Daniel 11:28

KJV

Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart [shall be] against the holy covenant; and he shall do [exploits], and return to his own land.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then shall he return {H7725} into his land {H776} with great {H1419} riches {H7399}; and his heart {H3824} shall be against the holy {H6944} covenant {H1285}; and he shall do {H6213} exploits, and return {H7725} to his own land {H776}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the king of the north will return to his own land with great wealth; with his heart set against the holy covenant, he will take action and then return home.

Berean Standard Bible

The king of the North will return to his land with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant; so he will do damage and return to his own land.

American Standard Version

Then shall he return into his land with great substance; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do his pleasure, and return to his own land.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:28 continues the detailed prophetic vision concerning a powerful, malevolent ruler, historically identified as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the "king of the North." This verse describes his return from a successful military campaign, laden with plunder, but with a heart vehemently opposed to God's sacred covenant. His subsequent actions are characterized by destructive "exploits" against the people of God before he ultimately retreats to his own territory, setting a pattern of material gain coupled with spiritual antagonism.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is a remarkable chapter, providing one of the most detailed and extensive prophecies in the entire Bible, often referred to as "the most detailed prophecy in the Bible." It meticulously outlines the conflicts between the "king of the North" (Seleucid dynasty) and the "king of the South" (Ptolemaic dynasty) following the breakup of Alexander the Great's empire. Verses 21-27 specifically introduce and describe the rise of a "contemptible person" (Antiochus IV Epiphanes), highlighting his cunning, deceitful strategies, and initial military successes. Verse 28 serves as a pivotal point, marking his return from a campaign against Egypt (the South) with significant spoils, but also revealing his intensified hostility towards the Jewish people and their divine covenant, which sets the stage for the severe persecution detailed in the subsequent verses of [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - The King of the North and South").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Daniel 11:28 falls within the intertestamental period, a time of significant political and cultural upheaval for the Jewish people. Following Alexander's death, his empire was divided among his generals, leading to the establishment of the Seleucid kingdom in Syria and the Ptolemaic kingdom in Egypt. Jerusalem, located strategically between these two powers, frequently became a battleground and changed hands multiple times. Antiochus IV Epiphanes (reigned 175-164 BC) was a Seleucid king known for his ambition, erratic behavior, and fervent promotion of Hellenistic culture. His campaign against Egypt, from which he returns in this verse, was initially successful, but he was forced to withdraw by Roman intervention. Culturally, the Hellenization movement sought to integrate Greek language, philosophy, and customs throughout the empire, often clashing with the monotheistic and covenantal practices of the Jews. Antiochus's opposition to the "holy covenant" directly refers to his brutal attempts to suppress Judaism, desecrate the Jerusalem Temple, and force the adoption of Greek ways, leading to the Maccabean Revolt, a significant historical event detailed in [1 Maccabees](/1_maccabees/1 "1 Maccabees 1 - The Rise of Antiochus Epiphanes").

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in Daniel. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine sovereignty** over human history, demonstrating God's foreknowledge and control even over the actions of powerful, malevolent rulers. Secondly, it highlights the recurring theme of **persecution and opposition** against God's people and His covenant, a pattern seen throughout biblical history and culminating in end-times prophecies. The "great riches" contrasted with the "heart against the holy covenant" emphasizes the theme of **material prosperity coexisting with spiritual depravity**. Antiochus's actions foreshadow the ultimate conflict between worldly power and divine truth. Furthermore, the detailed nature of the prophecy reinforces the theme of **God's faithfulness to His promises**, even when His people face immense suffering, as seen in the broader narrative of [Daniel](/daniel/1 "The Book of Daniel - Prophecies and Deliverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From בָּרָה (in the sense of cutting, like בָּרָא); a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh); confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. In this context, it refers to the sacred agreement God established with Israel, particularly the Mosaic covenant, encompassing their laws, worship, and national identity. Antiochus's opposition to this covenant signifies his direct challenge to God's authority and His chosen people.
* **holy (Hebrew, _qôdesh'_):** From קָדַשׁ; a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity; consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. The addition of "holy" to "covenant" emphasizes its divine origin and sacred character, distinguishing it from mere human agreements. Antiochus's antagonism is not just against a people, but against that which God has set apart for Himself.
* **do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application; accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. While a broad term, in this context, coupled with his opposition to the covenant, "he shall do exploits" implies decisive, destructive, and oppressive actions specifically aimed at undermining the covenant and persecuting its adherents.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then shall he return into his land with great riches;":** This clause describes the immediate aftermath of a successful military campaign, likely referring to Antiochus IV Epiphanes' return from his second Egyptian campaign (around 168 BC). He is depicted as returning to his Seleucid territory (Syria) not in defeat, but with substantial wealth and plunder, indicating material success and power.
* **"and his heart [shall be] against the holy covenant;":** This is the theological crux of the verse. Despite his material gains, the ruler's inner disposition is one of deep-seated hostility towards God's sacred covenant with Israel. This is not mere political opposition but a profound spiritual antagonism, revealing a deliberate intention to undermine and destroy the unique relationship between God and His chosen people, as well as their religious practices and laws.
* **"and he shall do [exploits],":** This phrase indicates that his malicious intent will translate into concrete, impactful actions. The "exploits" are not commendable deeds but rather acts of oppression, desecration, and persecution against the Jewish people and their religious institutions, driven by his hatred for the holy covenant. These actions would include the desecration of the Temple and the suppression of Jewish worship.
* **"and return to his own land.":** This repetition of his return to his land emphasizes the cyclical nature of his campaigns and actions. It highlights his ultimate retreat from the scene of his "exploits," but only after having carried out his destructive agenda. This phrase also subtly points to the temporary nature of his reign and his ultimate limited sphere of influence despite his initial successes.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Irony** is present in the juxtaposition of "great riches" with a heart "against the holy covenant." The ruler gains material wealth but is spiritually impoverished and morally corrupt, using his power for destructive ends. **Repetition** of "return to his own land" at the beginning and end of the verse creates a literary frame, emphasizing the cyclical nature of his campaigns and his eventual withdrawal, yet also highlighting the persistence of his malevolent intent. The phrase "his heart [shall be] against the holy covenant" uses **Metonymy**, where "heart" represents his entire inner being, his will, and his deepest intentions, not just a physical organ. Furthermore, the entire description of Antiochus IV Epiphanes serves as a powerful **Type** or **Foreshadowing** of future, ultimate antagonists, particularly the Antichrist figure, who will also rise to power, oppose God's people, and attempt to desecrate that which is holy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:28 profoundly illustrates the ongoing spiritual conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of evil. It reveals that worldly power, even when accompanied by great material success, can be driven by a deep-seated antagonism toward divine truth and God's people. The "holy covenant" represents God's enduring relationship with humanity, first with Israel and then fulfilled in Christ. The opposition to this covenant, manifested in persecution and desecration, highlights the enemy's relentless desire to thwart God's redemptive plan. Yet, the prophetic nature of the passage also underscores God's perfect foreknowledge and ultimate sovereignty, assuring believers that even in the face of intense tribulation, His purposes will prevail, and His covenant will stand.

* [Daniel 8:23-25](/daniel/8-23-25 "Daniel 8:23-25 - The King of Fierce Countenance") - Describes a "king of fierce countenance" who rises in the latter time, also known for his cunning and destructive power against the holy people.
* [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4](/2_thessalonians/2-3-4 "2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 - The Man of Lawlessness") - Paul describes the "man of lawlessness" who will oppose and exalt himself against everything that is called God or is worshiped, taking his seat in the temple of God.
* [Revelation 13:5-7](/revelation/13-5-7 "Revelation 13:5-7 - The Beast from the Sea") - Depicts the beast being given a mouth to utter blasphemies against God and to make war on the saints and conquer them.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:28 serves as a powerful reminder that throughout history, and especially as the end times draw near, there will always be forces and individuals whose hearts are set "against the holy covenant." For believers today, this means cultivating spiritual discernment to recognize such opposition, whether it manifests in overt persecution, cultural pressures, or subtle ideological attacks on biblical truth. It calls us to a deeper commitment to the "holy covenant" we have in Christ, understanding that our allegiance to Him may bring us into conflict with the prevailing spirit of the age. This verse encourages us to remain steadfast, knowing that God is sovereign over all earthly rulers and their schemes. Our ultimate security is not in worldly riches or power, but in the unwavering faithfulness of God, who has established an eternal covenant through His Son. It challenges us to examine our own hearts: are we truly for the holy covenant, or are we, in subtle ways, allowing the world's values to erode our commitment to God's truth?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the contrast between "great riches" and a "heart against the holy covenant" challenge my own priorities and values?**
* **In what ways might the "holy covenant" (God's truth and His church) be opposed or undermined in my cultural context today?**
* **What does it mean for me to "do exploits" for God's kingdom, in contrast to the destructive exploits of the "king of the North"?**
* **How can I strengthen my resolve to remain faithful to God's covenant in a world that may be increasingly hostile to it?**

### FAQ
**Who is "he" in Daniel 11:28, and why is his heart against the holy covenant?**

Answer: "He" in Daniel 11:28 is widely understood by biblical scholars and historians to be Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who reigned from 175-164 BC. He is the "king of the North" in this section of Daniel's prophecy. His heart was "against the holy covenant" because he sought to unify his diverse empire under Hellenistic culture, which clashed directly with the distinct monotheistic practices and laws of the Jewish people. He viewed Jewish adherence to the Mosaic Law and Temple worship as a rebellious and divisive force. His opposition culminated in his infamous desecration of the Jerusalem Temple in 167 BC, where he sacrificed a pig on the altar and erected an altar to Zeus, an event often referred to as the "abomination of desolation" (foreshadowed in [Daniel 9:27](/daniel/9-27 "Daniel 9:27 - The Abomination of Desolation")).

**What is the significance of the "holy covenant" in this verse?**

Answer: The "holy covenant" refers to the special relationship and divine laws God established with Israel, primarily the Mosaic Covenant given at Mount Sinai. This covenant defined Israel's identity as God's chosen people, outlining their religious practices, moral code, and national purpose. Antiochus's antagonism towards it signifies his direct opposition to God's authority and His plan for humanity. It highlights that the conflict is not merely political or military but deeply spiritual, targeting the very foundation of God's relationship with His people. This opposition foreshadows future attempts by evil powers to undermine God's truth and His people, as seen in passages like [Revelation 12:17](/revelation/12-17 "Revelation 12:17 - The Dragon's War Against the Saints").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:28 finds its historical fulfillment in Antiochus IV Epiphanes, his actions and character serve as a profound type or foreshadowing of the ultimate antagonist, the Antichrist, whose spirit is already at work in the world ([1 John 4:3](/1_john/4-3 "1 John 4:3 - The Spirit of the Antichrist")). Just as Antiochus set his heart against the "holy covenant" of Israel, the Antichrist will oppose the new and better covenant established through Jesus Christ ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Better Covenant")). Christ Himself is the embodiment of the covenant, the ultimate "holy one" ([Acts 2:27](/acts/2-27 "Acts 2:27 - The Holy One of God")), and His sacrifice on the cross inaugurated a new covenant in His blood, offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")). The "exploits" of Antiochus, aimed at desecrating the Temple and persecuting God's people, find their ultimate parallel in the Antichrist's attempts to usurp divine authority and persecute the church, the spiritual temple of God ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Holy Temple in the Lord")). However, unlike Antiochus who eventually returned to his land, Christ's return will be one of ultimate triumph, to establish His eternal kingdom and utterly defeat all who oppose Him and His holy covenant ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, Daniel 11:28, though describing a historical oppressor, points us to the enduring conflict between good and evil, and ultimately, to the victorious reign of our Covenant-Keeper, Jesus Christ.

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 11:30

For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.

Daniel 11:32

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do [exploits].

Daniel 8:24

And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

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.

Acts 3:25

Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.