‏ Daniel 11

Ruin of the Persian Monarchy.

This section begins with an angel (Gabriel) explaining his role in supporting the Jewish people and then giving Daniel a detailed prophecy about future kingdoms. The angel reminds Daniel that God uses even powerful rulers for the good of His people. The prophecy covers the fall of Persia, the rise of Greece under Alexander the Great, and how his empire would be divided after his death. All these events show that God is in control of history, even when nations and empires rise and fall.

v. 1: The angel Gabriel tells Daniel that in the first year of Darius the Mede, he helped and protected Darius. This was when Babylon was conquered and the Jews were set free. Gabriel’s help made it possible for Darius to release the Jews, even though there was opposition. God often uses angels to strengthen those who are friendly to His people .

v. 2: The angel predicts that three more Persian kings will rise after Darius. The fourth king, who will be richer than the others, is Xerxes. Xerxes will use his great wealth and power to attack Greece with a huge army, but his pride will lead to his downfall. Xerxes’ efforts to stop the Jews from rebuilding the temple also led to trouble for Persia .

v. 3: After Persia, a mighty king will come—this is Alexander the Great. He will conquer many nations and rule with absolute power, doing whatever he wants .

v. 4: But Alexander’s kingdom will not last long. After his death, his empire will be divided into four parts, but not among his family. His relatives will not rule, and his kingdom will go to others. This shows how quickly worldly power can disappear and how uncertain human greatness is .

The Affairs of Egypt and Syria; The Reign of Antiochus Magnus; The Fall of Antiochus Magnus.

This section describes the events after Alexander the Great’s empire was divided. Two powerful kingdoms rose from his former empire: Egypt (the south) and Syria (the north). The prophecy tells about their struggles, alliances, and wars. Through these events, the land of Israel was often caught in the middle. This history shows how God’s word is always fulfilled, and how the rise and fall of kings are under God’s control.

v. 5: Two great kingdoms came out of Alexander’s empire. The king of the south is Egypt, ruled by Ptolemy and his family, called the Lagidæ. The king of the north is Syria, ruled by Seleucus and his family. Seleucus became stronger and ruled over more lands than Ptolemy. Both Egypt and Syria caused trouble for the land of Judah .

v. 6: After some years, Egypt and Syria tried to make peace through marriage. Ptolemy Philadelphus, the king of Egypt, gave his daughter Berenice to Antiochus Theos, king of Syria. But the alliance did not last. Berenice, her husband, and her supporters were all killed. The plan for unity failed and brought even more problems .

v. 7–8: Berenice’s brother, Ptolemy Euergetes of Egypt, attacked Syria to avenge his sister. He won battles, took much treasure, and brought it back to Egypt. He kept his power longer than the king of Syria. However, he later had to return home and could not continue the war (Daniel 11:7–8 ^a).

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v. 9: The king of Syria tried to invade Egypt but had to go back to his own land. Often, broken promises and failed peace bring more fighting .

v. 10: The sons of the king of Syria (Seleucus Callinicus) tried to regain lost territory. One son, Antiochus the Great, became powerful and took back land his father had lost. He had much success in his wars .

v. 11–12: The king of the south, Ptolemy Philopator, fought against Antiochus the Great with a large army and won. But after his victory, he became proud and did not keep his strength, so the gains did not last (Daniel 11:11–12 ^b).

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v. 13–14: Later, Antiochus the Great returned with an even larger army. At this time, many people—including Philip of Macedon and some Jews—helped him fight Egypt. Even some from among the Jews joined Antiochus, but they did not succeed in their plans (Daniel 11:13–14 ^c).

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v. 15–16: Antiochus captured strongholds and gained control over much of Israel, the “glorious land.” He did whatever he wanted in that region, and Israel was caught between the two kingdoms (Daniel 11:15–16 ^d).

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v. 17: Antiochus tried to gain more control over Egypt by giving his daughter Cleopatra to the king of Egypt as a wife, hoping she would help him. But Cleopatra sided with her husband, not her father, and Antiochus’ plan failed .

v. 18–19: Antiochus then turned to attack the western islands and lands, but the Romans stopped him and defeated him. After losing to the Romans, he returned to his own land and was killed by his own people when he tried to steal from a temple (Daniel 11:18–19 ^e).

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v. 20: After Antiochus, his son Seleucus Philopator became king. He was known for heavy taxes and tried to rob the temple in Jerusalem, but he was soon killed by one of his own servants .

These events teach us that God raises up and brings down rulers as He wills. The world is full of conflict, but everything happens under God’s watchful eye. History proves that God’s prophecies always come true, and even human mistakes and sins fit into His plan.

The Rise and Character of a Contemptible King

This section describes the rise of a new king who is considered “despicable” or “contemptible.” He does not come to the throne by the usual royal right, but takes the kingdom through intrigue and deceit. This king is usually understood as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who became ruler of the Seleucid Empire and was a great enemy to the Jews. The passage shows how power can be gained through cunning rather than honor, and warns about the dangers of such leaders. The prophecy also describes the troubles and oppression that God’s people will face under his rule, but hints that this will not last forever.

v. 21: A contemptible person will rise to power, someone who was not given royal honor or the right to rule. He will come in quietly and take the kingdom by trickery and clever words, not by open force. This shows that sometimes people come to power not because they deserve it, but because they are cunning and deceitful.

v. 22: Powerful armies and rulers will be swept away before him; they will be broken and defeated. Even the prince of the covenant—usually understood as the Jewish high priest—will be destroyed. This means that Antiochus will defeat both strong enemies and those who were supposed to be protected by agreements or covenants.

v. 23: After making an agreement with others, he will act deceitfully. Though he starts with only a few followers, he will become strong and powerful. He will use lies and alliances to gain more control, showing that his success comes from trickery rather than honesty.

v. 24: Without warning, he will invade the richest parts of the land and do things no previous rulers did. He will distribute plunder and wealth to his supporters, and he will make plans to attack strongholds, but only for a limited time. His rule will be different from those before him, because he will try to gain loyalty by giving rewards and planning attacks in secret.

v. 25: He will gather his power and courage to attack the king of the south (Egypt), who will respond by preparing a large and powerful army. But the king of the south will not succeed, because plots will be made against him. Even strong and brave armies can fail if there is betrayal within.

v. 26: Those who eat at the king of the south’s own table—his trusted friends and advisors—will betray him. His army will be swept away, and many will fall in battle. This shows how betrayal by people close to a leader can bring about his downfall.

v. 27: Both kings will try to deceive each other as they sit at the same table, but their plans will not succeed, because God’s appointed time has not yet come. Even when powerful leaders make secret plans, God is still in control, and their schemes only work if He allows it.

v. 28: The northern king will return to his own land with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant (God’s people and their faith). He will do damage to God’s people before returning to his own country, showing his hatred for those who serve God.

v. 29: At the appointed time, he will invade the south again, but this time it will not be like before. Things will not go as he expects, because God is limiting his power and success.

v. 30: Ships from the western coastlands (often understood as Roman ships) will oppose him, and he will lose heart. He will turn back and vent his anger against the holy covenant. He will show favor to those among God’s people who turn away from their faith.

v. 31: His forces will come and defile the temple fortress. They will put a stop to the daily sacrifices and set up the “abomination that causes desolation” (likely an idol or pagan altar in God’s temple). This is a serious attack on the worship of God and a great crisis for His people.

v. 32: With flattery, he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will remain strong and take action. Even in times of persecution, those who truly trust God will stand firm and resist evil.

v. 33: The wise among God’s people will teach and instruct many, but they will face persecution, including sword, fire, captivity, and plunder for many days. God’s faithful people will suffer, but they will continue to help others understand the truth.

v. 34: When the wise and faithful fall, they will receive some help, but many who join them will not be sincere. Some will pretend to be friends, but only for their own advantage.

v. 35: Some of the wise will stumble and suffer, so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end. God allows trials so His people can grow in faith and be made ready for what is coming. This time of suffering has a limit, and God is still in control.

The Self-Exalting King and His Blasphemy

This verse introduces a king who acts according to his own will, exalting himself above every god and speaking astonishing things against the God of gods. Many see this as a description of Antiochus Epiphanes, but the language also points forward to a future, ultimate enemy of God’s people—the Antichrist. The king’s success is only temporary, lasting until God’s appointed time of indignation is fulfilled, reminding us that even the most powerful rulers are under God’s control.

v. 36: The king will do as he pleases, exalting himself above all gods and speaking blasphemies against the true God. He will prosper for a set time, but only until God’s purpose is accomplished. This shows that human pride and rebellion are limited by God’s sovereign will.

v. 37: The king’s arrogance extends to his rejection of the gods of his ancestors and the “one desired by women”—possibly a reference to the Messiah or to normal human affections. He will not honor any god but will magnify himself above all. This highlights his utter self-centeredness and spiritual rebellion, setting himself up as the ultimate authority.

v. 37: He will show no regard for the gods his ancestors worshiped, nor for the one desired by women, nor for any god. Instead, he will exalt himself above them all. This reveals a heart hardened against both tradition and true devotion.

v. 38: Instead of honoring traditional deities, this king will honor a “god of fortresses”—symbolizing his trust in military power and conquest. He will lavish gifts and treasures on this new god, showing that his faith is in strength and force rather than in spiritual truth.

v. 38: He will honor the god of fortresses, a god unknown to his ancestors, with gold, silver, and precious things. His devotion is to power and might, not to any true or living god.

v. 39: The king will use his military strength to attack strongholds and will reward those who support him with honor, land, and wealth. He divides territory among his followers, using material incentives to secure loyalty. This shows how corrupt leaders often use rewards to build their own power base.

v. 39: With the help of this foreign god, he will attack mighty fortresses. He will honor those who acknowledge him, giving them authority and dividing land for a price. His rule is marked by favoritism and self-interest.

The Final Conflict at the Time of the End

At the appointed “time of the end,” the king will face renewed opposition from the king of the South and the king of the North. He will respond with overwhelming force, invading many countries like a flood. This signals a climactic period of conflict and upheaval, often interpreted as pointing to the last days.

v. 40: At the time of the end, the king of the South will attack him, but the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots, horsemen, and many ships. He will invade many lands and sweep through them like a flood. This shows the intensity and scale of the final battles.

v. 41: The king will enter the “glorious land” (understood as Israel), and many will fall. However, some regions—Edom, Moab, and the leaders of Ammon—will escape his hand. This demonstrates both the severity of his conquest and the limits set by God.

v. 41: He will invade the beautiful land, and many will be overthrown. But Edom, Moab, and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his power. Even in judgment, God preserves some according to His purpose.

v. 42: The king’s power will extend over many countries, and even Egypt will not escape his grasp. His ambition knows no bounds, and his conquests seem unstoppable for a time.

v. 42: He will stretch out his hand against many countries, and Egypt will not escape. This shows the breadth of his military success and the fear he inspires.

v. 43: The king will gain control over Egypt’s treasures—gold, silver, and precious things. He will also rule over the Libyans and Cushites, expanding his influence into Africa. His greed and desire for wealth are as great as his lust for power.

v. 43: He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Cushites in submission. This highlights the material rewards of conquest, but also the emptiness of such pursuits.

v. 44: Despite his victories, troubling news from the east and north will alarm the king, prompting him to unleash great fury and destruction. Even the most powerful rulers are not free from fear and threats, and their violence often increases as their end approaches.

v. 44: Reports from the east and north will disturb him, and he will go out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many. This shows how pride and insecurity can lead to even greater acts of cruelty.

v. 45: The king will set up his royal tents between the seas and the glorious holy mountain (near Jerusalem), but he will come to his end with no one to help him. His downfall is sudden and complete, demonstrating that no matter how powerful evil may seem, it cannot stand against God’s decree. The passage ends with a reminder that God’s justice will prevail, and the oppressor’s reign is always temporary.

v. 45: He will pitch his royal tents between the seas and the beautiful holy mountain, but he will come to his end, and no one will help him. This is the fate of all who exalt themselves against God—they fall, abandoned and powerless, when God’s time of judgment arrives.