Daniel 11:22

And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

And with the arms {H2220} of a flood {H7858} shall they be overflown {H7857} from before {H6440} him, and shall be broken {H7665}; yea, also the prince {H5057} of the covenant {H1285}.

Large armies will be broken and swept away before him, as well as the prince of the covenant.

Then a flood of forces will be swept away before him and destroyed, along with a prince of the covenant.

And the overwhelming forces shall be overwhelmed from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.

Daniel 11:22 is part of a remarkable prophetic chapter that meticulously details future conflicts, primarily between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires, culminating in the rise and actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This verse specifically describes the overwhelming power of the "vile person" introduced in Daniel 11:21, and his impact on opponents, including a significant spiritual figure.

Historical and Cultural Context

The prophecies in Daniel 11 are historically precise, detailing the struggles between the "King of the North" (Seleucid dynasty) and the "King of the South" (Ptolemaic dynasty). Verse 22 refers to the initial successful campaigns of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king (175-164 BC) infamous for his extreme anti-Jewish policies and his attempts to Hellenize Judea. His military prowess allowed him to overcome significant opposition, ultimately leading to direct confrontation with the Jewish people and their religious institutions.

Key Themes

  • Overwhelming Force: The metaphor "arms of a flood" vividly portrays an irresistible and destructive military invasion, highlighting the swift and devastating nature of Antiochus's conquests.
  • Persecution of the Covenant People: The specific mention of the "prince of the covenant" underscores that Antiochus's aggression was not merely political but extended to an assault on God's chosen people and their spiritual leadership.
  • Divine Foreknowledge: The precise fulfillment of these prophecies demonstrates God's sovereign control over human history, even amidst political turmoil and wickedness.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "arms of a flood" (Hebrew: zero'a shêteph) literally means "arm of a flood" or "torrential arm," emphasizing an overwhelming, sweeping force that cannot be resisted. It powerfully conveys the idea of an army that washes over its enemies like a destructive deluge. The term "prince of the covenant" (Hebrew: nagid habberith) uses nagid, which refers to a leader or ruler, and habberith, meaning "the covenant," specifically referring to God's covenant with Israel.

Interpretation and Significance

The "arms of a flood" refers to the forces opposing Antiochus IV, including the Egyptian army and other adversaries, which he swiftly defeated and "overflown" (swept away). The most widely accepted historical interpretation of "the prince of the covenant" is Onias III, the legitimate Jewish High Priest. Antiochus IV removed Onias from his office, replaced him with Hellenizing priests, and later had him murdered around 171 BC. This act was a direct assault on the spiritual leadership and integrity of the Jewish people, who lived under the covenant of God. His subsequent desecration of the Temple in Jerusalem, foretold in Daniel 11:31, further solidified his identity as a persecutor of God's covenant.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful reminder that throughout history, God's people have faced intense opposition and persecution from powerful, often wicked, rulers. It encourages us to recognize that such trials are not unforeseen by God. Just as Antiochus's actions were precisely foretold, so too are God's ultimate plans for His people. Believers are called to remain steadfast in their faith, even when facing overwhelming odds or when spiritual leaders are targeted, knowing that God's covenant promises endure and His sovereignty prevails over all human schemes.

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.

  • Daniel 11:10

    But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and [one] shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, [even] to his fortress.

  • Daniel 9:26

    And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.

  • Daniel 8:10

    And it waxed great, [even] to the host of heaven; and it cast down [some] of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.

  • Daniel 8:11

    Yea, he magnified [himself] even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily [sacrifice] was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.

  • Daniel 8:25

    And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

  • Revelation 12:15

    And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.

  • Revelation 12:16

    And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

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