Daniel 11:7

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

But out of a branch {H5342} of her roots {H8328} shall one stand up {H5975} in his estate {H3653}, which shall come {H935} with an army {H2428}, and shall enter {H935} into the fortress {H4581} of the king {H4428} of the north {H6828}, and shall deal {H6213} against them, and shall prevail {H2388}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But another branch from the same roots as hers will appear in her father's place. He will attack the army of the king of the north, enter his fortress and succeed in conquering them.

Berean Standard Bible

But one from her family line will rise up in his place, come against the army of the king of the North, and enter his fortress, fighting and prevailing.

American Standard Version

But out of a shoot from her roots shall one stand up in his place, who shall come unto the army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Daniel 11:7 continues the intricate prophetic unveiling of the Hellenistic era, specifically detailing the immediate aftermath of the failed dynastic alliance between the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires. This verse foretells the rise of a new leader from the "king of the south's" lineage who will avenge a grievous wrong, launching a successful military campaign against the "king of the north" and demonstrating divine foreknowledge over the complex geopolitical struggles of ancient kingdoms.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Daniel 11:7 follows directly from the tragic events described in [Daniel 11:6](/daniel/11-6 "Daniel 11:6 - The Failed Alliance"). The previous verse details the "daughter of the king of the south" (Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus) being given in marriage to the "king of the north" (Antiochus II Theos) in an attempt to forge peace. However, this alliance fails disastrously, leading to the murder of Berenice and her infant son. Verse 7 then introduces the "branch of her roots," a direct familial successor who will rise to avenge her death, setting the stage for the next phase of conflict between these two powerful dynasties. The detailed nature of these prophecies, stretching across centuries, underscores the overarching theme of God's sovereign control over human history, as seen in the broader prophetic visions of [Daniel 2](/daniel/2 "Daniel 2 - Nebuchadnezzar's Dream of Empires") and [Daniel 7](/daniel/7 "Daniel 7 - Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period described in Daniel 11, particularly verses 2-45, meticulously outlines the conflicts between the Ptolemaic dynasty (ruling Egypt, the "king of the south") and the Seleucid dynasty (ruling Syria and much of the former Persian Empire, the "king of the north"). This era, following the death of Alexander the Great, was marked by constant warfare as his generals (the Diadochi) carved up his vast empire. The specific events of Daniel 11:7 refer to the Third Syrian War (246-241 BC), also known as the Laodicean War. This conflict was ignited by Ptolemy III Euergetes, who was the brother of Berenice. His campaign was a direct response to her murder and the murder of her son, fulfilling the prophecy of a "branch of her roots" rising to confront the "king of the north." The cultural context includes the prevalent practice of dynastic marriages for political alliances, as well as the strong cultural imperative for vengeance, especially for high-ranking individuals.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Daniel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**, demonstrating God's precise knowledge of future events, even down to the specific actions of individual rulers and the outcomes of their military campaigns. The accuracy of these predictions, centuries before their fulfillment, serves as a profound testament to the reliability of God's Word and His ultimate control over the course of human history, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "Isaiah 46:9-10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **Cycles of Conflict and Vengeance** that characterized the Hellenistic period, where alliances were fragile and betrayals often led to retaliatory wars. The rise of Ptolemy III to "deal against them, and shall prevail" underscores the relentless nature of these struggles. Finally, the theme of **Historical Fulfillment** is paramount, as the detailed prophecy of Ptolemy III's successful invasion of Seleucid territory aligns remarkably with historical records of the Third Syrian War, where he indeed penetrated deep into enemy territory, reaching as far as Mesopotamia and Susa, and seizing vast plunder, thus fulfilling the prediction of entering the "fortress of the king of the north" and prevailing.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **branch (Hebrew, _nêtser'_):** This word (H5342) literally means "a shoot" or "sprout," but figuratively refers to a descendant or successor. In the context of Daniel 11:7, it precisely identifies Ptolemy III Euergetes as a direct descendant or close familial successor ("from her roots") of Berenice, emphasizing his legitimate claim and motivation for avenging his sister. This term is also used messianically in other prophetic books, such as [Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse's Roots"), to refer to a future descendant of David.
* **stand up (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** The verb (H5975) signifies to "stand," "arise," "be established," or "take a stand." Here, it denotes the active emergence of a new power or ruler. It implies not just a passive succession but an assertive, decisive action to assume authority and engage in conflict. Ptolemy III did not merely inherit the throne; he actively "stood up" to challenge the Seleucid power.
* **prevail (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This powerful verb (H2388) means "to be strong," "to seize," "to conquer," or "to fortify." Its use here indicates a decisive victory and successful military campaign. The prophecy asserts that the "branch" will not merely engage in conflict but will achieve a dominant and successful outcome, which aligns perfectly with historical accounts of Ptolemy III's deep penetration into Seleucid territory and his significant gains in the Third Syrian War.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But out of a branch of her roots shall [one] stand up in his estate":** This clause introduces the avenger, Ptolemy III Euergetes, who is identified as a direct blood relation ("branch of her roots") to the murdered Berenice. The phrase "stand up in his estate" signifies his legitimate succession to the throne of Egypt (the "king of the south") and his assumption of power with the authority to act.
* **"which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north":** This part describes the military action taken by Ptolemy III. He will lead a substantial military force ("with an army") and successfully invade the territory of the Seleucid king. "The fortress of the king of the north" refers to the fortified cities and strongholds within the Seleucid Empire, indicating a deep and successful penetration into enemy territory, not just a border skirmish.
* **"and shall deal against them, and shall prevail":** This final phrase details the outcome of the campaign. "Shall deal against them" implies engaging in battle and executing a strategy of attack. "And shall prevail" explicitly prophesies his overwhelming victory and success in this military endeavor, confirming that he will overcome the opposition and achieve his objectives, which historically included significant territorial gains and plunder.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its prophetic message with precision and impact. **Symbolism** is evident in the phrase "branch of her roots," which serves as a vivid metaphor for a direct descendant or close familial successor, emphasizing the lineage and the personal nature of the impending vengeance. The detailed description of military movements and outcomes functions as **Prophecy**, specifically **Predictive Prophecy**, where future events are foretold with remarkable accuracy. The narrative also employs **Foreshadowing**, as the successful campaign of Ptolemy III sets the stage for further, even more intense conflicts between the two kingdoms, building the tension towards the ultimate climax of the chapter. The use of strong, action-oriented verbs like "stand up," "come," "enter," "deal," and "prevail" creates a sense of dynamic movement and decisive action, contributing to the vividness of the prophetic vision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:7, with its precise foretelling of historical events, serves as a powerful testament to God's absolute sovereignty over human affairs. It underscores that even the most complex geopolitical machinations and dynastic struggles are not outside of His purview or control. The fulfillment of such specific prophecies demonstrates that God is not merely an observer but an active orchestrator of history, guiding events toward His ultimate purposes. This divine oversight provides profound comfort and assurance, reminding believers that even in times of global turmoil and conflict, God's plan is unfolding, and His Word is entirely trustworthy. The detailed nature of this prophecy also highlights the concept of divine judgment and justice, as the rise of Ptolemy III is depicted as a direct response to the injustice of Berenice's murder, reflecting God's concern for righteousness even amidst the ambitions of earthly kings.

* [Isaiah 46:9-10](/isaiah/46-9-10 "God Declares the End from the Beginning")
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalm/33-10-11 "The Lord Frustrates the Plans of Nations")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart is in the Hand of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The astonishing accuracy of the prophecies in Daniel 11, including the specific details of Daniel 11:7, offers a profound anchor for our faith in a world often characterized by uncertainty and chaos. When we witness the precise fulfillment of such ancient predictions, it reinforces the absolute trustworthiness of God's Word. This should inspire us to trust God not only with the grand sweep of history but also with the intricate details of our individual lives. Just as He meticulously orchestrated the rise and fall of ancient empires, He is intimately involved in our personal circumstances, guiding, protecting, and working all things for His good purposes. In moments of personal or global turmoil, remembering God's sovereign control, as demonstrated in this passage, can bring immense peace and stability. It calls us to look beyond immediate circumstances and fix our gaze on the God who knows the end from the beginning, encouraging us to live with unwavering faith and courage.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the precision of this prophecy strengthen your confidence in the reliability of God's Word in other areas of your life?**
* **In what ways does knowing God's sovereign control over history impact your perspective on current global events or personal challenges?**
* **How can the fulfillment of ancient prophecies encourage us to trust God's promises for the future, including those concerning Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom?**

### FAQ
**Who is the "branch of her roots" mentioned in Daniel 11:7?**

Answer: The "branch of her roots" refers to Ptolemy III Euergetes, the brother of Berenice (the "daughter of the king of the south" from [Daniel 11:6](/daniel/11-6 "Daniel 11:6 - The Failed Alliance")). He ascended to the throne of Egypt after his father, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, and launched a military campaign against the Seleucid Empire to avenge his sister's murder, fulfilling this prophecy.

**What historical event does Daniel 11:7 describe?**

Answer: Daniel 11:7 accurately describes the Third Syrian War (246-241 BC), also known as the Laodicean War. This conflict was initiated by Ptolemy III Euergetes, who successfully invaded the Seleucid Empire, penetrating deep into its territory and achieving significant victories, thus fulfilling the prophecy that he would "enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail." Historical records confirm his extensive campaign and the plunder he brought back to Egypt, including idols previously taken from Egypt by Persian kings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:7 directly prophesies a historical event involving Ptolemy III, its deeper theological resonance points to the ultimate "Branch" who would stand up in His estate: Jesus Christ. Just as Ptolemy III arose from a specific lineage to avenge a wrong and conquer an enemy, Christ, the true "Branch" from the root of Jesse ([Isaiah 11:1](/isaiah/11-1 "Isaiah 11:1 - The Branch from Jesse's Roots")), arose from the lineage of David to conquer sin, death, and the devil. His "standing up" was not merely a military campaign but His resurrection from the dead, demonstrating His ultimate authority and victory over the spiritual "king of the north" (Satan) and his forces. Christ "came with an army" not of earthly soldiers but of heavenly hosts and, ultimately, His church, empowered by the Holy Spirit. He "entered into the fortress" of sin and death, breaking their power through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). And indeed, He "dealt against them, and shall prevail," securing an eternal victory that far surpasses any earthly conquest. His kingdom is not of this world ([John 18:36](/john/18-36 "John 18:36 - Jesus' Kingdom is Not of This World")), yet it is a kingdom that will ultimately triumph over all earthly powers and establish an everlasting reign of righteousness and peace ([Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdoms of the World Become the Kingdoms of Our Lord")). Thus, the temporary triumph of Ptolemy III foreshadows the eternal and universal triumph of Christ.

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

Ezekiel 17:18

Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these [things], he shall not escape.

Isaiah 11:1

¶ And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots:

Psalms 55:23

But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

Job 14:7

¶ For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

Malachi 4:1

¶ For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

Daniel 11:19

Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.

Daniel 11:20

Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes [in] the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.