Daniel 8:23

in the latter time of their kingdom in the closing period of the rule of the Diadochi (which the author pictures as brought altogether to an end at the death of Antiochus).

when the transgressors have completed (their guilt)] i.e. filled up the measure of their transgressions (cf., though the Heb. word is not the same, Genesis 15:16). Or, with -transgressions" for -transgressors" (Sept., Theod., Pesh., Ew., Meinh.: the difference affects only the vocalization), when they(or men) have completed transgressions. It is disputed whether the reference is to the Israelites (Keil, Behrm.) or their heathen oppressors (Hitz., Meinh., Bevan). In the former case, the meaning will be that when the measure of Israel's guilt is full, this final and severest of persecutions will fall upon them: in the latter case, Antiochus will be viewed as the climax of heathen impiety.

a king of hard countenance i.e. unyielding, unmoved, deflant: lit. - strongof countenance," i.e. hard, firm (in a bad sense). The expression is borrowed from Deuteronomy 28:50: cf., with the corresponding verb, Proverbs 7:13 (of the harlot), -she made her face strong," i.e. hard, impudent, Proverbs 21:29; -a wicked man hardenethhis face," Ecclesiastes 8:1.

and understanding riddles (Daniel 5:12)] a master of dissimulation, able to conceal his meaning under ambiguous words, and so disguising his real purposes. Cf. Daniel 8:25, -deceit," Daniel 11:27, -obtain the kingdom by smooth sayings." Examples are afforded by his treatment of his nephew, Ptolemy Philometor, and the manner in which he completely misled the legates who were sent by the Romans for the purpose of ascertaining his feelings towards them (see on Daniel 11:27; Daniel 11:40). Antiochus was habitually successful in concealing his real motives and intentions when his interests required it.