Daniel 11:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

His reign was marked by harsh persecution against the law of God and the Maccabean revolts. Our interpretation sees this as a foreshadowing of the Antichrist to come in the end times. When asked why so many historical events are excluded from the prophetic narration—from Seleucus to the end of the age—our answer highlights that in referring to the Persian kings, only four are noted after Cyrus. After significant omissions, the account quickly moves to Alexander the Great, as Scripture tends to focus on significant events rather than detailing every occurrence. Much of what is to be discussed can relate to Antiochus, who serves as a type of the Antichrist, with his experiences foreshadowing the future fulfillment regarding the Antichrist. This approach aligns with Scripture’s tradition of revealing future truths through prefigurative imagery, as seen in the seventy-first Psalm attributed to Solomon; the entire description cannot apply to him as he did not experience those conditions, such as universal dominion or enduring honor (Psalms 71:5, 71:8, 71:11, 71:17). In Solomon, we see a shadow that precursors the perfect realization in our Savior. Thus, as our Savior has Solomon and other saints as types of His coming, it is fitting to believe that the vile king Antiochus, who targeted the faithful and defiled the temple, also represents the Antichrist.

We will now proceed with our exposition and detail, according to both our interpretation and that of our opponents. It is stated that Seleucus will be succeeded by his brother, Antiochus Epiphanes, who initially received no royal recognition from Ptolemy's supporters in Syria. However, he eventually used false kindness to seize the Syrian throne. Antiochus triumphantly vanquished Ptolemy’s martial forces. Here, the term 'muscles' symbolizes strength, similar to how an army is often referred to as 'arm.' He deceived Ptolemy and even outmaneuvered Judas Maccabeus, leader of the resistance. Ptolemy Philometor, the grandson of Cleopatra—Antiochus’s sister—was the child at the center of this conflict, not Ptolemy Epiphanes, who was fifth in line in Egypt. Following Cleopatra's death, the eunuch Euleus, tutor of Philometor, and Lenaeus took control of Egypt, renewing demands for the return of Syria, which Antiochus had deceitfully acquired. A conflict erupted between the uncle and the young Ptolemy. When they faced each other in battle near Pelusium and Casium, Antiochus's forces emerged victorious. Following this, under the guise of protecting the youth, Antiochus entered Memphis and was ceremonially recognized as king, despite having a small army, achieving unprecedented conquests in Egypt. He brought destruction not previously inflicted by the Syrian kings and through cunning undermined the strategies of the young rulers. Porphyry presents these events, echoing Sutorius, yet our perspective offers a clearer understanding, recognizing that such actions will be mirrored by the Antichrist, who will rise from the humble origins of the Jewish people, so vile that he will lack royal recognition and yet will ascend through manipulation. The warring Roman forces will be crushed by him, as he pretends to uphold the law and covenant of God, invading the wealthiest cities and achieving what no Jew, save for the Antichrist himself, has ever accomplished. He will strike at the strongest convictions of the saints, accomplishing his deeds until the divine will allows them.