Daniel 11:26

KJV

Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, they that feed {H398} of the portion of his meat {H6598} shall destroy {H7665} him, and his army {H2428} shall overflow {H7857}: and many {H7227} shall fall {H5307} down slain {H2491}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes, those who shared his food will destroy him; his army will be swept away; and many will fall in the slaughter.

Berean Standard Bible

Those who eat from his provisions will seek to destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall slain.

American Standard Version

Yea, they that eat of his dainties shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow; and many shall fall down slain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:26, embedded within a highly detailed prophetic chapter, foretells a significant downfall for a powerful ruler, widely interpreted as Antiochus IV Epiphanes. It vividly describes how those who were once his trusted associates or beneficiaries will contribute to his destruction, while his military forces will be utterly overwhelmed and suffer immense casualties, highlighting the devastating impact of internal betrayal combined with external military defeat.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11:26 is situated within the longest continuous prophecy in the Bible, Daniel 11, which meticulously details the conflicts between the "King of the North" (the Seleucid dynasty) and the "King of the South" (the Ptolemaic dynasty) following the death of Alexander the Great. This chapter is renowned for its historical accuracy, leading up to the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a key persecutor of the Jewish people and a foreshadowing figure of the antichrist. Verse 26 specifically describes a critical turning point in the fortunes of this "King of the North," likely referring to setbacks or a significant defeat he experienced, possibly during or after his second Egyptian campaign, where internal dissent and external military pressure began to erode his power, setting the stage for later events in the chapter concerning his actions against Jerusalem and the Temple.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period covered by Daniel 11 (roughly 300-164 BCE) was characterized by intense geopolitical struggle between the Hellenistic empires. Judea, located strategically between Egypt and Syria, often became a battleground or a prize in these conflicts. Antiochus IV Epiphanes, ruling the Seleucid Empire from 175-164 BCE, was a particularly aggressive and tyrannical monarch. The phrase "they that feed of the portion of his meat" reflects ancient Near Eastern court customs, where sharing food with a ruler signified loyalty, dependence, and intimate association, making betrayal from such individuals particularly heinous and impactful. Military "overflowing" was a common metaphor for a devastating rout or overwhelming defeat, signifying a complete loss of control and widespread casualties in battle.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 11:26 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Human History**, demonstrating that even the most powerful earthly rulers and empires are ultimately subject to God's overarching plan and judgment, a truth consistently revealed throughout [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of Empires") and [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts"). The verse also highlights the theme of **Consequences of Pride and Wickedness**, as rulers who defy God and oppress His people inevitably face downfall, echoing the humbling of Nebuchadnezzar in [Daniel 4](/daniel/4 "Daniel 4 - Nebuchadnezzar's Humbling"). Furthermore, it underscores the destructive power of **Internal Betrayal and External Defeat**, revealing how disloyalty from within can be as devastating as military force from without. The detailed nature of the prophecy itself reinforces the theme of **God's Foreknowledge and Revelation**, providing assurance to God's people that He is in control, even amidst severe persecution, as promised in [Daniel 12:1-3](/daniel/12-1-3 "Daniel 12:1-3 - The Resurrection and Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **feed (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** (H398) A primitive root meaning "to eat," literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies partaking of sustenance, implying dependence and shared provisions. This denotes those who are beneficiaries or members of the ruler's inner circle, whose very existence is tied to his bounty.
* **destroy (Hebrew, _shâbar'_):** (H7665) A primitive root meaning "to burst," "to break," or "to crush." It suggests a violent and complete shattering or ruination. Here, it indicates a thorough undoing or active subversion of the ruler by those who were once close to him.
* **overflow (Hebrew, _shâṭaph'_):** (H7857) A primitive root meaning "to gush" or "to inundate." By implication, it means to be swept away, overwhelmed, or conquered. It vividly describes a military rout or complete defeat, where forces are inundated and scattered like a flood.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him,"**: This clause vividly depicts internal treachery. "They that feed of the portion of his meat" is an ancient idiom referring to those who share the ruler's table, are dependent on his provisions, or are part of his inner circle—his trusted advisors, courtiers, or even family members. Their action to "destroy him" signifies active betrayal, conspiracy, or actions that directly lead to his downfall, underscoring that the most dangerous threats can emerge from within one's own camp.
* **"and his army shall overflow:"**: This phrase describes a catastrophic military defeat. "Overflow" suggests being inundated, swept away, or utterly routed, akin to a flood. It implies a complete and overwhelming defeat of the ruler's military forces, signifying a profound loss of military power, control, and prestige.
* **"and many shall fall down slain."**: This final clause details the grim consequences of the military catastrophe. "Many" (Hebrew, `rab`) indicates a large number, and "fall down slain" (Hebrew, `nâphal` and `châlâl`) paints a stark picture of widespread casualties on the battlefield, emphasizing the devastating human cost and the totality of the defeat.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Irony** is powerfully present in the phrase "they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him," as those who are beneficiaries and seemingly loyal are revealed as the very agents of destruction. This highlights the unexpected and often devastating nature of betrayal from within. **Metaphor** and **Imagery** are utilized in "his army shall overflow," creating a vivid mental picture of an army being swept away like a flood, emphasizing the totality and overwhelming nature of the defeat. The phrase "many shall fall down slain" uses **Pathos** through its stark and direct depiction of death, underscoring the immense human cost of the conflict. The overall tone is one of **Prophetic Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the inevitable decline and judgment of the tyrannical ruler, a recurring motif in apocalyptic literature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:26 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that pride and unchecked power often lead to self-destruction, particularly when compounded by internal corruption and external opposition. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, demonstrating that even the most formidable rulers and empires are ultimately subject to His divine plan. The betrayal from within highlights the transient nature of human loyalty and the inherent vulnerability of power built on anything other than righteousness. This verse serves as a stark reminder that God uses various means, including human treachery and military defeat, to bring about His purposes and to judge those who oppose His will or oppress His people, ultimately revealing His control over all of history.

* [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Precedes Destruction")
* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kings")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:26, while rooted in ancient prophecy, offers profound lessons for contemporary life. It serves as a potent reminder of the fragility of human power and the destructive nature of internal disloyalty. In our own lives, whether in families, communities, or organizations, trust is a foundational element. When that trust is broken from within, the consequences can be devastating, leading to the "destruction" or "overflowing" of relationships and endeavors. This verse encourages us to cultivate environments of loyalty, integrity, and genuine support, recognizing that true strength comes not from external might alone, but from the health of internal relationships. It also calls us to discern the true nature of alliances and to be mindful that even those who seem to benefit from our "meat" can harbor intentions that lead to our undoing. Ultimately, it directs our gaze to the unwavering sovereignty of God, who remains faithful even when human loyalties fail, reminding us that our ultimate security rests in Him alone, not in the shifting sands of human power dynamics or the fleeting nature of human allegiance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "betrayal from within" resonate with your own experiences or observations in personal, professional, or communal settings?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the true sources of security and stability, both for individuals and for nations, in a world where power is often transient?**
* **In what ways does God demonstrate His sovereignty over human leaders and historical events, even through their failures, betrayals, and the chaos of war?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "him" referred to in Daniel 11:26?**

Answer: While Daniel 11 describes a long line of kings, the consensus among many biblical scholars is that the "him" in Daniel 11:26, and much of the surrounding context (verses 21-35), refers to [Antiochus IV Epiphanes](/daniel/8-23 "Daniel 8:23 - Antiochus Epiphanes as the 'Fierce King'"). He was a Seleucid king (King of the North) who reigned from 175-164 BCE, known for his cunning, his attempts to Hellenize Judea, and his brutal persecution of the Jews, which ultimately led to the Maccabean Revolt. The verse likely describes a significant setback or a point in his reign where he suffered internal dissent and military losses, possibly during or after his second Egyptian campaign, that began to undermine his power and set the stage for his eventual decline.

**What does "they that feed of the portion of his meat" mean?**

Answer: This is an ancient Near Eastern idiom signifying those who are beneficiaries, dependents, or close associates of the ruler. Sharing "meat" (food or provisions) from a ruler's table indicated a position of trust, favor, and dependence. Therefore, the phrase refers to individuals within his inner circle—his courtiers, officials, or even family members—who, despite their privileged position and reliance on him, would turn against him and contribute to his downfall. This highlights the profound theme of internal betrayal as a significant factor in the ruler's destruction, a concept also powerfully illustrated in [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Close Friend"), where David laments being betrayed by one who ate his bread.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:26 vividly describes the downfall of an earthly king through internal betrayal and military defeat, it ultimately points to the profound and redemptive contrast found in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Earthly rulers, even the most powerful, are vulnerable to the shifting sands of human loyalty and the destructive forces of war. However, Jesus Christ, the true King of kings, faced betrayal not as a sign of weakness leading to His destruction, but as a deliberate and essential part of God's sovereign plan for salvation. He was betrayed by [Judas Iscariot](/john/13-21 "John 13:21 - Jesus Predicts Judas's Betrayal"), one who literally "fed of the portion of His meat" as a disciple, yet this act did not lead to Christ's ultimate undoing but to His [ultimate triumph over sin and death](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers") through the cross and resurrection. Unlike earthly armies that "overflow" in defeat, Christ's kingdom is not of this world, and His victory is secured not by military might but by His sacrificial love and resurrection power, as declared in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World"). He is the King whose reign is eternal, whose kingdom "shall never be destroyed" ([Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom")), and whose followers are called to unwavering loyalty, not betrayal. The "many who fall down slain" in Daniel 11:26 stand in stark contrast to the "multitude that no one could count" ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - The Multitude Before the Throne")) who are redeemed and eternally secured by the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who conquered death and now reigns forevermore, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Eternal Life")).

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 11:10

But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and [one] shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, [even] to his fortress.

Daniel 11:22

And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

Mark 14:20

And he answered and said unto them, [It is] one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

Daniel 11:40

And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

2 Kings 10:6

Then he wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If ye [be] mine, and [if] ye will hearken unto my voice, take ye the heads of the men your master's sons, and come to me to Jezreel by to morrow this time. Now the king's sons, [being] seventy persons, [were] with the great men of the city, which brought them up.

2 Kings 10:9

And it came to pass in the morning, that he went out, and stood, and said to all the people, Ye [be] righteous: behold, I conspired against my master, and slew him: but who slew all these?

Psalms 41:9

Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up [his] heel against me.