Daniel 11:10

KJV

But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and [one] shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, [even] to his fortress.

KJV (with Strong's)

But his sons {H1121} shall be stirred up {H1624}, and shall assemble {H622} a multitude {H1995} of great {H7227} forces {H2428}: and one shall certainly {H935} come {H935}, and overflow {H7857}, and pass through {H5674}: then shall he return {H7725}, and be stirred up {H1624}, even to his fortress {H4581}.

Complete Jewish Bible

His sons will rouse themselves to muster a large and powerful army, which will advance like a flood passing through. In another campaign, it will march on the enemy stronghold.

Berean Standard Bible

But his sons will stir up strife and assemble a great army, which will advance forcefully, sweeping through like a flood, and will again carry the battle as far as his fortress.

American Standard Version

And his sons shall war, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces, which shall come on, and overflow, and pass through; and they shall return and war, even to his fortress.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:10 propels the reader deeper into the prophetic saga of the Hellenistic empires, specifically foretelling the rise and aggressive military campaigns of the Seleucid dynasty. Following the initial divisions of Alexander's kingdom, this verse anticipates a significant resurgence by the "King of the North" (Seleucid rulers), whose "sons" would amass an immense army, launching an overwhelming invasion that would sweep through territories, only to return to their fortified base, poised for further conflict. This detailed prophecy underscores God's meticulous foreknowledge and sovereign control over human history and the geopolitical landscape.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is a unique prophetic chapter, distinguished by its extraordinary detail regarding future historical events, particularly the conflicts between the Ptolemaic (King of the South) and Seleucid (King of the North) dynasties. The preceding verses, [Daniel 11:2-9](/daniel/11-2-9 "Daniel 11:2-9 - Prophecy of Persian Kings and Hellenistic Wars"), set the stage by describing the rise of a mighty king (Alexander the Great), the division of his kingdom, and the initial skirmishes and alliances between the two rival powers. Verse 10 specifically picks up after a period of relative quiet or strategic maneuvering, signaling a renewed and intensified phase of military aggression from the northern power. It serves as a narrative pivot, introducing a major character and a significant shift in the balance of power, leading into the extensive campaigns described in subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecies in Daniel 11 unfold against the backdrop of the Hellenistic period, which began with the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. His vast empire was subsequently divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi. The two most dominant successor kingdoms relevant to Daniel 11 were the Ptolemaic Kingdom, centered in Egypt (the "King of the South"), and the Seleucid Empire, based in Syria and extending eastward (the "King of the North"). The land of Israel (Judea) lay strategically between these two empires, making it a frequent battleground and a prize for both. Control over Judea was vital for trade routes and military access. The cultural context was one of ongoing warfare, shifting alliances, and dynastic marriages, all aimed at consolidating power and expanding territory. The "fortress" mentioned in the verse would have been a well-established capital or military stronghold, essential for launching and sustaining campaigns.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 11:10 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Human History**. The precise foretelling of military movements, dynastic successions, and geopolitical shifts demonstrates that God is not merely an observer but the orchestrator of history, working out His purposes even through the ambitions of earthly kings, as seen in [Daniel 2:20-21](/daniel/2-20-21 "Daniel 2:20-21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Conflict and Warfare** as a recurring motif in human affairs, particularly as it impacts God's people and the land of Israel. The imagery of "stirred up," "assemble a multitude," and "overflow" vividly portrays the relentless nature of these ancient wars. Lastly, the passage reinforces the theme of **Prophetic Accuracy and Reliability**. The astonishing detail of Daniel's predictions, which align remarkably with historical accounts of the Seleucid-Ptolemaic wars, serves as a powerful testament to the truthfulness and trustworthiness of God's Word, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stirred up (Hebrew, _gârâh'_):** From H1624, this primitive root means "to grate," but figuratively, "to anger" or "to contend." In this context, it signifies being provoked, agitated, or roused to action, particularly for military engagement. It implies a vigorous and determined preparation for war, not merely a passive gathering but an aggressive mobilization driven by hostile intent. The repetition of "stirred up" later in the verse emphasizes a renewed or persistent aggressive posture.
* **overflow (Hebrew, _shâṭaph'_):** From H7857, this word means "to gush," "to inundate," or "to cleanse." In prophetic literature, it is frequently used as a powerful **metaphor** for an overwhelming, flood-like invasion or conquest. It conveys the idea of an irresistible force that sweeps away all opposition, like a raging river overflowing its banks, completely dominating the landscape it passes through. This imagery underscores the immense power and destructive force of the invading army.
* **fortress (Hebrew, _mâʻôwz'_):** From H4581, this term refers to a "fortified place," and figuratively, a "defense" or "stronghold." It denotes a secure base of operations, a place of strength and protection from which military campaigns can be launched and to which forces can retreat or return. In the context of Daniel 11:10, it signifies the strategic capital or primary military hub of the "King of the North," emphasizing the organized and strategic nature of their campaigns.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces:"** This clause introduces the agents of the coming conflict: the "sons" of the previous "King of the North" (likely referring to the successors in the Seleucid line, not necessarily direct biological offspring). They are characterized by their aggressive mobilization ("stirred up") and the vast scale of their military preparations ("assemble a multitude of great forces"). This sets the stage for a major offensive.
* **"and [one] shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through:"** This identifies the primary leader of this massive force. While the KJV inserts "[one]," the Hebrew simply implies a singular agent emerging from the collective "sons." This individual's advance is described with powerful, unstoppable imagery: "certainly come" (emphasizing inevitability), "overflow" (like an irresistible flood), and "pass through" (conquering territories in its path). This portrays a dominant and successful initial campaign.
* **"then shall he return, and be stirred up, [even] to his fortress."** After the initial sweep, the leader will "return," indicating a withdrawal or consolidation of gains, perhaps to their home territory or strategic base. The phrase "be stirred up, [even] to his fortress" suggests a renewed or continued state of aggressive readiness, even within their own stronghold, implying that the campaign is not over, but rather a strategic pause before further actions. It highlights their persistent militaristic posture.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Metaphor** is prominent, particularly in the imagery of the invading army "overflowing" and "passing through," likening their advance to an unstoppable flood. This vivid comparison emphasizes the overwhelming power and destructive force of the military campaign. **Hyperbole** is also present in the description of "a multitude of great forces," which, while historically accurate in scale, uses language that evokes an almost unimaginable military might. Furthermore, the very nature of the passage is **Prophecy**, a divinely inspired foretelling of future events. This literary form serves to demonstrate God's omniscience and His sovereign control over the unfolding of human history, reinforcing the reliability of His word. The repetition of "stirred up" also acts as a form of **Emphasis**, highlighting the persistent and aggressive nature of the Seleucid kings.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:10 offers profound theological insights into God's active involvement in human history. It demonstrates that even the most complex and seemingly chaotic geopolitical struggles are not beyond the scope of God's sovereign plan. The detailed foresight exhibited in this prophecy assures believers that God is not a distant observer but the ultimate orchestrator, working out His purposes through the rise and fall of empires and the ambitions of kings. This divine oversight provides a powerful foundation for trust, reminding us that no human force, however mighty, can thwart God's ultimate will. His ability to declare the end from the beginning, as seen here, reassures His people of His faithfulness and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [2 Peter 1:19-21](/2_peter/1-19-21 "2 Peter 1:19-21 - The Reliability of Prophecy")
* [Matthew 24:35](/matthew/24-35 "Matthew 24:35 - Heaven and Earth Will Pass Away, But My Words Will Never Pass Away")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The precise fulfillment of Daniel 11:10, along with the rest of chapter 11, provides a powerful anchor for faith in a world that often feels unpredictable and chaotic. It reminds us that behind the headlines of global conflict, political maneuvering, and the rise and fall of nations, there is a God who is sovereign, whose plans are unshakeable, and whose word is eternally true. For believers, this should cultivate a deep sense of peace and confidence. We are not adrift in a meaningless universe, but participants in a divine drama directed by an all-wise and all-powerful God. This understanding should inspire us to trust Him with our personal circumstances, knowing that if He is sovereign over empires, He is certainly sovereign over our individual lives. It also calls us to prayer, recognizing that God works through His people, even as He orchestrates the grand sweep of history. We are encouraged to live with purpose, knowing that our actions, however small, contribute to His unfolding story, and to remain steadfast in hope, anticipating the ultimate establishment of His righteous kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed fulfillment of this prophecy strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust more deeply in God's sovereignty, knowing that He orchestrates even the most complex events?**
* **How might understanding God's control over history influence your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**

### FAQ
**Who are "his sons" and "one" referred to in Daniel 11:10, and how does this prophecy align with historical events?**

Answer: "His sons" refers to the successors of the "King of the North" mentioned in previous verses, specifically the Seleucid dynasty. Historically, this is widely understood to refer to the line of Seleucus I Nicator. The "one" who "shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through" is identified by most biblical scholars and historians as **Antiochus III the Great**, a powerful Seleucid king who reigned from 223-187 BC. Antiochus III, after initial setbacks, indeed assembled a formidable army and launched extensive campaigns against the Ptolemaic kingdom (the "King of the South"). His campaigns, particularly the Fourth and Fifth Syrian Wars, saw him "overflow" and "pass through" territories, including Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, which were crucial for controlling the land of Israel. His return "to his fortress" likely refers to his capital, Antioch, in Syria, from which he continued to plan and execute further military actions, demonstrating the astonishing accuracy of Daniel's prophecy in describing these historical events.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:10 primarily details the geopolitical struggles of ancient empires, its underlying themes find their ultimate fulfillment and greater meaning in Christ. The unstoppable, "overflowing" force described here, though referring to a human king's military might, foreshadows the irresistible advance of God's kingdom, established not through earthly armies but through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the Seleucid king sought to conquer and establish his dominion, Christ, as the true King of kings, has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - The Great Commission")). His spiritual kingdom, though not of this world, is an unstoppable force that "overflows" the boundaries of sin and death, conquering spiritual strongholds and establishing His reign in the hearts of believers ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The idea of a king being "stirred up" to his "fortress" can be seen as a shadow of Christ's strategic and purposeful return to His heavenly throne, from which He now upholds all things by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds All Things")), awaiting the time when He will return to fully establish His physical kingdom and put all enemies under His feet ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")). Thus, the temporary victories of earthly kings pale in comparison to the eternal and universal dominion of the Messiah.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 46:7

Who [is] this [that] cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers?

Jeremiah 46:8

Egypt riseth up like a flood, and [his] waters are moved like the rivers; and he saith, I will go up, [and] will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and the inhabitants thereof.

Daniel 11:7

But out of a branch of her roots shall [one] stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:

Daniel 9:26

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

Jeremiah 51:42

The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof.

Isaiah 8:7

Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, [even] the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

Isaiah 8:8

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach [even] to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.