Commentary on Daniel

1. Quest. Whether this vision in the 11. Chap. be diverse from the former vision in the 10. chapter.

1. Jerome, who taketh the first words of v. 1. to be uttered by Daniel, that he prayed for the prosperity of Darius, thinketh that this vision is diverse from the former, for that happened in the third year of Cyrus, c. 10. 1. this in the 1. of Darius: and so his opinion is, that at what time Daniel prayed for Darius in his first year, then these things were revealed unto him by the Angel: and so there is in the text a sudden change of the person: for in the 2. v. the Angel speaketh, behold, now I will show thee: whereas the former words were uttered by Daniel. And this he saith is not unusual in Scripture, for a person suddenly to be brought in not mentioned before: as, Psal. 32. v. 7. after David had said, thou art my secret place, then v. 8. the Lord is brought in speaking, I will instruct thee, and teach thee the way that thou shalt go, &c. Of this opinion with Jerome are the author of the scholastical history, Albertus, and Carthusian. Hug. Cardin.

2. But the better opinion is, that this vision contained in this chapter, is continued with the former: which Lyranus proveth, because this chapter beginneth with the Hebrew conjunction va • , which showeth a coherence with the former. And it may further be thus confirmed, in the former chapter, v. 14. the Angel saith, I am come to show thee, what shall come to thy people in the latter days: But these things are not there declared to the Prophet: the things then which should befall the people of God, which the Angel came to declare to the people, are those things which are expressed in this chapter.

3. Some do make this verse a part of the former chapter, and will have this to be the sense, as Michael helped me, so I again helped Michael, Vatab. Bulling. But it shall appear in the 3. question, that the Angel saith not here that he helped or strengthened Michael, but Darius rather.

Quest. 2. v. 1. Who it was that here saith, I stood up, &c.

1. Jerome, whose opinion is in part shown before, thinketh that Daniel speaketh these words, that he prayed unto God for Darius, that his kingdom might be confirmed and established, who had as much as in him lay, delivered Daniel from his enemies, and sealed the stone upon the mouth of the lions den, that none of his adversaries should go in to hurt him: But the phrase showeth, I stood up to strengthen him, that this is not understood of prayer or desire to strengthen him, but of a power whereby he was strengthened.

2. Some think, that these words were uttered by the Lord Jesus Christ, as the former also in the 10. chapter, Oecolampad. But Christ needed not the assistance of any Angel, as he saith that Michael helped him, v. 13. and Michael which helped the Angel is rather understood to be Christ, see before, c. 10. quest. 22.

3. Therefore this was the Angel Gabriel, who spake before unto Daniel, and continueth his speech still: for whereas he faith, I stood up to strengthen him, he speaketh not this, as though he did it by his own power, but in Dei persona, in the person of God, Calvin. and officium suum solum commemorat, the Angel showeth only his office and ministry, Polan. he did only strengthen him, as God's minister therein.

3. Quest. Who it was whom the Angel stood up to strengthen.

1. Lyranus understandeth here Daniel, whom the Angel strengthened in offering up his prayers unto God: that as Daniel prayed for Darius, so the Angel furthered therein Daniel's prayers, quia efficacior est virtus angeli, quam hominis, because the strength of an Angel is greater then of a man: But beside that the Scripture doth not give any such office unto the Angels, to be the presenters of our prayers, the Angel speaketh to Daniel in the second person, v. 2. I came to show thee: but this speech is uttered in the third person, I stood up to strengthen him.

2. Some do take this to be Michael the Arkeangel, whom this angel strengtheneth, Oecolamp. Vatab. and some make this the sense, that these two Angels joined together to suppress Satan, who animated and stirred up the Persians against the people of God, O •• and. But in the first of Darius, nothing was attempted against the Lord's people: all made for them: for the people then by the joint edict of Cyrus and Darius, were set free: some expound it thus: that if these two angels Michael and Gabriel were able to assist Darius to overcome the mighty Monarchy of Babylon, much more were they able to preserve the people of God now, Bulling. This sense is much to the purpose, saving that he understandeth Michael here to be an Angel, who is before proved to be Christ himself, c. 10. quest. 22. who could not be helped by a ministering Angel, being the commander and helper of Angels himself.

3. The meaning then is, that the Angl helped Darius to subdue the Monarchy of Babylon: and herein is shown the accomplishment of the vision of the hand, writing the destruction of Balthazar and his kingdom upon the wall, Dan. 5. which handwriting was made by the Ministry of the Angels, who by God's appointment assisted Darius in the subduing of the Babylonian state and Monarchy: so in effect the Angel thus reasoneth, that seeing by their ministry, the Babylonian Monarchy was overthrown, and the Persian state set up: they are as able to bridle the rage and fury of the Persian kings, as they were first to set them up, Calvi • ▪ and the Angel here maketh mention of Darius, because he would briefly set forth both the beginning and ende of the Persian Monarchy.

Quest. 4. Why the Persian Monarchy is so briefly touched, and the Grecians set forth at large.

These reasons may be yielded thereof. 1. because that the Empire of the Persians, was not so grievous unto the Jews, neither did they so cruelly entreat the people of God, as did the Grecians, as the kingdom of the Seleucians, and P • olomies: therefore the Angel 〈◊〉 them lightly over. 2. And another reason is, seeing the people were to endure much affliction under the kings of Syria and Egypt, but especially of Syria, it was requisite, that the people should be comforted against those times: and therefore the Angel at large declareth such things, as should befall the people of God, under those kings, but chiefly under Antiochus Epiphanes, Iun. commentar.

Quest. 5. That there were more then three kings of Persia, as may be gathered out of the Scripture.

1. Concerning the just number of the kings, that there were neither three only, as the Hebrews, nor 5. as Tertullian lib. adverse. Iudaeos, nor 8. only as Isidor. lib. 5. Etymol. and Johannes Annius, whom I • annes Driedo, and Johannes Lucidus follow, not yet so many, namely 14. as Pererius, and the most do hold, as is shown before quest. 37. upon the 9. Chapter.

2. But the opinion of the Hebrews, who most of them hold that there were but 3. kings of Persia, Cyrus, Ahasuerus the husband of Esther, and Darius whom Alexander overcame: and some of them name a fourth beside, Cambyses between Cyrus and Ahasuerus: This opinion may evidently be refelled by Scripture: which maketh mention at the least of 5. kings of Persia: Pererius thinketh that six are named in Scripture: 1. Cyrus. 2. then Ahasuerus, called also Artaxerxes, which was Cambyses, who hindered the building of the Temple, Ezra. 4. 3. then Darius the son of Hystaspes, under whom the Temple was reedified, Ezra. 5. under whom the Prophets Haggie and Zechariah prophesied. 4. Artaxerxes Longimanus by whom Ezra and Nehemiah were sent, Ezra. 7. Nehem. 2. 5. the fifth was Ahasuerus the husband of Esther, which is thought to be Artaxerxes Mnemon. 6. and the sixth was Darius whom Alexander overcame, in whose time Iaddua was high Priest, Nehem. 12. 22.

But in this collection Pererius diversely faileth. 1. in that he maketh Ahasuerus and Artashasht mentioned Ezra. 4. to be all one, whereas the last named was Cambyses, the other Darius Hystaspes, as is shown before quest. 58. c. 9. 2. he thinketh the Temple began to be reedified under Darius Hystaspes, which was Darius Longimanus, as is shown before likewise, quest. 45. c. 9. 3. he taketh Ahasuerus, Esther's husband to be Artaxerxes Mnemon, which was rather Darius Hystaspes, for Mordecai his age, who was one of the captivity of Iechonia, will not suffer the story to be deferred so long: see before c. 9. quest. 44.

3. This then may be affirmed, that at the least five several kings of Persia, are named in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah: as Cyrus is mentioned, Ezra. 4. 3. then Ahasuerus, which was Darius Hystaspes, and before him, Artashasht, that is Cambyses, which first hindered the work of the Temple, Ezra. 4. 6, 7. afterward Darius, which was Artaxerxes Longimanus, Ezra. 6. 1. called also Artashasht, v. 24. and Darius the last king, Nehem. 12. 22.

Quest. 6. Who were these four kings of Persia here named.

1. Jerome leaving out Cyrus, because the account beginneth from him, nameth Cambyses, then Smerdes the usurper, after him Darius Hystaspes, and the fourth Xerxes: so also Hugo Car. and unto this opinion inclineth Junius in his commentary: and he yieldeth this reason thereof, because Smerdes, though he were an usurper, yet quietly a while enjoyed the kingdom: But this Smerdes is not to be counted any of this number, because both he was an usurper: for this Smerdes, or as Polanus out of Ctesias calleth him Sphendadates, was he that accused Tanyoxares Cambyses brother, whom Cambyses caused to be taken out of the way by giving him bulls blood to drink, and then this Sphendadates was taken for Cambyses brother, and Cambyses being dead he usurped the kingdom: But he being discovered by Tibethes Eunuch unto Amytis, Cambyses mother, the 7. governors of Persia conspired to kill him, and then Darius Hystaspes was elected king, because he procured by art his horse first to neigh at the rising of the Sun, (whom the Persians worship as their God) as was agreed between them before. Beside, as this Sphendadates was an usurper, so he reigned only 7. months, as Herodotus, therefore in both these respects, because he was an usurper, and held not the kingdom long, he is to be excluded out of the number of the Persian kings, Bulling.

2. The Hebrews thus count them, Cyrus, Cambyses, Artaxerxes Ahasuerus, making Darius the fourth, whom Alexander overcame: But it is proved before quest. 5. that the Scripture maketh mention of more kings of Persia then these: and this Darius, as Jerome saith, was the 14. king from Cyrus: but he was in true account the tenth at the least.

3. Pintus out of Metashenes thus setteth them down, after Cyrus, the first was Artaxerxes Ahasuerus, then Darius Longimanus, after him Darius Nothus, and the fourth was Artaxerxes Mnemon: But here are two famous kings omitted: Cyrus, who must be numbered for one, because this vision was in the 1. of Darius: from him Cyrus was the first: and Xerxes, who was indeed that rich king of Persia.

4. Melancthon likewise omitteth Xerxes and nameth Artaxerxes Longimanus for the fourth, because he reigned at home while Xerxes made war abroad in Europe: But this fourth king must be he, that stirred up all against Grecia, which was Xerxes, and not Artaxerxes his son.

5. Oecolampadius and Pelican, do thus name them. 1. Cyrus. 2. Cambyses. 3. Smerdes. 4. Darius Hystaspes: But this Darius of purpose invaded not the Grecians, but set upon Asia minor, and then the Grecians challenging Ionia to belong unto them, by that occasion Darius also encountered with the Grecians, and was overcome by Miltiades at Marathon: But Xerxes continued the war begun by his father, and did of purpose provoke the Grecians to battle, Iun. commentar.

6. These then were the three Rings. 1. Cyrus. 2. Cambyses his son. 3. Darius Hystaspes. 4. and the fourth was Xerxes, who is described by his riches, and his attempting of war against the Grecians: to the three first kings the Grecians gave these titles: Cyrus was called, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , a father, Cambyses, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , a Lord over them, and Darius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , a merchant: a railer and extorter of tribute, H. Br. in Daniel. this reckoning follow Calv. Pol. Iun. in his annot. Osiander. Pappus.

Quest. 7. Of the fourth king of Persia his riches and power.

Two things are here expressed concerning this fourth king, 1. that he should be richer then they all: for beside the great sums of treasure which Darius Xerxes father had gathered together, he was 6. years after in making preparation for the wars of Grecia: and being thus grown to exceeding great riches, then he began these wars against the Grecians, which though intermitted a while, yet were not fully ended until the Monarchy of the Persians was finally overthrown by the power of Grecia under Alexander. 2. it is said, he should raise all against the realm of Grecia; herein three things are to be considered: 1. the preparation to this war. 2. the success thereof. 3. the ende of this rich king. First his preparation was wonderful, Polanus out of Ctesias saith his army consisted of 800. thousand men, and a thousand ships. Calvin reckoneth 900. thousand: Osiander out of Iostine counteth a 1000. thousand men, and a 1000. thousand ships: but Herodotus goeth yet further, and maketh the whole sum 23. hundred thousand. Pererius exceedeth them all, collecting that the whole army, quinquies continebat decies centena millia, contained 5. times 10. hundred thousand. But this number seemeth to be incredible: yet without question he provided an huge army, in so much that it is said, he drunk up rivers, made bridges over the Sea, cast down huge mountains, and made them even with the ground. 2. now for his success, he was overcome in 4. battles, and within the space of two years, all this huge company was vanquished and destroyed: first, he was foiled at Thermopilae, where 300. Lacedemonians discomfited the whole army of the Persians: then he was overcome by Sea at Artemisium, afterward at Salamine, where finding the bridge broken down, he was constrained to fly away in a small boat: lastly Mardonius, by whose counsel he took that war in hand, was vanquished at Plateae; And such was the success of that war. 3. Now the ende of Xerxes was this, at his return he fell into inordinate lust and cruelty: he committed incest with his brothers wife, and daughter, and caused his own brother Masistes to be slain, and he himself was killed by Artabanus, who a while usurped the kingdom after him: And this was the ende of this rich and mighty king of Persia.

Quest. 8. Why the Angel leaveth at the fourth king of Persia, seeing there were more.

1. Lyranus his opinion here is not sound, that thinketh, following the Hebrews, that none of the Persian kings are here omitted: and taketh this fourth king to be the last Darius, that was overcome by Alexander: but both the continuance of the Persian Monarchy, and the number of the Persian kings agreed upon almost by all historians, overthroweth this opinion. 2. yet although there were more kings of Persia then sour, diverse reasons may be alleged, why the Angel stayeth at the fourth and proceedeth no further. 1. the spirit of God intended not to follow the order of the history, sed praeclara quaeque praestringere, but to touch only the principal and special things, Jerome, Hugo Card. 2. Theodoret saith the reason is, because the Angel would only set down the most mighty kings of Persia, omitting the rest: and to the same purpose Bullinger and Polanus, because it is said, there shall stand up three kings of Persia: the Angel only speaketh of the flourishing state of •• at Empire, before it began to decay, as it did presently after Xerxes time. 3. Some give this reason, that the other kings of Persia are omitted here, because they are supplied out of other books of the Scripture, as of Ezra, Nehemiah, and some of the Prophets, Pappus. 4. Junius addeth, because the history of the Persian kings following concerned not the people of God: their chief business afterward fell out with the Grecians, in commentar. 5. But the most special reason is, the Angel only nameth those kings by whom the Jews were held in captivity: and such as hindered the work of the Temple; and as Oecolampad. out of Eudoxius, their gouernements are spoken of, in which there was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , the hindrance of the work, and staying of the building of the Temple, which the Prophet took greatest care and thought for: to the same purpose M. Calvin. by standing, understandeth those kings, which stood against the people of God. 6. Add hereunto that the Prophet maketh a cursary mention of them, to insinuate in what short time these four kings should run out the race of their kingdom; for first Cyrus, in whose third the Temple was hindered, reigned not long after: some think that Cyrus going against a people of the Indians called Derbices, which used to devour their parents when they were old, thinking it a more honorable ende for them, then to be eaten of worms, fell from his horse, and then was wounded in the thigh by a dart cast at him by an Indian, and so died, Polan, ex Cresia. but the more received opinion is out of Herodotus, that he was slain of Queen Tomyris, and his head being cut off was cast into a bowle of blood: yet Xe • ophon writeth that Cyrus being aged died in his bed, giving fatherly and grave exhortations to his sons. After him Cambyses having reigned not much above 6. years, was wounded by his own sword, and so died: Darius Hystaspes, being 20. years old when Cyrus went against Queen Tomyris, and living but 43. years in all, enjoyed not his kingdom 36. years, as most think, nor yet half so much: Xerxes time could not be long: H. Br. giveth but 31. years to the Persian Monarchy unto the second of Darius Longimanus, and maketh the 49. years, for the reedifying of the Temple, to coucurre with the 20. of Darius Longimanus, whom he supposeth reigning at home, while his father Xerxes was occupied in the Greek wars, being but then a young man, to have given liberty in his 2. year for the reedifying of the Temple: but if 30. years be only allowed for the reign of Cyrus, Cambyses, Darius, and Xerxes, Darius Longimanus cannot be thought to be then of years to have sons, as he had, Ezra. 6. 10. But allow 49. years unto the 2. of Darius, as is further proved, c. 9. quest. 58. this was but a short time for the reign of four such potent kings.

7. This also being joined to the former may make the former reasons more full, why the Angel endeth it at Xerxes, and so passeth unto Alexanders time, because then the quarrel begun between the Persians and the Grecians, which was never laid down, till the Grecians had overthrown the Persian Monarchy. And so Alexander in an epistle to Darius Codomannus, as Arrianus writeth, lib. 2. pretendeth this as the cause of his war against the Persians: Maitores vestri Mecedoniam ingressi, &c. Your Auncestors invaded Macedonia, and all Grecia beside, and offered them many wrongs, whereas they had received none: wherefore I being created Emperor of the Grecians, being willing to revenge their wrongs, am come over into Asia being provoked by you.

Quest. 9. A brief description of the rising and fall of Alexanders kingdom, v. 3. 4.

The Angel briefly toucheth both the rising up and the fall of Alexanders kingdom. 1. the rising of his kingdom is described, by two adjuncts. 1. he shall be mighty: for with 30. thousand footmen, and 5. thousand horsemen, he took upon him to conquer the whole world. 2. and it is said he shall stand up: whereby is noted the suddenness of his rising, and the singular dexterity that was in him to achieve that which he intended and purposed: the effects are likewise two, 1. he shall rule with great dominion: his Empire was large, for beside other countries, which he subdued, he possessed all the great Monarchy of Persia. 2. he shall doc according to his pleasure, he shall be prosperous in all his enterprises, and prevail in his wars, according to his own desires.

2. The fall and ruin of his kingdom is likewise described, first in general, then in particular. 1. In general both by the circumstance of time, when he shall stand up, that is, after he hath stood a short time: for not above seven years had Alexander reigned, when his kingdom, together with his life was dissolved, Iun. commentar. and even when his kingdom was come to the height, and he expected ambassadors at Babylon from all the world, he died at Babylon: As also the manner is shown, by a Metaphor, it shall be broken, like as when a brittle thing is broken into many pieces and shiuers.

2. In particular two things are expressed, the subject of this kingdom, and the quality and condition of it. 1. the subject is declared affirmatively, it shall be divided into the 4. winds, that is to four kings and chief governors, negatively, not to any of his posterity, which is amplified by a Metaphoricall speech, it shall be pulled up, as a thing by the roots, in respect of his own succession: and others shall be planted in their stead, in the place of his successors: for so is the meaning of those words, to others beside those, that is, it shall be given unto those four successor, of Alexander, beside his own heirs.

2. For the quality of these kingdoms, they shall not be like in power unto Alexanders. as it is said, not according to his dominion.

Quest. 10. Of Alexanders birth, and education, acts and life, ende and death abriged.

1. For the first, Philip king of Macedonia, was father to Alexander, and his mothers name was Olympias: he was borne about the 2. year of the 106. Olympiad: the same day, wherein he was borne, the great Temple of Diana at Ephesus was set on fire, which the Magicians interpreted to signify, that one was then borne, who should set all Asia on fire: at 15. years of age he was committed to Aristotle to be instructed, and in his youth was of such magnanimity, that when his father had conquered any city he would say, that his father would leave nothing for him to win.

2. At 20. years of age he sit upon the conquest of all the world: in his acts and life three things are memorable, his virtues, his monuments and exploits, his notable vices. 1. his virtues may be thus divided, into his moral, and military virtues: As his moral were these, his continency, before he tasted of the pleasures of Asia: he preserved the chastity of Darius beautiful wife and daughters, and would not so much as see them: his clemency and humanity was great even towad his enemies: but his liberality exceeded all the rest: he gave 23. thousand talents among his soldiers: see more of his virtues, c. 2. quest. 48.

His military virtues were excellent. 1. his courage, that with 30. thousand footmen, and 5. thousand horsemen durst adventure to bid battle to the whole world. 2. his patient labor in enduring hunger and thirst, frost and cold. 3. his dexterity and celerity in omitting no opportunity. 4. and hereunto may be added his singular success, he never besieged any city but he took it.

2. His exploits were singular. 1. he enlarged the Empire of the Grecians, and made them Lord's of the whole world. 2. he built many cities 70. in number as Plutarch writeth, whereof Alexandria in Egypt was one. 3. he reduced many barbarous nations from their savage and brui • ish manners to civility, as is further shown, c. 2. quest. 48.

3. And his vices which he fell into after he had glutted himself with the pleasures of Asia, were not inferior to his virtues: four notable vices among the rest reigned in him. 1. drunkenness, he would drink so excessively, that he would lie 2. or 3. days till he had s •• pt out his drink. 2. in his drink he was cruel and outrageous: in his rage he killed his dear friend Clitus, much lamenting his death afterward. 3. he was given to the wantonness and pleasure of the flesh. 4. And at length he grew so intolerable proud, that he made himself Jupiter's son, for which cause he commanded Calisthenes to be killed, because he refused to worship him: see before, c. 8. quest. 16.

3. Then Alexanders ende was this, in the 32. year of his age he died at Babylon. some think of poison: but he died rather of surfeiting and drunkenness, continuing quaffing so long, at a Physicians house a Thessalian, that he fell into a burning fever, at such time, as he expected ambassadors from the remote countries of the world, out of Africa, Europa, as out of Spain, and Italy, and so in few days after he sickened, he died, having no time to return into his own co • ntrey, nor space to appoint his successor: see more c. 8. quest. 16.

Quest. 11. Of the four successors of Alexander.

Concerning three of Alexanders successors there is no question: Ptolomeus the son of Lagus possessed Egypt the kingdom of the South: Seleucus reigned in Syria and Babylon, in the East, which in respect of Judea was counted the North: and Antigonus held Asia minor in respect of Egypt on the North: but there is some question, who was Alexanders successor in the kingdom of Macedonia in the West.

1. The received opinion is, that Arideus called Philippus the brother of Alexander succeeded in the Macedonian kingdom, as Jerome, Lyranus, Hugo Card. Pintus, Bullinger. But Arideus cannot properly be counted Alexanders successor, because he was but chosen king for a time until Alexanders sons came to age: and he had but the name of a king: Perdiccas was chosen Tutor and protector of the Empire, and Seleucus master of the horse, which was the second place in dignity: Craterus Treasurer, Antipater governor of Macedonia and Grecia: and beside the text saith, that the kingdom should not be left to any of Alexanders posterity, that is, heirs or kindred: But his brother was one of his posterity and kindred.

2. An other opinion is, that Antipater one of Alexanders chief captains succeeded in Macedonia, Osiander. but this cannot be neither: for though Antipater were set over Macedonia, as other of Alexanders captains were appointed their several regiments, before the kingdom was shared and divided into four parts; yet because Aridaeus was then living, to whom by general consent of the captains, the name and title of the king was yielded, during the nonage of Alexanders children, Antipater could not be said to succeed in that kingdom.

3. Wherefore Cassander rather the son of Antipater, who usurped the kingdom of Macedonia, as soon as Aridaeus was dead, is rather held to be one of the four successors in the kingdom, Iun. Polan. Calv. Pap. Calvin thinketh that Cassander was Antipaters father: true it is that he had two sons, Antipater and Alexander; but they by mutual parricide made an ende one of another, and held not the kingdom long after their father: But Cassander which reigned 18. or 19. years over Macedonia, was the son also of Antipater.

Quest. 12. How all Alexanders posterity was rooted out, that none of them succeeded in the kingdom.

1. Jerome thus expoundeth these words, not to his posterity, quia Alexander liberos non habuit, because Alexander had no children, which Pintus thus with favor interpreteth, that he had no son, which succeeded him: but if Jerome's words be well marked, he giveth this as a reason, why the kingdom was devolued to strangers, because Alexander had no children: whereas he had two sons, Alexander by Roxane, and Hercules of Barsines, as Trogus and Justinus testify.

2. Some writers think, that Alexander had a son called Alexander by Thalestra, Queen of the Amazons, as Q. Curtius, Clitarchus, Polycritus, Onexicritus affirm: but that is by other historians held to be but a fable: as Hecataeus, Philippus Chalcidicus, Duris Samius, Plutarchus Cheronens. Philo Thebanus, with others, ex Pinto. for this Alexander was Alexanders son by his wife Roxane.

3. This then was Alexanders posterity and kindred which he left behind him: his mother Olympias, and Pyrrhus his uncle king of Epirus, his brother Aridens, and his sister Cleopatra, his two wives with their two sons, Roxane with Alexander, and Barsines with Hercules, they were eight in all: Olympias causeth Arideus to be killed: Cassander thereupon taketh occasion to put Olympias to death being almost 80. year old, and poisoneth both Alexanders sons, Alexander and Hercules, with Roxane Alexanders wife: Cleopatra Alexanders sister, the governor of the Sardians, who was base brother to Philip Alexanders father, procured to be killed, therein thinking to gratify Antigonus: last of all Pyrrhus was vanquished by Antigonus Demettius son, and his head cut off. And thus in few years all Alexanders posterity was cut off, that none lived to succeed him.

13. Quest. Of the meaning of these words, v. 4. It shall be for others beside those.

1. Whereas it is said in the text in the ende of the fourth verse, it shall be given to others beside, Jerome readeth strangers for others: the word acharim, signifieth both strangers and others: by strangers Jerome understandeth other captains, beside these four, as Perdiccas, Crateron, Lysimachus, which had some part of Alexanders dominions. Theodoret interpreteth it of other strangers of foreign nations: as in the reign of some of the posterity of the first successors of Alexander, the Parthians fell away from the kingdom of Syria and Babylon, by the instigations of Arsaces a Persian, of whom the kings of Persia a long time after were called Arsacidae. But neither of these expositions can stand here: not the first, because before in this verse, mention is made only of the division of the kingdom into the four winds: so that we are referred only to that famous division of the kingdom into four parts, and to none other: not the latter, because that falling away of the Parthians was well nigh an 100. years after Alexanders death, in the time of Seleucus grandchild to Antiochus the son of Seleucus Nicanor, as Justin writeth, lib. 41. By others then, here are meant none else, but those four general captains, who divided Alexanders kingdom among them: yet it shall not be amiss here somewhat to touch the petty divisions of the kingdom, before it grew into four parts, and of Alexanders several captains, with their ends.

14. Quest. Of the petty divisions of Alexanders kingdom among his several captains, before it grew into four, and of their mutual dissension.

Three things here shall be briefly touched concerning Alexanders captains, 1. of their feuerall divisions. 2. of their civil wars, which they made one with another. 3. of their bloody ends.

1. After that Alexanders captains had by a general consent chosen officers for the whole kingdom, Arideus was appointed Viceroy during the nonage of Alexanders children: Perdiccas, protector, whom Antipater afterward succeeded in that place: Seleucus general for the army: Craterus Treasurer: then they sorted the several Provinces among them: Ptolomeus had Egypt, Laomedon Syria, Philotas Silicia, Antigonus Lycia, Pamphylia, and Prygia the greater, Cassander Caria, Menander Lydia, Leonatus Phrygia the less: Eumenes Cappadoeia and Paphlagonia, Phiton Media. ex Curtio. Lysimachus Thracia, Antipater Ma • edonia. H. Br. And Justinus maketh mention beside of others: to Nicanor called Seleucus, were committed the Parthians, to Amyntas the Bactrians, to Neoptolemus the Persians, to Peucestes the Babylonians, to Philippus the Hircanians. And the other Provinces remained under their government, which held them Alexander yet living. Thus Alexanders Empire being distributed among so many petty governors, 15. or 16. in all, could not long so continue under so many masters, but they presently fell at variance among themselves. And in this respect Demades wittily compared Alexanders army when he was dead, to Cyclops the huge giant when he had lost his eye: for as that huge body wanting light to direct it, hit here and there, and could not guide it self: so this unruly company wanting a guide, dashed one upon another, as a ship without a pilote runneth upon the rocks and sands.

2. We are in the next place then briefly to see the civil dissention and wars which were moved among these captains.

1. The first war was begun thorough the ambition of Perdiccas, who being in greater authority then the rest, intended to marry Cleopatra Alexanders sister, and so to take upon him the government: which his purpose that he might the better achieve, he first enterpriseth to remove the lets and impediments: and sendeth Eumenes against Antipater, and Antigonus, and he himself goeth against Ptolemy into Egypt: but he was slain of his own soldiers: and not long after Alcetas his brother, and his sister were slain also: and this was his ende, who was the first beginner of sedition.

2. After this a second stir began between Eumenes, and Antigonus: in which battle Neoptolemus and Craterus were slain, and Eumenes was betrayed by his soldiers unto Antigonus, whom he killed.

3. Then Cassander after he had most treacherously extinguished Alexanders family, quarrelleth with Antigonus, from whom he would have taken certain cities in Asia, and joineth with Ptolemy, and Seleucus, who feared Antigonus greatness: but Antigonus vanquisheth Cassander, and maketh him to restore the cities in Asia.

4. After this Antigonus setteth upon Seleucus, and Ptolemy: but first he was overcome by Ptolemy at Tyrus, who took Demetrius Antigonus sons pauilion, with all the princely furniture, but restored it again: afterward Demetrius surprised Cilles one of Ptolomes captains, and 8000. men, but returned them safe to Ptolemy, to requite his former humanity and kindness.

5. Then followed a soar battle between all of the chief captains remaining, not far from Ephesus: on the one side were Seleucus and his son Antiochus, Lysimachus, and Ptolomes forces: on the other Antigonus: the night before the battle, Antigonus had a vision, wherein Alexander appeared, saying unto him, that now he would go unto his enemies: whereby Antigonus understood, that having been hitherto victorious, he should be overcome now: And so it fell out, for as he pursued Antiochus in battle, he was slain by Seleucus horsemen, being almost 80. year old: his son fled to Athens, and renewed the war, but he was taken by Seleucus, and long suruiued not his father: then the rest divided the kingdom of Antigonus among them.

6. The last battle between Alexanders captains, was between Lysimachus and Seleucus. This Lysimachus was a man of valor: for being familiar with Callisthenes, whom Alexander killed, he was commanded to be cast unto the lions: but he killed the lyon, and so escaped: for which his valor he was afterward much made of by Alexander. But this Lysimachus among his virtues, had enormous vices: he married two sisters, and had children by them both, but the one killed the others child: the mother for succor fled unto the other kings allied unto her: hereupon began the quarrel between Lysimachus and Seleucus: but Lysimachus being overcome, was slain. Melancth. ex Pausan.

3. In the last place let us take a view of their bloody ends. Perdiccas first killed Meleager: Ptolemy killeth Cleomenes Perdiccas friend: and Perdiccas himself is slain of his own soldiers, going against Ptolemy. Craterus and Neoptolemus are slain in battle: Philotas killeth Phiton: and he with Eumenes are slain by Antigonus: Antigonus fighting against Seleucus is killed: Lysimachus by Seleucus, Seleucus is slain by Ptolemy Ceraunus brother to Ptolemy Philadelphus then reigning in Egypt: and the same Ceraunus not long after was slain by Brennus: Demetrius Antigonus son rooteth out the house of Cassander: and so he and his posterity held the kingdom of Macedonia, until the Romans possessed it. And this was the ende of Alexanders captains.

15. Quest. Why the Angel prosequuteth the story only of the king of the South, and of the North, omitting the the rest.

Two reasons may be yielded hereof. 1. The other kingdoms, the one of Asia the less in the North to Egypt, which fell unto Antigonus, after he was slain and vanquished by Seleucus, was divided among the other captains, and so it was extinguished: and the other kingdom of Macedonia in the West, was translated from Cassander and his posterity, unto Demetrius the son of Antigonus: neither was it in power answerable unto the other two kingdoms, of Syria, and Egypt: and therefore these only are mentioned: for verse. 5. the Angel speaketh only of two mighty kingdoms, which should prevail above the rest.

2. An other reason is, Judea stood in the middes between these two kingdoms of Syria and Egypt, by which occasion, these kings waging battle one against another, Judea being in the middes, went to wrack between them: Melancthon. And sometime the Jews favored one, and sometime another, and then the adversary part still afflicted them: and thus between these two kings were the Jews molested the space of three hundred years. Lyranus. And a third cause there was of trouble unto the Jews: sometime the Ptolomies of Egypt challenged the government and sovereignty of Judea, sometime the kings of Syria: but in the last social war against Antigonus it was agreed, that the most part of Judea should belong unto the Seleucians, as Antiochus the great allegeth in an embassage sent unto Ptolemy Philopator king of Egypt: Polyb. lib. 5. Therefore mention is made only of these two kings, because they only had to do with the people of God: and as Jerome saith, scripturae propositum est, non externam absque Iudais historiam texere, it is the intent and purpose of the Scripture, not to follow a foreign history without respect unto the Jews. And Josephus hereof thus writeth, Antiocho magno in Asia regnante, &c. While Antiochus the great reigned in Asia, Judea was continually troubled and Coelesyria: for while he had war with Ptolomeus Philopator, and his son Epiphanes, whether he did overcome, or were overcome, they went to wrack, even like unto a ship driven to and fro of the winds: inter prosperam & adversam Antiochi fortunam iactat a est, Judea was tossed up and down between the prosperous and adverse fortune of Antiochus. Joseph. lib. 12. antiquit. c. 3.

16. Quest. Of the Kings of Egypt, and Syria, of whom Daniel prophesieth in this Chapter.

The kings of Egypt which succeeded one another after the division of Alexanders kingdom into four parts, were these:

1. Ptolomeus the son of Lagus, called Ptolomeus Soter, which signifieth a savior; because he rescued diverse kings that fled unto him for succor, as Seleucus, and Pirrhus king of Epirus: but he contrary to his name made havoc of Syria and Judea.

2. Ptolomeus Philadelphus, so called, either because he married his own sister, or by the contrary, because he killed two of his brothers. Iun. in commentar.

3. Ptolemy Euergetes, a benefactor: he was a great favorer and patron of learning, as his father was: the Egyptians called him a benefactor, because he brought home the images from Babylon which Cambyses had carried away.

4. Ptolomeus Philopator, so called by the contrary, for he killed his father, mother, and brother.

5. Ptolomeus, surnamed Epiphanes, that is, the famous or renowned.

6. Ptolomeus Philometor, which signifieth a lover of his mother, or beloved of his mother, by the contrary, for his mother hated him.

7. Ptolomeus Physcon, so called of his great belly.

8. Ptolemy Lathurus, so named because being exiled by his mother, he secretly practiced to return again.

9. Ptolemy Auletes, so surnamed the piper, because he would publicly in his princely habit contend with fidlers and pipers, to exceed them in fidling and piping.

10. He left behind him his son Ptolemy Dyonisius, and Cleopatra: this Dyonisius caused Pompey to be killed, that fled thither for succor, being overcome of Caesar: who because he afterward practiced against Julius Caesar, was by him commanded to be slain, and the kingdom was given to Cleopatra his sister, who afterward married to Antonius. ex Melancth. Bulling. And these were the Egyptian kings, until the Romans reduced it into a Province after the death of Antonius and Cleopatra.

These also were the kings of Syria, called the kings of the North.

1. The founder and beginner of this kingdom was Seleucus surnamed Nicanor.

2. Next unto him was Antiochus surnamed Soter, a savior.

3. Then Antiochus called Theos, which signifieth God, because he required divine ho •••• to be given unto him, Bulling. or, as Pausanias, he was saluted by that title of the Mile • ians for expelling their tyrants.

4. Seleucus Callinicus, which signifieth an excellent warriet, the son of Antiochus Theos by Laodice: his brother Antiochus Hierax, so termed for his rapacitie, reigned together with him in another part of the kingdom.

5. Seleucus Ceraunus, that is, a flashing or lightning, was the next, but he reigned not long, therefore by some he is omitted, as Hugo Card. Melancth.

6. Antiochus surnamed Megas, the great, succeeded his brother Ceraunus.

7. Then Seleucus Philopator (so called, because his father loved him) reigned: but not long.

8. Antiochus Epiphanes, the famous, by the contrary, for he was of a base nature, and despised, v. 2. or rather as some call him Epimanes, the mad or furious Antiochus, succeeded Philopator.

Thus far the prophecy of Daniel is extended to the 8. king of Syria, which was Epiphanes, and to the 6. of Egypt Ptolemy Philometor. At these the prophesy stayeth, because the principal intendment of this prophesy is, to foreshow the troubles, which the people of God should endure under Antiochus Epiphanes: and this prophesy there ending, signifieth that the coming of the Messiah was not far off: and beside after this time, when such • auocke was made of the people of God by Antiochus, the kings of Syria (as a just recompense for their cruelty against God's people) did one cut an others throat, and so the kingdom by civil dissention was rent a sunder, until it came unto the Romans. These then were the kings that succeeded Epiphanes.

9. Antiochus Eupator Epiphanes son, whom Demetrius his uncles son killeth.

10. Demetrius succeedeth, whom one Alexander feigning to be Epiphanes son, killeth, and usurpeth the kingdom by Ptolemy Philometors means.

11. Demetrius Nicanor son of the other Demetrius, killeth Alexander.

12. Antiochus Sedetes expelleth Demetrius his brother.

13. Tryphon killeth Sedetes, and is king.

14. Antiochus the brother of Demetrius called Eusebes for his piety, because having besieged Jerusalem in the feast of the Tabernacles, for reverence of their feast he did forbear them, and sent them sacrifices to offer, he killeth Tryphon: and he himself is slain in a bat • ell by Arsaces king of the Parthians.

15. Demetrius Nicanor is restored again to his kingdom.

16. One Alexander usurpeth the kingdom, who is overcome by Antiochus Gryphus.

17. Antiochus called Gryphus of his Eagles or hooked nose, was the son of Demetrius: between him and Antiochus Cyzicenus so named of the place where he was brought up, the son of Sedetes, was great war.

18. Seleucus the son of Gryphus prosecuteth his fathers quarrel, he killeth Cyzicenus. Thus the family of the Seleucians by mutual discord, was at the length extinquished, and then Tygranes king of Armenia taking advantage of this civil dissention, usurped the kingdom, and held it certain years until he was subdued by Pompey. Melancth. Bulling.

17. Quest. Of the first Ptolemy called here the king of the South.

1. This Ptolemy was held to be the son of Lagus, but in truth he was the son of Philippus king of Macedon, who married his mother being great with child, unto Lagus. 2. Alexander for his singular valor exalted him, Justin. for when Alexander was in danger at Oxydrace, he only of all his friends rescued him. 3. He was the chief author of dividing the Empire, and took upon him the government of Egypt, slaying Cleomenes the governor thereof, and he overcame Perdiccas, that came against him with an army. 4. After the death of Perdiccas, he recovered Phoenicia, Syria, and Cyprus to his kingdom, and by his son Megas obtained Cyrene. Pausan. in Attic. 5. He restored Pirrhus king of Epirus to his kingdom, and Seleucus expelled by Antigonus, fleeing unto him for succor. Jerome. 6. But he was cruel to the Jews, invading them upon the Sabbath day, when they suspected nothing, and carried many of them away captive: but afterward he became more indifferent toward them, giving them the like privilege in Alexandria, as the Macedonia • s had. Joseph. lib. 12. antiquit. 7. He reigned well nigh forty years after Alexanders death, and died in the 124. Olympiad, (as Polybius writeth) in the same year that Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy Ceraunus likewise ended their days. 8. He left behind him Philadelpus, Ceraunus, and other children beside. Pausan. And this was the king of the South (that is of Egypt, which was South to Judea,) which (the text saith, v. 5.) shall be mighty.

18. Quest. v. 5. One of his Princes shall prevail, who is meant hereby.

1. Jerome, whom Lyranus, Hugo Card. Pintus follow, understand this to be Ptolemy Philadelphus, who succeeded Ptolemy Lagi, and grew to be mightier then he: he had 200. thousand footmen, and 20. thousand horsemen, 15. hundred ships of war, and a 1000. ships for burden: so Jerome.

2. Junius in his commentary, and in his annotations is of the same opinion, that the pronoun (his) hath reference to the king of the South before named: and by Princes, understandeth sons: as David's sons are said to be his chief Princes, 2. Sam. 8. And they are called Princes, rather then sons, because they were not the legitimate sons of Ptolemy. And beside this philadelphus, after the manner of the Persians, married his own sister Arsinoe, so that the children which he had by her, were rather called his Princes, then sons; Iun. in commentar.

But the words of the text following, he shall prevail above him, (or, as some read) against him, G. B. will not bear this sense: for these words do imply a contention, which should be the greater: but this was not between the father and the son: rather Ptolemy the father made his son great, being his younger son he appointed him to be heir of the kingdom, and as Justin saith, resigned unto him the kingdom being yet alive, thinking it to be a greater honor to be a kings father, then the king: neither can it be shown, that this Ptolemy more enlarged the kingdom, then his father had done.

3. Therefore, by one of his Princes, is rather to be understood, one of his, that is, Alexanders Princes, and that was Seleucus Nicanor, who was king of Babylon and Syria, which was North to Judea: so Melanct. Vatabl. Calvin, Osiander. Bulling. Genevens. B. Polanus. 1. This Seleucus was of such strength, that when a wild bull, as Alexander was sacrificing, brake loose, he held him by the horns alone and stayed him, whereupon he gave the horns in his arms: which doth fitly answer unto the description of the fourth beast with ten horns, c. 7. 8. which signified the kingdom of the Seleucians, Appian. in Syriac. it is said, that Seleucus and his posterity had naturally the sign of an anchor in their thigh, Melanct. 2. This Seleucus overcame Antigonus, though he were before by him expelled out of Babylon: and he divided his kingdom: likewise he caused his son Demetrius to yield himself unto him: he also slue valorous Lysimachus, who in Alexanders time, being cast unto a lyon, slue him. 3. He much enlarged his kingdom: he reigned over Babylon, and Media, Mesopotamia, Armenia, Cappadocia: and over the Persians, Parthians, Arabians, Bactrians, Hyrcanians: and possessed all from the borders of Phrygia even unto the river Indus: and passing over that river, he likewise warred with Sandracotus king of the Indians: never any possessed more countries in Asia then this Seleucus, only Alexander excepted. Polan. 4. He built many goodly cities, sixteen of them he called after his fathers name Antiochia, six by his mothers name Laodicea, nine after his own name, Seleucia: three by his wives name Apamea, and one Stratonica by his other wives name: the most famous of these cities, which afterward continued, were two called by the name Seleucia, one by the Mediterranean sea, the other by the river Tigris: Laodicea in Phoenicia, Antiochia under Libanus, and Apamea in Syria. Many other cities he called by Greek or Macedonian names: as Berrhea, Edessa, Perinthus, Maronea, Callipolis, Achaia, Pella, Amphipolis, Arethusa, Cholcis, Larissa, Apollonia: In Parthia Sotera, Calliope, Hecatompolis, Achaia: in India Alexandropolis: in Scythia Alexandrescota: So that Seleucus dominion was mightier and larger, then the kings of the South. H. Br. in Daniel. 5. This Seleucus was somewhat equal and favorable toward the Jews: he did enfranchise them in all his cities which he built in Asia and Syria, with the same privileges which the Macedonians had, Joseph. lib. 12. c. 3. which he did to make them his friends against Ptolemy Soter. 6. But at length he was circumvented, and slain by Ptolemy Ceraunus, brother to Ptolemy Philadelphus. Melancthon.

19. Quest. That this kingdom of the North is the same which Ezekiel calleth Gog and Magog.

That Ezekiel, c. 38. and Daniel here agree in their description of the same kingdom, may appear by these reasons. 1. because the kingdom of Gog is also there called the kingdom of the North, Ezek. 38. 15. Come from thy place out of the North parts, thou, and much people with thee: and here also he is called the king of the North. 2. The nations which do accompany Gog, as Magog, Meshech, Gomer, Togarmah, Pharas, Put, the •• ebrews themselves understand to be the nations inhabiting, Cappadocia, Galatia, Iberia, Armenia: all which were under the command and obedience of the king of the North. 3. The building of cities throughout those countries, and the calling of them by the names of the Seleucians, and their kinted, are evident arguments of the foueraigntie which they had over those nations: so that we need seek no further for that great Gog, whom Ezekiel speaketh of. 4. And further, as Ezekiel prophesieth, c. 38. 23. that after the overthrow of Gog, the Lord would be magnified and sanctified among many nations, which was performed by the coming of the Messias: so it came to pass: for not long after the destruction of this kingdom of the North, and the ende of that family of the Seleucians, Christ came into the world. And this is the common opinion of the Hebrews, as Ab. Ezra, and Kimhi testify, that after the overthrow of Gog, Messiah should • aigne. 5. Wherefore seeing this Prophesy is fulfilled already, they are deceived, which defer the fulfilling of Ezekiel's prophesy until the ende of the world, wherein they give great advantage unto the Jews, who think that their Messiah, when he cometh, shall vanquish the power of Gog and Magog. H. Br. in Daniel.

20. Quest. Of the first variance between the king of the South, and the king of the North: and of their joining together again.

v. 6. In the ende of the years they shall be joined together again. 1. It is evident then that first the league made between the first kings of the North and South Ptolemy Lagi, and Seleucus, was afterward broken: which was upon this occasion: Antiochus Soter succeeded Seleucus, and married his fathers wife Stratonica, by the advise of Erasistratus his Physician, by whom he had issue Antiochus Theos: Megas the brother of Philadelphus king of Egypt, married a daughter of this Soter, by which occasion Megas claiming to be king of Cyrene, which his father made him governor of, was aided by his father in law against Philadelphus, and so the truce was broken.

2. Then Philadelphus to accord this dissention, giveth his daughter Berenice to wife to Antiochus surnamed Theos, the son of Soter: and Philadelphus accompanied her unto Pelusium, giving unto her a rich dowry of silver and gold, whereupon she was called Phernophoras, of her great dowry.

3. But this conjunction did not long hold: for Antiochus Theos had a former wife Laodice, by whom he had two sons, Seleucus Callinicus, and Antiochus Hierax: whom he did repudiate, and took Berenice to wife, by whom he had a son. But not long after Laodice with her sons were received to favor; which Laodice, suspecting the inconstancy of her husband, poisoned him: and her son Callinicus took Berenice, and her son, and all her company, and put them to the sword: whereupon the quarrel was renewed between the kings of the North and South. Appianus in Syriac. thinketh that these were two sisters, Laodice and Berenice both daughters to Philadelphus: but that is not like, because the text speaketh but of the kings daughter (not daughters) of the South, that should come to the king of the North.

4. Thus have we the meaning of these words, she shall not retain the power of the arm: she, namely Berenice, should not long continue in grace and favor with Antiochus, who was as an arm to embrace the two kings together: neither should be continue and his arm: some read, and his seed. L. Calvin. because vau is wanting in the latter word, whereas zeroagh with vau signifieth an arm, which word was used before: but it is an usual thing in the Hebrew tongue sometime to express, and sometime to suppress that letter: Lyranus expoundeth it of Berenice and her seed: but that cannot be, for the verb is put in the masculine: some refer it to Antiochus, that he should not stand with his arm: he should cast off Berenice, who was suborned as an arm to bind them together, Iun. but it may better be referred to Philadelphus, that he should not long continue after, nor this his arm (his daughter) which he used as a band of peace: but she shall be delivered to death: for Callinicus took Berenice and all her company, and put them to death, before they could be rescued: and her son, Iun. Polan. Lat. rather then he which begat her. Genevens. Vatab. And he which had comforted her, or made her mighty in his times, that is, Antiochus Theos, who had before advanced her, and cast of Laodice, should not continue: for his wife poisoned him. Osiander. Polan. some understand it of those which took her part, Iun. but because it is put in the singular number, and mention is made before of those which had brought her out of Egypt, and so attended on 〈◊〉 , the former sense is better.

5. Thus we see fulfilled, that which was revealed long before unto Nebuchadnezzar, c. 2. 43. that they should mingle themselves with the seed of men, but they should not join one with another, as iron cannot be mixed with clay: this place therefore showeth, that that vision of the iron and clay legs is understood of the two kingdoms of the North & South.

Quest. 21. What king of the South this was whose daughter came to the king of the North.

1. It is agreed that this was Ptolemy Philadelphus, as is before shown, but some mistake Ptolemy Ceraunus for Philadelphus his brother, affirming that this Philadelphus killed Seleucus, that had slain Lysimachus, that had married his sister Arsinoe, Oecolamp. whereas it was Ceraunus not Philadelphus that killed Seleucus.

2. This Philadelphus, was the son of Ptolemy Lagi, by his second wife Berenice: he had other sons by Euridice his first wife the daughter of Antipater, but he disinherited them, and for love of his wife Berenice he made Philadelphus his youngest king, as Justin • aith, while he lived; but as Pausanias, it was a little before his death: he killed two of his brothers that he might be more secure in the kingdom, and therefore was called by the contrary Philadelphus, a lover of his brethren, Iun.

3. He had another enormous fault beside, he married his own sister Arsinoe, who died before she was delivered of child, and afterward had children by another Arsinoe daughter of Lysimachus: of the first Arsinoe, was the region Arsinoitis called, Pausan. in A • tic.

4. This Philadephus was exceeding rich, as is partly touched before: Jerome here writeth, that he had 200. thousand footmen, and 20. thousand horse, 400. elephants, and 1500. long ships of war, and a 1000. ships of burden: he received yearly out of Egypt 14. thousand and eight hundred talents of silver, and 15. thousand measures of wheat, called artaba, which contained 3. bushels and almost an half: and least this might seem incredible, that Egypt should afford yearly so great a tribute, Strabo lib. 17. reporteth out of Cicero in one of his orations, that Ptolemy Auletes, who was but a remiss and negligent Prince, received yearly 12. thousand and 500. talents of silver.

5. This king is commended for his singular love of learning, whom Tertullian affirmeth in Apologet. to have been most learned himself: he founded a famous library at Alexandria, whereof Demetrius Phalereus had the oversight: he caused the Scriptures to be translated into the Greek tongue by the 70. interpreters, whom Eleazar the high Priest sent unto him: which book was carefully kept in the kings library, wherein were many thousand books: for the question being asked by him of Demetrius, how many thousand books he had gathered together, he answered he had gotten 200. thousand, but shortly he would make them up 500. thousand, Perer.

6. This Philadelphus was very beneficial to the Jews: he redeemed an 120. thousand of them, that were slaves in Egypt, and sent them home, and bestowed many rich gifts upon the Temple at Jerusalem, Joseph. lib. 12. antiquit. c. 2.

Quest. 22. Of the translation of the Septuagint, which was procured by this Ptolemy Philadelphus.

Seeing mention is made of the acts of this Ptolemy Philadelphus, among the which the most famous was the translating of the Hebrew Scriptures into the Greek tongue, it shall not be amiss to insert somewhat concerning that translation.

1. It is evident that the translation which goeth under the name of the Septuagint, in many places is very corrupt, and varieth from the original: as Pagnin showeth, Isagog. c. 9. And as it is evident, Gen. 5. and 11. they feigned a 1350. years more, and Gen. 11. they put in Cainan one more then the original text hath: and they make but 70. persons to descend into Egypt with Jacob, to answer unto the 70. languages, which they think to have been spread over the earth, Gen. 10. Jerome thinketh, that the special principles of our faith, they either omitted in their translation, or interpreted after another manner, to the intent to conceal the secrets of their faith.

2. Irenaeus, Justinus, Chrysostom, Hilary, Augustine do ascribe very much unto this translation, and think that the interpreters were put into so many several celles, and yet agreed together, except only in some certain places: But Jerome praefat. in pentate •• . thinketh that to be a fable of their 70. celles at Alexandria.

3. But there is great uncertainty beside. 1. Jerome writeth, that it is the general opinion of the Jews, that the Septuag. only translated the 5. books of Moses, in 5. cap. Ezech. 2. And there were diverse copies of the Septuagint: Alexandria and all Egypt followed Hesychius copy: Constantinople and all unto Antioch, used Lucianus edition: And the middle Provinces between them, preferred the translation amended by Origen, and set forth by Pamphilus, Jerome praefat. in Paralip. 4. And beside the translation of the Septuag. whereof there were so many editions, there were other translations of the Scriptures into the Greek tongue, as by Aquila, Symmachus, Theodotian: wherefore in so great variety and uncertainty of translations, the most sure way is, to have recourse unto the original, as Jerome and Augustine do well advise, ex Bulling.

Quest. 23. Who was the bud of her roots, v. 7. and of his exploits.

1. Theodoret giveth this interpretation here: these wars here prophesied of he understandeth of the wars between Ptolomeus Philopator and Antiochus the great: by one of his captains before spoken of, v. 6. he would have understood Scopas general of Philopators army, who wunne diverse places out of Antiochus jurisdiction, and joined them to his kingdom: After this Ptolemy gave his daughter in marriage unto Antiochus: but she was returned home again: yet there came a bud of her, she had a son that became an enemy unto her father.

Contra. This exposition cannot stand. 1. the wars between Antiochus the great, and Philopator are afterward spoken of in this chapter. 2. It is unlike that one of his captains should be said to be greater then the king himself: seeing all his endeavor was to advance the honor and dominion of the king. 3. neither did the king of Egypt give his daughter to Antiochus the great: but he gave his daughter Cleopatra in marriage to Ptolemy Epiphanes. 4. beside this bud here spoken of inuadeth the kingdom of the North, whereas Theodoret understandeth this bud to rise up an enemy to the king of the South.

2. This then is the true interpretation. 1. This bud of her, that is, Berenices roots, was Ptolemy surnamed Euergetes, her natural and Germane brother: who rose up to revenge his sisters death. 2. He came with an army and invaded Syria, and wunne the strong holds: many cities abhorring the cruel fact and parricide of Callinicus revolted, and submitted themselves to Ptolemy: who took possession of the country, and caused himself to be crowned king. 3. but hearing of some commotion in Egypt, he returned, and carried away with him many nobles captives, and a very great spoil beside, 40. thousand talents of gold, and many precious vessels, and 2500. images of their gods, and among them those, which Cambyses before had carried out of Egypt, whereupon the superstitious Egyptians called him Euergetes, benefactor, Jerome.

3. After Ptolemy was returned, Seleucus prepared a great nauie, which was overwhelmed in the Sea, and he himself hardly escaped with a few of his company, having nothing left of all that great preparation: in so much that his case was pitied of those which before had revolted from him: Then he craved aid of Antiochus. Hierax his brother, which Ptolemy perceiving, made peace with Seleucus for 10. years, Oecol. Melanct. ex Justin.

4. Hierax seeing this, then turneth his force against his brother Seleucus: which war tended to the ruin and destruction of them both: for Hierax was slain of certain robbers and thieves, and Seleucus died of a fall from his horse.

5. All this being thus reported by foreign writers, Justin. lib. 27. Polybius lib. 5. agreeth with this prophesy of Daniel, both of the preparation and expedition of Ptolemy Euergetes against Callinicus, v. 7. his success in carrying away much spoil and captives, v. 8. and his return into his country, v. 9.

6. But where it is said, v. 8. he shall continue more years then the king of the North: some refer it to the time of their reign: Calvin saith, whom the Genevens. follow, that Euergetes reigned 46. years▪ Oecolamp. 26. whereas Callinicus reigned but 20. years▪ but it is better understood, that Euergetes continued diverse years in this victorious estate, having the chief dominion in Syria, Iun. Polan. for this best agreeth with the former words, wherein his victory and prosperous success is described: And Polybius writeth, that Euergegetes and Callinicus died much about the same time, lib. 5.

7. I • his return which is mentioned, v. 9. Josephus writeth, that Euergetes coming to Jerusalem did offer sacrifices unto God, for his great victory, and bestowed great gifts upon the Temple, lib. post. adverse. Appion. yet afterward he demanded the ordinary tribute 20. talents of silver, which was detained by the covetousness of Onias the high Priest: Euergetes sent unto him, threatening that if the tribute were not paid, he would divide their country among his soldiers. Then Josephus Onias sisters son went in the name of the Jews in embassage unto Ptolemy, and pacified him, and grew in great favor with him, Joseph. lib. 12. antiquit. c. 3.

Quest. 24. Of the third battle between the king of the South, and the king of the North, v. 10. 11. 12.

This battle is described in three parts. 1. the preparation made by the king of the North, and their diverse attempts, v. 10. 2. the resistance made by the king of the South, with his good success, v. 11. 3. the events, that followed upon this victory, v. 12.

1. The attempts made, are either jointly by the two sons of Seleucus Callinicus, namely Seleucus Ceraunus, and Antiochus surnamed Megas the great: in these words, his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a mighty great army; or severally, by Antiochus Megas only in the latter part of the verse.

First, Ceraunus and Megas joining together, partly to revenge their father Callinicus, and their grandmother Laodices death, partly in hope to recover Syria, out of Ptolemy Philopators hand, who succeeded Euergetes, whom some think he killed, and therefore was called Philopator, that is, a lover of his father, by the contrary: they first set upon Ptolomies captains, which held Syria for Philopator: But Cerannus passing over the mount Taurus, to go against Attalus, who possessed the country beyond Taurus, was slain by the treason of Apaturius and Nicanor, in the 2. or 3. year of his reign: of whom Acheus that went with Seleucus being his kinsman was presently revenged, and put them to the sword, Polybius lib. 4. all this agreeth well with this prophecy, saving that Polybius writeth that Acheus went in this battle with Seleucus, and that Antiochus the great lived as yet a private life, not meddling at all, lib. 5. But it is evident by this prophesy, that both the sons of Callinicus joined together.

Now then Seleucus being dead, Antiochus Megas taketh upon him the kingdom, being then, as Polybius writeth, not above 15. year old: two of his expeditions are here described: the one in passing thor • gh in recovering Syria, and other parts of his own country: the other in assaulting Ptolemy at home, even at his own fortress and munition cities in the borders of Egypt.

In the first expedition, Antiochus had two great lets in his way, which he overcame, first two brethren Molan and Alexander, contemning Antiochus youth, would have usurped all the country beyond Taurus: them first he overcame: then he had to deal with Ptolomes captains, which held Syria for him: but here Theodotus helped him, who revolted from Philopator, both taking advantage of his voluptuous and slothful life, and for that he had sustained some disgrace being called to Alexandria, where he was in danger of his life: This Theodotus upon these occasions betrayed Syria into Antiochus hands: And upon this advantage he still proceeded, and recovered many cities and countries, as Polybius showeth at large, lib. 5.

Then sent Ptolemy an embassage unto Antiochus, somewhat to stay him, until he might make himself strong: and Antiochus admitted some parle and treatise of peace: But there could be no agreement, for Ptolemy challenged those countries as belonging unto him by right of inheritance: Antiochus laid claim unto them by a former composition, made by Cassander, Seleucus, Ptolemy, when they overcame Antigonus, that Syria and Palestine should belong unto Seleucus: Thus they breaking off without any conclusion of peace, Antiochus goeth forward, and had diverse conflicts with Nicolaus Philopators captain both by Sea and land, and still prevailing he cometh even unto the munition towns in the borders of Egypt, and pitcheth at Raphia, which was 4. days journey from Pelusium, Jerome. Bulling Oecolamp Perer Iun Polan.

2. Now followeth the second part of the description, how Philopator being thus provoked even at his own doors did come against Antiochus with a great army, and encountered with him at Raphia and prevailed, as is shown here, v. 11. more particularly thus is this story reported by Polybius and Justin. 1. Ptolemy, while the treatise of peace was in hand, hired soldiers out of Grecia, and gathered together a great army of 70. thousand footmen, and 5000. horsemen, and 73. elephants: Antiochus also came against him with another great army, of 62. thousand footmen, 6000. horsemen, elephants 102. 2. These armies meeting at Raphia, after certain days joined battle: the fight was at the first doubtful: for the right wing of Antiochus had the better, but the left wing the worse: But at last the victory fell out unto Ptolemy, but not without great slaughter of his mercenary men. 3. In the 3. book of the Macchabes in the beginning another circumstance is added, which furthered the fight on Ptolomes side: how Arsinoe Ptolomes sister, went up and down the campe as they were in fight, calling upon the soldiers, and encouraging them, promising to each man two pound of gold, if they got the victory: But whether this were so or not, Ptolemy obtained the victory: and of Antiochus side there were 10. thousand footmen slain, and 300. horsemen, 4000. taken prisoners, and 3. elephants were killed in the fight, and two afterward died of the wounds which they had in the battle: thus according to the text, the multitude was given into his hands.

3. The events which followed this victory are rehearsed to be three. 1. the insolenci • both of Ptolomes army, called here the multitude: for he had as great an army as Antiochus: and of Ptolemy himself: who thinking it sufficient that he had gotten the victory, was content, giving himself to case and pleasure, to accept of conditions of peace, which Antiochus entreated of him: whereas, as Justin writeth, spoliavisset regno Antiochum, si fortunam virtute iuvisset, he had spoiled Antiochus of his kingdom, if by his own valor he had helped his good fortunes.

2. An other event was, he shall cast down: housands: which Jerome understandeth of his former victory: but it may better be referred to his cruel outrage practiced upon the Jews: for coming to Jerusalem he pressed to go into the most holy place, but was gainesayed by the high Priest: yet he forcing to enter, was stricken of God, and carried away half dead: whereupon he afterward returning to Alexandria, gave forth very cruel edicts against the Jews, commanding many to be killed, others to be fettred and imprisoned, and some to be trampled upon under the camels feet, 3. Macchab. c. 7. Bulling. Melancth. Polan. And hereof Josephus maketh mention, that between Antiochus Megas and Philopator, Judea was as ship tossed to and fro of the waves, and went to wrack on both sides, lib. 12. c. 3.

3. The last event is, he shall not prevail, which was diverse ways effected: 1. for he neither prevailed against Antiochus, who escaped his hands, and held his kingdom still, Jerome, 2. And notwithstanding his rage against the people of God, the Lord defended them. 3. After this he gave himself to all beastly pleasure: for he killed his wife and sister Euridice: he kept both a male concubine Agathocles, and Agathoclea his sister, Justin. lib. 30. 4. And within few years he himself died, Melancthon.

Quest. 25. Of the first expedition of Antiochus the great against Epiphanes king of Egypt, v. 13. 14.

Now follow diverse other expeditions and attempts of this Antiochus against the king of Egypt, unto v. 18. with his ende, v. 19.

In this first is set forth his preparation, v. 13. then his success, v. 14. In his preparation there are three things expressed, the number of his army, the time, after certain years, and his great riches: for Philopator being now dead, and Epiphanes his son left but young, whose tuition together with the government of the kingdom was committed to Agathocles an infamous person, Philopators minion, by which occasion many fell away from the king of Egypt; Antiochus took this to be a fit opportunity to recover his former estate, both in the nonage of the young king, who was but 4. year old when his father died, and because the Egyptians were at variance among themselves: for they rose up against Agathocles, and killed him, and the strumpets they hanged up, and then sent ambassadors to Rome, that they would take upon them the protection of the young king and his kingdom, to whose trust Philopator dying had commended his son. The Romans twice sent ambassadors to Antiochus, who had invaded diverse cities in Syria, belonging to the king of Egypt: but for all this Antiochus surceased not, Jerome ex Justin. therefore it is said in the text, veniendo veniet, he shall certainly or speedily come, nothing could let him.

And concerning his rich preparation, this may be an evident proof thereof: that afterwards, when he prepared in like manner to encounter with the Romans, and at that time, Hannibal being overcome of the Romans was fled unto him, he shown unto him his chariots and Elephants set forth with ornaments of silver and gold, and asked him if this were not sufficient for the Romans, who made this answer, satis esse credo Romanis haec omnia, licet sint auarissimi, I think these things may suffice and content the Romans, though they were most covetous, &c. Gellius in Noctib. Attic. lib. 5. c. 5. his meaning was, that it would be a sufficient pray, whereas Antiochus had asked his opinion of the sufficiency of his preparation.

2. Then in the success described, v. 14. is shown, 1. the help that Antiochus had. 2. how he prevailed against those factious persons which took part with the king of Egypt.

1. The text saith, that at that time, many shall stand up against the king of the South: which some understand of the Jews which hitherto had taken part with the king of Egypt, who should now join with Antiochus, Iun. but it is better understood, of the league and confederacy which Antiochus made with Philip king of Macedon, that they should both join together against the king of Egypt, and part his cities among them, each of them to take the cities next adjoining, Jerome. which confederacy was the occasion of war between the Romans and the said Philip: who being overcome by Flaminius the Consul, lost a great part of his kingdom, even all the cities of Thraci • , only Macedonia being left him, Melancth. Bulling.

2. Then followeth what became of the rebellious sons of the people, that is, the refractary Jews, which stood against Antiochus, and were refractary against God and his laws. 1. These rebellious and refractary Jews are well understood to be those which fled with Onias (being expelled by Jason) unto the king of Egypt, (which Josephus saith was Philometor ) but by the words of the prophesy it is better referred to these times of Ptolemy Euergetes, who gave unto Onias leave to build a Temple in Egypt in the region of Hierapolis, about 180. furlongs from Memphis, which Onias accordingly did: making it in some things like, in some things unlike to the Temple of Jerusalem: So herein they are called refractraie, because against the ordinance of God, that appointed the place of his public worship only at Jerusalem, where they should offer all their sacrifices, yet did erect a Temple in another place.

2. Whereas it is said, to establish the vision: this also agreeth very fitly: some understand it, of the fulfilling this present vision, Iun. annot. Polan. but that fulfilling was against their will: now here their purpose and intendment seemeth to be noted: to establish the vision: and so Onias pretended, that herein he fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah. c. 19. v. 19. that the altar of the Lord should be in the middes of Egypt, Jerome, Pelican. Calv. Melancth. whereas that place is understood of the spiritual worship of God, which should be established in Egypt at the coming of the Messiah, which evidently appeareth out of the same place: for there the Prophet speaketh of a general unity and concord, that should be between Assur, Egypt, and Judea, which was not now in the time of this Onias: for the Assyrians now under Antiochus were enemies to the Egyptians. And beside Eusebius out of this very place showeth, that the sacrifices and ceremonies of Moses law were to cease: for seeing by Moses law they were not to sacrifice, nor to set up any altar but at Jerusalem, if that law should not be abolished, the prophesy of Isaiah of setting up an altar, that is the true service of God in Egypt, could not have been fulfilled: to this purpose Eusebius, lib. 1. de domonst. Evangel. c. 4.

3. Then it followeth what shall become of those refractary persons: they shall fall. 1. Jerome understandeth it of the destruction of this new Temple, and the city, which came to pass, 330. year after, as Josephus writeth, under Vespasian the Emperor: who when he had destroyed the Temple at Jerusalem, sent unto Lupus president of Alexandria, to demolish the other Temple in Egypt, least it might be an occasion of mutiny and rebellion to the Jews: But this Lupus only spoiled the Temple of the ornaments thereof: Paulinus succeeding him utterly abolished the service, which the Jews there exercised, and shut up the Temple forever, not suffering the same to be used at all: and so it came to ruin, Josephus lib. 7. de bello Iudaic. c. 30. But this ruin and fall here prophesied of seemeth to have been present, to show how Antiochus prevailed against them. Some understand it of the Jews in Palestine, which rebelled against Antiochus, Polan. Iun. in his last edition: But in his first annotations he seemeth to refer it to the Jews, whom Antiochus destroyed at his coming into Egypt.

Quest. 26. Of the second expedition of Antiochus the great against Ptolomeus Epiphanes.

v. 15. The king of the North shall come, and cast up a mount, &c. In this expedition, first is described his preparation, then his success.

In the preparation it is expressed, how he should cast up a mount: Junius and Polanus expound the word otherwise, taking it for a sling and other engines, which were used in the besieging of cities: the meaning is, that Antiochus should besiege the strong cities of Egypt: and it hath special reference beside unto the besieging of Scopas, Ptolomes captain, whom the king of Egypt had sent against him: who encountering with Antiochus at Pan • as was put to the worse, and fled unto Sidon, where Antiochus besieged him with ten thousand men: then Ptolemy sent three captains, Eropus, Menocleas, and Damaxenus to rescue him: but they could not raise the siege, till Scopas forced by famine yielded himself. Antiochus also laid siege to the fortified place or tower in Jerusalem, which he took by help of the Jews, Jerome ex Joseph. lib. 12. antiquit. c. 13. And many other strong cities did Antiochus take at this time in Syria, which did hold with Ptolemy before.

2. The success was this. 1. concerning Egypt: the armies of Egypt were not able to resist, nor his chosen people; that is, the armies and strength of the king of Egypt, and his valiant captains had no power to resist Antiochus, but he should do what he would. 2. Then it is said, he shall stand in the pleasant, beautiful, or excellent land, that is Judea, so called, not for any terrene excellency in it, but it was excellent because of the worship of the true God: This land he should also possess, not so much by conquest, but the Jews willingly submitted themselves unto him: they received him into Samaria with his army, and provided prouender for his elephants: of the which their kindness he wrote letters to his friends purposing to requi • e the same, Josephus. lib. 12. c. 3. the words then following, which some read, he shall co • sum it with his hand, Jerome, Iun. Calv. Genevens. (understanding it of the miseries and afflictions which he brought upon the Jews) cannot have that sense; because at this time he received kindness at their hands, and intended to recompense them with the like again, as Josephus saith. Some give this sense, deficiet in manu eius, it shall fail or faint under his hand, Bulling. that is, shall yield themselves unto him, Vatab. not resist him, but bear the tribute which was imposed upon them, Melancth. rather this is the meaning, consummatio in manu eius, consummation shall be in his hand; his hand shall consummate and perfect his desire, in obtaining the land of Judea, which willingly yielded it self, Polan.

Quest. 27. Of the third expedition of Antiochus Megas against Epiphanes, v. 17.

Here two things are declared in this third exploit: first the attempt of Antiochus, then the event.

His attempt was partly by force, but seeing he could not prevail that way, he seeketh to compass his desire by subtlety and craft, (affecting the government and kingdom of Egypt) in giving his daughter Cleopatra to Epiphanes: wherein three things are expressed: 1. his subtle intent, he pretended peace and amity, offered equal conditions of peace, vt recta faciat, to do rights, as the Latin interpreter: some read, his confederates with him, B. G. but the other sense is better, Iun. Polan. for, as Appian writeth, Antiochus feared the Roman power, and when they sent unto him ambassadors to restore the cities which he had taken from Ptolemy, he made answer, that there was amity between him and Ptolemy, and that he intended to make him his son in law, Appian in Syriac. 2. then it is said, he shall give him the daughter of women: which Jerome thinketh to be a pleonasme, as when we say, he spake with his mouth: but it signifieth more: Junius understandeth by this phrase, to be a virgin: Polan. that she was ferme lactens, yet but young, and in a manner a suckling: but (though this were true) yet it is better interpreted, that she was bath nashim, a daughter of women, that is, of special womanhood: to the which answereth her name Cleopatra, the glory of the country: H. Br. consent. and so Vatablus translateth, pulcherrima foemina, she was a most beautiful woman, so also Perer. a choice woman, Osiander. And together with this daughter, Antiochus promised by way of dowry, Coelesyria, Phoenicia, Judea, and Samaria, the revenues to be divided between them, Joseph. lib. 12. antiquit. c. 3. 3. It followeth to corrupt her, not, as the Latin, to destroy it, that is, the kingdom: or as Perer. readeth, to destroy him, that is her husband: for the pronoun affix is of the feminine gender: neither is the meaning, to destroy her, V. G. B. for Antiochus had no meaning herein to seek the destruction of his daughter, but he corrupted her with evil cou • sell: for as yet neither of them were mariageable. Jerome saith, that Epiphanes was but four year old when he began to reign, and Cleopatra was betrothed to him in the 7. year of his reign, and married in his 13. year: In the mean time Antiochus had the keeping of her, and so corrupted her with evil counsel, and gave her instructions how she should practice to take her husband away by poison, or some such like means: and this is understood by corrupting her.

2. Then the event was this, contrary to his expectation: for Cleopatra like a good wife took part with her husband, and obeyed not her fathers wicked counsel: and by her means Epiphanes recovered much in Asia minor.

28. Quest. Of Antiochus expedition against foreign countries, v. 18.

Here is described first his attempt, with his success; then the event which followed.

1. Antiochus being disappointed of his hope for Egypt, both because his daughter had deceived him, and Epiphanes was in league with the Romans, then he set his mind to invade other countries, which are here called the Isles, because they were divided from him by Sea: as Hellespontus, Chersonesus, Euboea: then he stroke over into Europe, and took diverse Islands, Rhodes, Cyprus, Samos, Colophon: and so did bid as it were open battle unto the Romans: which he before intending, thought to make himself strong, by a new alliance with foreign Princes: for as he had married his daughter Cleopatra to Epiphanes king of Egypt, so he gave in marriage his daughter Antiochis to Ariaratus king of Cappadocia: and a third daughter he offered unto Eumenes king of Pergamos, but he refused, because of the wars which he had with the Romans. Appian.

2. The event followeth: that in the ende Antiochus was foiled by the Romans, and the shame returned upon his own head: but first the words of the text must be opened, and then the sense considered.

1. The words are diversely read: 1. the vulgar Latin readeth thus, he shall cause the Prince of his shame to cease: which Lyranus expoundeth of himself, namely, Antiochus: but he misliketh this sense, because Antiochus rather still increased his own s • ame, he caused it not to cease. 2. Then he giveth another interpretation, a Prince or Lord shall bring his shame upon him, that is God, whom he had blasphemed, shall bring him to shame. Pererius rejecteth this sense, because it is not found, that this Antiochus blasphemed God: wherein he is deceived: for the contrary is evident, that Antiochus, when all things went cross against him, accused God, as though he were his enemy, Polan. but the word katin signifieth a leader, or gouerner, which is not so fitly referred unto God. 3. Theodoret readeth in the (plural) he shall cause the Princes of his shame to cease, that is, shall vanquish diverse Princes, and put them to shame: but the word is put in the singular. 4. Some apply it to Epiphanes king of Egypt, who by his captain Scopas had put Antiochus to shame, in taking certain cities from him: gloss. interlin. Hug. Card. and Pererius misliketh not this exposition: But the truth is, that Antiochus put Scopas to shame, causing him to yield himself. 5. The words then, are thus to be read, a Prince or captain shall •• ause his shame to cease, beside that he shall cause his shame to return upon him, Polan. that is, the shame which he offered to others shall return upon himself.

Now for the meaning of the words, two things are declared. 1. the Prince or captain shall cause his shame to cease. 2. then it shall return upon his own head. 1. First, his contumelious and opprobrious words, and acts, spoken and done against the Romans, ceased, when first he was overcome by Marcus Attilius Glabrio the Roman captain, afterward by L. Scipio Nasica (accompanied with Publius Scipio Africanus his brother) by Sea: After this foil Antiochus, being not ruled by Hannibals counsel, who was with him, who gave him advise to remove his forces into Italy, and to occupy the Romans at home at their own doors, was in such fear of the Romans, that he fled from Chersonesus, leaving all the furniture and provision of his own behind, which the Romans surprised: then he sent Ambassadors unto the Scipios, offering to bear half the charges of their battle, and to relinquish all the cities which he had taken in Ionia, and Aeolia: but they made answer that they would have all the charges of that expedition, which he had been cause of, and he must surrender all the country on this side the mount Taurus: But Antiochus refusing these hard conditions, encountered with the Romans again, who had not above 30. thousand men, and he 70. thousand, in which battle he was discomfited, and lost 50. thousand men, and all his Elephants, saving 15. which were taken alive: and thus his proud spirit was abated, and his contumelies offered unto the Romans in word and deed, were at an ende.

2. Then last of all his shame was brought upon his own head: for upon a second embassage he was forced to accept of most hard conditions. 1. that he should leave all Asia on this side Taurus. 2. he should pay in present money fifteen hundred talents for the charges of the war. 3. he should deliver up all his Elephants, and ships so many as they should require: and should be stinted afterward for the number of his ships. 4. he should pay yearly 12. thousand talents for tribute for 12. years. 5. and give 20. hostages, whereof one should be his son, for the performance of these conditions: all which he undertook: and thus his own shame returned upon him: and further in disdain, whereas he was called before, Antiochus the great, it grew into a byword among the Romans, Antiochus sometime the great king. ex Livio decad. 4. l. 8. and App. in Syriac.

29. Quest. Of the death of Antiochus the great, v. 19.

Two things are here declared, his shameful flight, and his shameful ende.

1. After that he had received the last great overthrow, with the loss of so many men, he fled away incontinently, and about midnight came to Sardis: thence to Apamea, from whence he sent Ambassadors, which concluded the former peace with the Romans upon those hard conditions. Then he betook himself to the remote parts of his kingdom, to his munitions and holds, being in such fear, as that he durst not endure the sight of Cn. Manlius, who succeeded L. Scipio. Thus Antiochus was confined within Taurus: who in this disgrace, was wont to say iestingly, as Tully reporteth in his oration pro Deiotaro, benign sibi à Romanis factum, &c. he was beholding to the Romans, who had eased him of the trouble of so great a kingdom, that he now contented himself with a less.

2. Now touching his ende, there are diverse opinions. 1. after that he had such an imposition of tribute laid upon him, partly through necessity, and partly of a covetous mind, he went about 〈◊〉 rob a Temple of their treasure: Lyranus thinketh it was the Temple of Naneas among the Persians, where he entering into the Temple with his company, were hewn in pieces: as the story is set down 2. Macchab. c. 1. and therefore it is said here, he was no more found, &c. because his body being thus mangled could not be known: But that story rather showeth the ende of Antiochus Epiphanes, this Antiochus son, as may appear by comparing that place with 2. Macchab. c. 9. see more before c. 8. qu. 33. 2. Some following Justin lib. 32. think, that he would have invaded the Temple of Jupiter Dyndinaeus, or Dodonaeus: but he was far off from that place, Bulling. 3. Jerome following Strabo, lib. 16. saith, that he with all his army was slain of the Elymeans, when he went about to rob the Temple of Jupiter Belus: so also Polan. and so it is said, he was no more found, because he was tumultuously killed of the rude people coming together to defend their Temple: Calvin. H. Br. in Daniel. and because he died in Persia, and returned not into his own country. Osiander.

30. Quest. Of the acts and ende of Seleucus Philopator the son of Antiochus the great, v. 20.

First it must be agreed, who this was, who is said to rise up in his place.

1. P • rphyrius, as Jerome showeth upon this place, taketh this to be Ptolomeus Epiphanes king of Egypt: but as Jerome well showeth, he did not succeed Antiochus the great in his kingdom, and therefore cannot be said to stand up in his place.

2. R. Levi understandeth here the son of Antiochus Epiphanes, called Antiochus Eupator, who was slain by his uncles son Demetrius: and the former part of the prophesy he interpreteth of Antiochus Epiphanes: ex Oecolampad. But it is evident, that hitherto the Prophet hath described the acts and exploits of Antiochus, surnamed the great: for he it was, that gave his daughter Cleopatra in marriage unto the king of Egypt, as is prophesied, v. 17. And the rest of the prophesy can agree to none other.

3. Some Hebrews, as Jerome also here writeth, think that this was Tryphon, which was the tutor of Antiochus son: but that cannot be: for Tryphon followed many generations after: for after Antiochus the great succeeded in order, Seleucus, Epiphanes, Eupator his son, Demetrius, Alexander, Antiochus, before Tryphon usurped the kingdom. He that rose up in Antiochus place, was the 7. king of Syria, but Tryphon was the 13. or 14. Bulling. Perer.

4. Wherefore this that rose up in Antiochus place, was Seleucus his son. Antiochus the great had three sons, Antiochus, Seleucus, and Antiochus Epiphanes: but Antiochus▪ being a Prince of great hope and towardness, died about the same time, that his father fleeing to Apamea, sent Ambassadors to the Romans about the former conclusion of peace, not without suspicion of poison: then succeeded Seleucus Philopator, so called because he was beloved of his father, called also Soter. Joseph. lib. 12. c. 4. Polan.

Secondly we come to the parts of the description. 1. This Seleucus acts are described, he shall cause to pass up and down an exactor of tribute: not take away the exactor of tribute, as Vatabl. for the word is ghabar, which signifieth to pass, and in hiph • l to caus • to pass. And so was Seleucus a great exactor of tribute: for being given to voluptuous living, he must needs also be immoderate in his expenses: when he was admonished by his familiar counselors, that he should take heed least he alienated the minds of his friends, by his immoderate taxations, he would answer them, that his money was his friend. This Seleucus is he that sent Heliodorus to spoil the treasure of the Temple at Jerusalem, which Simo • had bewrayed unto him: which Heliodorus coming thither, and offering by violence to take the treasure away, he and his company were terrified by a fearful 〈◊〉 : they saw an horse with a terrible rider, and so they desisted from their purpose: see the story 2. Macchab. 3.

2. Then the ende of Seleucus is prophesied of. 1. concerning the time, after a few days he should be destroyed: then cannot 12. years be assigned to his reign, as Oecolampad. and it appeareth 2. Macchab. 4. 7. that he lived not long after Heliodorus attempted to rob the Temple at Jerusalem. 2. for the manner of his death: it should neither be by wrath, nor by battle, either by the general hatred of his subjects, or by open war: but it is thought that he was poisoned by Heliodorus, and that by the practice of Antiochus Epiphanes his brother, who was coming from Rome, where he was left as an hostage, and was at Athens at that same time when Seleucus died. And this was a just recompense upon him for his sacrilege, that he should be cut off even by him, that was an instrument of his impiety. Melancth. Polan.

31. Quest. Whether the rest of this chapter be properly understood of Antiochus Epiphanes, or of Antichrist.

1. Some would have this to be a prophetical narration of the acts and doings of Antichrist, and make no mention at all of Antiochus, as Polychronius: But it is evident that many things cannot be otherwise applied, then to Antiochus: as v. 21. in his place shall stand up a vile person, that is, in the room of Seleucus Philopator, before spoken of: and v. 25. it is said, he shall stir up his power against the king of the South, who is understood before to be the king of Egypt: so that it is evident, that this is a continuance of the same prophetical narration.

2. Some do apply some part of this prophesy unto Antiochus, yet as a type of Antichrist, and some things only unto Antichrist: and these things are intermingled together: as Matth. 24. Christ prophesieth of the destruction of Jerusalem, and of the ende of the world jointly: so in this place, they think that the manners of Antiochus and of Antichrist are described interchangeably: Theodoret. So also Lyranus, who thus distinguisheth of figures and signs: that some things are so figures, as the thing prefigured concerneth them not at all: as Psal. 72. His dominion shall be from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the world: this place he thinketh only to be true of Christ, and not at all to agree unto Solomon: some figures are such, that the thing affirmed, agreeth both to the figure, and to the thing prefigured: as, 1. Chr. 22. 10. He shall be my son, and I will be his father: this was true of Solomon in part, but of Christ more fitly: so some things here are spoken of Antiochus as of a figure of Antichrist, and some things only agree unto Antichrist: as from the 36. v. to the ende of the chapter: But, as Melancthon saith, non avellam hanc partem ab historia Antiochi, I will not pull away this part neither from the history of Antiochus: for mention is made after that of Edom, and other nations adjoining, which is evident to be historical.

3. Some wholly refer this prophesy unto Antiochus, without any relation at all unto Antichrist, as Jerome here affirmeth of Porphyrius. But it is evident by the prophetical book of the Revelation, which taketh many things from this prophesy, that there is some relation and allusion in this prophetical discourse unto Antichrist.

4. Some do make Antiochus a special type of Antichrist, and make him the image, and Antichrist the Archetypus, the principal person represented and resembled: and think that many things here done do more fitly agree unto Antichrist, then unto Antiochus. Pappus. But it is evident, that the description of Antiochus, and his cruel outrage against the church of God, is principally intended by the Prophet; because this prophesy was delivered for the comfort of the Church in those days, to the coming of the Messiah.

5. Wherefore the literal and proper sense of this prophesy aimeth only at Antiochus: yet so, as by way of allusion and analogy, as a common type, Antiochus example, conditions, practices, may be drawn and by way of application accommodated to decipher Antichrist. Iun. Polan. But these typical applications unto Antichrist, shall be referred unto their proper and peculiar place among the controversies.

32. Quest. of Antiochus Epiphanes first entrance to the kingdom.

Three things are orderly handled in this prophesy. 1. of Antiochus succeeding in the kingdom. 2. of his acts and exploits. 3. of his ende: In the handling of which things the rest of this chapter is spent: for seeing this Antiochus should be the greatest and most cruel adversary unto the Jews, and that under him, they should endure much misery, it was necessary that the people of God should afore-hand be prepared for those times.

First then his entrance to the kingdom is thus set forth, 1. by the very act of his succession. 2. by the small right which he had unto it. 3. and by the evil means, which he used.

1. It is said, that in his place one should stand up: namely, Antiochus Epiphanes in the room and stead of his father. 2. but his right should be small thereunto: for whereas succession unto kingdoms is either by the natural right of succession, or by election and consent; he came by neither of these means to the kingdom: for he was the younger brother, and left hostage at Rome for his father, and so he was in that behalf neglected and despised, not designed or appointed by his father unto the kingdom: and when his elder brother was dead, he left behind him his son Demetrius, who was left as a pledge for Antiochus at Rome, whom Seleucus sent for to aid him in his wars: thus Antiochus was despised and neglected in respect of natural succession. Iun. Polan. And in regard of his vile conditions, and loathsome vices he was despised also: so that it seemeth, he was called Epiphanes, famous, by the contrary, being indeed despised: which name was turned by the change of a letter, into Epimanes, which signifieth furious, mad. Athenaeus ex Polyb. And concerning the right of succession, which is by election, Antiochus wanted it likewise: as it followeth in the text, to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom: he was not called or adopted to the government by the consent of the nobles of the land: Only he was favored and helped by two foreign kings, Eumenes, and Attalus. 3. Then the manner is shown how he attained to the kingdom: he at the first took upon him to be the protector of the kingdom for his brothers son Demetrius being absent, until by flattery he had established himself. He was very popular and familiar even with mean persons: he would stand in the streets and cast abroad money, crying out, Let him that fortune favoreth take it: he used to wash in the common bathes, and to drink with common persons, he would give large gifts to whomsoever he met, though he had never seen them before: he would sport himself with those that attended upon him, and hit stones at them in jest: and thus by his flattery and popular behavior he insinuated himself, and got the hearts of the people: as Absalom by the like means stole away the hearts of the people from his father. Thus Ptolemy testifieth of this Antiochus, lib. 1. & 5. Hypomemnat.

33. Quest. Of Antiochus Epiphanes his first expedition against Egypt, v. 22, 23, 24.

Secondly the entrance of Antiochus into the kingdom being thus described, then followeth a declaration of his acts and exploits, which are of three sorts. 1. his practicing against Egypt. 2. his persecution of the people of God. 3. his invading of Egypt, Judea, and other countries.

Three expeditions he made into Egypt: the first whereof is here described. In this first the means are shown, which he should use, partly violence, partly fraud: and the success of them both.

His forcible and violent attempt together with the success, is expressed v. 22. his attempt is compared to an overflowing flood: Antiochus taking advantage of the minority of Ptolomeus Philometor, the son of Epiphanes by his sister Cleopatra, and having a desire to join Egypt to his kingdom, cometh with a great power with chariots, horse, Elephants, and a nauie beside unto Pelusium, overflowing like a great stream: his success was this: First, the arms and power of the Egyptians were overcome, the chief captains of Philometor Euleus and Leneus encountering with Antiochus between Pelusium and Casium, were there vanquished and slain: Jerome out of Porphyrius following Suctorius▪ so also Bulling. Melancth. Osiander. Polan. Iun. with others.

The second part of this success was, the Prince of the covenant was overthrown likewise. 1. which was not Ptolomeus Epiphanes, as Hugo Cardin. who was now dead. 2. nor yet Seleucus Philopater Antiochus brother, Iun. annotat. H. Br. consent. for it is said before, v. 21. that Antiochus named a vile person, stood up in his place: his brother Seleucus was now dead. 3. neither was it Judas Macchabeus, as Lyranus. for as yet Antiochus had nothing to do with him. 4. nor yet Ptolemy Philopator, as Melancth. Oecolamp. Pellic. Vatab. for he was yet very young, and made no covenant: and beside the Prince of the covenant here spoken of was slain, which is expressed by the metaphor of breaking: but Philometor suruiued, and reigned long after. 5. And to apply it with Jerome to Antichrist, who shall fain himself to be Prince of the covenant, that is, of the law and Testament of God, is not proper: for if Antiochus be a type of Antichrist, then is not this Prince of the covenant, which is overcome by him, Antichrist also. 6. Wherefore this Prince of the covenant was Tryphon, who was a chief man in compounding and making a league with Antiochus after the former overthrow, that he should have the tutelage of the young king of Egypt Philometor his nephew: this Tryphon the chief contriuer of this covenant, Antiochus causeth to be taken away, that he might work his pleasure without any let.

Then followeth his second practice by fraud, with the success: first Antiochus having now committed unto him the protection of his nephew, under this pretence entereth into Egypt, but with a small company, being not suspected as an enemy, but held as a friend: and therefore it is said, he shall strengthen himself with a small people, v. 23.

His success by this his fraudulent practicing was this. 1. he shall enter into the quiet and plentiful Province: for he settled himself in Memphis in the heart of the country. 2. then he robbed and spoiled, as never any of his predecessors did in Egypt before: for he is not said simply to do that, which his fathers had not done, but only in respect of Egypt, otherwise Seleucus Nicanor, their first founder, and Antiochus the great his father, had in other countries done more then he, Calvin. therefore this is no argument for Pererius to understand this of Antichrist, and not of Antiochus, because his predecessors had been of greater power: for, as is said, it is not simply and absolutely so spoken, but in comparison of Egypt only, which he robbed and spoiled▪ as none of his fathers had done before him. Jerome. ex Porphyr. And these spoils he partly carried away, partly he distributed them among the Egyptians, to make himself stronger. Iun. 3. Then he cunningly cast about how to get into his hand the strong holds in Egypt: and therein shown more cunning, then the wisest among the Egyptians: he deceived them with his wiles and politic devises. Jerome. ex Porphyr. following Suctorius. Iun. Polan. But he did not long hold those places in Egypt, it was but for a time, as the text showeth: for Philometor afterward recovered them again.

Some otherwise understand this whole description: that the league spoken of was made with Seleucus Philopator, who upon agreement with Antiochus then hostage at Rome, sent thither his own son Demetrius, to be in his stead: and so Antiochus returning first practiced by the means of Heliodorus to take away his brother Seleucus, called here the Prince of the covenant. Iun. in annotat. And this plentiful Province which he invaded, some understand to be Syria, Iun. Oecolampad. some Phoenicia, where the rich city Tyrus was, which Antiochus spoiled, Melancthon.

But this exposition cannot stand. 1. Seleucus Philopator was dead before these things were done, and Antiochus tose up in his stead: these things followed then after Seleucus death. And before the Prince of the covenant is taken away, it is said the arms were broken, which were the captains with their power: but Antiochus had no open war with his brother Seleucus, he was dead before his return.

2. This pleasant Province was not Syria, but Egypt. 1. for it is said, that he did that, which none of his fathers before him: now both Seleucus Nicanor, and Antiochus the great had done greater exploits in Syria and Phenice, then this Antiochus: but none of them had spoiled Egypt like unto him. 2. he held these strong places only for a while: but the strong cities of Syria & Phenicia he held and possessed as his own, as of right belonging unto to him: he soon lost the strong cities and holds in Egypt, which Philometor recovered again: therefore this expedition upon the former reasons is better understood to have been made against Egypt, then Syria.

34. Quest. Of the second expedition of Antiochus Epiphanes against Egypt, v. 25, 26, 27, 28.

In this second expedition, three things are declared, 1. the attempt, which these kings made one against the other, with the success, v. 25. and the means thereof, v. 26. 2. the event, which happened hereupon, v. 27. a dissembled peace. 3. the consequents, and such matters as followed, v. 28.

1. The king of the North Antiochus, seeing he could prevail no longer by his fraud and deceit, who hitherto under color of his protectourship, robbed and spoiled Egypt, (Philometor being now somewhat more grown in years) he seeketh now by open force to invade Egypt: and the king of Egypt, called here the king of the South, prepareth to meet him with a great army likewise: this was the preparation. But the success was this: the king of Egypt was not able to stand, he is overcome with his army: and the means which Antiochus vfed, was this: he corrupted Ptolomes captains and counselors with gifts, who betrayed Ptolomes army: even his own feed men, and courtiers, that lived upon him, should deceive him, v. 26.

2. The event was this, that after Philometor was overcome, he should make some peace with Antiochus: but it was a fraudulent peace: where 1. their intent and purpose is expressed; both the kings hearts shall be to do mischief. 2. their dissimulation, they shall speak deceitfully at the same table: for Philometor feasted Antiochus, and gave him great gifts. 3. but the issue was this, nothing was effected or concluded by this peace: for the time appointed of God was not yet, v. 27.

3. The sequel was this. 1. Antiochus returneth into his country with great substance, partly by the gift of Ptolemy, partly by spoiling with his army. 2. In his return he set his heart against the holy Covenant, that is, the people of God: for he entered into Jerusalem being received by wicked Jason, and robbed and spoiled the Temple, though as yet he set not up the abomination of desolation: as is further shown, 1. Macchab. 1. 18. and 2. Macch. 4. 24.

Some understand this battle to have been fought under Euleus and Leneus Ptolomes captains, at which time Antiochus entered into Egypt, robbing and spoiling, and came to Memphis. Iun. annotat. 1. & 2. edit. Oecolampad. Bulling. But this cannot be: 1. this was Antiochus second voyage into Egypt, 2. Macch. 5. 1. but that battle under those captains was fought in his first voyage. 2. at this time Ptolomes captains were corrupted, which could not be the foresaid Euleus and Leneus, for they were slain in battle. 3. hitherto Antiochus had dealt by cunning and fraud, but now he went about by force to reign over Egypt, 1. Macchab. 1. 17. which he did not attempt at the first: for he had sent in peaceable manner before Apollonius to the coronation of Philometor, 2. Macchab. 4. 22. 4. the kings now practiced deceit one against another: it seemeth then that Philometor was of years of discretion: but when Euleus and Leneus were slain, he was under their tuition: this Jerome foreseeing, that Philometor being a child could not practice any deceit or mischief against Antiochus, thereupon saith, that some will have it understood of Antichrist, who should first overcome the king of Egypt: But Philometor was not now a very child in Antiochus second expedition: he was somewhat grown in years, Osiander. for this happened in the sixth year of Antiochus reign, who began to reign in the 137. year of the reign of the Greeks, and this was in the 143. year, 1. Macchab. 1. 11. 21. Wherefore I rather follow Junius interpretation in his commentary, with Polanus, who refer the battle of Euleus and Leneus to the first voyage of Antiochus into Egypt.

35. Quest. Of the third expedition of Antiochus Epiphanes against Egypt, v. 29, 30, 31.

Three things are here declared, 1. his attempt: he shall come again against the king of the South: and the time is set down, at the time appointed: which was about two years after, as may be gathered, 1. Macchab. 1. 30. Bulling. then entering into Egypt, and having taken Memphis, Philometor fled to his younger brother Physcon to Alexandria: and thither Antiochus followed, and besieged the city, Joseph. l. 12. c. 6.

2. Then the success is shown, not to be like unto the former: it should not be as at the first, and as at the last: for so are the words, not, the last shall not be as at the first, Geneuens. for two expeditions or voiages are mentioned before: then the reason is shown of this cross, success, he shall be stayed by the Romans, which arrived there in ships of Silicia, called the ships of Chittim: for Ptolemy had sent unto the Romans for aid, who sent Popilius, or as some call him Pompilius, who in their name should charge Antiochus to depart: who arriving at Alexandria found Antiochus upon the shore, who first would have saluted Popilius with a kiss, being of his old acquaintance in Rome, & would with flattering words have put off that matter for which Popilius came, and have craved some time to consider of it: But the courageous Roman, bid him leave off his trifling, and upon the sand did with his rod make a circle before Antiochus, requiring his present answer before he went from that place: who, though much against his will, there yielded himself to obey his embassage: and therefore it is said in the text, he shall be sorry and return: thus Jerome. out of Justin. lib. 34. the same is reported by Florus, in epitom. lib. 45.

3. The event was this, that this cruel Tyrant being disappointed of his hope in Egypt, shall freat against the holy covenant: for in his return he entered into Jerusalem being received in peaceable manner at the first: but afterward he made havoc of the city, put them to the sword, caused the daily sacrifice to cease, and set up the abomination of desolation, a filthy idol in the Temple, and burnt the books of the law: as is declared, 1. Mac. 1. 57. 58.

And the means is shown also how he compassed this his wicked purpose: he had inelligence by those which did forsake the holy coueuant, he was brought in by the wicked counsel and practice first of Jason, then of Menelaus, 2. Macchab. 4. Junius, Polanus, Oecolampadius.

Quest. 36. Of the meaning of the word Chittim, v. 30.

1. Here are two words used, tziim, and Chittim, which some Hebrews understand to be the Italians and Romans, Jerome: but the first word signifieth ships: it cometh of tzi, which properly betokeneth a bird, and so consequently a ship, which being under sails is like a bird that flieth. 2. Josephus whom Theodoret followeth, and Vatablus, understand the ships of Chittim to be ships of the Isle Cyprus, where was a town called Citium, where Zeno the Stoike was borne: But the word Chittim is more general, then to be taken for one small Island: and Cyprus was under the command of Alexandria, which now Antiochus besieged, and therefore the ships of Cyprus could not repel Antiochus. 3. Some take Chittim directly for the Romans, as Jerome, so also the Chaldee paraphrast. and the Tharg. Hierosol. so interpreteth that place of the Italians and Romans, Numb. 24. 24. the ships shall come from the coasts of Chittim, and subdue Ashur, and shall subdue Heber: But originally Chittim, are not the Italians or Romans: for Chittim was one of the sons of Javan the father of the Grecians: as likewise were Elisha the founder of the Aeliseans or Aeolians, and Dodanim of the Dodoneans, and Tharshish of the Cilicians where Tarsus was: all these were countries belonging unto Grecia. 4. Some think that Chittim signifieth both the Grecians, Macedonians, and Romans, Calvin: but so we should make it too general a name. 5. Some understand the ships of the Romans which were kept in the coasts of Silicia, (where the Isle Cetis was) that they might the better command the Seas, Polan. Iun. But that seemeth not to be so proper to call them ships of Chittim, that is of Silicia, because they only harboured there. 6. And it is too slender a conceit, to think that the Roman Ambassador came thither in ships of Grecia, ex Bulling. as if that potent nation of the Romans had no ships of their own. 7. nor yet is Chittim taken only for Grecia, for the ships of Chittim came now against Antiochus, which were not the Grecians, but the Romans. 8. Wherefore, I think with Melancthon, that Chittim originally is taken for some countries of Grecia, and comprehendeth also Macedonia: whereupon Alexander king of Macedonia, is said to have come from the land of Chittim, 1. Macchab. 1. 1. and the two last kings of Macedonia Philip and Perses, are called kings of Cittim, 1. Macchab. 8. 5. And the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , a Macedonian, hath some affinity with Chittim, the first letter being added: And further Melancthon showeth out of Homer how the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , the Citians, came with Telephus the king of the Mysians to the battle of Troy, as next adjoining.

But yet though originally Chittim are the Grecians; which name might first be given unto the Islands of Grecia, as Cyprus, Rhodes, and the sea coasts as of Silicia, and then generally was taken for other vpla • d countries of Grecia: this name also was extended to the Italians as having their original from the Greeks: Melancthon showeth out of Soudas, that Latinui the son of Telephus brought the Citians into Italy, and gave the name to the country: but howsoever this is, it is certain, that the Grecians came into Italy and there inhabited, whereupon it might be called magna Greece, great Greece: and thus much for the word Chittim.

Quest. 37. Of the persecution of the people of God by Antiochus, and the manner thereof.

This is the second persecution raised by Antiochus against the people of God, the first was touched before, v. 28. the occasion of the second is expressed in the former verse, partly because Antiochus being disappointed by the Romans, turneth his rage against the Church of God, and partly being thereunto induced by such amongst the Jews as had forsaken the covenant.

In this second persecution, 1. there are declared the means, which Antiochus used in oppressing God's people: which were partly the forces, and captains, and foreign helps which he used: partly the seditious and factious among the people themselves. 2. the godly are described which shall suffer persecution, to v. 36. 3. then it is shown, what Antiochus should do himself, thence to v. 40.

Now in v. 3. the foreign help is described, which Antiochus should use: namely, his captains with their forces, which are called arms: and the effects and works which they shall do are four. 1. They shall pollute the Sanctuary. 2. then the city it self, called the munition. 3. the daily sacrifice shall be taken away. 4. and the abomination of desolation set up.

Quest 38. What is understood by the arms, v. 31.

1. Some of the Hebrews by the arms do understand Thus that came of Vespasian, and was as his arm, that destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple. 2. Oecolampadius by the arms interpreteth the captains of the Romans, Pompey, Crassus, Sabinus, Cumanus Florus, with others, which diverse times made havoc of the city, spoiled and profaned the Temple: But the coherence of the text will allow neither of these interpretations: for the story of Antiochus still is continued: he that set his heart against the holy covenant, v. 28. is the same that fretteth against the holy covenant, being repelled by the ships of Chittim, v. 30. and he that there fretteth, is the same that here polluteth the Sanctuary. 3. Some by the arms understand the towers and fortresses of the city, which are as the arms of it, Pintus. But the arms are said to pollute the Sanctuary: this cannot be properly understood of the towers. 4. Calvin, whom Geneuens. follow, by the arms thinketh to be meant the faction of the wicked Jews, that held with Antiochus, but they are spoken of in the next verse, which shall wickedly break the covenant. 5. Therefore by the arms are better understood Antiochus Princes and captains, whom he sent to spoil Jerusalem, Bulling. Melancth. as Philippus a Phrygian, whom he left at Jerusalem, after the first taking of it, and Andronicus at Garazin, 2. Macchab. 5. 22. to them he joined Bacchides, of whom Josephus maketh mention, lib. 1. de bello Iudaic. c. 1. And he sent also Apollonius two years after to Jerusalem, who made great havoc and spoil of all, as is shown, 1. Macchab. 1. and 2. Mac. 5. Polanus.

Quest. 39. Of the defiling of the Sanctuary and the manner thereof.

Fowre wicked exploits done by Antiochus forces are expressed here. 1. they defiled the Sanctuary: for they entered into it, robbed, and spoiled it; as Antiochus had done before himself: for he entered into the Temple Menelaus being his guide, and touched the holy vessels with his own hands, 2. Macchab. 5. 15. and carried them away, 1. Mac. 1. 23. 24.

2. They took also the city, and the munition, the strong places thereof. Some refer it to the Sanctuary, thus reading the Sanctuary of strength, so called, because it was situate in a strong place, and had the tower of David adjoining unto it, Osiander. or because the people fled thither as to a sure hold, when the city was taken, Oecolamp. or because the people put their confidence in the Temple, as the rock of their defense, Bulling. or to put them in mind that they should trust in God, who was yet their strength, although for their sins he suffered his Temple to be defiled for a time, Calvin. But it is better understood of the city, which is called the munition, because of the strength thereof: for as Strabo writeth, lib. 16. Geograph. it was compassed with a strong wall of stone, and within was a ditch 60. foot deep, and 200. foot wide, made out of a rock, the stone hewn out made the walls about the Temple: Apollonius being sent to Jerusalem by Antiochus, was received peaceably into the city: but being entered he went up and down killing and slaying, sparing none: but fell upon the Jews (having an army of 22. thousand) upon the Sabbath, while they were keeping their feast, 2. Macchab. 5. 24. 25. Iun. Polan. as also they fortified the city of David, with a great and thick wall, and mighty towers, and set people to keep it, and brought in the spoil of the city thither, 1. Macchab. 1. 35. 36. this may be well understood, (the event so fitly answering the prophesy) to be the munition or strong place here.

3. They caused the daily sacrifice to cease, that is, discontinued the service of God which was celebrated by sacrifices in the Temple: one kind of sacrifice is taken for the rest: for Antiochus commanded that they should forsake their laws, and he would have them all brought to an uniformity, to live according to the laws of the heathen: likewise he enjoined his captains to forbid burnt offerings and sacrifices, and all manner of offerings in the Sanctuary: this was accordingly done, as we may read, 1. Macchab. 1. 47.

4. Then they set up the abomination of desolation, which 1. some take for the soldiers placed in garrison, who were addicted to abhominable idolatry, and brought both the city and Temple to desolation, Iun. Pol. but the soldiers are before signified by the arms, and this is one of their effects, to set up the abomination: and they were rather abhominable, not the abomination it self. 2. some translate the word shamam, by another sense: it signifieth both to make desolate and to astonish: and so they read, they shall set up the abomination, which shall cause them to wonder, or astonish them, Pagnin. Vatab. they should wonder to see the Temple so defiled and forsaken, Calvin. but that the word rather signifieth here to make desolate, then to astonish, appeareth both by the former use thereof, c. 9. v. 26. 27. for the further explication whereof I refer the Reader to the questions upon that place. 3. Some understand nothing else here, but abhominable desolation, Bulling. but that was signified before, they shall take away the daily sacrifice: and beside, the phrase of setting up showeth, that there was somewhat actually set up in deed. 4. Oecolampadius referreth it to the Roman ensigns and banners which were set up in the Temple, and round about: But this place is not understood of the Romans: Antiochus profanation of the Temple is here described. 5. Wherefore this abomination of desolation, or making desolate, cannot be better understood, then of those filthy idols which Antiochus and his captains caused to be set up in the Temple: as there was set up upon the altar, the abhominable idol of Jupiter Olympius: Pellic. Melancth. Osiander. Lyranus. Perer. for both idols are usually in Scripture called by that name, abominations, and the sequel and event showeth it to be so understood, as 1. Macchab. 1. 57. it is said, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar: there was then some abhominable thing in very deed set up upon the altar.

Quest. 40. How Antiochus used as his instruments certain wicked persons of the Jews, that forsook the law.

1. The second kind of help which Antiochus used, was beside his captains and soldiers, certain wicked factious people among the Jews: which were seduced by his flattery to betray their own country. Such were wicked Jason, that entered into the city with a thousand men, and slue his own citizens without mercy: and wicked Menelaus that was himself a guide unto Antiochus, and brought him into the Temple, to rob and spoil it, 2. Macchab. 5. As these assisted Antiochus in his first taking of the city: so afterward when he sent Apollonius, diverse of the people joined with him: as 1. Macchab. 1. 55. then went many of the people unto them by heaps, everyone that forsook the law. And after these times such an one was Alcimus the high Priest, who came with Bacchides, the kings captain: the people trusted Alcimus, because he was the high Priest, and he sware unto them, that he would do them no harm, but he took 60. men and killed them, 1. Mac. 7. 15. 16.

2. The other part of the verse is diversely read. 1. Junius and Polan. thus interpret, and the people of those that know God, they shall apprehend, that is, the wicked apostataes shall betray their own brethren: but in this sense the word chazak is put with the preposition beth most commonly: as Isaiah. 4. 1. and Zachar. 8. 13. as our English phrase is, to lay hold on, and the word people, being set first, is rather the nominative then the accusative case, which for the most part followeth the verb in the Hebrew tongue. 2. Therefore here I rather approve the received interpretation: that though many shall fall away, yet those among the people, which fear and know God, shall encourage themselves, and go on in their duty: which is the meaning of the last word: they shall do, do their part and office, Bulling. Melan. Calv. Osiander. Genevens. cum caeter.

Quest. 41. Of such things as the faithful people of God should do and suffer in this persecution.

v. 33. They that understand, &c. shall instruct many: Three things are expressed concerning the faithful people. 1. what they shall do, they shall not give over one instructing and conforting another. 2. what they shall suffer. 3. how they shall be comforted, v. 34.

1. Concerning the first. 1. Some because mention is made here of instruction, will not have it here understood of the persecution of the Jews, in the time of the Maccabees, for they were fighters rather then instructors: and therefore they think it more fitly to be referred unto the persecutiō of the servants of God in the times of the Apostles, as is declared in the book of the Acts: for then the Apostles ceased not to instruct the people and Church of God, Oecolamp. 2. But though Mattathias and his sons were stirred up to defend the innocent by their valiant resisting of wicked Antiochus proceedings, yet they also instructed and encouraged the people, and exhorted them to continue steadfast, as we may further see 1. Macchab. 2. and 2. Macchab. 8. 16. 21. And that this persecution is not that which the history of the Acts maketh mention of, is evident by this; that the Romans and their agents were then the persecutors: but here this Tyrant and persecutor was somewhat curbed by the Romans, as is before shown v. 30. And for the same reason this cannot be referred unto the last destruction of Jerusalem by Vespasian and Titus, as some of the Hebrews think. 3. Those then which instructed the people, were chiefly the faithful Priests, the Maccabees, the father and his sons, 1. Macchab. 2. and other faithful people are not excluded, who did their part one instructing and encouraging another.

2. Then it followeth, what they endured and suffered, even all kind of most grievous torments, by the sword, by flame, by captivity, by spoil: how they were put to the sword, when Apollonius with an army of 22. thousand entered the city, as is shown, 2. Macchab. 5. 25. and the younger sort with the women were sold into captivity, v. 24. the spoil of the city is described, 1. Macchab. 1. 37. And how they were tried by the flames of fire and other torments, is declared in that lamentable story of the mother with her 7. children, how cruelly they were put to death, 2. Macchab. 7. their skin was fleyed off, their tongues cut out, and their utmost parts cut off: their flesh was boiled in hot caldrons: The like report Josephus maketh of that cruel persecution, verberati, & diuersis cruciatibus fatigati, &c. they being scourged and wearied with diverse torments, yet being alive were hanged up upon pearches: the children which were circumcised, were strangled and hung about their parents necks, lib. 12. antiquit. c. 6. 7. And of these persecutions seemeth the Apostle to speak, Heb. 11. 35. 37. they were racked, &c. they were stoned, they were hewed asunder: they were tempted or they were burned, as Junius and Polanus think it should be read 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , rather then 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , they were slain with the sword, &c.

Quest. 42. Of the consolation of the afflicted Church of the Jews, v. 34. 35.

v. 34. They shall be holpen with a little help. The Lord forgetteth not his Church in their affliction, but sendeth them a breathing time, and some help to comfort them in the middes of their trouble. This consolation here propounded, consisteth of three parts. 1. it is described by the adjunct, the small help, that shall be raised unto them. 2. by the ende, wherefore God suffereth them to be afflicted, namely, to purge and try them. 3. by the circumstance of the time, which shall not continue, but so long only as God hath appointed.

Concerning the first (for the other two parts are plain enough) 1. the Hebrews understand this small help of some Emperors, which favored the Jews, such were Seuerus and Antoninus.

2. Some refer it unto the time of Julian, who gave the Jews liberty to build the temple again: but he did it feinedly, for he intended thereby only the advancement of idolatry, and the defacing of Christian religion.

3. Oecolampadius interpreteth this little help of the favor shown by some Emperors unto the Christians, as Marcus Aurelius protected them: and by those, that should cleave unto them feinedly, he understandeth the heretics, as Cherinthus, Menander, the Ebonites, with other who joined with the Christians, yet were great enemies unto the truth of Christian religion: But all these opinions may be confuted by one and the same argument: because here is a continuance of the same history, from v. 30. he which was repelled by the ships of Chittim, which were the Romans, is the same which persecuteth the Church here: the Romans are not these persecutors, but they somewhat bridled and stayed the persecutor.

4. Some further apply this to the last times of persecution under Antichrist, that then the Saints shall resist him, but by small help, Jerome. Indeed typically this Scripture may be so applied, but historically it was performed in the time of Antiochus, as Pererius observeth.

5. Wherefore here there is evident relation unto the Maccabees, unto Mattathias and his sons, who being but an handful and a small company in respect of Antiochus, and his army; yet God so prospered this small help, that the tyranny of Antiochus was somewhat stayed for the time: and in the ende of the appointed time, after three years and certain days from the abolishing of the daily sacrifice, which began the 15. day of Casleu, in the 145. year 1. Mac. 1. 57. the Temple was cleansed on the 25. of the same month in the 148. year, 1. Macchab 4. 52.

Now while this small help prospered, some as the text saith, did but cleave feinedly unto them: there were diverse, that as long as they prevailed, which stood for the law, would seem to join with them, but if their busi • esse went not forward, then they were as ready to take part against them: and such we shall find to have been am •• g the Jews in the time of the Maccabees, as that story maketh mention, that were but false brethren, Bulling. Polan.

Quest. 43. Of Antiochus pride, and the exalting of himself against God.

v. 36. And the king shall do what him list, &c. In this second persecution which Antiochus moved against the Jews, which consisteth of three parts, first it hath been shown what ministers and instruments he should use: secondly, what the faithful should endure and suffer: now followeth the third part, what Antiochus himself should do: And his acts are either concerning religion, in abrogating all religion both true and false, v. 36. 37. and in establishing a new religion of his own, v. 38. or such as concern civil and politic matters, verse. 39.

But interpreters do much differ in the exposition of this Scripture, of whom it should be understood. 1. The Hebrews take this king to be Constantine the great: of whom Ab. Ezra is not ashamed to tell these lies, that there were but 318. which received the Christian religion, which afterward he compelled all Princes and people to embrace: But all this is false: he thinketh there were no more Christians but only those 318. Bishops which were assembled in the Nicene Council: neither did Constantine compel any to receive the Christian faith, but forbad the worship of Idols, and protected the Christian religion: but he was so far from lifting himself up against God, that everywhere he commanded Churches to be erected to the honor of Christ, in whose name he overcame his enemies. Some of the Jews understand this king to be Vespasian; some an Emperor, that should rise up after Julian, who seemed to favor them: so well they agree together.

2. Oecolampadius and Melancthon, will have this king to be the Pope and Turk, who both are blasphemous against God: but the Prophet speaketh but of one king: neither is it like that the Angel breaking off at the persecution under Antiochus, would immediately join the history of such things, as should come to pass above a thousand year after: for so many years and more came between Antiochus persecution, and the beginning of the Monarchy of the Turk, and of the tyranny of the Pope.

3. M. Calvin thinketh this place not to be understood of any one king, but of a continued government: which he referreth to the Monarchy of the Romans, not beginning at Julius Caesar, but at such time as they began to oppress Judea: as first Pompey took the city, though he spared the Temple: after him Crassus spoiled and robbed the Temple: whose insatiable covetousness was such in those countries, that he was hated of all: in so much that when he was slain they filled his skull full of gold, and carried it up and down in derision. The Romans exalted themselves against God: for they took upon them to determine who should be counted God's: and Cicero in his oration pro Flacco, speaketh basely of the God of the Jews, not holding him worthy to be compared with Bacchus or Venus: and that Judea being so often overcome, was hated of all the gods: T • us M. Calv. But although diverse of these things here prophesied of may by way of analogy be applied to the Romans, whose pride was into lerable, and their superstitious religion, a very profaneness: yet they cannot well be understood here: seeing at that time there was no king among the Romans: but here the Angel directly speaketh of a king: and the invading of the city by Pompey was an 100. year and more after this: which distance of time, the continuance and coherence of this story will not admit.

4. Lyranius, with other writers of that side, Pererius, with the rest, and before him Hugo Card. do understand this prophesy directly of that Antichrist whom they suppose shall come in the end of the world, and reign but 3. years and an half: and so Hugo a little before expounded that little help of Enoch and Elias, which shall stand up against Antichrist. And to this purpose Pererius allegeth out of Hyppolitus, how Antichrist shall send his mandates through the world, to call together people and nations to come to worship him: who shall cause to be proclaimed in their hearing: quis Deus magnus praeter me, quis potentiae meae resistet? who i • so great a God as I, who is able to resist my power? &c. But that this devise of some singular man, which shall stand up in the ende of the world to be Antichrist, is but a mere fiction, is afterward more at large declared among the controversies handled out of this chapter: And beside it is not like that the Angel would join together two stories so far asunder.

5. Some other writers do so understand this of the very Antichrist the Pope, as that they apply it not to Antiochus at all: but think that Antichrist is properly described from hence to the ende of the prophesy of Daniel, Osiander, Pappus. But it is one thing historically to interpret a prophesy, another typically to apply it.

6. Now then that all these things were historically performed by Antiochus, and are in the intendment of the prophesy specially meant of him, thus it may be shown:

1. The time, when all these things should be fulfilled, is expressed, c. 12. 11. the days are summed to a 1290. days, that is, 3. years, 7. months, and about 13. days: therefore this prophesy could not be put off so long.

2. The word hamelech, this king, hath reference to the former history: and the article ha, is a note of demonstration, pointing out the king before spoken of:

3. All the other expositions bring us to a time far distant and remoote, from the former history of Antiochus; but these things here described follow, as the next in the consequent of time.

4. Beside, the Angel in this prophetical narration satisfieth Daniel's desire, which was to know, what should befall his people: but these things as the other expound them, do nothing concern the Jews: neither came they so much as into Daniel's thought to inquire.

5. The sequel of the story answereth to the prophesy: for Antiochus did all this: he advanced himself above God, and spake blasphemous things against him, in defiling his Temple, abrogating the sacrifices, burning the books of the law: he wrote also his letters, that they should forbid the offerings and sacrifices, and defile the Sabbaths and feasts, and pollute the Sanctuary and the holy men, and to set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and to offer up swine's flesh and strange beasts, 1. Mac. 1. v. 47. to 51. and v. 57. 58. Thus ti is evident that Antiochus magnified himself against God: see further Appendix following, exercis. 2. argum. 3.

Quest. 44. Antiochus impiety and inhumanity further described out of the 37. v.

Some take not this to be understood at all of Antiochus, but do otherwise apply it: the Hebrews of Constantine, and of some other Emperors: Calvin of the politic state of the Romans before the coming of Christ: Melancthon, Oecolampad. of the Turk and the Pope: some of the Pope only, Bulling. Osiander. some of Antiochus only, Porphyrius, Pelican, whose opinions are discussed in the former question.

But most of these will not have Antiochus here understood. 1. because we do not find that Antiochus neglected the worship of all gods, especially the god of his fathers, Calvin. for he set up the idols of the Gentiles, Lyranus. 2. and whereas it is said, he shall not regard the desires of women: it is evident, that Antiochus was given over unto all carnal lust and licentious life: thus objecteth Pererius, that these things cannot quadrare in Antiochu • , agree unto Antiochus, who was famous for his beastly and filthy lust: and he set up temples to Jupiter Olympius, and Jupiter Hospitalis, which were his fathers the Grecians gods: to these objections answer shall be made afterward: now we will examine the several opinions.

1. Ab. Ezra thinketh this prophesy to have been fulfilled in Constantine the great, whe • he embraced the Christian faith, and abrogated Gentilism and Pagan idolatry: But Danie • saith not, he shall abrogate or deny the gods of his fathers, but he shall not regard them.

2. Some apply this unto the Turk, who honoreth Mahomet before Christ the ancient God of Christians, and preferreth Muhammad's laws before Christ's: Melancth. Oecolamp. But, as Calvin well noteth, voluit Deus sustinere animos suorum vsque ad Christi exhibitionem, God in this prophesy doth intend only the relief and comfort of his, till Christ should be exhibited.

3. The same reason may serve against their opinion, which think the Atheism, irreligion, and new worship brought in by the Popes to be here described: as Illyricus, lib. adverse. primat. Pap. Osiander, Bulling. Graser. exercit. 3. p. 185. all these show how the Pope hath left the ancient faith, and true worship of Jesus, in setting up other Mediators, and bringing in traditions, making them equal, if not superior to the laws of Jesus Christ: so that in effect he worshippeth Christ but in name and show only. All this may fitly be applied under the type of Antiochus, to the Roman Antichrist, but there is difference between the historical and typical sense.

4. The Romanists, as Pererius, Vatablus, do here dream of their imagined Antichrist, that shall come before the ende of the world, and grow into such pride, that he shall cause himself only to be worshipped, as God: But this their fantastical conceit is rejected before, qu. 43. 4. and shall be at large confuted among the controversies.

5. Calvin understandeth the Roman state, who daily invented new gods, but in effect cared for none: but at this time there was no king or Emperor of the Romans: as the Angel here speaketh directly of a king, hamelech: the article set before the word showeth, that one particular king is meant.

6. Wherefore this was historically fulfilled in Antiochus: 1. not in that he profaned the Temple and the God of the Jews, whom Antiochus the great his father honored, and gave unto the Temple great immunities: Joseph. lib. 12. c. 3. for the God of the Jews was not the God of his fathers, that were idolaters. 2. nor in compelling the Jews not to set by the honor of their fathers, 2. Ma • chab. 4. 15. for this must be his own act. 3. nor in setting up the gods of the Grecians, as Jupiter, Bacchus, Hercules, which were not the Syrian gods: for all the Gentiles worshipped in effect the same idols, though under other names. 4. But herein was his impiety and prophannes seen, that though he set up the idols of the heathen, and spared for no cost, in adorning them, and therein exceeded all his predecessors, as Polybius in Athen. yet in effect he cared for no god: he was vacuus omni numinis reverentia, void of all reverence of the godhead: Iun. Pellic. and Graserus, who applieth all this to the Pope, denieth not but that in this sense it may be understood of Antiochus. pag. 191.

45. Quest. How Antiochus should not regard the desires of women.

1. Some do read these words affirmatively, that he shall be in the desires of women. And here 1. Pelican applieth it to Antiochus, that was luxuriosissimus, most lascivious, in so much that publicly he was not ashamed to use his concubines. 2. some refer it to the Antichrist in the ende of the world, qui futurus est Iudaeorum Messias, who shall be the Messiah of the Jews, who▪ because the Jews do expect the multitude of wives to be granted them by their Messiah, shall by no means command, or commend caelibatum, single life: Bellar. lib. 3. de Rom. pont. c. 21. But it is evident, that in the Hebrew the negative particle must be supplied in every clause, as hath been shown in the diverse readings of this verse: and so Anquila readeth, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , he shall not attend to the desires of women. As concerning that conceit of their Antichrist, the Jews Messiah and that Antichrist shall come together.

2. Pererius thinketh, that the spirit of God of purpose left the Hebrew Scripture ambiguous, that in both senses it might agree to Antichrist: for he secretly shall be given to all lust, and yet outwardly feign chastity: but the Scripture useth not to speak doubtfully.

3. Wherefore the best reading is negatively, he shall not have respect to the desires of women. 1. which neither do we take generally for his inhumanity, becasue kindness and humanity is likened to the love of women, 2. Sam. 1. 26. as Junius referring it to Antiochus, and Calvin to the Romans, and some other to Herod that was cruel toward his wife and children. 2. nor, becasue Antiochus regarded not the desire and request of his wife for sparing the Temple: for the text speaketh of women, not of one woman. 3. nor yet is here signified the tenderness of women, whom he cruelly put to death, not sparing their sex: Bro. for the word chemidah, desire, is not taken in that sense. 4. nor yet is it meant, he should altogether be alienated from the desire of women; as Vatablus doth, applying it to their Antichrist. 5. But the word signifieth the lawful desires of women: he shall contemn matrimony, and be given over to vagrant lust: and this to be the sense Graserus showeth by three arguments: 1. by the use of the word, which is for the most part taken for lawful desire: as Daniel is called, a man of desires, Dan. 9. 23. and Ezekiel's wife is called the desire of his eyes, c. 24. 17. 2. the word signifieth a reflection of desire: in desiring and being desired: as 1. Sam. 9. 20. the desire of Israel was toward Saul: but this reflection of desire is only seen in lawful matrimony. 3. the phrase showeth so much, he shall not regard: as before it signified not the abolishing of all gods, but a contempt of them: so here he shall not altogether despise women, but he shall not regard their desire: he shall contemn matrimony: and so did Antiochus, who had a famous strumpet Antiochis, to whom he gave the cities of Tharsus and Mallot, 2. Macchab. 4. 30. Theodoret: and he openly joined himself to strumpets: as Jerome. 6. This being thus literally true of Antiochus, may be applied typically to the Pope, who hath brought in contempt of Matrimony, &c. but this is not the historical meaning, as Bulling. Osiander. Illyricus, Graserus do think. 7. But Oecolampad. is further off, who understandeth this of Antiochus contempt of the beutiful goddesses, as the Moon, or Venus: for the text speaketh of women, not of goddesses.

46. Quest. Of the strange god that Antiochus should set up, v. 28.

This verse is diversely interpreted, and there is great difference about the meaning of these words, in his place he shall honor the god Mauzzim. These diverse opinions may be thus sorted: some do understand these words of the false god, which shall be set up: some of the true God, in whose stead Antiochus, or Antichrist, shall set up another strange god.

Of the first sort: 1. some think that Mauzzim should be the name of the place where Antiochus set up his idol, and caused it to be worshipped, which Porphyrius thinketh to have been called Modin, the country of Mattathia: Pelican also misliketh not this sense. But Mauzzim hath another sense, it signifieth munition or strength: and between the words Mauzzim, and Modin, there is small affinity.

2. Some apply this unto Antichrist, and think that he shall secretly worship the devil, whom he shall call the god of his defense, Lyranus. and Bellarmine doth hereunto incline.

3. Theodoret thus expoundeth, that Antichrist shall call himself the god Mauzzim, that is, a strong god: but it hath been shown sufficiently before, that this prophesy is historically and literally understood of Antiochus. And if it should be referred to Antichrist, that he is himself this god Mauzzim, there can be made no sense of these words, he shall worship the god Mauzzim in his place: for how can he be said to worship himself? here is one that worshippeth, and another that is worshipped.

4. Some understand this prophesy of the Turk, and this god Mauzzim to be Mahomet, whom the Turks adore with silver and gold; and whose religion he maintaineth by force and strength; still seeking to enlarge his Empire, and to subdue nations, which was one of Muhammad's special precepts and principles: and it is said, he shall worship him in his place, that is, according to his quality and dignity, not as a God, but as a great Prophet: thus one Christian Irenophil. ex Polan. Oecolampadius much varieth not, having reference here unto Mecca the temple of Mahomet, which is adorned with silver and gold. But I have shown, that this prophesy concerneth not the Turk, whose Monarchy began a 1000. years after Antiochus: & the affairs of the Turk did not belong to the state & condition of the Jews the people of God then, for whose comfort specially this prophesy was penned.

5. M. Calvin still proceedeth, applying all this unto the Romans, that they had their peculiar god Jupiter Olympius, Jupiter set up in the Capitol, whom they made the chief of all other gods: but in effect they only magnified themselves, their power and riches above all other gods: And so far as it was for their advantage and profit, they did pretend the name and worship of the gods: but in effect, they set up altars, and offered sacrifice, suae foelicitati & fortunae, to their own happiness and fortune: so also Genevens. following Calvin: but this application to the Roman state we have upon diverse reasons refused before, qu. 44.

6. Melancthon by the god Maosim, that is, of munitions, understandeth the god variorum templorum, that was worshipped in diverse temples: for as the Jews had but one Temple called before Maosa, v. 31. the Sanctuary of strength: so the Gentiles had their Maosim, their diverse temples, wherein they worshipped a number of gods: as the Athenians worshipped Pallas, the Thebanes, Bacchus; the Eleusines, Ceres; the Sic • lians, Proserpina; the Argives, Juno; they of Delphi, Phoebus; the Lemnians, Vulcan; the Lampsacenes, Priapus; the Phrygians, Cybele: But M. Calvin doth not much weigh this distinction of the singular and plural, for the word Maozim, he taketh it to be curious. And seeing Melancthon first understandeth this of Antiochus, it cannot be shown how he brought in all these gods: and the text only speaketh in the singular, of the god Mauzzim.

7. Some do properly understand here the Pope the Roman Antichrist, and retaining the word as a proper name Mauzzim do specially apply it to the idolatrous sacrifice of the Mass: Osiander maketh some allusion in the word Mauzzim, to the word Mass: Melancthon observeth that the word mazon, which signifieth food or meat, hath some affinity with Mauzzim, noting the Papists breaden god: but Oecolampad. refuseth this conceit, because the word mazon is written without the letter ain, which the other word hath, Bullinger maketh this application, that Mauzzim which signifieth holds, may be taken for the Temples, which they adorn with silver and gold, and do tie thereunto the corporal presence of Christ: But all these are analogical applications of this prophesy: we must seek for an historical sense beside, which was to take place long before the Roman Antichrist appeared in the world.

8. All these do by the god Mauzzim, understand a false god, which should be brought in by this adversary here spoken of. Polychronius by the god Mauzzim, that is, of strength, would have signified the true god of Isreal, whom Antiochus at length was forced to confess by the extremity of his disease, and sent great gifts and presents to Jerusalem to the Temple: But neither is mention made in the story, 2. Macchab. 9. of any such gifts which he sent, Oecolampad. and it is a strange god, not the true God, which Antiochus here is said to worship with gold and silver.

9. Junius and Polanus do concur together, thus reading, as for the God of strength, in his place he shall honor: he shall honor a god, whom his fathers knew not, &c. And Polanus will have the first clause distinguished, because of the accent zakeph katon, which divideth it from the words following: so that they would have the god Mauzzim here taken for the true God, called the God of strength, Polan. or the God of munitions, that is, whose seat was at Jerusalem, which is called in Scripture a city of munition: Iun. commentar. But 1. neither that accent, nor yet the imperfect distinction rebia, which is over the word maghuzim, or (as Montanus) mahuzim, are of such force wholly to suspend these words from the clause following; but only they make a little pause or stay, not dividing the sense: for then the words, leeloha maghuzim, the god Mauzzim, standing by themselves, should make no sense at all. 2. And again, the same word leeloha, God, is repeated in the next sentence: it must therefore be taken in the same sense in both places: if in the latter, it might be translated, and God, he shall honor, whom &c. it must be so taken in the first place: and the god Mauzzim, or of munitions: not, as for the God: the preposition lamed must have the like use in both places: and this reason chiefly maketh me to dissent from these learned men in this place.

10. Wherefore I rather condescend to that other interpretation of Melancthon, that Mauzzim signifieth not only strength, but an hold, munition, a place of defense: and so Antiochus after he had set up the idol of Jupiter Olympius in the Temple, he built a strong tower or place of defense, near unto the Temple, where he set a garrison, to force the people to worship that idol: so the author of the Scholastical history interpreteth, Maozim praesidium sonat, & Antiochus in Jerusalem praesidium posuit, Maozim signifieth an hold or garrison, and so Antiochus set garrisons in Jerusalem: Lyranus taketh Mauzzim for a strong place, where Antichrist shall worship his idol: Vatablus by the god of strength, understandeth the idol, cuius fortitudini tribuet acceptum imperium, to whose fortitude he shall ascribe his Empire & dominion, which he had obtained. But I prefer rather the former sense for these two reasons: 1. because another word by way of explanation is added to Mauzzim, which signifieth holds: he shall make or set in the holds, Mauzzim, munitions with a strange god, v. 39. 3. The history hereunto agreeth, how they built a strong wall and made towers in the city of David, which was near unto the Temple: and so they were an ambushment to the Sanctuary, 1. Macchab. 1. 35. 38. This god of munitions then was Jupiter Olympius, whom Antiochus caused to be set up in the Temple at Jerusalem, and to be called by the name of that idol, 2. Macchab. 6. 2. which idol he guarded with munitions, worshipped with silver and gold: which was a strange god, because the Syrians worshipped other gods, and goddesses, as Apollo, Diana, Atargates: Strabo lib. Geogra. 16. Jupiter Olympius was the idol of the Greeks, which was not known in these places before: at the least never set up in the Temple at Jerusalem, by any of Antiochus predecessors: so four things are here declared concerning this abominable idol: 1. he shall be guarded with munition. 2. he shall be set up in his place, that is, in the seat and place of the true God of Israel. 3. it shall be a strange idol, not known in that country before. 4. he shall honor him with silver and gold.

47. Quest. Of Antiochus politic devises to continue the idolatrous service of his new god, v. 39.

This wicked and subtle Tyrant having brought in a new Idol, useth two means for the establishing of this new come image: first he by force, planting garrisons, and fortifying strong holds, seeketh to defend his false worship; then by rewards, honors, preferments, he enticeth base fellows to maintain his idolatry: but first the meaning of the words must be examined, and then the accomplishment and fulfilling thereof shown.

1. Some do join both the parts of the verse together, and make this the sense; thus shall he do to the strong garrisons, that shall defend his strange god: he shall give rewards, honors, and preferments, Melancth. Oecolampad. Osiander. but beside, that the distinction rebia doth divide the first part of the sentence from the latter, the words themselves will not beat this sense: for it is said, he shall divide the land for a price, not freely: but to his soldiers and garrisons he gave rewards freely, yea he gave them a years pay before hand, 1. Macchab. 3. 27.

2. M. Calvin readeth thus, faciet adversus munitiones fortitudinum, &c. he shall do against the strong munitions with a strange god: that is, prevail, &c. which he understandeth of the prosperous success of the Romans, who shall prevail and overcome by this their strange god; that is, by their own power and strength, which they shall magnify as a god. But beside that the Romans are not here understood at all, this sense is contrary to the scope of the text: for he shall prevail by these strong holds, not against them.

3. The vulgar Latin readeth thus, and he shall cause to fortify Maozim with a strange god, that is, as Lyranus expoundeth, he shall fortify the place, when he worshippeth this strange god; applying it to Antichrist: but although this sense be not much to be misliked, the words are not well translated: for the word lemibizere, is a noun put in the plural number, and not a verb, and signifieth holds, munitions, forts, not to fortify.

4. Bullinger thus interpreteth, faciet, scilicet praedicta, he shall do, that is to say the former things, with silver and gold, in the holds, that is, the temples of Maozim, with a strange god, in setting forth the worship of this strange god: to this purpose also the English translations, thus shall he do in the holds of Maozim, B. G. But these make here Maozim a proper name of the idol, which rather is a name appellatiue, and signifieth holds or garrisons, as is shown in the former question: and it is evident, that Maozim is a diverse thing from the strange god here spoken of.

5. Bullinger delivereth this as another sense; he shall do in the holds of Maozim, as the Gentiles used to do with their strange gods: But this strange god here is the same, which before he called the god of Maozim, which is Antiochus new idol, which he set up.

6. Junius thus readeth, he shall commit the munitions of the (God) of strength unto a strange god: so also M. Br. and Polanus agreeth, saving that he inserteth not (God) as the other do: and they make this the sense, that Antiochus shall commit the custody of the strong holds of Judea unto Jupiter Olympius, as though he had vanquished the mighty God of Judea himself. But it seemeth, that he had more confidence in his munitions and fortified places, then in his strange god: and that he committed this new god to the custody and defense of them, rather then strong places to him.

7. Therefore I prefer Vatablus translation for the first words, who readeth thus, faciet ac vertet in munimenta, these things he shall turn to the defense, &c. of the (god) Maozim: saving that he maketh here Maozim a proper name, and supplieth the word (God,) and so maketh the (god Maozim) to be diverse from the strange god here mentioned, being the same: I rather take Maozim with the Septuag, to be here an appellatiue, who translate it, a place of refuge: thus then are the words to be read, he shall make (to be) for holds, Maozim, strong places with a strange god: so the author of the Scholastical history interpreteth Maozim to be garrisons or forts, and Em. Sa, castella fortia, strong castles: the 〈…〉 is, he shall make strong places of defense, where he shall set up his strange god: which Antiochus accordingly did: for he fortified the tower of Zion, near unto the Temple, where he set the idol of Jupiter Olympius, 1. Macchab. 1. 35, 36. as Hugo Card. well observeth: and he set garrisons in other cities of Judah also, as in Garizin he placed Jupiter hospital •• , that is, which keepeth hospitality, as he had set Jupiter Olympius in Jerusalem, 2. Macchab. 6. 2.

For the second part of the verse: 1. for this clause, whom he knoweth, some copies of the vulgar Latin have, whom he knoweth not: which translation Vatablus and Pintus set down: but there is no negative in the original. 2. some refer this clause, whom he knoweth, unto Antiochus, that is, the idol which he approveth, and chooseth, Lyranus. Hug. Melancth. Calv. Papp. with others: but it is said before, that he should not care for any god: he acknowledgeth none at all. 3. Junius giveth this sense, those whom he knoweth, that is, favoreth, and seeth to further his wicked devise, them he shall honor: so also Polanus. 4. But the better sense seemeth to be this; that him, which acknowledgeth this idol, and yieldeth himself to this abomination, him will he honor. Vatabl. Bulling.

The last words, he shall divide the land for a price, are diversely interpreted: 1. the vulgar Latin readeth, gratuito, he shall divide the land freely: so Lyranus. Hug. Osiander. Papp but the original hath bimchir, in a price. 2. some read, loco pretij, he shall divide the land instead of a price, Iun. but the word is in a price, that is, for a price. 3. the best reading is, for a price, Bulling. Calv. Vatab. Polan. so also the Septuag. (for gifts,) non gratuito, not freely, or gratis. Pelican.

For the accomplishment hereof: 1. Lyranus thinketh that this cannot be understood of Antiochus, for he had no lands to distribute, having little beside the kingdom of Syria: But this is understood of the dividing of Judea, which now was in Antiochus hand. 2. M. Calvin understandeth it of the Romans, who took great sums of the kings, whom they subdued, to retain their dignities, as of Philip king of Macedon, whom they had overcome before. 3. But the history of the Maccabees showeth evidently, that all these things here prophesied, were so done by Antiochus: for so he bestowed the office of the high Priest for money, first Jason bought it, and he was defraueded thereof by Menelaus, who carrying the money obtained the Priesthood for himself, 2. Macchab. 4. And three things Antiochus is said here to bestow, honors, authority, possessions: which accordingly he did, distributing unto the Apostatate Jews the dignities, offices, and lands in diverse places of Judea: Polan. see it accomplished 1. Macchab. 3. 35, 36.

48. Quest. Of the last expedition of Antiochus against the Egyptians, Judea, and other nations. v. 40. to 44.

There are two parts of this narration: 1. what countries he shall invade, v. 40, 41. and what countries shall be free. First, he shall set upon Egypt, being provoked by the king thereof, and shall come against him with an huge army both by sea and land, v. 40. then he shall enter into the land of Judea, called the pleasant land, v. 41. Secondly, the nations which are freed from these troubles, are either those which he shall spare, as being confederates, Edom, Moab, and the first, that is, the chief of Ammon, v. 41. and those nations which shall aid and assist him, as the Lybians and Ethiopians, which shall help him to take the spoil of Egypt: here then are in all these four particular members: 1. of the battle between the king of the South, and the North. 2. of the pleasant land. 3. of Edom, Moab, and Ammon, which escaped. 4. of Libya and Ethiopia that helped: of all these, how they should be taken, there are diverse opinions.

1. Some do understand all this of the Antichrist, who, as they imagine, shall come in the end of the world. 1. he shall be that king of the North, who shall first subdue Egypt. 2. and thē he shall invade Judea, called the pleasant, or glorious land, because of the miracles which were wrought there. 3. Moab, Ammon, Edom shall escape, because diverse in that great persecution of Antichrist, shall save themselves there in the mountains, for these were hilly countries. 4. he shall take also Libya and Ethiopia, which shall first of all be subject unto him, Jerome, Lyranus, Perer. But this exposition of such a singular Antichrist hath been refused before, upon these two reasons. 1. because the Angel prophesieth only of such things as should befall the people of the Jews, for whom Daniel was so soliicitous and careful. 2. that there shall be no such singular Antichrist, whom they suppose to be one particular person, is shown afterward, controv. 2.

2. M. Calvin giveth this interpretation: 1. that the king of the South and the North shall encounter with the Romans: for so Mithridates and Tigranes in the North, had long war with the Romans: and Cleopatra with Antony in Egypt fought a great battle with Augustus. 2. the Romans shall prevail and invade Judea also. 3. But the hillie countries of Moab, Edom, Ammon, shall escape them, or they shall not greatly regard them. 4. the Romans also shall conquer the Lybians and Ethiopians.

But this exposition cannot stand. 1. because the kings of the North and South do not join together, but it is said, the king of the North shall come against him, that is, against the king of the South. 2. here is no mention made of any third king or power, beside the king of the North and South: and he that is the king of the North, is said to do all that followeth in the next verses, v. 41. he shall enter into the pleasant land, v. 42. he shall stretch forth his hands, that is, the king of the North shall do all this.

3. Bullinger thus interpreteth. 1. by the king of the North and South he understandeth the Turks and Saracenes which should come from the North and South, with huge armies of footmen, and horses, and strong ships. 2. They shall invade the pleasant land, and many shall falk which he referreth to the holy wars decreed against the Turk, by Gregor. 2. in the Council of Claromont, which was the occasion of the ruin and overthrow of many. 3. Edom, Moab, and Ammon, that is the people inhabiting those countries, shall join themselves unto the Turks and Saracenes, and so be free. 4. The Lybians also and Ethiopians, shall be confederate with the Turks: who shall overcome Egypt, and expel the Sultane thereof, which was brought to pass by Selymus the great Truke.

But these exceptions likewise may be here taken. 1. that this prophesy beginning with Antiochus, is not like to end with the Turk, and so the space of a thousand years coming between, should be left untouched. 2. the kings of the North and South are not here confederates, but they one fight▪ with another. 3. the names of Moab, Edom, Ammon, and their generation were extinguished before the Turks Monarchy began: this prophesy then cannot be extended so far, but must be restrained to those times, while these names and nations continued.

4. Osiander and Pappus, 1. by the king of the North understand the Roman Antichrist: by the king of the South, Christ: for as from the North they say cometh all evil: so from the South that which is good: and thus the king of the South, that is Christ, hath raised up from time to time diverse of his faithful servants, which have opposed themselves to Antichrist. 2. by the pleasant land is understood the Church, which Antichrist shall continually afflict. 3. Edom signifieth red, Moab the father, Ammon my people: and these three sorts shall be free from the corruptions of Antichrist: the martyrs that are made red with their blood: they which depend only upon the mercies of God the father: and the first of Ammon, that is, infants which are as the first fruits of the people of God. 4. And though the Popes authority be not received in Libya, Egypt, Ethiopia, yet he challengeth jurisdiction over them all, &c.

But this exposition also faileth: 1. the king of the North and South are literally to be taken, as before in the rest of this chapter: and who seeth not how improperly Christ is said to be king of the South: if the Pope of Rome be the king of the North, Christ borne in Jerusalem which is not South, but East to Rome, is unfitly called king of the South: And seeing he is king of all the world, his kingdom must not be restrained to the South. 2. by the pleasant land Judea is understood here as also before, v. 16. 3. as Egypt and other countries are here understood literally for the nations so called, so likewise must Edom, Moab, and Ammon be taken. 4. Libya and Ethiopia, which never yet received the Pope, are very improperly said to be in subjection to him.

5. It remaineth then, that all this was historically fulfilled in Antiochus. 1. the occasion of his coming agai • st Egypt was this, Philometor king of Egypt, had another brother called Physcon, who sought to expel Philometor out of his kingdom: with Physcon Antiochus taketh part, and prepareth an army to come and help him, which Philometor understanding, here called the king of the South, went against him: and this is the battle here spoken of between the king of the South, and of the North: But the king of the North prevailed, whose army is compared to a whirlwind, and to an overflowing water: but the other is said only to push at him. This history is touched by Florus in the Epitome of Livy, lib. 46. and by Justin also, and Zonaras tom▪ annal. 2.

2. As Antiochus returned from the spoil of Egypt, he took Judea, and other countries in the way, and spoiled them also.

3. But he spared the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites, because they took his part against them, and much molested the Jews: and therefore Judas Macchabeus did fight against the children of Esau, and Timothy the captain of the Ammonites, besieged their cities, and put them to the sword, 2. Macchab. 5. Joseph. lib. 12. antiqu. c. 11.

4. The Lybians also and Ethiopians, which before were on Philometors side, being allured by his fair promises joined with Antiochus, and therefore it is said, they were at his footesteppes or pases, that is, they followed him as their captain: see further in the appendix, Exercis. 8. argum. 2. answer. 9.

But thus it is argued against this exposition. 1.