Daniel 11:27Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Both monarchs are driven by wickedness, and they may conspire together, yet their endeavors shall ultimately fail, for their end is deferred until a later time. The king will return to his homeland bearing great wealth. It is widely accepted that Antiochus established a truce with Ptolemy, joining him at a feast and engaging in schemes, but he achieved no victory, as he was unable to seize control of his realm and was expelled by Ptolemy's leaders. The Scripture indicates that there were indeed two kings with deceitful hearts, each intending harm towards the other, but this assertion cannot be upheld through historical interpretation. Ptolemy was underage and easily led astray by Antiochus's cunning; thus, it is questionable what schemes he could have devised against him. Consequently, our interpretation posits that these accounts pertain to the Antichrist and to the ruler of Egypt, whom he first overcame.

The Archangel declares that the hearts of the two monarchs are deceitful, and in one gathering, they shall utter falsehoods that will not be fulfilled. According to the historian Josephus, upon learning of Antiochus’s campaign, the Romans insisted that he withdraw from Egypt. Although Antiochus made peace and dined with Ptolemy, Daniel conveys the insincerity of this alliance by stating: “And the two kings, their hearts being deceitful, and at one meal shall speak lies, and it shall not come to pass.” This indicates that their peace will lack stability. However, the conclusion is yet to come; that is, following this period, the kings will resume their conflicts and engage in warfare once more.