Daniel 11:18

KJV

After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause [it] to turn upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

After this shall he turn {H7760}{H7725} his face {H6440} unto the isles {H339}, and shall take {H3920} many {H7227}: but a prince {H7101} for his own behalf shall cause the reproach {H2781} offered by him to cease {H7673}; without {H1115} his own reproach {H2781} he shall cause it to turn {H7725} upon him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next, he will put his attention on the coastlands and islands and capture many, but an army commander will put a stop to his outrages and cause his outrages to come back upon him.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he will turn his face to the coastlands and capture many of them. But a commander will put an end to his reproach and will turn it back upon him.

American Standard Version

After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; yea, moreover, he shall cause his reproach to turn upon him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:18 is a precise prophetic utterance detailing a significant phase in the military and political campaigns of the "king of the north," widely identified as Antiochus III (Antiochus the Great) of the Seleucid Empire. The verse foretells his expansion westward into the maritime regions and islands of the Aegean, where he would achieve considerable success. However, his advance would be decisively halted and his haughty "reproach" turned back upon him by a powerful "prince," historically understood to be a reference to the rising Roman Republic, which acted in its own strategic interest to curb Seleucid power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 unfolds as a highly detailed and precise prophecy concerning the conflicts between the "king of the north" (Seleucid Empire) and the "king of the south" (Ptolemaic Egypt), following the division of Alexander the Great's empire. This chapter is unique in its granular accuracy, describing specific battles, alliances, and betrayals over several centuries. Verse 18 marks a pivotal shift in the narrative. Prior verses (11:1-17) primarily focus on the Ptolemaic-Seleucid wars, with Antiochus III consolidating power and achieving victories against Egypt. Verse 18 indicates a change in his strategic direction, turning from the south to the west, setting the stage for his encounter with a new, formidable power. This transition is crucial, as it introduces the entity that will eventually bring about the decline of the Seleucid Empire, thus preparing the ground for the later rise of the "contemptible person" (11:21) and the ultimate end-time events.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, Daniel 11:18 accurately describes Antiochus III's campaigns following his significant victory over Egypt at the Battle of Panium (c. 200 BCE). Having secured his eastern and southern borders, Antiochus turned his ambitions towards the Aegean Sea and Asia Minor, seeking to restore the former glory of the Seleucid Empire. The "isles" (Hebrew: _'iyyim_) refer to the coastal regions and islands of the Aegean, including Greek city-states and territories previously under Ptolemaic or independent control. Antiochus's expansion into these areas, particularly his incursions into Greece, brought him into direct conflict with the burgeoning power of the Roman Republic. Rome, having recently defeated Carthage, viewed Antiochus's expansion as a threat to its own strategic interests and its Greek allies. The "prince" is widely identified as a Roman commander, specifically Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus, who, alongside his more famous brother Scipio Africanus, led the Roman forces that decisively defeated Antiochus III at the Battle of Magnesia in 190 BCE. Culturally, "reproach" (Hebrew: _cherpâh_) carried significant weight in the ancient Near East, denoting public shame, humiliation, or contempt. To "cause reproach to cease" or "turn upon him" speaks to the reversal of fortune and the public humiliation of a powerful ruler.
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 11:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Daniel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Sovereignty over Human History**. Despite the intricate political machinations and military campaigns of earthly kings, God remains the ultimate orchestrator of events, raising and bringing down empires according to His sovereign will. This aligns with the foundational truth declared in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons"), that God "removeth kings, and setteth up kings." Secondly, the verse highlights the **Limits of Imperial Ambition**. Even a powerful ruler like Antiochus III, who achieved great success, ultimately faced an insurmountable barrier, demonstrating that no human power is absolute or operates outside of God's ultimate control. Thirdly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Justice and Reversal**. The "reproach" Antiochus inflicted upon others, through his conquests and demands, was ultimately returned upon him, serving as a prophetic precursor to the principle that those who sow injustice will reap its consequences, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic literature and wisdom writings. This detailed prophecy also underscores the **Reliability and Precision of God's Word**, demonstrating His foreknowledge of specific historical events centuries before they occurred, reinforcing the trustworthiness of the entire prophetic revelation found in [the book of Daniel](/daniel/1 "Daniel 1 - Daniel's Early Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **isles (Hebrew, _ʼîy'_):** This term (H339) originates from a root meaning "to desire" or "to be habitable." It properly refers to a habitable spot, dry land, a coast, or an island. In Daniel 11:18, it broadly encompasses the maritime regions, coastlands, and islands of the Mediterranean, specifically the Aegean Sea and Asia Minor. This accurately reflects Antiochus III's westward expansion, which involved naval campaigns and the subjugation of coastal cities and island territories. The use of this term precisely delineates the geographical scope of his new military endeavors.
* **reproach (Hebrew, _cherpâh'_):** Derived from the root H2781, this word signifies contumely, disgrace, or shame. It denotes public humiliation, insult, or scorn. In the context of Daniel 11:18, it refers to the arrogance, demands, and subjugation that Antiochus III imposed upon the nations and peoples he conquered. His actions were a source of "reproach" to those he dominated, stripping them of their dignity and autonomy. The prophecy states that this very "reproach" would be turned back upon him, signifying a reversal of his fortunes and a public humiliation for the once-victorious king.
* **turn (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) means to turn back, hence away, transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively. It carries the idea of retreat, return, or reversal. Its double appearance in the verse ("shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause [it] to turn upon him") emphasizes a complete reversal of the situation. The "prince" (Rome) not only stops Antiochus's imposition of reproach but ensures that the very shame he inflicted is returned to him, highlighting a powerful act of divine or historical retribution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many:"** This clause details the next phase of the "king of the north's" (Antiochus III's) expansion. "After this" refers to his prior successful campaigns, particularly against the "king of the south." "Turn his face unto the isles" signifies a deliberate shift in strategic focus, from the Levant and Egypt to the maritime regions and coastlands of the Aegean Sea and Asia Minor. The phrase "shall take many" indicates that he would achieve significant success in these new territories, conquering numerous cities, islands, and peoples, thereby extending his empire westward.
* **"but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease;"** This marks the intervention of a new, powerful entity. "But a prince" introduces a formidable opposing figure, historically identified as a Roman commander. The phrase "for his own behalf" is crucial, indicating that this prince (Rome) acts not out of altruism or concern for Antiochus's victims, but out of its own strategic self-interest, to protect its allies and curb a rival power. This prince "shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease," meaning this new power will put an end to the humiliation, contempt, and subjugation that Antiochus III had been inflicting upon the conquered nations. It signifies a decisive halt to his aggressive expansion and a termination of his ability to impose his will unchallenged.
* **"without his own reproach he shall cause [it] to turn upon him."** This final clause emphasizes the complete and unblemished victory of the "prince" (Rome) and the ultimate humiliation of Antiochus III. "Without his own reproach" means that the Roman power would achieve its victory without suffering any significant shame, defeat, or humiliation itself. Instead, the very "reproach" (disgrace, contempt, and subjugation) that Antiochus had inflicted upon others would be "turned upon him." This signifies a powerful reversal of fortune, where the aggressor becomes the humiliated party, suffering the very indignity he had imposed on others. This refers to Antiochus's crushing defeat by Rome, leading to the Treaty of Apamea, which imposed severe terms, including the loss of vast territories, a massive war indemnity, and the humiliation of his empire.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:18 employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Prophetic Precision** is paramount, as the verse's detailed description of geographical shifts ("unto the isles"), military success ("take many"), and the intervention of a specific, self-interested "prince" (Rome) aligns remarkably with historical events centuries after the prophecy's utterance. This precision underscores the divine origin of the message. **Symbolism** is also present, though subtle; "the isles" function as a geographical symbol representing the broader maritime and coastal regions of the Aegean, rather than specific isolated islands, highlighting the scope of Antiochus's ambition. The "prince" can be seen as a symbolic representation of the Roman Republic's burgeoning power and its role as an instrument in God's historical plan. Furthermore, the verse uses **Irony** and a form of **Retributional Justice**. Antiochus, the one who "offered reproach" (humiliation and subjugation) to many, finds that same "reproach" "turned upon him." This ironic reversal highlights a divine principle where the proud are humbled and the aggressor ultimately faces the consequences of their actions, often in a manner mirroring their own offenses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:18 serves as a powerful testament to the overarching biblical theme of God's absolute sovereignty over human history and the transient nature of earthly power. It demonstrates that even the most ambitious and successful human rulers, like Antiochus III, operate within the confines of a divine plan that ultimately limits their reach and determines their downfall. The precision of the prophecy, detailing specific geographical shifts and the intervention of a new world power, underscores God's meticulous control over the rise and fall of empires, assuring believers that no political or military upheaval is outside His knowledge or purpose. This truth provides profound comfort and stability, reminding us that while human kingdoms rise and fall, God's kingdom is eternal and unshakeable. The "reproach" being turned back upon the aggressor also subtly highlights a principle of divine justice, where the consequences of pride and oppression ultimately return to the one who inflicts them.

* [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms")
* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Judges the Earth")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:18, though rooted in ancient history, offers profound and enduring lessons for believers today. In a world often characterized by geopolitical instability, the rise and fall of nations, and the ambitions of powerful leaders, this verse serves as a powerful anchor for our faith. It reminds us that God is not a passive observer but the active sovereign over all earthly affairs. No human ruler, no matter how formidable or seemingly unstoppable, operates outside of His ultimate plan and oversight. This truth should cultivate a deep sense of trust and peace within us, knowing that even amidst global turmoil, God's purposes will prevail. It calls us to resist the temptation to place our ultimate hope or fear in human governments or leaders, but rather to fix our gaze on the unchanging King of kings. Furthermore, the reversal of "reproach" upon Antiochus serves as a timeless reminder that pride and injustice ultimately lead to downfall. It encourages us to live with humility, integrity, and a commitment to righteousness, understanding that God is just and will ultimately bring all things into account. Our confidence is not in the shifting sands of human power, but in the steadfast rock of God's eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed nature of this prophecy strengthen your faith in God's omniscience and His control over history?**
* **In what ways might we be tempted to place our trust in human power or political outcomes rather than in God's sovereignty, and how can this verse reorient our perspective?**
* **Considering the "reproach" being turned back upon Antiochus, what personal or societal implications can we draw regarding the consequences of pride and injustice?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "king of the north" and the "prince" mentioned in Daniel 11:18?**

Answer: The "king of the north" in Daniel 11:18 is widely identified by biblical scholars and historians as Antiochus III, also known as Antiochus the Great, a ruler of the Seleucid Empire (c. 223-187 BCE). He was a formidable monarch who sought to restore the vast territories of Alexander the Great's empire. The "prince" who causes his "reproach" to cease and turn upon him is almost universally understood to be a reference to the Roman Republic. Specifically, this refers to the Roman military and political intervention in the eastern Mediterranean, culminating in the decisive defeat of Antiochus III by Roman forces led by Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus at the Battle of Magnesia in 190 BCE. Rome acted "for his own behalf," meaning out of its own strategic interests to limit Seleucid expansion and protect its allies, rather than out of altruism. This event marked a significant turning point, diminishing Seleucid power and paving the way for Rome's eventual dominance in the region, as detailed in later parts of [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - The Prophecy of Kings").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:18 primarily describes historical events involving earthly kings and empires, it profoundly points to the ultimate sovereignty of God, a sovereignty fully embodied and revealed in Jesus Christ. The transient nature of Antiochus III's power, despite his initial successes, and his ultimate humiliation by a greater "prince" (Rome), foreshadows the ultimate fate of all earthly kingdoms when confronted with the eternal reign of Christ. Earthly princes, even those who rise to great power, operate "for their own behalf," driven by self-interest and ambition, yet they are unwittingly used by God to fulfill His purposes. In contrast, Jesus is the true [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), the divine King who came not for His own earthly gain, but to establish an eternal kingdom of righteousness and peace. His victory was not achieved through military conquest, but through self-sacrifice on the cross, where He triumphed over sin and death, disarming the spiritual "principalities and powers" that hold humanity captive ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The "reproach" that Antiochus inflicted and then received back upon himself finds its ultimate reversal in Christ, who, though He bore the ultimate "reproach" and shame of the cross for humanity's sin ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus Endured the Cross")), was raised in glory, and now reigns with all authority in heaven and on earth ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). Thus, Daniel 11:18, in its depiction of God's control over earthly powers and the eventual humbling of the proud, ultimately directs our gaze to the one true King whose kingdom will never be destroyed and whose dominion is everlasting ([Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Son of Man's Dominion")).

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

Hosea 12:14

Ephraim provoked [him] to anger most bitterly: therefore shall he leave his blood upon him, and his reproach shall his Lord return unto him.

Zephaniah 2:11

The LORD [will be] terrible unto them: for he will famish all the gods of the earth; and [men] shall worship him, every one from his place, [even] all the isles of the heathen.

Jeremiah 31:10

¶ Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare [it] in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd [doth] his flock.

Jeremiah 2:10

For pass over the isles of Chittim, and see; and send unto Kedar, and consider diligently, and see if there be such a thing.

Isaiah 66:19

And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those that escape of them unto the nations, [to] Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, that draw the bow, [to] Tubal, and Javan, [to] the isles afar off, that have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the Gentiles.

Judges 1:7

And Adonibezek said, Threescore and ten kings, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered [their meat] under my table: as I have done, so God hath requited me. And they brought him to Jerusalem, and there he died.

Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.