Notes, Critical and Explanatory, on the Holy Scriptures

Seleucus Nieanor, who was king of Syria, was more powerful than Ptolemy Lagus. Some under* stand the text of Antlochns Theoe. St. Jerome explains it of Ptolemy Philadelphus, who was more powerful than his father ; but the text speaks not of a son. u Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy Philadelphus, married Antiochus Theos, grandson of Seleucus. This marriage was one of the conditions of peace between her father and Antiochus : but she was afterwards divorced. She did not obtain the ** strength of the arm," real power, or lasting influence. a P. " He that begat her." A MS. R. puts - under the first letter, which gives a better meaning : "her son."

P. M Deal against them." ,T Which Cambyses had carried away flrom Egypt

Bearing away with him considerable spoils, be will return to Egypt. Ptolemy received the surname of EvergeUt on this occasion, as the benefactor of his country.

II. P. "Do stirred up even to his fortress." Antiochus pursued the Egyptian forces ae far as the frontiers of Egypt.

Fourteen years after the close of the former war. -J P. ''The robbers.'* L. " Rebellious sons." II. means men of violence. Apostate Jews were fcoad In the army of Antiochus. They unconsciously aided in the fulfilment of the prophecies. IsaL 1® : 14. M The victories of Antiochus, and his occupation of Judea, " the glorious land," are predicted.

Whilst acting with apparent fairness, Antiochus gave Cleopatra his daughter in marriage to Pto- lemy Philopator, in the hope that she would aid him to overthrow her husband's throne : but in this be was disappointed.

L. " It will not stand, neither will it remain his." H. is susceptible of either interpretation.

P. " With the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him." The arms of a flood are the overwhelming embrace of its waters. The flood is takon for a hostile attack overpowering the assailed. The attacks made on Kpiphanes,' however formidable, were unsuccessful. The arms of the assailant were broken and rendered powerless. L. "The arms of an overflow ebnll be swept away before him."

This may be Demetrius, his nephew, with whom be formed a covenant to yield him tho throne, on his attaining to age. 8t. Jerome explains it of Judas Macchabeus ; but adds that it may be understood of Antiochus himself, who proposed the covenant which he cared not to observe.

Leagues, treaties. Antiochus Epiphanes, after defeating the generals of Ptolemy Pbilometer, his nephew, at Pelusium, professing friendship to himself, took the reins of government into his own hands, and got possession of the chief cities of Egypt.

Maosim is the strange god.