Daniel 11:40

The King Who Exalts Himself · Daniel 11:36–45
Read Daniel 11

Translations

Modern
At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, but the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots, horsemen, and many ships, invading many countries and sweeping through them like a flood.
Traditional
And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.
Literal
And at the time of the end, the king of the south will thrust against him, and the king of the North will storm against him with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he will come into the lands, and will flow over and pass through.
Latin
Et in tempore præfinito præliabitur adversus eum rex austri, et quasi tempestas veniet contra illum rex aquilonis in curribus, et in equitibus, et in classe magna, et ingredietur terras, et conteret, et pertransiet.

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, but the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots, horsemen, and many ships, invading many countries and sweeping through them like a flood.

Notes

No known southern or northern king did these actions.

Some interpreters see these verses as a transition from the earthly Antiochus IV to a figure who is larger than history itself (Daniel 7:8).

Most commentators believe these verses describe the end of history (compare Mark 13:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:3–12; Revelation 19:19–21). These verses reflect the actions of Antiochus IV, but there is no historical record of these events. Antiochus serves as a model for future rulers who oppose the God of gods.

In this passage, the king of the South refers to Alexander's general Ptolemy and his descendants, who ruled Egypt. The king of the North refers to Alexander's general Seleucus and his descendants, who ruled Syria and Mesopotamia.

After Alexander's death, the kings of Egypt and Syria fought for control of Palestine, a strategically important land. The holy city and its people were caught between these two powers. These battles continued until their predetermined end (Daniel 11:27, 35, 40, 45; 12:1, 7).

Historical accounts of these events appear in 1, 2, and 3 Maccabees and in the works of Herodotus, Livy, Polybius, Porphyry, and Josephus.

The messenger shared a broad overview of history. It started with Persia, continued through the fall of Greece, and covered the rise and fall of a wicked king or several kings (Daniel 11:21–45). It concluded with the final resurrection and victory of God's people.

This final vision spans from 536 BC to a future when Daniel will rise from the dead and receive his inheritance. All earthly kingdoms will be destroyed. The eternal kingdom of the Son of Man will arise. God's people will finally be rescued, and death, the ultimate enemy, will be defeated.

Events

Glossary

Apocalyptic Book of Daniel Daniel (Person) Whirlwind

Topics

Navy of Chittim Prophecies Concerning Israel: Prophecies Concerning of Blessing and Restoration Ships: Employed in War Syria: Prophecies Respecting: Its History in Connection with the Macedonia Empire The Middle East Conflict