Daniel 11:40

KJV

And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

KJV (with Strong's)

And at the time {H6256} of the end {H7093} shall the king {H4428} of the south {H5045} push {H5055} at him: and the king {H4428} of the north {H6828} shall come against him like a whirlwind {H8175}, with chariots {H7393}, and with horsemen {H6571}, and with many {H7227} ships {H591}; and he shall enter {H935} into the countries {H776}, and shall overflow {H7857} and pass over {H5674}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"When the time for the end comes, the king of the south will push at him; while the king of the north will attack him like a whirlwind, with chariots, cavalry and a large navy. He will invade countries, overrun them and move on.

Berean Standard Bible

At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, but the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots, horsemen, and many ships, invading many countries and sweeping through them like a flood.

American Standard Version

And at the time of the end shall the king of the south contend with him; and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass through.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:40 marks a significant transition in one of the Bible's most intricate prophetic chapters, shifting from historical fulfillments concerning the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires to a climactic, future conflict. This verse describes an intense military engagement at the "time of the end," where the "king of the South" initiates an attack, only to be met by an overwhelming counter-assault from the "king of the North." This northern power is depicted as advancing with immense force, likened to a whirlwind, and sweeping through many countries, signifying a rapid and destructive conquest.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is renowned for its unparalleled prophetic detail, tracing the trajectory of empires from Persia to the Hellenistic kingdoms that emerged after Alexander the Great's death. Verses 1-39 meticulously describe the conflicts between the "king of the North" (Seleucid dynasty) and the "king of the South" (Ptolemaic dynasty), culminating in the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a historical figure whose blasphemous acts foreshadow those of a future antichrist figure. Verse 40, however, signals a distinct shift. The phrase "at the time of the end" indicates a transition from historically fulfilled prophecy to an eschatological period. The "him" refers to the powerful, self-exalting ruler introduced in [Daniel 11:36-39](/daniel/11-36-39 "Daniel 11:36-39 - The Willful King"), widely understood to be an end-times figure who opposes God and exalts himself above all. This verse sets the stage for the final events leading to the resurrection and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom described in [Daniel 12](/daniel/12 "Daniel 12 - The Time of the End and Resurrection").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for the earlier parts of Daniel 11 is the post-Alexandrian era, specifically the wars between the Ptolemaic kingdom (Egypt) and the Seleucid kingdom (Syria and Mesopotamia). These were major powers in the ancient Near East, constantly vying for control of the strategic land of Israel, which served as a crucial buffer zone and trade route. The military tactics described, such as chariots, horsemen, and ships, were standard for large-scale ancient warfare. However, verse 40 transcends this specific historical context, projecting these geopolitical dynamics onto a future, global stage. The "king of the South" and "king of the North" may represent future geopolitical entities or alliances, or they may be symbolic of general directions of attack, but they retain the historical imagery of powerful regional forces. The concept of an overwhelming military "whirlwind" attack reflects the devastating impact of large, well-equipped armies in ancient times, a terror that would be universally understood.

* **Key Themes:** Daniel 11:40 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Daniel and broader biblical prophecy. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Eschatological Conflict**, detailing a climactic global confrontation that will precede the ultimate establishment of God's kingdom. This intense military and political upheaval is part of the divinely appointed "time of the end" ([Daniel 12:4](/daniel/12-4 "Daniel 12:4 - The Time of the End")). Secondly, the vivid imagery of the "king of the North" coming "like a whirlwind" highlights the theme of **Overwhelming Force and Destructive Power**. This signifies a swift, devastating, and comprehensive military campaign, emphasizing the immense power and rapid advancement of this end-times entity. Finally, despite the chaos and terrifying power described, the overarching message of Daniel's prophecies is God's unwavering **Divine Sovereignty**. Even amidst the most tumultuous human events, God remains in control, orchestrating all things according to His predetermined plan, as affirmed in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"), which states that God "removes kings and sets up kings." This verse serves as a reminder that even the most formidable human powers operate within the bounds of God's ultimate purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **push (Hebrew, _nâgach'_):** From H5055, this primitive root means "to butt with the horns" or, figuratively, "to war against." In the context of Daniel 11:40, the "king of the South" is described as initiating the conflict by "pushing" at the willful king. This term implies an aggressive, confrontational action, perhaps a probing attack or a direct challenge, suggesting a forceful engagement rather than a subtle maneuver. It conveys the idea of a direct, forceful collision, much like an animal butting with its horns.
* **whirlwind (Hebrew, _sâʻar'_):** From H8175, this primitive root means "to storm" or "to be tempestuous." The description of the "king of the North" coming "like a whirlwind" vividly portrays a rapid, overwhelming, and destructive advance. A whirlwind is characterized by its speed, its ability to sweep everything in its path, and its inherent chaos and power. This metaphor emphasizes the irresistible force and devastating impact of the northern king's counter-attack, suggesting a campaign that is both swift and all-consuming.
* **pass over (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, this primitive root means "to cross over," and is used very widely of any transition. In this verse, it signifies the comprehensive nature of the northern king's invasion. Coupled with "overflow," it paints a picture of an army that not only enters but completely inundates and traverses the targeted territories. It suggests an unstoppable progression, moving through and beyond the initial points of entry, indicating a widespread and successful conquest that leaves no area untouched.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him":** This opening clause sets the eschatological stage, indicating a future period of intense prophetic fulfillment. The "time of the end" signifies a divinely appointed epoch leading to the culmination of human history. The "king of the South" initiates hostilities, making an aggressive move, or "push," against the powerful figure (the willful king/Antichrist) who has dominated the preceding verses. This suggests a provocative act that triggers the larger conflict.
* **"and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships":** This describes the overwhelming response from the "king of the North." The imagery of a "whirlwind" conveys the immense speed, destructive power, and comprehensive nature of this counter-attack. The mention of "chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships" specifies the vast military might at the northern king's disposal, indicating a multi-faceted, land-and-sea invasion force. This portrays a massive, technologically advanced (for its time) military operation.
* **"and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.":** This final clause details the devastating success of the northern king's campaign. "Enter into the countries" signifies the initial invasion. "Overflow" suggests an inundation, like a flood, implying that the invading army will completely engulf and overwhelm the territories it enters. "Pass over" further emphasizes the unhindered progression and conquest, indicating that the northern king will not merely occupy but will sweep through and beyond, extending his dominion over multiple nations with an unstoppable force.

#### Literary Devices
Daniel 11:40 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its prophetic message. Most notably, **Metaphor** is used when the "king of the North" is described as coming "like a whirlwind." This vivid comparison immediately evokes images of immense speed, destructive force, and an unstoppable, all-consuming advance, far more impactful than a simple statement of military might. The phrase "overflow and pass over" also functions as a **Metaphor** of a flood, illustrating the overwhelming and pervasive nature of the invasion, suggesting that the northern army will inundate and sweep through territories without resistance. The entire passage is an example of **Prophecy**, a genre that foretells future events, often using symbolic language and grand imagery to describe divine plans unfolding in human history. The use of specific geographical directions, "South" and "North," while potentially referring to literal regions, also serves as **Symbolism** for opposing geopolitical powers or alliances, adding a layer of interpretive depth to the end-times scenario.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:40, with its depiction of intense end-times conflict, profoundly underscores the biblical theme of God's ultimate control over history, even amidst human chaos. While the specific identities of the "kings" remain subjects of ongoing debate, the passage unequivocally points to a divinely ordained sequence of events leading to the culmination of God's redemptive plan. It reminds believers that no earthly power, however formidable or destructive, can thwart the sovereign purposes of God. The detailed nature of Daniel's prophecies, both historically fulfilled and those yet to come, serves as a powerful testament to God's omniscience and His faithfulness to His word. This divine foresight is not meant to instill fear but to cultivate a profound trust in God's unwavering sovereignty, knowing that He is working all things together for His glory and the good of His people, ultimately bringing about His eternal kingdom.

* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Matthew 24:6-7](/matthew/24-6-7 "Matthew 24:6-7 - Wars and Rumors of Wars")
* [Revelation 16:12-16](/revelation/16-12-16 "Revelation 16:12-16 - The Battle of Armageddon")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:40, while detailing a future, intense conflict, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It calls us to live with a dual awareness: recognizing the reality of escalating global tensions and the certainty of prophetic fulfillment, while simultaneously anchoring our hope in God's ultimate victory. In a world often characterized by political instability, military aggression, and the rise of powerful, self-exalting figures, this verse reminds us that these events are not random but part of a larger divine tapestry. Our response should not be fear or speculative obsession, but rather a deepened commitment to faithful living, prayer, and sharing the Gospel. Understanding that God is sovereign over all history, including its most tumultuous periods, empowers us to be steadfast and courageous witnesses, knowing that even the "time of the end" serves His purposes. It compels us to invest in eternal realities, cultivate spiritual vigilance, and live with an expectant hope for the return of Christ and the establishment of His righteous, eternal kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed nature of Daniel's prophecies, particularly the shift from historical to eschatological events, strengthen your faith in God's sovereignty over human history?**
* **In what ways can understanding end-times prophecies like Daniel 11:40 encourage believers to live more purposefully and urgently for Christ today?**
* **Given the imagery of overwhelming force and global conflict, how can we cultivate a spirit of peace and trust in God amidst a world often characterized by turmoil?**

### FAQ

**Does Daniel 11:40 refer to a specific historical event that has already happened?**

Answer: While the preceding verses in [Daniel 11:1-39](/daniel/11-1-39 "Daniel 11:1-39 - Prophecies of Kings and Empires") provide remarkably accurate prophecies that have been historically fulfilled, primarily concerning the Ptolemaic and Seleucid dynasties, Daniel 11:40 marks a distinct transition. The phrase "at the time of the end" (Hebrew: _'eth qetz_) signals a shift to an eschatological period, referring to events that occur at the climax of human history, immediately preceding the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Therefore, most biblical scholars interpret Daniel 11:40 and the subsequent verses as referring to future events, not past historical occurrences.

**Who are the "king of the south" and "king of the north" in this end-times context?**

Answer: The precise identities of the "king of the South" and "king of the North" in the "time of the end" are subjects of ongoing theological discussion and interpretation. Some scholars believe they represent literal geopolitical entities or alliances that will emerge in the end times, possibly mirroring the historical regions of Egypt (South) and Syria/Mesopotamia (North). Others view them as symbolic representations of opposing forces or directions of attack against the central figure (the "willful king" or Antichrist) who is the focus of [Daniel 11:36-39](/daniel/11-36-39 "Daniel 11:36-39 - The Willful King"). Regardless of the exact identity, they signify powerful military forces involved in a climactic global conflict.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:40 describes a future geopolitical conflict involving earthly kings, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the overarching narrative of God's sovereign plan culminating in the reign of Jesus Christ. The "time of the end" described here is not merely a period of chaos but the prelude to the glorious return of the true King, Jesus, who will establish His eternal kingdom. The overwhelming force of the "king of the North" and the subsequent sweep through countries foreshadow, in a paradoxical way, the ultimate, irresistible triumph of Christ. Just as earthly powers contend for dominion, Christ has already secured ultimate victory through His death and resurrection, as declared in [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities"). The "willful king" whom the kings of the North and South contend against is a type of the Antichrist, whose rise and fall are ultimately orchestrated by God to highlight the supremacy of Christ. The chaos and conflict of Daniel 11:40 serve to magnify the peace and justice that will characterize Christ's reign, a reign that will have no end, as prophesied in [Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - His Kingdom Will Never End"). Ultimately, every earthly struggle and display of power in prophecy points to the final, decisive victory of the Lamb of God, who is King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), and whose kingdom will "overflow and pass over" all earthly dominions, establishing righteousness forever.

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.

Isaiah 5:28

Whose arrows [are] sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses' hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:

Daniel 11:35

And [some] of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make [them] white, [even] to the time of the end: because [it is] yet for a time appointed.

Daniel 12:4

But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.

Zechariah 9:14

And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.

Jeremiah 4:13

Behold, he shall come up as clouds, and his chariots [shall be] as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles. Woe unto us! for we are spoiled.

Isaiah 21:1

¶ The burden of the desert of the sea. As whirlwinds in the south pass through; [so] it cometh from the desert, from a terrible land.