‘And, In Those Times [202 B.C.E. when Antiochus III (223 B.C.E. – 187 B.C.E.) began His Conquest of The Ptolemaic Province of Coele-Syria,], there shall Many [Antiochus III, Philip V of Macedon, and rebellious Egyptians, led by the native self-proclaimed Pharoah, Hugronaphor,] stand up against The King of The South [Ptolemy V (204 B.C.E. – 180 B.C.E.) who, in 202 B.C.E., was only eight years old].

‘Also, The Robbers of Thy People [Scopas, The Aetolian General, hired by Ptolemy V’s ministers, and his supporters in Coele-Syria] shall exalt themselves to establish The Vision;

‘But, They [Scopas, The Aetolian General, and His supporters in Coele-Syria] shall fall.’

(Daniel 11:14)

Last week, Co-Co, The Coconut-Throwing Chimpanzee School Master, asked for more time to ascertain the meaning of this verse in Daniel. (Unlike some commentators who merely note all the varying interpretations of problematic Scriptures and do not come to a personal view, Co-Co forms a view in the light of his present understanding, but is always eager to deepen that knowledge.)

It was during The Fifth Syrian War (202 B.C.E. – 195 B.C.E.) that Coele-Syria (which of course, includes Judaea,) came out from under Ptolemaic control and came into Seleucid control. Initially, Antiochus III conquered the province over the winter of 201/200 B.C.E. but the Aetolian commander, Scopas, hired by Ptolemy V’s regent, wrested the province from the mighty Seleucid king.

Antiochus, determined to take the province of Coele-Syria, after his ignominious defeat at Raphia in 217 B.C.E., re-conquered the province. It took some time and is described in the succeeding verses, but Scopas ultimately surrendered at the city of Sidon and was allowed by Antiochus III to return to Alexandria.

Those who believed in Scopas as a commander – able to take control over even Egypt itself – were to be disappointed. He was ultimately condemned to death and executed in prison the next night. According to the historian Poybius, Scopas well deserved his fate by the reckless and insatiable rapacity which he had displayed during the whole period of his residence in Egypt. He was, according to Polybius, a ‘Robber of The People’. (Perhaps, Scopas may have been a scape-goat for Ptolemy V’s incompetent ministers, however.)

Ironically, for those whose knowledge of the Seleucid dynasty is limited to the rule of Antiochus IV, (175 B.C.E. – 164 B.C.E.), Antiochus III, was a blessing to the Land of Daniel. He ‘perfected The Land’ (Daniel 11:16 alternative reading chosen by the commentator, Ironside). Like his forbears, and even Alexander The Great, Antiochus III knew that The Jews were a virtuous and diligent people who made excellent citizens in any city in which they dwelt, as long as their beliefs were honoured and respected – which Antiochus III, like his forbears – was most willing to do. Under Antiochus III, the land of Judaea, was blessed and flourished. The Jews aided and honoured him.

Antiochus III resettled 2000 Jewish families from Babylonia into the Hellenistic Anatolian regions of Lydia and Phrygia. Josephus portrays him as friendly towards the Jews of Jerusalem and cognizant of their loyalty to him (see Antiquities of the Jews, Book XII, Chapter 3), in stark contrast to the attitude of his son.

N.B. ‘The Robbers of Thy People shall exalt Themselves to Establish the Vision, but They shall fall’ (Daniel 11:14 b).

Daniel was informed by The Mighty Angel Gabriel, at the behest of THE GLORIOUS SON OF GOD (Daniel 10:6) to make Daniel understand what would befall HIs People in The Latter Days (Daniel 10:14a).

The Holy Messenger warned Daniel that ‘The Glorious Vision of The Triumphant Kingdom of GOD’ (Daniel 2:44b) was ‘YET FOR MANY DAYS’ (Daniel 10:14b).

How many have fallen because ambitious, powerful men and women do not heed these words, but seek to bring in -what they perceive to be The Kingdom of GOD – by force. They desire, like Scopas and his adherents, to ‘Establish The Vision Given To Daniel’ (Daniel 2:44b).

‘When JESUS therefore perceived that they would come and take HIM by force, to make HIM a King, HE departed again into a mountain HIMSELF alone’ (John 6:15).

Next Week: 11:15 The Siege Warfare of The Fifth Syrian War (202 B.C.E. – 195 B.C.E.)