Daniel 11:42Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

He will extend his hand over the various nations, and Egypt will not find refuge; he will seize the treasures of gold and silver, as well as all the precious stones of Egypt; he shall journey through Libya and Ethiopia. This is, in part, as we observe, fulfilled by Antiochus. However, we believe that the subsequent phrase, 'shall pass through Libya and Ethiopia,' is more fittingly attributed to Antichrist. Antiochus did not claim dominion over Libya, which generally refers to Africa and Ethiopia, unless it is considered in the context that, just as turmoil existed in the territory of Egypt, which was nearby, similarly there was disturbance in the adjoining regions, even if they were distant within the deserts when he conquered Egypt. Hence, it is noted that he did not assert ownership over them, but rather that he traversed through Libya and Ethiopia.

And the Archangel declares that he will extend his hand over the territory of Egypt, and Egypt will face devastation. This reflects poorly on Antiochus, as he did not conquer the Libyans, the Ethiopians, or even Egypt itself; rather, he withdrew from Egypt under the orders of the Romans. This references the three horns that the little horn obliterated. He will conquer and overpower the three significant nations: Egypt, Ethiopia, and Libya, which are likely ruled by three kings.