And he shall return to his land with great wealth, but his heart shall be set against the holy covenant. And he shall work his will and return to his own land.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's often missed is that his "great riches" are directly tied to his "heart against the holy covenant." The text doesn't just say he got rich and then hated the covenant; it links them, implying his plunder of the covenant people is part of the wealth that fills him with pride and fuels his opposition. It highlights that exploitation and spiritual rebellion can become intertwined.
And he shall return to his land with great wealth, but his heart shall be set against the holy covenant. And he shall work his will and return to his own land.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh from plundering Egypt, Antiochus turns his attention towards Jerusalem. Hearing reports that the Jews rejoiced at his supposed death, and influenced by the high priest Menelaus, he resolves to punish them severely. He marches on Jerusalem, not only taking its spoils but desecrating its holy temple and slaughtering many of its inhabitants.
Kings often return from conquest with more than just territory. Sometimes, they bring back riches that inflate their ego and harden their hearts.
Daniel 11:28 opens with a powerful image: the king returns "with great riches." This isn't just about wealth gained in battle; it's about the spoils of war fueling his pride and ambition.
From Conquest to Cruelty
The Cycle of Violence
What does it mean for a king's heart to be 'against the holy covenant'? It wasn't just a political disagreement; it was a spiritual war.
The phrase "holy covenant" in this verse refers specifically to the covenant God made with Israel. It encompassed their identity as His chosen people, their laws, their worship, and their sacred space – the Temple.
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A Direct Assault on God's People
Symbolism of the Attack
When you hear the word 'exploits,' you might think of heroic deeds. But here, it describes something far more sinister.
The verse states that the king "shall do exploits, and return to his own land." The word "exploits" here doesn't signify bravery or noble acts; it refers to the wicked purposes and violent actions he would carry out.
Actions Driven by Malice
A Cycle of Action and Retreat
Understand the original words
berith · Hebrew Noun
A formal, solemn, and binding agreement between two parties, often involving promises and stipulations. In the Bible, it frequently refers to God's gracious relationship with His people, which demands fidelity and obedience.
This verse captures Antiochus IV Epiphanes' ruthless turning from his Egyptian campaign against the Jewish people and their sacred covenant, driven by a perceived betrayal and a desire for plunder.
c. 175 BC
Antiochus IV Epiphanes becomes King
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king, ascends to the throne, marking the beginning of his turbulent reign over the region, including Judea.
c. 170 BC
First Invasion of Egypt
Antiochus IV invades Egypt, seeking to expand his empire. He achieves considerable success and amasses significant wealth from his campaign.
c. 169 BC— this verse
Report of Antiochus' Death and Jerusalem Uprising
A false rumor spreads that Antiochus has died. Jason, the former High Priest, seizes this opportunity to attack Jerusalem, driving out his rival Menelaus.
c. 168 BC
Antiochus Returns and Sacks Jerusalem
Antiochus, enraged by the news from Jerusalem and suspecting a revolt, diverts his return from Egypt to brutally sack the city. He plunders the Temple, kills thousands, and enslaves many.
c. 167 BC
Desecration of the Temple Begins
Antiochus continues his oppression by sending troops to desecrate the Holy Temple, abolish daily sacrifices, and erect an 'abomination of desolation,' signaling the start of severe religious persecution.
This passage directly describes Antiochus plundering the temple and taking great riches on his return from Egypt, echoing Daniel's prophecy. It further details his arrogant actions and immense wealth seized.
This account elaborates on the violence and sacrilege Antiochus committed against Jerusalem and the Temple. It highlights his cruelty and deep-seated hatred for the 'holy covenant' and its people.
While about a different king, this passage powerfully describes the arrogance and pride of rulers who exalt themselves against God's people and His covenant. It captures the spirit of defiance seen in Daniel 11:28.
Romans 1:29-32This New Testament passage describes people who, despite knowing God, have hearts set against righteousness and practice wicked deeds. It serves as a parallel to the spiritual state of those described in Daniel who actively oppose God's ways.
barnesDaniel 11:28: "Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land."
Then shall he return into his land with great riches - Enriched with the spoils of Egypt. Having taken Memphis, and the fairest portions of Egypt, he would, of course, carry great wealth to his own country on his return. Thus it is said in 1 Macc. 1:19: "Thus they got the strong cities in the land of Egypt, and he took the…
jfbDaniel 11:28: "Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land."
- (1 Maccabees 1:19, 20, &c.).against the holy covenant—On his way back to Syria, he attacked Jerusalem, the metropolis of Jehovah's covenant-people, slew eighty thousand, took forty thousand prisoners, and sold forty thousand as slaves (2 Maccabees 5:5-14).he shall do exploits—He shall effect his purpose. Guided by Menel…
What's often missed is that his "great riches" are directly tied to his "heart against the holy covenant." The text doesn't just say he got rich and then hated the covenant; it links them, implying his plunder of the covenant people is part of the wealth that fills him with pride and fuels his opposition. It highlights that exploitation and spiritual rebellion can become intertwined.
Fresh from plundering Egypt, Antiochus turns his attention towards Jerusalem. Hearing reports that the Jews rejoiced at his supposed death, and influenced by the high priest Menelaus, he resolves to punish them severely. He marches on Jerusalem, not only taking its spoils but desecrating its holy temple and slaughtering many of its inhabitants.
Fresh from plundering Egypt, Antiochus turns his attention towards Jerusalem. Hearing reports that the Jews rejoiced at his supposed death, and influenced by the high priest Menelaus, he resolves to punish them severely. He marches on Jerusalem, not only taking its spoils but desecrating its holy temple and slaughtering many of its inhabitants.
"And he shall return to his land with great wealth, but his heart shall be set against the holy covenant. And he shall work his will and return to his own land." — What's often missed is that his "great riches" are directly tied to his "heart against the holy covenant." The text doesn't just say he got rich and then hated the covenant; it links them, implying h…
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Last reviewed October 2026