THEOSISJerome of Stridon
He was unable to seize control of Egypt, as Ptolemy Epiphanes and his advisors, having noticed the political maneuvering, maintained a vigilant stance. Cleopatra showed more loyalty to her husband than to her father. Consequently, he turned his attention to Asia, initiating naval conflicts against several islands, successfully claiming Rhodes, Samos, Colophon (also known as Colophonia and Bokloa), Phocaea, and numerous other territories. However, he encountered resistance from L. Scipio Nazica and his brother Publius Scipio Africanus, who had previously triumphed over Hannibal. Due to the limitations of consul Nazica, the senate hesitated to entrust him with command against such a formidable monarch.
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In light of the slight against his brother, Africanus volunteered to serve as a legate under Nazica. Antiochus was ultimately defeated and restricted to the borders of the Taurus Mountains, but he later fled to Apamea and Susa, reaching the farthest corners of his realm. However, during his subsequent conflict with the Elymaeans, he met his demise along with his entire army. The Scripture notes that he controlled numerous islands, yet after being vanquished by the Romans, he lost his Asian kingdom. His humiliation was upon him, and while attempting to flee Asia, he returned to his homeland, only to stumble and fall, with no trace left of him.
He shall direct his gaze to seize his entire realm and will act with shrewdness toward him, offering the daughters of his wives, so that he may bring about his downfall. This refers to Ptolemy or perhaps to his kingdom itself. Desiring not only to gain Syria, Cilicia, Libya, and other regions once held by Ptolemy's supporters, but also to expand his influence into Egypt, Antiochus arranged for his daughter Cleopatra to marry Ptolemy during the seventh year of his reign, and in the thirteenth year, he gave her away along with a dowry that included all of Kelesiria and Judea. The phrase 'the daughter of the wives' is used pleonastically, akin to celebrated poetic expressions such as 'so uttered with her lips' and 'and listened to the words with these ears.'