Daniel 11:11

KJV

And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, [even] with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the king {H4428} of the south {H5045} shall be moved with choler {H4843}, and shall come forth {H3318} and fight {H3898} with him, even with the king {H4428} of the north {H6828}: and he shall set forth {H5975} a great {H7227} multitude {H1995}; but the multitude {H1995} shall be given {H5414} into his hand {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The king of the south, enraged, will set out to do battle with the king of the north, who, in turn, will muster a large army; but this army will be defeated by his enemy

Berean Standard Bible

In a rage, the king of the South will march out to fight the king of the North, who will raise a large army, but it will be delivered into the hand of his enemy.

American Standard Version

And the king of the south shall be moved with anger, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north; and he shall set forth a great multitude, and the multitude shall be given into his hand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:11 presents a vivid prophetic snapshot of a significant military engagement between the "king of the south" (Ptolemaic Egypt) and the "king of the north" (Seleucid Syria). This verse details the southern king's furious resolve to confront his northern adversary, leading to a massive confrontation. Despite the northern king's formidable forces, the prophecy declares a decisive victory for the king of the south, whose rival's "multitude shall be given into his hand," underscoring divine foreknowledge and sovereignty over human conflicts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is a remarkable chapter, often referred to as the "Little Apocalypse," due to its unparalleled detail in foretelling historical events centuries in advance. It follows the vision of Daniel 10, where Daniel receives a revelation about future conflicts involving Persia and Greece, and specifically the prolonged struggles between the Ptolemaic and Seleucid dynasties. Daniel 11:1-4 provides a high-level overview of the Persian kings and the rise of Alexander the Great, followed by the division of his empire. Verses 5-10 then initiate the detailed prophecy concerning the "king of the south" and "king of the north," outlining their initial alliances, betrayals, and skirmishes, particularly focusing on the Third and Fourth Syrian Wars. Daniel 11:11 specifically describes a pivotal moment within the Fifth Syrian War, setting the stage for further conflicts and the rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes in later verses ([Daniel 11:21-35](/daniel/11-21-35 "Daniel 11:21-35 - The Rise of Antiochus Epiphanes")). The precision of this prophecy serves to bolster the credibility of the later, more eschatological prophecies within the book.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Daniel 11 is the Hellenistic period, following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC. His vast empire was divided among his generals, primarily into four successor kingdoms (the Diadochi). The two most prominent, and most relevant to this prophecy, were the Ptolemaic Kingdom (ruled by the Ptolemies, centered in Egypt, hence "king of the south") and the Seleucid Empire (ruled by the Seleucids, centered in Syria and Mesopotamia, hence "king of the north"). Judea, the homeland of the Israelites, lay strategically between these two powerful empires, making it a constant battleground and a coveted prize. The cultural context was one of ongoing geopolitical struggle, where alliances shifted, and control over territories, trade routes, and resources was fiercely contested. The Battle of Raphia (217 BC) is widely recognized as the historical fulfillment of Daniel 11:11, a significant clash during the Fifth Syrian War. This period was marked by Hellenization, as Greek culture, language, and customs spread throughout the conquered territories, often leading to tension with traditional Jewish practices.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme in Daniel 11, and particularly evident in verse 11, is **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**. The incredibly precise nature of the prophecies, detailing events centuries before they occurred, serves as an undeniable testament to God's absolute control over human history and His ability to declare the future. This demonstrates that God is not merely an observer but the orchestrator of the rise and fall of empires, as highlighted in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"). Another key theme is **Conflict and Power Struggles**, as the verse vividly portrays the relentless vying for power and territory between earthly kingdoms, a recurring motif throughout history. This underscores the human tendency towards ambition, aggression, and the transient nature of worldly power. Finally, the **Reliability of Prophecy** is a crucial theme. The historical fulfillment of these detailed predictions provides strong evidence for the inspiration and trustworthiness of Scripture, assuring believers that God's word is true and His ultimate purposes will come to pass, culminating in the establishment of His eternal kingdom as described in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **choler (Hebrew, _mârar'_):** H4843. This primitive root means "to be (causatively, make) bitter," and figuratively, "to vex" or "provoke." In this context, "moved with choler" signifies an intense, bitter rage or fury. It perfectly describes the king of the south's profound anger and determination to retaliate after previous defeats, driving him to a decisive confrontation. This is not merely strategic calculation but an emotional impetus for war.
* **multitude (Hebrew, _hâmôwn'_):** H1995. This word denotes a "noise, tumult, crowd," or "abundance." It emphasizes the sheer size and overwhelming number of troops assembled by the king of the north. The repetition of "multitude" in the verse ("a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given") highlights the scale of the northern king's forces, making the southern king's victory even more remarkable and a clear demonstration of divine intervention or predetermination.
* **hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** H3027. This common Hebrew word for "hand" carries a rich semantic range, often signifying power, control, possession, or authority. When the multitude is "given into his hand," it powerfully conveys the king of the south's complete victory, mastery, and control over the defeated army. It implies not just a rout, but a decisive capture and subjugation of the enemy forces, signifying the transfer of power and dominion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the king of the south shall be moved with choler":** This clause introduces the Ptolemaic king (Ptolemy IV Philopator, historically) and his emotional state. "Moved with choler" (from the Hebrew _mârar_) indicates a surge of intense anger, bitterness, or indignation. This rage is the catalyst for his subsequent military action, likely fueled by previous defeats or provocations from the king of the north.
* **"and shall come forth and fight with him, [even] with the king of the north":** This describes the direct military confrontation initiated by the enraged southern king. "Come forth" (from _yâtsâʼ_) implies an aggressive advance, not merely a defensive posture. The target is explicitly identified as the Seleucid king (Antiochus III the Great, historically), setting the stage for a major battle.
* **"and he shall set forth a great multitude":** This refers to the king of the north's impressive military mobilization. "Set forth" (from _ʻâmad_) suggests establishing or arraying a vast army. The phrase "great multitude" (from _rab_ and _hâmôwn_) emphasizes the immense size and formidable nature of the Seleucid forces, indicating a powerful and seemingly overwhelming opponent.
* **"but the multitude shall be given into his hand":** This climactic clause reveals the outcome of the battle, contrary to what the northern king's "great multitude" might suggest. "Given" (from _nâthan_) implies a divine or predetermined handing over. "Into his hand" (from _yâd_) signifies complete defeat, capture, and subjugation of the northern king's vast army by the king of the south. This phrase underscores the decisive victory and the transfer of power and control.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:11 employs several literary devices to convey its prophetic message. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, specifically **Predictive Prophecy**, which is the core nature of Daniel 11. The verse meticulously foretells a specific historical event (the Battle of Raphia) centuries before its occurrence, demonstrating divine omniscience and control over human affairs. This detailed foresight lends immense credibility to the biblical text. Additionally, there is an element of **Contrast** or **Antithesis** between the "great multitude" of the king of the north and its ultimate fate of being "given into his hand." This highlights the surprising and divinely orchestrated outcome, where numerical superiority does not guarantee victory. The phrase "moved with choler" is a form of **Figurative Language**, specifically a **Metaphor** or **Idiom**, conveying intense emotional motivation rather than a literal physical movement. Finally, the use of "hand" as a symbol for power, control, and possession is a form of **Metonymy**, where a part (the hand) stands for the whole concept of dominion and victory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:11 powerfully illustrates God's meticulous sovereignty over human history, revealing that even the most complex geopolitical struggles and the outcomes of massive battles are not random but fall within His divine plan. This detailed prophecy serves as a profound testament to God's omniscience, demonstrating that He is actively involved in the affairs of nations, orchestrating the rise and fall of empires according to His purposes. It assures us that no earthly power, however great its "multitude," can ultimately thwart the will of the Almighty. This truth provides immense comfort and stability for believers, reminding us that even amidst global turmoil and conflict, God remains on His throne, perfectly executing His redemptive plan.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:30-31](/proverbs/21-30-31 "Proverbs 21:30-31 - No Wisdom, No Understanding, No Counsel Against the Lord")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by political instability, international conflicts, and the rise and fall of powerful nations, Daniel 11:11 offers profound reassurance and a unique perspective. It reminds us that God is not a distant, passive observer of human events but an active, sovereign orchestrator of history. Just as He precisely foretold the outcomes of ancient battles between mighty empires, we can trust that He has a sovereign plan for our lives, for our nations, and for the entire course of human history. This understanding should cultivate a deep sense of peace and confidence, knowing that even amidst chaos and uncertainty, God's ultimate purposes will prevail. It encourages us to view current events through a biblical lens, recognizing that all human endeavors and power struggles ultimately unfold within the framework of God's overarching design. Our response, then, should be one of humble trust, faithful obedience, and unwavering hope in the God who knows the end from the beginning, and whose kingdom will ultimately triumph over all earthly kingdoms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed fulfillment of this prophecy strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word?**
* **In what ways does knowing God's sovereignty over nations and historical events impact your perspective on current global conflicts or political uncertainties?**
* **How might recognizing God's control over even the "multitudes" of this world influence your prayers for leaders and nations?**

### FAQ

**What is the historical fulfillment of Daniel 11:11?**

Answer: Daniel 11:11 is widely understood by scholars to refer to the Battle of Raphia, which occurred in 217 BC. In this conflict, Ptolemy IV Philopator, the "king of the south" (ruler of Ptolemaic Egypt), was "moved with choler" (intense anger) after suffering earlier defeats at the hands of Antiochus III the Great, the "king of the north" (ruler of the Seleucid Empire). Ptolemy IV gathered a massive army and confronted Antiochus III near Gaza. Despite the Seleucid forces' initial strength, the Ptolemaic army ultimately achieved a decisive victory, fulfilling the prophecy that the northern king's "multitude shall be given into his hand." This battle was a significant event in the ongoing Syrian Wars between these two Hellenistic powers.

**Why is the detailed nature of Daniel 11's prophecy significant for biblical theology?**

Answer: The detailed nature of Daniel 11's prophecy is profoundly significant for biblical theology because it serves as a powerful demonstration of God's omniscience and His active sovereignty over human history. Unlike general predictions, this chapter provides specific details about kings, battles, and political maneuvers centuries before they occurred, which has been historically verified. This level of precision underscores the Bible's claim to divine inspiration and infallibility. It shows that God is not merely a distant deity but one who orchestrates the rise and fall of nations ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons")) and knows the future with absolute certainty ([Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")). This strengthens faith in the reliability of all Scripture, including prophecies concerning the end times and the coming of God's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:11 specifically details a historical conflict between ancient kings, its underlying theological truths find their ultimate and spiritual fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The divine sovereignty so vividly displayed in God's foreknowledge of earthly battles points to the even greater sovereignty of Christ, who is the true King over all kings and Lord over all lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")). The earthly conflicts depicted here, driven by human ambition and rage, foreshadow the ultimate spiritual battle against sin, death, and the forces of darkness, a battle decisively won by Christ on the cross and through His resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Just as the "multitude" of the northern king was "given into his hand," so too were the powers of darkness defeated and given into the hand of Christ, who disarmed them and made a public spectacle of them. His kingdom, unlike the transient empires of the Ptolemies and Seleucids, is an everlasting kingdom that shall never be destroyed ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man")). Thus, Daniel 11:11 ultimately points to the One who perfectly fulfills God's sovereign plan, bringing about not just a temporary military victory, but eternal redemption and the establishment of His righteous reign.

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

Daniel 8:7

And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.

Daniel 11:5

¶ And the king of the south shall be strong, and [one] of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion [shall be] a great dominion.

Jeremiah 27:6

And now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant; and the beasts of the field have I given him also to serve him.

1 Kings 20:13

And, behold, there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD.

Psalms 76:10

Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Psalms 33:17

An horse [is] a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver [any] by his great strength.