Deeper Reflection
The emphasis of the repeated expression, “the holy covenant”, in Daniel 11:28-32 is purely on the opposition against and the defection from “the holy covenant” – even God Himself. But in the context, the expression bears a twofold positive connotation: the faithful God and His faithful people who are faithful to “the holy covenant”. The antithesis of “those who acted wickedly toward the covenant” are “the people who know their God” (v.32). “Their God” points to God’s covenant relationship with them. And “their God” is “the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant and steadfast love for those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Dan 9:4). This is the God whom they “know” that enables them to “display strength and take action” (v.32) – to “firmly resist him” (NIV) – in suffering Antiochus’ ferocious persecution.“The people who know their God” are “those who still sought to express their commitment to the God of Israel by adherence to the teaching of the Torah”⁷⁰ – “the law of God” (Dan 6:5), and they are “those who are wise” (v.33, NIV). Their wisdom comes from knowing their God and living by the Word of God. Scripture teaches that “the Lord gives wisdom” through His Word: “from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding” (Prov 2:6). Armed with wisdom from God through knowing God and living by His Word, these people of God are not easily persuaded and deceived by the “smooth words” of Antiochus, but “firmly resist him” in their faith (v.32; cf. 1 Pet 5:8-9), even if it means to suffer painfully and die horribly.

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⁷⁰ Earnest C. Lucas, 287