For ships of Kittim will come against him. Therefore he will be grieved, and will return, and have indignation against the holy covenant, and will take action. He will even return, and have regard to those who forsake the holy covenant.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 30. Galleys. Hebrew “ships of Chittim.” Bible.—The ambassadors probably came in vessels belonging to Macedonia, ( Calmet.) which they found at Delos. Livy xliv.—Romans. Popilius and the other Roman ambassadors, who came in galleys, and obliged him to depart from Egypt. Challoner.—He was only four or seven miles from Alexandria, and went to meet the ambassadors, who gave him the senate’s letter, ordering him to desist from the war. He said he would consult his friends: but Popilius formed a circle round him with his wand, requiring an answer before he went out of it. Hereupon the king withdrew his forces. Polyb. xcii. V. Max. vi. 4.—Succeed. Apollonius massacred many Jews on the sabbath. 1 Maccabees 1:30.—Against. Hebrew “respecting.” Prot. “have intelligence with them,” and so forth Bible.—These wretches prompted him to make such edicts, for he was attached to no religion. 2 Maccabees 4:9.