptolomæus Euergetes succeed, as a branch or bough cut off from his stump, from which stump also Berenice sprang, for, the brother of Berenice was Ptolomæus Euergetes, who, succeeding the estate of his father Ptolomæus Philadelphus, revenged his sister’s death on Seleucus Callinicus, king of Syria.

33 To revenge the death of his sister Berenice.

34 Namely, of Seleucus Callinicus, who was king of Syria.

35 That is, he shall perform which he intends to do; he shall revenge the death of his sister Berenice on the king of Syria, depriving him of the greatest part of his kingdom.

36 Namely, the idols of the Syrians. Frequently is the word gods used for idols, or images of idols. Compare Exod. 12:12.

37 Hebr. vessels of their desire.

38 Being greater and mightier than the king toward the north. See the accomplishment of these predictions in Polybius in the fifth book, Appianus, of the Syrian wars, and Josephus in the 5th book against Apion. Other, he shall continue some years longer than the king of the north. Some write that this Ptolomæus reigned for the space of twenty-six years.

39Ptolomæus Euergetes.

40 Namely, into the kingdom of Seleucus Callinicus, the king of the north.

41 Being thereto necessitated by reason of seditions which were arisen in his land; otherwise there was a great probability that he would have taken the entire kingdom of Syria, Justin, book 27. Others render this 9th verse thus: and they shall come into the kingdom of the king of the south, wherefore he shall return.

42 Namely, the sons of Seleucus Callinicus, king of the north. This man’s sons were Seleucus Ceraunus and Antiochus the Great.

43 Against Ptolomæus Euergetes.

44 Namely, Antiochus the Great, after his brother Seleucus Ceraunus perished by poison in the second year of his reign, as some write.

45 Hebr. shall coming come, namely, to war against Ptolomæus Euergetes, when he least suspected it, Appianus.

46 That is, break through, overflow, namely, marching unto the land of Egypt through Syria and the land of the Jews even to Raphia, recovering those places which had been taken from his father by the king of Egypt.

47 Namely, in Egypt, against Ptolomæus Philopator, the son of Ptolomæus Euergetes. He came again into the field with a mighty army, and after he had smitten the king of Egypt did that come to pass which follows here in the end of this verse.

48 Namely, the fenced city of the king of Egypt, called Rabbatamessana or Raphia, situated on the borders of Egypt, which fenced city he shall take from Ptolemy, Polybius, book 5.

49Ptolomæus Philopator, son of Euergetes, shall be incensed with bitter anger against Antiochus the Great.

a anger

50 That is, who also shall bring a great army into the field.

51 The multitude or army of Antiochus shall be conquered by Philopator. Read Polybius in the 5th book, Strabo in the 16th book, Geographica.

52 That is, when the army of Antiochus the Great shall be smitten. See the third book of the Maccabees, and Josephus, Jewish Antiquities, book 12, chapter 3. This battle, in which Antiochus was overcome, was fought by Raphia, Polybius, book 5.

53 Namely, the heart of Ptolomæus Philopator.

54 That is, many thousands both of the enemy’s army, and also of the Jews.

55 Because he shall through pride despise his enemy Antiochus and not pursue the victory. Also he shall die within a short while after.

56Antiochus the Great.

57 That is, after those times, after certain years, namely, when Ptolomæus Philopator shall be dead, and his son Epiphanes, being yet a child, shall have come in his stead, into whose land he shall fall.

58 Other, he shall come every time, or, come now and then, or, come often. Hebr. coming he shall come.

59 Namely, Jews, or other kings and nations round about joining with Antiochus.

60 Against Ptolomæus, siding with Antiochus.

61 Hebr. the children of the breaker or breaker through of thy people, O Daniel, that is, of the Jews, who with their factions do as it were rent the commonwealth asunder. Some understand this of the priest Onias and his adherents, who went into Egypt, and there set up a temple and an altar, pretending that they did to confirm the vision or prophecy of Isaiah, Isa. 19:19, 21: In that day shall there be an altar to the LORD in the midst of the land of Egypt, etc.

62 Namely, to honor, or, shall exalt themselves, that is, set up themselves, plot to cause schism and division.

63 Hebr. to cause to stand.

64 That is, in order that, when God thus establishes the prophecy of Daniel, the hearts of His elect may be the more assured of the remaining parts thereof. Others understand it of their purpose to fulfill the prophecy of Isa. 19:19, 21, according to their own interpretation.

65 Hebr. stumble, strike against, that is, they shall come to nothing.

66Antiochus the Great shall come against Ptolomæus Epiphanes. And here is spoken of the second expedition of Antiochus against Epiphanes.

67 See the annotations at 2 Sam. 20 on verse 15; Jer. 32:24; Jer. 33 on verse 4. The sense is: He shall besiege them and take them.

68 Hebr. a city of defenses, that is, any city, how strong or well fenced so ever it be, he shall take it.

69 That is, the valiant commanders and captains of the king of the south, that is, of Egypt. Of the word arms used for commanders, see Ezek. 31:17, etc.

70 Hebr. nor the people of his chosen ones.

71 The meaning is, that neither the commanders nor the soldiers of the king of Egypt shall prevail at all against Antiochus the Great.

72 Namely. Antiochus, the king of the north.

73 Against Ptolomæus Epiphanes.

74 That is, in the land of the Jews. See the annotation Dan. 8 on verse 9. Other, in the land Zebi. Daniel intimates by these words that Antiochus would not only invade Egypt, but also Judea, which he tells the Jews beforehand, that they would know that all things come to pass by God’s Providence.

75 That is, he shall be able to destroy all the land of the Jews. Or, the meaning is: He shall be able to do and accomplish whatsoever he will. So the word is sometimes taken for fulfilling and accomplishing, but for the most part it signifies utter destruction. See Gen. 18 on verse 21. See the fulfillment of this prophecy in Josephus, Antiques, book 12, chapter 3, and Polybius, book 11.

76 Namely, against Ptolomæus Epiphanes, the king of Egypt.

77 Hebr. and equities with him, or, and there shall be righteousness with him. See verse 6.

78He shall do it, or, he shall do them, that is, he shall perform them, namely, the promised conditions, yet not uprightly, but craftily, until he would find opportunity to put his deceit in practice.

79 Namely, Ptolomæus Epiphanes, the king of Egypt.

80 That is, a wife excelling in beauty among women, namely, his own daughter Cleopatra. Other, a daughter of his wives, that is, a daughter of one of his wives, that is, one of his daughters.

81 That was not properly his design, but it would easily have risen from this if he had followed her father’s counsel, and had killed her husband with poison, or other ways. Other, craftily corrupting her, namely, commanding her to kill her husband, that he then, as guardian over his daughter, might take possession of Egypt.

82 She shall not go into that wicked intent which her father desired of her, and which she (as it seems) had promised him at first; so that Antiochus was deceived by his own daughter.

83 That is, she shall not do the wicked will of her father Antiochus the Great, but shall continue to be faithful to her husband. This all came thus to pass, Livius, Decade 4, book 3.

84 Which were under the Roman command, as Cyprus, Phocæa, Samos, Rhodes, Colophea, Eubœa, etc. Or, isles may also here signify lands situated afar off beyond the sea.

85 Namely, one of the Roman generals, called Marcus Acilius, as also Lucius Scipio Nasica. Of the word prince, see Judges 11 on verse 6. Here it signifies a consul of the Romans.

86 Understand that reproach which Antiochus inflicted to the Romans, invading into their country, and capturing some places of it, also bringing damage to some of their allies.

87 That is, against the people of Rome, whom this commander represented.

88 That is, the Roman commander shall not be content therewith that he shall cause the reproach to cease which Antiochus inflicted to the people of Rome and to all the Roman Empire, as also to their friends and allies; having recovered again from him those countries which he had taken from the Romans and their allies, but he shall moreover bring that reproach upon Antiochus, that he, depriving him of a great part of his kingdom and imposing a heavy tax upon him, shall compel him to keep within his own borders, namely, on the other side of mount Taurus. See further about this, Livius, Decade 4, book 8; Appianus in Syriacis and Memnon in the 13th and 14th book.

89 Namely, toward Syria, to which he shall flee, and keep within his own forts for fear of the Romans who followed him close with their armies.

90 He shall be slain by his own subjects, yea, by peasants, when he was about to rob the temple of the idol Bel in Elam, or, as others write, the temple of Dyndimeus Jupiter, or, Jupiter Dodonæus. These histories are described at large by Justin in the 32nd book, and by Polybius in the 5th book, Strabo in the 16th book Geographica. Compare the shameful ruin of Antiochus the Great with that which is written in Psalm 52:7; Isa. 14:16, etc.

91 Namely, Seleucus Philopator, otherwise called Soter, a son of the former Alexander the Great.

92 See verse 7.

93 Or, money-exactor, pawnee, appraiser. Hebr. driver. This was Heliodorus, who, passing through the entire land of the Jews, extorted from the subjects much money for his king. See 2 Maccabees 3.

94 Or, for the royal glory.

95 Or, in certain days. He was broken, that is, destroyed, within a little while after he had endeavored to rob the temple of Jerusalem, 2 Maccabees 4.

96 Not by wrath in public, but by the secret plot of Heliodorus, who cunningly poisoned him to do his brother, Antiochus Epiphanes, a pleasure.

97Antiochus Epiphanes, who, being an hostage at Rome, made a secret escape. He was called by the flatterers Antiochus Epiphanes, that is, the noble man, but others called him upon a better ground Epimanes, that is, the mad or raving man. See his foolish pranks in the history of Polybius.

98 Or, should not give; that is, ought not to have given, for, the kingdom belonged not to him, but unto Demetrius, the son of his deceased brother, Seleucus. Other, to whom they (namely, the ranks of the realm) gave not the honour of the kingdom.

99 Not by force of arms as an enemy, but as a friend, to govern the kingdom as a guardian till Demetrius, the son of his deceased brother Seleucus Philopator, would be of age.

100 Or, with smooth words, as verses 32 and 34. See the annotation at Psalm 35 on verse 6; Psalm 73:18; Jer. 23:12.

101 Or, the overflowing arms, that is, the commanders and captains of the king of Egypt, who were wont to fall into Syria like a flood, shall be foiled in the battle by Antiochus Epiphanes. Some understand the arms of the river Nile.

102 That is, be overcome.

103 That is, the prince with whom the covenant was made, namely, Tryphon, one of the most important lords of Egypt, who made a covenant with Antiochus Epiphanes, and counseled him to leave his armies behind, and enter into covenant with the crown of Egypt (since the king Ptolomæus Philometor was at that time but a child) and to take upon him the guardianship over Philometor, the son of his sister Cleopatras; but having affected this, he did under that pretext take possession of the kingdom himself, having first put the forenamed Tryphon to death. Others render and expound these words thus: Moreover he shall be an adversary of the covenant; he, namely, Antiochus. The Hebrew word is, according to the opinion of some, sometimes taken in this signification. See Dan. 10:13.

104 Namely, with the said Tryphon; or, as others take it, with Ptolomæus Philometor, the king of Egypt.

105 Taking indeed with him but few soldiers, but valiant, faithful, well trained heroes, thereby making himself sure of the most important strongholds of Egypt.

106 Namely, deeper and further into Egypt.

107 Or, he shall strengthen himself with few people. Antiochus did this out of craftiness, that he deceived the more cunningly the Egyptians, and also with ease, without making any great noise, advance further and further, and so get the strongholds as well as the subjects on his side; he in his own person staying at Memphis, which was the royal city, from where he could have his eyes upon all places.

108 Namely, of Egypt.

109 Namely, in bringing the land of Egypt under his power.

110 That is, cause them to enjoy in great plenty.

111 Namely, among those whom he shall put in the most important cities and strongholds of the land, thereby to draw them to himself, and to keep them on his side.

112 Other, he shall rob and plunder, and he shall scatter goods or riches among them.

113 Which he shall not yet sufficiently possess, or shall have in his assurance in the land of Egypt. What is here foretold of Antiochus, came to pass about in the hundred thirty-seventh year of the reign of the Seleucides.

114 Namely, till Philometor, the lawful king, shall have come of age; for, then the Egyptians drove out the soldiers and the garrisons of this Antiochus out of their land, and set themselves at liberty.

115 Namely, against Ptolomæus Philometor, the king of Egypt. This is now the second expedition which Antiochus Epiphanes would make against Egypt, whose management and progress the angel here declares.

116 That is, he shall wage war, namely, against Antiochus. See Livius in the 45th book.

117 Namely, Philometor.

118 The meaning is: His counselors and courtiers, verse 26 (being by reason of gifts, promises of great things, much taken with Antiochus), shall deceive their young inexperienced king Philometor by their unfaithful counsel, and shall adhere unto Antiochus for fear, that he, getting the mastery, would put them to shame or destroy them.

119 See Dan. 1:5. The Hebrew word rendered here portion is only found here and Dan. 1:5. See the annotation there. The sense is: They who eat his bread, namely, his counselors and servants.

120 Namely, Ptolomæus Philometor.

121 That is, oppress, namely, by evil counsel.

122 Namely, of Antiochus against Philometor.

123 Or, shall inundate, or, break in like a flood.

124 In the army of the king Philometor, 1 Maccabees 1:19.

125 Namely, after they shall have made peace together the second time.

126 Outwardly they shall indeed show much kindness one to another, and promise all service to one another, especially when they are at table, and are making good cheer, but they shall not mean it, it shall come forth from an hypocritical heart.

127 Their promises shall be vain and of no value. The promises and contracts of peace shall not be lasting. Or, it shall have no good success what they have craftily devised one against another, for, God shall take another course.

128 At that time which God has appointed and ordained, and cannot be hindered by the will of man. See verse 29.

129 Namely, the king Antiochus Epiphanes.

130 Namely, with great spoil and plundered goods, as well in Egypt as elsewhere.

131 That is, against the Jews, with whom God has made an holy covenant. Hebr. against the covenant of holiness.

132 Namely, what he intended, that is, he shall plague the Jews. See 1 Maccabees 1:22, 23, etc. 2 Maccabees 5:11, etc.

133 Namely, into Syria.

134 Namely, as some conceive, after two years, when Philometor was reconciled with his brother Physcon, and had obtained help from the Romans.

135 Namely, against Ptolomæus Philometor, the king of Egypt, whom he shall besiege.

136 That is, Antiochus shall not prosper well, as he did prosper before, both the first and the last journey. See verses 22 and 25. The reason follows in verse 30. The sense is: Antiochus shall not obtain anymore such victories in Egypt over Ptolomæus Philometor as he did in two previous expeditions.

137 That is, from Cilicia, where the Romans did ordinarily keep a naval base of ships to have a command over the Mediterranean Sea. See of Chittim Gen. 10 on verse 4; Num. 24:24. Ptolomæus Philometor, being overpowered by Antiochus, sought unto the Romans for help, and obtained it.

138 Namely, against Antiochus.

139 Because he shall be compelled by the Romans to depart out of Egypt with his army. C. Popilius Lænas, the Roman General, brought Antiochus thus far that he prescribed hard conditions unto him, and making a circle about him with his staff in the sand, charged him forthwith to resolve and to give an absolute answer whether he would leave Egypt or no, before ever he stepped out of the circle.

140 Namely, to Syria, his own land, when he shall be forced to leave Egypt.

141 See verse 28.

142 Namely, what he had purposed and determined to do in his anger, namely, he shall invade Jerusalem, plunder the temple and city, and abolish the worship of God. See hereof further Josephus, Wars of the Jews, book 1, chapter 1.

143 Not in his own person, but he shall send Apollonius thither. See 1 Maccabees 1:30; 2 Maccabees 5:24.

144 That is, he shall draw them to himself, strengthen them and help them that he may break the power of the godly Jews by the unfaithful Jews, such as were Jason, Menelaus, and their adherents.

145 That is, commanders with their soldiers, as verse 22, to force and compel the Jews by them. Other, and the arms shall assist them.

146 That is, stand by his command, that is, be set, or be sent within Jerusalem and the land of the Jews.

147 That is, the strong city of Jerusalem. Other, they shall profane Jerusalem, the strength, that is, Jerusalem, which is the strength of the people of the Jews. See 1 Maccabees 1:23; 2 Maccabees 5:15, 16.

148 Or, the continual offer, that is, the daily sacrifice. Also is likewise to be understood which the apostle says: Continue in prayer, which does not signify that a man should do nothing else but pray, but that a man should never omit the daily exercise of prayer. See Dan. 8:11.

149 That is, soldiers, who shall make all waste and desolate, and shall force the Jews to commit idolatry. See hereof 2 Maccabees 1:23, etc., and Josephus. Others understand hereby an idolatrous image which Antiochus caused to be erected upon God’s altar, 1 Maccabees 1:58, 63.

150 Hebr. giveth. Understand that the commanders of Antiochus would do this.

151 Or, the transgressors of the covenant, namely, the revolting Jews, who shall despise the covenant of God, whom the angel, verse 30, called forsakers of the holy covenant.

152 Or, cause to dissemble, so that by them the godly likewise might be discovered and brought into the snare. Other, shall he profane, that is, he shall make them altogether profane and wicked, strengthening them daily more and more in their hypocrisy.

153 That is, who do know and honor the true God, as there were many such in the time of Judas Maccabees and his brethren.

154 Understand in addition: and deliver them to the tyrants.

155 That is, they shall do it according to their will. Or, they shall deal with them according to their will. See 1 Maccabees 1:55.

156 Or, the teachers of the people, as Dan. 12:3. The meaning is: Although there were many, even some of the priests, who do depart from the true religion, yet there shall always be some teachers and godly persons, experienced in the Word of God, who shall instruct and strengthen the weak in the midst of sore persecutions.

157 Namely, in the true religion, out of the books of Holy Scripture.

158 That is, as well the teachers as their disciples, who continue constant in the true religion, shall be cruelly persecuted by Antiochus and his accomplices. See 1 Maccabees 1:40, etc.; 2; 3; 4; 2 Maccabees 5; 6; 7; 8; Josephus, Jewish Antiques, book 12, chapters 6 and 7. Compare Heb. 11:35, 36, 37, 38.

159 Or, certain days; also Dan. 8:27. That is, for a certain time appointed by God.

160 That is, when the persecution shall be at its height

161 Namely, by the Maccabees. See 1 Maccabees 2:39, etc.; 3; 4; 5; 2 Maccabees 8, and Josephus, Jewish Antiques, book 12, chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. These stout heroes did deliver with a small number of people the church of God from the hands of Antiochus and other tyrants.

162 Namely, when it shall begin to go well with the Jews.

163 As verses 21 and 32. See the annotation at verse 21. Yet here it signifies hypocrisy, dissembling, a fair show.

164 See on verse 33.

165 This is the mark at which God shall purpose. Other, that God may melt them, that is, to try them, as gold and silver are tried in the furnace. See Dan. 12:10.

166 That is, till the time of her persecution appointed by God shall be fulfilled.

167 Other, for yet at the time appointed shall the end be. Other, for the appointed time shall yet come. Compare Mat. 24:6 and the verses following to verse 15, and see above the annotation on verse 27.

168 From this place unto the end of this chapter some conceive that the angel speaks of the antichrist of the New Testament, or at least of Antiochus Epiphanes, considered as a type of the antichrist, in his appearance, pride, devices, idolatry and tyranny. For, many things which are related hereafter, especially verses 42 and 43, do not (according to the opinion of some) agree with king Antiochus; for, after he was forced by the Roman ambassador, Popilius, to depart out of Egypt, verse 30, he never dared after that to come into Egypt anymore. Some apply it to the Turk; others to the Roman Empire, and conceive that the things which are said here, are to be understood, some of them of the Roman Emperors, some of the popes of Rome, who, being risen up in the Roman Empire, in time grew dreadful to the Emperors themselves.

169 See 2 Thes. 2:4, where the apostle expresses thus these words: … above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

170 Who alone is the only true God. Other, also above the God of gods, he shall speak wonderful things.

171 That is, till God’s anger against His people ceases; or, till he shall have done which God in His anger will have done by him unto His people.

172 Or, that which is precisely decreed shall come to pass; none can hinder or keep back the decree or purpose of God.

173 Hebr. it is come to pass, that is, it shall surely come to pass; the preterit time past for the future, to show the certainty of this prophecy. Other, when that which is precisely determined, shall have come to pass.

174 Despising the religion of his forefathers, he shall enjoin every man to accept his tradition. If this be meant of Antiochus, then see 1 Maccabees 1:43. If of the pope, then it is well-known.

175 If this be understood of Antiochus, then this is the meaning: He shall not permit his wives (one of whom served the God of Israel after her manner) to serve any other god but his Jupiter Olympius; or, the desire of women, that is, the most desirable women. Or, he would indeed seem not to care for women, but in the mean while committed horrible adultery. But if this be understood of the antichrist, then this is the meaning, that he shall forbid his clergy to marry, and by no means to break their monastic vows, in the meanwhile committing all manner of abominable uncleanness. See 1 Tim. 4:3.

176 As if the angel said: He shall be extremely wicked; he shall be so proud that he shall exalt himself above all men, yea, even above all that is or is called God; doing all that he does for his own glory and profit. This does also fitly agree with the pope. Compare 2 Thes. 2:3, 4.

177 The sense is: Antiochus shall certainly bring in a new religion everywhere; and concerning the God of forces (compare Jer. 16:19), or, the God of great power, the God of Israel, he shall in His stead, namely, in the temple at Jerusalem honor a god, namely, that god whom his fathers knew not, namely Jupiter Olympius, him shall he honor with gold, etc. See 2 Maccabees 6:2. If one wants to apply this to antichrist (whose type Antiochus was) it may also be conveniently done. Other, And as for the God of forces, he shall honour in his place, he shall honour, I say, a god which his fathers, etc. As concerning the God of forces, see verse 31. For the God of forces some have retained the Hebrew word Mauzzim or Maozim in the text.

178Antiochus’ ancestors have not honored Jupiter Olympius, but Apollo, Diana and Atargatis, as Strabo testifies in the 16th book of his Geographica. Also has likewise the pope, in the place, that is, in the church or congregation of the true God, brought in the honor and worship of a false god, whom his forefathers did not honor, namely a feigned Christ, an host or a piece of bread, whom he adorns with gold, silver and precious pearls.

179 That is, with all manner of jewels.

180 Or, he shall commit the strong forts to a strange god. The meaning is: Antiochus’ greatest fortress and strength shall be found to do honor to that strange god, namely, Jupiter Olympius, as being a patron or protector of the city of Jerusalem, and of the land of the Jews. This is placed opposite to the beginning of the 38th verse where the true God is called the God of forces. Hebr. Mauzzim.

181 That is, those whom he shall acknowledge to be attached to him and his idol; whom he shall take to be his friends; he means the apostates, who shall fall off to paganism, if this is applied to Antiochus. Of the Romish antichrist the case is plain. Other, those that know him, namely, that idol, that is accept and honor him.

182 Or, over excellent ones, over honourable ones. The sense is: He shall advance them to high estates, and give them command over many others.

183 Or, for price, or, for reward, that is, to those who give him gifts and presents. All the preceding may be fitly applied to the pope, as also the following verses.

184 That is, when the time appointed by God shall have appeared. Compare verse 35. Some understand here by the time of the end, the end of the kingdom of Antiochus or of the persecution of the people of God. Yet see Dan. 9 on verse 27.

185 The Saracens, who first have done violence to the Roman Empire. Others apply it to Ptolomæus Philometor, king in Egypt.

186 Or, push with horns; as bulls, goats and other horned beasts do. Compare Dan. 8:6, 7. The meaning is: He shall wage a grievous war against him.

187 Some understand here by the king of the north the Turk, who, having subdued the kingdom of the Saracens unto his dominion, fell upon the kingdom of the Romans with far greater power. Others apply it to Antiochus Epiphanes.

188 That is, come upon him, or come over him, or run against him like a whirlwind.

189 That is, suddenly wash them away as with a flood of water.

190 Or, pass through, as verse 10, and elsewhere.

191 Or, into the beautiful land, that is, into the land of the Jews, that is, into the church of God, represented by it. See the annotation at Dan. 8 on verse 9. This the angel foretells the Jews for their good, in order that, being mindful of it that all this came upon them by the wise government and Providence of Almighty God, they might so much the better know how to behave themselves in it; and so likewise the church of the New Testament in the persecution by the antichrist.

192 See that which follows in verses 42 and 43.

193 That is, shall not be destroyed by Antiochus (as some take it), but shall be kindly entertained by him, namely, because they were enemies of the Jews, and made war against them continually. Some understand this of some churches of the New Testament that would escape from the power of the antichrist, or not be subjected to him.

194 Other, the most important ones. Hebr. the beginning of the children of Ammon.

195 To subdue them violently unto him.

196 Hebr. it shall not be for escaping. The sense is: It shall be likewise subject to his will and cruelty, as follows further in verse 43.

197 Hebr. Lubbim and Cushim.

198 Or, shall accompany his goings; yet according to the letter it is: shall be in his goings; that is, they shall be at his service, and yield all obedience unto him. The phrase is borrowed from servants and bondmen, who go and stand behind or about their masters to wait upon their commands on all occasions. These nations did fall upon Egypt on every side with Antiochus (to whom some apply this), being thereto corrupted with great gifts, for, they had given aid before that to Ptolomæus Philometor. Or, in his goings, that is, he shall pass through their land, he shall proceed, or his proceedings shall be in his lands; whereby some understand the East and West-Indies, because it is well known that the moors did formerly reign far and wide in the East-Indies, and could easily pass over from Africa into America which is situated over against it.

199 The accomplishment of this matter will in due time be revealed by God. Some apply it to Antiochus Epiphanes as a type of antichrist. Yet many understand it properly of antichrist himself.

200 See the annotation at Deut. 2 on verse 34.

201 The meaning is: When he shall be busy in destroying and cutting off the people of God, then his ruin shall come, and none shall be able to deliver him, but he shall have a miserable end.

202 That is, of his court. Yet some apply this to the idolatrous mass-garments and furniture of the antichrist. Compare Judges 17:5, etc.; Hosea 3:4, with the annotations. Understanding his idolatrous clergy and impure idolatry, whereof Antiochus, with his pagan idolatry, was a type.

203 Or, upon the mountain, or, against the mountain, namely, mount Zion, that is, the church of God.

204 Namely, to the end of his state, which is appointed unto him by God.