We read in this chapter that Antiochus will take control of Israel and that he will reward some of the covenant people who follow him.
In this verse, we read that this period in the history of God’s people is about to come to an end. In the last part of Antiochus’s reign, things will happen that will be the start of the end for him. The king of the south, the king of Egypt, advances to wage war with the king of the north, with Syria.
Antiochus responds to the invasion by Egypt. He raises a large army. He uses chariots, horses with riders, and the ships he has available. He goes all out in using everything he has at his disposal to push back the Egyptian army. Antiochus achieves a great victory. His army pours into Egypt. In fact, his victory is so great that he conquers all of Egypt. He even penetrates Libya and the country of the Nubians, Ethiopia. He makes people from these countries prisoners of war. Thus, they end up in his entourage.
40 “At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through.