Daniel 11:19

KJV

Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then he shall turn {H7725} his face {H6440} toward the fort {H4581} of his own land {H776}: but he shall stumble {H3782} and fall {H5307}, and not be found {H4672}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After this, he will put his attention on the strongholds in his own land; but he will stumble, fall and not be seen again.

Berean Standard Bible

After this, he will turn back toward the fortresses of his own land, but he will stumble and fall and be no more.

American Standard Version

Then he shall turn his face toward the fortresses of his own land; but he shall stumble and fall, and shall not be found.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:19 succinctly prophesies the ignominious end of a powerful earthly ruler, widely identified as Antiochus III (Antiochus the Great). Following a significant military defeat, the prophecy foretells his retreat to his own territory, only to meet a sudden and inglorious demise, effectively vanishing from the stage of power and influence. This brief statement underscores the transient nature of human authority and the absolute sovereignty of God over the destinies of nations and their leaders.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is renowned for its highly detailed and remarkably accurate prophecies, primarily concerning the conflicts between the "King of the South" (the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt) and the "King of the North" (the Seleucid dynasty in Syria) following the death of Alexander the Great. This specific verse, Daniel 11:19, concludes a section describing the campaigns and ultimate fate of one of the most prominent figures in this prophetic narrative: the King of the North, widely identified by scholars as Antiochus III. Prior verses, such as [Daniel 11:18](/daniel/11-18 "Daniel 11:18 - Antiochus III's Defeat by Rome"), describe his extensive military successes and then his significant defeat by the Romans at the Battle of Magnesia. This verse picks up immediately after that defeat, predicting his return to his own land and his final, unceremonious demise, marking the end of his personal narrative within this prophetic chapter.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Daniel 11 is the Hellenistic period, specifically the centuries following the death of Alexander the Great (323 BC), when his vast empire was divided among his generals, leading to the establishment of the Ptolemaic (Egypt) and Seleucid (Syria) dynasties. Antiochus III, who reigned from 223-187 BC, was a formidable Seleucid king who expanded his empire significantly, earning him the title "the Great." His ambition eventually led him into conflict with the rising power of Rome. After his crushing defeat by the Romans at the Battle of Magnesia in 190 BC, he was forced to sign the humiliating Treaty of Apamea (188 BC), which stripped him of much territory and imposed a massive indemnity. Culturally, kings were expected to die gloriously, often in battle or peacefully in their palaces. Antiochus III's death, as prophesied, was far from this ideal, occurring while he was attempting to plunder a temple to pay his debts, a highly ignominious end for such a powerful ruler.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 11:19 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes found throughout the book of Daniel. First, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, illustrating God's absolute control over human history and the destinies of even the most powerful rulers. No king, however mighty, can escape the divine decree, a truth consistently emphasized in Daniel, such as in [Daniel 4:17](/daniel/4-17 "Daniel 4:17 - God's Dominion Over Earthly Kingdoms"), which declares God's dominion over earthly kingdoms. Second, the verse underscores the **Transience of Earthly Power and the Fall of Pride**. Antiochus III was a formidable ruler, but his ambition and power ultimately led to his downfall, as prophesied. The phrase "stumble and fall, and not be found" speaks to the sudden and complete end of his influence and life, serving as a stark warning against human arrogance. Finally, this verse, like much of [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - Prophecies of Kings and Kingdoms"), showcases the incredible **Accuracy and Reliability of Biblical Prophecy**, foretelling events centuries before they occurred with remarkable precision.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stumble (Hebrew, _kâshal'_):** From H3782, this primitive root means "to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall." It carries connotations of collapse, ruin, and being overthrown. In the context of a king, it signifies a profound and irreversible defeat, a loss of footing not just physically but in terms of power, authority, and stability.
* **fort (Hebrew, _mâʻôwz'_):** From H4581, this term refers to "a fortified place; figuratively, a defence; force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), ([idiom] most) strong (hold)." The "fort of his own land" represents a place of presumed security, a stronghold where a king might expect to find safety and regroup. The irony here is that even within his own "fort" or secure territory, this king will meet his downfall, emphasizing that no earthly stronghold can protect against divine decree.
* **not be found (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** From H4672, the root means "to come forth to, i.e. appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e. find or acquire." When used in the negative, as here, "not be found" (lo' yimmatse'), it signifies a complete disappearance, a vanishing from prominence, power, and even memory in a significant capacity. It implies an utter cessation of influence and a final, inglorious end, leaving no trace of former glory or authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land:"** This clause describes the immediate aftermath of the King of the North's significant defeat, forcing him to retreat from his foreign campaigns and seek refuge or re-establishment within his own territory. The "fort of his own land" suggests a place of expected security and control, a return to his base of power after his expansionist failures.
* **"but he shall stumble and fall,"** This phrase indicates a sudden, irreversible, and ignominious downfall. Despite returning to his own land, he does not recover or regain his former strength. "Stumble" implies an unexpected loss of balance, while "fall" signifies a complete collapse. This is not merely a defeat but a personal catastrophe, signifying the end of his effective reign and life.
* **"and not be found."** This final, powerful declaration emphasizes the completeness and finality of his demise. It suggests that his power, prestige, and even his physical presence would utterly vanish from the stage of history in any meaningful, glorious sense. He would not be found in a position of authority or honor, his legacy effectively erased or diminished to insignificance.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Metaphor** is central, as "stumble and fall" serves as a vivid metaphor for the king's utter defeat and demise, extending beyond a mere physical act to encompass his loss of power and status. The phrase "not be found" acts as a powerful **hyperbole** or **metonymy**, signifying not literal disappearance but a complete cessation of influence, a vanishing from the realm of significant power and a loss of any honorable legacy. The "fort of his own land" functions as **symbolism**, representing a place of presumed safety and control that ultimately fails to protect him from his destined end. The concise and stark phrasing of the verse contributes to its **brevity and impact**, emphasizing the suddenness and finality of the powerful ruler's downfall, making the prophecy's fulfillment all the more striking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:19 serves as a profound theological statement on the nature of earthly power versus divine sovereignty. It illustrates that no human ruler, regardless of their might or ambition, can ultimately thwart the purposes of God. The swift and inglorious end of Antiochus III, a king who had previously achieved immense military success, stands as a testament to the fleeting nature of human glory and the ultimate accountability of all rulers before the Most High. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, reminding believers that God alone exalts and brings low, and that true security and lasting significance are found not in earthly strongholds or human might, but in humble submission to divine will.

* [Psalm 75:6-7](/psalms/75-6-7 "Psalm 75:6-7 - God Exalts and Brings Down")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before a Fall")
* [Isaiah 14:12-15](/isaiah/14-12-15 "Isaiah 14:12-15 - The Fall of Lucifer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:19 offers timeless lessons for believers today, even centuries after its historical fulfillment. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's sovereign hand is at work in all of history, orchestrating the rise and fall of nations and leaders according to His perfect plan. In a world often characterized by political turmoil, shifting powers, and the ambition of human leaders, this verse provides a profound sense of peace and assurance that God remains firmly on His throne. It calls us to cultivate humility, recognizing that earthly power, wealth, and influence are transient. Those who rely solely on their own strength are destined to "stumble and fall," while those who place their trust in God find enduring security and purpose. Furthermore, the remarkable precision with which this ancient prophecy was fulfilled strengthens our faith in the reliability and divine inspiration of the Bible, encouraging us to trust God's Word not only for historical accuracy but also for its promises concerning our lives and the future.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the fulfillment of this prophecy strengthen your faith in God's absolute sovereignty over history and current events?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to rely on your own strength, influence, or "forts," rather than on God's provision and guidance?**
* **What does the "stumbling and falling" of powerful figures like Antiochus III teach us about the true source of lasting significance and security?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "he" in Daniel 11:19?**

Answer: The "he" in Daniel 11:19 is widely identified by biblical scholars as Antiochus III, also known as Antiochus the Great, a prominent king of the Seleucid Empire. This identification is based on the detailed historical accuracy of the preceding verses in [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - Prophecies of Kings and Kingdoms"), which describe his military campaigns, his schemes against Egypt, and his ultimate defeat by the Romans, all of which align perfectly with known historical events of the Hellenistic period.

**How was this prophecy fulfilled historically?**

Answer: The prophecy of Daniel 11:19 was fulfilled with remarkable accuracy. After his decisive defeat by the Romans at the Battle of Magnesia in 190 BC, Antiochus III was forced to sign the humiliating Treaty of Apamea, which imposed a massive war indemnity. To pay this debt, he attempted to plunder the temple of Bel in Elam (modern-day Iran) in 187 BC. However, he was killed by the local inhabitants during this attempt, a highly inglorious and unexpected end for such a powerful monarch. His death marked a significant decline in the Seleucid Empire's peak power, and he truly "stumbled and fell, and not be found" in the powerful position he once held.

**What is the broader message of Daniel 11?**

Answer: The broader message of [Daniel 11](/daniel/11 "Daniel 11 - Prophecies of Kings and Kingdoms") is a profound demonstration of God's meticulous sovereignty over human history. It reveals that even the most intricate political maneuverings, military conflicts, and the rise and fall of empires are not random but are precisely foreknown and ultimately orchestrated by God to fulfill His divine purposes. The chapter emphasizes that earthly power is temporary and ultimately subservient to the eternal plan of the Almighty, providing assurance that God is in control, even amidst the chaos of human affairs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:19 directly describes the historical demise of an earthly king, its theological resonance points powerfully to the ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment of all prophecy and the nature of true kingship. The "stumbling and falling" of Antiochus III, a mighty earthly ruler, stands in stark contrast to the eternal, unshakable reign of Jesus Christ. All earthly powers, no matter how formidable, are destined to "stumble and fall" before the King of Kings. Unlike Antiochus, who sought security in the "fort of his own land" only to meet an ignominious end, Christ's kingdom is not of this world, and His authority is not derived from human strength or territory ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")). He is the one 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")). The ultimate "not be found" for all who oppose God's will will be at the feet of Christ, for "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Will Bow to Jesus")). Christ's triumphant return will see all earthly kingdoms and their proud rulers utterly vanquished, establishing His eternal dominion, as depicted in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Triumphant Return"), where He is revealed as the one who "treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty." Thus, Daniel 11:19 serves as a prophetic whisper, foreshadowing the complete and final triumph of God's anointed King over all transient human power.

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

Psalms 37:36

Yet he passed away, and, lo, he [was] not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.

Ezekiel 26:21

I will make thee a terror, and thou [shalt be] no [more]: though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou never be found again, saith the Lord GOD.

Jeremiah 46:6

Let not the swift flee away, nor the mighty man escape; they shall stumble, and fall toward the north by the river Euphrates.

Psalms 27:2

When the wicked, [even] mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Job 20:8

He shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found: yea, he shall be chased away as a vision of the night.