Daniel 11:33

And they that be wise] as the same word is rendered in A.V. of Daniel 12:3; Daniel 12:10. The verb means properly to shew understanding and discernment, such as may lead a man to act judiciously and bring him success; hence it is sometimes rendered prosper, or have good success, &c. See examples of the word in Jos 1:7-8, 1 Samuel 18:5; Psalms 2:10; Proverbs 10:5; Proverbs 10:19 -he that refraineth his lips sheweth understanding," i.e. -acts judiciously," Isaiah 52:13. Here it is used, as a term of approbation, to denote those who, in a time of severe trial, shewed wisdom, by choosing the right course, and strenuously refusing to give up their faith. The name given to the loyal party in the Maccabees is the Hasidaeans, i.e. ḥasîdîm, or -godly": see 1Ma 2:42, -Then were gathered together unto them (i.e. unto Mattathias and his friends, who appear to have been the first to assume the aggressive against Antiochus" decree) a company of Hasidaeans (συναγωγὴ Ασιδαίων), mighty men out of Israel, every one that offered himself willingly (מִתְנַדֵּב, Jdg 5:2; 2 Chronicles 17:16; Nehemiah 11:2) for the law. And all they that fled from the evils were added to them, and became a stay unto them"; 1Ma 7:13; 2Ma 14:6.

shall cause the many to understand] The -wise" (maskîlîm), the leaders of the patriotic party, will, by their influence and example, teach the masses, especially such as were halting between two opinions, to understand their duty.

yet they shall fall, &c. alluding to the persecutions and martyrdoms in which many of the loyal Jews perished; see 1Ma 1:60; 1Ma 1:63; 1Ma 2:31-38; 2Ma 6:10-11; 2Ma 6:18-31 (the aged scribe Eleazar), 7 (the mother and her seven sons). -Fall," here and Daniel 11:34, is properly stumble(Daniel 11:14).

many days viz. till an effectual stand was made by the Maccabees.