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.
Unlock Deeper Insights: Get Over 20 Commentaries with Plus! Subscribe Now
Daniel 11:12 In-Context
10 But his sons will stir up strife and assemble a great army, which will advance forcefully, sweeping through like a flood, and will again carry the battle as far as his fortress.
11 In a rage, the king of the South will march out to fight the king of the North, who will raise a large army, but it will be delivered into the hand of his enemy.
12 When the army is carried off, the king of the South will be proud in heart and will cast down tens of thousands, but he will not triumph.
13 For the king of the North will raise another army, larger than the first, and after some years he will advance with a great army and many supplies.
14 In those times many will rise up against the king of the South. Violent ones among your own people will exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision, but they will fail.
The Berean Bible and Majority Bible texts are officially placed into the public domain