And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.
An host - rather, as the Hebrew, 'the host was given up to him' - i:e., the holy people were given into his hands. So in Daniel 8:10 "the host" is used; and again in Daniel 8:13, where also "give" is used as here for "giving up" for destruction (cf. Daniel 11:6). (Maurer.)
Against the daily sacrifice - rather (the host was given up to him to tread upon), 'together with the daily sacrifice' (cf. Daniel 8:13).
By reason of transgression. 1Ma 1:11-16 traces all the calamities suffered under Antiochus to the transgression of certain Jews who introduced pagan customs into Jerusalem just before. 'In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who persuaded many, saying, Let us go and make a covenant with the pagan that are round about us; for since we departed from them we have had much sorrow.' ... 'Whereupon they built a place of exercise (a school) at Jerusalem, according to the customs of the pagan; and made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the pagan, and were sold to do mischief.' But transgression was not at the full (Daniel 8:23) under Antiochus; because Onias the high priest administered the laws in godliness at the time (Malachi 3:1 Malachi 3:1). Therefore the "transgression" must refer to that of the Jews hereafter restored to Palestine in unbelief. And it cast down the truth - the worship of the true God. Isaiah 59:14, "Truth is fallen in the street."
And it practiced, and prospered - whatever he undertook succeeded (Daniel 8:4; Daniel 11:28; Daniel 11:36).