Daniel 11:18

Translation
King James Version
After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him.
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KJV (with Strong's)
After this shall he turn H7760 H7725 his face H6440 unto the isles H339, and shall take H3920 many H7227: but a prince H7101 for his own behalf shall cause the reproach H2781 offered by him to cease H7673; without H1115 his own reproach H2781 he shall cause it to turn H7725 upon him.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Next, he will put his attention on the coastlands and islands and capture many, but an army commander will put a stop to his outrages and cause his outrages to come back upon him.
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Berean Standard Bible
Then he will turn his face to the coastlands and capture many of them. But a commander will put an end to his reproach and will turn it back upon him.
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American Standard Version
After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; yea, moreover, he shall cause his reproach to turn upon him.
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World English Bible Messianic
After this shall he turn his face to the islands, and shall take many: but a prince shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; yes, moreover, he shall cause his reproach to turn on him.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
After this shall he turne his face vnto the yles, and shall take many, but a prince shall cause his shame to light vpon him, beside that he shall cause his owne shame to turne vpon himselfe.
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Young's Literal Translation
`And he turneth back his face to the isles, and hath captured many; and a prince hath caused his reproach of himself to cease; without his reproach he turneth it back to him.
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See also
Hosea 12:14Zephaniah 2:11Jeremiah 31:10Jeremiah 2:10Isaiah 66:19Judges 1:7Matthew 7:2
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In the KJVVerse 22,055 of 31,102

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SUMMARY

Daniel 11:18 is a precise prophetic utterance detailing a significant phase in the military and political campaigns of the "king of the north," widely identified as Antiochus III (Antiochus the Great) of the Seleucid Empire. The verse foretells his expansion westward into the maritime regions and islands of the Aegean, where he would achieve considerable success. However, his advance would be decisively halted and his haughty "reproach" turned back upon him by a powerful "prince," historically understood to be a reference to the rising Roman Republic, which acted in its own strategic interest to curb Seleucid power.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Daniel 11 unfolds as a highly detailed and precise prophecy concerning the conflicts between the "king of the north" (Seleucid Empire) and the "king of the south" (Ptolemaic Egypt), following the division of Alexander the Great's empire. This chapter is unique in its granular accuracy, describing specific battles, alliances, and betrayals over several centuries. Verse 18 marks a pivotal shift in the narrative. Prior verses (11:1-17) primarily focus on the Ptolemaic-Seleucid wars, with Antiochus III consolidating power and achieving victories against Egypt. Verse 18 indicates a change in his strategic direction, turning from the south to the west, setting the stage for his encounter with a new, formidable power. This transition is crucial, as it introduces the entity that will eventually bring about the decline of the Seleucid Empire, thus preparing the ground for the later rise of the "contemptible person" (11:21) and the ultimate end-time events.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Historically, Daniel 11:18 accurately describes Antiochus III's campaigns following his significant victory over Egypt at the Battle of Panium (c. 200 BCE). Having secured his eastern and southern borders, Antiochus turned his ambitions towards the Aegean Sea and Asia Minor, seeking to restore the former glory of the Seleucid Empire. The "isles" (Hebrew: 'iyyim) refer to the coastal regions and islands of the Aegean, including Greek city-states and territories previously under Ptolemaic or independent control. Antiochus's expansion into these areas, particularly his incursions into Greece, brought him into direct conflict with the burgeoning power of the Roman Republic. Rome, having recently defeated Carthage, viewed Antiochus's expansion as a threat to its own strategic interests and its Greek allies. The "prince" is widely identified as a Roman commander, specifically Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus, who, alongside his more famous brother Scipio Africanus, led the Roman forces that decisively defeated Antiochus III at the Battle of Magnesia in 190 BCE. Culturally, "reproach" (Hebrew: cherpâh) carried significant weight in the ancient Near East, denoting public shame, humiliation, or contempt. To "cause reproach to cease" or "turn upon him" speaks to the reversal of fortune and the public humiliation of a powerful ruler.
  • Key Themes: Daniel 11:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Sovereignty over Human History. Despite the intricate political machinations and military campaigns of earthly kings, God remains the ultimate orchestrator of events, raising and bringing down empires according to His sovereign will. This aligns with the foundational truth declared in Daniel 2:21, that God "removeth kings, and setteth up kings." Secondly, the verse highlights the Limits of Imperial Ambition. Even a powerful ruler like Antiochus III, who achieved great success, ultimately faced an insurmountable barrier, demonstrating that no human power is absolute or operates outside of God's ultimate control. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of Justice and Reversal. The "reproach" Antiochus inflicted upon others, through his conquests and demands, was ultimately returned upon him, serving as a prophetic precursor to the principle that those who sow injustice will reap its consequences, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic literature and wisdom writings. This detailed prophecy also underscores the Reliability and Precision of God's Word, demonstrating His foreknowledge of specific historical events centuries before they occurred, reinforcing the trustworthiness of the entire prophetic revelation found in the book of Daniel.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • isles (Hebrew, ʼîy', H339): This term (H339) originates from a root meaning "to desire" or "to be habitable." It properly refers to a habitable spot, dry land, a coast, or an island. In Daniel 11:18, it broadly encompasses the maritime regions, coastlands, and islands of the Mediterranean, specifically the Aegean Sea and Asia Minor. This accurately reflects Antiochus III's westward expansion, which involved naval campaigns and the subjugation of coastal cities and island territories. The use of this term precisely delineates the geographical scope of his new military endeavors.
  • reproach (Hebrew, cherpâh', H2781): Derived from the root H2781, this word signifies contumely, disgrace, or shame. It denotes public humiliation, insult, or scorn. In the context of Daniel 11:18, it refers to the arrogance, demands, and subjugation that Antiochus III imposed upon the nations and peoples he conquered. His actions were a source of "reproach" to those he dominated, stripping them of their dignity and autonomy. The prophecy states that this very "reproach" would be turned back upon him, signifying a reversal of his fortunes and a public humiliation for the once-victorious king.
  • turn (Hebrew, shûwb', H7725): This primitive root (H7725) means to turn back, hence away, transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively. It carries the idea of retreat, return, or reversal. Its double appearance in the verse ("shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause [it] to turn upon him") emphasizes a complete reversal of the situation. The "prince" (Rome) not only stops Antiochus's imposition of reproach but ensures that the very shame he inflicted is returned to him, highlighting a powerful act of divine or historical retribution.

Verse Breakdown

  • "After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many:" This clause details the next phase of the "king of the north's" (Antiochus III's) expansion. "After this" refers to his prior successful campaigns, particularly against the "king of the south." "Turn his face unto the isles" signifies a deliberate shift in strategic focus, from the Levant and Egypt to the maritime regions and coastlands of the Aegean Sea and Asia Minor. The phrase "shall take many" indicates that he would achieve significant success in these new territories, conquering numerous cities, islands, and peoples, thereby extending his empire westward.
  • "but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease;" This marks the intervention of a new, powerful entity. "But a prince" introduces a formidable opposing figure, historically identified as a Roman commander. The phrase "for his own behalf" is crucial, indicating that this prince (Rome) acts not out of altruism or concern for Antiochus's victims, but out of its own strategic self-interest, to protect its allies and curb a rival power. This prince "shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease," meaning this new power will put an end to the humiliation, contempt, and subjugation that Antiochus III had been inflicting upon the conquered nations. It signifies a decisive halt to his aggressive expansion and a termination of his ability to impose his will unchallenged.
  • "without his own reproach he shall cause [it] to turn upon him." This final clause emphasizes the complete and unblemished victory of the "prince" (Rome) and the ultimate humiliation of Antiochus III. "Without his own reproach" means that the Roman power would achieve its victory without suffering any significant shame, defeat, or humiliation itself. Instead, the very "reproach" (disgrace, contempt, and subjugation) that Antiochus had inflicted upon others would be "turned upon him." This signifies a powerful reversal of fortune, where the aggressor becomes the humiliated party, suffering the very indignity he had imposed on others. This refers to Antiochus's crushing defeat by Rome, leading to the Treaty of Apamea, which imposed severe terms, including the loss of vast territories, a massive war indemnity, and the humiliation of his empire.

Literary Devices

Daniel 11:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. Prophetic Precision is paramount, as the verse's detailed description of geographical shifts ("unto the isles"), military success ("take many"), and the intervention of a specific, self-interested "prince" (Rome) aligns remarkably with historical events centuries after the prophecy's utterance. This precision underscores the divine origin of the message. Symbolism is also present, though subtle; "the isles" function as a geographical symbol representing the broader maritime and coastal regions of the Aegean, rather than specific isolated islands, highlighting the scope of Antiochus's ambition. The "prince" can be seen as a symbolic representation of the Roman Republic's burgeoning power and its role as an instrument in God's historical plan. Furthermore, the verse uses Irony and a form of Retributional Justice. Antiochus, the one who "offered reproach" (humiliation and subjugation) to many, finds that same "reproach" "turned upon him." This ironic reversal highlights a divine principle where the proud are humbled and the aggressor ultimately faces the consequences of their actions, often in a manner mirroring their own offenses.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Daniel 11:18 serves as a powerful testament to the overarching biblical theme of God's absolute sovereignty over human history and the transient nature of earthly power. It demonstrates that even the most ambitious and successful human rulers, like Antiochus III, operate within the confines of a divine plan that ultimately limits their reach and determines their downfall. The precision of the prophecy, detailing specific geographical shifts and the intervention of a new world power, underscores God's meticulous control over the rise and fall of empires, assuring believers that no political or military upheaval is outside His knowledge or purpose. This truth provides profound comfort and stability, reminding us that while human kingdoms rise and fall, God's kingdom is eternal and unshakeable. The "reproach" being turned back upon the aggressor also subtly highlights a principle of divine justice, where the consequences of pride and oppression ultimately return to the one who inflicts them.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Daniel 11:18, though rooted in ancient history, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. In a world often characterized by geopolitical instability, the rise and fall of nations, and the ambitions of powerful leaders, this verse serves as a powerful anchor for our faith. It reminds us that God is not a passive observer but the active sovereign over all earthly affairs. No human ruler, no matter how formidable or seemingly unstoppable, operates outside of His ultimate plan and oversight. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of trust and peace within us, knowing that even amidst global turmoil, God's purposes will prevail. It calls us to resist the temptation to place our ultimate hope or fear in human governments or leaders, but rather to fix our gaze on the unchanging King of kings. Furthermore, the reversal of "reproach" upon Antiochus serves as a timeless reminder that pride and injustice ultimately lead to downfall. It encourages us to live with humility, integrity, and a commitment to righteousness, understanding that God is just and will ultimately bring all things into account. Our confidence is not in the shifting sands of human power, but in the steadfast rock of God's eternal kingdom.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the detailed nature of this prophecy strengthen your faith in God's omniscience and His control over history?
  • In what ways might we be tempted to place our trust in human power or political outcomes rather than in God's sovereignty, and how can this verse reorient our perspective?
  • Considering the "reproach" being turned back upon Antiochus, what personal or societal implications can we draw regarding the consequences of pride and injustice?

FAQ

Who is the "king of the north" and the "prince" mentioned in Daniel 11:18?

Answer: The "king of the north" in Daniel 11:18 is widely identified by biblical scholars and historians as Antiochus III, also known as Antiochus the Great, a ruler of the Seleucid Empire (c. 223-187 BCE). He was a formidable monarch who sought to restore the vast territories of Alexander the Great's empire. The "prince" who causes his "reproach" to cease and turn upon him is almost universally understood to be a reference to the Roman Republic. Specifically, this refers to the Roman military and political intervention in the eastern Mediterranean, culminating in the decisive defeat of Antiochus III by Roman forces led by Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus at the Battle of Magnesia in 190 BCE. Rome acted "for his own behalf," meaning out of its own strategic interests to limit Seleucid expansion and protect its allies, rather than out of altruism. This event marked a significant turning point, diminishing Seleucid power and paving the way for Rome's eventual dominance in the region, as detailed in later parts of Daniel 11.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Daniel 11:18 primarily describes historical events involving earthly kings and empires, it profoundly points to the ultimate sovereignty of God, a sovereignty fully embodied and revealed in Jesus Christ. The transient nature of Antiochus III's power, despite his initial successes, and his ultimate humiliation by a greater "prince" (Rome), foreshadows the ultimate fate of all earthly kingdoms when confronted with the eternal reign of Christ. Earthly princes, even those who rise to great power, operate "for their own behalf," driven by self-interest and ambition, yet they are unwittingly used by God to fulfill His purposes. In contrast, Jesus is the true Prince of Peace, the divine King who came not for His own earthly gain, but to establish an eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace. His victory was not achieved through military conquest, but through self-sacrifice on the cross, where He triumphed over sin and death, disarming the spiritual "principalities and powers" that hold humanity captive (Colossians 2:15). The "reproach" that Antiochus inflicted and then received back upon himself finds its ultimate reversal in Christ, who, though He bore the ultimate "reproach" and shame of the cross for humanity's sin (Hebrews 12:2), was raised in glory, and now reigns with all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Thus, Daniel 11:18, in its depiction of God's control over earthly powers and the eventual humbling of the proud, ultimately directs our gaze to the one true King whose kingdom will never be destroyed and whose dominion is everlasting (Daniel 7:14).

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Commentary on Daniel 11 verses 5–20

Here are foretold,

I. The rise and power of two great kingdoms out of the remains of Alexander's conquests, Dan 11:5. 1. The kingdom of Egypt, which was made considerable by Ptolemaeus Lagus, one of Alexander's captains, whose successors were, from him, called the Lagidae. He is called the king of the south, that is, Egypt, named here, Dan 11:8, Dan 11:42, Dan 11:43. The countries that at first belonged to Ptolemy are reckoned to be Egypt, Phoenicia, Arabia, Libya, Ethiopia, etc. Theocr. Idyl. 17. 2. The kingdom of Syria, which was set up by Seleucus Nicanor, or the conqueror; he was one of Alexander's princes, and became stronger than the other, and had the greatest dominion of all, was the most powerful of all Alexander's successors. It was said that he had no fewer than seventy-two kingdoms under him. Both these were strong against Judah (the affairs of which are particularly eyed in this prediction); Ptolemy, soon after he gained Egypt, invaded Judea, and took Jerusalem on a sabbath, pretending a friendly visit. Seleucus also gave disturbance to Judea.

II. The fruitless attempt to unite these two kingdoms as iron and clay in Nebuchadnezzar's image (Dan 11:6): "At the end of certain years, about seventy after Alexander's death, the Lagidae and the Seleucidae shall associate, but not in sincerity. Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of Egypt, shall marry his daughter Berenice to Antiochus Theos, king of Syria," who had already a wife called Laodice. "Berenice shall come to the king of the north, to make an agreement, but it shall not hold: She shall not retain the power of the arm; neither she nor her posterity shall establish themselves in the kingdom of the north, neither shall Ptolemy her father, nor Antiochus her husband (between whom there was to be a great alliance), stand, nor their arm, but she shall be given up and those that brought her," all that projected that unhappy marriage between her and Antiochus, which occasioned so much mischief, instead of producing a coalition between the northern and southern crowns, as was hoped. Antiochus divorced Berenice, took his former wife Laodice again, who soon after poisoned him, procured Berenice and her son to be murdered, and set up her own son by Antiochus to be king, who was called Seleucus Callinicus.

III. A war between the two kingdoms, Dan 11:7, Dan 11:8. A branch from the same root with Berenice shall stand up in his estate. Ptolemaeus Euergetes, the son and successor of Ptolemaeus Philadelphus, shall come with an army against Seleucus Callinicus, king of Syria, to avenge his sister's quarrel, and shall prevail; and he shall carry away a rich booty both of persons and goods into Egypt, and shall continue more years than the king of the north. This Ptolemy reigned forty-six years; and Justin says that if his own affairs had not called him home he would, in this war, have made himself master of the whole kingdom of Syria. But (Dan 11:9) he shall be forced to come into his kingdom and return into his own land, to keep peace there, so that he can no longer carry on the war abroad. Note, It is very common for a treacherous peace to end in a bloody war.

IV. The long and busy reign of Antiochus the Great, king of Syria. Seleucus Callinicus, that king of the north that was overcome (Dan 11:7) and died miserably, left two sons, Seleucus and Antiochus; these are his sons, the sons of the king of the north, that shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces, to recover what their father had lost, Dan 11:10. But Seleucus the elder, being weak, and unable to rule his army, was poisoned by his friends, and reigned only two years; and his brother Antiochus succeeded him, who reigned thirty-seven years, and was called the Great. And therefore the angel, though he speaks of sons at first, goes on with the account of one only, who was but fifteen years old when he began to reign, and he shall certainly come, and overflow, and over-run, and shall be restored at length to what his father lost. 1. The king of the south, in this war, shall at first have very great success. Ptolemaeus Philopater, moved with indignation at the indignities done by Antiochus the Great, shall (though otherwise a slothful prince) come forth, and fight with him, and shall bring a vast army into the field of 70,000 foot, and 5000 horse, and seventy-three elephants. And the other multitude (the army of Antiochus, consisting of 62,000 foot, and 6000 horse, and 102 elephants) shall be given into his hand. Polybius, who lived with Scipio, has given a particular account of this battle of Raphia. Ptolemaeus Philopater, having gained this victory, grew very insolent; his heart was lifted up; then he went into the temple of God at Jerusalem, and, in defiance of the law, entered the most holy place, for which God has a controversy with him, so that, though he shall cast down many myriads, yet he shall not be strengthened by it, so as to secure his interest. For, 2. The king of the north, Antiochus the Great, shall return with a greater army than the former; and, at the end of times (that is, years) he shall come with a mighty army, and great riches, against the king of the south, that is, Ptolemaeus Epiphanes, who succeeded Ptolemaeus Philopater his father, when he was a child, which gave advantage to Antiochus the Great. In this expedition he had some powerful allies (Dan 11:14): Many shall stand up against the king of the south. Philip of Macedon was confederate with Antiochus against the king of Egypt, and Scopas his general, whom he sent into Syria; Antiochus routed him, destroyed a great part of his army; whereupon the Jews willingly yielded to Antiochus, joined with him, helped him to besiege Ptolemaeus's garrisons. They the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision, to help forward the accomplishment of this prophecy; but they shall fall, and shall come to nothing, Dan 11:14. Hereupon (Dan 11:15) the king of the north, this same Antiochus Magnus, shall carry on his design against the king of the south another way. (1.) He shall surprise his strong-holds; all that he has got in Syria and Samaria, and the arms of the south, all the power of the king of Egypt, shall not be able to withstand him. See how dubious and variable the turns of the scale of war are; like buying and selling, it is winning and losing; sometimes one side gets the better and sometimes the other; yet neither by chance; it is not, as they call it, the fortune of war, but according to the will and counsel of God, who brings some low and raises others up. (2.) He shall make himself master of the land of Judea (Dan 11:16): He that comes against him (that is, the king of the north) shall carry all before him and do what he pleases, and he shall stand and get footing in the glorious land; so the land of Israel was, and by his hand it was wasted and consumed, for with the spoil of that good land he victualled his vast army. The land of Judea lay between these two potent kingdoms of Egypt and Syria, so that in all the struggles between them that was sure to suffer, for to it they both bore ill will. Yet some read this, By his hand it shall be perfected; as if it intimated that the land of Judea, being taken under the protection of this Antiochus, shall flourish, and be in better condition than it had been. (3.) He shall still push on his war against the king of Egypt, and set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, taking advantage of the infancy of Ptolemy Epiphanes, and the upright ones, many of the pious Israelites, siding with him, Dan 11:17. In prosecution of his design, he shall give him his daughter Cleopatra to wife, designing, as Saul in giving his daughter Cleopatra to David, that she should be a snare to him, and do him a mischief; but she shall not stand on her father's side, nor be for him, but for her husband, and so that plot failed him. (4.) His war with the Romans is here foretold (Dan 11:18): He shall turn his face to the isles (Dan 11:18), the isles of the Gentiles (Gen 10:5), Greece and Italy. He took many of the isles about the Hellespont-Rhodes, Samos, Delos, etc., which by war or treaty he made himself master of; but a prince, or state (so some), even the Roman senate, or a leader, even the Roman general, shall return his reproach with which he abused the Romans upon himself, or shall make his shame rest on himself, and without his own shame, or any disgrace to himself, shall pay him again. This was fulfilled when the two Scipios were sent with an army against Antiochus. Hannibal was then with him, and advised him to invade Italy and waste it as he had done; but he did not take hid advice; and Scipio joined battle with him, and gave him a total defeat, though Antiochus had 70,000 men and the Romans but 30,000. Thus he caused the reproach offered by him to cease. (5.) His fall. When he was totally routed by the Romans, and was forced to abandon to them all he had in Europe, and had a very heavy tribute exacted from him, he turned to his own land, and, not knowing which way to raise money to pay his tribute, he plundered a temple of Jupiter, which so incensed his own subjects against him that they set upon him, and killed him; so he was overthrown, and fell, and was no more found, Dan 11:19. (6.) His next successor, Dan 11:20. There rose up one in his place, a raiser of taxes, a sender forth of the extortioner, or extorter. This character was remarkably answered in Seleucus Philopater, the elder son of Antiochus the Great, who was a great oppressor of his own subjects, and exacted abundance of money from them; and, when he was told he would thereby lose his friends, he said he knew no better friend he had then money. He likewise attempted to rob the temple at Jerusalem, which this seems especially to refer to. But within a few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger nor in battle, but poisoned by Heliodorus, one of his own servants, when he had reigned but twelve years, and done nothing remarkable.

V. From all this let us learn, 1. That God in his providence sets up one, and pulls down another, as he pleases, advances some from low beginnings and depresses others that were very high. Some have called great men the foot-balls of fortune; or, rather, they are the tools of Providence. 2. This world is full of wars and fightings, which come from men's lusts, and make it a theatre of sin and misery. 3. All the changes and revolutions of states and kingdoms, and every event, even the most minute and contingent, were plainly and perfectly foreseen by the God of heaven, and to him nothing is new. 4. No word of God shall fall to the ground; but what he has designed, what he has declared, shall infallibly come to pass; and even the sins of men shall be made to serve his purpose, and contribute to the b ringing of his counsels to birth in their season; and yet God is not the author of sin. 5. That, for the right understanding of some parts of scripture, it is necessary that heathen authors be consulted, which give light to the scripture, and show the accomplishment of what is there foretold; we have therefore reason to bless God for the human learning with which many have done great service to divine truths.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 5–20. Public domain.
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JeromeAD 420
St. Jerome, Commentary on Daniel, CHAPTER ELEVEN
Verses 17-19. "And he shall set his face to come and possess all his kingdom, and he shall make upright conditions with him. And he shall give him the daughter of women, that she may overthrow him" (Vulgate: it). That is to say, the intention is to overthrow him, that is, Ptolemy, or else to overthrow it, that is, his kingdom. Antiochus not only wished to take possession of Syria, Cilicia, and Lycia, and the other provinces which had belonged to Ptolemy's party, but also to extend his empire to Egypt. He therefore used the good offices of Eucles of Rhodes to betroth his daughter, Cleopatra, to young Ptolemy in the seventh year of his reign; and in his thirteenth year she was given to him in marriage, professedly endowed with all of Coele-syria and Judaea as her marriage-portion. By pleonasm she is called a daughter of women, just as the poet says:

...Thus she spake with her mouth... And with these ears did I drink in her voice.

"And she shall not stand, neither shall she be for him. And he shall turn his face to the islands and shall capture many; and she shall cause the prince of her reproach to cease, and his reproach shall be turned upon him. And he shall turn his face to the empire of his own land; and he shall stumble and fall, and shall not be found." For he was unable to take possession of Egypt, because Ptolemy Epiphanes and his generals detected the strategem and followed a cautious policy. And besides, Cleopatra inclined more to her husband's side than to her father's. And so he turned his attention to Asia Minor, and by carrying on naval warfare against a large number of islands, he seized Rhodes, Samos, Colophon (variant: Colophonia and Bocla), Phocea and many other islands. But he was opposed by Lucius Scipio Nasica and also his brother, Publius Scipio Africanus, who had vanquished Hannibal. For since the consul Nasica, the brother of Africanus, was of a somewhat sluggish disposition, the Roman senate was unwilling to entrust to him a war against so mighty a king as Antiochus. Africanus therefore offered to assume the post of deputy on a voluntary basis, in order to obviate any damage that his brother might cause. Consequently Antiochus was vanquished and commanded to confine his rule to the other side of the Taurus range. And so he took refuge in Apamia and Susa and advanced to the easternmost cities of his realm. And during a war against the Elymaeans he was destroyed together with his entire army. And so this is what the Scripture refers to in this passage, when it states that he would capture many islands, and yet because of the Roman conqueror he would lose the kingdom of Asia; and that the disgrace he had inflicted would come back upon his own head; and that in the end he would flee from Asia Minor and return to the empire of his own land, and would then stumble and fall, so that his place would not be found.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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