דניאל, פרק י״א, פסוק כ״א

A sudden shift in power brings a new kind of leader to the historical stage. Rather than conquering through military might or ascending the throne by right of inheritance, this ruler seizes control through cunning and manipulation. He is fundamentally characterized as a vile and despicable figure, though there are different perspectives on his exact identity. One approach identifies this power as the Roman Empire, which rises to replace Greece, carrying a historically recognized legacy of being deeply despised [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. Another perspective points to a specific individual, the wicked Antiochus, a man profoundly corrupt and lowly in both his character and his actions [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

This ruler is entirely stripped of royal majesty and lacks formal recognition from the public. Legally, he has no right to rule. He neither possesses the bearing of a king nor stands as the rightful heir, as his older brother already left behind a legitimate successor [מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Because of this blatant illegitimacy, his own family and the general population hold him in contempt [יוסף אבן יחיא]. From another angle, it is understood that Heaven simply did not grant this power the military strength to achieve victory through traditional, heroic warfare [מצודת דוד].

Lacking both the armed forces to conquer and the legal standing to inherit, the ruler must find another way. He arrives under the guise of peace and tranquility, securing the kingdom through smooth and deceptive tactics. The primary approach among commentators is that he relies heavily on flattery, soft words, and seduction. By speaking smoothly, he earns the trust of government officials and the public. He falsely presents himself as a caring protector who only seeks their welfare, insisting that he has no desire for the crown itself, but only wishes to guide and defend the people from danger. Tricked by this humble facade, the people open their hearts to him and offer their willing support. Alternatively, this method of seizing power is understood as a secretive operation carried out in the shadows, entirely devoid of honest counsel or transparency [אבן עזרא].