Daniel 11:24

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Context

Daniel 11 is renowned for its remarkably precise prophetic details concerning the succession of kingdoms and conflicts following the death of Alexander the Great, primarily focusing on the Ptolemaic dynasty (kings of the South) and the Seleucid dynasty (kings of the North).

Verse 24, in particular, describes the initial cunning and unconventional tactics of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king (175-164 BC). This prophecy highlights his unique approach to gaining power and wealth, distinguishing him from his predecessors, and setting the stage for his later notorious actions, including the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple.

Key Themes

  • Deceptive Acquisition of Power: The phrase "He shall enter peaceably" indicates that Antiochus would not initially rely on open military conquest but would employ subtle, diplomatic, or even treacherous means to gain control over "the fattest places of the province" – the most prosperous and fertile regions, likely referring to Egypt or other wealthy territories he coveted.
  • Unprecedented Tactics and Bribery: His actions, described as "that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers," highlight a departure from traditional royal strategies. He would "scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches," suggesting a tactic of distributing plunder or using wealth as a form of calculated generosity or bribery to win favor, secure loyalty, or pacify populations. This was a novel way to consolidate power.
  • Strategic Planning and Foresight: The prophecy states he would "forecast his devices against the strong holds." This emphasizes Antiochus's methodical and long-term strategic planning. He was not impulsive but carefully schemed to overcome fortified positions and establish his authority, a characteristic trait of his cunning nature, which would culminate in the events described in Daniel 11:31.
  • Divine Foreknowledge: The astonishing specificity of this prophecy underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human history, rulers, and kingdoms. It reinforces the biblical truth that God is in control, raising up and bringing down leaders according to His divine purpose, a theme consistently found throughout Daniel, such as in Daniel 2:21.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "fattest places" (Hebrew: mishmanne) literally means "fat" or "rich," signifying the most prosperous, fertile, and wealthy areas. This highlights Antiochus's target: regions of significant economic value.
  • "Scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches" (Hebrew: baz u-shalal u-rekhush) paints a picture of a ruler who, unusually for his time, used the spoils of war or accumulated wealth to gain political advantage by distributing it, rather than hoarding it. This generosity was a calculated move, not an act of benevolence.
  • "Forecast his devices" (Hebrew: chashev machashavot) conveys the idea of devising, planning, or scheming thoughts and intentions. It points to a deliberate, calculated, and often insidious nature behind his actions.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful insights for believers today. It reminds us that God's detailed foreknowledge extends to every human event, even the most intricate political maneuverings and the rise and fall of seemingly invincible rulers. This should foster a deep trust in God's ultimate control, even amidst chaos or deception in the world.

Furthermore, the prophecy serves as a cautionary tale against leaders who gain influence through deceptive "peaceable" means or by manipulating populations with promises of wealth or false generosity. It encourages discernment, urging us to look beyond superficial appearances and to understand the true motives behind actions. Believers are called to stand firm in truth and integrity, equipped with the full armor of God, against the cunning schemes of those who operate without divine guidance.

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 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.

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