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.

KJV (with Strong's)

He shall enter {H935} peaceably {H7962} even upon the fattest places {H4924} of the province {H4082}; and he shall do {H6213} that which his fathers {H1} have not done {H6213}, nor his fathers {H1}' fathers {H1}; he shall scatter {H967} among them the prey {H961}, and spoil {H7998}, and riches {H7399}: yea, and he shall forecast {H2803} his devices {H4284} against the strong holds {H4013}, even for a time {H6256}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Without warning, he will assail the most powerful men in each province and do things his predecessors never did, either recently or in the distant past; he will reward them with plunder, spoil and wealth while devising plots against their strongholds, but only for a time.

Berean Standard Bible

In a time of peace, he will invade the richest provinces and do what his fathers and forefathers never did. He will lavish plunder, loot, and wealth on his followers, and he will plot against the strongholds—but only for a time.

American Standard Version

In time of security shall he come 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 prey, and spoil, and substance: yea, he shall devise his devices against the strongholds, even for a time.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:24 offers a remarkably precise prophecy detailing the cunning and unprecedented tactics of a future ruler, widely understood to be Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This verse describes his method of gaining control and wealth not through conventional military conquest, but by entering "peaceably" into prosperous regions, employing novel strategies of distributing plunder and riches, and meticulously planning his schemes against fortified positions for a set period. It highlights a departure from ancestral methods, emphasizing his unique blend of diplomacy, bribery, and strategic foresight in consolidating power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is a prophetic chapter of unparalleled detail, often referred to as the "most detailed prophecy in the Bible." It meticulously outlines the geopolitical landscape and conflicts that would arise following the death of Alexander the Great, primarily focusing on the Ptolemaic (Kings of the South) and Seleucid (Kings of the North) dynasties. Verses 21-35 specifically zero in on the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king whose reign (175-164 BC) was marked by extreme cruelty, particularly towards the Jewish people. Verse 24 serves as a crucial introduction to his character and initial modus operandi, setting the stage for his later, more direct and brutal assaults on Jerusalem and the Temple, culminating in the "abomination that makes desolate" described in [Daniel 11:31](/daniel/11-31 "Daniel 11:31 - The Abomination of Desolation"). The verse immediately precedes descriptions of his military campaigns and his escalating persecution of God's people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Daniel 11:24 is the Hellenistic period, following Alexander the Great's death in 323 BC, which led to the division of his vast empire among his generals (the Diadochi). The Seleucid Empire, headquartered in Syria, and the Ptolemaic Kingdom, based in Egypt, were the dominant powers that frequently clashed over control of Judea, which lay strategically between them. Antiochus IV Epiphanes inherited a kingdom in financial straits and sought to expand his influence and wealth. His predecessors typically relied on direct military campaigns or established diplomatic protocols. However, Antiochus, known for his erratic and often deceptive behavior, adopted innovative and unconventional methods. His "peaceable" entry and distribution of spoils were a stark contrast to the typical siege and plunder, reflecting a calculated political strategy rather than a sudden, impulsive act of generosity.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 11:24 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, demonstrating God's absolute control over human history and the rise and fall of empires, even foretelling the precise tactics of individual rulers centuries in advance, as also seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Deceptive Power and Worldly Wisdom**, illustrating how ungodly rulers employ cunning, manipulation, and false promises ("peaceably") to achieve their ends, contrasting sharply with the righteous governance God desires. This foreshadows the ultimate deception of the "little horn" or "man of lawlessness" in later biblical prophecy. Thirdly, it touches upon the **Persecution of God's People**, as Antiochus's initial deceptive maneuvers would eventually lead to severe oppression against the Jews, a recurring motif throughout Daniel and other prophetic books, emphasizing the endurance of the faithful amidst tribulation, as exemplified by the steadfastness of Daniel and his friends in [Daniel 3](/daniel/3 "Daniel 3 - The Fiery Furnace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Fattest places (Hebrew, _mashmân'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "fat," signifies prosperity, fertility, and wealth. In this context, it refers to the most fertile and economically valuable regions of a province, likely indicating Antiochus's target for acquisition—areas rich in resources or tribute. It suggests not just physical land but the abundance and resources it yields.
* **Forecast (Hebrew, _châshab'_):** This primitive root means "to plait or interpenetrate," expanding to "to weave," "to fabricate," and figuratively, "to plot or contrive." While it can mean to think or regard, in this context, especially with "devices," it strongly implies malicious intent, careful scheming, and deliberate planning. It speaks to a calculated, insidious nature behind his actions.
* **Strong holds (Hebrew, _mibtsâr'_):** From a root meaning "to cut off" or "to fortify," this word refers to a fortification, castle, or fortified city. Figuratively, it can also mean a defender. Here, it denotes militarily significant and well-defended positions that Antiochus meticulously planned to overcome, not necessarily by direct assault but by strategic "devices."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province;":** This clause describes Antiochus's initial approach. Rather than a conventional military invasion, he gains access and influence over the most prosperous and fertile regions ("fattest places") of a province through non-aggressive, perhaps diplomatic or deceptive, means ("peaceably"). This suggests a subtle infiltration or a strategic alliance that belies his true intentions.
* **"and he shall do [that] which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers;":** This highlights the unprecedented nature of his tactics. Antiochus's methods deviate significantly from the traditional strategies employed by his royal predecessors. This emphasizes his unique, innovative, and often unscrupulous approach to power and wealth acquisition, setting him apart from the established norms of his dynasty.
* **"he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches:":** This reveals one of his novel methods: the distribution of plunder, war spoils, or accumulated wealth. Instead of hoarding these resources, he uses them as a calculated tool—perhaps as a form of bribery, a display of generosity to win favor, or a means to pacify populations—to consolidate his power and influence. This was a highly unusual tactic for a king of his era.
* **"[yea], and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time.":** This final clause underscores his strategic foresight and meticulous planning. Antiochus would carefully "forecast his devices" (devise his schemes or plans) against fortified positions ("strong holds"). This indicates a long-term, calculated approach to overcoming resistance and securing strategic locations, rather than impulsive action. The phrase "even for a time" suggests a predetermined duration for these strategic maneuvers or a period of his reign during which these tactics would be prominent.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:24 employs several significant literary devices to convey its prophetic message. The phrase "He shall enter **peaceably**" creates a powerful **Irony**, as the subsequent actions of scattering "prey, and spoil, and riches" and forecasting "devices against the strong holds" reveal a sinister, manipulative intent beneath the veneer of peace. This highlights the deceptive nature of the ruler. The declaration that he "shall do [that] which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers" employs **Hyperbole** to emphasize the unprecedented and shocking nature of his tactics, setting him apart from historical norms and underscoring his unique cunning. The detailed description of his actions, from entering "fattest places" to scattering "prey" and devising plans against "strong holds," functions as **Foreshadowing**, painting a clear picture of the character and methods of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose later actions would be even more overtly hostile and destructive, particularly towards God's people. The specific details also contribute to the **Verisimilitude** of the prophecy, making it feel historically grounded and precise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:24 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous foreknowledge and sovereign control over human history, even down to the specific, unconventional tactics of a pagan king. It reveals that no human scheme, however cunning or unprecedented, falls outside the purview of divine oversight. This prophecy serves as a powerful reminder that worldly power, often acquired through deceptive means and self-serving strategies, stands in stark contrast to God's righteous governance. It underscores the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the ultimate futility of human efforts to establish lasting power apart from God's will. The scattering of "prey, and spoil, and riches" highlights the manipulative use of material wealth to gain influence, a timeless temptation that seeks to buy loyalty or pacify opposition, rather than building genuine relationships based on truth and justice.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of the Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:30](/proverbs/21-30 "Proverbs 21:30 - No Wisdom, No Understanding, No Counsel Can Avail Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:24 offers profound insights for believers navigating a world often characterized by political intrigue, deceptive leadership, and the pursuit of power through unrighteous means. Firstly, it calls us to a deep and abiding trust in God's sovereignty. If God can foretell the specific and peculiar tactics of an ancient king centuries before his birth, then surely He is in control of all current events, no matter how chaotic or unpredictable they may seem. This should engender peace and confidence, freeing us from anxiety about worldly affairs and the machinations of human leaders. Secondly, the prophecy serves as a powerful call to discernment. The "peaceable" entry and the scattering of "prey, and spoil, and riches" highlight how deceptive appearances and calculated generosity can mask sinister intentions. Believers are exhorted to look beyond superficial promises and attractive facades, to critically evaluate the motives and character of those in power, and to test all things against the unchanging truth of God's Word. We are called to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, standing firm in integrity and truth, and not being swayed by the allure of worldly gain or deceptive peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed nature of this prophecy strengthen your faith in God's ultimate control over history and current events?**
* **In what ways might "peaceable" entries or the "scattering of prey, and spoil, and riches" manifest in contemporary political or social contexts? How can we discern true benevolence from calculated manipulation?**
* **What specific "strong holds" (spiritual, emotional, or societal) might we need to "forecast our devices" against, not with worldly cunning, but with divine wisdom and prayer?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of Antiochus IV Epiphanes's tactics being described as "that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers"?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the unprecedented and unique nature of Antiochus IV Epiphanes's strategies for gaining power and wealth. Unlike his predecessors, who typically relied on direct military conquest or established diplomatic norms, Antiochus employed a novel blend of deceptive "peaceable" entry, calculated generosity (distributing spoils and riches), and meticulous, often insidious, planning against fortified positions. This highlights his cunning and unpredictable character, setting him apart as a particularly devious ruler in the prophetic narrative. It underscores that his methods were a radical departure from traditional royal conduct, making his actions even more remarkable as a fulfillment of prophecy.

**How does Daniel 11:24 relate to the broader theme of God's foreknowledge in the Bible?**

Answer: Daniel 11:24 is a prime example of God's absolute and detailed foreknowledge, a theme prevalent throughout the book of Daniel and the Bible. It demonstrates that God is not merely aware of the future, but He orchestrates and permits events, even the intricate schemes of human rulers, to unfold according to His divine purpose. This level of specificity, predicting tactics centuries before they occurred, serves as powerful evidence of God's sovereignty over all history, assuring believers that His plans cannot be thwarted by human will or worldly power. It reinforces the truth that God declares "the end from the beginning" ([Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - Declaring the End from the Beginning")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:24 describes a worldly ruler who gains power through deception, manipulation, and the distribution of ill-gotten gains, it subtly points to the profound contrast with the true King, Jesus Christ. Antiochus Epiphanes entered "peaceably" only to plunder and oppress, but Jesus, the Prince of Peace, entered Jerusalem humbly on a donkey, bringing genuine peace and salvation, not through cunning devices but through sacrificial love ([Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Your King Comes to You, Righteous and Having Salvation") and [Matthew 21:5](/matthew/21-5 "Matthew 21:5 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry")). Unlike Antiochus, who scattered "prey, and spoil, and riches" to gain control, Jesus "gave his life as a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")), freely bestowing spiritual riches, forgiveness, and eternal life upon those who believe, without any self-serving agenda. The "strong holds" that Antiochus schemed against were physical fortifications, but Christ's mission was to dismantle the spiritual "strongholds" of sin, death, and the devil that enslave humanity ([2 Corinthians 10:4-5](/2_corinthians/10-4-5 "2 Corinthians 10:4-5 - Pulling Down Strongholds")). Ultimately, the temporary reign and deceptive tactics of Antiochus foreshadow the fleeting nature of all earthly power, contrasting sharply with the eternal, righteous, and truly peaceful reign of Christ, whose kingdom is "not of this world" ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")) and whose victory is secured not by human cunning, but by divine power and perfect love.

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

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

Proverbs 17:8

¶ A gift [is as] a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it: whithersoever it turneth, it prospereth.

Ezekiel 38:10

Thus saith the Lord GOD; It shall also come to pass, [that] at the same time shall things come into thy mind, and thou shalt think an evil thought:

Proverbs 23:7

For as he thinketh in his heart, so [is] he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart [is] not with thee.

Proverbs 19:6

¶ Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man [is] a friend to him that giveth gifts.

Judges 9:4

And they gave him threescore and ten [pieces] of silver out of the house of Baalberith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him.

Nehemiah 9:25

And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.