Daniel 11:6

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Context

Daniel 11 is a remarkable chapter within the Book of Daniel's final vision, detailing a sweeping prophecy of future events from Daniel's time up to the end. This particular section, beginning around Daniel 11:2, focuses with astonishing accuracy on the conflicts and alliances between the "king of the North" (the Seleucid dynasty of Syria) and the "king of the South" (the Ptolemaic dynasty of Egypt). These two Hellenistic powers constantly vied for control of the land of Israel following the death of Alexander the Great, making this prophecy highly significant for understanding the turbulent intertestamental period.

Key Themes

  • Failed Alliances: The primary message of Daniel 11:6 is the futility of human attempts to secure lasting peace through political marriages and treaties when not aligned with God's sovereign plan.
  • Divine Foreknowledge: The detailed prediction of specific historical events, including a failed marriage alliance, underscores God's complete foreknowledge and control over the course of human history.
  • Vulnerability of Power: Even those holding significant power, like kings and their families, are shown to be vulnerable to betrayal, political intrigue, and the unpredictable nature of human schemes.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "power of the arm" (Hebrew: זְרוֹעַ, zeroa') is significant. The 'arm' in biblical language often symbolizes strength, might, or military power. Here, it signifies that the king's daughter (Berenice) will not maintain her position of influence or protection through her own strength or the strength of her allies. Similarly, "neither shall he stand, nor his arm" emphasizes that the king of the North (Antiochus II) will also fail to maintain his power and authority through his own might or alliances.

Historical Fulfillment

This verse finds a precise fulfillment in the marriage alliance between Antiochus II Theos, the Seleucid "king of the North," and Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus, the Ptolemaic "king of the South." In 252 BC, Ptolemy II gave his daughter Berenice to Antiochus II in marriage, hoping to forge a lasting peace and end the Second Syrian War. However, the prophecy states, "she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm." This proved true. Antiochus II had to divorce his previous wife, Laodice, to marry Berenice. When Ptolemy II died shortly after the marriage, Antiochus II reinstated Laodice, who then poisoned him and had Berenice and her infant son murdered. Thus, Berenice was indeed "given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in [these] times," fulfilling the prophecy with chilling accuracy. This dramatic event reignited the conflict between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires.

Practical Application

Daniel 11:6 reminds us that human plans, no matter how well-intentioned or strategically designed, are ultimately subject to the sovereign will of God. It highlights the transient nature of earthly power and alliances. For believers today, this passage offers profound assurance in God's control over history and the reliability of His Word. We are encouraged to place our trust not in shifting political landscapes or human agreements, but in the unchanging character and promises of God, who "removeth kings, and setteth up kings" (Daniel 2:21). It also serves as a cautionary tale against placing ultimate hope in worldly solutions for peace and security, urging us instead to seek the peace that only Christ can give.

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

Cross-References

  • Daniel 11:13 (5 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

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

  • Ezekiel 30:21 (2 votes)

    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.