What is the meaning of Daniel 11:24? In a time of peace - Daniel notes, “In a time of peace, he will invade…”. The ruler comes when defenses are relaxed, echoing 1 Thessalonians 5:3 where sudden destruction follows claims of “peace and security.” - Peaceful entry also mirrors Daniel 11:21, where the same leader “will come in a time of tranquility and seize the kingdom by intrigue.” - God permits this lull so that the unsuspecting are tested, yet His sovereignty remains evident (Isaiah 45:7). He will invade the richest provinces - The target is “the richest provinces,” signaling calculated ambition, not random aggression. - Antiochus IV historically plundered Egypt’s fertile Delta and the wealthy cities of Israel; prophetically, it foreshadows the end-time ruler who will seize economic centers (Revelation 18:11-17). - Daniel 11:41-43 reinforces the tactic: he “will extend his power over many countries… and seize the treasures of gold and silver.” Do what his fathers and forefathers never did - The conquest style is unprecedented in his dynasty. Earlier Seleucid kings relied on conventional warfare; this man uses deception, treachery, and surprise. - Daniel 7:24 predicts a horn “different from the previous ones,” and Jesus later warns of unparalleled tribulation (Matthew 24:21). - Such novelty magnifies human pride while underscoring divine foreknowledge. He will lavish plunder, loot, and wealth on his followers - Wealth distribution buys loyalty—a time-tested but intensified strategy. • Daniel 11:39 repeats the pattern: “He will greatly honor those who acknowledge him… allotting them land for a price.” • Esther 3:11 shows a lesser example in Haman’s bribes; Revelation 17:2 portrays end-time kings enriched by the harlot city. - Followers become morally complicit, trading integrity for gain (Proverbs 15:27). He will plot against the strongholds - Beyond provinces, he sets sights on fortified places—military and spiritual bastions alike. - “Plot” signals covert operations: treaties broken, defenses infiltrated (Psalm 55:20-21). - Daniel 11:30-31 reveals the climax: defilement of the temple, an act Paul later calls “the man of lawlessness” sitting in God’s sanctuary (2 Thessalonians 2:4). But only for a time - God limits evil: “but only for a time.” • Daniel 7:25 speaks of “a time, times, and half a time.” • Revelation 13:5 grants the beast authority “for forty-two months.” - Divine restraint assures saints that oppression has an expiration date (Job 38:11; Psalm 75:2). summary Daniel 11:24 portrays a cunning ruler who exploits peace, seizes wealth, rewards collaborators, and schemes against fortresses—yet God confines his rampage to a set period. Historically fulfilled in Antiochus IV, it previews the final Antichrist, reminding believers that while evil may appear innovative and unstoppable, it remains under heaven’s strict timetable and will ultimately be brought to an end. |
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