Charles Ellicott 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)

Such as do wickedly. — In these verses are traced the effects of the apostasy on the people of God. These persons have already been spoken of in Daniel 11:30. They had begun with indifference to true religion; they have now become intolerant of it.

Corrupt. — Literally, make profane. On the Hebrew notion of profanity, see Cheyne’s Isaiah, vol. 1, p. 3. These persons have now become like the heathen (See 1 Maccabees 2:17-18).

But the people... . — While the large mass of people becomes obedient to the persecutor, there is a party of true believers remaining, who are strong, or rather, confirm the covenant, and do, i.e., succeed in their attempt. That such a party existed in the time of Antiochus Epiphanes appears from 1 Maccabees 1:62 and following, and 1 Maccabees 2:3 and following. Similarly, in all times of persecution there will be a remnant, though it may be very small, which will remain firm to their covenant with God (Compare to 1 Kings 19:18).