Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Daniel 11:10
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.
10. his sons ] Seleucus Ceraunos and Antiochus the Great, the two being grouped together, because (probably) the campaign of Seleucus in Asia Minor was the first stage in an organized plan of hostilities against Egypt.
shall stir themselves up ] viz., as the word used implies, for war or combat (cf. ): so. Dan 11:25; Deu 2:5; Deu 2:9; Deu 2:19; Deu 2:24 [R.V. contend ]; 2Ki 14:10 (properly, ‘Why shouldest thou stir thyself up against i.e. advance against, challenge calamity?’).
and he (or it) shall come on ] i.e. either Antiochus, or his army (the ‘multitude’ just spoken of). The attack upon Egypt, planned originally by the two brothers, was, after the death of Seleucus, carried out by Antiochus.
and flood up and flow over ] viz. in the campaigns of 219 in Cle-Syria, and of 218 in Palestine (as described above). The words are borrowed from Isa 8:8: the advancing hosts of Antiochus (as in Is. those of the Assyrians) are compared to a flood of waters inundating a land. Cf. Jer 47:2.
and he (or it) shall return ] Antiochus, after wintering in Ptolemais, ‘returned’ to the attack upon Egypt in 217.
and they (his forces) shall stir themselves up (advancing) as far as his stronghold ] Probably Gaza, which was the most important fortress of Palestine on the south, and a play upon the name of which ( ) is perhaps intended by the Heb. word here used ( ). The strength of Gaza may be estimated by the fact that it resisted Alexander the Great for two months.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
10 19. Seleucus III. (Ceraunos), 226 223, and Antiochus III. (the Great), 223 187: Ptolemy IV. (Philopator), 222 205, and Ptolemy V. (Epiphanes), 205 181.
Seleucus Callinicus left two sons, Seleucus Ceraunos and Antiochus. The former succeeded him, but was murdered, after two years, in the course of an expedition in Asia Minor (Pol yb. v. 40). Ant iochus, who then came to the throne, determined to resume the war with Egypt, hoping, in view of Ptolemy Philopator’s effeminacy and supineness, that an easy task lay before him (Polyb. v. 42) [360] . First, acting on the advice of his friend, the physician Apollophanes, he recovered the important fortress of Seleukeia (Polyb. v. 58 60, see above, on Dan 11:7); then Theodotus, Ptolemy’s prfect in Cle-S yria (v. 40), in vited him treacherously to take possession of that province, and enabled him further to secure Tyre, Ptolemais, and other neighbouring towns (v. 61). Meanwhile Ptolemy, roused from his lethargy by the loss of Cle-Syria, had advanced his troops as far as Pelusium; and his ministers, wishing to gain time for further warlike preparations, succeeded in obtaining from Antiochus an armistice for four months. Antiochus accordingly retired for the winter to Seleukeia, leaving garrisons in Phnicia and Cle-Syria, which (being ignorant of Ptolemy’s real intentions) he hoped he had now finally secured (v. 62 66). However, in the following spring (218), a large Egyptian army, which had meantime been organized, marched under Nicolaus through Palestine as far as a spot between Lebanon and the sea, where it was met by Antiochus and completely defeated (v. 68 69). After this Antiochus advanced into Palestine, takes Philoteria, Scythopolis (Beth-shean) and Atabyrium, as also Abila, Gadara, and Rabbath-Ammon, on the E. of Jordan, leaves a governor, with 8000 soldiers, in Samaria, and retires into winter-quarters at Ptolemais (v. 70 71).
[360] The events summarized in Dan 11:10-12 are narrated at length in Polyb. v. 58 71, 79 87 (v. 62 68, 79 87, are translated in Mahaffy, l.c., pp. 250 263).
In the next spring (217) Antiochus and Ptolemy both take the field, with armies of 60,000 or 70,000 men each (v. 79). Ptolemy, starting from Alexandria, advances to within 50 stadia of Raphia (the border-fortress of Palestine, in the direction of Egypt); Antiochus first marches to Gaza, then by slow stages, passing Raphia, to within five stadia of the spot on which the army of Ptolemy was encamped (v. 80). In the battle which ensued (v. 82 85), Antiochus was defeated (with the loss of 10,000 infantry, 300 cavalry, besides 4,000 prisoners), and fell buck upon Gaza, retiring afterwards to Antioch (v. :86). He then sent to Ptolemy to ask terms of peace, which Ptolemy, satisfied with his victory, and with its natural consequence, the recovery of Cle-Syria, granted for one year (v. 87).
The second part of Dan 11:12 refers plainly to Ptolemy’s victory at Raphia; but it is impossible to feel certain which of the events just described are referred to in Dan 11:10 b12 a. The sequence of events as described in these verses seems, in fact, not to agree with that of the narrative of Polybius.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
But his sons shall be stirred up – Margin, or, war. The Hebrew word ( ytheggaru – from garah) means, to be rough; then, in Piel, to excite, stir up; and then, in Hithpa, to excite ones self, to be stirred up to anger, to make war upon …. Here it means, according to Gesenius (Lexicon), that they would be excited or angry. The reference here, according to Lengerke, Maurer, Gill, and others, is to the son of the king of the north, Seleucus Callinicus. He was killed, according to Justin (lib. xxvii. c. 3), by a fall from his horse. The war with Egypt was continued by his two sons, Seleucus Ceraunus and Antiochus the Great, until the death of the former, when it was prosecuted by Antiochus alone. See Prideaux, iii. 136. Seleueus Ceraunus succeeded his father – assuming the name of Ceraunus, or the Thunderer; but, dying soon, he left the crown to his brother, Antiochus the Great, then only fifteen years of age, by whom the war with Egypt was successfully prosecuted.
And shall assemble a multitude of great forces – Against Egypt. In such a war they would naturally summon to their aid all the forces which they could command.
And one shall certainly come – There is a change here in the Hebrew from the plural to the singular number, as is indicated in our translation by the insertion of the word one. The fact was, that the war was prosecuted by Antiochus the Great alone. Seleucus died in the third year of his reign, in Phrygia; being slain, according to one report (Jerome), through the treachery of Nicanor and Apaturius, or, according to another, was poisoned. See Prideaux, iii. 137. Antiochus succeeded to the empire, and prosecuted the war. This was done for the purpose of recovering Syria from the dominion of Ptolemy of Egypt, and was conducted with various degrees of success, until the whole was brought under the control of Antiochus. See Prideaux, Con. iii. 138, following.
And overflow – Like a torrent.
And pass through – Through the land – not the land of Egypt, but every part of Syria.
Then shall he return – Margin, be stirred up again. The margin is the more correct rendering – the Hebrew word being the same as what is used in the first part of the verse. The idea would seem to be, that he would be aroused or stirred up after a defeat, and would on the second expedition enter into the strongholds or fortresses of the land. This was literally true. Ptolemy marched into Syria with an army of seventy thousand foot, five thousand horse, and seventy-three elephants, and was met by Antiochus with an army of sixty-two thousand foot, six thousand horse, and one hundred and two elephants. In a great battle, Antiochus was defeated, and returned to Antioch (Prideaux, Con. iii. 151-153); but the following year he again rallied his forces, and invaded Syria, took Gaza and the other strongholds, and subdued the whole country of Syria (including Palestine) to himself. – Prideaux, Con. iii. 176, 177.
Even to his fortress – The singular for the plural; perhaps using the word fortress by way of eminence, as denoting his strongest fortress, and, therefore, including all the others.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 10. But his sons shall be stirred up] That is, the sons of Callinicus, who were Seleucus Ceraunus and Antiochus, afterwards called the Great.
Shall assemble a multitude] Seleucus Ceraunus did assemble a multitude of forces in order to recover his father’s dominions; but, not having money to pay them, they became mutinous, and he was poisoned by two of his own generals. His brother Antiochus was then proclaimed king; so that one only of the sons did certainly come, and overflow, and pass through; he retook Seleucia, and regained Syria. He then returned, and overcame Nicolaus the Egyptian general; and seemed disposed to invade Egypt, as he came even to his fortress, to the frontiers of Egypt.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
His sons shall be stirred up; he means the sons of the king of the north, i.e. Antiochus, and Seleucus Ceraunus, shall be incensed with the deeds of Ptolemy Euergetes, and his son Ptolemy Philopater.
One shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through; he means Antiochus the Great, because the other, viz. Seleucus Ceraunus, is taken off by poison at the beginning; he shall pass through Syria, and recover what the king of Egypt took from his father.
To his fortress, i.e. to the entering of Egypt Raphia, which was check to any irruptions from Arabia or Idumea, besides many other places. The cause of which success was partly the Egyptian kings luxury, and the hatred his people had against him for his cruelty in slaying his father, mother, and sister; called Philopater ironically and reproachfully.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
10. his sonsthe two sons ofthe king of the north, Seleucus Callinicus, upon his death by a fallfrom his horse, namely, Seleucus Ceraunus and Antiochus the Great.
one shall . . . comeCeraunushaving died, Antiochus alone prosecuted the war with PtolemyPhilopater, Euergetes’ son, until he had recovered all the parts ofSyria subjugated by Euergetes.
pass throughlike an”overflowing” torrent (Dan 11:22;Dan 11:26; Dan 11:40;Isa 8:8). Antiochus penetrated toDura (near Csarea), where he gave Ptolemy a four months’ truce.
returnrenew the war atthe expiration of the truce (so Da11:13).
even to hisfortressPtolemy’s; Raphia, a border-fortress of Egypt againstincursions by way of Edom and Arabia-Petra, near Gaza; hereAntiochus was vanquished.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
But his sons shall be stirred up,…. Not of the king of the south, or Egypt, but of the king of the north, or Syria; the sons of Seleucus Callinicus, who died, as Justin f says, by a fall from his horse; these were Seleucus Ceraunus and Antiochus, who was afterwards called the great: these being irritated and provoked by what Ptolemy Euergetes had done in revenge of his sister, taking part of their father’s kingdom from him, and carrying off so rich a booty, joined together, and exerted themselves to recover their dominions from him:
and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: or, “a multitude of men, even large armies” g; which they put themselves at the head of, in order to make war with the king of Egypt:
and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through; this is to be understood of Antiochus; for Seleucus dying in the third year of his reign, being slain in Phrygia, through the treachery of Nicator and Apaturius, as Jerom relates; or, as others, poisoned; Antiochus succeeded him, and alone headed the armies they had collected; and with which, like an inundation of water, to which armies are sometimes compared, he attacked Seleucia, and took it; and entered into Coelesyria, and overran it, being delivered into his hands by the treachery of Theodotus, who governed there for Ptolemy, whom he had offended: after this he came to Berytus, entered the province by a place which the countrymen called “the face of God”; and which Grotius, not improbably, takes to be Phanuel: took the town of Botris, and set fire to Trieres and Calamus, or Calene: he next invaded Palestine, and took several places in it; went as far as Rabata Massane, or Rabatamana, a city in Arabia, the same with Rabbathammon, which surrendered to him h:
then shall he return, and be stirred up even to his fortress: the spring following he returned with a numerous army, and came to Raphia, a fortified city in Egypt, which lay between that and Palestine; where, as Strabo i says, Ptolemy the fourth (i.e. Philopator) fought with Antiochus the great.
f Ibid. (Justin, l. 27.) c. 3. g “multitudinem, copias amplas”, Junius & Tremellius. h Vid. Polybium, l. 5. p. 256, 260, 261, 262. and Universal History, vol. 9. p. 216, 218, 219. i Geograph. l. 16. p. 522.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The decisive wars – Dan 11:10-12
Here the suffix in refers to the king of the north, who in Dan 11:9 was the person acting. Thus all interpreters with the exception of Kranichfeld, who understand of the son of the Egyptian prince, according to which this verse ought to speak of the hostilities sought, in the wantonness of his own mind, of the king of the south against the king of the north. But this interpretation of Kranichfeld is shattered, not to speak of other verbal reasons which oppose it, against the contents of Dan 11:11. The rage of the king of the south, and his going to war against the king of the north, supposes that the latter had given rise to this rage by an assault. Besides, the description given in Dan 11:10 is much too grand to be capable of being referred to hostility exercised in mere wantonness. For such conflicts we do not assemble a multitude of powerful armies, and, when these powerful hosts penetrate into the fortresses of the enemy’s country, then find that for the victorious invaders there is wanting the occasion of becoming exasperated for new warfare. The Kethiv is rightly interpreted by the Masoretes as plur., which the following verbs demand, while the singulars ( shall come, and overflow, and pass through) are explained from the circumstance that the hosts are viewed unitedly in ( multitude). expresses the unrestrained coming or pressing forward, while the verbs , reminding us of Isa 8:8, describe pictorially the overflowing of the land by the masses of the hostile army. (jussive, denoting the divine guidance), and shall return, expresses the repetition of the deluge of the land by the hosts marching back out of it after the , the march through the land, – not the new arming for war (Hv.), but renewed entrance into the region of the enemy, whereby they carry on the war , to the fortress of the king of the south, corresponding with the in Dan 11:7 ( to the fortress of the king of the north). signifies properly to stir up to war, i.e., to arm, then to engage in war. In the first member of the verse it has the former, and in the last the latter meaning. The violent pressing forward of the adversary will greatly embitter the king of the south, fill him with the greatest anger, so that he will go out to make war with him. The adversary marshals a great multitude of combatants; but these shall be given into his hand, into the hand of the king of the south. ( he raised up a great multitude) the context requires us to refer to the king of the north. , v. Leng., Maurer, and Hitzig understand of the acceptance of the command over the army – contrary to the usage of the words, which mean, to give into the hand = to deliver up, cf. 1Ki 20:28; Dan 1:2; Dan 8:12-13, and is contrary also to the context. The marshalling of the host supposes certainly the power to direct it, so that it needs not then for the first time to be given into the power of him who marshalled it. The expression also, “to give into his hand,” as meaning “to place under his command,” is not found in Scripture. To this is to be added, that the article in refers back to . But if is the host assembled by the king of the north, then it can only be given up into the hand of the enemy, i.e., the king of the south, and thus the suffix in can only refer to him. The statements in Dan 11:12 are in harmony with this, so far as they confessedly speak of the king of the south.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
Here the angel passes to the third war, namely, that which the son of Callinicus stirred up against Ptolemy Philopator. After the death of Euergetes, the two sons of Callinicus united their forces, and endeavored to recover Syria, and especially that part of it of which they had been deprived. When they were already on their expedition, and their forces were on their march, the elder Seleucus died, and his surviving brother was Antiochus, called the Great. Ptolemy, called Philopator, which means a lover of his father, was then alive. He was so called in consequence of the parricide of which he was guilty, having put to death both parents, together with his brother. The word is used by way of ridicule, and a sense the opposite to that expressed is implied by this epithet, which is honorable in itself, and expresses the virtue of filial piety. But he slew his father, mother, and brother, and on account of all these impious murders, the name of Philopator was applied to him as a mark of disgrace. As, therefore, he was so thoroughly hated by his own people, the sons of Callinicus, namely, Seleucus Ceraunus the elder, and Antiochus the Great, thought the time had arrived for the recovery of the lost cities of Syria. For he was detested and despised in consequence of his numerous crimes. They therefore anticipated little trouble in recovering their possessions, when their enemy was thus branded with infamy, and had many domestic foes. This is the reason why the angel says of the sons of Callinicus, They shall be provoked, and shall lead a multitude of great armies; it may mean “great forces,” as some historians relate the collection of two very strong armies. Unless I am mistaken, Antiochus the Great had 70,000 foot and 5000 horse. Ptolemy excelled in cavalry as he had 6000 horse but only 62,000 foot, as Polybius informs us in his fifth book. (161) They were nearly equal in forces, but the confidence of the two sons of Callinicus, of whom alone the angel now speaks, was increased when they beheld their wicked enemy so greatly detested in consequence of his parricide. He afterwards says, He shall come. He changes the number, since the elder brother, being the eldest son of Callinicus, namely, Seleucus Ceraunus, died while they were preparing for the war, and they say he was slain by his attendants in passing through Asia Minor. Whether this was so or not, all historians unite in stating that Antiochus the Great alone carried on the war with Philopator. He shall come so as to overflow and pass through He recovered that part of Syria which he had lost, and when he approached Egypt, then Philopator met him. Profane historians state him to have been a coward, and never to have obtained power by open bravery, but by fear alone. He was too late in preparing his forces for resisting his enemy.
This is the reason why the angel says, The king of Syria, or of the north, should come, even to the citadels, or fortifications; for at length Philopator roused himself from slumber, for he never put on his arms to repel an enemy except when compelled by the direst necessity. Hence he adds, The king of the south shall be irritated, or exasperated. He uses the word “exasperated,” because, as I have just said, he would never have opposed himself to his enemy Antiochus except lie had perceived his own kingdom placed in great jeopardy. He might have taken patiently the loss of Syria, so long as Egypt had been safe; but when his life and all his possessions were in danger, he became sufficiently exasperated to attack his foe; and yet he prevailed, as we shall afterwards see. I cannot complete this subject to-day, and so I shall draw to a close. Philopator became victorious, and yet he was so sluggish that he distrusted his friends and foes alike, and was forced by this very fear to make peace with his enemy, although he was really the conqueror. Not only could he have driven back his enemy whom he had vanquished, but he might have taken possession of his territories; but he did not dare to do this, he was conscious of being a parricide, and knew to his cost how hateful his name was among all men. Hence, although superior in strength, and actually the conqueror of his enemy in battle, he dared not proceed further. But we will explain the remainder another time.
(161) Calvin quoting from memory has not stated the numbers accurately. See Polyb., lib. 5, p. 421, edit. Casaubon. Paris; also the Dissertations at the end of this volume. — Ed
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(3) PTOLEMIES AND SELEUCIDS, II
TEXT: Dan. 11:10-20
10
And his sons shall war, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces, which shall come on, and overflow, and pass through; and they shall return and war, even to his fortress.
11
And the king of the south shall be moved with anger, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north; and he shall set forth a great multitude, and the multitudes shall be given into his hand.
12
And the multitude shall be lifted up, and his heart shall be exalted; and he shall cast down tens of thousands, but he shall not prevail.
13
And the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former; and he shall come on at the end of the times, even of years, with a great army and with much substance.
14
And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the children of the violent among thy people shall lift themselves up to establish the vision; but they shall fall.
15
So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mound, and take a well-fortified city: and the forces of the south shall not stand, neither shall there be any strength to stand.
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, and in his land shall be destruction.
17
And he shall set his face to come with the strength of his whole kingdom, and with him equitable conditions; and he shall perform them: and he shall give him the daughter of women, to corrupt her; but she shall not stand, neither be for him.
18
After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; yea, moreover, he shall cause his reproach to turn upon him.
19
Then he shall turn his face toward the fortresses of his own land; but he shall stumble and fall, and shall not be found.
20
Then shall stand up in his place one that shall cause an exactor to pass through the glory of the kingdom; but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.
QUERIES
a.
What does north and south mean in this context?
b.
Who is the daughter of women in Dan. 11:17?
c.
What are the isles of Dan. 11:18?
PARAPHRASE
The sons of the king of Syria will assemble a mighty army that will overflow across Israel into Egypt, to war against the fortifications of the king of Egypt. Then the king of Egypt, in great anger, will rally against the vast forces of the king of Syria and defeat them. And the multitudes of Syria, having been disposed of, the king of Egypt will be filled with pride. But due to a dissolute life his success will be short lived. The king of Syria, after great successes in the East, will return when some thirteen or fourteen year have elapsed. He will return with a larger army and better equipment than he ever had before. Other nations will join him. Even some Jewish insurgents will join him against Egypt. These violent revolutionaries among the Jews will bring great trouble on their fellow countrymen as a consequence of their playing into the hand of the Syrians. This will confirm the prediction made to you in the vision of the seventy weeks. The king of Syria, after some bitter fighting against the Egyptians in the land of Palestine, will besiege the Egyptian forces. The king of Syria will so decisively defeat the Egyptian army it will be forced to surrender, leaving the whole of Syria in the hands of the king of Syria. He will march on toward Egypt unopposed; none will be able to stop him. And he will also march into Israel, the land of Gods Glory, and it shall be entirely in his hand. This will be his plot for conquering all Egypt: he will make an agreement or treaty with the king of Egypt and confirm it by betrothing his daughter to the king of Egypt. But she will constantly side with her husband against her father and his stratagem will fail. The king of Syria will then turn his attention to the islands and coasts of Asia Minor and Greece. But a great general and nobleman will defeat and humiliate him. The king of Syria will return to Syria in abject defeat, his power gone, he will come to an ignominious end. Another king shall follow him, one of his sons, who will be forced to send a tax-collector through the land of Palestine exacting taxes. But within a short time this king will be destroyed, methodically and in cold blood, not in a fit of anger or in a battle.
COMMENT
Dan. 11:10-11 . . . HIS SONS SHALL WAR . . . THE KING OF THE SOUTH SHALL BE MOVED WITH ANGER . . . The sons are sons of Seleucus II, Seleucus III (Ceraunus) (226223 B.C.) who died in battle in Asia Minor, and Antiochus III (The Great) (223187), who became king when only 18 years of age. Antiochus III, however, had experience in government, having served as ruler of Babylonia under his older brother, Seleucus III. Young points out that grammatically the they of Dan. 11:10 should read he. The prediction therefore, is that one of the two sons will campaign against the king of the South (Ptolemy IV (Philopator), 221204 B.C.). History actually records that Antiochus III, after crushing a revolt in the eastern part of his empire, attempted an invasion of Palestine in the summer of 221 B.C. He did not get very far (the Marsysas valley in Lebanon) until he was forced to withdraw by Theodotus, the commander-in-chief of the Egyptian forces in Syria. Antiochus invaded Palestine again in 219 B.C. and Theodotus deserted Ptolemy and joined Antiochus ranks delivering to his new sovereign the cities of Ptolemais (Acre) and Tyre. There were more skirmishes until Antiochus in the spring of 217 B.C. had conquered all of Palestine and had reached in his conquests the Egyptian frontier town of Raphia. An Egyptian army under the personal command of Ptolemy Philopater met the Syrians south of Raphia. Here the armies of Antiochus met a disastrous defeat. Historians record that Ptolemy went forth to fight with 70,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry and 73 elephants.
Dan. 11:12 . . . HIS HEART SHALL BE EXALTED . . . HE SHALL CAST DOWN TENS OF THOUSANDS . . . The Syrians are reported to have lost 10,000 infantry, 300 cavalry, 5 elephants dead plus 4,000 lost as prisoners. Ptolemy IV, however, was too much of a playboy to utilize his success to the fullest. He resumed his life of luxury and dissolutions and died in 203 B.C., without building up or strengthening his imperial fortifications.
Dan. 11:13 AND THE KING OF THE NORTH SHALL RETURN . . . AT THE END OF THE TIMES . . . Meanwhile, Antiochus was busy in the East. All during the years Ptolemy IV was living-it-up and letting his defenses deteriorate, Antiochus was making plans to annex Palestine. He gathered a vast army and better equipment than before, and launched an attack. Ptolemy Philopator was dead, his son and heir-apparent was only a child of four, and Egypt was rent with turmoil and rebellion. After some bitter battles without much success, Antiochus finally won a decisive victory at the Battle of Panion. The phrase he shall come on at the end of the times, even of years . . . does not refer to the Antichrist coming at the end of the world but simply describes the years intervening between Antiochus defeat by Ptolemy IV and Antiochus victory at Panion.
Dan. 11:14-15 . . . MANY STAND . . . AGAINST THE KING OF THE SOUTH . . . THE VIOLENT AMONG THY PEOPLE . . . THE KING OF THE NORTH SHALL COME . . . AND TAKE A WELL-FORTIFIED CITY . . . Antiochus III made a league with Philip of Macedon and probably had the help of some rebel forces or malcontents in Egypt against their own government, Antiochus also had the support of certain violent and factious Jews whose aid and comfort to their enemy eventually brought trouble upon their country. This confirms the prediction of the vision of Daniel in Dan. 9:25 about the troublous times of this era. After the Battle of Panion, near the sources of the Jordan, Scopas, the Egyptian general, fled to Sidon where Antiochus besieged him by land and sea. In the spring of 198 B.C. Scopas was forced to surrender, leaving the whole of Syria in the hands of Antiochus.
Dan. 11:16 . . . AND HE SHALL STAND IN THE GLORIOUS LAND . . . In passing through his newly acquired territories, Antiochus came to Jerusalem where, according to Josephus, the inhabitants gave him a cordial welcome. The glorious land refers, of course, to Palestine. The phrase, in his hand shall be destruction, should be according to Leupold, and the RSV, all of it shall be in his power. In other words, Antiochus II does not devastate the land of Palestine, but he had complete control of the land and its people. Historians report of Antiochus that he released Jerusalem from all taxes for three years, and afterwards from one-third of the taxes. He also sent a large sum of money for the service of the Temple and released the elders, priests, scribes and singing men from all taxes for the future. When a king remits taxes and has such control over the influential men of the nation, it is evident that he controls even the minute details of their society.
Dan. 11:17 . . . WITH . . . EQUITABLE CONDITIONS . . . HE SHALL GIVE . . . THE DAUGHTER OF WOMEN TO CORRUPT . . . Antiochus plots (sets his face) to throw all the power and cunning of his whole kingdom at Egypt in order to conquer her. It is nothing short of amazing that God knows not only historical events before they happen but also the schemes of men before they are even thought! Antiochus The Great (III) plots that he will give his daughter to Egypt to corrupt her. History again confirms in absolute perfection the omniscience of God. In a treaty (198 B.C.) with Ptolemy V (Epiphanes), who was then only seven years of age, Antiochus III betrothed his daughter Cleopatra to Ptolemy V. (204181 B.C.) The marriage, however, was not consummated until five years later. Antiochus hoped by this stratagem to gain in advantage over the king of Egypt by trusting that his daughter would be her fathers ally rather than her husbands. But, as history records, Cleopatra constantly sided with her husband over against her fatherfulfilling the words, she shall not stand, neither be for him.
Dan. 11:18-19 . . . TURN HIS FACE UNTO THE ISLES . . . BUT A PRINCE . . . SHALL CAUSE HIS REPROACH TO TURN UPON HIM . . . AND SHALL NOT BE FOUND . . . When the Carthaginian, Hannibal, was defeated by the Romans at Zama (202 B.C.), bringing to an end the Punic War, he fled eastward and took refuge in the court of Antiochus III. Interested in stirring up trouble for Rome, Hannibal encouraged Antiochus to invade Greece. Rome thereupon declared war on Antiochus. The Roman forces moved into Greece, where Antiochus had come in his move to conquer Macedonia, defeated Antiochus, and forced him to retreat to Asia Minor. There at Magnesia, between Sardis and Smyrna, the Romans under the brilliant Cornelius Scipio defeated Antiochus (190 B.C.). He had to pay an enormous indemnity (15,000 talents or more), surrender his war elephants and his navy. His younger son, later to rule as Antiochus IV (Epiphanes), was taken to Rome as hostage for the payment of the indemnity. Antiochus marched against the revolted Armenians in 187 B.C. In order to replenish his exhausted treasury, he attempted to plunder a temple and both he and his soldiers were slain by the Elamites. So he died in disgrace and violence. He that liveth by the sword shall die by the sword,
Dan. 11:20 . . . IN HIS PLACE ONE THAT SHALL CAUSE AN EXACTOR TO PASS . . . The next to rule was Selecus IV (Philopator) (187175 B.C.), son of Antiochus III (The Great) and brother of Antiochus IV (who was away in Rome as a hostage). Rome had so thoroughly defeated Syria that she was now able to demand and get an enormous tribute annuallya thousand talents. Syria was forced to exact heavy taxes from its tributary nations which included Palestine. A special tax collector by the name of Heliodorus (cf. 2 Maccabees 7) was sent to appropriate the rich treasures of the Temple at Jerusalem. A divine apparition is supposed to have frustrated him. Montgomery shows that the position of Heliodorus as prime minister has been supported by archaeological evidence. The text here is historically accurate, for after a short time upon the throne Seleucus IV was suddenly and mysteriously removed, possibly through poisoning administered, according to Appian, by Heliodorus. More of the troublous times predicted in Dan. 9:25, that is to come upon the Jews between the time they are released from captivity and the coming of the anointed one. But these troublous times are mild compared with what is to come under the Contemptible One, Antiochus IV (Epiphanes), who is next on the scene.
It very nearly overwhelms the finite mind of man to realize that Daniel is being told by the angel in detail 200 years of history before it happens. And this 200 years of history is being predicted some 300 years before it begins to happen! Detail such as partitioning of kingdoms, wars, victories and defeats, treaties, marriages, deaths, taxationsall before the people are born and the battles foughtall predicted centuries in advance! Make no mistake dear reader, this, or nothing, is a sign of supernatural revelation! The Bible is the word of God! And this word reveals that God not only knows history before it happens, but He is also active in and directing history to serve His glorious purpose to redeem . . . from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of His own who are zealous for good works. His immediate purpose was to reveal to Daniel, and subsequently to the Jews, all that they must endure as a purifying process preparing them for their presentation of the Messiah (the anointed one) to the world.
QUIZ
1.
Whose sons are spoken of in Dan. 11:10? What are their names?
2.
What victory is predicted for the king of the south in Dan. 11:11?
3.
What victory is predicted for the king of the north in Dan. 11:13?
4.
Who are the children of the violent among thy people?
5.
Which king of the north is prominent in this whole section?
6.
What historical event is the fulfillment of the prediction that the king of the north shall give him the daughter of women?
7.
What was the end of Antiochus III?
8.
Who caused the exactor to pass through Israelwho was the exactorand what did he exactand why?
Fuente: College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
(10) His sons.The pronoun refers to the subject of Dan. 11:9, which is the northern king (though, according to the LXX. and English Version, it must be his rival). There is a marginal alternative in the Hebrew son. The LXX. supports the text. If the king of the north last mentioned is Seleucus Callinicus, his sons must be Seleucus Ceraunus, a man of no importance, and Antiochus the Great. It is here stated of the sons that they are stirred up; that they collect a vast army, which advances steadily, overflowing like a torrent, while its masses pass through the land; that they shall return and carry on the war up to the frontier of the southern king. Considering the uncertainty of the readings in the Hebrew text, and the ambiguity of the language, this is anything but a definite statement. However, it has been explained to refer to the wars of Antiochus and Ptolemy Philopator, in course of which they took Seleucia, Tyre, and Ptolemais, besieged the Egyptians in Sidon, and actually took possession of Gaza.
One shall certainly come.Not the king, but the multitude just spoken of. The words overflow, pass through return, all refer to the ebbing and flowing of the tide of war.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
10. His sons That is, Seleucus Ceraunos and Antiochus III, the sons of Seleucus II. Ceraunos, after a reign of about three years, was killed during a campaign in Asia Minor and was succeeded by his brother Antiochus III (the Great) who for thirty-six years ruled with a strong hand (B.C. 223 to 187), conquering Parthia and Bactria, and constantly threatening Egypt and the far-distant East with his immense armies.
But his sons shall be stirred up Rather, and his sons shall war. (See above.) One shall certainly come, etc. Rather, and he shall surely come, and overflow, and pass through: and he shall return and war, even to his fortress. This is a picture of the attack upon Egypt by Antiochus the Great, and of his renewed attack when he got only as far as Raphia, which was the extreme frontier stronghold of Egypt. A decisive battle was fought there a little later. (See next verse.) This is the usual modern view, although his fortress may possibly refer to some frontier stronghold of Antiochus.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Antiochus III (father of Antiochus Epiphanes) ( Dan 11:10-19 ).
‘And his sons will be stirred up (or ‘will strive’ or ‘will make war’) and will gather a multitude of great forces, and he will relentlessly come on, and overthrow, and pass through. And he will return and make war (or ‘be stirred up’), even to his fortress.’
First Seleucus II’s son, Seleucus III, who succeeded his father on his death in 227 BC, and then when he died not many years later in 223 BC, his brother Antiochus III, were ‘kings of the north’. Both of these sons sought to restore the glory of the Syrian empire, and they mustered their forces and went out raiding in various directions. Seleucus III invaded Asia Minor, and Antiochus III later attacked Egypt (‘his’ probably refers to Egypt) and the fortress was probably Gaza, giving him control of Palestine, for although Antiochus III did not invade Egypt proper, he was successful during his campaign of 219-217 BC in gaining control of Israel. Egypt’s northern border had until then been Syria, but Antiochus III succeeded in driving the Egyptians, then under Ptolemy IV, back to the southern borders of Israel. He earned the epitaph “the Great” because of his military successes.
But the important thing about this was that it meant that Israel for the first time came under the control of the Syrian empire, the Seleucids. It was to be crucial to their future, especially as outlined by Daniel.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Dan 11:10. But his sons shall be stirred up, &c. The sons of Seleucus Callinicus were Seleucus and Antiochus; the elder of whom, Seleucus, succeeded him; and, to distinguish him from others of the same name, was denominated Ceraunus, or the thunderer. Seleucus Ceraunus was indeed stirred up, and assembled a multitude of forces, to recover his father’s dominions; but, being destitute of money, and unable to keep his army in obedience, was poisoned by two of his generals after an inglorious reign of two or three years. Upon his decease his brother Antiochus Magnus was proclaimed king. The prophet’s expression is very remarkable, that his sons should be stirred up, and assemble a great multitude of forces; but then the number is changed, and only ONE should certainly come and overflow, &c. Accordingly, Antiochus came with a great army, retook Seleucia, and by the means of Theodotus recovered Syria. Then, after a truce, wherein both sides treated of peace, but prepared for war, Antiochus returned, and overcame Nicolaus the Egyptian general, and had thoughts of invading Egypt itself. See Newton.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Dan 11:10 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.
Ver. 10. But his sons. ] Callinicus’s sons – viz., Seleucus, Ceraunus, and Antiochus Magnus, quasi duo fulmina belli.
Shall be stirred up.
Shall assemble a multitude of great forces.
And one shall certainly come.
And shall overflow and pass through.
And he shall be stirred up, even to his fortress.
a Lib. v.
b Ceraunias id est fulmineus: quod audaci et veloci ingenio praeditus. – Justin.
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Dan 11:10-13
10His sons will mobilize and assemble a multitude of great forces; and one of them will keep on coming and overflow and pass through, that he may again wage war up to his very fortress. 11The king of the South will be enraged and go forth and fight with the king of the North. Then the latter will raise a great multitude, but that multitude will be given into the hand of the former. 12When the multitude is carried away, his heart will be lifted up, and he will cause tens of thousands to fall; yet he will not prevail. 13For the king of the North will again raise a greater multitude than the former, and after an interval of some years he will press on with a great army and much equipment.
Dan 11:10 His sons This refers to the sons of Antiochus II (the king of the North): (1) Seleucus II Callinicus (240-227 B.C.) and (2) Antiochus III (223-187 B.C.), later known as the Great. The phrase in Dan 11:10, one of them, refers to Antiochus III.
his very fortress This refers to a fortress of Ptolemy IV Philapater (cf. Dan 11:11), possibly located at Gaza.
Dan 11:11 This fight occurred at the city of Raphai, south of Gaza (217 B.C.). At this battle the Egyptians were initially routed. The larger Seleucid force pursued the Egyptians, but the Egyptians reorganized and attacked and finally won the day. We learn from this battle that Antiochus III (223-187 B.C.) lost 10,000 infantry men, 300 cavalry, and 5 elephants. Also, 4,000 prisoners were taken (cf. Polybius 5:86).
Gleason L. Archer, Jr., Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 135, interprets Dan 11:11-12 in light of Ptolemy IV’s (221-203 B.C.) embarrassment at not being allowed into the temple in Jerusalem and, therefore, taking his anger out on the Jews in Egypt, particularly those in Alexandria.
So, the interpretive question is to who does his heart was lifted up (Dan 11:12) refer?
1. Ptolemy IV
2. Antiochus III
If #1 the tens of thousands to fall refers to Jews in Egypt or if #2, then to Seleucid soldiers killed during the military campaign.
Dan 11:11-12 that multitude will be given. . .yet he will not prevail This is the recurrent theme that God, not worldly leaders, is in control of history (cf. Dan 11:27; Dan 11:29; Dan 11:35-36; Dan 11:45)!
Dan 11:13 after an interval of some years This seems to refer to a thirteen year historical gap. Antiochus III attacked Egypt again in 205 B.C.).
his. Seleucus II (Callinicus).
sons. Hebrew text is “son” (singular) But the Hebrew margin, with some codices and one early printed edition, read “sons” (plural), as here: i.e. Seleucus II (Callinicus) and his brother Antiochus III. See Encycl. Brit., 11th (Cambridge) ed., vol. 24, p. 604.
shall = he shall: i.e. Antiochus III, the second king of the north, his brother having died by a fall from his horse.
come. Some codices, with one early printed edition, and Syriac, read “come against him”.
be stirred up = will wage war. Defeating Antiochus III.
Dan 11:10
Dan 11:10 But his sonsH1121 shall be stirred up,H1624 and shall assembleH622 a multitudeH1995 of greatH7227 forces:H2428 and one shall certainly come,H935 H935 and overflow,H7857 and pass through:H5674 then shall he return,H7725 and be stirred up,H1624 even toH5704 his fortress.H4581
Dan 11:10
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.
Dan 11:11 makes it clear that these sons are the from the northern kingdom and not the southern kingdom of Egypt. There were two of them who were the sons of Seleucus II who died in 225 BC in an accident where he was thrown from a horse. His two sons were Seleucus III Ceraunus and Antiochus III who was called great. Seleucus III was the successor to the throne in 222 when his father, Seleucus II died. Seleucus III reigned until 223 BC when he was assassinated by members of his own army. His younger brother, Antiochus III replaced him on the throne of the Seleucid Empire.
Both of these rulers were quite upset with Egypt over the loss of territory under Ptolemy III who had since died and been replaced by Ptolemy IV Philopater. They came against Egypt with a vast host of forces and recovered all the territories of Syria which had been taken by Ptolemy III.
“and one shall certainly come”
Only one of the two sons of Seleucus II would “certainly come” because the other one, Seleucus III, died leaving Antiochus III on the throne and solely in charge of the war against Egypt.
“and pass through”
Antiochus III penetrated Egypt with his forces almost as far as Caesarea which was in Jewish territory. Keeping in mind here that Palestine was caught in the middle of these two empires and served as a buffer between the two. Antiochus III passed through Jewish territory on his vengeful quest against Egypt.
“then shall he return”
Antiochus III ceased his hostilities against Ptolemy IV for a period of about four months and returned to renew the war.
and be stirred up, even to his fortress.
This fortress was at Raphia which was a border fortress of Egypt guarding against attacks by way of Edom and Arabia. Antiochus III had penetrated well into the territory of Egypt and appeared to be on his way to victory but was soundly defeated at the Battle of Raphia in 217 BC.
but his sons
Mat 11:10-19, prophetic foreview of the wars of Egypt and Syria, Palestine, Dan 11:17, the battleground, B.C. 284-175.
his sons: Seleucus Ceraunus and Antiochus the Great, sons of Callinicus. But the former being poisoned, the latter was proclaimed king, retook Seleucia and Syria, and then, after a truce, returned and overcame the Egyptian forces.
be stirred up: or, war
overflow: Dan 11:22, Dan 11:40, Dan 9:26, Isa 8:7, Isa 8:8, Jer 46:7, Jer 46:8, Jer 51:42
then shall he return, and be stirred up: or, then shall he be stirred up again
to his: Dan 11:7, Dan 11:39, Isa 25:12
Reciprocal: Dan 11:11 – the multitude Dan 11:25 – stir up Dan 11:26 – overflow Nah 1:8 – with Nah 1:12 – pass Zec 9:8 – because of him that passeth by
Dan 11:10. This is one of the verses where we have only the pronouns for the kings, and their names must be learned from history. Since the events of the preceding verse another king has arisen over the north by the name of Seleucus Callinicus, and the pronoun his, second word of this verse, refers to him. But he was to be opposed by another man in his kingdom referred to in the words one shall certainly come; that “one” was Antiochus the Great, sometimes titled Antiochus HI. He not only opposed Callinicus, but carried his operations even to the border of Egypt. The last his refers to the Egyptian king Ptolemy Philo pator who had succeeded Ptolemy Philadelphus. That is what is meant by the words he stirred up even to his (Philopators) fortress. In confirmation of the predictions of this verse I shall quote some more history: “The weakness of Philopator, and the mismanagement of the State by Sosibius, who was at once incapable and wicked, laid the empire open to attack; and it was not long before the young king of Syria, Antiochus HI, took advantage of the condition of affairs to advance his own pretensions to the possessions of the longdisputed traet between Syria Proper and Egypt. . . . Details of the war. Antiochus commenced B.C. 219. by besieging Seleuceta, the port of Antioch, which had remained in the hands of the Egyptian governor of CoeleSyria. He invaded that country, took Tyre and Ptolemais (Acre), and advanced to the frontiers of Egypt. – Rawlinson, Ancient History, Page 275.
Dan 11:10. But his sons shall be stirred up The sons of Seleucus Callinicus were Seleucus and Antiochus, the elder of whom, Seleucus, succeeded him in the throne, and, to distinguish him from others of the same name, was denominated Ceraunus, or the thunderer. He was indeed stirred up, and assembled a multitude of great forces, in order to recover his fathers dominions: but, being destitute of money, and unable to keep his army in obedience, he was poisoned by two of his generals, after an inglorious reign of two or three years. Upon his decease, his brother, Antiochus the Great, was proclaimed king. The angels expression is very remarkable, that his sons should be stirred up, &c.; but then the number is changed, and only ONE (he says) shall certainly come and overflow, &c. Accordingly Antiochus came with a great army, retook Seleucia, and, by the means of Theodotus the tolian, recovered Syria. Then, after a truce, wherein both sides treated of peace, but prepared for war, Antiochus returned, and overcame in battle Nicolaus the Egyptian general, and had thought of invading Egypt itself. He was stirred up even to his fortress He made an attack on Raphia, a strong fortified town near the borders of Egypt.
Dan 11:10. his sons: i.e. the sons of Seleucus II, Seleucus Keraunos who reigned for three years (226223 B.C.), and Antiochus III, generally known as Antiochus the Great (223187 B.C.). The two are joined together, though the former never made an attack upon Egypt. The campaigns alluded to are those of Antiochus the Great.shall come on: many MSS. read, shall attack him.his fortress: probably Gaza, the strongest fortress in the S. of Palestine.
Dan 11:11. he shall set forth: this sentence is very ambiguous, and may mean either he (Antiochus) will raise a great army and it will be given into his (Ptolemys) hand, or he (Ptolemy) will raise a great army and it shall be put under his command.
11:10 But his {x} sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and [one] {y} shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he {z} return, and be stirred up, [even] to his fortress.
(x) Meaning Seleucus and Antiochus the great, the sons of Calinicus, will make war against Ptolemais Philopater, the son of Philadelphus.
(y) For his older brother Seleucus died, or was slain while the armies were preparing for war.
(z) That is, Philopater, when he will see Antiochus take great dominions from him in Syria, and also ready to invade Egypt.
Seleucus II’s son, Seleucus III Ceraunus (sometimes called Soter, 226-223 B.C.), succeeded his father upon his death in 227 B.C. However, Seleucus III himself died not many years later in 223 B.C., and his brother, Antiochus III the Great (223-187 B.C.), became king of the North. Both of these sons of Seleucus II had sought to restore Syria’s glory. Seleucus III invaded Asia Minor, and later Antiochus III attacked Egypt. Though Antiochus III did not defeat Egypt, he was successful in gaining control of Israel during his campaign of 219-217 B.C. Egypt’s northern border had until then been Syria, but Antiochus III drove the Egyptians, then led by Ptolemy IV, back to the southern borders of Israel. He earned the epitaph "the Great" because of his military successes.
All of this prediction did not just prove that God can anticipate history by hundreds of years, an amazing fact in itself. It also set the stage for events in the Holy Land, which was the primary concern of this revelation to Daniel.
SECOND SECTION
(Dan 11:10-19)
Events from the death of Ptolemy Euergetes (B.C. 247) to the death of Antiochus III (the Great, B.C. 175). In the following verses, as Behrmann observes, there is a sort of dance of shadows, only fully intelligible to the initiated.
Dan 11:10 -The sons of Seleucus Kallinikos were Seleucus III (Keraunos, B.C. 227-224) and Antiochus the Great (B.C. 224-187). Keraunos only reigned two years, and in B.C. 224 his brother Antiochus III succeeded him. Both kings assembled immense forces to avenge the insult of the Egyptian invasion, the defeat of their father, and the retention of their port and fortress of Seleucia. It was only sixteen miles from Antioch, and being still garrisoned by Egyptians, constituted a standing danger and insult to their capital city.
Dan 11:11 -After twenty-seven years the port of Seleucia is wrested from the Egyptians by Antiochus the Great, and he so completely reverses the former successes of the King of the South as to conquer Syria as far as Gaza.
Dan 11:12 (B.C. 217).-But at last the young Egyptian King, Ptolemy IV (Philopator), is roused from his dissipation and effeminacy, advances to Raphia (southwest of Gaza) with a great army of twenty thousand foot, five thousand horse, and seventy-three elephants, and there, to his own immense self-exaltation, he inflicts a severe defeat on Antiochus, and “casts down tens of thousands.” Yet the victory is illusive, although it enables Ptolemy to annex Palestine to Egypt. For Ptolemy “shall not show himself strong,” but shall, by his supineness, and by making a speedy peace, throw away all the fruits of his victory, while he returns to his past dissipation (B.C. 217-204).
Dan 11:13 -Twelve years later (B.C. 205) Ptolemy Philopator died, leaving an infant son, Ptolemy Epiphanes. Antiochus, smarting from his defeat at Raphia, again assembled an army, which was still greater than before (B.C. 203), and much war-material. In the intervening years he had won great victories in the East as far as India.
Dan 11:14 -Antiochus shall be aided by the fact that many-including his ally Philip, King of Macedon, and various rebel-subjects of Ptolemy Epiphanes-stood up against the King of Egypt and wrested Phoenicia and Southern Syria from him. The Syrians were further strengthened by the assistance of the “children of the violent” among the Jews, ” who shall lift themselves up to fulfil the vision of the oracle ; but they shall fall. ” We read in Josephus that many of the Jews helped Antiochus; but the allusion to “the vision” is entirely obscure. Ewald supposes a reference to some prophecy no longer extant. Dr. Joel thinks that the Hellenising Jews may have referred to Isa 19:1-25 in favour of the plans of Antiochus against Egypt.
Dan 11:15-16 -But however much any of the Jews may have helped Antiochus under the hope of ultimately regaining their independence, their hopes were frustrated. The Syrian King came, besieged, and took a well-fenced city-perhaps an allusion to the fact that he wrested Sidon from the Egyptians. After his great victory over the Egyptian general Scopas at Mount Panium (B.C. 198), the routed Egyptian forces, to the number of ten thousand, flung themselves into that city. This campaign ruined the interests of Egypt in Palestine, “the glorious land.” Palestine now passed to Antiochus, who took possession “with destruction in his hand.”
Dan 11:17 (B.C. 198-195).-After this there shall again be an attempt at “equitable negotiations”; by which, however, Antiochus hoped to get final possession of Egypt and destroy it. He arranged a marriage between “a daughter of women”-his daughter Cleopatra-and Ptolemy Epiphanes. But this attempt also entirely failed.
Dan 11:18 (B.C. 190).-Antiochus therefore “sets his face in another direction,” and tries to conquer the islands and coasts of Asia Minor. But a captain-the Roman general, Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus-puts an end to the insolent scorn with which he had spoken of the Romans, and pays him back with equal scorn, utterly defeating him in the great Battle of Magnesia (B.C. 190), and forcing him to ignominious terms.
Dan 11:19 (B.C. 175).-Antiochus next turns his attention (“sets his face”) to strengthen the fortress of his own land in the east and west; but making an attempt to recruit his dissipated wealth by the plunder of the Temple of Belus in Elymais, “stumbles and falls, and is not found.”
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Fuente: Peake’s Commentary on the Bible
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)
Fuente: Expositors Bible Commentary