And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
Ver. 25. And through his policy also.] Incumbens intelligentiae suae, leaning on his own wit, Versutulus et versatilis, and that great elixir called reason of state, which can make, for a need,
“ Candida de nigris, et de candentibus atra. ”
And by peace shall destroy many.] Undo them by promises of prosperity and preferment, which are dangerous baits; Mar 4:9 "they were sawn asunder, they were tempted." Heb 11:37 Julian the apostate went this way to work, and prevailed to make many apostates.
He shall also stand up against the Prince of princes.] God Almighty, by destroying the daily sacrifices, and by setting up idolatry in the temple.
But he shall be broken without hand,] i.e., By the visible vengeance of God, 1Ma 6:8-13 2Ma 9:5-11 who laid upon him a loathsome disease (Tetro morbo), and wrapped him up in the sheet of shame.