Daniel 11:16

KJV

But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.

KJV (with Strong's)

But he that cometh {H935} against him shall do {H6213} according to his own will {H7522}, and none shall stand {H5975} before {H6440} him: and he shall stand {H5975} in the glorious {H6643} land {H776}, which by his hand {H3027} shall be consumed {H3617}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The invader will do as he pleases; no one will be able to withstand him. So he will establish himself in the Land of Glory, and he will have the power to destroy it.

Berean Standard Bible

The invader will do as he pleases, and no one will stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land, with destruction in his hand.

American Standard Version

But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him; and he shall stand in the glorious land, and in his hand shall be destruction.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:16 describes a pivotal moment in the post-Alexandrian prophetic history, foretelling the rise of a powerful northern king who would act with irresistible force and unchecked ambition. This monarch would conquer and establish his dominion in the "glorious land" (Israel), completely subjugating it through his might and rendering it "consumed" or fully under his control, leaving no opposition in his path.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is renowned for its remarkably detailed and precise prophecies concerning the succession of empires and the conflicts that would unfold after the breakup of Alexander the Great's empire. The chapter meticulously outlines the struggles between the Ptolemaic dynasty (referred to as the "King of the South," ruling Egypt) and the Seleucid dynasty (the "King of the North," ruling Syria) for control over the strategically vital region of the Levant, which included Judea. Verse 16 marks a significant turning point in this protracted series of conflicts, specifically detailing the King of the North's decisive victory and subsequent occupation of the land of Israel, following a period of fluctuating control between the two rival powers. This verse sets the stage for the intense persecution that the Jewish people would later face under subsequent Seleucid rulers, particularly Antiochus IV Epiphanes, whose actions are also prophesied in this chapter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period immediately following Alexander the Great's death in 323 BC saw his vast empire divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi. The two most prominent rival kingdoms that emerged were the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt and the Seleucid Empire in Syria and Mesopotamia. For over a century, these two powers engaged in a series of "Syrian Wars" for control of Coele-Syria, a region that encompassed Judea. The Jewish people, caught between these two giants, often found themselves subjects of one, then the other. Daniel 11:16 finds its historical fulfillment in the campaigns of Antiochus III "the Great," the Seleucid King of the North. Following his decisive victory over Ptolemy V at the Battle of Panium in 198 BC, Antiochus III marched into Judea, effectively ending Ptolemaic control and bringing the region under Seleucid dominion. This event was a major shift, as it subjected the Jewish people to a new foreign power, whose policies would eventually lead to the Maccabean Revolt, a significant period in Jewish history.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 11:16 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Sovereignty over Human Affairs**. Despite the King of the North acting "according to his own will," his actions are precisely foretold, demonstrating that even the most ambitious human rulers operate within the confines of God's predetermined plan. This underscores the truth found in passages like [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"), where God declares the end from the beginning. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Irresistible Power and Conquest**, depicting a period of unchallenged dominance by the King of the North, where "none shall stand before him." Thirdly, the repeated mention of "the glorious land" (Israel) emphasizes the **Significance of God's Covenant Land**, even as it becomes a battleground for earthly empires. Its conquest signifies a major geopolitical shift, yet its enduring identity as "glorious" points to God's ongoing special regard for it. Finally, the precise historical fulfillment of this prophecy, along with others in Daniel 11, reinforces the theme of **Prophetic Accuracy and Reliability**, serving as a powerful testament to the divine inspiration of Scripture and God's foreknowledge of history, as also seen in [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Stand").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Will (Hebrew, _râtsôwn'_):** From H7522, this word denotes delight, desire, favor, pleasure, or one's own voluntary will. In Daniel 11:16, "according to his own will" signifies the King of the North's unhindered ambition and absolute authority. His actions are not constrained by external forces or opposition; he executes his desires without impediment, reflecting a tyrannical exercise of power driven by his own pleasure and objectives.
* **Stand (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** From H5975, this primitive root means to stand, abide, confirm, endure, establish, or remain. The phrase "none shall stand before him" indicates the utter lack of effective resistance or opposition. It conveys the idea of an overwhelming military force that cannot be withstood, implying total victory and the complete subjugation of any who might attempt to oppose the conqueror. This emphasizes his invincibility in this particular campaign.
* **Consumed (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From H3617, this word refers to a completion, destruction, or an utter end. When applied to the "glorious land" being "consumed" by his hand, it does not necessarily imply literal physical annihilation of the land itself, but rather its complete subjugation, absorption into the conqueror's empire, or the exhaustion of its resources and autonomy. It signifies a thorough and complete takeover, where the land loses its independence and is fully brought under the dominion and control of the conquering power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will":** This clause introduces the powerful figure of the King of the North (Antiochus III), emphasizing his aggressive posture against the King of the South (Ptolemy V). The phrase "shall do according to his own will" underscores his absolute determination, unbridled ambition, and the freedom with which he executes his military and political strategies. It highlights his unchecked authority and the absence of any significant internal or external constraint on his actions.
* **"and none shall stand before him":** This phrase serves as a powerful declaration of the King of the North's overwhelming military might and the futility of any opposition. It signifies that his advance will be irresistible, his victories decisive, and no army or nation will be able to successfully resist or defeat him in battle. This hyperbolic expression emphasizes his invincibility during this phase of his conquests.
* **"and he shall stand in the glorious land":** This clause specifies the geographical target and outcome of his campaign. "The glorious land" refers to Israel/Judea, a land uniquely chosen and blessed by God, often depicted with honorific titles in Scripture. The King of the North will not merely pass through but "stand" in it, indicating a firm establishment of his presence and authority, signifying its conquest and occupation.
* **"which by his hand shall be consumed":** This final phrase describes the fate of the glorious land under the King of the North's dominion. "By his hand" signifies his direct agency, power, and control. The word "consumed" (as discussed in Key Word Analysis) denotes the complete subjugation, absorption, or exploitation of the land. It implies that Israel will lose its autonomy, its resources will be exploited, and its people will be brought fully under the oppressive rule of the conquering king, effectively "used up" or brought to an end as an independent entity.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:16 employs several literary devices to convey the power and impact of the prophecy. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "none shall stand before him," which dramatically emphasizes the King of the North's overwhelming military superiority and the utter lack of effective resistance. While some might have attempted to stand, their efforts would be futile, making the statement an impactful exaggeration of his invincibility. The term "the glorious land" serves as **Symbolism**, representing Israel not merely as a geographical territory but as a land uniquely chosen and blessed by God, carrying profound theological significance despite its political subjugation. This title highlights its enduring spiritual importance even amidst earthly conflicts. Furthermore, the phrase "by his hand" functions as **Metonymy**, where "hand" represents the King's power, authority, and active agency in bringing about the consumption or subjugation of the land. The entire verse, as part of Daniel 11, also functions as **Foreshadowing**, not only predicting the immediate historical events but also hinting at the broader pattern of Gentile domination over Israel, which finds its ultimate resolution in the eschatological kingdom of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:16 profoundly illustrates God's meticulous sovereignty over human history, demonstrating that even the most powerful and self-willed rulers, like the King of the North, operate within the bounds of His divine plan. The precise fulfillment of this prophecy, centuries after its utterance, serves as an undeniable testament to God's foreknowledge and His ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations. It teaches us that human ambition, military might, and political maneuvering, though seemingly chaotic, are ultimately orchestrated or permitted by God to achieve His purposes. This perspective offers immense comfort and stability to believers, reminding us that our ultimate trust should not be in earthly powers or political systems, but in the immutable God who declares the end from the beginning and whose counsel alone stands firm.

* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"): "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure."
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Plans, One Purpose"): "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand."
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - The Lord's Counsel Stands Forever"): "The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:16 offers a powerful anchor for our faith in a world often characterized by political upheaval, military conflicts, and the rise and fall of powerful leaders. It reminds us that no human will, however strong or seemingly irresistible, can ultimately thwart the sovereign will of God. When we observe global events, the ambitions of nations, or the struggles for power, this verse calls us to look beyond the immediate circumstances and recognize the unseen hand of God at work, meticulously unfolding His eternal purposes. It encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's providential control, knowing that even when His people or His "glorious land" endure hardship or subjugation, His ultimate plan for redemption and restoration remains secure. This understanding liberates us from anxiety and empowers us to live with hope, knowing that the God who foretold these ancient events is the same God who holds our future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Daniel 11:16 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty in a world of conflict and human ambition?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to place our trust in human power or political systems rather than God's unfailing Word, which proves true in every generation?**
* **How does the historical fulfillment of this prophecy strengthen your faith in the reliability and divine inspiration of Scripture?**

### FAQ
**Question?** Who is "he that cometh against him" in this verse, and who is "him"?

Answer: Historically, "he that cometh against him" refers to Antiochus III "the Great," the Seleucid King of the North, who launched a decisive campaign against Ptolemy V, the King of the South. The "him" refers to the King of the South, who was the reigning power in Judea prior to Antiochus III's conquest. This verse marks the moment when the King of the North gained supremacy over the King of the South in the region of Judea.

**Question?** What is "the glorious land" mentioned in this prophecy?

Answer: "The glorious land" (Hebrew: *ha'aretz hatzvi*) is a poetic and honorific title for the land of Israel, also known as Judea. It emphasizes its unique status and beauty in God's eyes, being the land of His covenant people and the place where His redemptive history unfolds. Its designation as "glorious" highlights its spiritual significance, even as it becomes a battleground for earthly empires, as seen in [Daniel 8:9](/daniel/8-9 "Daniel 8:9 - The Little Horn and the Glorious Land") and [Daniel 11:41](/daniel/11-41 "Daniel 11:41 - The King of the North Enters the Glorious Land").

**Question?** What does it mean that the glorious land "shall be consumed" by his hand?

Answer: The word "consumed" (Hebrew: *kâlâh*) here implies a complete subjugation, absorption, or the exhaustion of its resources and autonomy by the conquering power. It signifies a thorough and complete takeover, where the land loses its independence and is brought fully under the dominion and control of the King of the North. It does not necessarily mean physical destruction of the land itself, but rather the end of its self-governance and its integration into the conqueror's empire, with its resources and people being exploited.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:16 describes the earthly conquest by a powerful human king, it ultimately points forward to a far greater King whose dominion is truly irresistible and whose will is perfectly righteous. The King of the North's temporary and destructive reign over the "glorious land" serves as a stark contrast to the eternal and redemptive reign of Jesus Christ. Where the earthly king acted "according to his own will" in a self-serving manner, Christ perfectly fulfilled the will of His Father, embodying divine purpose and love. "None shall stand before him" in Daniel 11:16 speaks of military might, but in Christ, this phrase finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment: all opposition to God's kingdom will ultimately be vanquished, and every knee shall bow before Him, as declared in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation"). Christ's victory is not merely over earthly armies but over sin, death, and the spiritual powers of darkness, triumphing over them on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). Furthermore, while the earthly king "stood in the glorious land" to consume it, Jesus, the true King, walked the glorious land of Israel to bring salvation and life, and He will one day return to "stand" on the Mount of Olives ([Zechariah 14:4](/zechariah/14-4 "Zechariah 14:4 - The Lord Standing on the Mount of Olives")) to establish His eternal kingdom, not to consume it, but to redeem and restore it. The temporary "consumption" by human hands foreshadows the ultimate judgment and the establishment of God's perfect reign, where Christ, the Lion of Judah, will rule with absolute, righteous authority, and His kingdom will have no end ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - The Rider on the White Horse")).

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 8:9

And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant [land].

Daniel 11:36

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

Daniel 11:3

And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.

Daniel 11:41

He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many [countries] shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, [even] Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.

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 8:4

I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither [was there any] that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.

Jeremiah 3:19

But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.