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.
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}.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
Daniel 11:28 continues the prophetic description of a powerful ruler, often historically identified as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, known as the "king of the North" in this extensive chapter of Daniel's prophecy.
Context
This verse follows a series of detailed prophecies concerning the conflicts between the Ptolemaic kings of Egypt (King of the South) and the Seleucid kings of Syria (King of the North). Daniel 11:21-27 describes the rise and cunning strategies of a "contemptible person" who gains power through deceit and intrigue. Verse 28 specifically details his return from a campaign, loaded with spoils, but with a heart set against God's chosen people and their sacred covenant.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrase for "holy covenant" is bĕrît qōdeš (בְּרִית קֹדֶשׁ), emphasizing its sacred nature and divine origin. This covenant refers to the special relationship and laws God established with Israel, particularly the Mosaic Law and the practices centered around the Temple. The term "exploits" (ma'aseh) can mean deeds or works, but in this context, coupled with his opposition to the covenant, it carries a negative connotation, implying destructive or oppressive actions.
Related Scriptures
The historical fulfillment in Antiochus Epiphanes serves as a powerful type for future antagonists, including the ultimate "man of sin" or Antichrist, who will also oppose God's covenant and persecute His people. This prophetic pattern reminds believers that throughout history, there will be powers hostile to God's truth and His church. As believers, we are called to remain faithful to God's new covenant in Christ even in the face of opposition.
The repeated phrase "return to his own land" at the end of the verse emphasizes the cyclical nature of his campaigns and his ultimate retreat, but not before executing his malicious intent. This pattern of a powerful oppressor acting against God's people is a recurring theme in prophetic literature, offering both a warning and a call to spiritual vigilance.