Daniel 11:20 (ESV)

20 “Then shall arise in his place one who shall send an exactor of tribute for the glory of the kingdom. But within a few days he shall be broken, neither in anger nor in battle.

The successor of Antiochus spoken of here was Seleucus IV. The latter reigned 187–175 BC. He employs someone who is called the exactor of tribute. He has to make sure that the money for the Romans is collected each time. He moves throughout the kingdom—of which Canaan is also a part—to deprive people of their valuables.

This king does not reign very long. He is not killed on account of war or the anger of his subjects. It is the very man who was tasked to collect the tribute, Heliodorus, who poisoned him.

We can see here how accurately and in detail the Lord prophesied events to Israel over the next 360 years. God’s people who read it can later see how God’s Word has become reality. It is God who rules according to his Word and his plan. The prophecy speaks of many woes and difficulties. However, God’s people do not need to be anxious or become despondent. For you see that everything is in God's hand. The most important thing in our lives is to hold on to God, to Christ. We can be sure he is with us as we travel to the new heaven and earth, because of the work of the Lamb, who is also the mighty Lion (see Revelation 5:5). Those who understand and keep God’s Word have courage because of Jesus Christ, also for the future. Christ is certainly carrying out God’s eternal Word and plan.