Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Daniel 11:41
He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many [countries] shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, [even] Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
41. the beauteous land ] the land of Israel, as Dan 11:16.
shall be overthrown ] lit. shall stumble ( Dan 11:14 ; Dan 11:19 ; Dan 11:33 ; Dan 11:35), i.e. be ruined: cf., for the expression, Isa 3:8 ‘Jerusalem hath stumbled ’ (A.V., R.V., is ruined). The word for ‘many’ is fem.: hence ‘countries’ must be understood from Dan 11:40, though it is, of course, their inhabitants who are really meant. Bevan, Behrmann, Marti, Kamph., and Prince (with the change of a point) read ‘ tens of thousands shall be overthrown’ (cf. Dan 11:12).
Some countries will, however, escape; in particular, three of Israel’s ancient foes, of whom at least Edom and the Ammonites shewed hostility against the Jews at this time (cf. 1Ma 4:61 ; 1Ma 5:1-8 ). Jason, the renegade high-priest, twice found an asylum with the Ammonites ( 2Ma 4:26 ; 2Ma 5:7 ).
escape ] be delivered (R.V.). ( Escape is needed for a different Heb. word in Dan 11:42.)
the chief of, &c.] i.e. the principal part of them. Cf., for the word, Num 24:20; Jer 49:35; Amo 6:1.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
He shall enter also into the glorious land – Margin, land of delight, or ornament, or goodly land. The Hebrew is, land of ornament; that is, of beauty, to wit, Palestine, or the holy land. The same word is used in Dan 11:16. See the note at that place. As to the fact that he would invade that land, see the notes at Dan 11:28, Dan 11:31-33.
And many countries shall be overthrown – The word countries here is supplied by the translators. The Hebrew word raboth may denote many things, and might refer to cities, dwellings, institutions, etc. The meaning is, that he would produce wide devastation, which was true of Antiochus, when, either personally or by his generals, he invaded the land of Palestine. See the notes above.
But these shall escape out of his hand … – Intent on his work in Palestine, and having enough there to occupy his attention, the neighboring lands of Edom, Moab, and Ammon shall not be molested by him. The wrath of Antiochus was particularly against the Jews, and it is not a little remarkable that no mention is made of his invading these adjacent countries. The route which he pursued was to Egypt, along the shores of the Mediterranean, and though he turned from his course to wreak his vengeance on the Jews, yet it does not appear that he carried his arms farther from the main line of his march. Antiochus was principally engaged with the Egyptians and the Romans; he was also engaged with the Jews, for Palestine had been the battlefield – the main place and object of contention between the king of Syria and the king of Egypt. Moab, and Edom, and Ammon were comparatively remote from the scene of conflict, and were left unmolested. It would seem most probable, also, that these nations were friendly to Antiochus, and were in alliance with him, or at least it is certain that they were hostile to the Jews, which, for the purposes of Antiochus, amounted to the same thing. Judas Maccabeus is represented as engaged with them in war, and consequently they must have either been in alliance with Antiochus, or in some other way promoting his interests. See 1 Macc. 4:61; 5:3, 6-9. These countries were, therefore, in fact, secure from the invasions of Antiochus, and so far the prophecy was literally fulfilled. It may be added
(a), that no occurrence since that time has taken place to which the prophecy can with propriety be applied; and
(b), that no natural sagacity could have foreseen this, and that, therefore, if the prediction was uttered before the days of Antiochus, it must have been the result of Divine inspiration.
As to the former of these remarks (a), if anyone is desirous of seeing how forced and unnatural must be any attempt to apply this to any other times than those of Antiochus, he has only to consult Bishop Newton on the Prophecies (pp. 311-313), who explains it as referring to the Ottoman empire, and to the fact that though the Turks have been able to take Jerusalem, they have never been able to subdue the Arabians, the Moabites, or the Ammonites. Aleppo, Damascus, and Gaza, says he, were forced to submit, but these other places escaped out of the hands of the Turks. As to the other remark (b), if one, writing after the events, had intended to give a brief and striking view of what Antiochus did, he could not find better language to express it than to say in the words of the passage before us, He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. But it is clear that there is no natural sagacity by which this could be foreseen. There was nothing in the character of those nations, or in the nature of the case, which would lead one to anticipate it – for the presumption would be, that if a desolating war were waged on Palestine by a cruel conqueror, his ravages would be extended to the neighboring countries also.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 41. He shall enter also into the glorious land] Entirely subdue Judea.
And many countries shall be overthrown] Aleppo, Damascus, Gaza, and many other cities were forced to submit to them; and they hold them still.
But these shalt escape – Edom and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.] These and other Arabians they have never been able to subdue. They still occupy the deserts; and receive a yearly pension of forty thousand crowns of gold from the Ottoman emperors, to permit the caravans, with the pilgrims for Mecca, to have a free passage.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
When the Turk should subdue Judea, those people of Edom, Moab, and Ammon shall be left, because all along to this day these Arabians live partly by robberies, and partly by Turkish salaries to secure their caravans; these shall live, and not be overthrown by Mahometans.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
41. Antiochus, according toPORPHYRY, marching againstPtolemy, though he turned from his course to wreak his wrath on theJews, did not meddle with Edom, Moab, and Ammon on the side of Judea.In 1 Maccabees 4:61; 5:3; &c., it is stated that he usedtheir help in crushing the Jews, of whom they were the ancientenemies. Compare Isa 11:14, asto Israel’s future retribution, just as the Maccabees made war onthem as the friends of Antiochus (1 Maccabees 5:1-68).Antitypically, the Turks under Selim entered Jerusalem on their wayto Egypt, and retain “the glorious land” of Palestine tothis day. But they never could conquer the Arabs, who are akin toEdom, Moab, and Ammon (Ge 16:12).So in the case of the final Antichrist.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
He shall enter also into the glorious land,…. The land of Israel, as the Syriac version expresses it; or the land of Judea, which the Turk entered into, and got possession of, and still retains, notwithstanding all the attempts made by the European princes to get it out of his hand:
and many countries shall be overthrown; of which the eastern empire listed as Bithynia, Mysia, Lycaonia, Phrygia, and Carlo, and to the Hellesport and the Euxine sea, conquered by Ottoman and his son Urchenes; Callipolis, Hadrianople, by Amurath; Thessalia, Macedonia, Phocis, Mysia, and Bulgaria, by Bajazet; and at last Constantinople itself by Mahomet the second, which put an end to the eastern empire: though perhaps those countries and places may be here more especially meant which lay near Judea, and fell into the hands of the Turk when that did; as Comagene of Syria, Antioch, Damascus, Tripolis, Berytus, Sidon, and all Palestine, and all the sea coast to Egypt:
but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon; by which according to Jerom is meant Arabia, left untouched by him; so Mr. Mede interprets them of Arabia and Petraea, which some of the above people formerly inhabited, as Jacchiades observes; and which Arabians were never subdued by the Turks, but are independent of them to this day; yea, the Turks pay a yearly tribute to them for the passage of their pilgrims to Mecca, as well as pay for the canyons that pass through their country, as is affirmed z by modern travellers; and yet it may be observed that these countries did not escape Antiochus, who particularly took Rabbath, the metropolis of Ammon.
z See Dr. Newton’s Dissertations on the Prophecies. p. 53, 54, &c.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
The land of Judea is called the pleasant or desirable land, because God thought it worthy of his peculiar favor. He chose it for his dwelling-place, called it his resting-place, and caused his blessing to remain in it. In this verse also, regions are treated, and not merely cities, as the regions of Edom and of Moab. After the angel had briefly predicted the occurrence of the most grievous wars with the Romans, he now adds what he had briefly commenced in the last verse, — namely their becoming conquerors of all nations. They shall come, he says, into the desirable land This is the reason why the angel prophesies of the Roman empire, for he was not sent to explain to Daniel the history of the whole world, but to retain the faithful in their allegiance, and to persuade them under the most harassing convulsions to remain under the protection and guardianship of God. For this reason he states, — they shall come into the desirable land This would be a dreadful temptation, and might overthrow all feelings of piety, as the Jews would be harassed on all sides, first by the Syrians and then by the Egyptians. And we know with what cruelty Antiochus endeavored not only to oppress but utterly to blot out the whole nation. Neither the Syrians nor the Egyptians spared them. The Romans came almost from the other side of the globe; at first they made an alliance with these states, and then entered Judea as enemies. Who would have supposed that region under God’s protection, when it was so exposed to all attacks of robbery and oppression? Hence it was necessary to admonish the faithful not to fall away through this utter confusion.
They shall come, then, into the desirable land, and many regions shall fall; meaning, no hope should remain for the Jews after the arrival of the Romans, as victory was already prepared to their hand. The angel’s setting before the faithful this material for despair was not likely to induce confidence and comfort, but. as they were aware of these divine predictions, they knew also that the remedy was prepared by the same God who had admonished them by means of the angel. It was in his power to save his Church from a hundred deaths. This prophecy became an inestimable treasury, inspiring the faithful with the hope of the promised deliverance. The angel will afterwards add the promise intended to support and strengthen and revive their drooping spirits. But he here announces that God’s aid should not immediately appear, because he would give the Romans full permission to exercise a cruel sway, tyranny, and robbery, throughout the whole of Asia and the East. He says, The lands of Edom, Moab, and a portion of Ammon should escape from their slaughter This trial would in no slight degree affect the minds of the pious: What does he mean? He suffers the land that he promised should be at rest, to be now seized and laid waste by its enemies! The land of Moab is at peace and enjoys the greatest tranquillity, and the condition of the sons of Ammon is prosperous! We should here bear in mind what the prophets say of these lands: Esau was banished into the rugged mountains, and God assigned to the Moabites a territory beyond the borders of the land of blessings. (Mal 1:3.) The Jews alone had any peculiar right and privilege to claim that territory in which the Lord had promised them perfect repose. Now, when Judea is laid waste and their foes according to their pleasure not only seize upon everything valuable in the city and the country, but seem to have a special permission to ravage the land at their will, what could the Jews conjecture? The angel therefore meets this objection, and alleviates these feelings of anxiety to which the faithful could be subject from such slaughters. He states that the territories of Edom and Moab, and of the children of Ammon, should be tranquil and safe from those calamities. By the expression, to the beginning of the children of Ammon, he most probably refers to that, retreat whence the Ammonites originated. For doubtless the Romans would not have spared the Ammonites unless they had been concealed among the mountains, for every district in the neighborhood of Judea was subject to the same distress. Those who interpret this passage of Antichrist, suppose safety to be extended only to that portion of the faithful who shall escape from the world and take refuge in the deserts. But there is no reason in this opinion, and it is sufficient to retain the sense already proposed as the genuine one. He afterwards adds, The Romans should send their army into the land, and even in the land of Egypt, they should not escape The angel without doubt here treats of the numerous victories which the Romans should obtain in a short time. They carried on war with Mithridates for a long period, and then Asia was almost lost; but they soon afterwards began to extend their power, first over all Asia Minor, and then over Syria; Armenia was next added to their sway, and Egypt after that: meanwhile this was but a moderate addition, till at length they ruled over the Persians, and thus their power became formidable. Wherefore this prophet was fulfilled by their extending their power over many regions, and by the land of Egypt becoming a portion of their booty It follows:
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(41) The glorious land.See Dan. 11:16. On the occasion of his hasty march against Egypt, while passing through Palestine, the king takes the shortest route, avoiding the three tribes which had been distinguished by their hostility towards the people of Israel. It is remarkable that these nations (two of which appear as figures of Antichrist, Isa. 25:10; Isa. 63:1) should escape, while other nations fell before Antichrist. It is also noteworthy that these three tribes are called nations, for after the return from the exile it appears that they ceased to have any distinct national existence. As tribes they had some considerable power, taking the part of Antiochus in the Maccabee wars. (See 1Ma. 3:10; 1Ma. 5:1-8.) Judas also fortified Zion against the Idumans.
The chief ofi.e., the best of them. (Comp. Num. 24:20.)
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
41. The glorious land That is, Palestine. (See Dan 7:9.)
Edom, and Moab, Ammon Why are these mentioned? Perhaps to make vivid the fact that while Antiochus burst with such fury upon the holy people and the Holy Land the nations nearest to the Israelites, and their hereditary enemies, were not disturbed. His special wrath was against the “Holy Covenant.” Dr. Terry would take these allusions to Edom, Moab, etc., to be “symbolical,” as in Isa 11:14-15. Ewald would understand these as terms of reproach applied to apostate Israelites. Even in the days of Cromwell such expressions were used of all antagonists and were thoroughly understood by the “wise.” However, as an historical fact, Edom and Ammon did help Antiochus against the Jews ( 1Ma 4:61 ; 1Ma 5:3-8 ), and as a tribe of Moabites was still in existence at that time (Behrmann) it would naturally do the same.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Dan 11:41. He shall enter also into the glorious land The same expression was used in Dan 11:16 and in both places is rendered by the Syriac, the land of Israel. Now it is well known, that the Turks took possession of the Holy Land, and remain masters of it to this day; Selim entered into Jerusalem in his way to Egypt. Many countries shall be overthrown: Aleppo, Damascus, Gaza, and the neighbouring cities, were forced to submit, and receive the yoke of the conqueror. But these shall escape, &c. These, were some of the people who inhabited Arabia: and the Arabians and Turks have never been able, with all their forces, to subdue it entirely. Selim subdued the neighbouring countries, but could not make a complete conquest of the Arabians. Ever since his time the Ottoman emperors have paid them an annual pension of 40,000 crowns in gold, for the safe passage of the caravans and pilgrims going to Mecca. This pension was not paid for some years on account of the war with Hungary; and what was the consequence?One of the Arabian princes, in the year 1694, attacked and plundered the caravan going on pilgrimage to Mecca, and made them all prisoners. Among the captives was the cham of Tartary, whom the Arabians dismissed upon his parole, that he should carry their complaints to the sultan, and procure the continuance of the pension. He stood to his engagement, and never ceased importuning the Ottoman court, till the arrears of the pension were paid. But, notwithstanding this pension, the Arabs, as often as they find a lucky opportunity, rob and plunder the Turks, as well as other travellers. An instance of which kind happened in December 1758; so constantly have the Arabs maintained the same spirit in all ages! Armies have been sent out against them, but without success. They have commonly been too cunning for their enemies; and when it was thought that they were well nigh surrounded and taken, they have still escaped out of their hands. So well does this particular prediction agree with that general one in Gen 16:12 concerning the main body of the nation. See Newton.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Dan 11:41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many [countries] shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, [even] Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
Ver. 41. He shall enter also into the glorious land. ] Judea, as Dan 11:16 but for no good. In Greece they say, Where the Grand Seignior once setteth his foot, there groweth no more grass.
But they shall escape.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
the glorious land. Compare verses: Dan 11:11, Dan 11:16, Dan 11:45; and Dan 8:9.
children = sons.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
Dan 11:41
Dan 11:41 He shall enterH935 also into the gloriousH6643 land,H776 and manyH7227 countries shall be overthrown:H3782 but theseH428 shall escapeH4422 out of his hand,H4480 H3027 even Edom,H123 and Moab,H4124 and the chiefH7225 of the childrenH1121 of Ammon.H5983
Dan 11:41
He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
Rome enters into Judea, now known in history as Palestine. Herod had been a supporter of Mark Antony but after his defeat and death, Herod decided it would be be a good political move to make amends with Augustus and invited him to enter into Egypt through Palestine which was by far the easiest land route to Egypt from the north. Herod showered all kinds of honors and glory on Augustus in order to retain his leadership in Palestine. Augustus was pleased with Herod’s show of support and allowed Herod to remain on the throne as a client king. Augustus used Palestine as a main access thoroughfare into Egypt. From there, Augustus sought to expand Roman control into the territories presently known as Arabia.
“but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon”
These three nations were related with Israel by descent and were their enemies. They made up the territory known as Arabia. Aelius Gallus, 2nd praefect of Roman Egypt, undertook an expedition at the command of Augustus to explore Arabia and its inhabitants in order to conclude treaties of friendship with the people, or to subdue them if they should oppose the Romans, for it was believed at the time that Arabia was full of all kinds of treasures. Aelius Gallus failed miserably and returned to Augustus with the majority of his force exterminated in 24 BC.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
enter: Dan 11:45, Eze 38:8-13
glorious land: or, goodly land, Dan 11:16, Heb. land of delight, or, ornament
even: Isa 11:13-15, Jer 9:26, Jer 48:47, Jer 49:6
Reciprocal: Isa 11:14 – them of the east Jer 3:19 – pleasant land Jer 49:7 – Edom Eze 20:6 – which is Dan 8:9 – the pleasant Mal 3:12 – a delightsome
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Dan 11:41. He shall enter into the glorious or pleasant land By this title it is beyond a doubt Judea is signified, chap. Dan 8:9, and therefore it is reasonable to conclude Judea is meant here; and this seems to be spoken of Antiochuss sending his captains Apollonius, Lysius, and Gorgias into the land of Judea, of which we have an account in the books of the Maccabees; for a king is said to enter a country when he sends his armies into it, though he be not there in person. And many countries shall be overthrown Many of the neighbouring nations shall be cut off. But these shall escape out of his hand These shall not be destroyed. Edom and Moab, and the children of Ammon Grotius expounds the words to this sense, That Antiochus did not make war upon these people, because they readily complied with his commands, and joined with him against the Jews: for which cause Judas Maccabees made war upon them: see 1Ma 5:3-4.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Dan 11:41. the glorious land: Palestine (Dan 11:16).Edom: three countries will escape attack, i.e. Edom, Moab, and Ammon.
Fuente: Peake’s Commentary on the Bible
11:41 He shall enter also into the {c} glorious land, and many [countries] shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, [even] Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
(c) The angel forewarns the Jews that when they should see the Romans invade them, and that the wicked would escape their hands, that then they should think that all this was done by God’s providence, seeing that he warned them of it so long before, and therefore he would still preserve them.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
The Antichrist will also enter Palestine (cf. Dan 8:9), and many there will fall before his forces. He will also defeat other countries in addition to Israel. He will probably enter Palestine after he breaks his covenant with Israel, which would confirm that these events will happen in the last half of the Tribulation. There will be a few areas that he does not overpower, however, namely those in the former territories of Edom, Moab, and Ammon. These nations were to the east and south of Israel. Today Jordan occupies this region. The "foremost" of the sons of Ammon probably refers to the best part. [Note: Baldwin, p. 203.] Young believed the names of these nations are symbolic, but he confessed ignorance concerning the meaning of the symbols. [Note: Young, p. 253.]