Dan. 11:21-29, Prophecy of the Nations (4)

4. The Prophecy Concerning Antiochus Epiphanes (11:21-35)

(11:21) Antiochus Epiphanes (175-164) had no legitimate claim to the throne, being the late king’s brother (and thus a younger son of Antiochus the Great).  The late king (Seleucus Philopator) had two sons, Demetrius and an infant also named Antiochus.  However, by various intrigues and political maneuverings, he gained the throne. (My note: Antiochus Epiphanes is the “little horn” of Dan. 8.)

(11:22) Antiochus routed the forces of Egypt in battles between Pelusium and the Casian Mountains.  The “prince of the covenant” may be a reference to the high priest Onias III, who was deposed and later murdered.  (Others take the view of referring it to Ptolemy Philometor who was defeated.)

Antiochus Epiphanes adopted a policy of feigned friendship with Egypt.  He pretended to support his nephew Ptolemy Philometer against another of his nephews Ptolemy Euergetes.  However, it was merely a cover to advance his own interests.  Some historians claim that Antiochus Epiphanes even managed to have himself crowned king at Memphis.

(11:24) Antiochus Epiphanes greatly plundered his conquered lands, but differed from his predecessors by distributing the spoils lavishly to the people (so say Livy, 1 Macc. 3:30, Polybius), thus winning friends to himself.  He also used the devise of keeping a strong garrison at Pelusium on the border of Egypt, so that his entry into Egypt at any time would be unobstructed.

(11:25) Antiochus Epiphanes made a second expedition against Egypt.  He defeated Ptolemy Physcon (or perhaps Ptolemy Philometor). 

(11:26) One of the reasons for the Egyptian defeat was apparently treason by some of Ptolemy’s men.  It is known that some of his supporters did desert him.  (Specific historical data as to the nature of this treason is still lacking, however.)

(11:27) The two kings probably are Antiochus Epiphanes and Ptolemy Philometor who presumably were working together to overcome Ptolemy Physcon.  (Both Livy and Polybius state this to be true.)  However, they both were more interested in their own successes.

(11:28) Antiochus Epiphanes returned from Egypt with much plunder, and marched through Judea.  He put down an insurrection led by Jason (see 1 Macc. 1:20ff; II Macc. 5) and took the opportunity to plunder the temple.

(11:29) Antiochus Epiphanes made a third expedition against Egypt (168 BC) without the success of his previous invasions.  This campaign was directed against the two Ptolemy brothers, Philometor and Physcon, who had become reconciled to each other.

(We will conclude this explanation in our next post.)