Albert Barnes Commentary Daniel 8:23

"And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up." — Daniel 8:23 (ASV)

And in the latter time of their kingdom - This means when it is drawing to an end. All these powers were ultimately absorbed into the Roman power.

The meaning here is that, considering the time from their formation—the division of the empire after the battle of Ipsus (see the notes at Daniel 8:8)—until the time when all would be swallowed up in the Roman dominion, what is stated here, namely, the rise of Antiochus, would occur in the latter portion of that period.

The battle of Ipsus was fought in 301 BC. The Roman power extended over all those regions gradually from 168 BC (the battle of Pydna, when Perseus was defeated, and Macedonia was reduced to a Roman province) to 30 BC, when Egypt was subjected—the last of these kingdoms to submit to Roman arms.

Antiochus began to reign in 175 BC, so it was in the latter part of this period.

When the transgressors are come to the full - Margin: accomplished. This means that when the state of things—the prevalence of wickedness and irreligion in Judea—has been allowed to continue as long as it can, or so that the cup is full, then this formidable power will appear to inflict deserved punishment on the guilty nation.

The sacred writers often speak of iniquity as being full, or of the cup of iniquity as being full, as if there were a certain limit or capacity beyond which it could not be allowed to go. When that limit is reached, God interposes and cuts off the guilty by some heavy judgment.

Compare Genesis 15:16: The iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full. See also Matthew 23:32: fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. And 1 Thessalonians 2:16: to fill up their sins alway.

The idea is that there is a certain measure or amount of sin that can be tolerated. However, beyond that point, divine compassion cannot extend with safety to the universe or consistently with the honor of God, and then punishment may be expected; then punishment must come.

This is undoubtedly true of individuals and nations. This period had arrived for the Jews when Antiochus was permitted to lay their temple, city, and country waste.

A king of fierce countenance - This means stern and severe. This expression would be applicable to many who have held the kingly office, and no one can doubt that it may be applied with strict propriety to Antiochus.

And understanding dark sentences - Gesenius (Lexicon) explains the word translated here as “dark sentences” to mean artifice, trick, or stratagem. This interpretation aligns better with the character of Antiochus, who was more distinguished for craft and policy than for wisdom or for explaining enigmas.

The meaning seems to be that he would be politic and crafty, seeking to make his way and accomplish his purpose not only by the terror he inspired but also by deceit and cunning. That this was his character is well known. Compare the notes at Daniel 8:25.

Shall stand up - This means he shall succeed, or there will be such a king.