And as for the two kings, their hearts shall be bent on doing evil. They shall speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for the end is yet to be at the time appointed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights a chilling intimacy: two kings plotting evil while sharing a meal, speaking deceit. It's not just about political maneuvering, but the profound betrayal that can happen when trust is absent even in close quarters. Their schemes are ultimately futile because God's timing, not their own ambition, dictates the true outcome.
And as for the two kings, their hearts shall be bent on doing evil. They shall speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for the end is yet to be at the time appointed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The narrative describes a moment of apparent alliance between two rival kings, Antiochus of Syria and Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt. Despite dining together and speaking as if in friendship, both are secretly plotting against each other, driven by selfish ambition and deceit. However, their schemes will ultimately fail, as God's appointed time for their plans to come to fruition, or for their downfall, has not yet arrived.
When kings meet 'at one table,' you'd expect trust. But here, it's a breeding ground for deceit. What does this tell us about human ambition?
Daniel 11:27 vividly paints a picture of two kings, likely Antiochus Epiphanes and Ptolemy Philometor, sharing a meal and speaking lies.
Outward Peace, Inward War
This scenario highlights how even close proximity and shared moments can be filled with hidden agendas when hearts are set on 'doing mischief.'
Despite their elaborate lies and schemes, the verse declares their plans 'shall not prosper.' Why does God intervene, or perhaps, not intervene, in human plotting?
The immediate failure of the kings' plots isn't random; it points to a higher authority at work.
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The Limits of Human Schemes
This reminds us that our efforts, even when filled with good intentions, are ultimately subject to God's perfect timing and sovereign will.
Understand the original words
qets · Hebrew Noun
The conclusion or final goal of a series of events; often used in prophecy to refer to the ultimate realization of God's sovereign plan for history and the consummation of the age.
mo'ed · Hebrew Noun
A specific, fixed point in time determined by God's sovereign decree. It signifies that history is not accidental but is unfolding according to a divine schedule.
ra'ah · Hebrew Noun
The moral state of being morally corrupt, harmful, or contrary to the will of God. It characterizes the actions and thoughts of those who reject divine righteousness.
kazab · Hebrew Noun
Intentional untruths spoken to deceive. In Scripture, lying is fundamentally contrary to the nature of God, who is Truth, and is a hallmark of the fallen human heart.
The verse captures the deceptive political maneuvering between Antiochus IV Epiphanes and his nephew Ptolemy VI Philometor. While they outwardly appeared allied, both harbored treacherous intentions, a dynamic fueled by the larger struggle for control of Egypt and the ever-present influence of Rome.
196 BC
Antiochus III Invades Egypt
Antiochus III the Great, king of the Seleucid Empire, invades Egypt amidst a succession crisis, ostensibly to protect his nephew Ptolemy V Philometor's throne. He defeats the Egyptian forces and takes control of much of the country.
193 BC
Marriage Alliance Proposed
As part of a political settlement, Antiochus arranges for his daughter Cleopatra to marry Ptolemy V Philometor. This alliance is intended to solidify Antiochus's influence over Egypt.
185 BC
Ptolemy V Philometor Dies
Ptolemy V Philometor dies, leaving his young son Ptolemy VI Philometor as king. His death creates renewed instability and opportunities for foreign intervention.
170 BC— this verse
Antiochus IV Epiphanes Invades Egypt
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, son of Antiochus III, invades Egypt. He initially supports his nephew, Ptolemy VI Philometor, against Ptolemy VIII Physcon, but his true aim is to annex Egypt.
c. 168 BC
Roman Intervention and Humiliation
The Roman Republic intervenes decisively, forcing Antiochus IV to withdraw from Egypt. This event marks a significant shift in power, demonstrating Rome's dominance in the region.
This psalm describes how Israel repeatedly deceived God with their words and actions, mirroring the deceitful pacts made by the kings in Daniel, showing that dishonesty ultimately fails to impress God.
Proverbs 12:22This verse directly states that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, providing a strong ethical counterpoint to the deceptive dealings of the kings, highlighting God's disapproval of such behavior.
Isaiah 46:10This passage emphasizes God's sovereign control over history and His ability to bring about His plans, which directly supports Daniel 11:27's assertion that human schemes will not prosper because the end is set by divine appointment.
Jeremiah 17:9The verse's description of the heart being deceitful above all things resonates with the kings' inner intentions to 'do mischief,' illustrating the pervasive nature of human sinfulness that leads to such treacherous plots.
Matthew 6:24Jesus' teaching that one cannot serve both God and money speaks to the divided loyalties and ultimate self-interest driving the kings' actions, showing how a heart set on earthly gain compromises integrity.
ellicottDaniel 11:27: "And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed."
(27) Both these kings.— The two rival kings are here described as living upon terms of outward friendship, while each is inwardly trying to outwit the other. The context is opposed to any reference to the combination of Antiochus and Philometor against Physcon (see Livy, xlv. 11; Polyb. xxix. 8). The object of the…
barnesDaniel 11:27: "And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed."
And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief - Margin, "their hearts." The meaning is, that their hearts were set on some evil or unjust purpose. The reference here is, evidently, to Antiochus and Ptolemy Philometor, and the time alluded to is when Ptolemy was in the possession of Antiochus, and when they…
This verse highlights a chilling intimacy: two kings plotting evil while sharing a meal, speaking deceit. It's not just about political maneuvering, but the profound betrayal that can happen when trust is absent even in close quarters. Their schemes are ultimately futile because God's timing, not their own ambition, dictates the true outcome.
The narrative describes a moment of apparent alliance between two rival kings, Antiochus of Syria and Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt. Despite dining together and speaking as if in friendship, both are secretly plotting against each other, driven by selfish ambition and deceit. However, their schemes will ultimately fail, as God's appointed time for their plans to come to fruition, or for their downfall, has not yet arrived.
The narrative describes a moment of apparent alliance between two rival kings, Antiochus of Syria and Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt. Despite dining together and speaking as if in friendship, both are secretly plotting against each other, driven by selfish ambition and deceit. However, their schemes will ultimately fail, as God's appointed time for their plans to come to fruition, or for their downfall, has not yet arrived.
"And as for the two kings, their hearts shall be bent on doing evil. They shall speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for the end is yet to be at the time appointed." — This verse highlights a chilling intimacy: two kings plotting evil while sharing a meal, speaking deceit. It's not just about political maneuvering, but the profound betrayal that can happen when tru…
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Last reviewed October 2026