The Ancient Near East in Prophecy (Daniel 11)

11:1 Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.(538 BC)

2 And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.

The four kings were Cambyses, Smerdis, Darius I and Xerxes, who was far richer than all and attacked Greece. (p.114, Rawlinson's Manual of Ancient History)

"Gabriel had already spoken of Cyrus, who was now reigning; and after him three others should arise. These were, 1. Cambyses, the son of Cyrus. 2. Smerdis, the Magian, who was an imposter, who pretended to be another son of Cyrus. And, 3. Darius, the son of Hystaspes, who married Mandane, the daughter of Cyrus. Cambyses reigned seven years and five months; Smerdis reigned only seven months; and Darius Hystaspes reigned thirty-six years. The fourth shall be far richer than they all. This was Xerxes, the son of Darius, of whom Justin says, "He had so great an abundance of riches in his kingdom, that although rivers were dried up by his numerous armies, yet his wealth remained unexhausted." He shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia. His military strength was such, that Herodotus, who lived in that time, informs us that his army amounted to five millions, two hundred and eighty-three thousand, two hundred and twenty men. Besides these, the Carthaginians furnished him with an army of three hundred thousand men, and a fleet of two hundred ships. He led an army against the Greeks of eight hundred thousand men, and twelve hundred and seven ships, with three banks of rowers each. As he marched along, he obliged all the people of the countries through which he passed to join him." (Clarke's Comm. 4:608).

3 And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.

Alexander the Great defeated the Persians at Issus (333) and Arbela (331). (p.237 Rawlinson)

4 And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.

Alexander's Empire divided to four generals: Ptolemy took Egypt; Antipater took Macedonia; Laomedon took Syria; Seleucus Nicator took Babylon. (p. 245, Rawlinson; pp.36,61,63,65 Mahaffy's Empire of the Ptolemies)

"The family of Alexander had a most tragical end: 1. HIs wife Statira was murdered soon after his death by his other wife Roxana. 2. His brother Aridaeus, who succeeded him, was killed, together withnhis wife Euridice, by command of Olympias, Alexander's mother, after he had been king about six years and some months. 3. Olympias herself was killed by the soldiers in revenge. 4. Alexander Aegus, his son, together with his mother Roxana, was slain by order of Cassander. 5. Two years after, his other son Hercules, with his mother Barsine, was privately murdered by Polysperchon; so that in fifteen years after his death not one of his family or posterity remained alive! "Blood calls for blood." He (Alexander) was the great butcher of men. He was either poisoned, or killed himself by immoderate drinking, when he was only thirty-two years and eight months old: and a retributive Providence destroyed all his posterity" (Clarke's Comm. 4:608-609).

5 And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.

The king of the south is Ptolemy Soter (aka Ptolemy Lagus); his prince Seleucus Nicator seized Syria in 312 BC (pp. 65-66, 69, 87, 101-102, 106 Mahaffy)

"The king of the south. This was Ptolemy Lagus, one of his generals, who had the government of Egypt, Libya, etc., which are on the south of Judea. He was strong, for he had added Cyprus, Phoenicia, Caria, etc., to his kingdom of Egypt. And one of his princes -- shall be strong above him. This was Seleucus Nicator, who possessed Syria, Babylon, Media, and the neighboring countries. This was the king of the north, for his dominions lay north of Judea." (Clarke's Comm. 4:609).

6 And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times.

Antiochus II of Syria married Bernice, daughter of Ptolemy II (Philadelphus) king of the south. Antiochus's first wife (Laodice) had Bernice, her infant son (not her father as KJV implies) and the Egyptians who attended her murdered and Antiochus poisoned. (250 BC).(pp.171-172, 196,198, Mahaffy) (pp. 251-252, Rawlinson)

"The king's daughter of the south. Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of Egypt, was married to Antiochus Theos, king of Syria. These two sovereigns had a bloody war for some years ; and they agreed to terminate it by the above marriage, on condition that Antiochus would put away his wife Laodice and her children, which he did; and Berenice having brought an immense fortune to her husband, all things appeared to go on well for a time. But she shall not retain the power of the arm. zaro, her posterity, shall not reign in that kingdom. But she shall be given up. Antiochus recalled his former wife Laodice and her children; and she, fearing that he might recall Berenice, caused him to be poisoned and her to be murdered, and set her son Callinicus upon the throne. And they that brought her. Her Egyptian women, striving to defend their mistress, were many of them killed. And he that begat her. Or, as the margin, "he whom she brought forth;" the son being murdered, as well as the mother, by order of Laodice. And he that strengthened her. Probably her father Ptolemy, who was excessively fond of her, and who had died a few years before." (Clarke's Comm. 4:608-609).

7 But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:

Ptolemy III (Euergetes), brother of Bernice, invaded and conquered Syria and Asia. Height of Ptolemaic power. Seleucus II (Callinicus) was king of Syria (north) at that time. (p. 196, Mahaffy) (pp.252,272 Rawlinson)

"But out of a branch of her roots. A branch from the same root from which she sprang. This was Ptolemy Euergetes, her brother, who, to avenge his sister's death, marched with a great army against Seleucus Callinicus, took some of his best places, indeed all Asia, , from Mount Taurus to India, , and returned to Egypt with an immense booty, , forty thousand talents of silver, precious vessels, and images of their gods two thousand five hundred, without Callinicus daring to offer him battle." ( Clarke's Comm. 4:609).

8 And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north.

Ptolemy III plundered Syria and Palestine of treasure. He carries 2400 idols into Egypt as spoil. Seleucus died in a fall from his horse in 226 B.C. Ptolemy III outlived his rival, not dying until 221 B.C.

"Seleucus Callinicus died (an exile) by a fall from his horse; and Ptolemy Euergetes survived him four or five years. -- Bp. Newton." (Clarke's Comm. 4:609).

9 So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land.

(240 BC) This is a summary verse. King of South (Ptolemy III) attacked Syria (verses 7 & 8) and because of sedition in Egypt returned home. (p.252, Rawlinson) (p. 2884 History for Ready Reference, vol.4)

"Ptolemy Euergetes Shall come into his kingdom That of Seleucus Callinicus. And shall return. Having heard that a sedition had taken place in Egypt, Ptolemy Euergetes was obliged to return speedily in order to repress it; else he had wholly destroyed the kingdom of Callinicus." (Clarke's Comm. 4:609).

10 But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, even to his fortress.

The sons of Seleucus II were Seleucus III who reigned for only three years, and Antiochus III , the Great, who restored the Seleucid Kingdom to its former extent. Seleucia, the port of Antioch, was retained on the Syrian coast despite losses after initial success. Antiochus III made war on Ptolemy IV Philopater of Egypt. The stronghold or fortress was Raphia, near Gaza, on the border of Egypt, which Antiochus attacked in 217 B.C.(pp.220,223,243,250, Mahaffy)

11 And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.

Antiochus III, the Great, was defeated at Raphia by the king of the south, Ptolemy IV, Philopater. (pp.253,261, Mahaffy)

12 And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it.

The KJV is clearest. After Raphia, a treaty was made and Palestine, part of Syria, and Phoenicia were ceded to Egypt. (217 BC) Ptolemy IV's heart was lifted up in the city of Jerusalem on his return trip to Egypt where he tried to enter the Holy of Holies. God miraculously prevented him and he sought to revenge himself on the Jews living in Alexandria when he came back to that city. Philopater persecutes thousands of Jews in the city of Alexandria because he was struck with paralysis when trying to enter Temple at Jerusalem. (pp.262,264, Mahaffy) 

13 For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches.

Fourteen years after Raphia (203 B.C.), Antiochus III (king of North) assembled a great army for the Egyptian campaign and allied himself with Philip V of Macedonia against Ptolemy V, Epiphanes who was a weak king. (pp.265,291-292 Mahaffy) (p. 254 Rawlinson)

14 And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.

Many wealthy Jews emigrated to Egypt rather than subject themselves to the Syrians under Antiochus III after he had made himself master of Palestine. Adam Clarke comments that they thought the Jews and Egyptians should become one people and that they hoped to build a temple like that of Jerusalem in Egypt and thus fulfill the "vision" found in Isaiah 19:18-25). However, they rebelled against the Egyptians, joined Antiochus when Syria commenced invasion, and suffered when Ptolemy's army momentarily subdued the Jews around Palestine. (p.292, Mahaffy)

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 shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand.

Antiochus III defeated Scopas (Egyptian ally) at Paneas (Panium) in Syria in 198 B.C. Palestine came into possession of the Seleucid Dynasty. Scopas fled to Sidon (a strongly "fenced city") where he was forced to surrender. (p.292, Mahaffy)

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.

(198 BC) All of Palestine was subjugated to Syrian rule under Antiochus III (the Great). (p.292, Mahaffy) 

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.

Roman intervention prevented a further Syrian expedition against Egypt. A scheming treaty was then made in which Antiochus III's daughter, Cleopatra (not the one in Egypt at 31 B.C.), was given in marriage to Ptolemy V, "Epiphanes" in the year 193 B.C. This plan to conquer Egypt failed when Cleopatra aided her husband against her father. (pp.298,305,306, Mahaffy) (p.254, Rawlinson)

18 After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him.

Antiochus III invaded Asia Minor, Greece and took the Aegean Islands. He did not heed Rome's warning to get out of her European territory and he was overwhelmingly defeated by the Roman general L. Cornelius Scipio in the Battle of Magnesia near Smyrna in 190 B.C. (from here on, the Greek fulfillment is in black). (pp.307,310, Mahaffy) (pp.2883-2885 History for Ready Reference, vol.4)  According to Clarke's Commentary, vol. 4, p.611, Antiochus had fitted out a great fleet of  one hundred large ships and two hundred smaller, and with this fleet subdued most of the maritime places on the coast of the Mediterranean, and took many of the isles, Rhodes, Samos, Euboea, Colophon and others.  The consul Acilius Glabrio caused the reproach to cease; beat and routed his army at the Straits of Thermopylae, and expelled him from Greece.  So he obliged him to pay the tribute which he hoped to impose on others.; for he would grant him peace only on condition of paying the expense of the war, fifteen thousand talents; five hundred on the spot, two thousand five hundred when the peace should be ratified by the senate, and the remaining twelve thousand in twelve years, each year one thousand.  See Polybius in his Legations, and Appian in the Wars of Syria.  Without losing a battle or taking a false step, Acilius caused the reproach which he was bringing upon the Romans to turn upon himself.

Julius Caesar was a prince at the head of a Roman army who aspired to the crown in his own interests. Pompey was his principal opposer who prevailed upon the Senate to issue the decree commanding Caesar to disband his troops. Julius Caesar refused to obey this "reproach" decree, and immediately advanced upon those who had sought to dishonour him. Pompey fled before him. Caesar pursued Pompey into Greece; and there Caesar succeeded in turning the reproach "offered" him by Pompey back upon the one who offered it. Pompey bore the reproach of being overcome on the plains of Pharsalia (9 Aug. 48 BC) by the one whom he had sought to humble. He saw 15,000 of his men fall on the battlefield and 24,000 taken prisoner by Caesar. Caesar "triumphed without his own reproach" as he Caesar lost only 200 men in that decisive battle (from here on, the Roman fulfillment is in red).

19 Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.

Antiochus III the Great lost a battle to the Romans and the resulting Peace of Apameia (188 B.C.) was onerous. Because he was greatly in need of money, Antiochus attempted to plunder the Temple of Baal at Elymais in Armenia of its gold and silver treasure and was stoned to death by the people of the city. He "stumbled" and "fell".(p.310, Mahaffy) (p.254 Rawlinson)  After this shameful defeat, Antiochus fled to Sardis, thence to Apamea, and the next day got into Syria, and to Antioch, his own fort, , whence he sent ambassadors to treat for peace; and was obliged to pay an immense sum mentioned above.  Being under the greatest difficulties of how to raise the required sums, he marched into his eastern provinces to exact the delinquent taxes; and, attempting to plunder the temple of Jupiter Belus at Elymais, he was opposed by the populace, and he and his attendants slain.  This is the account that Diodorus Siculus, Strabo, and Justin give of his death. (Clarke's Commentary 4:611).     

Julius Caesar, after conquering Pompey, returned to Rome (the fort). But he was not crowned ruler. He continued to labor "in his own behalf" toward that objective, till "he stumbled" and "fell" on 15th March 44 BC. when he entered the Senate, where sixty of its members were united in a conspiracy to destroy him; for they fell upon him with their swords and he fell, pierced with twenty-three wounds; and thus he "stumbled" and fell from his high position, instead of mounting higher , as he designed -- not to "be found" in the much coveted position.

20 Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom (or "there shall arise one who shall send a tax collector"): but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.

Seleucus IV, Philopator, needed tribute money to pay Rome and sent Heliodorus to Jerusalem to rob the temple of its wealth. God miraculously stopped him. Seleucus was murdered (poisoned) by Heliodorus.(187-186 BC) (pp.310,332, Mahaffy) (p. 255, Rawlinson) "He sent his treasurer Heliodorus to seize the money deposited in the temple of Jerusalem, which is here called the glory of the kingdom, see 2 Macc. 9:23. He was so cramped to pay the annual tax to the Romans, that he was obliged to burden his subjects with continual taxes. ...destroyed ... treacherously, by the hand of Heliodorus his treasurer, who hoped to reign in his stead." (Clarke's Comm. 4:611).

In the "estate" of Julius Caesar, his successor, the "raiser of taxes" was none other than Julius Caesar's nephew Gaius Octavius, whom he adopted into his family, and made the heir of his "estate." He dropped his name Caius, and was called Octavius Caesar. Then when he succeeded in erecting the Roman Empire, he received from the Senate the title "The August". Then he dropped his name Octavius, and was called Caesar Augustus, and "There went forth a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed," or enrolled for taxation. Thus he was "a raiser of taxes "in the glory of the kingdom" since he established the Roman Empire in its glory, and that the zenith of its glory was reached during his reign. The Augustian period of Roman history was its most glorious period. He died in quietness upon the bed where he had languished for days. But poison was the cause of his death; and that which his wife had prepared for the purpose, "destroyed" him.

21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

Antiochus IV "Epiphanes" succeeded his brother Seleucus IV. He usurped the throne from his nephew, Demetrius, who was the son of Seleucus IV. Antiochus IV "Epiphanes" took control in 175 B.C. claiming to rule on behalf of Demetrius his brother -- a prisoner in Rome.(p.332, Mahaffy) (p.255 Rawlinson) "Antiochus ... was at Athens, on his way from Rome, when his father died; and Heliodorus had declared himself king, as had several others. But Antiochus came in peacably, for he obtained the kingdom by flatteries. He flattered Eumenes, king of Pergamus, and Attalus his brother, and got their assistance. He flattered the Romans, and sent ambassadors to court their favor, and pay them the arrears of the tribute. He flattered the Syrians, and gained their concurrence; and as he flattered the Syrians, so they flattered him, giving him the epithet of Epiphanes -- the Illustrious. But that he was what the prophet here calls him, a vile person, is fully evident from what Polybius says of him, from Athenaeus 5: "He was everyman's companion: he resorted to the common shops, and prattled with the workmen: he frequented the common taverns, and ate and drank with the meanest fellows, singing debauched songs," On this account a contemporary writer ... called him Epimanes -- the Madman. (Clarke's Comm. 4:611- 612).

Tiberius stood up in the estate of Caesar Augustus as his successor. His was a "vile" young man and extremely corrupt. He was not honored by his subjects during his cruel reign. Through the cunning craftiness of his mother, and by his own plausible and hypocritical maneuverings, he peacably obtained the kingdom.

22 And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

Heliodorus seized the throne after the death of Seleucus IV. However, Antiochus IV, with the help of the Pergamese king, Eumenes, drove Heliodorus from the throne. Antiochus IV deprived Onias of the High Priesthood and sold it to the Hellenized Jesus or Jason who in turn sold it to his brother Menelaus. The prince of the covenant was Onias III. Jason was a hellenistic Jew, brother of Onias III, who bribed Antiochus offering him money to become High Priest in 174 B.C. Thus Onias III was removed from office. Jason built a gymnasium in Jerusalem. Then Menelaus paid Antiochus a larger bribe to outdo Jason. He was not a descendant of Aaron but was made High Priest anyway in 171 B.C. When Onias III objected, he was killed. (p.255, Rawlinson) "The arms which were overflown before him werre his competitors for the crown. They were vanquished by the forces of Eumenes and Attalus; and were dissipated by the arrivasl of Antiochus from Athens, whose presence disconcerted all their measures. The prince of the covenant was Onias, the high priest, whom he removed, and put Jason in his place, who had given him a great sum of money ; and then put wicked Menelaus in his room, who had offered him a larger sum. Thus he acted deceitfully in the league made with Jason." (Clarke's Comm. 4:612)

The people were overwhelmed by the tyranny of Tiberius , and broken by his power, until he could only be remembered as "The man who filled the streets of Rome with blood." The Lord Jesus Christ is the prince of the covenant which was ratified with his blood. He was broken during the reign of this "vile" Tiberius in 31 AD, when Jesus was crucified. He was "wounded for our transgressions" and "bruised for our iniquities." His body was "broken" for us.

23 And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.

Antiochus IV dealt deceitfully with both the Romans and Egyptians after agreements had been made with them. His deceit is also illustrated by the above-mentioned transferral of the Jewish high priest's office. He then repudiated any connection to his poor brother Demetrius who was a prisoner in Rome and declared himself ruler of Syria. (p.332, Mahaffy) (p.255, Rawlinson). "He shall come up from Rome where he had been a hostage for the payment of the tax laid on his father. ... At first he had but few to espouse his cause when he arrived at Antioch, the people having been greatly divided by the many claimants of the crown; but being supported by Eumenes and Attalus, his few people increased, and he became strong." (Clarke's Comm. 4:612)

24 He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time.

The great extravagance of Antiochus IV in Palestine is well illustrated. Extensive Hellenization occurred during this period. He distributes his wealth of his position to buy the loyalty of a great deal of nobility in Syria. He issues threats and uses propaganda. (p.332, Mahaffy) (p.255, Rawlinson) "The fattest places ... the richest provinces -- Coelesyria and Palestine.... He became profuse in his liberalities, and scattered among them the prey of his enemies, the spoil of temples, and the riches of his friends, as well as his own revenues. He spent much in public shows, and bestowed largesses among the people. We are told in 1 Macc.3:30 that "in the liberal giving of gifts he abounded above all the kings that went before him." These are nearly the words of the prophet; and perhaps without any design to copy them on the part of the apocryphal writer. He would sometimes go into the streets, and throw about a handful of money, crying out, "Let him take it, to whom Fortune sends it."... As Eulaeus and Lenaeus, who were the guardians of the young Egyptian king Ptolemy Philometer, demanded from Antiochus the restitution of Coelesyria and Palestine, which he refused, he foresaw that he might have a war with that kingdom; and therefore he forecast devices -- fixed a variety of plans to prevent this; visited the strongholds and frontier places to see that they were in a state of defense. And this he did for a time -- he employed some years in hostile preparations against Egypt." (Clarke's Comm. 4:612)

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.

Because of the non-Aaronic High Priest, religious Jews appealed to Ptolemy VI who responded by invading Syria with a small force. However Ptolemy VI was betrayed into the hands of Antiochus IV "Epiphanes". His army surrendered and he became a puppet in 170 A.D. Ptolemy VI Philometor was king of the south. Antiochus IV "Epiphanes" reduced Egypt in four campaigns beginning in 173. Egypt then asked Rome for help. Forecast devices: a bribery and propaganda.(p.333, Mahaffy) (p.255-256, Rawlinson) "Antiochus marched against Ptolemy, the king of the south (Egypt), with a great army; and the Egyptian generals had raised a mighty force ... The two armies met between Pelusium and Mount Casius; but the king of the south could not stand -- the Egyptian army was defeated. The next campaign he had greater success.; he routed the Egyptian army, took Memphis, and made himself master of all Egypt, except Alexandria, see 1 Macc. 1:16-19. All these advantages he gained by forecasting devices; probably by corrupting his ministers and captains. Ptolemy Macron gave up Cyprus to Antiochus; and the Alexandrians were led to renounce their allegiance to Ptolemy Philometer, and took Euergetes, or Physcon his younger brother, and made him king in his stead. All this was doubtless by the corruptions of Antiochus. See below" (Clarke's Comm. 4:612).

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.

(174 BC) Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt was taken prisoner by Antiochus "Epiphanes" in guise of friendship (Antiochus was the uncle of Ptolemy) and Antiochus was crowned king of Egypt at Memphis. Egyptians in Alexandria then revolted and chose Ptolemy Philometor's brother (Ptolemy Physcon) as king. (p. 333, Mahaffy) (p.278, Rawlinson). "The intrigues of Antiochus, corrupting the ministers and officers of Ptolemy, were the cause of all the disasters that fell on the Egyptian king. they that fed of the portion of his meat -- who were in his confidence and pay, nd possessed the secrets of the state, betrayed him; and these were the means of destroying him and his army, so that he was defeated." (Clarke's Comm. 4:612)

27 And both of these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.

Antiochus "Epiphanes" left Ptolemy Philometer as king of Egypt at Memphis where he then refused to continue as Antiochus' tool. Also, the joint reign of the two brothers (Ptolemy VI Philkometor and Physcon, Ptolemy VII) was quarrelsome and deceitful during this period. Alexandria Egypt held out against this puppet Ptolemy VI. They chose instead his brother Ptolemy VIII (Physcon or "Fat belly") to rule in Alexandria. Therefore Ptolemy VI and Antiochus IV get together and pretend to have common cause to get rid of Physcon (Ptolemy VIII). But in the back of each of their minds is the desire to get rid of eachother at the same time. A typical hypocritical conversation among politicians. But to do this Antiochus needed a large army, so he went home leaving his puppet (Ptolemy VI) to rule Egypt (except Alexandria). In short, uncle and nephew at banquet table each try to deceive the other. (p. 333, Mahaffy) (p.278, Rawlinson). "Antiochus and Ptolemy Philometer, who was nephew to the former, and whose interest he now pretended to have much at heart, , since the Alexandrians had renounced their allegiance to him, and set his younger brother, Euergetes, upon the throne. When Antiochus came to Memphis, he and Philometer had frequent conferences at the same table; and at these times they spoke lies to eachother, Antiochus professing great friendship to his nephew and concern for his interests, yet in his heart designing to ruin the kingdom by fomenting the discords which already subsisted between the two brothers. On the other hand, Philometer professed much gratitude to his uncle for the interest he took in his affairs, and laid the blame of the war upon his minister Eulaeus; while at the same time hi spoke lies, determining as soon as possible to accommodate matters with his brother, and join all their strength against their deceitful uncle. Neither succeeded in his object; for the end of the appointed time was not yet come" (Clarke's Comm. 4:612-613).

28 Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.

Antiochus IV "Epiphanes" returned to Jerusalem (where a civil war was taking place between the rival claimants of the high priesthood) and severely persecuted the Jews who rejoiced upon hearing the false report that Antiochus died (1 Macc. 1 :19-20)(p.337, 495, Mahaffy) (p.255, Rawlinson) . Antiochus has Menelaus levy a special tax on all Jerusalem to raise funds before heading back to Syria for even more fund raising. Then he can come back with a large military force."Antiochus did return, laden with riches, from tthe spoils that he took in Egypt; see 1 Macc. 1:19-20. And hearing that there had been a report of his death, at which the citizens of Jerusalem had made great rejoicings, -- ... He was determined to take a severe revenge, and he had an ostensible pretext for it; for Jason, who had been deprived of the high priesthood, hearing the report of the death of Antiochus, raised forces, marched against Jerusalem, took it, and obliged Menelaus, the high priest, to shut himself up in the castle. Antiochus brought a great army against Jerusalem; took it by storm; slew 40,000 of the inhabitants; sold as many more for slaves; boiled swine's flesh, and sprinkled the temple and the altar with the broth; broke into the holy of holies; took away the golden vessels and other sacred treasures, to the value of 1800 talents; restored Menelaus to his office; and made one Philip, a Phrygian, governor of Judea. 1 Macc. 1:24; 2 Macc. 5:21. Prideaux and Newton. These are what we term exploits; which having finished, he returned to his own land." (Clarke's Comm. 4:613).

29 At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.

Antiochus "Epiphanes" invaded Egypt a second time but was stopped by the Roman naval commander and ambassador, C. Popilius Laenas, who commanded his immediate withdrawal from Egypt. Rome makes Egypt a protectorate. While he is away Physcon is able to stage a complete coup and drive out Ptolemy VI and take over all Egypt. Ptolemy VI flees Egypt and sails to Rome. There he asks to be reinstated to his proper rulership of Egypt. Antiochus returns to Egypt in 168 B.C. but Rome sides with Ptolemy VI since they had a treaty with his father Ptolemy V. If Antiochus dared attack Egypt, Rome would respond. Antiochus therefore backed down, and left Egypt. Instead he took out his anger and humiliation on Jerusalem, supported by those who forsook the religion of Israel. (p.337, Mahaffy) (p.278, Rawlinson) "Finding that his treachery was detected, and that the two brothers had united their counsel and strength for their mutual support, he threw off the mask; and having collected a great army early in the spring, he passed through Coelesyria; entered Egypt; and the inhabitants of Memphis having submitted to him, he came by easy marches to Alexandria. But, says the prophet, "it shall not be as the former or as the latter:" he had not the same success as the former, when he overthrew the Egyptian army at Pelusium; nor as the latter, when he took Memphis, and subdued all Egypt, except Alexandria." (Clarke's Comm. 4:613).

30 For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.

(168 BC) Ships of Kittim: Roman fleet. Antiochus "Epiphanes" retreated a second time through Palestine and again vented his rage on Jerusalem with the assistance of renegade Jews under Menelaus. (pp. 339-340, Mahaffy) "Chittim is well known to mean the Roman Empire. Antiochus, being now in full march to besiege Alexandria, and within seven miles of that city, heard that ships were arrived there from Rome, with legates from the senate. He went to salute them. They delivered to him the letters of the senate, in which he was commanded, on pain of the displeasure of the Roman people, to put an end to the war against his nephews. Antiochus said he would go and consult his friends; on which Popilius, one of the legates, took his staff, and instantly drew a circle round Antiochus on the sand where he stood, and commanded him not to pass that circle till he had given a definitive answer. Antiochus, intimidated, said, he would do whatever the senate enjoined; and in a few days after began his march, and returned to Syria. This is confirmed by Polybius, Livy, Velleius, Paterculus, Valerius Maximus and Justin. Therefore he shall be grieved. "Grieving and groaning," says Polybius; both mortified, humbled and disappointed. Having indignation against the holy covenant. For he vented his rage against the Jews; and he sent his general, Apollonius, with twenty-two thousand men against Jerusalem, plundered and set fire to the city, pulled down the houses round about it, , slew much of the people, and built a castle on an eminence that commanded the temple, and slew multitudes of the poor people who had come up to worship, polluted every place, so that the temple service was totally abandoned, and all the people fled from the city. And when he returned to Antioch he published a decree that all should conform to the Grecian worship; and the Jewish worship was totally abrogated, and the temple itself consecrated to Jupiter Olympus. How great must the wickedness of the people have been when God could tolerate this! In the transacting of these matters, he had intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant; with wicked Memelaus the high priest; and the apostate Jews united with him, who gave from time to time such information to Antiochus as excited him against Jerusalem, the temple and the people. See 1 Macc. 1:41,62; 2 Macc. 6:1-9; confirmed by Josephus, War 1:1:1. The concluding reflection of Bp. Newton here is excellent: -- "It may be proper to stand a little here, and reflect how particular and circumstantial this prophecy is, concerning Egypt and Syria, from the death of Alexander to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes. There is not so concise, comprehensive, and regular an account of their kings and affairs to be found in any authors of those times. The prophecy is really more perfect than any history, and is so wonderfully exact, not only to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, but likewise equally so beyond that time, that we may conclude in the words of the inspired writer, 'No one could thus declare the times and seasons, but he who hath them in his own power.'" (Clarke's Comm. 4:613-614). (Acts 1:7)

31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.

Cp. Dan. 8:11-14. The daily sacrifice was abolished, an idol of Jupiter Olympius was set up in the Holy of Holies, and an altar for sacrifices to Jupiter Olympius was set up in the temple upon the place of the Jewish sacrifices. The Jews were forbidden to observe any of God's laws. Antiochus tore down houses to build the Acra Fortress. He changed the name of God to Zeus Olympius. He ordered Jews to sacrifice swine to Zeus. He prohibited Sabbaths, festivals and circumcision. Then on Chislev 25th, 168 B.C., he slew a pig on the brazen altar which may have been the "abomination of desolation." Then he plundered the temple treasury and left troops to carry out a reign of terror. For three years the Temple didn't operate -- from Chislev 25, 168 to Chislev 25, 165 B.C. (p.340-341, Mahaffy) (p.255, Rawlinson) "After Antiochus, arms, that is, the Romans, shall stand up: for arms in this prophecy everywhere denote military power; and standing up, the power in activity and conquering. Both Sir Isaac Newton and Bp. Newton agree, that what follows is spoken of the Romans. Hitherto Daniel has described the actions of the kings of the north and of the south, that of the kings of Syria and Egypt; but, upon the conquest of Macedon by the Romans, he has left off describing the actions of the Greeks, and begun to describe those of the Romans in Greece, who conquered Macedon, Illyricum, and Epirus, in the year of the era of Nabonassar, 580. Thirty-five years after, by the will of Attalus, they inherited all Asia westward of Mount Taurus; sixty-five years after they conquered the kingdom of Syria, and reduced it into a province; and thirty-four years after they did the same to Egypt. By all these steps the Roman arms stood up over the Greeks; and after ninety-five years more, by making war upon the Jews, they polluted the sanctuary of strength, -- the temple, (so-called by reason of its fortifications,) and took away the daily sacrifice and placed the abomination that maketh desolate, or of the desolator; for that this abomination was thus placed after the time of Christ, appears from Matt. 24:15. In the sixteenth year of the Emperor Adrian, AD 132, they placed this abomination by building a temple to Jupiter Capitolinus, where the temple of God in Jerusalem stood; upon which the Jews, under Barchocab, rose up against the Romans. But in this war they had fifty cities demolished, nine hundred and fifty of their best towns destroyed, and eighty thousand men were slain by the sword; and in the end of the war, AD 136, were banished Judea on pain of death; and thenceforth the land became desolate." (Clarke's Comm. 4:614).

Titus with his forces entered the temple in 70 AD, defiling it with their presence and profane work. On the 17th July, 70 AD, "the daily sacrifice" ceased forever to be offered, because the Jews were so reduced by the Romans that there was no proper person left to offer it. "The abomination that maketh desolate" was also placed when the Roman army destroyed that holy city, and made desolate that country. (Matt. 24:15). In other words, "when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. The Roman armies are the abomination that makes desolate. The Roman standards on the Holy Temple in the Jewish War where Titus destroyed Jerusalem was a second fulfillment.

32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

Many Jews rejected God's covenant. This verse describes the era of the Maccabean revolt to the time of Christ. The Sadducees were Hellenists and embraced paganism while the Hasidim (Pharisees) heroically opposed the Syrian presence. (168 BC) (p.340-341, Mahaffy) (p.255, Rawlinson). Such as do wickedly against the covenant.

"This is understood of the Christian Jews; for the new had now succeeded to the old, the whole of the Jewish ritual having been abolished, and Jerusalem filled with heathen temples. And he -- the Roman power, did all he could by flatteries, as well as threats, to corrupt the Christians, and cause them to sacrifice to the statues of the emperors. But the people who do know their God. The genuine Christians. Shall be strong.... And do exploits. Continue steadfast in all temptations, hold fast their faith, and enjoy a good conscience." (Clarke's Comm. 4:614).

33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.

The Maccabees had a righteous zeal. But many others joined for less honorable reasons. Christians convert many to Christianity and are persecuted during ten Roman persecutions is a second fulfillment.

"And they that understand. The apostles and primitive Christians in general, who understood from the prophets, and his own actions, that Jesus was the true Messiah. Instruct many. Preach the Gospel every where, and convert multitudes to the faith. Yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. They were exposwed to the malice and fury of their enemies, during ten state persecutions, and suffered all kinds of tortures, with but little intermission, for three hundred years. -- Newton." (Clarke's Comm. 4:614).

34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.

Constantine stopped the persecution of Christians; and made Christianity the religion of the empire. Roman government became Christian under Constantine generating many insincere converts (hypocrites) throughout the empire. The Christian Church became popular. For the sake of advantage, people became nominal Christians. "When the storm of the tenth persecution under Diocletian, which lasted ten years, fell upon them, they were sorely oppressed....many ... Became Christians because the Emperor was such" (Clarke's Comm. 4:614).

35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.

Papal persecution of Protestants finally ended with the abolishment of Jesuitism in 1773 AD. Therefore the "time of the end" must have commenced there. The Waldenses are one example. Meneray says, "They had almost the same opinions as those who are now called Calvinists." Their real crime is "they blaspheme the church of Rome, and the clergy" but "They live justly before men" says Reinerius in c.1254 AD.

The Reformation (French Revolution fulfillment in blue.).

Judas Maccabeas was killed in the Battle of Elasa in 161 B.C. The time appointed is the coming of the Messiah in 27 A.D. Heresies, schisms and persecutions among Christians.

36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

The Temple of God was renamed the temple of Jupiter Olympius, and every conceivable outrage was perpetrated within its precincts: "And to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem, and to call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius; ... for the temple was filled with riot and revelling by the Gentiles who dallied with harlots, and had to do with women within the circuit of the holy places ... The altar also was filled with profane things ... and when the feast of Bacchus was kept, the Jews were compelled to go in procession to Bacchus carrying ivy ... there were two women brought who had circumcized their children; whom when they had openly led round about the city, the babes hanging at their breasts, they cast them down headlong from the wall" (2 Macc. 6:2,4,5,7,10). In the same book is recorded how the king tortured and maimed seven sons in the presence of their mother, and caused them to be fried alive. "It came to pass also, that seven brethren with their mother were taken, and compelled by the king against the law to taste swine's flesh, and were tormented with scourges and whips. Then the king being in a rage, commanded pans and caldrons to be made hot: which forthwith being heated, he commanded to cut out the tongue of him that spake first, and to cut off the utmost parts of his body, the rest of his brethren and his mother looking on. Now when he was thus maimed in all his members, he commanded him being yet alive to be brought to the fire, and to be fried in the pan" (2 Macc. 7:1,3,4,5)

"This may apply to Antiochus, who exalted himself above every god, called himself a god, sported with all religion, profaned the temple ... but others think an antichristian power in the Church is intended; for in the language of this prophecy, king is taken for power, a kingdom ... That such a power did spring up in the Church, that acted in an arbitrary manner against all laws, human and Divine, is well known. This power showed itself in the Greek emperors in the east and in the bishops of Rome in the west. And this is to continue. Till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. This is the same as what was called in 8:19 the last end of the indignation; and 9:27 the consummation; and means the end or consummation of God's indignation against the Jews. And this seems more clearly expressed 12:7: "When he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people." We see this still subsisting in the Church of Rome; and it was a saying of Rabbi David Kinchi, "When Rome shall be laid waste, then shall be redemption for Israel." For the destruction of Rome and the restoration of the Jews shall fall out about the same time.-- Bp. Newton. (Clarke's Comm. 4:615).

The papal king exalts himself and blasphemes also.

Hebrews use king for kingdom. Therefore the infidel king could refer to France itself which abolished not only the worship of Christ and the superstitious idolatry of paganism, but even the name and adoration of the true God during the French Revolution.

37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

Antiochus "Epiphanes" was one of the Seleucidae, a Macedonian, and therefore a descendant of the tribe of Dan. The god of his fathers was YHWH. But he magnified himself above all. He called himself the god "Epiphanes". He also caused himself to be depicted as the god Jupiter (Zeus) on some of his coins. Disregarding the desire of women for motherhood, and their children, "they hung the infants from their mothers' necks" (1 Macc. 1:54-61). Antiochus had no pity for the tears of mothers or the suffering of little children. We read: "they also strangled those women and their sons whom they had circumcised, as the king had appointed, hanging their sons about their necks as they were upon crosses" (Josephus Ant. 12:5:4).  

No regard for the "desire of women": Monks and nuns made vows of celibacy (forbidding to marry -- 1 Tim. 4:3) in both eastern and western church. But "the desire of Israel" does not mean the wish to have Israel, but that which Israel wished to have, namely Saul for a king (1 Sam. 9:20). The "desire of thy soul" is not the wish to have thy soul, but that which thy soul wishes to have (1 Sam. 23:20). The "desire of the heart" is not the wish to have the heart, but that which the heart wishes to have (Ps. 10:3; 21:2). The "desire of the wicked" is not the wish to have the wicked, but that which the wicked wish to have (Ps. 112:10). The "desire of Ezekiel's eyes" is surely not the wish to have his eyes but that which his eyes desired, namely his wife (Ez. 24:16). Thus not to wearly anyone with a long detail of instances, "the desire of all nations" is not the wish to be master of all nations, but that which all nations desire, even the promised Messiah (Haggai 2:7). Arguing then from analogy of idiom, we must conclude that "the desire of women" doesn't mean a man's desire for a wife, but what women desire to have, namely Christ. The original prediction of the promised seed was delivered specially to Eve. Her seed would bruise the head of the serpent, not Adam's. Upon the birth of her first child, she joyfully exclaimed, "I have gotten a man, even Jehovah himself". (cp. Hosea 9:16 "the desirable things of their wombs").

The Roman Church has "put councils, and traditions, and apocryphal writings" in place of God and the Bible. "Both the Greek and Latin Church, in their antichristian enactments, have discouraged, and in several cases proscribed, marriage, under the pretence of greater chastity, to the discredit of God's ordinance, and Christianity itself." (Clarke's Comm. 4:615).

38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

Antiochus placed an altar upon the altar of sacrifice in the Temple at Jerusalem to honour Jupiter. "And when the king had built an idol altar upon God's altar, he slew swine upon it, and so offered a sacrifice neither according to law, nor the Jewish religious worship in that country" (Ant. 12:5:4). Jupiter Capitolinus was the "god of forces" or fortresses. "When a foreign state had injured Rome, it was forbidden to begin war without a formal declaration by the fetiales or heralds, the ministers of Jupiter. Headed by the pater patratus populi Romani, they appealed to Jupiter to witness that they had been wronged, and denounced ruin on the wrong-doers. Having thus through his representative on earth solemnly warned the guilty, the god as Victor led his people to conquest. When the army returned, their entry was a religious ceremonial in honour of Jupiter. The general, as representative of Jove, was borne on a guilded chariot drawn by four white horses through the Porta Triumphalis to the temple on the Capitol, where he offered a solemn sacrifice to the god, and laid on his knees the victor's laurels" (Encyc. Brit. vol. 13, p.780)

Protectors (fortresses), saints or angels (or demons -- 1 Tim. 4:1). The queen of heaven (Jer. 44:17) or Diana of Ephesians (Acts 19:27) became Virgin Mary.

"Shall he honour the god of forces.... mauzzim, or gods protectors, as in the margin; worshipping saints and angels as guardians, and protectors, and mediators; leaving out, in general, the true God, and the only Mediator, Jesus Christ. And a god whom his fathers knew not. For these gods, guardians, the Virgin Mary, saints and angels, were utterly unknown as mediators and invocable guardians in the primitive apostolic Church. Shall he honour with gold, and silver and with precious stones. How literally does this apply to the Church of Rome! See the house of our lady at Loretto; the shrines of saints; the decorated images, costly apparel, gold, jewels, etc., profusely used about images of saints, angels, and the blessed virgin, in different popish churches. This superstition began to prevail in the fourth century, and was established in 787, by the seventh general council; for in that the worship of images was enacted. " (Clarke's Comm. 4:615).

The Romans were, I believe, the only nation that ever expressly deified Liberty, till the worship of it was borrowed from them by the atheists of France. But it was a foreign god in relation to France itself. It was a liberty to quarrel with eachother -- not true liberty. A spurious Freedom, utterly incompatible either with genuine religion, or with the real rights of man, was the very soul of the revolution which shook Europe. Liberty and Equality were the watchwords of the French infidels, and their boast was that slavery and superstition should soon be made to vanish from earth. To them, the definition of Liberty was a freedom from all restraint both civil and religious. But they went further than merely accepting the belief. They literally worshipped Liberty. After rejecting the religion of Christ, and declaring him to be an imposter, the Convention, with tumultuous applause, decreed the adoration of of Liberty and Equality; and in imitation of the idolatrous Romans, appointed festivals exactly similar to those of paganism, in honour of Reason, the Country, the Constitution, the Virtues, and various other allegorical deities. Liberty is therefore the "foreign god" that was worshipped at the head of the king's inferior Mahuzzim. The republic also enrolled in its list of Mahuzzim the dead men to be worshipped as key players in the revolution: Voltaire, Rousseau, Mirabeau, Marat, and even the vile assassin Ankerstrom. The church of St. Genevieve was changed by the national assembly into a repository for the remains of their great men, or rather into a pagan temple: and as such was aptly named the Pantheon. The remains of Voltaire and Rousseau were conveyed in a magnificent procession: and as if to insult the Almighty to his face, the bones of Voltaire were placed upon the high altar, and incense was offered to them, the infatuated multitude meanwhile bowing down in silent adoration before the relics of this arch enemy of Christ.  Disregarding the god of his fathers and the Desire of women (Messiah), he has revived the adoration of the Mahuzzim of paganism; and although a professed atheist, has prostrated himself before a foreign god whom his fathers never knew.

When Italy was plundered of the finest specimens of the arts by the advocated of Freedom, and when the decorations of her palaces were transported to France and declared to be the sole property of the sovereign people; Liberty was the deity thus honoured. with desirable things, for Liberty was that which sanctioned every violation of private rights. When the ornaments of the churches were either confiscated, or carried off by the infuriated mob; Liberty, Reason, and the Republican Virtues, were the Mahuzzim thus honoured with gold, silver, and precious stones. When the noble church of St. Genevieve, profusely decorated by all the skill of architecture, was desecrated, under the name of the Pantheon, to the gods of Infidelity; the triumph of Liberty was complete, the foreign god and his Mahuzzim had received the highest honours which the atheist king was able to bestow.

39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

France has extended her empire and her influence far and wide.  "The citizen and the legislator ought to acknowledge no other worship than that of liberty, no other altars than those of their country, no other priests than the magistrates."  For the purpose of more widely diffusing this system, a decree of fraternity to all rebels against their lawful sovereigns was formally passed by the national convention.  (In the sitting of the Jacobins, Aug. 27, 1792, Manuel caused an oath to be taken, that every exertion should be used to purge the earth of the pest of royalty.)  And it was determined that the system itself should be extended to all countries occupied by their armies.   They promised Liberty, but they enslaved other nations and took their money in actual practice.  Holland, Switzerland, Piedmont, much of Germany.

The lands of the crown, the church, and the nobility, were taken away from their lawful owners, and declared to be the sole property of the nation. This preparatory step having been taken, the lands were next, as it is well known, sold at a low price to the partizans of anarchy and atheism; by which master stroke of Machiavelian villany an insurmountable barrier was raised against any future attempt to re-establish the Bourbons, for it was made the direct interest of every landholder throughout France to oppose their return (pp. 240-250, Faber's Dissertation On The Prophecies).

"Bishop Newton proposed the following translation, after justly finding fault with our common Version: "Thus shall he do to the defenders of Mauzzim, together with the strange god whom he shall acknowledge: he shall multiply honour, and he shall cause him to rule over many; and the earth he shall divide for a reward." The defenders of Mauzzim, these saint and angel gods protectors, were the monks, priests, and bishops; of whom it may be truly said, "They were increased with honour, ruled over many, and divided the land for gain." They have been honoured and reverenced almost to adoration; their jurisdiction was extended over the purses and consciences of men; they have been enriched with the noblest of buildings and largest endowments, and the choicest lands have been appropriated for Church lands. These are points of such public notoriety, that they require no proof. -- Newton. (Clarke's Comm. 4:615).       

40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

Napoleon advanced into Egypt in 1797 and conquered it, becoming the king of the south. Then being ambitious to get possession of Constantinople, he advanced toward Acre, in Syria. Syria was part of the Ottoman Empire. The Sultan of Turkey was therefore king of the north. The Russians and the English came to the assistance of the Sultan, and their "many ships" of war grandly appeared before that seaport town to operate against the French. Napoleon was defeated. (from here on, the end-time fulfillment is in blue)

"These kings are to be understood in reference to the times of which the prophet speaks. While the kingdoms of Egypt and Syria were subsisting, the king of the south and north applied to them exclusively: but they did not exist at the time of which the prophet speaks; therefore other southern and northern powers must be sought. These we may find in the Saracens, who were of the Arabians, who came from the south, headed by the false prophet Mohammed, who pushed at him -- made war on the Greek emperor Heraclius, and with amazing rapidity deprived him of Egypt, Syria, and many of his finest provinces. The king of the north. The Turks, who were originally Scythians, seized on the remains of the Greek empire; and in process of time rendered themselves masters of the whole. They are represented as coming like a whirlwind, with chariots and with horsemen; their armies being chiefly composed of of cavalry. And with many ships. With these they got possession of many islands and maritime countries; and were so powerful in their fleets, that they entirely defeated the Venetians; and at last their fleets became of the utmost consequence to them in besieging, and afterwards taking, Constantinople, AD 1453, which they hold to the present day. So they entered into the countries, and overflowed, rendering themselves masters of all Asia Minor and Greece."(Clarke's Comm. 4:615).

41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.

"Entirely subdue Judea. And many countries shall be overthrown. Aleppo, Damascus, Gaza, and many other cities were forced to submit to them; and they hold them still. But these shall escape -- Edom and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. These and other Arabians they have never been able to subdue. They still occupy the deserts; and receive a yearly pension of forty thousand crowns of gold from the Ottoman emperors, to permit the caravans with the pilgrims for Mecca, to have a free passage." (Clarke's Comm. 4:616).

42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

Then the Sultan with his army "Overflowed and passed over the land of Palestine" and he entered "the land of Egypt," and conquered that country.

"He -- the Ottoman emperors, have stretched forth the hand, not only on European, but also upon Asiatic and African countries. Egypt has not escaped; it is a province of the Turkish government, as are also Fez, Morocco, Algiers, and many other African countries. And as the prophecy says they "got power over the silver and gold, and the precious things of Egypt," so it was; for when Selim conquered Egypt, AD 1517, he took all its spoils; and the immense sums drawn from it to the present day, and the wretchedness of the land in consequence, are almost incredible." (Clarke's Comm. 4:616).

43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

Egypt was obliged to pay a certain amount of gold and silver annually into the treasury of the Sultan, besides a large amount of wheat and barley, "the most precious things of Egypt." Libyans and Ethiopians were also under his control.

"The Lybians and Ethiopians. The Cushim -- unconquered Arabs, all sought their friendship; and many of them are tributary to the present time." (Clarke's Comm. 4:616).

44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

After the Sultan had gained his strong-hold in Egypt, he became greatly troubled because of conditions in the east and the Russian pursuits in the north, when the Czar began operating against the Sultan directly to get the much-coveted warm-water port for Russia. Planning and scheming to strike the fatal blow which should destroy the Turkish government, before other nations could intervene to save the Sultan. Therefore, Abdul Medid finally declared war on Russia, "like a sick man seized with an insane fit," when he so suddenly advanced upon Russia in the "fury" of his provoked wrath. England, France, and Sardinia became involved in his interests, and the terrible Crimean War (1853-1856) ensued, during which about half a million men were destroyed.

"Were we to understand it as applying to Antiochus, then the news might be of the preparations which he heard, that the provinces of the east, and Artaxerxes, king of Armenia, on the north, were intending to rise up against him. But if the Turkish power be understood, as in the preceding verses, it may mean that the Persians on the east, and the Russians on the north, will at some time greatly embarrass the Ottoman government. And how completely this has been fulfilled; first, by the total destruction of the Egyptian fleet, by the combined fleets of England, France, and Russia, in the Bay of Navarino; and secondly, by the total overthrow of the Turkish army by the Russians, in the years 1828 and 1829, when the Sultan was obliged to accept any conditions that the emperor of Russia was pleased to give." (Clarke's Comm. 4:616).

45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

Turks occupied Jerusalem in 1917. But were chased out by the British and lost the war.

The Russian Bolshevik Revolution which was a punishment on the Moslem Religion which persecuted Jews and Protestants just as the French Revolution (1789) was a punishment on the Roman Catholic Church which persecuted Jews and Protestants. Atheistic Russia destroyed Turkish Islam just as Revolutionary secular France destroyed Roman Catholicism -- each after 1260 years. Also in 1917, Turkey was driven from Jerusalem and Palestine completely by Great Britain's General Allenby and Lawrence of Arabia from November 1917 to the Armistice in November 1918. Notice: 657 + 1260 = 1917

By 1917 (622 + 1335 = 1917) on the 1335th LUNAR year (Dan. 12:12), (1295 solar years), Turkey was driven from Jerusalem and Palestine completely by General Allenby and Lawrence of Arabia from November 1917 to the Armistice in November 1918. This period on the Moslem calendar occupied the entire 1335th Moslem year since the Moslem calendar ran from September to September.

If we add 1260 LUNAR years (1222.5 solar) to 657 A.D. we come to 1879 A.D. In 1878 at the Berlin Conference, the wholesale dismemberment of the Turkish Empire occurred.

If we add 1260 PROPHETIC years (1241.915 solar) to 657, we come to 1899 when Theodor Herzl established the Jewish Colonial Trust, the financial arm of the Zionist movement in 1899.

"And at the time of the end (decay of Syrian kingdom) shall the king of the south (Ptolemy VI Philometer) push at him (Demetrius I till 150 B.C. or Alexander Theopater Euergetes in 146 B.C.): and the king of the north (Pompey of Rome) shall come against him (Antiochus XIII) like a whirlwind (in 64 B.C. Syria incorporated as a province of Rome), with chariots, and with horsemen (5000 cavalry), and with many ships (270 ships) (& 120,000 infantry); and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief (greater portion) of the children of Ammon (SE of Dead Sea not added to Roman province of Syria till Trajan's reign -- c. 106 AD) He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt ("granary of Rome") shall not escape. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, (he returned to Rome in 62 B.C. with approx. 30,000 gold talents) and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall shall be at his steps. But tidings out of the east (Judea -- A firm persuasion had long prevailed through all the East, that it was fated for the empire of the world, at that time, to devolve on some who should go forth from Judea -- Suetonius, Lives of 12 Caesars, ch. 4) and out of the north (Germany's legions proclaimed Vitellius emperor in 69 AD & Gaul's insurrection in 68 AD) shall trouble him: therefore he (Vespasian) shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. And he (Titus) shall plant the tabernacles (or standards and eagles -- Num. 2:1-2) of his palace between the seas (Mediterranean & Dead) in the glorious holy mountain (Zion); yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him" (Dan. 11:40-45).

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