Daniel 11:24 - In time of security he will come even on the fattest places of the province. He will do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers’ fathers. He will scatter among them prey, plunder, and substance. Yes, he will devise his plans against the strongholds, even for a time.

Generated Verse: Daniel 11:24

What does "Daniel 11:24" mean?


This verse from Daniel 11:24 describes the actions of a king, likely a Seleucid king (part of the larger historical context of the chapter). Let's break it down:

"In time of security he will come even on the fattest places of the province." This suggests the king will take advantage of a time of peace and prosperity in a region, possibly Judea or another rich province within his kingdom. "Fattest places" refers to the wealthiest and most fertile areas, meaning he'll target the most valuable parts. He'll come suddenly and unexpectedly when the people feel safe and are not prepared for an attack.

"He will do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers’ fathers." This implies the king will employ a new and perhaps more aggressive or unconventional approach to ruling or expanding his power. He will act in a way that is unprecedented for his dynasty.

"He will scatter among them prey, plunder, and substance." This refers to distributing the spoils of war or conquest among his followers. He will take what he wants from the people of the prosperous area and share it with his own people. This could be to secure their loyalty or simply as a reward for their service.

"Yes, he will devise his plans against the strongholds, even for a time." This indicates the king will strategize and plan attacks against fortified cities or strongholds. "For a time" suggests this campaign might be a limited or calculated effort, possibly with a specific objective or duration. He will not only take from the weak but also attempt to overcome the strongest places in the province. "For a time" could also mean that this period of success is temporary and won't last indefinitely.

In context, this verse likely refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid ruler known for his oppression of the Jewish people. This verse describes the king's strategy of exploiting times of peace, distributing spoils, and planning attacks against fortified areas, all of which align with historical accounts of Antiochus IV's reign.

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