Daniel 11:14

KJV

And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in those times {H6256} there shall many {H7227} stand up {H5975} against the king {H4428} of the south {H5045}: also the robbers {H1121}{H6530} of thy people {H5971} shall exalt {H5375} themselves to establish {H5975} the vision {H2377}; but they shall fall {H3782}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Those will be times in which many will resist the king of the south; and the more violent ones among your own people will rebel in order to fulfill their vision; but they will fail.

Berean Standard Bible

In those times many will rise up against the king of the South. Violent ones among your own people will exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision, but they will fail.

American Standard Version

And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the children of the violent among thy people shall lift themselves up to establish the vision; but they shall fall.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:14 stands as a pivotal verse within a highly detailed prophetic chapter, foretelling the complex geopolitical struggles between the Hellenistic empires that would succeed Alexander the Great. Specifically, it describes a period of intense conflict where various factions, including opportunistic elements from within God's own people, would rise against the vulnerable "king of the South" (Ptolemaic Egypt), seeking to exploit the chaos and ostensibly "establish the vision" of God's prophetic plan, only to ultimately fail in their self-serving endeavors.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is renowned for its unparalleled detail in outlining future historical events, particularly the conflicts between the Seleucid (King of the North) and Ptolemaic (King of the South) dynasties. Verse 14 falls within a section that describes the Fourth Syrian War (c. 202-198 BC). Following the defeat of Ptolemy IV Philopator at the Battle of Raphia (Daniel 11:12), his young and vulnerable successor, Ptolemy V Epiphanes, becomes the "king of the South" who faces widespread internal and external opposition. This verse directly follows the description of the "king of the North" (Antiochus III the Great) returning to attack the weakened South, setting the stage for the tumultuous period in which the "many" and "robbers" emerge. The detailed nature of this prophecy underscores God's sovereign knowledge and control over human history, even in its most intricate political machinations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Daniel 11:14 is the early 2nd century BC, a time of immense instability in the Hellenistic world. Following the death of Ptolemy IV, his infant son Ptolemy V ascended the throne, leading to a regency marked by corruption and weakness. This vulnerability invited aggression from external powers, notably Antiochus III of the Seleucid Empire, who sought to reclaim territories lost to the Ptolemies. Internally, Egypt faced revolts and rebellions, further destabilizing the kingdom. The "robbers of thy people" refers to certain Jewish factions who, living in the land of Judah (Judea), found themselves caught between these warring empires. Culturally, this era saw the increasing influence of Hellenism, which created divisions within Jewish society between those who embraced Greek culture and those who resisted it, often leading to political maneuvering and opportunism by various groups seeking advantage or autonomy under the guise of religious or nationalistic fervor.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 11:14 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty** over human history, demonstrating that even the most complex and chaotic geopolitical events unfold according to God's predetermined plan. The precise foretelling of these events, centuries before their occurrence, serves as irrefutable evidence of God's omniscient control, contrasting sharply with human efforts to manipulate or "establish" outcomes. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Human Impatience and Misguided Zeal**. The "robbers of thy people" represent those who, perhaps with a superficial understanding of prophecy or a desire for self-advancement, attempt to force the fulfillment of God's promises through their own violent or opportunistic means. This foreshadows later periods of Jewish history where similar misguided attempts at liberation or establishing the kingdom led to disaster, as seen in the lead-up to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. Finally, the phrase "but they shall fall" underscores the **Futility of Human Schemes** when they are not aligned with God's perfect timing and methods. It serves as a warning against relying on human strength, cunning, or political alliances to achieve spiritual ends, emphasizing that true divine purposes will be established by God alone, not by human ambition. This theme resonates with the broader message of Daniel, where human empires rise and fall, but God's kingdom endures forever, as depicted in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Eternal Kingdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **robbers (Hebrew, _bên pᵉrîyts'_):** The KJV translates this as "robbers," combining H1121 (_bên_, "son of") and H6530 (_pᵉrîyts_, "violent, i.e. a tyrant; destroyer, ravenous, robber"). This compound phrase literally means "sons of violence" or "sons of the violent ones." It denotes individuals characterized by their destructive, lawless, or rebellious nature. In this context, it refers to opportunistic and violent elements within the Jewish people who would exploit the political instability for their own gain, perhaps even under the guise of religious zeal or nationalistic ambition, but whose actions were ultimately self-serving and destructive.
* **exalt (Hebrew, _nâsâʼ'_):** From H5375 (_nâsâʼ_), meaning "to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative; accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield." In this context, "exalt themselves" (a reflexive use) implies a self-aggrandizing action, a rising up in pride or ambition, seeking prominence or power. These "robbers" would elevate their own agendas, believing they could dictate or hasten the divine plan.
* **fall (Hebrew, _kâshal'_):** From H3782 (_kâshal_), a primitive root meaning "to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall; bereave (from the margin), cast down, be decayed, (cause to) fail, (cause, make to) fall (down, -ing), feeble, be (the) ruin(-ed, of), (be) overthrown, (cause to) stumble, [idiom] utterly, be weak." This word signifies a decisive collapse or failure. Despite their self-exaltation and ambitions, the "robbers" would ultimately stumble, be overthrown, and fail in their attempts to establish their vision, demonstrating the futility of human endeavors that oppose or attempt to force God's sovereign will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south:"** This clause sets the historical stage, referring to the period of weakness and instability for the Ptolemaic kingdom (the "king of the south") following the Battle of Raphia. The "many" refers to various internal rebellions, opportunistic regional powers, and likely the Seleucid Empire (the "king of the north") itself, all seeking to exploit Ptolemy V's vulnerability and expand their own influence or territory. This accurately describes the widespread opposition faced by the young Ptolemy V Epiphanes.
* **"also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision;"** This is a crucial and often debated part of the verse. "The robbers of thy people" specifically refers to violent, rebellious, or opportunistic elements from within the Jewish community. These individuals, perhaps driven by misguided zeal, political ambition, or a desire for self-gain, would "exalt themselves," meaning they would rise up in pride and assert their own agendas. Their aim was "to establish the vision," implying they believed they were helping to fulfill God's prophetic plan for Israel, perhaps by aligning with powerful foreign kings or by initiating their own movements. This highlights a recurring theme of human attempts to force divine timing or achieve spiritual ends through carnal means.
* **"but they shall fall."** This concluding phrase serves as a divine judgment on the efforts of the "robbers of thy people." Despite their self-exaltation and their purported aim to "establish the vision," their schemes and ambitions would ultimately fail. This underscores the futility of human endeavors that are not genuinely aligned with God's will and timing, and it reaffirms God's ultimate sovereignty over the unfolding of history and prophecy. Their fall demonstrates that God's plans are established by Him alone, not by human manipulation or violence.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:14 employs several literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Prophecy** itself is the overarching device, providing a detailed foretelling of future events, demonstrating God's omniscience and sovereign control over history. The phrase "the robbers of thy people" uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "robbers" (or "sons of violence") stands for a specific type of person or faction within the Jewish people, characterized by their violent and opportunistic nature. There is also an element of **Irony** in the phrase "to establish the vision," as these "robbers" believe they are working towards God's purposes, yet their methods and ultimate failure demonstrate that they are actually working against the true spirit of God's plan. The stark contrast between their "exaltation" and their inevitable "fall" creates a powerful **Antithesis**, emphasizing the futility of human ambition when it attempts to usurp divine prerogative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:14 provides a profound theological insight into the nature of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It reveals that while God meticulously orchestrates world events, human beings are still moral agents who make choices, some of which are misguided and even destructive. The "robbers of thy people" serve as a timeless warning against those who, under the guise of religious zeal or nationalistic fervor, attempt to force God's hand or achieve His purposes through ungodly means. Their ultimate "fall" underscores the futility of such efforts, reinforcing the truth that God's plans will unfold in His perfect timing and by His chosen methods, regardless of human interference. This passage calls believers to trust in God's faithfulness and wisdom, rather than relying on their own strength or cunning to "establish the vision."

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - Man Plans His Way, But the Lord Directs His Steps")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8-9 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:14 offers a sobering yet deeply encouraging lesson for believers today. In a world often characterized by political upheaval, social unrest, and competing ideologies, it is easy to become anxious or to feel compelled to take matters into our own hands. This verse reminds us that while we are called to be salt and light in the world, engaging with its challenges, we must do so with discernment and humility, always aligning our actions with God's Word and His Spirit. The "robbers of thy people" serve as a potent warning against misguided zeal, opportunism, or the temptation to use ungodly means to achieve what we perceive as righteous ends. Our role is not to "establish the vision" through human strength or manipulation, but to faithfully participate in God's unfolding plan through prayer, obedience, and patient trust. We are called to pray for wisdom and discernment, especially when facing complex situations, ensuring our motives are pure and our methods honor God. Ultimately, this passage encourages us to rest in the unwavering truth of God's sovereignty, knowing that His purposes will prevail, and our ultimate security is found not in human schemes but in His unfailing faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to "exalt myself" or take matters into my own hands when I feel God's purposes are not unfolding quickly enough?**
* **How can I ensure my zeal for God's kingdom is truly aligned with His methods and timing, rather than being driven by personal ambition or worldly strategies?**
* **What specific areas of my life or ministry do I need to surrender more fully to God's sovereignty, trusting that His plan will "establish" itself without my manipulative interference?**

### FAQ

**Who are "the robbers of thy people" mentioned in Daniel 11:14?**

Answer: "The robbers of thy people" (Hebrew: *bên pᵉrîyts*) refers to certain opportunistic, rebellious, or violent individuals from within the Jewish community during the Hellenistic period. These were likely factions or leaders who, seeing the political instability caused by the conflicts between the Ptolemaic (King of the South) and Seleucid (King of the North) empires, sought to exploit the situation for their own gain, power, or to advance their particular agenda, perhaps even believing they were helping to bring about God's prophetic purposes for Israel. Their actions were characterized by lawlessness and self-serving ambition, rather than genuine faith and obedience to God's will.

**What does it mean "to establish the vision" in this context?**

Answer: "To establish the vision" means that these "robbers of thy people" would attempt to bring about, confirm, or fulfill what they understood to be God's prophetic plan for Israel. They might have interpreted certain prophecies as requiring human intervention or political maneuvering to hasten the coming of a messianic era or national independence. However, the verse implies that their efforts were misguided and presumptuous, as they sought to achieve God's purposes through their own strength and cunning, rather than waiting for or aligning with God's perfect timing and methods. Their attempt to "establish the vision" was ultimately a human endeavor that would fail, as the prophecy clearly states, "but they shall fall."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:14 describes a specific historical context of human ambition and failure within the Old Testament, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of God's "vision" in Jesus Christ. The "robbers of thy people" represent a recurring human tendency to attempt to establish God's kingdom through carnal means, whether through political power, violence, or self-exaltation. This flawed approach stands in stark contrast to the way God's true vision was established: not by human might or self-appointed leaders, but through the humble, self-sacrificial work of God's own Son. Jesus did not come to "exalt Himself" in a worldly sense or to lead a political rebellion against earthly kings; rather, He came as the suffering servant, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), fulfilling the true vision of God's redemptive plan through His death and resurrection. The "fall" of the "robbers" in Daniel 11:14 highlights the futility of any attempt to establish God's reign apart from His divine will and method, which culminated in Christ's atoning work on the cross and His glorious resurrection, through which He truly established an eternal kingdom not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")). Thus, the ultimate "vision" is not established by human effort, but by the sovereign work of God through His Son, Jesus Christ, who reigns supreme and will one day return to fully establish His righteous kingdom ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Becomes the Kingdom of Our Lord")).

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

Revelation 17:17

For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

Acts 4:25

Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

Acts 4:28

For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.