Daniel 11

Daniel 11:1

ALso I, in the first year] These are the words of the Angel who was mentioned in the former Chapter: his meaning is, I have been assisting to the destruction of Nebuchadnezzars progenie by Darius, and so have beaten down the Chaldeans Empire. Daniel 5:31. So that by the Angel the golden head was broken to powder: by the petition of the watcher, the axe was laid to the root of the tree, and the Lion pluckt, and Belshazzar slain: that the stones power might be known, and the Highest might be seen to sit upon the fiery throne, with bookes open: and the hand-writing might be seene to come from God: and Michael to stand up. We are likewise to regard Christ the Governour through all these Kings, that shall reign before the building up of the Temple. So this Angelique Oration may be unto us as a book of the warres of God: even to call profane writers to the use of holy stories, and proof of the Gospel, which after these so many particulars, was in the set time to be shewed.

Darius the Mede] Chap. 9. 1.

Daniel 11:2

the truth] That is, proprietie of the visions of the Image and Beasts: which we may not expound, but according to the Angels Commentary: which standeth in matters so famous, that men out of the Church, will bring us stories most exactly agreeing with the Angels words: that our enemies may be good Judges.

three kings in Persia] After Darius named afore, Cyrus: Artaxocsta or Artaxerxes, called of the Greeks Cambyses: and Achashuerosh, that married Esther, called Darius, sonne of Hystaspis. To these three, the Persians gave these attributes: Cyrus was a father, Cambyses a master, and Darius a horder up. Herodot. in Thalia.

fourth shall be farre richer] Xerxes surnamed the terrour of Greece: not that he was the last King of Persia, but because through his so famous enterprise against Greece, he gave the first occasion of warre between the Persians and the Grecians, which at last caused the totall ruine of the Persians by Alexander the Great.

stirre up all] A hyperbolicall terme: that is to say, an innumerable company of all sorts of people. Daniel knew without any further telling, what would be the successe, for hindering the Temples building, from the fierie throne, Chap. 7. 9. and from the flaming eyes, Chap. 10. 6. even that they should feele the discomfiture of all their strength for so doing: and have their former Kings soone cut off. Soone after Xerxes voyage; Darius a young King at home, furthereth the Temples worke, and acknowledgeth the hand of God to have paid Kings and people for their hinderance, Ezr. 6. 10. 12. The Temple and Religion had no further hinderance by the Persians: wherefore the Angel passeth over all other times unto Alexander, years neare an hundred: Esther, Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai and Zacharie, shew the further dealings of those years.

Daniel 11:3

mightie king] The belly of brasse, Chap. 2. 32. the body of the Leopard, Chap. 7. 6. the notable horne, Chap. 8. 5. Alexander the Great. Who with all speed conquered Asia, and would needs be made a God: upon the successe, that he did what he listed. Of Judea he required, that their dates should be taken from his reign: and all the sacrificers sonnes born that year, should be called Alexanders. Such practises made him to be cut off quickly, and his family to be rooted out, as the Angel foretelleth, vers. 4.

stand up] Chap. 8. 4.

Daniel 11:4

kingdome shall be broken] About twelve years after his coming to the Crown, Chap. 8. 8. For when his estate was most flourishing, he overcame himselfe with drink, and so fell into a disease, or as some write, was poysoned by Cassander. After that, Arideus his brother, Philips sonne, was made King in Macedonia: Olympias Alexanders mother killed him: Cassander killed her, and poysoned Alexanders two sonnes, Hercules and Alexander. Paus. in Boeot. So Alexanders family was rooted out.

shall be divided] For his twelve chief Princes first divided his kingdome among themselves.

foure windes of heaven] After this his Monarchie was divided into foure Provinces, Chap. 7. 6. and 8. 8. for Seleucus Nicanor had Syria: Antigonus Asia minor: Cassander the Kingdome of Macedonia: and Ptolemeus the sonne of Lagu Egypt.

posteritie] Which perished all after the death of Alexander. Thus God revenged Alexanders ambition and crueltie in causing his posteritie to be murdered, partly of the fathers chiefe friends, and partly one of another.

his dominion] None of these foure shall be able to be compared to the power of Alexander in greatnesse or strength, Chap. 8. 22.

pluckt up] By the totall extirpation of Alexanders race.

besides those] That is, his posteritie having no part thereof.

Daniel 11:5

the king of] At the last these foure Satrapies shall be reduced to two principall kingdomes: namely, of Egypt, seised upon by Ptolomee the sonne of Lagus, called the king of the South: and of Babylon and Asia, possessed by Seleucus Nicanor, called king of the North: who were both Alexanders captains.

south] Egypt, named ver. 8. and 42. and 43. where Edom, Moab, and Ammon, joyned together, help very much to keep the speech certain, of what men it was to be understood.

be strong] Daniel should regard his strength principally, how it toucheth Judah. And so it fell out. For Ptolomie soon after he held Egypt, invaded Judea; and took Jerusalem on a Sabbath, pretending friendship, and not hostilitie. Agatharchides Chius, and Joseph. Antiquit 12. This Ptolomie Lagides was the first horne.

and one] That is, the kingdome of Asia: Seleucus Nicator, or conquerour: the second horne.

his princes] Alexanders, not Ptolomies: though some take it so; the whole tenour of the speech will have it meant of a severall kingdome, and not of Ptolomie Philadelphus. The Angel speaking to Daniel, knew that he would helpe himselfe by the matter, in all doubtfull termes: and he was to speake somewhat darkely, for the Jews safety.

strong above him] That Seleucus Nicator is much stronger then the King of the South, even touching Judea. For though Ptolomie wanne it from Laomedon, and after recovered it from Antigonus, yet in the last conquest over Antigonus, it was agreed upon, that Seeucus should hold Syria: as his house pleadeth in Polyb. book. 5.

a great dominion] Seleucus had kingdomes under him 72. and was the greatest of all Alexanders Successors.

Daniel 11:6

years] About seventy after Alexanders death.

they] The Lagidae and the Seleucidae.

shall joyn themselves] Heb. shall associate themselves. The King of Asia, Antiochus Soter, the sonne of Seleucus, (who dealt in no speciall sort against the Jews: and therefore is omitted in Gabriels speech, as a horn against Judah) and the King of Egypt Ptolomie Lagus, shall joyn together in amitie: and their sonnes Ptolomeus Philadelphus, and Antiochus Theos by marriages: according to the prophecie, Chap. 2. 43. thinking by this affinitie that Syria and Egypt should have a continuall peace together.

the kings daughter] Namely, Bernice the daughter of Ptolomeus Philadelphus the third horn, married to Antiochus Theos, who for the love of her did put away Laodice his lawfull wife.

to make an agreement] Heb. rights. To keep the peace, and to end all differences, by reason of which they were ready to go to warre.

she shall not retain] This marriage shall not hinder them from coming shortly to open warre.

neither shall he stand] Antiochus Theos, the fourth horne, shall soon after that be poysoned, and the forces of his kingdome shall be overthrown by divers sinister accidents, which shall be set down hereafter.

but she shall be given up] Namely, Bernice, and her sonne, and all her partners, and her followers, shall be constrained to yeeld to the mercy of Seleucus Callinicus, the sonne of Theos and Laodice: who shall put them all to death by the instigation of his mother.

he that begat her] Or, whom she brought forth. Namely, Ptolomie Philadelphus the King of Egypt, who died soon after.

be that strengthened her] Th States of Asia. Just. hist. 27.

Daniel 11:7

out of a branch] Namely, Ptolomeus Euergetes, the fifth horne, brother to Bernice, shall succeed Ptolomie Philadelphus, his father, in the Kingdome of Egypt: and to revenge his sisters death, shall with very good successe set upon Seleucus Callinicus King of the North or Syria.

and shall provaile] Or, Shall fortifie himselfe.

Daniel 11:8

into Egypt] The name of Egypt in a storie of Alexanders successours, must needs cut off all controversie, touching the King of the North, and Magog: that none but Seleucidae can be the men. So that the very name Egypt being used here, in the story which all heathen would presently acknowledge to set forth Ptolomie surnamed Euergetes, that is, gracious Lord, for spoyling Syria; and again in the end of the Chapter, vers. 42. and 43. and in a historie no lesse then a Prophecie of Antiochus Epiphanes King of Syria, spoyling Egypt: this one terme might have kept both Jews and Gentiles from bringing the Romanes or Turkes to be meant here, in these stories; opening properly the Image, and the Beast: this one word Egypt, spoken in due season, and that thrice in this Chapter, is like apples of gold and wittie works of silver, Proverbs 25:11. and a preservative against that former leprosie.

their gods] According to the custome of the victorious among the heathen. See 1 Samuel 5:1. Isaiah 46:1.

their princes] The Hebrew word unvowelled, is either idols, or else high States. That maketh Translatours differ. And the allusion is pleasant: how the Angel comforteth Judah, in that the Idolaters are as the Idols with God; and extreamly taunteth the superstition of Magog or Hierapolis.

their precious vessels] Heb. vessels of their desire.

continue mo years] Either being secured against him, or more powerfull then he. Others say, that Seleucus Callinicus was sooner killed then Euergetes died.

Daniel 11:9

shall come into his kingdom] Shall cause himself to be crowned king of Syria, which he shall hold many years.

shall return into his own land] If by sedition at home Euergetes had not been called home, he had easily wonne all the Kingdom of Syria. Justin. Book 27.

Daniel 11:10

his sonnes] Seleucus Ceraunus, and Antiochus the great. Of them Appian Alexandreus wrote thus: After Theos, Seleucus the sonne of Theos and Laodice reigneth in Syria, sirnamed Callinicus. After Seleucus, two sonnes of Seleucus (either according to his age) Seleucus and Antiochus. Seleucus being weak and poor, and unable to rule his Army, was poysoned by his friends, and reigned onely two years. Antiochus was sirnamed Megas, or the great; and reigned 37. years. These be the two kings which here be meant: And an Heathen indifferent, even Appian sheweth unto us why the Angel should name them in the plurall number, and soon turn to the singular. Polybius recordeth to the same effect, Book 4.

shall be stirred up] Or, shall warre. Against Ptolomeus Euergetes King of Egypt, to get the kingdome of Syria again.

one shall certainly come] To wit, Antiochus the great (the sixt horn) with a sudden force, like unto an overflowing stream, shall regain a great part of his kingdome.

then shall be return] The year following he shall return with great power, and having discomfited the Army of Ptolomy Philopater the sonne of Euergetes, shall come unto a principall fortresse of his, called Raphia, upon the rontiers of Egypt, and shall take it. Of which town Strabo speaketh thus; Beyond Gaza standeth Raphia, where the field was fought between Ptolomy the fourth, and Antiochus the great. So famous God would have the Angels term here of fortresse to be.

Daniel 11:11

the king of the South] Namely, Ptolomy Philopater, the seventh horne.

with the king of the North] With Antiochus the great.

the multitude shall be given into his hand] That great Army shall be discomfited by Philopater. Polybius reckoneth the number of souldiers on both sides, also all the fighting; wher at the last, beyond all hope, Philopater hath a great victory, and such an hand over Antiochus, that if he could have pursued with courage, he might have spoiled him of his kingdom.

Daniel 11:12

hath taken away the multitude] The Army of Antiochus the great.

his heart shall be lifted up] Namely, Ptolomy Philopaters.

ten thousands] To wit, of the Jews. This twelfth verse may well contain the pride of Philopater against God, and destruction of the Jews; handled Mac. 3. and in Joseph. Antiq. Jud. Book 12. Chap. 3. and as well may be applied unto the greatnesse of his victory, and licentiousnesse thereupon; which Justin. Book 30. doth note to have been the beginning of the decay of his Court.

Daniel 11:13

the king of the north] Namely, Antiochus the great, after the death of Philopater, shall again assault Ptolomy Epiphanes, the sonne of Philopater, being yet young, against whom many of his subjects shall rebell, and many Princes combine.

after certain years] Heb. at the end of times of years.

Daniel 11:14

also the robbers of thy people] Heb. also the children of robbers. He seems to mean some seditious Jews, or Apostates, who joyned themselves as a party, and to the false religion of the king of Egypt.

to establish the vision] That is, taking for a pretext of their faction, that which Isaiah 19:19; Isaiah 19:21. had spoken of the spirituall union of Egypt with the Church.

they shall fall] Being persecuted by Antiochus as rebells to him.

Daniel 11:15

the fenced cities] Heb. the citie of munitions.

shall not withstand] When Antiochus the great came against Egypt, Ptolomy Epiphanes (the eight horn) with his choicest Captains was not able to resist him.

his chosen people] Heb. the people of his choices.

Daniel 11:16

But he that cometh against him] Namely, Antiochus the Great.

glorious land] Or, goodly land. Heb. the land of ornament. That is, Judea: see Notes on Chap. 8. 9. He sheweth that Antiochus shall not onely afflict the Egyptians, but also the Jews, and shall enter into their countrey, whereof he admonisheth them before, that they may know that all things come by Gods providence.

by his hand shall be consumed] We may see here most lively how Judea is wasted by the fourth beast, which hath teeth of iron and steely weapons: and how it treadeth under foot that which it doth not eate.

Daniel 11:17

He shall also set his face] Antiochus the Great shall set upon Egypt again with prosperous successe, but for fear of the Romanes, who shall interpose themselves in favour of Ptolomie Epiphanes, he shall make peace with him, giving him Cleopatra his daughter to wife, having before suborned her to kill her husband, which notwithstanding she would not performe, but tooke her husbands part against her father. See Daniel 2:43.

upright ones] Or, much uprightnesse: or, equall conditions. That is, he shall be followed in his enterprise by many Jews, called upright ones according to the sense of Deu 32:15.

corrupting her] Heb. to corrupt.

she shall not stand on his side] The daughter favoureth the husband, and both favour Rome against Antiochus. Livy. 37.

Daniel 11:18

shall he turn his face] Antiochus shall warre against the Islands, and Provinces beyond the Seas, which were subject to, or confederate with the Romanes: so in Gen. 10. the countreyes of Grecia all about Hellespont, are tearmed: as Daniel knew, and heathen should not know.

a prince] Scipio a Romane Consull with his brother.

for his own behalf] Heb. for him.

shall cause] He shall not onely force Antiochus to retire himselfe from all those places which he had taken from the Romanes, or their friends, to the disgrace of the commonwealth of Rome: but shall also overcome him in a pitched battel, and spoile him of part of his dominions, and force him to accept of a disgracefull peace.

the reproch] Hb. his reproch.

Daniel 11:19

he shall turn his face] He shall go into Syria, keeping himselfe in strong holds, without daring to wage warre any more.

but he shall stumble and fall] Being kild in a tumult, as he would have spoyled the temple of Bel in the countrey of the Elimeans. The Angel telleth that his ruine should be in his own land: and saying, He shall be no more found: that toucheth the manner of his death, being kild by a tumult barbarian in sacriledge, and left voyd of all glory. Thus the sixth horne was broken: as the seventh, Ptolomie Philopater, by Cleomenes. Polyb. 5.

Daniel 11:20

shall stand up] Seleucus Philopater, (the ninth horn) the sonne of Antiochus the Great, whose reign shall be tyrannicall and full of exactions, which he shall indevour to have out of Gods Temple at Jerusalem, 2 Mac. 3. 4.

a raiser of taxes] Heb. one that causeth an exactor to passe over.

he shall be destroyed] He shall be poysoned: not kild in warre, nor by any open violence, but by the treachery of one Heliodorus, that was about him, in favour to Antiochus Epiphanes.

anger] Heb. angers.

Daniel 11:21

a vile person] Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, that is, illustrious: opposite to that which the Spirit cals him by reason of his execrable deeds & qualities, and called Epimanes, witlesse, of Polybius in Atheneus, in whom his manners are noted to be strange. He is the tenth horne, in whom the iron of the Syriaque legge doth end, and on whom the rest of Daniel goeth, that little horne and plucker away of three hornes. See Chap. 7. 8. 24. and 8. 9.

to whom they shall not] Who shall neither be created nor crowned King; neither get the kingdome by force of armes: but shall advance himself as tutor to Demetrius, his nephew, sonne of Seleucus Philopater: and shall winne mens hearts with presents, flatteries and secret practises, and so shall enstall himselfe in the kingdome.

peaceably] Or by fraud, Chap. 8. 23, 24.

Daniel 11:22

arms of a floud] That is, the power of Egypt, for the most part yeerly overflowne by the River Nilus, whence proceeds the great fruitfulnesse and strength of it, shall be suddenly assaulted and overrunne by him.

prince of the covenant] Seleucus Philopater, who sent his sonne Demetrius to redeeme from Rome Epimanes; by whose means he was poysoned: and his sonne defeated. Others, by prince of the covenant, understand it of God, Daniel 8:11. 25. who is the Prince of his people, and joyned to them by his holy Covenant. And so in this verse is summarily comprehended Antiochus his two greatest enterprises: namely, upon Egypt, and Judea: both which are afterwards more particularly specified.

Daniel 11:23

with him] To wit, with Ptolomie Philometor, King of Egypt.

he shall come up] That is, into Egypt, bringing with him few followers, because he will not give the Egyptians cause of suspition, but stout men and devoted to his service, whom he placed in divers forts, and thereby made himselfe master of the principall holds.

Daniel 11:24

enter] Into Egypt, which at that time did enjoy peace and plenty of all things.

peaceably] Or, into the peaceable and fat &c.

he shall do that] Taking possession of the greatest part of Egypt, which his forefathers could never doe.

scatter among them] See the infinite bountifulnesse of Antiochus to his souldiers, 1Ma 3:30.

forecast his devices] Heb. think his thoughts.

strong holds] Of Egypt.

for a time] Untill such time as Philometor being come to age drive out Antiochus his garrisons.

Daniel 11:25

for they shall forecast] Philometors great ones, Officers and Counsellors, (as the next verse shews) being corrupted by Antiochus, shall betray him, whereby he shall lose the battel.

Daniel 11:26

destroy him] They shall be an occasion through their treacherie that he shall be overthrown.

his army shall overflow] The armie of Antiochus.

Daniel 11:27

hearts] Heb. their hearts.

shall be to do mischief] After Philometor shall be discomfited, he shall make peace with Antiochus, and shall entertain him with great feasts, and shews of courtesie: but all seigned, both of them retaining their ancient enmities.

the end shall be] This false peace in Gods appointed time shall end. See vers. 29. 40.

Daniel 11:28

shall he return] Namely, Antiochus.

with great riches] Gathered partly from the spoiles, partly by the gifts of Ptolomie: and partly of the Jews in spoyling Jerusalem and the Temple. For with Antiochus dealings against Egypt his doings against Judea fall out. It he was to take still in his way.

against the holy covenant] Against the people of the Jews, with whom God had stroke a holy Covenant, over whm he will take Soveraigntie, destroying them, and abrogating their lawes, vers. 22. Chap. 7. 25. and 8. 24. 1 Maccab. 1. 21. 46, 47.

Daniel 11:29

At the time appointed] Of which time, see ver. 27.

Daniel 11:30

Chitim shall come against him] Namely, the Romanes, called by the King of Egypt to aid him, who shall come by sea, from the ports of Grecia, called the countrey of Chittim, Numbers 24:24. Or out of Italy and Cilicia: commanding Antiochus by expresse Ambassage that he leave Egypt in peace, which he will doe with a very ill will, and then will he vent his fury upon the Jews.

he shall even return] About two yeares after, 1Ma 1:29. 2Ma 5:24.

and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant] With the Jews which shall forsake the covenant of the Lord: for first he was called against the Jews by Jason the high priest, 2 Mac. 1. 7. and 4. 7. and this second time by Menelaus, 2Ma 4:23.

Daniel 11:31

And arms shall stand on his part] A great faction of the wicked Jews shall hold with Antiochus, 1 Mac. 1. 43.

and they shall pollute the sanctuary] Chap. 8. 11. & 12. 11. 1 Mac. 1. 39. 41.

of strength] Of Jerusalem, a place strong by situation. Or of the Temple, which was as the rocke of the great king. Zac 9:12. and 11. 2.

the daily sacrifice] They shall disanull all the service of God, Daniel 8:11.

and they shall place the abomination] Chap. 12. 11. This tyrant set up in the Temple the image of Jupitr Olympius, 2Ma 6:2. Others say an idol altar set upon the altar of God, 1Ma 1:59-60. because of which things the good Jews refusing to consent to idolatry, the Temple and Gods service were made desolate.

maketh desolate] Or, astonisheth.

Daniel 11:32

against the covenant] Meaning such as bare the name of Jews: but indeed were nothing lesse.

corrupt by flatteries] Or, cause to dissemble. By gifts, promises, and allurements, he shall draw Jews to his side, to prostitute themselves to idolatry, for to draw others to it by their example.

but the people that do know their God] The truly faithfull, amongst whom Gods true people shall be preserved, shall shew themselves constant, and persevere in his pure service.

and do exploits] Shall overcome all temptations.

Daniel 11:33

And they that understand] They whom God shall lively illuminate by his word and Spirit, shall instruct, and strengthen their brethren by their doctrine, and example. Others understand this of a certaine religious societie, newly set up in those dayes, called the Assideans, that is to say, pious, holy, understanding, and very zealous in the law of God. See 1 Mac. 2. 42. and 7. 13. 2 Mac. 14. 6.

yet they shall fall] Whereby he exhorteth the godly to constancy, although they should perish a thousand times, and though their miseries endure never so long.

Daniel 11:34

with a little help] By Mattathias, and other Asmoneans, called Maccbees. 1 Mac. 2. 1. 39. & 3. 4, 5. 2 Mac. 8. 1.

but many shall cleave to them] Among the people of God, who have runne themselves before into idolatry, when they shall see some enlargement, by the means of the Maccabees, shall joyne themselves to their brethren, but without any inward faith or pietie.

Daniel 11:35

shall fall] Many of them shall suffer martyrdome that the triall of their faith, and the purification of their hearts, and works, may be made in this world, by the fire of afflictions, to their everlasting salvation, Daniel 12:10.

them] Or, by them.

even to the time] Determined by the counsell of God to put an end to these persecutions, Matthew 24:6. is a most oratorious exposition of this phrase.

Daniel 11:36

And] That which followeth to the end of the Chapter is spoken properly (as some say, but without good warrant) of the Roman Antichrist. In deed the foure first verses fitly agree to him, or rather Antichrist exactly imitateth the cruell tyrant: but from the 40. verse to the end of the Chapter it appears from historie to be fulfilled in Antiochus Epiphanes: wherefore it is agreeable that the former things are properly spoken of him, and if not in all things, yet i many Antiochus might be a type of the Roman Antichrist.

the king shall do according to his will] The Hebrew article, before the word king, doth manifestly referre the matter to the king spoken of before, but that without controversie was Antiochus Epiphanes.

magnifie himself above every god] Because he shall forbid the use and exercise of any religion, but only of that which he shall establish. 1 Mac. 1. 41. and 3. 29. Hereby he exalteth himself above every God: the same doth Saint Paul foretell of the Pope, 2 Thessalonians 2:4.

speak marvellous things] See Daniel 7:25. & Daniel 8:10. 25. 1Ma 1:46. &c.

till the indignation be accomplished] Till the terme set down by God for his judgements, and visitation of his people.

Daniel 11:37

Neither shall he regard] He shall disanull his own ancient religion. 1 Mac. 1. 43.

nor the desire of women] Antiochus shall be so rigorous in his superstition, that he shall not suffer any of his women, whereof he shall have many, and among the rest one a Jew, to use their own religion, as other kings had done, 1 Kings 11:4. & 1 Kings 3:31. Others refer this to the crueltie of this kings heart, who would never be moved by any naturall affection. Unlesse the sinne against nature be here meant. The Pope in another kinde regardeth not the desire of women, to wit, in forbidding marriage to the Clergie, and not suffering Monasticall vowes to be broken. See 1 Timothy 4:3.

Daniel 11:38

But in his estate, &c.] Heb. as for the Almightie God, in his seat he shall honour, yea, he shall honour a god, whom, &c.

the God of forces] Or, munitions. Heb. Mauzzim. Jupiter Olympius, to whom Antiochus consecrated the Temple of God, 2Ma 6:2. and so he placed him as it were in Gods own rock: Or guarded his idol with munitions and strong garrisons.

whom his fathers knew not] Because that Jupiter Olympius was an idol of Athens, and not of Syria, the native countrey of Antiochus. The Pope abolisheth the true worship of God which his predecessours used, and sets up a false worship, and fained Christ, being under a piece of bread.

shall he honour with gold] With gifts and offerings of such things, according to the manner of idolaters. So the Pope honoureth his God, with gold, silver, and pearls.

pleasant things] Heb. things desired.

Daniel 11:39

Thus shall he do] He shall seise upon Jerusalem, and especially upon the strong citie and fort of David, whereby it being well fortified and furnished with men, he shall put down Gods true service, and establish his own abominable idolatry in the Temple, 1 Mac. 1. 35. 38. as if this Idol were his protector against the service of God.

most strong holds] Heb. fortresses of munitions.

and increase with glory] He shall advance to dignitie those among the Jewes, who shall comply with him in his wicked counsels and enterprises, as Jason, 2Ma 4:7-8. and Menelaus, 2 Mac. 4. 23, 24. 50. Whom for money he made high priests, and governours of the people. So for many yeares the Roman Pope did, and yet doth.

gain] Heb. a price.

Daniel 11:40

And at the time of the end] When God shall have set a period to Antiochus his reign and persecutions, vers. 35.

the king of the south] Ptolomie Philometor king of Egypt will come against Antiochus.

and the king of the north] Antiochus with great force and celeritie shall set upon him, overcome him, and drive him out of his dominions, and victoriously shall overrun Egypt, and other neighbouring countreys.

Daniel 11:41

into the glorious land] Or, goodly land. Heb. land of delight, or ornament. That is, Judea. See Daniel 8:9. & Daniel 11:16.

shall be overthrown] By the incursions and spoylings through this warre.

but these shall escape] Because they shall take Antiochus his part, or hold on his side.

Daniel 11:42

stretch forth] Heb. send forth.

Daniel 11:43

the Lybians and the Ethiopians] A people of Africa, subjects to Philometor: which, after that he was overcome, submitted themselves to Antiochus his service and pay.

Daniel 11:44

But tidings out of the east] Of the Persians and Parthians rebellion, which were nations toward the Northeast of Syria: and of their invasion made upon Antiochus his dominions.

shall trouble him] In his enterprise against the Jews, who shall have shaken off his yoke, and shall put themselves in libertie under Judas Maccabeus, 1Ma 3:27.

he shall go forth] He will send his captains with a mightie army to destroy all the Jewish nation, 1 Mac. 7. 32. 35.

Daniel 11:45

And he shall plant] Antiochus his army shall entrench it self, having the royall tent set up, for a sign of full power given to his captains, in Emmaus, between the Sodome and Mediterranean sea, neer to Jerusalem. 1 Mac. 3. 40. & 4. 3. and there he shall be discomfited.

the glorious holy mountain] Or, goodly. Heb. mountain of delight of holinesse. See Psalms 48:2. Daniel 8:9.

come to his end] Whereof see 1Ma 6:8.