The prince of the covenant was Onias III, the high priest (see study notes on Daniel 9:25–26). Antiochus IV removed him in 175 BC and replaced him with his brother Jason (2 Maccabees 4:7–10). In 171 BC, Menelaus murdered Onias and became high priest from 171 to 162 BC. Menelaus supported Antiochus IV’s plan to spread Greek culture (see study note on Daniel 9:27).