This verse demonstrates that deceptive alliances and small beginnings can lead to significant influence in world affairs.
“After an alliance is made with him he will practice deception, and he will go up and gain power with a small force of people.” (Daniel 11:23). This verse describes a cunning ruler who emerges through political intrigue. In the broader context of Daniel 11, many scholars identify this figure with Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a king of the Seleucid Empire who reigned from around 175-164 BC. He operated out of the region of ancient Syria, an area north of Israel that once belonged to the Greek kingdoms after Alexander the Great’s empire fragmented. Though this particular verse does not appear by name in the attached commentaries, the historical accounts of Antiochus IV—who gained influence through devious strategies—align with Daniel’s portrayal of a leader who rises initially with few resources, but wields them to secure lasting power.
In this part of Daniel’s prophecy, “After an alliance is made with him he will practice deception” highlights the king’s habit of feigning trust or promising cooperation before turning to treachery in order to expand his influence. The Seleucid king’s rise was indeed marked by shifting pacts and betrayals, showing how human leaders can place ambition above honor. His “small force of people” underscores that size alone does not determine energy or success—rather, cunning and surprise can overwhelm even larger foes. Later in Daniel 11, this same ruler is described as oppressive toward God’s people, which parallels historical events such as the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem by Antiochus IV, referenced elsewhere in the book of Daniel (Daniel 11:31).
Because Daniel’s visions often look forward to times of both judgment and deliverance, this verse also foreshadows the themes of perseverance and faithfulness seen throughout Scripture. Even amid deceptive rulers, God’s sovereignty prevails, offering hope that ultimate power belongs to the Lord (Romans 8:28). Like other earthly tyrants, Antiochus IV came and went, while God’s plan endures.
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Daniel 11:23 meaning
“After an alliance is made with him he will practice deception, and he will go up and gain power with a small force of people.” (Daniel 11:23). This verse describes a cunning ruler who emerges through political intrigue. In the broader context of Daniel 11, many scholars identify this figure with Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a king of the Seleucid Empire who reigned from around 175-164 BC. He operated out of the region of ancient Syria, an area north of Israel that once belonged to the Greek kingdoms after Alexander the Great’s empire fragmented. Though this particular verse does not appear by name in the attached commentaries, the historical accounts of Antiochus IV—who gained influence through devious strategies—align with Daniel’s portrayal of a leader who rises initially with few resources, but wields them to secure lasting power.
In this part of Daniel’s prophecy, “After an alliance is made with him he will practice deception” highlights the king’s habit of feigning trust or promising cooperation before turning to treachery in order to expand his influence. The Seleucid king’s rise was indeed marked by shifting pacts and betrayals, showing how human leaders can place ambition above honor. His “small force of people” underscores that size alone does not determine energy or success—rather, cunning and surprise can overwhelm even larger foes. Later in Daniel 11, this same ruler is described as oppressive toward God’s people, which parallels historical events such as the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem by Antiochus IV, referenced elsewhere in the book of Daniel (Daniel 11:31).
Because Daniel’s visions often look forward to times of both judgment and deliverance, this verse also foreshadows the themes of perseverance and faithfulness seen throughout Scripture. Even amid deceptive rulers, God’s sovereignty prevails, offering hope that ultimate power belongs to the Lord (Romans 8:28). Like other earthly tyrants, Antiochus IV came and went, while God’s plan endures.