Daniel Chapter 11 verse 12 Holy Bible

Pulpit Commentary

Pulpit CommentaryVerse 12. - And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands; but he shall not be strengthened by it. The rendering of the LXX. is, "And he shall take the levy (συναγωγήν), and his heart shall be lifted up, and he shall trouble many, and shall not be afraid." There seems to have been some difference of reading in the last clause, but it is not clear what. Theodotion renders the first clause as does the Septuagint; but the latter clause is more in accordance with the English version of the Massoretic text. The Peshitta from the same text differs in its interpretation, "And he shall destroy them mightily, and his heart shall be lifted up, and he shall cast down many, and shall not be strengthened." The Vulgate presents no occasion of remark. And he shall cast down many ten thousands. This, most probably, refers to the complete victory at Raphia, where Antiochus was reported to have lost ten thousand men. There is thus a repetition here of what has already been narrated. But he shall not be strengthened by it. It is very noticeable that Ptolemy did not even attempt to strengthen his position by vigorously following up his victory.

Ellicott's Commentary

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(12) And when he.--It is not clear whether "the multitude" or "the king" is subject of the sentence, or whether the verb "he hath taken away" is to be translated active or passive. The verse might mean, "And the multitude is lifted up--i.e., takes courage--and its heart is exalted," or, "when the multitude takes courage the king's heart is exalted." The English translation is most in accordance with the context, but the second rendering is preferred by many, according to which the king's courage and pride increase as he perceives the mightiness of his troops. The LXX. follow a different reading throughout the verse.And he shall cast down.--These words describe the victory of the southern king after he has taken the "multitude" of the northern king.But he shall not be strengthened--i.e., he does not prove so successful as he had hoped. His aim was to gain complete supremacy over his rival, but for reasons which are about to be stated he was unable to gain his object. Those interpreters who see a distinct reference to the wars of Ptolemy and Antiochus point out that though the loss of the Syrians was very great, yet Ptolemy did not follow up his success as he should have done. Instead of striking a decisive blow, he was content with regaining the towns which Antiochus had taken from him.