דניאל, פרק ח׳, פסוק ט׳

Out of the shifting of great global empires, a new, seemingly insignificant power suddenly emerges. It begins as a minor force but rapidly expands into a massive empire, stretching its conquests in multiple directions and ultimately setting its sights on the Land of Israel. This new power sprouts from the remnants of a previous kingdom. At its inception, it is small, inferior, and even despised by others ([רש״י], [מצודת ציון], [ביאור שטיינזלץ]).

The primary approach among commentators identifies this rising force as the rule of Antiochus ([אבן עזרא], [יוסף אבן יחיא], [מלבי״ם]). Antiochus is characterized by lowly beginnings because he was not the rightful heir to the throne. He seized power from the son of his older brother, starting his reign with a small army and low status, driven by an ambition that refused to be satisfied with his original lot ([מלבי״ם]). In contrast, another perspective identifies this power as the Roman Empire, particularly under the leadership of Titus, which similarly began as a small and overlooked nation before rising to dominance ([רש״י]).

Regardless of its weak beginnings, this empire experiences explosive growth, ultimately overpowering and outlasting the kingdoms that came before it ([מצודת דוד], [ביאור שטיינזלץ]). Its military campaigns push outward in three primary directions. It sweeps south toward Egypt and east toward Persia. However, its third and most significant target is the Land of Israel. The commentators unanimously agree on this final destination, noting that it is characterized by beauty, splendor, and desire. This emphasizes the Land of Israel's unique status as the most magnificent and coveted of all lands ([מצודת דוד], [אבן עזרא], [ביאור שטיינזלץ]).