8:11 as great as the Prince of the host. The “Prince” is to be understood as God (see v. 25 where the designation is “Prince of princes”). Antiochus IV took the name Epiphanes (“God manifest”) and thought of himself as a manifestation of Zeus.

the regular burnt offering was taken away. See vv. 12, 13 and 11:31. Antiochus IV summarily forbade all ceremonies and worship of God in the Jerusalem temple and in the cities of Judah.

the place of his sanctuary was overthrown. Antiochus IV entered the Most Holy Place and plundered the silver and gold vessels. He erected an altar to the Olympian Zeus on the altar of God in the temple court and there sacrificed pigs (11:31 note).