Daniel 11:12

12 When the army is carried off, he will become confident. He will kill tens of thousands, but he will not stand strong.

Daniel 11:12 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 12 And when he hath taken away the multitude
That is, when Ptolemy king of Egypt had defeated the large army of Antiochus, killed great numbers of them, and taken many: his heart shall be lifted up;
with pride, through the victory he obtained; and so he gave himself up to sensuality and luxury, judging himself now safe and secure in the possession of his kingdom: or, this may refer to his insolence, when he entered into Judea, went to Jerusalem, and forced his way into the holiest of all to offer sacrifice upon his victory; of which see third Maccabees chapter one: and he shall cast down many ten thousands;
or "many thousands", as the Vulgate Latin version; or rather "ten thousand" ^F13, either of the Jews, when he went into their country; or of the army of Antiochus the king of the north, as Jacchiades: and it may be rendered, "though he shall cast down many thousands" ^F14; that is, cast them down to the earth, slay them, as he did, even ten thousand of them, the number here mentioned: yet he shall not be strengthened by it;
for Antiochus escaped out of his hands, nor did he pursue his victory, and take all the advantages of it, as he might have done; for, as the historian ^F15 says, had he added valour to his fortune, he might have spoiled Antiochus of his kingdom; but, content with the recovery of the cities he lost, made peace, and greedily took the advantage of ease, and rolled himself in luxury, uncleanness, and intemperance.

---

FOOTNOTES:

F13 (twabr) "decem millia", Pagninus, Montanus, so Ben Melech.
F14 (lyphw) "etiamsi dejiciet", Gejerus; "quamvis prostraverit", Michaelis.
F15 Justin, l. 30. c. 1.

Daniel 11:12 In-Context

10 His sons will get ready for war, gathering massive forces. Their attack will be like an overwhelming flood. And they will attack again, taking the battle as far as his walled fortress.

11 “The southern king, in a bitter rage, will come out to battle the northern king. He will muster a huge army, but the army will be handed over to his enemy.

12 When the army is carried off, he will become confident. He will kill tens of thousands, but he will not stand strong.

13 The northern king will then muster another army—this one bigger than the first. After some years have passed, he will attack with a large and well-equipped army.

14 In those times, many will oppose the southern king. Violent persons from among your people also will rise up to support the vision, but they will fail.