Daniel 11:29

KJV

At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.

KJV (with Strong's)

At the time appointed {H4150} he shall return {H7725}, and come {H935} toward the south {H5045}; but it shall not be as the former {H7223}, or as the latter {H314}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"At the time designated, he will come back to the south. But this time, things will turn out differently than before;

Berean Standard Bible

At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time will not be like the first.

American Standard Version

At the time appointed he shall return, and come into the south; but it shall not be in the latter time as it was in the former.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:29 continues the detailed prophetic narrative concerning the "king of the north," specifically foretelling Antiochus IV Epiphanes' second campaign against Egypt. This verse highlights a pivotal moment where, despite his previous successes and strategic return, his efforts will not yield the expected triumph, marking a significant reversal of fortune due to divine intervention. It underscores God's meticulous sovereignty over geopolitical events, demonstrating that even the most ambitious human plans are subject to His precise timing and ultimate control, leading to an unexpected outcome.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11:29 is situated within a lengthy and highly detailed prophecy spanning the entire eleventh chapter, which meticulously outlines the conflicts between the Seleucid (King of the North) and Ptolemaic (King of the South) empires following the death of Alexander the Great. Verses 21-28 describe the rise and initial successful machinations of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, portraying him as a "vile person" who gains power through intrigue and deceit, and detailing his first successful campaign against Egypt. Verse 29 marks a turning point, signaling a second, less successful expedition, leading into the subsequent verses (Daniel 11:30-35) which describe his persecution of the Jewish people and the abomination of desolation. This verse serves as a crucial hinge, shifting the narrative from Antiochus's unchecked success to the beginning of his ultimate downfall and the escalating conflict with God's covenant people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in Daniel 11:29 precisely foretells historical events occurring in the second century BCE. The "king of the north" refers to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the Seleucid ruler (175-164 BCE), and the "south" refers to the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Antiochus had previously invaded Egypt successfully (Daniel 11:25-28). However, his second campaign, alluded to in this verse, is historically known as his attempt to seize Egypt in 168 BCE. This campaign was famously thwarted not by Egyptian forces, but by the intervention of the Roman Republic. The Roman envoy, Gaius Popilius Laenas, confronted Antiochus near Alexandria, famously drawing a circle around him in the sand and demanding a decision to withdraw before he stepped out of it. This humiliating retreat, without a single battle, profoundly impacted Antiochus and marked the beginning of Roman dominance in the region, signifying that his "latter" campaign would not be "as the former."
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes found throughout the book of Daniel. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God is in complete control of human history, even over the most powerful kings and empires. The phrase "At the time appointed" highlights that God orchestrates events according to His precise schedule, as seen in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God Changes Times and Seasons") where He "removes kings and sets up kings." Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Prophetic Precision**, demonstrating the meticulous accuracy of biblical prophecy, which foretells specific historical events centuries in advance. This precision serves to validate the divine inspiration of Scripture. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **Reversal of Fortune**, where a previously successful oppressor faces an unexpected setback, foreshadowing the ultimate triumph of God's purposes over human tyranny, a concept echoed in [Daniel 7:26](/daniel/7-26 "Daniel 7:26 - The Judgment of the Little Horn") regarding the "little horn."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **appointed (Hebrew, _môwʻêd'_):** This word (H4150) signifies a fixed time or season, an appointment, or a definite purpose. It is often used for religious festivals or assemblies (e.g., the "appointed feasts" in [Leviticus 23](/leviticus/23 "Leviticus 23 - The Feasts of the Lord")). In Daniel 11:29, its use underscores that this specific military campaign and its outcome are not random but are part of a divinely predetermined schedule, emphasizing God's meticulous control over historical events.
* **return (Hebrew, _shûwb'_):** This primitive root (H7725) means "to turn back," "to retreat," or "to come again." Here, it indicates Antiochus's second attempt to invade Egypt after his initial success. The nuance of "return" suggests a re-engagement with a previous objective, but the subsequent clause reveals a different outcome than his prior expeditions.
* **former (Hebrew, _riʼshôwn'_):** This word (H7223) denotes "first," "before," or "of old time," referring to previous events or conditions. In this context, it specifically points to Antiochus's earlier, successful campaigns against Egypt.
* **latter (Hebrew, _ʼachărôwn'_):** This term (H314) means "hinder," "late," or "last." Paired with "former," it creates a stark contrast, indicating that the outcome of this specific "return" will not be like his past successes, nor will it set a precedent for future triumphs. It signifies a definitive change in his fortunes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south;":** This clause establishes the setting and the action. "At the time appointed" emphasizes the divine orchestration of events, reiterating God's sovereign control over history. "He shall return" refers to the King of the North (Antiochus IV Epiphanes) making a second attempt to invade Egypt ("come toward the south"). This indicates a deliberate, planned military expedition, mirroring his previous successful incursions.
* **"but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.":** This is the pivotal statement of the verse, introducing a dramatic reversal. The conjunction "but" signals a stark contrast to expectations. "As the former" refers to his previous, successful campaigns against Egypt, implying that this new attempt will not yield the same victorious results. "Or as the latter" suggests that this failure will not be an isolated incident that he can easily overcome later; rather, it marks a significant and lasting turning point in his fortunes, preventing him from achieving his ultimate objectives in the south.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Contrast** and **Foreshadowing**. The most prominent literary device is **Contrast**, explicitly stated in the phrase "but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter." This sets up a direct opposition between Antiochus's past military successes and the impending failure of this specific campaign. This contrast highlights the unexpected nature of the outcome and underscores the divine intervention that will thwart his plans. Furthermore, the verse uses **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the broader decline of Antiochus's power and the escalating conflict that will define his later years, as detailed in the subsequent verses of Daniel 11. The phrase "at the time appointed" also functions as a form of **Divine Assurance**, subtly reminding the reader that even amidst the chaos of human conflict, God's preordained plan is unfolding precisely as intended.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:29 profoundly illustrates the overarching theme of God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs, particularly in the realm of international politics and the rise and fall of empires. Even the most formidable and cunning rulers, like Antiochus IV Epiphanes, operate within the boundaries of God's predetermined plan. The "appointed time" signifies that history is not a series of random events but a divinely orchestrated drama, with God as the ultimate director. This verse provides powerful reassurance that no human ambition or military might can ultimately thwart the purposes of the Almighty. It serves as a theological anchor, reminding believers that God is actively engaged in history, guiding it towards His ultimate redemptive purposes, even when events seem chaotic or oppressive.

* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God's Counsel Stands Forever")
* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - Many Are the Plans in a Person's Heart")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:29 offers a powerful anchor for faith in a world often characterized by political instability, global conflicts, and the rise of oppressive powers. The assurance that even the most ambitious and seemingly unstoppable human forces are subject to God's "appointed time" provides immense comfort and calls us to a deeper trust in His sovereign hand. In our personal lives, this means recognizing that our own plans and efforts, however well-intentioned, are ultimately subject to God's greater design. It encourages humility and a willingness to surrender our aspirations to His perfect timing and wisdom. When faced with daunting challenges or seemingly insurmountable obstacles, this verse reminds us that God can, and often does, intervene to reverse fortunes and redirect outcomes in ways we least expect, always for His glory and the good of His people. It fosters patience, resilience, and a steadfast hope that God's will, not human might, will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's "appointed time" in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of divine providence in current global events?**
* **In what areas of your own life do you need to surrender control and trust in God's perfect timing, rather than relying on your own strength or plans?**
* **How can the historical fulfillment of this prophecy strengthen your faith in the reliability and authority of God's Word?**

### FAQ
**What was the historical event that fulfilled Daniel 11:29?**

Answer: Daniel 11:29 is widely understood to refer to Antiochus IV Epiphanes' second invasion of Egypt in 168 BCE. Unlike his previous successful campaigns, this expedition ended in humiliation and failure. As he was about to conquer Alexandria, the Roman envoy Gaius Popilius Laenas confronted him. Laenas famously drew a circle around Antiochus in the sand and demanded that he decide to withdraw before stepping out of the circle. Faced with the growing power of Rome, Antiochus was forced to retreat without achieving his objectives, fulfilling the prophecy that "it shall not be as the former, or as the latter." This event marked a significant turning point, demonstrating that his previous successes would not be replicated and that his imperial ambitions in Egypt were definitively thwarted, largely due to external, unforeseen intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:29 specifically details the historical reversal of Antiochus IV Epiphanes' fortunes, its underlying theological principle of divine sovereignty finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "appointed time" (Hebrew: _môwʻêd_) for all of history culminates in Christ. God's meticulous plan, which orchestrated the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms, was always moving towards the coming of His Son. Just as Antiochus's plans were thwarted by a higher power, so too were the powers of sin, death, and the devil definitively overcome by Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. The cross, seemingly a defeat, was God's "appointed time" for victory, as foretold in [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son at the Proper Time") where "when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son." The "former" age of sin's dominion was ended, and the "latter" age of God's kingdom was inaugurated, not through human might but through divine intervention. Christ's triumph ensures that no earthly power, no matter how formidable, can ultimately thwart God's redemptive purposes for His people or prevent the establishment of His eternal kingdom, which will have no end, as proclaimed in [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Have No End").

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 11:23

And after the league [made] with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.

Daniel 8:19

And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end [shall be].

Acts 17:26

And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

Daniel 10:1

¶ In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing [was] true, but the time appointed [was] long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

Isaiah 14:31

Howl, O gate; cry, O city; thou, whole Palestina, [art] dissolved: for there shall come from the north a smoke, and none [shall be] alone in his appointed times.

Daniel 11:25

And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.

Galatians 4:2

But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.