Daniel 11:20

KJV

Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes [in] the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall stand up {H5975} in his estate {H3653} a raiser {H5674} of taxes {H5065} in the glory {H1925} of the kingdom {H4438}: but within few {H259} days {H3117} he shall be destroyed {H7665}, neither in anger {H639}, nor in battle {H4421}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"In his place will arise one who will send a tax collector through the Glorious Kingdom; but within a few days, he will be broken, though neither in anger nor in battle.

Berean Standard Bible

In his place one will arise who will send out a tax collector for the glory of the kingdom; but within a few days he will be destroyed, though not in anger or in battle.

American Standard Version

Then shall stand up in his place one that shall cause an exactor to pass through the glory of the kingdom; but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:20 presents a precise prophetic glimpse into the reign of a king who would succeed Antiochus III, characterized primarily by his role as a "raiser of taxes" and an ignominious end. This verse, widely understood to refer to Seleucus IV Philopator, details his brief, financially driven rule and his unexpected demise, underscoring God's meticulous sovereignty over the rise and fall of earthly powers and the intricate unfolding of historical events according to His divine plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 unfolds as a highly detailed prophetic vision, often referred to as the "Apocalypse of History," which meticulously outlines the conflicts and successions among the Hellenistic empires, particularly the Ptolemaic (King of the South) and Seleucid (King of the North) dynasties. Verse 20 immediately follows the description of Antiochus III the Great (the "king of the North" in [Daniel 11:18-19](/daniel/11-18-19 "Daniel 11:18-19 - Antiochus III's Defeat")), whose military ambitions ultimately led to his defeat by the Romans and the imposition of a massive war indemnity. This verse, therefore, introduces his direct successor, whose primary challenge would be managing the financial burden inherited from his father's reign, setting the stage for the dramatic and oppressive reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, described in subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Scholars overwhelmingly identify the king in Daniel 11:20 as Seleucus IV Philopator, who reigned over the Seleucid Empire from 187 to 175 BC. His father, Antiochus III, had suffered a crushing defeat at the Battle of Magnesia (190 BC) against the Roman Republic, resulting in the Treaty of Apamea (188 BC). This treaty imposed a staggering indemnity of 15,000 talents of silver, payable over 12 years, and severe restrictions on the Seleucid military. Consequently, Seleucus IV's reign was dominated by the urgent need to raise this immense tribute. This financial burden led him to implement aggressive taxation policies throughout his empire, including the plundering of temple treasuries, a practice that would become even more pronounced under his successor. His death, by assassination at the hands of his chief minister Heliodorus, was indeed "neither in anger, nor in battle," reflecting the treacherous political climate of the Hellenistic courts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Daniel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human history, including the precise details of imperial successions and the fates of individual rulers. This echoes the broader message of [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") and [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God Rules the Kingdom of Men"), where God is declared the one who "removes kings and sets up kings." Another key theme is the **Fleeting Nature of Earthly Power and Glory**. Despite inheriting a "glory of the kingdom," Seleucus IV's reign was relatively short and ended ignominiously, highlighting the transience and ultimate vulnerability of worldly authority when compared to God's eternal dominion. The focus on "raising taxes" also subtly introduces the theme of **Oppression and Exploitation**, foreshadowing the greater tyranny to come under Antiochus IV, and implicitly contrasting such earthly rule with the just and righteous reign of God's Messiah.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **raiser of taxes (Hebrew, _nâgas_ H5065, _ʻâbar_ H5674):** The KJV phrase "a raiser of taxes" translates a Hebrew idiom. The primary root H5065 (_nâgas_) means "to drive," "to exact," "to oppress," or "to tax." It conveys the idea of a taskmaster or an exactor of tribute, highlighting the oppressive nature of his financial policies. H5674 (_ʻâbar_) means "to cross over" or "to pass over," and in this context, it contributes to the idiom of causing tribute to "pass over" into the royal treasury. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a ruler whose primary, and perhaps most defining, activity was the forceful collection of revenue, often through burdensome means.
* **glory (Hebrew, _heder_ H1925):** Derived from a root meaning "to honor," _heder_ signifies honor, splendor, or majesty. Here, it refers to the inherited prestige and magnificence of the Seleucid kingdom, which, despite its recent military setbacks and financial strain, still retained a reputation for power and grandeur. The phrase "in the glory of the kingdom" suggests that this king would ascend to a position of existing splendor, even if his own actions would be less glorious.
* **destroyed (Hebrew, _shâbar_ H7665):** This verb means "to burst," "to break," "to shatter," or "to crush." It implies a decisive and often violent end, not merely a natural death or a defeat in battle. The use of _shâbar_ perfectly captures the sudden, unexpected, and violent assassination of Seleucus IV, who was indeed "broken" or "shattered" by treachery rather than by open warfare or a public uprising.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes":** This clause introduces the successor to Antiochus III, emphasizing his ascension to the throne ("stand up in his estate"). The defining characteristic of his reign is immediately highlighted: he will be "a raiser of taxes," indicating that his rule will be largely preoccupied with financial exaction and tribute collection, a direct consequence of the heavy Roman indemnity imposed on his predecessor.
* **"[in] the glory of the kingdom":** Despite his primary focus on taxation, this king inherits a kingdom that still possesses considerable "glory" or splendor. This suggests that he ascends to a position of established power and prestige, even if his own reign will be marked more by fiscal administration than by military conquest or grand achievements.
* **"but within few days he shall be destroyed":** This segment prophesies the brevity and abrupt end of his reign. The phrase "within few days" (literally "in one day" or "in few days") denotes a short duration, and the passive verb "shall be destroyed" indicates a violent and decisive demise, not a natural death or a gradual decline.
* **"neither in anger, nor in battle.":** This final phrase specifies the unusual circumstances of his destruction. He will not fall due to a popular revolt driven by public "anger" or wrath, nor will he perish in the heat of a military "battle." This points to a more insidious end, such as an assassination or a conspiracy, which accurately reflects the historical account of Seleucus IV's death by his own minister.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:20 employs several potent literary devices. **Prophetic Foreshadowing** is the overarching device, as the verse precisely predicts the character and demise of Seleucus IV Philopator centuries before his birth. The description of him as "a raiser of taxes" serves as a form of **Metonymy**, where a defining characteristic (his fiscal policy) stands in for the entire person and his reign. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the phrase "in the glory of the kingdom," as the king who inherits such splendor is primarily remembered for his ignominious role as a tax collector and his inglorious end, rather than for military victories or grand achievements. The specific negation "neither in anger, nor in battle" serves as a form of **Negative Definition**, precisely delineating the manner of his death by excluding common causes, thereby heightening the mystery and pointing to a unique form of demise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly reinforces the biblical theme of God's meticulous sovereignty over all human affairs, even the seemingly mundane or ignoble details of pagan kings' reigns. It demonstrates that history is not a random sequence of events but an unfolding of God's predetermined plan, where every ruler, every policy, and every downfall serves His ultimate purposes. The brevity and ignominious end of this "raiser of taxes" highlight the transient nature of earthly power and the futility of placing ultimate trust in human systems or material wealth. God orchestrates the rise and fall of nations to prepare the way for His eternal kingdom, which will never be destroyed.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God is the Judge")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Hand of the Lord")
* [Isaiah 40:23-24](/isaiah/40-23-24 "Isaiah 40:23-24 - God Brings Princes to Nothing")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:20 offers a powerful lens through which to view contemporary events and our own lives. It reminds us that behind the headlines of political shifts, economic policies, and the rise and fall of leaders, there is a sovereign God meticulously working out His divine purposes. For believers, this should cultivate a deep sense of trust and peace, knowing that God is ultimately in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic or oppressive. It also challenges us to evaluate our own pursuits: are we, like the king described, primarily focused on accumulating earthly "glory" or resources, which are fleeting and subject to sudden destruction? Or are we investing in the eternal, seeking first God's kingdom and righteousness, knowing that true security and lasting glory are found only in Him? This passage calls us to look beyond the temporal and anchor our hope in the unshakeable kingdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed fulfillment of this prophecy strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty over history and current events?**
* **In what ways might we, like the "raiser of taxes," become overly focused on material gain or earthly security, and how can this passage challenge that perspective?**
* **What does the "neither in anger, nor in battle" aspect of the king's demise teach us about the unpredictable and often treacherous nature of worldly power?**

### FAQ

**Who is the "raiser of taxes" mentioned in Daniel 11:20?**

Answer: Scholars widely agree that the "raiser of taxes" in Daniel 11:20 refers to Seleucus IV Philopator, the son and successor of Antiochus III the Great. He ruled the Seleucid Empire from 187 BC to 175 BC. His reign was largely defined by the immense financial burden inherited from his father's defeat by the Romans, which necessitated aggressive taxation and tribute collection to pay off the war indemnity.

**What does "in the glory of the kingdom" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "in the glory of the kingdom" indicates that Seleucus IV ascended to a position of significant power and prestige, inheriting a vast and renowned empire. Despite the financial strain and recent military setbacks, the Seleucid kingdom still possessed considerable "glory" or splendor in the eyes of the world. His reign, though focused on taxation, was not one that began in obscurity but from a position of established imperial might.

**How was the king "destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle"?**

Answer: This phrase accurately describes the historical circumstances of Seleucus IV's death. He was not overthrown by a popular uprising ("in anger") nor did he die in military conflict ("in battle"). Instead, he was assassinated in 175 BC by his chief minister, Heliodorus. This specific detail in the prophecy highlights the treacherous political climate of the Hellenistic period and the unexpected, non-conventional nature of his demise. The precision of this prophecy further underscores the divine authorship of Daniel's visions, as seen in the detailed historical accuracy of [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - The King of the North and the King of the South").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Daniel 11:20, like all of Scripture, ultimately points to the Lord Jesus Christ, though not in a direct typological sense. The transient reign of the "raiser of taxes" and his ignominious end serve as a stark contrast to the eternal, unshakable kingdom of God established by Christ. While earthly kings, like Seleucus IV, are consumed by the fleeting concerns of taxation and power, Christ's mission was to establish a spiritual kingdom founded on righteousness and peace, not on earthly wealth or military might. The detailed prophecy of this king's rise and fall powerfully underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all human history, demonstrating that every earthly ruler, every empire, and every event is meticulously orchestrated to prepare the way for the coming of the ultimate King. Christ is the true and eternal King, whose kingdom "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")) and whose reign will not end in treachery or battle, but in glorious triumph over sin and death, as foretold in passages like [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord"). The failure and fleeting nature of earthly power, exemplified by the "raiser of taxes," magnify the enduring, perfect, and redemptive reign of Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 60:17

For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron: I will also make thy officers peace, and thine exactors righteousness.

Daniel 11:7

But out of a branch of her roots shall [one] stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:

Daniel 11:21

¶ And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

Deuteronomy 15:2

And this [is] the manner of the release: Every creditor that lendeth [ought] unto his neighbour shall release [it]; he shall not exact [it] of his neighbour, or of his brother; because it is called the LORD'S release.

Deuteronomy 15:3

Of a foreigner thou mayest exact [it again]: but [that] which is thine with thy brother thine hand shall release;

2 Kings 23:35

And Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh; but he taxed the land to give the money according to the commandment of Pharaoh: he exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, of every one according to his taxation, to give [it] unto Pharaohnechoh.

Proverbs 30:33

Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.