Daniel 11:37-38

DANIEL—NOTE ON Daniel 11:37 Antiochus IV viewed himself as a god, as his nickname “Epiphanes” (“[god] manifest”) made clear. But it is doubtful that he fulfilled the prophecy that he shall magnify himself above all. He abandoned the gods of his fathers, including Apollo, and showed no regard for the one beloved by women, probably the god Adonis or Dionysius. Instead, he worshiped Zeus, a god who embodied military strength. All these were Greek gods, so there is some question as to whether Antiochus IV abandoned “the gods of his fathers.” Instead, the person being described will worship the god of fortresses and will spend lavishly to support this strength.