Just when it seems that Antiochus is almighty, the Lord intervenes as the Almighty. The Lord shows that history is more than what people are doing and thinking. History implies more than what we can explain from our thoughts and studies. The Lord intervenes in such a way that people in the east and north of Antiochus’s empire revolt. At the time of the fulfillment of this prophecy, these are the Armenians and the Parthians. Suddenly, there is now a new danger all the way on the other side of Antiochus’s empire. This rebellion could affect Antiochus’s power very badly because he has left few troops in the rest of his kingdom because of his all-out battle against Egypt. In this way, the Lord ensures Antiochus leaves Egypt.
Antiochus leaves Egypt with great anger in his heart. He is so angry that he orders his soldiers to kill many people on the way back. They leave a trail of death and destruction on their return. His army plunders and kills at will. Entire cities are plunged into ruin and misery.
44 But news from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go out with great fury to destroy and devote many to destruction.