“In his place, a contemptible person will stand up, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom; but he will come in a time of security, and will obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 21. One despised; that is Antiochus Epiphanes, who at first was despised and not received for king. What is here said of this prince, is accommodated by S. Jerom and others to antichrist, of whom this Antiochus was a figure. Challoner.—He lived and died basely; as the origin and end of antichrist will be ignominious. Worthington.—All that follows, to the end of Calmet. 12 regards Epiphanes. He had no title to the crown, which he procured by cunning, and held in the most shameful manner. He canvassed for the lowest offices, so that many styled him Epimanes, “the madman.” Diod. in Valesius, p. 305. Calmet.