Daniel 11:15

KJV

So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither [shall there be any] strength to withstand.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the king {H4428} of the north {H6828} shall come {H935}, and cast up {H8210} a mount {H5550}, and take {H3920} the most fenced {H4013} cities {H5892}: and the arms {H2220} of the south {H5045} shall not withstand {H5975}, neither his chosen {H4005} people {H5971}, neither shall there be any strength {H3581} to withstand {H5975}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Then the king of the north will come, set up siege-works and capture a fortified city; the forces of the south will be insufficient defense, even his elite troops will not be strong enough to resist.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the king of the North will come, build up a siege ramp, and capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will not stand; even their best troops will not be able to resist.

American Standard Version

So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mound, and take a well-fortified city: and the forces of the south shall not stand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to stand.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:15 prophesies a decisive military victory for the "king of the north" over the "king of the south," detailing the northern king's sophisticated siege tactics and the utter failure of the southern forces, including their elite troops, to mount any effective resistance. This verse marks a significant turning point in the protracted conflicts between these two powerful Hellenistic dynasties, demonstrating the precise foreknowledge of God regarding future geopolitical events.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 forms the core of Daniel's final and most extensive prophetic vision, spanning from chapter 10 to 12. This chapter is renowned for its unparalleled detail in foretelling historical events, particularly the conflicts between the Ptolemaic (King of the South) and Seleucid (King of the North) dynasties. Verse 15 specifically advances the narrative of these struggles, following earlier accounts of their fluctuating fortunes and alliances (e.g., [Daniel 11:6-14](/daniel/11-6-14 "Daniel 11:6-14 - Conflicts Between Kings of North and South")). It sets the stage for the subsequent rise of a more sinister figure, foreshadowing the ultimate culmination of human history under God's sovereign hand, a theme consistent with the broader eschatological focus of the book of Daniel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Daniel 11:15 accurately describes events during the Fifth Syrian War (c. 202-198 BC), a conflict between Antiochus III (the Seleucid "king of the north") and Ptolemy V Epiphanes (the Ptolemaic "king of the south"). Following the death of Ptolemy IV, Antiochus III seized the opportunity to reclaim Coele-Syria, a contested territory. The "casting up a mount" refers to the common ancient siege tactic of building an earthen ramp or siege mound to overcome fortified city walls, a method employed by Antiochus III against cities like Sidon. The "fenced cities" were heavily fortified strongholds, and the "arms of the south" and "chosen people" refer to the Ptolemaic military, including their elite mercenary forces, which proved incapable of defending their territories against Antiochus's overwhelming assault.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully underscores several key themes prevalent throughout Daniel and the prophetic books. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Foreknowledge**, demonstrating God's ability to declare the end from the beginning, as seen in [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Secondly, it emphasizes the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, providing compelling evidence for the divine inspiration and reliability of Scripture through its precise historical accuracy. Thirdly, the ongoing rise and fall of kingdoms, as depicted here, points to God's **Sovereignty Over Kingdoms**, reinforcing the truth that He "removes kings and sets up kings" ([Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons, Removes and Sets Up Kings")). Finally, it subtly conveys the **Transience of Human Power**, showing that even the most formidable military might is ultimately subject to God's overarching plan and purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **cast up (Hebrew, _shâphak'_ H8210) a mount (Hebrew, _çôlᵉlâh'_ H5550):** The verb "shâphak" means "to spill forth" or "to pour out," often used for liquids, but here, in conjunction with "çôlᵉlâh" (a military mound or rampart), it describes the act of piling up earth and materials to construct a siege ramp. This was a standard, effective, and labor-intensive method for besieging heavily fortified cities, allowing attackers to bring siege engines to the wall level or to create a breach.
* **fenced (Hebrew, _mibtsâr'_ H4013):** Derived from a root meaning "to cut off" or "to make inaccessible," "mibtsâr" refers to a fortification, castle, or fortified city. The term emphasizes the strength and defensive capabilities of the cities targeted by the king of the north, highlighting the scale of his military achievement in overcoming such strongholds.
* **withstand (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_ H5975):** This primitive root means "to stand" in various relations, including to stand firm, endure, or resist. Its repeated use in the negative ("shall not withstand," "neither shall there be any strength to withstand") powerfully conveys the complete and utter inability of the southern forces to offer any effective resistance or maintain their ground against the overwhelming assault of the northern king.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the king of the north shall come,"**: This clause introduces the primary aggressor, the Seleucid king (historically, Antiochus III), emphasizing his proactive and determined military advance into the territory of the king of the south.
* **"and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities:"**: This details the specific and effective siege tactics employed by the northern king. He will construct siege ramps ("cast up a mount") to overcome the formidable defenses of the "most fenced cities," indicating a systematic and successful campaign against heavily fortified strongholds.
* **"and the arms of the south shall not withstand,"**: This signifies the complete failure of the Ptolemaic military power. "Arms" (Hebrew: _zᵉrôwaʻ_) here is a metonymy for military strength and might, indicating that the southern forces, despite their presumed power, will be utterly incapable of resisting the northern king's advance.
* **"neither his chosen people,"**: This further emphasizes the extent of the southern king's defeat, indicating that even his elite, select troops ("chosen people" or "best troops") will be unable to hold their ground or turn the tide of the battle.
* **"neither [shall there be any] strength to withstand."**: This final phrase serves as a powerful reiteration and intensification of the previous clauses, underscoring the absolute and total lack of any effective power or ability on the part of the south to resist the northern king's overwhelming force. It highlights the completeness of their defeat.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:15 employs several literary devices to convey its prophetic message with dramatic impact. The passage uses **Metonymy** when referring to "the arms of the south," where "arms" represents the military might and power of the southern kingdom, emphasizing their physical inability to resist. The repeated phrase "shall not withstand, neither... strength to withstand" is a form of **Repetition** and **Emphasis**, dramatically highlighting the utter and complete failure of the southern forces. This repetition creates a sense of inevitability and overwhelming defeat. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing** within the broader context of Daniel 11, as these precise historical details serve to build credibility for the later, more eschatological prophecies concerning the end times and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. The use of specific military actions like "cast up a mount" provides vivid **Imagery**, allowing the reader to visualize the ancient siege warfare tactics.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:15 stands as a profound testament to God's meticulous sovereignty over human history and the reliability of His prophetic word. The precise fulfillment of such detailed prophecies, centuries after their utterance, underscores that no earthly power, no military strategy, and no human will can ultimately thwart the divine plan. God is not merely an observer of history but its orchestrator, weaving the rise and fall of empires into His grand tapestry, ultimately for His glory and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. This passage assures believers that even amidst geopolitical turmoil and the clash of nations, God remains firmly on His throne, directing all events toward His predetermined ends.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world often characterized by political instability, international conflicts, and the shifting sands of power, Daniel 11:15 offers a profound anchor for the soul. This ancient prophecy, detailing the precise historical outcomes of long-past empires, serves as a powerful reminder that God is not absent from the affairs of humanity. He possesses perfect foreknowledge and exercises ultimate control, even over the most formidable earthly forces. For believers, this truth cultivates deep trust and peace, knowing that our God reigns supreme, and His purposes will prevail regardless of the chaos we observe. It calls us to live with confidence, not in human strength or political solutions, but in the unwavering sovereignty of the Almighty. It encourages us to pray for leaders and nations, understanding that their authority is ultimately derived from Him, and to align our lives with His eternal kingdom, which will never be overthrown.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed fulfillment of prophecy in Daniel 11:15 strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty and the reliability of Scripture?**
* **In what ways does this passage encourage you to trust God amidst current global conflicts or political uncertainties?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in light of God's ultimate control, rather than being swayed by the transient powers of this world?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "king of the north" and "king of the south" in this prophecy?**

Answer: In the immediate historical fulfillment of Daniel 11, the "king of the north" refers to the Seleucid dynasty, which ruled over Syria and Mesopotamia, while the "king of the south" refers to the Ptolemaic dynasty, which ruled over Egypt. Both dynasties emerged from the division of Alexander the Great's empire after his death. This particular verse, [Daniel 11:15](/daniel/11-15 "Daniel 11:15 - King of the North's Victory"), specifically describes the campaign of Antiochus III (Seleucid) against Ptolemy V (Ptolemaic) during the Fifth Syrian War, where Antiochus decisively defeated the Egyptian forces and captured key fortified cities in Coele-Syria.

**How does this ancient prophecy apply to believers today?**

Answer: While Daniel 11:15 details specific historical events, its enduring application for believers lies in its powerful demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty and the infallibility of His Word. It assures us that God is actively involved in human history, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations according to His divine plan. This provides immense comfort and confidence, reminding us that no earthly power can ultimately thwart God's purposes. Just as He precisely foretold these ancient conflicts, we can trust Him with the future, including the ultimate triumph of His kingdom and the return of Christ, as promised in passages like [Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears in the New Creation"). It encourages us to place our trust not in human might or political systems, but in the unchanging power and wisdom of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:15 describes the overwhelming military victory of an earthly king, it ultimately points to the far greater and eternal triumph of Jesus Christ. The "king of the north" in this prophecy, despite his formidable power, was merely a temporal figure whose dominion eventually faded. In contrast, Jesus is the true King of all kings, to whom "all authority in heaven and on earth has been given" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). His victory was not merely over fortified cities or human armies, but over sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness, triumphing over them by His cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). The inability of the "arms of the south" to withstand the northern king foreshadows the absolute inability of any opposing force—whether human or demonic—to withstand the sovereign power of Christ. He is the one who upholds the universe by the word of His power ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ Upholds the Universe")), and His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom that shall never be destroyed or given to another people ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Everlasting Dominion")). Ultimately, Daniel 11:15, like all prophecy, directs our gaze to the coming of the Messiah, the victorious Lamb who will return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")), establishing a reign against which no strength can withstand.

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 6:6

For thus hath the LORD of hosts said, Hew ye down trees, and cast a mount against Jerusalem: this [is] the city to be visited; she [is] wholly oppression in the midst of her.

Ezekiel 17:17

Neither shall Pharaoh with [his] mighty army and great company make for him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts, to cut off many persons:

Ezekiel 4:2

And lay siege against it, and build a fort against it, and cast a mount against it; set the camp also against it, and set [battering] rams against it round about.

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.

Jeremiah 5:10

¶ Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they [are] not the LORD'S.

Joshua 1:5

There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Proverbs 21:30

¶ [There is] no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.