He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While it's easy to focus on the opposition, the verse highlights that those who "know their God" don't just resist; they "stand firm and take action." This "knowing" isn't mere intellectual assent, but a deep, active trust that empowers them to do remarkable deeds in the face of intense pressure.
He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse describes a sharp division within the Jewish people under persecution. While many will be enticed by the oppressor's deceptive promises and violate their covenant with God, a faithful remnant, those who truly know God, will resist with strength and courage, even performing remarkable deeds. This contrast sets the stage for the Maccabean revolt and highlights the ongoing struggle between faithfulness and compromise when facing external pressure.
Ever wonder why some people fall away from their faith, even when the pressure isn't that intense? This verse gives us a clue.
The verse describes a specific tactic used to lead people astray: 'flattery.' This isn't just about sweet words; it's about appealing to desires for comfort, status, or acceptance. Those who 'do wickedly against the covenant' are susceptible because they've already compromised their commitment to God's ways. The enemy uses these 'flatteries'—promises of favor, ease, or belonging—to deepen their apostasy and pull them further away from their covenant with God. It highlights how compromised hearts are easily led astray by deceptive appeals.
What does it truly mean to 'know God,' and why does it make you strong enough to stand against opposition?
In contrast to those who are seduced, the verse points to 'the people who know their God.' This 'knowing' is far deeper than intellectual assent. It implies a deep, experiential relationship, a saving acquaintance with God's character and faithfulness. Because they 'know' Him, they are not easily swayed by deception or threats. Their knowledge of God fuels their strength, enabling them to 'stand firm' and even 'take action.' This isn't passive endurance; it's an active, courageous resistance rooted in a profound trust in the One they know intimately.
Understand the original words
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berith · Hebrew Noun
A solemn, binding agreement or promise between God and His people, establishing a relationship defined by God's laws, promises, and mutual obligations.
yada · Hebrew Verb
Those who possess a true, experiential, and relational knowledge of God; it signifies more than intellectual understanding, implying trust, intimacy, and obedience.
This verse directly addresses the spiritual and physical conflict during the Maccabean period, where Hellenistic rulers attempted to corrupt Jewish faith through flattery and force, but a faithful remnant stood firm.
c. 175-164 BC
Antiochus IV Epiphanes Reigns
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, ruler of the Seleucid Empire, pursued aggressive Hellenization policies, seeking to impose Greek culture and religion on his subjects, including the Jews.
c. 170-167 BC
Antiochus Forbids Jewish Observances
Antiochus intensified his oppression, forbidding circumcision, Sabbath observance, and the study of the Law, aiming to eradicate Jewish identity. He also desecrated the Jerusalem Temple by setting up an altar to Zeus.
c. 167 BC— this verse
Mattathias Sparks the Maccabean Revolt
Mattathias, a Jewish priest, refused to sacrifice to pagan gods, killing a collaborator and a royal official. This act ignited the Maccabean Revolt against Antiochus's oppressive rule.
c. 166-160 BC
Maccabean Victories and Resistance
Judas Maccabeus, Mattathias's son, led a determined resistance, achieving significant military victories against larger Seleucid forces. They fought fiercely to preserve their religious practices and the covenant.
c. 164 BC
Temple Rededicated
The Maccabees successfully recaptured Jerusalem and rededicated the desecrated Temple, a pivotal moment celebrating their faithfulness and victory over Hellenistic oppression.
This passage directly parallels Daniel 11:32 by describing how many 'forsook the law' and committed evil in the land, directly illustrating the 'seduc[ing] with flattery' of those who 'violate the covenant.'
This account shows the 'people who know their God' refusing to compromise, with Eleazar choosing death by torture rather than violating the covenant, highlighting the 'stand firm and take action' aspect of Daniel's prophecy.
The author of Hebrews describes those who 'chose to be tortured, refusing to accept release,' which directly connects to the 'exploits' of those who stood firm in the face of persecution, as mentioned in Daniel 11:32.
1 Kings 19:18In a similar situation of widespread spiritual compromise, God tells Elijah, 'I have left seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed to Baal,' mirroring the idea of a faithful remnant that knows God and stands firm even when others fall away.
Nehemiah 8:10Ezra tells the people, 'the joy of the Lord is your strength,' echoing Daniel 11:32's promise that those who 'know their God shall be strong,' indicating that true knowledge of God is the source of resilience.
ellicottDaniel 11:32: "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits."
(32) Such as do wickedly. —In these verses are traced the effects of the apostasy upon the people of God. These persons have been already spoken of in Daniel 11:30 . They had begun with indifference to true religion, they have now become intolerant of it. Corrupt.—Literally, make profane. On the Hebrew notion of profanity, see Cheyn…
bensonDaniel 11:32: "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits."
Daniel 11:32 . Such as do wickedly shall he corrupt by flatteries — This is a declaration, that there would be many wicked persons who would be enticed to this idolatry by Antiochus’s persuasions. Jason and Menelaus, who were made high-priests by Antiochus for a sum of money, afterward became his instruments, and consented to the se…
While it's easy to focus on the opposition, the verse highlights that those who "know their God" don't just resist; they "stand firm and take action." This "knowing" isn't mere intellectual assent, but a deep, active trust that empowers them to do remarkable deeds in the face of intense pressure.
This verse describes a sharp division within the Jewish people under persecution. While many will be enticed by the oppressor's deceptive promises and violate their covenant with God, a faithful remnant, those who truly know God, will resist with strength and courage, even performing remarkable deeds. This contrast sets the stage for the Maccabean revolt and highlights the ongoing struggle between faithfulness and compromise when facing external pressure.
This verse describes a sharp division within the Jewish people under persecution. While many will be enticed by the oppressor's deceptive promises and violate their covenant with God, a faithful remnant, those who truly know God, will resist with strength and courage, even performing remarkable deeds. This contrast sets the stage for the Maccabean revolt and highlights the ongoing struggle between faithfulness and compromise when facing external pressure.
"He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action." — While it's easy to focus on the opposition, the verse highlights that those who "know their God" don't just resist; they "stand firm and take action." This "knowing" isn't mere intellectual assent, b…
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Last reviewed October 2026