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Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Daniel 11:24

Antiochus craftily pillaged the treasures of his provinces, but not to grow rich himself as his predecessors had done. He used this wealth to bribe and manipulate other leaders to cooperate with his plans. In this way he enlarged his power base (cf. 1 Maccabees 3:30). read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Daniel 11:25

After Antiochus had grown strong enough, he marched his army against Ptolemy VI in 170 B.C. This was his first campaign against Egypt. He was able to get all the way to the Nile Delta before the Egyptians discovered that he was approaching. He exercised much influence over Egypt, usually pretending to be an ally, and then using this enemy for his own advantage. Notice how the text highlights Antiochus’ deceptiveness. We can see again how he was a forerunner of the future Antichrist. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Daniel 11:26

Those who ate Ptolemy’s choice food, those who should have supported him, plotted to destroy him. Eventually his army suffered defeat and many soldiers died. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Daniel 11:27

This battle was successful in part because Antiochus claimed to be fighting for Ptolemy against a usurper within Egypt. When the battle was over, Antiochus and Ptolemy sat down together at a banquet, pretending to want peace. Actually, each king was trying to make the most of the situation for his own advantage. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Daniel 11:28

As a result of this "peace conference," Antiochus returned home with much plunder. Then his interests turned from Egypt to Israel.A Jew named Jason wanted to be high priest. Knowing Antiochus’ reputation, Jason offered the king a bribe to depose the current high priest, Onias III. Antiochus cooperated. This state of affairs encouraged another pretender to the high priesthood, Menelaus, to try the same tactic against Jason. Antiochus cooperated again. Onias, whom the Jews respected, objected and... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Daniel 11:29

In the same year, Antiochus decided to attack Egypt. When he arrived with his army, the Roman consul, Popillius Laenas, met him at Alexandria and prevented him from invading Egypt. Consequently he was not able to do what he wanted with Egypt as he had previously. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Daniel 11:30

The ships from Kittim (Cyprus) that came against him belonged to Popillius Laenas and Rome. Antiochus had to return home, since to do otherwise would have meant declaring war on Rome, a foe he could not hope to defeat. He returned to Syria disappointed.Again he took out his frustration on the Jews in Jerusalem who observed the "holy covenant" (i.e., the Mosaic Law; cf. Daniel 11:28). He favored the renegade Jews who had abandoned the Mosaic Law (cf. 1 Maccabees 2:18; 2 Maccabees 6:1). Menelaus... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Daniel 11:31

Antiochus ordered his general, Apollonius, and a contingent of 22,000 soldiers, into Jerusalem on what he claimed was a peaceful mission. However, when they were inside the city, they attacked the Jews on a Sabbath, when the Jews were reluctant to exert themselves. Apollonius killed many Jews, took many Jewish women and children captive as slaves, plundered the temple, and burned the city. Antiochus’ objective was to exterminate Judaism and to Hellenize Palestine. Consequently he prohibited the... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Daniel 11:32

Antiochus deceived many Jews with his flattery and promises (cf. 1 Maccabees 1:11-15). They participated in the worship of Zeus."This tyrant was a past master in manipulating Jewish leaders who were divided in their loyalties, winning them over to his cause by glowing promises of preferment and reward. As a matter of fact, Antiochus already had as partisans for his cause a considerable number of influential leaders in Jerusalem society and politics who were convinced of the expediency of a... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Daniel 11:33

Antiochus’ persecutions gave impetus to the Chassidim ("the godly, pious, loyal ones") movement that was already underway in Israel. The Chassidim advocated strict adherence to the Mosaic Law and the traditions of Judaism. Even today, the strictest orthodox Jews refer to themselves as Hasidim. The Maccabean revolt likewise fueled this movement since it was a political and military manifestation of the Chassidim conservative philosophy. The Chassidim movement really resulted in the spiritual... read more

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