The Gemara (Bava Kamma 2b) explains that an ox can do damage
in one of three ways: with its teeth, feet or horns.
The Gemara further explains that when an ox gores with its
horns, it does so with the intent to cause damage and derives
no personal pleasure from the act.
The Midrash allegorically is describing the psychology and
nature of the Hellenistic regime. They made vicious decrees
against the Jewish people to deter them from studying Torah
and observing mitzvot. Like the ox who gores with its horn
and achieves no personal pleasure, they too, had nothing to
gain, their sadistic intent was solely to inflict suffering
upon defenseless Jews.
