Daniel 11:6

KJV

And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in [these] times.

KJV (with Strong's)

And in the end {H7093} of years {H8141} they shall join themselves together {H2266}; for the king's {H4428} daughter {H1323} of the south {H5045} shall come {H935} to the king {H4428} of the north {H6828} to make {H6213} an agreement {H4339}: but she shall not retain {H6113} the power {H3581} of the arm {H2220}; neither shall he stand {H5975}, nor his arm {H2220}: but she shall be given up {H5414}, and they that brought {H935} her, and he that begat {H3205} her, and he that strengthened {H2388} her in these times {H6256}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After a number of years they will form an alliance. The daughter of the king of the south will approach the king of the north to make an agreement, but she won't retain her power; and he and his power won't last either. Rather, she will be surrendered, along with her attendants, her father and the one who supported her during those times.

Berean Standard Bible

After some years they will form an alliance, and the daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the North to seal the agreement. But his daughter will not retain her position of power, nor will his strength endure. At that time she will be given up, along with her royal escort and her father and the one who supported her.

American Standard Version

And at the end of years they shall join themselves together; and the daughter of the king of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the strength of her arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm; but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in those times.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:6 presents a remarkably precise prophecy concerning a failed political alliance between the "king of the South" (Ptolemaic Egypt) and the "king of the North" (Seleucid Syria) during the Hellenistic period. It foretells a marriage intended to secure peace, specifically involving the daughter of the southern king, but unequivocally declares that this union will not achieve its desired outcome. Instead, both parties involved, including the princess and her supporters, will lose their power and ultimately be betrayed and given over to their enemies, highlighting the futility of human schemes apart from divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11 is part of Daniel's final and most detailed prophetic vision, spanning chapters 10-12. Following an intense spiritual struggle (Daniel 10) and a revelation of future events (Daniel 11:1), the angel Gabriel provides Daniel with an astonishingly precise outline of historical events, primarily focusing on the conflicts between the Hellenistic kingdoms that emerged after Alexander the Great's death. This particular section, beginning around [Daniel 11:2](/daniel/11-2 "Daniel 11:2 - Prophecy of Persian Kings"), details the intricate political and military struggles between the "king of the North" (the Seleucid dynasty ruling Syria and Mesopotamia) and the "king of the South" (the Ptolemaic dynasty ruling Egypt). The prophecy is characterized by its unparalleled specificity, describing alliances, betrayals, and wars that would unfold over centuries, leading up to the time of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a major figure in the latter part of the chapter, and ultimately pointing towards the end times.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Daniel 11:6 is the turbulent Intertestamental Period (roughly 400 BC to 0 AD), specifically the 3rd century BC. After Alexander the Great's empire fragmented, his generals (the Diadochi) established powerful dynasties. The Ptolemies ruled Egypt (the "South"), and the Seleucids controlled Syria and vast eastern territories (the "North"). The land of Israel (Judea) lay strategically between these two empires, becoming a constant battleground. Political marriages were a common diplomatic tool in the ancient Near East, intended to forge alliances and secure peace between rival powers. However, as history frequently demonstrates, such unions were often fragile, susceptible to personal ambition, betrayal, and shifts in power dynamics, frequently leading to renewed conflict rather than lasting stability. This verse specifically anticipates the marriage of Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (King of the South), to Antiochus II Theos (King of the North).
* **Key Themes:** Daniel 11:6 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Daniel and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **futility of human alliances and political maneuvering** when they are not aligned with, or are in opposition to, God's sovereign plan. Despite the strategic intent of such a high-profile marriage, the prophecy declares its ultimate failure, highlighting that true peace and security cannot be found in human treaties or strength. Secondly, the verse serves as a profound demonstration of **divine foreknowledge and sovereignty**. The meticulous detail with which future events are predicted, including the specifics of a failed marriage alliance and the fate of its participants, unequivocally affirms that God is in complete control of history, "removing kings and setting up kings" as declared in [Daniel 2:21](/daniel/2-21 "Daniel 2:21 - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms"). This detailed prophecy provides compelling evidence for the supernatural origin of Scripture. Finally, it illustrates the **vulnerability and transient nature of earthly power**. Even powerful monarchs and their royal families, seemingly secure in their positions, are shown to be subject to betrayal, political intrigue, and the unpredictable course of events, ultimately unable to "retain the power of the arm" or "stand" against the divine decree. This contrasts sharply with the enduring and unshakable kingdom of God, a central theme throughout Daniel, as seen in [Daniel 7:14](/daniel/7-14 "Daniel 7:14 - The Everlasting Dominion of the Son of Man").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **join themselves together (Hebrew, _châbar'_):** From the primitive root H2266, meaning "to join (literally or figuratively); specifically (by means of spells) to fascinate; charm(-er), be compact, couple (together), have fellowship with, heap up, join (self, together), league." In this context, _châbar_ denotes the formation of a political alliance or league, specifically through the act of coupling or joining together, referring to the marriage agreement between the two royal houses. It emphasizes the human effort to create unity and stability.
* **power of the arm (Hebrew, _kôach'_ and _zᵉrôwaʻ'_):** _Kôach_ (H3581) means "vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce); also (from its hardiness) a large lizard; ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth." _Zᵉrôwaʻ_ (H2220) means "the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force; arm, [phrase] help, mighty, power, shoulder, strength." Combined, "power of the arm" is a powerful idiom for military might, political influence, and personal strength or authority. The prophecy explicitly states that neither the princess nor the king "shall retain the power of the arm," signifying a complete failure to maintain their position, influence, or physical safety through their own strength or that of their allies.
* **given up (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** From the primitive root H5414, meaning "to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.); add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield." In this context, _nâthan_ carries the ominous sense of being delivered over, abandoned, or handed to an enemy or to destruction. It conveys the tragic fate of Berenice and her supporters, who will be betrayed and left defenseless.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And in the end of years they shall join themselves together;":** This clause sets the timeframe, indicating that after a period of time (literally "at the end of years"), the two opposing powers will attempt to unify or form an alliance. The verb "join themselves together" (H2266, _châbar_) implies a deliberate act of forming a compact or league, in this case, a marriage alliance.
* **"for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement:":** This specifies the nature of the alliance: a political marriage. The "king's daughter of the south" refers to Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Egypt. Her journey "to the king of the north" (Antiochus II Theos of the Seleucid Empire) is for the explicit purpose of making an "agreement" (H4339, _mêyshâr_), which signifies a treaty, concord, or arrangement intended to establish peace and equity between the two kingdoms.
* **"but she shall not retain the power of the arm;":** This is the first declaration of failure. "She" refers to the king's daughter, Berenice. "Not retain the power of the arm" (H6113, _ʻâtsâr_ - retain; H3581, _kôach_ - power; H2220, _zᵉrôwaʻ_ - arm) means she will not maintain her position of influence, authority, or protection through her own strength or the strength of her allies. Her diplomatic mission and personal standing will ultimately fail.
* **"neither shall he stand, nor his arm:":** This extends the failure to the king of the North, Antiochus II. "He" refers to Antiochus II, and "his arm" again symbolizes his power, might, or military strength. The phrase "neither shall he stand" (H5975, _ʻâmad_ - stand) indicates that he will not maintain his position, authority, or life. Both parties to the alliance will experience a loss of power and stability.
* **"but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in [these] times.":** This final clause details the tragic outcome. "She shall be given up" (H5414, _nâthan_) implies betrayal, abandonment, or being handed over to destruction. This fate extends not only to Berenice herself but also to "they that brought her" (her attendants or escort), "he that begat her" (her father, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, who initiated the alliance), and "he that strengthened her in [these] times" (her supporters or those who upheld her position). This comprehensive downfall underscores the complete failure of the human-engineered peace and the devastating consequences for all involved.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in Daniel 11:6 is rich in literary devices that enhance its prophetic impact. The most prominent is **Prophecy**, specifically **Predictive Prophecy**, which is demonstrated by the astonishingly accurate foretelling of specific historical events centuries before their occurrence. This detailed prediction of a failed marriage alliance, the identities of the involved parties, and their ultimate fates serves as powerful evidence of divine inspiration. **Symbolism** is also evident, particularly in the phrase "power of the arm." The "arm" (Hebrew _zᵉrôwaʻ_) is a common biblical symbol for strength, might, and military power. Its failure to "retain" or "stand" signifies a complete loss of political influence, physical protection, and life itself. The narrative structure employs **Foreshadowing**, as the instability and ultimate failure of this human alliance foreshadow the broader theme in Daniel of the transience of all earthly kingdoms compared to the eternal and unshakable kingdom of God. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the verse: an agreement intended to bring peace and stability through a marriage alliance ultimately leads to betrayal, murder, and renewed conflict, highlighting the futility of human efforts to control destiny apart from divine will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:6 serves as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty over human history. It demonstrates that even the most meticulously planned political strategies and alliances, involving powerful monarchs and vast empires, are ultimately subject to the divine will. The failure of this seemingly advantageous marriage, despite its strategic intent to secure peace, underscores the biblical truth that human wisdom and strength are insufficient to establish lasting security or to thwart God's purposes. This passage reinforces the reliability of God's Word, as its detailed predictions were fulfilled with remarkable precision, compelling believers to trust in the unchanging character and infallible plan of the Almighty, rather than in the shifting sands of human power dynamics. It reminds us that true peace and stability are found not in earthly agreements but in alignment with the divine order.

* [Proverbs 19:21](/proverbs/19-21 "Proverbs 19:21 - The Lord's Purpose Will Stand")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "Psalm 33:10-11 - God Frustrates Plans, His Counsel Stands")
* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed prophecy of Daniel 11:6, and its precise historical fulfillment, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. In a world often characterized by political instability, shifting alliances, and the pursuit of peace through human means, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our ultimate trust must not be placed in earthly powers or human agreements. It encourages us to cultivate a deep confidence in God's sovereign control over all events, from the grand sweep of history to the intimate details of our personal lives. When we witness the rise and fall of nations, the breaking of treaties, and the fragility of human power, Daniel 11:6 calls us to fix our gaze on the unchanging God, whose plans cannot be thwarted and whose Word proves true. This should lead us to pray for our leaders, while simultaneously recognizing that true and lasting peace, security, and justice will only be fully realized in God's kingdom, not through the imperfect and often self-serving machinations of humanity. It also cautions against placing undue hope in worldly solutions for spiritual or existential problems, urging us instead to seek the kingdom of God first.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precise fulfillment of Daniel 11:6 strengthen your faith in the reliability of God's Word and His sovereignty over history?**
* **In what areas of your life are you tempted to place your trust in human plans or strength rather than in God's overarching purpose?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's unchanging character and promises amidst the uncertainties of the world?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "king of the south" and "king of the north" mentioned in Daniel 11:6?**
Answer: In the historical fulfillment of Daniel 11:6, the "king of the south" refers to Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt. The "king of the north" refers to Antiochus II Theos, the ruler of the Seleucid dynasty in Syria. These two Hellenistic empires were the dominant powers in the region after the fragmentation of Alexander the Great's empire, and they frequently vied for control of the strategic land of Israel.

**What was the specific historical event that fulfilled Daniel 11:6?**
Answer: Daniel 11:6 was precisely fulfilled by the marriage alliance in 252 BC between Antiochus II Theos (the "king of the North") and Berenice, the daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (the "king of the South"). This marriage was intended to solidify peace and end the Second Syrian War. However, the prophecy stated it would fail. Antiochus II had to divorce his previous wife, Laodice, to marry Berenice. After Ptolemy II died, Antiochus II reinstated Laodice, who then poisoned him and arranged for the murder of Berenice and her infant son. Thus, Berenice did "not retain the power of the arm," Antiochus II did not "stand," and Berenice, along with her supporters, was indeed "given up," fulfilling the prophecy with chilling accuracy and reigniting the conflict between the empires.

**Why is this prophecy so remarkably specific compared to other biblical prophecies?**
Answer: The specificity of Daniel 11, including verse 6, is a hallmark of this particular prophetic chapter. It is often cited as a prime example of **predictive prophecy**, where future events are described with an extraordinary level of detail, including names, relationships, and outcomes. This precision serves to underscore the divine origin of the prophecy, demonstrating that only an omniscient God could know and declare such intricate future events. It distinguishes biblical prophecy from mere human foresight or general predictions, providing compelling evidence for the supernatural inspiration of Scripture and God's sovereign control over all of human history, as seen in [Isaiah 42:9](/isaiah/42-9 "Isaiah 42:9 - God Declares New Things Before They Spring Forth").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:6 directly concerns the political machinations of ancient kings, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the profound contrast it presents between the transient, fragile nature of earthly power and the eternal, unshakable reign of Jesus Christ. The prophecy of a failed human alliance, marked by betrayal and death, highlights the futility of seeking lasting peace and security in human efforts. In stark contrast, Christ's kingdom is not of this world (as He told Pilate in [John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom Not of This World")), yet it is eternal and unassailable. Unlike the kings whose "arm" and "power" ultimately failed, Jesus Christ possesses all authority in heaven and on earth (as declared in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). He is the true "Prince of Peace" (prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")), whose covenant of peace is everlasting, unlike the broken agreements of human rulers. Ultimately, Daniel 11:6, by showcasing the collapse of human-orchestrated peace, points us to the only One who can truly bring reconciliation and establish a kingdom that "shall never be destroyed" (as seen in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Kingdom Will Never Be Destroyed")), the Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all things hold together ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Colossians 1:17 - Christ Sustains All Things")).

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 11:13

For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches.

Daniel 11:40

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.

Daniel 11:15

So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither [shall there be any] strength to withstand.

Daniel 11:7

But out of a branch of her roots shall [one] stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:

Zechariah 11:16

For, lo, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, [which] shall not visit those that be cut off, neither shall seek the young one, nor heal that that is broken, nor feed that that standeth still: but he shall eat the flesh of the fat, and tear their claws in pieces.

Job 38:15

And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken.

Ezekiel 30:21

Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and, lo, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a roller to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword.