Ships of Chittim. — On Chittim, see Genesis 10:4; comp. Numbers 24:24. The LXX. explain this of the Romans, referring to the story in Livy, xlv. 11.
He shall be grieved. — Literally, he shall lose heart. Compare the words of Livy, which describe the feelings of Antiochus at the peremptory demands of Popilius: “Obstupefactus tam violento imperio.” Theodotion apparently imagined that the Cyprians came as allies to the aid of Antiochus.
Return. — That is, to Palestine, where he will indulge his anger.
Have intelligence — i.e., pay attention to them. These persons are such as those who are mentioned in 1Ma. 1:11-16, who were anxious to Hellenise all their institutions, not only forsaking the outward sign of the covenant, but actually taking Greek names.
On the manner in which Antiochus treated the apostates, see 2Ma. 4:14, &c., and comp. Daniel 11:39.