turn, and shall set forth a multitude greater || people, neither shall there be any strength than the former, and shall certainly come, to withstand. after certain years, with a great army and with much riches. 14 And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south; also the robbers of thy people shall exalt hemselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall. 15 So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south fshall not withstand, neither his chosen Heb. at the end of times, even years. 4:16. 12.7. f Heb. children of robbers. d Acts 4:25-28. Rev. 17:17. e Jer. 5:10. 6:6. 33:4. 52:4. Ez. 17:17. Heb. city of munitions. See on 6. 8:7.-Josh. 1:5. Heb. the people of his choices. 16 But he that cometh against him & shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed. 17 He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and " upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, ** corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him. g See on 3.36.-8:4. i Or, goodly land. 41,45. marg. 8:9. Heb. land of ornament. h 19. 2 Kings 12:17. Ez. 4:3,7. 25:2 Luke 9.51. Or, much uprightness, or, equal conditions. **Heb. to corrupt. Ps. 56:9. Ez. 17:17. Matt. 12:30. Luke 11:23. Rom. 8:31. of Cælo-Syria, and Palestine. The presence, however, of that prince turned the scale in his car-favor; for he soon recovered what Scopas had taken, and besieged and took the strong city Zidon, and others of Ptolemy's best fortified cities. So that the king of Egypt could not withstand his arms, even with his choicest troops; but he carried all before him, and succeeded in his designs, and established his authority in the land of Judah, "the glorious land" of God's chosen people, and of his special presence; which was by him consumed, in furnishing subsistence to his troops: or rather it was by him established, as some render the word; for it was favored, and prospered greatly under his government. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.) which both parties treated of peace, and pre- The robbers, &c. (14), from p¬», rumpere, erumpere, disrumpere. The word commonly means robbers, because they break through all restraints of law, and violently oppose their rulers, as well as violently rob their neighbors: but it may signify Revolters, as breaking loose from those, who had acquired dominion over them. Thus the verb in Hithpahel is used, 1 Sam. 25:10. The expression of Josephus is 'remarkable, that the Jews submitted to Scopas by force; but to Antiochus they submitted 'willingly.' Bp. Newton. Shall be consumed. (16) n. Kai Teλeonσeral εν τη χειρι αυτό. Sept. "Thus Theodoret explains it, "and it shall be perfected by his hand," that is, "it shall prosper:" for so likewise Jo'sephus hath taught us,. that the Jews, o their own accord having received Antiochus 'were greatly honored by him.' Bp. Newton. V. 17. Antiochus, after this success, set him V. 13-16. "After certain years," (marg:) that is, about fourteen years afterwards, Antiochus the Great, having recovered from the effects of his late defeat; and Ptolemy Philopater being dead, and succeeded by his son Ptolemy Epiphanes, who was only four or five years of age; Antiochus raised a greater army than before, and amassed very large sums of money to defray the expenses of the war, by which he hoped to deprive Ptolemy of his dominions. And at the same time, that Antiochus marched his army to attack the Egyp-self with all the strength of his kingdom, to tian provinces, many other enemies stood up get possession of Egypt, being assisted by the against the king during his minority. For the Jews, called "upright ones," as worshipping conduct of his father, and of those abandoned JEHOVAH, in contradistinction to idolaters; or, ministers who now governed in his name, had as the phrase may mean, making an agreement so disgusted the Egyptians, that they were with him, that is, with Ptolemy: for Antiochus ready to join Antiochus; and Philip, king of attempted to circumvent him by treaty, as Macedon, made a league with him against well as to subdue him by arms. Thus he enPtolemy, stipulating to divide his kingdom be-deavored to accomplish his purpose: and to tween them. The persecuted Jews also became refractory, and broke off from their allegiance to the king of Egypt, to join Antiochus; for this seems to be the meaning of the words translated, "the robbers of thy people." These revolters exalted themselves against their former masters; and so helped to establish, or accomplish, this vision, or prophecy: but they were reduced by Ptolemy's forces, who under Scopas gained many advantages against those of Antiochus, and recovered possession VOL. IV. 87 induce Ptolemy to enter into treaty with him, he gave him his daughter Cleopatra in marriage; whose singular beauty is supposed to be intimated by the expression, "the daughter of women," that is, a most accomplished daughter of women. In this he meant fraudulently, for he thought to corrupt his daughter to betray the interests of her husband; but the project failed: for Ptolemy was aware of the artifice, and kept upon his guard; and Cleopatra preferred the interests of her husband to [689 those of her insidious father, and even joined in an embassy to the Romans craving protection against him. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.) Upright ones, &c.] Evdeia zavra per' QUTS TONGE. Sept. Et recta faciet cum eo. Vulg. Seleucus was the proper heir of it: so that no party thought of placing Antiochus on the throne. But "he came in peaceably, and obtained it by flatteries." He flattered Eumenes, king of Pergamus, and his brother Attalus, and by fair promises engaged them to support him: he flattered the Syrians with a fair shew of clemency; and, as some say, by pretending to hold the crown for his nephew till his return from Rome, by which he obtained peaceable possession: and he flattered the Romans, with the assurance of being a faithful and good ally; and thus he got possession of the kingdom, to the exclusion of all his rivals. He was also in turn flattered with the title of Epiphanes, or, the illustrious; though some more justly called him Epimanes, or, the madman. However, the expression of the angel to Daniel, "a vile person," or a despicable man, most suited him; for his frantic, indecent, and contemptible behavior, in many respects, proved him to be all which can be implied in such a title. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.) V. 18, 19. Antiochus, not being able to execute this project, turned his arms another way, and attacked many of the isles and cities bordering on the Mediterranean sea. (Marg. Ref. k.) This offended the Romans, who deemed themselves insulted by this treatment of their allies: and in their own behalf, to vindicate the honor of their state, they proclaimed war against him, and in a short time, their consuls and commanders drove him out of Europe; pursued him into Asia; by a most decisive victory deprived him of a great part of his dominions, and compelled him to submit to a very hard and dishonorable peace. He then returned in disgrace to Antioch, his strong hold. Nor did he long survive these defeats, for, finding difficulty in raising the very large sums of money which the Romans exacted from him, he attempted to plunder a rich tem- V. 22, 23. Antiochus was at first successful ple of Jupiter Belus, in the province of Ely-in war: for "with the arms of a flood shall mais, where he was slain by the enraged in-they be overflowed before him;" or, "the arms habitants. So that he soon after "stumbled, of the overflower shall be overflowed before and fell, and was not found." (Marg. and Marg. Ref.) him;" that is, Heliodorus and his other opponents, whose power seemed ready to bear all V. 20. "Then shall stand up one in his estate, before it, were speedily borne down by Antiothat causeth an exactor to pass over the glory chus, and entirely destroyed. "Yea, also the of his kingdom." (Marg.) Seleucus Philopa-prince of the covenant." Most expositors unter, who succeeded his father, being obliged to pay a large annual tribute to the Romans, performed nothing memorable, except levying money from his subjects, for this and other purposes. These exactions tarnished "the glory of his kingdom;" and within a few days, or years, (for he reigned twelve years,) he was slain by Heliodorus, whom he had employed to rob the temple of God at Jerusalem. Thus he was destroyed "neither in anger, nor in battle," but by treachery: for Heliodorus hoped to succeed to the throne; as Demetrius the son of Seleucus was a hostage at Rome, and Antiochus his brother was absent from the Syrian court. This project however was disappointed. derstand this of the Jewish bigh priest, the prince of God's covenanted people: for as soon as Antiochus was seated on the throne, he expelled Onias from the high priesthood, and sold it to his younger brother Jason for a large sum of money; and Onias was soon after cruelly murdered by Antiochus's deputy. But after this agreement with Jason he acted deceitfully: for, induced by another sum of money, Antiochus by force of arms deposed Jason, and advanced Menelaus his brother to that dignity. Some, indeed, explain this of Ptolemy Philometer; between whom and Antiochus a league, or covenant of peace, had been ratified: yet afterwards he wrought deceitfully, and at length, when become sufV. 21. Antiochus, who succeeded his broth- ficiently strong, he made war upon Ptolemy: er Seleucus, was returning from Rome when but it does not appear, why Ptolemy should he heard that he had been murdered by Helio-be called "the prince of the covenant.”—“For," dorus. "The honor of the kingdom was not given to him:" for Heliodorus intended to seize it for himself; others aimed to give it to the king of Egypt; and Demetrius the son of 690] or rather "and, he shall come up and shall become strong with a small people." He had come from Rome with few attendants: his power in Syria was at first inconsiderable; 25 And he shall stir up his power, and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall forecast devices against him. u 26 Yea, they " that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain. 27 And both these kings' 8 Judg. 9:4. Prov. 17.8. 19:6. t 2.10. Prov. 15:18. 28:25. hearts y shallz Ps. 62:9. 7:5,6. Matt. 26:23. Mark 14: † Heb. their hearts. Ps. 12:2. yet from small beginnings he became exceed- The arms of a flood, &c. (22) Kai bpaxioves to -3. Jer. 9:3-5. 41:1 a See on Prov. 19:21. Ez. 17: b 29,35,40. 8:19. 10:1. c See on 22,30-32. Hab. 1 Thes. 8:24. d 8:19. 10:1. Is. 14:31. Acts 17:26. Gal. 4:2. e 23,25. f Gen. 10:4. Num. 24:24. 1 Chr. 1:7. Kittim. Is. 23:1,12. Jer. 2:10. Ez. 27:6. g See on 28. 7:25.-Rev. 12: 12,13,17. h Neh. 6:12-14. Matt. 24:10. same table, or met at the same council-board: and pretended to be amicably disposed, and to enter into a treaty: but they were both bent on mischief, and told lies to each other. Antiochus professed a great regard to Ptolemy's in||terest, and to secure him against the designs of his brother; and Ptolemy professed to conV. 24-26. Antiochus had greater success, fide in Antiochus, and to deem himself bound both against the Egyptian provinces in Asia, to him by the strongest ties: whereas Antioand against that kingdom itself, than any of chus only meant to weaken the two brothers, his predecessors had had: and he also exceed- by fomenting their discords, till he should be ed them in liberality, or rather ostentatious able to seize upon the whole kingdom; and extravagance; for he "scattered among", the Ptolemy was aiming to effect a reconciliation people, wherever he went, the prey which he with his brother, that they might unite in exhad taken from his enemies, the spoil of cities pelling the invader. But this fraud did not and temples, the riches of his friends, and his fully prosper on either side: Antiochus could own revenues; so that his profusion exceeded not get possession of the whole kingdom; and that of any of his progenitors. Thus he fixed Ptolemy could not drive him out of it. Antiothe people in his interests: and when his au- chus was at length induced to leave Egypt, thority was established at home, he began to and return to Syria with immense treasures "forecast devices" against the strong-holds of which he had seized on; and his heart was Ptolemy, which still held out against him; and turned against the holy covenant: for, the rehe prepared during some years for the war port being spread of his death, it occasioned that he meditated. At length, with all his some insurrections and great rejoicings among power and courage, he led a great army the Jews; which so exasperated him, that he against the king of Egypt, who sent his gen- resolved to be revenged on the nation. Acerals with a mighty force to oppose his prog-cordingly he besieged and took Jerusalem, but Antiochus prevailed, through the slew forty thousand of its inhabitants, and sold fraudulent counsels and treacherous conduct twice that number for slaves: he then polluted of Ptolemy's partisans. And the next year, the temple with swine's flesh and various deAntiochus obtained still more decided advan-filements; he even entered with violence into tages, and got possession of almost all Egypt. the holy of holies; he plundered the sacred (1 Mac. 1:16–19.) For Ptolemy's ministers treasures; and having succeeded thus far he and servants helped in different ways to ruin returned home to Antioch. (Marg. and Marg. his interests; as some of them betrayed his || Ref. y-a. c.-1 Mac. 1:20--28. 2 Mac. 5:5-22.) cause, and others exasperated the people to Jerome observes, that both the Greek and revolt by their mal-administration and detest-Roman historians relate, that after Antiochus able conduct: and thus Ptolemy Physcon his returned from Egypt, he came into Judea, brother was set up for king in opposition to that is "against the holy covenant," and spoilhim. By these means Antiochus's forces pre-ed the temple, and took away a great quantity vailed, and great numbers of Ptolemy's were of gold, and having placed a Macedonian garslain. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.) 'rison in the citadel, he returned into his own land.' Bp. Newton.-The end shall be at the time appointed. (27) Marg. Ref. b.-Note, 29,30. ress: Overflow, &c. (26) The arms of Antiochus V. 27, 28. It is not known, by what means V. 29, 30. After an interval of two years, "in the time appointed," (27) Antiochus returned to renew his attempts against Egypt, and finding that the two brothers were amicably providing for their common safety, he made war upon them with great impetuosity have differed exceedingly about it. Some and success. However, this expedition ter- have explained the whole of Antiochus Epiphminated in a different manner, than either of anes; some have made him a type of Antichrist; the preceding: for the Roman state sent am- and others extend a part of it to the subsequent bassadors to him, at the request of the Ptole- kings of Syria. But, though very little of that mies, commanding him to lay down his arms, which follows in this vision, can be explained and not to molest their allies. Perhaps these of the short-lived exploits of Antiochus; yet a ambassadors came in Grecian ships, or the similarity of character and conduct, between name "Chittim" signifies the several European him and future oppressors of God's people, countries that border on the Mediterranean might give occasion to the inspired writer, or sea. (Marg. Ref. f-Note, Num. 24:23,24.) rather to the angel, to glide from one to the These executed their commission in the most other by an almost imperceptible transition.— peremptory and decisive manner: for one of As Antiochus had the power of the sword, his them, named Marcus Popillius Lenas, made a captains seized on the sanctuary, which had circle with his cane round Antiochus, and in- been strongly fortified, and was itself the desisted on his answer before he passed out of fence of the people: and they polluted it, in vathat circle; being determined to declare war rious ways; and placed a base idol in the temagainst him, if he hesitated to comply with his ple of God, which was an abomination that demands: and Antiochus, not daring to bring desolated the city and sanctuary, by driving upon himself the whole power of the Romans, thence all pious Jews: they also builded idolwho were then free from other wars, was forc- altars in all the cities of Judah. This thereed to submit. Thus he was checked in his full fore may apply to Antiochus. (Marg. Ref. 1, career of victory, to his extreme vexation; and m.) But very eminent expositors suppose, that returning home, full of grief and shame, he the transition before mentioned begins here to vented his indignation against the Jews, the be made: and, as it must shortly be admitted, it covenant-people of God: for he detached Apol- cannot be better introduced, than in this place. 'lonius with an army of twenty-two thou- 'In the same year that Antiochus, by the com'sand men, who coming to Jerusalem, slew 'mand of the Romans, retired out of Egypt, 'great multitudes, plundered the city, set fire and set up the worship of the Greeks in Judea, to it in several places, and pulled down the 'the Romans conquered the kingdom of Mace'houses and walls round about it. Then they 'don, the fundamental kingdom of the empire 'builded on an eminence, in the city of David, a ‘of the Greeks, and reduced it into a Roman 'strong fortress, which might command the province; and thereby began to be put an end 'temple; and issuing from thence, they fell on to the reign of Daniel's third beast. This is 'those who came to worship, and shed inno- 'thus expressed by Daniel; "and after him 'cent blood on every side of the sanctuary, and arms," that is, the Romans, "shall stand up." 'defiled it: so that the temple was deserted, and Arms are every where in this prophecy put 'the whole service omitted; the city was for- 'for the military power of a kingdom; and they 'saken of its natives, and became an habitation 'stand up, when they conquer and grow pow'of strangers. "So he did;" and after his return 'erful. Hitherto Daniel described the actions 'to Antioch he published a decree, which oblig- of the kings of the north and the south: but ‘ed all persons, upon pain of death, to conform upon the conquest of Macedon by the Romans, 'to the religion of the Greeks: and so the Jew-he left off describing the actions of the Greeks, 'ish law was abrogated, the heathen worship 'was set up in its stead, and the temple itself 'was consecrated to Jupiter Olympius. In 'transacting... these matters, "he had intelli'gence with them that forsook the holy cove'nant;" Menelaus, and the other apostate Jews 'of his party. Bp. Newton. (1 Mac. 1:29-61. 2 Mac. 5:24-26. 6:1-9.)-Indeed the distresses of the Jews in those days arose principally from the machinations of their countrymen, who joined the enemies of their nation and religion. (Marg. and Marg. Ref.) "There is 'not so complete and regular a series of these 'kings, there is not so concise and comprehen'sive an account of their affairs, to be found in 'any author of those times. The prophecy is 'really more perfect than any history: no one 'historian hath related so many circumstances, 'and in such exact order, as the prophet hath 'foretold them. So that it was necessary to 'have recourse to several authors, Greek and 'Roman, Jewish and Christian, and to collect 'something from one, and something from 'another, to explain and illustrate the great va'riety of particulars contained in this prophecy, ... No one could thus declare "the times and 'seasons," (Acts 1:7.) but "he who hath them in his own power." "Bp. Newton. and began to describe those of the Romans in 'Greece.' Sir Is. Newton. (Notes, 7:1-8. 8:3— 12.)-Arms.] Not armor, but the "arms" of the human body; as in other parts of this prophecy. (Note, Ez. 30:20—26.)—‘In support of this interpretation, it may be further added, that the Jews themselves, as Jerome informs us, 'understood this passage, neither of Antiochus 'Epiphanes, nor of Antichrist, but of the Ro'mans; of whom it was said above, that "the ships of Chittim shall come, and he shall be 'grieved." After some time, says the prophet, out of the Romans themselves, who came to 'assist Ptolemy, and menaced Antiochus, there 'shall arise the emperor Vespasian; there shall 'arise his arms and seed, his son Titus with an army, and they shall pollute the sanctuary, and take away the daily sacrifice, and deliver the temple to eternal desolation.' Bp. Newton. 'We must know, that after the death of An'tiochus Epiphanes, the third kingdom comes no more into the holy reckoning; none of the Greek kings after him being at all prophesied 'of.... The reason of this is, because during the reign of Antiochus, Macedonia, (whence that kingdom sprang,) with all the rest of Greece, came under the Roman obedience. From 'thence therefore the Holy Ghost begins the V. 31. Thus far the prophecy is clear, and rise of the fourth kingdom, yea, the Roman the interpretation satisfactory; but the subse-historians themselves mark out that time for quent part is very difficult, and commentators the rise of their empire.' Mede.-'Our Savior 8 covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: || 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall but the people that do know their God be holpen with a little help: but many P shall oe strong, and do exploits. shall cleave to them with flatteries. 33 And they that 9 understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. n Prov. 19:5. 26:28. Or, cause to dissemble. 2 Thes. 2:9-12. Rev. 13:1215. 6:11. 7:9.10. 12:7-11. q 12:3,4,10. Is. 32:3,4. Zech. o 1 Chr. 28:9. Ps. 9:10. Jer. numerous converts to their religion. They indeed endured severe things; yet it was not for "many days;" three years and a half being a very short time in the language of prophecy. -Whereas the Romans not only destroyed Jerusalem, and took away the daily sacrifice; but during their dominion they both crucified Christ, persecuted his followers, and also set themselves to extirpate Christianity: and their magistrates used the most alluring promises and flatteries, as well as the most terrible threatenings, to prevail with Christians to apostatize and worship idols. Many were thus corrupted and did wickedly: but the real Chris himself, making use of the same phrase, "the 'abomination of desolation" in his prediction "of the destruction of Jerusalem, may convince 'us, that this part of the prophecy refers to that 'event.' Bp. Newton.-The emphatical manner, in which our Lord quotes this prophecy of Daniel, greatly confirms this argument. Indeed the concluding verse of the ninth chapter contains nearly the same language, in an express prediction of the destruction of Jerusafem by the Romans. (Marg. and Marg. Ref. m. -Notes, 8:13,14, v. 13. 9:25–27, v. 27. Matt. 24:15-18.) There can remain little doubt with any one, who carefully compares the concluding part of this chapter and the next chap-tians were enabled to resist all these temptater, with the other scriptures; who accurately tions, and to adhere to their religion with the examines the import of the words employed; most heroic constancy: and through the whole and who attentively considers the records of extent of the Roman empire, as well as in history; that the fourth kingdom, even that of other places, Christianity was rapidly propathe Romans, is predicted, if not exclusively, yet gated. At the same time the Christians, and principally. First Rome Pagan, then Rome the ministers of Christianity, were exposed to Christian, and then Rome Papal, must be in-death by the sword and flame, and were cartended; whether the transition be made at this verse, or not till the thirty-sixth: for no other power, which has hitherto appeared on earth, at all answers to the description here given, or has had dominion during so long a term of time, as the angel plainly marks out.-The persecutions and profanations of the temple, by Antiochus Epiphanes, began about one hundred and sixty-eight years before the Christian Era: he died in less than four years afterwards. The Romans soon began to disturb the Jews: at length Pompey, about sixtythree years before the Christian Era, took Jerusalem, and entered into the holy of holies. He, however, neither plundered the temple, nor in any other respect profaned it. But from that time, Jerusalem was dependent on the Romans, and subject to those whom they made kings or governors, till the destruction of the city and temple by Titus: and in the year of our Lord one hundred and thirty-two, the emperor Adrian caused a temple to be erected to Jupiter Capitolinus, on the very spot where the temple of God before stood, and banished the Jews from Jerusalem and its neighborhood. Thus "the abomination that maketh desolate," was effectually placed "in the sanctuary of strength," to pollute it; and "the daily sacrifice was taken away.' Yet these events seem also to have been, in some degree, figures of the corruptions, introduced into the Christian church, by the idolatries of Papal Rome. ried captive, and stripped of their property during "many days:" for the ten persecutions of the Roman emperors lasted almost three hundred years, with only short intermissions of rest and peace. The dispersion of the apostles, teachers, and Christians, in the primitive times, by persecution, greatly promoted the promulgation of the Gospel. They understood, and were wise, and carried their wisdom with them, and instructed immense multitudes. (Marg, and Marg. Ref.-Notes, Matt. 10:1623. 24:9-14. Acts 20:19-21. 2 Cor. 11:21–27. 2 Tim. 3:10-12. Rev. 6: 7:) V. 34, 35. When the Jews fell under the persecutions of Antiochus, Mattathias of Modin, and his son Judas Maccabeus, revolted from the persecutors; and after the death of Mattathias, Judas repeatedly vanquished the armies of Antiochus with far inferior forces: at length he recovered Jerusalem, cleansed the sanctuary, restored the worship of God, and survived Antiochus: and both the priesthood and sovereignty remained in that family for several generations. The small force of these Jewish heroes might be called "a little help;" yet in fact it proved a most effectual help. The two books of Maccabees must be referred to on this subject; for it occupies the greatest part of them.-But if we advert to what succeeded the persecutions mentioned in the preceding note, we shall perceive a much more unexceptionable interpretation. After V. 32, 33. Antiochus doubtless corrupted the Christians had long fallen under the power many of the Jews to do wickedly: and the rem- of their persecutors, the conversion of Connant that knew, trusted, and loved their God, stantine gave thein deliverance: they were no were greatly strengthened, and did wonders, longer persecuted, but favored by the Roman in supporting his cruel tortures, and resisting emperor and his deputies. Yet this proved his usurped and abused authority: but it can-only "a little help" to the cause of true religion. not be said, that they instructed many, or made It added indeed much to the temporal pros |