12. when he hath taken away—that is, subdued "the multitude" of Antiochus.
heart … lifted up—instead of following up his victory by making himself master of the whole of Syria, as he might, he made peace with Antiochus, and gave himself up to licentiousness [Polybius, 87; Justin, 30.4], and profaned the temple of God by entering the holy place [Grotius].
not be strengthened by it—He shall lose the power gained by his victory through his luxurious indolence.