After a while Antiochus will show his true face. Then it becomes clear that his alliance means nothing. He really does not give any security to Israel. Antiochus, when he is strong enough, moves up with his army to the most prosperous part of his kingdom to loot and plunder. He also does this to Israel, even though he had made a covenant with this people.
Antiochus is not a friend but an enemy. He makes himself known as an oppressor of God’s people. He starts making new war plans. We read that he is plotting against strongholds.
It appears then that he has all the power in his hands. Immediately, the Holy Spirit in this verse shows that it seems to be the case, but it is not. Because the immediately following words are, but only for a time.
No human power, nor the power of the devil, can ever exceed the limits set by God. Antiochus is unable to extend his power any more than the Lord allows him to. History never proceeds without God’s control.
24 Without warning he shall come into the richest parts of the province, and he shall do what neither his fathers nor his fathers’ fathers have done, scattering among them plunder, spoil, and goods. He shall devise plans against strongholds, but only for a time.