THEOSISTheodoret of Cyrus
And marvelously afflict, dominate, create, and disperse the mighty and the holy people. Dan. 8:25. He will secure the burden of his shackles; that is, nothing will obstruct him, and he will accomplish his desires. Blessed David advises regarding such matters, saying, “Be not envious of him who prospers in his way, of the man who carries out wicked schemes” (Psalm 36:7). It frequently occurs that those who engage in evil and wrongdoing experience great success in committing unlawful acts. Thus, it is stated, “He will correct the yoke of his chains;” meaning that whatever he commands his followers, he will compel them to obey.
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Then, foreseeing his craftiness and deception, it is said, “Flattery is in his hand, and in his heart he will be exalted; and with flattery he will cause many to fall.” Initially, Antiochus decreed that pagan educational institutions be established in Jerusalem, after which he forced them to consume unclean meats, and subsequently he compelled them to offer sacrifices of those meats. He employed persuasive rhetoric to mislead the righteous, promised royal rewards, and sought to make all as transgressors of the law. Therefore, it is said, “Flattery is in his hand, and in his heart he will be exalted,” as he perceived himself as the greatest among men. “And he will cause many to fall through flattery,” targeting those he could mislead. He will rise up to annihilate many, meaning he will act decisively until he observes many who have lost their salvation. However, he will not be satisfied with his reckless opposition against mankind and against the Prince of Princes; he will fiercely contend with the very King of kings and Lord of lords, intending to desecrate the temple consecrated to Him. And to illustrate that he was allowed to rise against the Jews, the Prophet says: “And he will crush them like eggs in his hand.” He will accomplish all this with the same ease as if someone were to crush an egg. Yet the Prophet makes clear the indifference of the Jews themselves, indicating that by neglecting divine matters, they were abandoned by God and deprived of His care from above.