11:7 11:7

Daniel 11:8

11:9 11:9

Bible Versions

And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, [and] with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue [more] years than the king of the north.
And shall also carry {H935} captives {H7628} into Egypt {H4714} their gods {H430}, with their princes {H5257}, and with their precious {H2532} vessels {H3627} of silver {H3701} and of gold {H2091}; and he shall continue {H5975} more years {H8141} than the king {H4428} of the north {H6828}.
He will also carry off as booty to Egypt their gods, their cast metal images and their valuable gold and silver vessels. Then for some years, he will refrain from attacking the king of the north.
He will take even their gods captive to Egypt, with their metal images and their precious vessels of silver and gold. For some years he will stay away from the king of the North,
And also their gods, with their molten images, and with their goodly vessels of silver and of gold, shall he carry captive into Egypt; and he shall refrain some years from the king of the north.

Commentary on Daniel 11:8

Daniel 11:8 continues the incredibly detailed prophecy concerning the conflicts between the "King of the North" (the Seleucid dynasty) and the "King of the South" (the Ptolemaic dynasty) following the division of Alexander the Great's empire. This specific verse describes a decisive victory for the King of the South, historically identified as Ptolemy III Euergetes of Egypt, over the King of the North, Seleucus II Callinicus of the Seleucid Empire.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse foretells events of the Third Syrian War (246-241 BC), also known as the Laodicean War. Ptolemy III invaded the Seleucid territories to avenge the murder of his sister Berenice and her young son, as hinted at in Daniel 11:6. His campaign was remarkably successful. The phrase "shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, [and] with their precious vessels of silver and of gold" points to the immense spoils taken. A particularly significant aspect was the recovery of Egyptian idols that the Persian king Cambyses II had previously carried off centuries earlier. This act of returning their gods was seen as a great triumph and endeared Ptolemy III to his Egyptian subjects, earning him the epithet "Euergetes" (Benefactor). The prophecy's accuracy in predicting the recovery of these specific "gods" underscores the divine insight given to Daniel.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge: The remarkable specificity of this prophecy, detailing military campaigns, political alliances, and even the spoils of war centuries before they occurred, powerfully demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over human history and the rise and fall of empires.
  • The Vanity of Idolatry: The capture of the "gods" of the defeated nation highlights the impotence of man-made idols. They could not protect their worshippers or themselves from capture, emphasizing the truth that there is no other God but the Lord.
  • Consequences of Conflict: The verse vividly portrays the devastating impact of war, including the capture of leaders ("princes") and the plundering of national wealth ("precious vessels").

Linguistic Insights

The term "gods" here refers to the pagan idols or cultic images worshipped by the defeated Seleucids. Carrying them off was a common practice in ancient warfare, symbolizing not just a military victory but also the supposed triumph of the victor's deities over the vanquished's. The "precious vessels" signify valuable items, treasures, and resources plundered from the conquered territory. The phrase "continue [more] years than the king of the north" literally means Ptolemy III would outlive Seleucus II, which he did by several years (Ptolemy III died in 221 BC, Seleucus II in 226 BC).

Practical Application

While detailing ancient conflicts, Daniel 11:8 offers timeless truths. It reminds us that no earthly power, no matter how mighty, can thwart God's ultimate plan. World events, though seemingly chaotic, are under divine control, providing comfort and assurance to believers. It also serves as a perpetual reminder of the futility of placing trust in anything other than the one true God, whether it be wealth, power, or any form of idolatry, as these are all fleeting and ultimately powerless. Our ultimate hope and security rest in the unchanging character and promises of God.

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.

  • Isaiah 37:19

    And have cast their gods into the fire: for they [were] no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.

  • Isaiah 46:1

    ¶ Bel boweth down, Nebo stoopeth, their idols were upon the beasts, and upon the cattle: your carriages [were] heavy loaden; [they are] a burden to the weary [beast].

  • Isaiah 46:2

    They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

  • Jeremiah 43:12

    And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and he shall burn them, and carry them away captives: and he shall array himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd putteth on his garment; and he shall go forth from thence in peace.

  • Jeremiah 43:13

    He shall break also the images of Bethshemesh, that [is] in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of the Egyptians shall he burn with fire.

  • Numbers 33:4

    For the Egyptians buried all [their] firstborn, which the LORD had smitten among them: upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments.

  • Jeremiah 46:25

    The LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, saith; Behold, I will punish the multitude of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with their gods, and their kings; even Pharaoh, and [all] them that trust in him:
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