THEOSISJerome of Stridon
In light of the prior revelations where the second kingdom was represented by a ram and a goat, the prophet now discerns the dominion of the Medes and Persians. A goat emerges from the west, traversing the entire earth without even touching the ground. To clarify that this is not merely my interpretation, let us refer to Gabriel’s explanation of the prophet’s vision: "The ram which thou sawest with two horns is the king of the Medes and Persians" (Daniel 8:20). This specifically refers to Darius, the son of Ahasuerus, under whose reign the kingdom of the Medes and Persians fell. The goat, which arrived from the west and appeared to move with such incredible speed that it did not seem to make contact with the earth, symbolizes Alexander, the king of the Greeks.
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Following the destruction of Thebes, he directed his forces against the Persians and, in the battle by the river Granicus, he triumphed over Darius’ generals, ultimately striking down the ram and shattering its two horns—the Medes and the Persians—submitting them to his authority. The notable horn represents Alexander himself, the first king. Upon his death in Babylon at the age of thirty-two, four of his generals took over his realm, distributing it among themselves. Ptolemy the son of Lagus claimed Egypt, Philip of Macedonia, and Aridaeus (or Arius), the brother of Alexander, while Seleucus Nicator took Syria and Babylon along with the eastern kingdoms, and Antigonus ruled in Asia. However, it is noted that none could rival Alexander’s greatness. Following this period, a brazen king arose from Syria—Antiochus Epiphanes, the son of Seleucus, known as Philopator. While in Rome as a hostage, he deceitfully seized control of the kingdom without the senate’s consent and waged war against Ptolemy Philometor, targeting both the Egyptians and those in Persia who sought to enact new orders. Eventually, he also turned his aggression toward the Jews; after conquering Judea, he entered Jerusalem and erected the statue of Jupiter Olympius within the temple of God. He sought to exalt himself against the people of Israel, who were under divine protection, coercing many faithful into idolatry, trampling upon the heavenly hosts as if they were mere stars. He thus dominated both the eastern and southern territories, namely Egypt and Persia. The phrase, "He ascended even to the prince of power," indicates his rebellion against God, enacting persecution upon His saints, and disrupting the continual offerings made morning and evening while defiling the sacred sanctuary. This blasphemy was not exercised through his own might, but rather stemmed from the sins of the people. Consequently, truth was cast down, and idolatry flourished, leading to a cessation of divine worship.