Daniel 11 24

Daniel 11:24 kjv

He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time.

Daniel 11:24 nkjv

He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time.

Daniel 11:24 niv

When the richest provinces feel secure, he will invade them and will achieve what neither his fathers nor his forefathers did. He will distribute plunder, loot and wealth among his followers. He will plot the overthrow of fortresses?but only for a time.

Daniel 11:24 esv

Without warning he shall come into the richest parts of the province, and he shall do what neither his fathers nor his fathers' fathers have done, scattering among them plunder, spoil, and goods. He shall devise plans against strongholds, but only for a time.

Daniel 11:24 nlt

Without warning he will enter the richest areas of the land. Then he will distribute among his followers the plunder and wealth of the rich ? something his predecessors had never done. He will plot the overthrow of strongholds, but this will last for only a short while.

Daniel 11 verses

Daniel 11 24 meaning

Daniel 11:24 describes the cunning and unprecedented tactics of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, identified in the broader context of Daniel 11 as the "contemptible person" (Dan 11:21). This verse foretells his method of expanding power not through direct overwhelming military might alone, but by a deceptive, seemingly peaceful entry into prosperous regions. He would employ strategies previously unseen by his predecessors, including the distribution of plunder, spoil, and riches among his followers or even the populace, effectively using bribery and economic incentives to gain control and loyalty. Simultaneously, he would meticulously devise schemes against fortified places, showcasing a shrewd strategic mind focused on overcoming resistance through guile rather than brute force. These ambitious maneuvers would occur for a divinely predetermined period.

Daniel 11 24 Context

Daniel chapter 11 provides a detailed prophecy concerning the geopolitical conflicts and power struggles between the Seleucid kings ("King of the North") and the Ptolemaic kings ("King of the South") in the aftermath of Alexander the Great's empire. The narrative precisely details a series of rulers, their alliances, betrayals, and wars, leading up to the emergence of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who is introduced in Daniel 11:21 as a "contemptible person" who takes the kingdom by "intrigue."

Verse 24 specifically outlines Antiochus IV's initial strategy during his first invasion of Egypt around 170 BCE and perhaps later forays, particularly how he dealt with regions without resorting to immediate, outright war. Historically, Antiochus Epiphanes often used diplomacy, alliances with factions, and gifts to destabilize or take control of regions before military might was needed. His actions were marked by shrewd, calculated planning and a willingness to break established norms of engagement to secure his objectives, especially against his rival, Ptolemy VI, and also in his oppressive dealings with Judea, as seen in subsequent verses of the chapter.

Daniel 11 24 Word analysis

• He shall enter peaceably (יָבֹוא בְשַׁלְוָה - yavo beshalvah):

  • He shall enter (יָבֹוא - yavo): Future tense of "to come, to enter." Signifies his planned, deliberate arrival.
  • peaceably (בְשַׁלְוָה - beshalvah): Means "in security," "quietly," "tranquilly," or "by smooth/deceitful means." This is a crucial detail, highlighting his strategy of appearing non-threatening or using cunning over immediate military confrontation, often to take advantage of internal strife or naivety. This contrasts with previous kings who entered with open military campaigns.

• even upon the fattest places of the province (וּבְמִשְׁמַנֵּי מְדִינְתָּא - uvmishmannay medineta):

  • fattest places (מִשְׁמַנֵּי - mishmannay): Derived from "fat" (שמן), connoting rich, prosperous, fertile, and wealthy regions. These are the most desirable and productive parts of the land, implying his target is not merely territory but lucrative resources.
  • of the province (מְדִינְתָּא - medineta): Refers to a region or realm, emphasizing these are established and organized territories, often implying strategic or economic value. Antiochus aimed for the core of these lands.

• and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers:

  • This phrase emphasizes the unprecedented and innovative nature of his tactics. He deviates from traditional warfare or governance methods, highlighting his unique blend of deception, diplomacy, and distribution of plunder as a strategic tool, distinguishing him from prior Seleucid rulers who primarily relied on military strength.

• he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches (בַּז וְשָׁלָל וְרָכוּשׁ יָבוּז לָהֶם וְיִתֵּן לָהֶם - baz veshalaL verakush yavuz lahem veyitein lahem):

  • prey (בַּז - baz), spoil (וְשָׁלָל - v'shalal), and riches (וְרָכוּשׁ - v'rakush): These terms refer to plunder taken from conquests.
  • scatter among them (יָבוּז לָהֶם וְיִתֵּן לָהֶם - yavuz lahem veyitein lahem): Literally "he shall divide for them and give to them." This describes a strategic distribution of ill-gotten gains, often among his own followers to solidify loyalty, or even to the inhabitants of a newly entered territory to buy their cooperation, disrupt existing loyalties, or incentivize Hellenization. It is a form of bribery and patronage, central to his non-traditional power grab.

• yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds (וְעַל מִבְצָרִים יְחַשֵּׁב מַחֲשַׁבְתֹו - ve'al mivtzarim yechashev machashavto):

  • forecast his devices (יְחַשֵּׁב מַחֲשַׁבְתֹו - yechashev machashavto): Meaning "he shall devise his plans/schemes." This points to a calculating and intellectual approach to warfare and conquest, rather than mere brute force. His plans are well-thought-out and cunning.
  • against the strong holds (מִבְצָרִים - mivtzarim): Refers to fortified cities or strongholds. His cunning extends to planning how to conquer or neutralize well-defended places, indicating sophisticated military and political strategy beyond a simple siege. These could be literal fortresses or metaphorically, centers of resistance or established power.

• even for a time (וְעַד עֵת - ve'ad et):

  • Signifies a limited, predetermined period for his actions. Despite his powerful and destructive schemes, his reign and influence are ultimately under divine control, marking a temporal boundary set by God. This emphasizes God's sovereignty over the affairs of even the most formidable human rulers.

Daniel 11 24 Bonus section

The description in Daniel 11:24, particularly Antiochus's cunning, unprecedented tactics, and deceitful "peaceable" entry followed by the strategic use of wealth, serves as a strong prophetic foreshadowing. Many theologians and interpreters see Antiochus Epiphanes as a type or a preview of the ultimate "Antichrist" figure to come at the end of time. Just as Antiochus gained power through flattery and cunning rather than immediate overt military force, the final Antichrist is often depicted as rising to power on a platform of peace and prosperity, deceiving many before revealing his true tyrannical nature. The emphasis on wealth redistribution by Antiochus to gain control is mirrored in the way global economic systems or promises of prosperity might be leveraged by a future deceptive leader. This "bonus" layer of prophetic insight highlights the enduring relevance of Daniel's prophecy beyond its immediate historical fulfillment, illustrating patterns of deception and worldly power that recur throughout history and point towards eschatological events.

Daniel 11 24 Commentary

Daniel 11:24 masterfully captures the essence of Antiochus IV Epiphanes’ unconventional and deceitful rule. It highlights his characteristic modus operandi: using cunning and charm, rather than overt military might, to infiltrate and exploit the most prosperous areas. His "peaceable" entry was a mask for strategic deception, allowing him to subtly undermine existing structures before consolidating power. The verse underlines his unique approach compared to his ancestors, specifically his strategic distribution of plundered wealth as a means of political seduction and control. This wasn't generosity but a calculated move to buy allegiance, cultivate factions, and dismantle resistance, whether among his own supporters or the local populace. Simultaneously, his mind was actively engaged in complex planning against formidable defenses, signifying his comprehensive and intelligent, albeit malicious, strategic vision. Crucially, all his impressive and disruptive endeavors, though seemingly unrestrained, are declared to be "for a time," a divine limitation reminding us that even the most formidable human tyrants operate strictly within God's sovereign timetable and plan. This serves as a timeless principle that all earthly powers are subordinate to God’s ultimate authority.