Daniel 11:28 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Then shall he return, &c.— Antiochus did indeed thus return; for the spoils which he took in Egypt were of immense value. See Genesis 1:19-24. On his return too from Egypt, he set his heart against the holy covenant. For while he was absent there, a false report was spread of his death; and Jason, thinking this a favourable opportunity for recovering the high-priesthood, marched with forces to Jerusalem, took it, drove Menelaus into the castle, and exercised great cruelties upon the citizens. Antiochus hearing of this, and being informed that the people made great rejoicings at the report of his death, he determined to take a severe revenge, and went with a great army against Jerusalem. He besieged and took the city by force, slew forty thousand of the inhabitants, sold as many more for slaves, polluted the temple and altar with swine's flesh, broke into the Holy of Holies, took away the golden vessels, and other sacred treasures, to the value of one thousand eight hundred talents, restored Menelaus to his office, and constituted one Philip, a Phrygian, governor of Judaea. See Genesis 1:24. Exodus 5:21 and Bishop Newton.