Intelligence
A Word with a Different Meaning
Modern readers encountering the word "intelligence" in the Bible might expect a discussion of wisdom or mental ability. However, in its biblical usage, particularly in the King James Version, "intelligence" carries the older English meaning of communication, information, or mutual understanding between parties. Understanding this linguistic shift is essential for correctly interpreting the passages where it appears.
Intelligence in Daniel 11
The primary biblical occurrence of "intelligence" is in Daniel 11:30, where the KJV reads that a ruler "shall have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant." Modern translations render this as "have regard for" (ESV), "show favor to" (NIV), or "give attention to" those who abandon the covenant. The Hebrew verb bin means to discern, understand, or give attention to, and here it describes a political and spiritual alliance.
The passage describes a king (widely identified as Antiochus IV Epiphanes) who, after suffering a humiliating setback from Roman intervention (the "ships of Kittim" in Daniel 11:30), takes out his frustration on the people of God. He forms an alliance with apostate Jews, those who have forsaken the holy covenant, and together they desecrate the temple and set up the "abomination of desolation" (Daniel 11:31).
The Intelligence of Antiochus
The "intelligence" or understanding between Antiochus and the Jewish apostates was a calculated political arrangement. Antiochus needed local collaborators to enforce his Hellenization program, and certain Jewish leaders were willing to abandon their ancestral faith in exchange for political favor and cultural prestige. The high priest Jason had already secured his position by promoting Greek customs (2 Maccabees 4:7-17), and others followed suit.
This alliance between a foreign oppressor and unfaithful insiders is a recurring pattern in biblical history. The prophets frequently condemned those who sought alliances with foreign powers rather than trusting in God (Isaiah 30:1-2; 31:1).
Biblical Understanding and Discernment
While the word "intelligence" appears rarely in English Bibles, the underlying Hebrew concept of bin (understanding, discernment) is central to biblical wisdom literature. Proverbs repeatedly calls readers to pursue understanding (Proverbs 4:5, 7), and Daniel himself is described as a man of exceptional understanding and discernment (Daniel 1:17; 9:22). The irony of Daniel 11:30 is that the "intelligence" described there is not true wisdom but a corrupt bargain between the ungodly.
Information in 2 Maccabees
The word "intelligence" also appears in 2 Maccabees 3:9 (KJV), where it simply means "information." Heliodorus, sent by the Seleucid king to confiscate temple treasures, arrives in Jerusalem and "gave intelligence" (i.e., informed the high priest) of his mission. Modern translations render this straightforwardly as communicating or disclosing information.
Biblical Context
Intelligence appears primarily in Daniel 11:30 (KJV), describing the alliance between Antiochus IV Epiphanes and apostate Jews who forsake the covenant. The Hebrew word bin (to understand, discern) underlies the translation. A secondary usage in 2 Maccabees 3:9 simply means conveying information.
Theological Significance
The 'intelligence' between Antiochus and the covenant-forsakers in Daniel 11 illustrates the danger of spiritual compromise for political gain. When God's people form alliances with those who oppose His purposes, the result is desecration and judgment. True intelligence or understanding, in the biblical sense, begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10).
Historical Background
Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC) pursued aggressive Hellenization of Judea, supported by a faction of pro-Greek Jews. This alliance led to the desecration of the Jerusalem temple in 167 BC, when pagan sacrifices were offered on the altar. The Maccabean revolt arose in response to this combined internal and external assault on Jewish faith and practice.