Albert Barnes Commentary Daniel 8:24

"And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper and do [his pleasure]; and he shall destroy the mighty ones and the holy people." — Daniel 8:24 (ASV)

And his power shall be mighty - He will be a powerful monarch. Though not as mighty as Alexander, his conquests of Egypt and other places show that he deserved to be numbered among the mighty kings of the earth.

But not by his own power - That is, it will not be by any strength of his own, but by the power which God gives him. This is true of all kings and princes (Isaiah 10:5 and following), but it seems to be referred to here particularly to show that the calamities which he was about to bring upon the Hebrew people were by Divine direction and appointment. This great power was given him in order that he might be an instrument in the Divine hand of inflicting deserved punishment on them for their sins.

And he shall destroy wonderfully - In a wonderful or extraordinary manner, he will spread desolation. This refers particularly to the manner in which he would lay waste the holy city and the land of Judea. The history in the books of Maccabees shows that this was literally fulfilled.

And shall prosper - Antiochus was among the most successful kings in his various expeditions. He was particularly successful in his enterprises against the holy land.

And practice - Hebrew, “do.” That is, he will be distinguished not only for “forming” plans, but for “executing” them; not merely for “purposing,” but for “doing.”

And shall destroy the mighty and the holy people - The people of God - the Jewish nation. See the notes at Daniel 8:9-12.