Daniel 11:44

But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

But tidings {H8052} out of the east {H4217} and out of the north {H6828} shall trouble {H926} him: therefore he shall go forth {H3318} with great {H1419} fury {H2534} to destroy {H8045}, and utterly to make away {H2763} many {H7227}.

However, news from the east and north will frighten him, so that he moves out in great fury to ruin and completely do away with many.

But news from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will go out with great fury to destroy many and devote them to destruction.

But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him; and he shall go forth with great fury to destroy and utterly to sweep away many.

Commentary

Context

Daniel 11 is one of the most detailed and historically accurate prophecies in the Bible, describing a long succession of kings and conflicts primarily between the Seleucid (King of the North) and Ptolemaic (King of the South) empires following the breakup of Alexander the Great's empire. Verses 1-35 largely describe historical events leading up to the time of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Syrian king who greatly persecuted the Jews in the 2nd century BC.

However, from verse 36 onwards, many commentators believe the prophecy shifts to a future, eschatological figure, often identified as the Antichrist, who will arise in the end times. Daniel 11:44 specifically describes this powerful, destructive ruler's reaction to unsettling news from the east and north, signaling a heightened state of aggression and a final campaign.

Key Themes

  • External Provocation: The "tidings out of the east and out of the north" suggest external threats or challenges that disturb the powerful ruler. These could be military movements, political uprisings, or religious opposition that compel him to react.
  • Intense Fury and Destruction: The phrase "go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many" highlights the extreme and violent nature of this figure. The KJV's "utterly to make away" translates the Hebrew word ื—ึธืจึทื (charam), which signifies devoting to destruction, often in a religious or military context, implying a complete and devastating annihilation. This suggests a total war or genocidal intent.
  • Escalation of Conflict: This verse marks a critical point in the narrative, portraying a shift from strategic maneuvering to unrestrained, vengeful destruction. It foreshadows a period of intense tribulation and conflict.
  • Prophetic Foreshadowing: Whether interpreted as a direct historical event concerning Antiochus IV or, more commonly, as a prophecy about the end-time Antichrist, this verse underscores the pervasive nature of evil and the destructive capacity of those who oppose God's will. It aligns with other prophecies describing a future period of great tribulation led by a tyrannical figure.

Linguistic Insights

The word "tidings" (KJV) comes from the Hebrew ืฉึฐืืžึปืขื•ึนืช (shmu'ot), meaning "reports" or "rumors." It implies intelligence or news that causes alarm. The term "trouble" is from ื‘ึธึผื”ึทืœ (bahal), meaning to be alarmed, dismayed, or hasten in confusion. This indicates that the news genuinely unsettles him, prompting a swift and furious response.

As noted, "utterly to make away" is a strong translation of ื—ึธืจึทื (charam), often used in the Old Testament for the complete destruction of enemies or cities, sometimes referred to as 'the ban' or 'devotion to destruction.' This suggests a merciless, total eradication rather than mere conquest.

Practical Application

For believers today, Daniel 11:44 serves as a powerful reminder of several truths:

  • Vigilance and Discernment: It encourages us to be aware of world events and the spiritual forces at play, recognizing that evil can manifest in destructive ways.
  • God's Sovereignty: Even amidst such prophecies of fury and destruction, the book of Daniel continually points to God's ultimate control over history and prophecy. Though evil may rage, God's plan will prevail.
  • Hope in Deliverance: This verse, when seen in the broader context of end-time prophecy, highlights the need for God's intervention and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom, as seen in passages like the return of Christ to establish justice.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 19:19

    And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

  • Revelation 19:21

    And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which [sword] proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

  • Revelation 17:13

    These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

  • Daniel 11:30

    For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.

  • Revelation 16:12

    ยถ And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

  • Ezekiel 38:9

    Thou shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee.

  • Ezekiel 38:12

    To take a spoil, and to take a prey; to turn thine hand upon the desolate places [that are now] inhabited, and upon the people [that are] gathered out of the nations, which have gotten cattle and goods, that dwell in the midst of the land.
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