1)
When is "ul'Ketz ha'Shanim"?
1.
Ibn Ezra: After years. Many will come to help Melech ha'Negev. Then there were many wayward people in Yisrael. It was in the days of Shimon ben Shetach.
2)
Did anything change between the previous war and this war?
1.
Malbim: Yes. (a) In the interim, Melech ha'Tzafon won many wars. (b) Now Ptolemy Afipanus became Melech ha'Negev, but he was young, so an overseer ran the kingship.
3)
Why did he come with great wealth?
1.
Rav Sadya Gaon: He took spoils from Melech ha'Negev, from their tents.
2.
Malbim: It was for needs of the war.
