Daniel 11:23

And after the league [made] with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.

And after the league {H2266} made with him he shall work {H6213} deceitfully {H4820}: for he shall come up {H5927}, and shall become strong {H6105} with a small {H4592} people {H1471}.

Alliances will be made with him, but he will undermine them by deceit. Then, although he will have but a small following, he will emerge and become strong.

After an alliance is made with him, he will act deceitfully; for he will rise to power with only a few people.

And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully; for he shall come up, and shall become strong, with a small people.

Daniel 11:23 (KJV) continues the highly detailed prophetic narrative concerning historical events, primarily focusing on the Hellenistic period following Alexander the Great's empire. This verse is widely understood by scholars to describe the rise and cunning tactics of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who reigned from 175-164 BC.

Context

Chapter 11 of Daniel is remarkable for its precise predictions of the conflicts between the "King of the North" (the Seleucid dynasty in Syria) and the "King of the South" (the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt). Verse 21 begins the specific prophecy concerning Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who is depicted as a contemptible person who seizes the kingdom through intrigue rather than legitimate succession. Verse 23 details how he consolidated his power.

Key Themes

  • Deception and Treachery: The phrase "he shall work deceitfully" is central to understanding the character described. Antiochus IV was known for his cunning and betrayal of treaties and alliances, using guile to achieve his objectives rather than direct military might alone. This theme of treachery is a recurring warning throughout scripture, as seen in Psalm 55:21, where smooth words hide war in the heart.
  • Rise from Small Beginnings: "He shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people" indicates that his initial power base or support was not significant. Antiochus IV was not the rightful heir to the Seleucid throne but gained control through political maneuvering and the support of a relatively small faction, gradually consolidating his power through cunning and force.
  • Prophetic Accuracy: This verse, like much of Daniel 11, highlights the extraordinary detail of biblical prophecy, demonstrating God's sovereign knowledge over future events and the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "deceitfully" is mirmah (מִרְמָה), which carries strong connotations of treachery, fraud, and guile. It implies actions taken with malicious intent to mislead or betray, emphasizing the calculated nature of the figure's rise to power.

Practical Application

Daniel 11:23 serves as a timeless reminder of the prevalence of deception in the world and the importance of discernment. It cautions against trusting alliances or individuals who operate with hidden agendas. While the immediate fulfillment was in Antiochus IV, the principles of cunning and betrayal resonate through history and remind believers to place their trust in God's unchanging character, rather than the shifting loyalties of human powers. The prophecy also underscores God's ultimate control, even over the most deceitful rulers, assuring us that His plans will prevail despite human treachery.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Daniel 8:25

    And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

  • Romans 1:29

    Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

  • Genesis 34:13

    And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor his father deceitfully, and said, because he had defiled Dinah their sister:

  • Ezekiel 17:13

    And hath taken of the king's seed, and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him: he hath also taken the mighty of the land:

  • Ezekiel 17:19

    Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; [As] I live, surely mine oath that he hath despised, and my covenant that he hath broken, even it will I recompense upon his own head.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:9

    [Even him], whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

  • Proverbs 11:18

    ¶ The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness [shall be] a sure reward.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back