“And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.”
His power will be great, but not by his own power; he will cause fearful destruction, prosper in what he does, and destroy the mighty and the holy people—highlighting Antiochus's deception in attributing his success to his own ability rather than recognizing his role as instrument of divine judgment. His destruction of the mighty (other kingdoms) and holy people (Jews) demonstrates his comprehensive military and religious oppression. The phrase "not by his own power" maintains the crucial theological point that even evil rulers serve divine purposes unknowingly.
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