Daniel 11:22

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:22 is a pivotal verse within the detailed prophetic panorama of Daniel 11, describing the swift and overwhelming rise of a powerful, wicked ruler, historically identified as Antiochus IV Epiphanes. It foretells how his military might, likened to an irresistible flood, will sweep away opposition and, most significantly, target and break "the prince of the covenant," a direct assault on the spiritual leadership and integrity of God's chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is renowned for its unparalleled prophetic precision, detailing centuries of geopolitical conflicts between the Seleucid (King of the North) and Ptolemaic (King of the South) dynasties. Verse 22 immediately follows the introduction of the "vile person" in [Daniel 11:21](/daniel/11-21 "Daniel 11:21 - The Rise of the Vile Person"), who seizes power through intrigue rather than legitimate succession. This verse describes the initial, overwhelming success of this figure's military campaigns, setting the stage for his subsequent actions against the Jewish people and their Temple, which are further elaborated upon in passages like [Daniel 11:31](/daniel/11-31 "Daniel 11:31 - The Abomination of Desolation"). The verse functions as a transition, highlighting the destructive force he wields before the narrative delves deeper into his specific acts of persecution.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Daniel 11:22 is the tumultuous period following Alexander the Great's empire, specifically the ongoing power struggles between the Seleucid Empire (Syria) and the Ptolemaic Kingdom (Egypt). The "vile person" is universally identified by scholars as Antiochus IV Epiphanes (reigned 175-164 BC), a Seleucid king notorious for his tyrannical rule and aggressive Hellenization policies. His initial campaigns, particularly against Egypt, were remarkably successful, allowing him to consolidate power and amass significant wealth. Culturally, this era saw the clash between Hellenistic ideals and traditional Jewish monotheism, a conflict that Antiochus exacerbated through his attempts to suppress Jewish religion and enforce Greek customs, culminating in the desecration of the Jerusalem Temple. The mention of the "prince of the covenant" directly points to the Jewish High Priest, a crucial figure in the spiritual and national life of Israel under the Mosaic covenant.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Daniel and biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the **Sovereignty of God** over human history, demonstrating His ability to foretell intricate details of future events, even the rise of wicked rulers and their specific actions against His people. Secondly, it highlights the recurring theme of **Persecution of God's Covenant People**, showing how external powers often seek to undermine or destroy Israel's spiritual identity and leadership. The "arms of a flood" metaphor emphasizes the **Overwhelming Force** that evil can wield in the world, yet the very act of prophecy also subtly reminds us that this force, though destructive, operates within the bounds of God's ultimate plan. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Divine Foreknowledge and Fulfillment of Prophecy**, providing a detailed example of how God reveals future events to His servants, thereby affirming His control and validating His word.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **arms (Hebrew, _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** This term refers to the arm as a limb, but figuratively, it denotes power, strength, or force. In the context of "arms of a flood," it emphasizes the overwhelming, irresistible might of a military force, suggesting an aggressive and powerful display of strength that sweeps away all opposition. It is not merely a physical arm but the embodiment of destructive power.
* **flood (Hebrew, _sheṭeph'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to gush" or "to inundate," _sheṭeph_ signifies a deluge, an overflowing, or a torrent. When paired with "arms," it creates a vivid image of an army that washes over its enemies like a devastating, uncontrollable flood, leaving destruction in its wake. It conveys the swiftness, vastness, and destructive nature of the impending military action.
* **prince (Hebrew, _nâgîyd'_):** This word denotes a commander, a chief, a leader, or a ruler, often implying one who is preeminent or occupies the front. When combined with "of the covenant," it specifically refers to a significant leader within the covenant community, most notably the High Priest. The use of _nâgîyd_ here highlights the prominence and authority of the individual who would be targeted, emphasizing the spiritual and national significance of his downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him":** This clause vividly describes the military strategy and devastating impact of the "vile person," Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The "arms of a flood" is a powerful metaphor for an overwhelming, irresistible military force. "They" refers to the forces opposing Antiochus, likely including the Egyptian army and other adversaries, who would be swept away and defeated with ease, unable to stand "before him" (in his presence or against his advance). The verb "overflown" (from _shâṭaph_) reinforces the imagery of being inundated and conquered.
* **"and shall be broken":** This phrase directly follows the "overflown" imagery, emphasizing the complete and utter defeat of the opposing forces. The verb "broken" (from _shâbar_) indicates not just a defeat but a shattering, a destruction that leaves the adversaries utterly crushed and rendered powerless. It signifies a decisive and irreversible victory for Antiochus.
* **"yea, also the prince of the covenant.":** This is the most significant part of the verse, highlighting a specific and crucial target of Antiochus's aggression. The phrase "prince of the covenant" refers to the legitimate Jewish High Priest, Onias III. The inclusion of "yea, also" emphasizes that even this revered spiritual leader, representing God's covenant with Israel, would not be exempt from the "vile person's" destructive power. His removal and eventual murder by Antiochus was a direct assault on the spiritual heart of the Jewish nation and a profound violation of God's covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices to convey its prophetic message. **Metaphor** is prominently used in "the arms of a flood," likening Antiochus's military might to an overwhelming, destructive torrent that sweeps away all resistance. This imagery evokes a sense of irresistible force and widespread devastation. **Hyperbole** is implicitly present in the depiction of such an overwhelming force, emphasizing the scale of Antiochus's initial victories and the seeming impossibility of standing against him. Furthermore, **Symbolism** is evident in the "flood" representing not just military might but also chaos, destruction, and a force that obliterates established order. The "prince of the covenant" also functions as a symbol, representing the spiritual leadership and the very integrity of God's covenant with His people. The prophetic precision of the language, while not strictly a device, contributes to the overall effect by lending an air of absolute certainty to the foretold events.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:22 powerfully illustrates the relentless nature of evil and its direct assault on God's people and His established order. It underscores the reality that throughout history, those who stand for God's truth and covenant will face intense opposition, often from powerful, tyrannical figures. Yet, the very act of this detailed prophecy reveals God's absolute sovereignty, demonstrating that even the most wicked human actions are not outside His divine knowledge or ultimate control. The breaking of the "prince of the covenant" is a profound theological statement, signifying not merely political maneuvering but a spiritual attack on the sacred relationship between God and Israel, challenging the very foundation of their faith. This act foreshadows the greater spiritual battles that God's people would face, ultimately culminating in the ultimate assault on the true Prince of the Covenant, Jesus Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 28:49-50](/deuteronomy/28-49-50 "Deuteronomy 28:49-50 - Nation from afar, swift as an eagle") - Describes a nation coming like an eagle, swift and devastating, echoing the "flood-like" invasion.
* [Psalm 2:1-4](/psalms/2-1-4 "Psalm 2:1-4 - The Rage of Nations and God's Laughter") - Portrays the futile raging of earthly kings against the Lord and His Anointed, providing a divine perspective on the "breaking" of human opposition.
* [Matthew 24:15](/matthew/24-15 "Matthew 24:15 - The Abomination of Desolation") - Refers to the "abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet," directly linking to Antiochus's actions and pointing to a future, ultimate fulfillment.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:22 offers profound insights for believers today, reminding us that the forces of opposition, though often overwhelming and seemingly irresistible, are not unforeseen by our sovereign God. Just as Antiochus IV's "flood-like" power was precisely foretold, so too are the trials and persecutions that God's people might face in any generation. This verse calls us to a steadfast faith, recognizing that even when spiritual leadership is targeted or when the very fabric of our covenant relationship with God seems under assault, His promises endure. It encourages resilience in the face of spiritual warfare, knowing that God's ultimate plan will prevail over all human schemes and wickedness. We are called to discern the "arms of a flood" in our own contexts—whether societal pressures, ideological attacks, or direct persecution—and to stand firm, trusting in the God who knows the end from the beginning.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's detailed foreknowledge of history, as seen in Daniel 11, strengthen your faith and trust in His ultimate control?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, experience or witness "flood-like" opposition to faith or spiritual leadership in our contemporary world, and how should we respond?**
* **What is the significance of spiritual leadership in times of intense pressure or persecution, and how can we pray for and support those who serve in such roles?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the prince of the covenant" in Daniel 11:22?**

Answer: The most widely accepted historical interpretation identifies "the prince of the covenant" as Onias III, the legitimate Jewish High Priest during the time of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Onias III was a devout and righteous High Priest who opposed the Hellenization of Jerusalem. Antiochus IV, as part of his strategy to consolidate power and enforce Greek culture, removed Onias III from his sacred office, replacing him with more compliant, Hellenizing priests (like Jason and Menelaus). Tragically, Onias III was later murdered around 171 BC, an act that deeply shocked the Jewish community and represented a direct assault on the spiritual leadership and integrity of God's covenant people. This event is a key historical marker in understanding the escalating conflict between Antiochus and the Jews, leading to the desecration of the Temple mentioned in [Daniel 11:31](/daniel/11-31 "Daniel 11:31 - The Abomination of Desolation").

**What does "arms of a flood" mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "arms of a flood" is a powerful metaphor describing an overwhelming and irresistible military force. It signifies an army that sweeps away all opposition with the destructive power and speed of a raging torrent or deluge. In the historical context of Daniel 11:22, it refers to the initial, highly successful military campaigns of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. His forces were so potent and his victories so swift that they metaphorically "overwhelmed" or "swept away" any resistance from his enemies, particularly the Egyptian army and other adversaries who stood "before him." This imagery emphasizes the sheer destructive might and rapid conquest that characterized his early reign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:22 primarily describes the historical actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a figure who serves as a prototype of the antichrist, its deepest fulfillment points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate "Prince of the Covenant." Antiochus's assault on Onias III, the High Priest, foreshadows the world's rejection and crucifixion of Jesus, the true and eternal High Priest, who mediates a new and better covenant (see [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")). Unlike the earthly "prince of the covenant" who was "broken" by human evil, Jesus, though crucified, could not be ultimately broken by the "arms of a flood" of sin and death. His resurrection demonstrates His triumph over all opposing forces, fulfilling the promise that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church (see [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). He is the one who establishes an everlasting covenant with His blood (see [Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The Everlasting Covenant")), a covenant that can never be broken, and He remains our faithful and victorious High Priest, interceding for us at the right hand of God (see [Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")). Thus, the vulnerability of the earthly prince highlights the invincibility of the divine Prince, Jesus, who has overcome the world (see [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")).

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 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.