Daniel 11:34

In the midst of their trials a -little help" will arise, to assist them. The allusion is to the rising of the Maccabees. First of all, Mattathias, either alone or assisted only by his sons, resisted openly Antiochus" demands, and slew one of the officers sent to enforce them (1Ma 2:15-28): then others gradually joined themselves to him, and carried the resistance further (ib. 1Ma 2:39-48): finally, after Mattathias" death, his son Judas Maccabaeus carried on the struggle. His first victory was gained over Apollonius, who invaded Judah with a considerable army; and shortly afterwards, Seron, commander of the host of Syria, coming to avenge Apollonius" defeat, was routed with the loss of 800 men, by Judas at the head of a -small company" (Ἰούδας … ὀλιγοστός), 1Ma 3:10-24. After this, further successes were gained by Judas over Antiochus" generals Lysias and Gorgias (ib.1Ma 3:38 to 1Ma 4:35), the result of which was that, by the end of b.c. 165, the Jews recovered possession of Mount Zion, and the Temple was re-dedicated (ib.1Ma 4:36-37). The occasion was celebrated by a festival, lasting eight days (1Ma 4:59), which was observed annually afterwards, and is referred to in John 10:22 (τὰ ἐγκαίνια).

but many shall join themselves (Isaiah 14:1; Isaiah 56:3) unto them with flatteries or smooth sayings, i.e. plausible, but insincere, protestations of loyalty. In consequence of the severity shewn by Judas, and the leaders of the patriotic party, many joined them from mere terror, and were ready, if a favourable opportunity offered itself, to turn traitors. On the severity of Judas and the patriots towards the Hellenizing Jews, comp. allusions in 1Ma 2:44; Malachi 3:5; Malachi 3:5 a, Malachi 3:8; Daniel 6:21-27; Daniel 7:5-7; Daniel 7:24 (where Judas, it is said, -took vengeance on the men that had deserted from him"), Daniel 9:23.