Antiochus’s brief success and subsequent opposition foreshadow the reality that those who trust in God’s promises must remain faithful despite any temporary threats posed by oppressive regimes.
“Then he will return to his land with much plunder; but his heart will be set against the holy covenant, and he will take action and return to his own land.” (v.28) In this verse, the prophet Daniel speaks of a king who, after gaining a victory and gathering many spoils, journeys back to his own country. Historically, interpreters often identify this ruler as Antiochus IV Epiphanes (215 - 164 BC), who governed the Seleucid Empire in the second century BC. After campaigning in Egypt, he returned through the land of Israel bearing great wealth, yet he carried hostility toward the Jewish people and their holy laws. His actions eventually led to the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem, a severe affront to the Jewish faith.
Daniel’s mention that “his heart will be set against the holy covenant” signifies the king’s deliberate opposition to God’s fellowship with His people. Antiochus, fueled by pride and political interests, sought to undermine the worship practices of the Jews. This was not merely a military act but a spiritual affront that struck at the heart of God’s covenant community. The term “holy covenant” here refers to the special relationship God established with Israel, demanding fidelity and genuine worship, which Antiochus attempted to eradicate through forced assimilation and persecution.
Spiritually, this verse reminds believers that earthly powers often rise and fall, sometimes opposing God’s ways. In the New Testament, Jesus warned that His followers would face tribulation (John 16:33), yet they are called to persevere in faith. Just as Antiochus attempted to thwart worship of the true God, many believers throughout history have confronted similar pressures. The underlying message is to remain steadfast in the covenant relationship with the Lord, trusting that God’s sovereign hand ultimately prevails over any ruler’s hostility.
Set to dark mode
Daniel 11:28 meaning
“Then he will return to his land with much plunder; but his heart will be set against the holy covenant, and he will take action and return to his own land.” (v.28) In this verse, the prophet Daniel speaks of a king who, after gaining a victory and gathering many spoils, journeys back to his own country. Historically, interpreters often identify this ruler as Antiochus IV Epiphanes (215 - 164 BC), who governed the Seleucid Empire in the second century BC. After campaigning in Egypt, he returned through the land of Israel bearing great wealth, yet he carried hostility toward the Jewish people and their holy laws. His actions eventually led to the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem, a severe affront to the Jewish faith.
Daniel’s mention that “his heart will be set against the holy covenant” signifies the king’s deliberate opposition to God’s fellowship with His people. Antiochus, fueled by pride and political interests, sought to undermine the worship practices of the Jews. This was not merely a military act but a spiritual affront that struck at the heart of God’s covenant community. The term “holy covenant” here refers to the special relationship God established with Israel, demanding fidelity and genuine worship, which Antiochus attempted to eradicate through forced assimilation and persecution.
Spiritually, this verse reminds believers that earthly powers often rise and fall, sometimes opposing God’s ways. In the New Testament, Jesus warned that His followers would face tribulation (John 16:33), yet they are called to persevere in faith. Just as Antiochus attempted to thwart worship of the true God, many believers throughout history have confronted similar pressures. The underlying message is to remain steadfast in the covenant relationship with the Lord, trusting that God’s sovereign hand ultimately prevails over any ruler’s hostility.