the Jewish people
a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences shall stand up.
Antiochus III, the Great, who subjected Judea and greatly oppressed the Jewish people. His times were noted for corruption and crime.
24. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
25. And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes;
the Roman Empire had no kings and therefore its rulers were spoken of as Princes. It was a favorite term for a king to designate himself as “King of Kings.” The same thought could be expressed as regards the Romans, by the words “Prince of Princes”
but he shall be broken without hand.
Antiochus died from intemperance.
26. And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.
27. And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.