Daniel 11:28 – “The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action against it and then return to his own country.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Daniel 11:28 describes the actions of the king of the North as he returns home with the spoils of his campaigns. Despite his material success, his heart is hostile toward the “holy covenant,” a term that likely refers to God’s people and their faith. His actions are characterized by opposition to the covenant, suggesting that his wealth and power have emboldened him to act against the worship of the true God.
This verse highlights the king’s arrogance and rebellion against God. It shows how success and wealth can lead to pride and hostility toward the things of God, rather than fostering humility and gratitude.
Historical Context
This verse is often linked to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid ruler who waged war against Egypt and returned to his kingdom with great wealth. Upon his return, Antiochus turned his hostility toward the Jewish people and their faith, taking aggressive actions against the temple and their religious practices.
Antiochus is infamous for his attempts to suppress Jewish worship, including desecrating the temple in Jerusalem and imposing Greek customs on the people. These actions fulfilled the prophecy that his heart would be set against the holy covenant.
Theological Implications
Daniel 11:28 illustrates the corrupting influence of power and wealth when they are not submitted to God’s authority. The king’s success did not lead to humility or righteousness but to rebellion against God and His people. This serves as a warning against allowing material success to harden one’s heart toward God.
The verse also emphasizes the enduring nature of God’s covenant with His people. While the king acted against the covenant, he could not destroy it, as God’s promises are unbreakable.
Literary Analysis
The verse juxtaposes the king’s outward success with his inner rebellion, highlighting the emptiness of material wealth when it is accompanied by spiritual corruption. The phrase “his heart will be set against the holy covenant” underscores his deliberate and persistent opposition to God’s purposes.
This verse fits into the broader narrative of Daniel 11, which chronicles the rise and fall of human kingdoms and their opposition to God’s eternal plan.
Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 2:1-3: “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed.”
- Proverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
- Isaiah 40:8: “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, Daniel 11:28 serves as a warning against letting material success or worldly power turn one’s heart away from God. It challenges believers to remain faithful to God’s covenant and to guard against the pride and rebellion that often accompany success.
This verse also encourages Christians to trust in God’s promises, even when faced with opposition or hostility. Just as God’s covenant with His people remained unbroken despite the king’s actions, His promises to believers are secure and eternal.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse reflects God’s love in His protection of the holy covenant. Despite the king’s actions, God’s commitment to His people remains steadfast, showing His faithfulness and care.
God’s love is also evident in His sovereignty. Even as human rulers rebel against Him, their actions cannot thwart His purposes or diminish His promises to His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Daniel 11:28 contrasts the king’s hostility toward the holy covenant with Jesus’ fulfillment of the new covenant. While the king sought to destroy God’s covenant, Jesus came to establish a better covenant through His sacrifice (Hebrews 9:15).
Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection provide the ultimate assurance of God’s faithfulness. Unlike earthly rulers who act out of pride and rebellion, Jesus demonstrated humility and obedience, offering salvation to all who trust in Him (Philippians 2:6-8).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse challenge you to examine your heart when it comes to material success or power?
- What does this passage teach you about the enduring nature of God’s covenant and promises?
- How can you remain faithful to God’s purposes when faced with opposition or hostility?
- In what ways does Jesus’ fulfillment of the new covenant provide hope and assurance in your life?
- How can you guard against pride and rebellion in your own relationship with God?