The Lord sees to it that there are those among God’s people who expose this temptation as apostasy from the Lord. These are the wise among the people.
They are the people who, as wise people, can show the way to others who do not see it so clearly. They teach truth to the people, even in times of darkness. Those who speak in this way are often met with great opposition.
Antiochus therefore regards these people as his enemies. He regards them as enemies of the state and has them beaten up, persecuted, imprisoned, and even killed.
33 And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder.