Verse 12
God would give control of the host (the Jews) to the little horn (Antiochus) because of transgression. This verse makes identification of the host as the Jews-rather than angels-almost beyond doubt.
This verse may mean that God would use Antiochus as His instrument of discipline-as He had used so many other leaders and nations in Israel’s past-because of Israel’s transgression (cf. 1 Maccabees 1:44-49, RSV). [Note: Archer, "Daniel," pp. 100-101.] Another view is that God would give him control of the sacrifices so he would transgress against God. [Note: Walvoord, Daniel . . ., p. 188; Pentecost, p. 1356.] This second view has in its favor that the transgression in view in Daniel 8:13 is Antiochus’ rather than the Jews’. Antiochus would terminate the sacrifices, disregard the truth (he destroyed the Torah scrolls, 1 Maccabees 1:56), do as he chose, and succeed.
"Attacks on Israel are not the same as attacks on other peoples. Anti-Semitism has an extra dimension." [Note: Goldingay, p. 220.]
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