Daniel 11:28 - Commentary

Verse: "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."

Introduction

Daniel 11:28 marks a significant point in the prophetic narrative concerning the conflicts between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms. This verse is a critical transition, revealing the intentions of a prominent ruler and foreshadowing the spiritual and political ramifications of his actions.

Contextual Overview

The preceding verses detail the conflicts between these two Hellenistic kingdoms, emphasizing the struggles for dominance in the region. The "he" refers to the king of the North, which most commentaries identify as Antiochus Epiphanes. This identification sets the stage for understanding the moral and prophetic implications of his actions.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry

Henry emphasizes that this verse illustrates the greed and ambition of kings who pursue material wealth at the expense of their moral responsibilities. Antiochus is depicted as someone whose motivations are driven by material gain:

• Riches and Ambition: His return with "great riches" suggests the successes of military campaigns and the spoils acquired; however, it speaks to a character lacking reverence for divine truths.
• Hostility Toward Divine Covenants: Henry notes that his heart being "against the holy covenant" illustrates the persistent conflict between secular power and spiritual integrity, a theme that resonates throughout Biblical history.

Albert Barnes

Barnes delves into the implications of Antiochus's actions on the Jewish people and their covenant with God. He reflects on the following key points:

• Spiritual Repercussions: Barnes argues that the antagonism shown by leaders like Antiochus reflects a broader spiritual warfare where earthly powers challenge heavenly authority.
• Exploits and Oppression: The term "exploits" is interpreted as the violent actions aimed against the Jews, highlighting the treaty violations and oppressive measures taken by Antiochus that led to significant suffering among the faithful.

Adam Clarke

Clarke provides an allegorical interpretation of this verse, addressing both historical and eschatological dimensions:

• Historical Fulfillment: He identifies the fulfillment of this prophecy within the context of history during the reign of Antiochus IV, reflecting on specific events that shaped the Jewish experience.
• Eschatological Application: Clarke sees potential extrapolations to future antichrist figures, drawing parallels to modern conflicts between secularism and faith, asserting that such trends may recur as history unfolds.

Theological Implications

This verse prompts significant theological contemplation:

• Moral Implications of Leadership: How does wealth acquisition affect leadership ethics, particularly in relation to divine mandates?
• The Nature of Spiritual Conflict: The ongoing theme of resistance against godliness in leadership reminds modern believers of their role in faith amidst adversity.
• Prophets and Their Context: Recognizing the historical context deepens our appreciation of how prophets like Daniel communicate God's sovereignty over nations and kingdoms.

Conclusion

Daniel 11:28 is rich with commentary that speaks to the historical realities of the time, yet resonates profoundly with contemporary spiritual battles. The lessons gleaned from Antiochus's actions and their implications beckon believers, scholars, and leaders to reflect on the sanctity of the holy covenant and the integrity required in the pursuit of power. In light of these reflections, Daniel’s prophetic vision serves as a reminder of God’s overarching sovereignty even amidst human ambition and opposition.