Daniel 11:14

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Daniel 11:14 is part of a remarkably detailed prophecy concerning the geopolitical struggles that would unfold in the centuries following Daniel's time, specifically focusing on the conflicts between the Seleucid Empire (the "king of the North") and the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt (the "king of the South"). This verse points to a specific period of intense strife and internal turmoil affecting the land of Israel.

Context

This verse is situated within a lengthy prophetic chapter, Daniel 11, which outlines a series of wars and alliances affecting the land of Israel, often caught between these two major Hellenistic powers. Verse 14 describes events occurring during the Fourth Syrian War (c. 202-198 BC), where Ptolemy V Epiphanes faced significant opposition after his father's defeat.

Historical and Cultural Background

Historically, the "king of the South" at this point refers to Ptolemy V Epiphanes, who was a young and vulnerable ruler. The "many stand up against" him likely refers to various factions, including rebellious Egyptians, and other regional powers who seized the opportunity presented by his weakness, often aligning with Antiochus III (the "king of the North," the Seleucid king).

The phrase "the robbers of thy people" (KJV) is particularly significant. The Hebrew term, peritzei ammecha, can be translated as "violent ones," "rebellious ones," or "breakers of your people." This refers to certain opportunistic Jews who, driven by misguided zeal, political ambition, or a desire for self-gain, would try to exploit the political instability. They might have sought to align with powerful foreign kings, hoping to gain favor or autonomy, or perhaps even believing they were helping to hasten the fulfillment of prophetic visions concerning Israel's future. However, the prophecy states, "but they shall fall," indicating that their schemes and ambitions would ultimately fail, demonstrating God's ultimate control over history despite human attempts to manipulate events.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: Despite the complex political maneuvering and human ambition, God's prophetic word reveals His ultimate control over the course of history and the destiny of nations.
  • Misguided Zeal: The "robbers of thy people" serve as a warning against those who attempt to bring about God's purposes through their own violent or opportunistic means, rather than trusting His timing and methods. This highlights the danger of human efforts trying to "establish the vision" outside of God's perfect plan.
  • Futility of Human Schemes: The phrase "they shall fall" underscores the ultimate failure of human efforts that are not aligned with divine will, even when cloaked in religious or nationalistic fervor.

Practical Application

For believers today, Daniel 11:14 offers a powerful reminder about the dangers of attempting to force God's hand or using ungodly means to achieve what one perceives as a spiritual good. It emphasizes the importance of patience, discerning God's true will, and understanding that His plans will unfold in His perfect timing, regardless of human interference. We are called to trust in God's faithfulness and wisdom, rather than relying on our own strength or cunning to "establish the vision." This verse encourages us to pray for wisdom and discernment, especially when facing political or social upheaval, ensuring our actions truly align with God's Word and not merely our own desires or ambitions. It also highlights the enduring truth that man proposes, but God disposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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