THEOSISJerome of Stridon
At an appointed time, the ruler from the south will engage in battle against him, and the ruler from the north will rush upon him like a tempest, accompanied by chariots, cavalry, and a vast naval force, entering different territories, wreaking havoc upon them, and moving through them. He will invade the land of splendor, causing many to fall. Simmachus rendered it as "and many thousands shall fall," while Theodotion translates it as "and many shall be powerless." The term "many fallen," according to Aquila, is meant to signify cities or regions. Porphyry connects this to Antiochus, who again waged war against his nephew, Ptolemy Philometor, in the eleventh year of his reign. Upon hearing of Antiochus's attack, Ptolemy assembled a large army.
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However, Antiochus stormed in like a powerful tempest, with his chariots, cavalry, and immense naval fleet, devastating numerous lands before arriving at the glorious land, specifically Judea, which Simmachus referred to as the land of power, while Theodotion used the Hebrew term Sabai. He fortified the stronghold, utilizing the ruins of the city's walls, and then advanced towards Egypt. Those relating this to the Antichrist assert that he will first confront the king of the south, namely the Egyptian monarch, and then defeat the Libyans and the Ethiopians, previously mentioned as three of the broken horns among ten. When he arrives in the land of Israel, many cities or regions will fall under his dominion. Only Edom, Moab, and a portion of the land of Ammon will be spared. Historical accounts suggest that Antiochus, in his urgency against Ptolemy, did not attack the Idumeans, Moabites, and Ammonites, who lived near Judea, to prevent Ptolemy from gaining strength through another conflict. Similarly, the Antichrist will also refrain from assaulting Edom, Moab, and the children of Ammon, also known as Arabia, as the faithful will seek refuge in the surrounding deserts.