Daniel 11:26
Even those who eat his food shall break him. His army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This verse highlights a profound vulnerability: even those closest to a leader, sharing in their provisions and confidence, can become the very instruments of their downfall. It’s not just external enemies, but internal betrayal from those who were, in a sense, "eating from the king's own table," that brings about the defeat.
This verse describes a devastating defeat for the king of the South, hinting at betrayal from within his own trusted circle. His loyal attendants and those he fed from his own table will turn against him, leading to the collapse of his army and a great slaughter. This sets the stage for the invader to sweep through the land, highlighting the tragic consequence of treachery on a grand scale.
Have you ever been hurt by someone you trusted deeply? This verse points to a devastating kind of defeat, not from a powerful enemy, but from those closest to home.
The phrase 'they that eat his food' (or 'his meat', 'his delicacies') is a powerful idiom. It refers to those who were part of the king's inner circle, those who shared his table, his confidence, and likely his resources.
The Source of the Blow
When an army is described as 'overflowing,' it usually means overwhelming victory. But here, the same imagery signifies utter ruin. What's the twist?
The verse uses the imagery of an overflowing flood to describe the fate of the king's army. This isn't about the enemy's army overflowing, but rather the king's own army being swept away like water.
From Strength to Ruin
This verse speaks to the devastating reality of betrayal from those closest to a leader, where trusted advisors and inner circles become the very instruments of downfall.
c. 204-180 BC
Ptolemy V Philopator Reigns
The Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt is ruled by Ptolemy V Philopator, whose reign is marked by internal instability and external threats from the Seleucid Empire.
c. 180 BC
Ptolemy V Dies
Ptolemy V dies, leaving his young son Ptolemy VI Philometor as king, with his mother Cleopatra I ruling as regent.
c. 170 BC
Antiochus IV Invades Egypt
Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes invades Egypt, ostensibly to support his young nephew Ptolemy VI Philometor against his brother Ptolemy VIII.
c. 169 BC— this verse
First Invasion and Treachery
Antiochus IV defeats the Egyptian forces, with evidence suggesting betrayal from within Ptolemy VI's own court and army playing a significant role in the defeat.
c. 168 BC
This verse speaks of a close friend, someone who shared meals, betraying the psalmist, mirroring the betrayal by 'those who eat his food' in Daniel 11:26.
John 13:18Jesus quotes Psalm 41:9 when referring to Judas's betrayal, highlighting the profound pain and shock when those closest to a leader turn against them.
This passage describes Antiochus's conquest of Egypt, mentioning 'many fell wounded to death,' which parallels the widespread slaughter described in Daniel 11:26.
Jesus's statement, 'Friend, do what you came for,' to Judas after his betrayal underscores the devastating impact of treachery, even when anticipated by the victim.
Jeremiah 20:10Jeremiah describes being surrounded by enemies who are plotting his downfall, a situation that resonates with the sense of impending doom and betrayal felt by the king in Daniel 11:26.
ellicottDaniel 11:26: "Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain."
(26) They that feed.— The context points to treachery. The false companions of the southern king betray him to the enemy; he is broken, the hostile army pours in, and many are slain. This has been referred to the second campaign of Antiochus in Egypt; however, history is silent of any treachery against Physcon. St. Jerome remarks: “ Nostri secundum super…
jfbDaniel 11:26: "Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain."
- they that feed of … his meat—those from whom he might naturally have looked for help, his intimates and dependents (Ps 41:9; Joh 13:18); his ministers and guardians.his army shall overflow—Philometer's army shall be dissipated as water. The phrase is used of overflowing numbers, usually in a victorious sense, but here in the sense of defeat, the very…
This verse highlights a profound vulnerability: even those closest to a leader, sharing in their provisions and confidence, can become the very instruments of their downfall. It’s not just external enemies, but internal betrayal from those who were, in a sense, "eating from the king's own table," that brings about the defeat.
This verse describes a devastating defeat for the king of the South, hinting at betrayal from within his own trusted circle. His loyal attendants and those he fed from his own table will turn against him, leading to the collapse of his army and a great slaughter. This sets the stage for the invader to sweep through the land, highlighting the tragic consequence of treachery on a grand scale.
This verse describes a devastating defeat for the king of the South, hinting at betrayal from within his own trusted circle. His loyal attendants and those he fed from his own table will turn against him, leading to the collapse of his army and a great slaughter. This sets the stage for the invader to sweep through the land, highlighting the tragic consequence of treachery on a grand scale.
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Antiochus IV Captures Ptolemy VI
Antiochus IV captures Ptolemy VI Philometor and takes him to Alexandria, effectively controlling much of Egypt through his nephew.
c. 168 BC
Roman Intervention
The Roman Republic intervenes, forcing Antiochus IV to withdraw his troops from Egypt, thus preserving the kingdom from complete annexation.
"Even those who eat his food shall break him. His army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain." — This verse highlights a profound vulnerability: even those closest to a leader, sharing in their provisions and confidence, can become the very instruments of their downfall. It’s not just external e…
