Albert Barnes Commentary Daniel 11:32

"And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he pervert by flatteries; but the people that know their God shall be strong, and do [exploits]." — Daniel 11:32 (ASV)

And such as do wickedly against the covenant - That is, among the Jews. Those who apostatized, and who became willing to receive the religion of foreigners. There was such a party in Jerusalem, and it was numerous. See Jahn, “Heb. Commonwealth,” pp. 258, 259. (Compare to 1 Maccabees 1:52): Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit, every one that forsook the law; and so they committed evils in the land.

Shall he corrupt by flatteries - By flattering promises of his favor, of office, of national prosperity… See the notes at (Daniel 11:21). The margin is, “or, cause to dissemble.” The meaning of the Hebrew word חנף chânêph is, rather, “to profane, to pollute, to defile;” and the idea here is, that he would cause them to become defiled; that is, he would seduce them to impiety and apostasy.

But the people who know their God - Those who adhere to the service and worship of the true God, and who are incapable of being seduced to apostasy and sin. The reference here is, undoubtedly, to Judas Maccabeus and his followers—a full account of whose actions is to be found in the books of the Maccabees. See also Prideaux, “Con.” iii. 245 and following, and Jahn, “Heb. Commonwealth,” pp. 268 and following.

Shall be strong - Shall evince great valor, and shall show great vigour in opposing him.

And do exploits - The word “exploits,” as in (Daniel 11:28), is supplied by the translators, but not improperly. The meaning is, they would show great prowess, and perform illustrious deeds in battle. See Prideaux, “Con.” iii. pp. 262, 263.