


Daniel 11:9
Bible Versions
So the king of the south shall come into [his] kingdom, and shall return into his own land.
"Afterwards, the king of the north will invade the kingdom of the king of the south, but he will retire to his own land.
who will invade the realm of the king of the South and then return to his own land.
And he shall come into the realm of the king of the south, but he shall return into his own land.
No cross-references found for this verse.
Daniel 11:9 is part of a remarkable prophecy detailing the intricate political and military conflicts that would unfold centuries after Daniel's time, primarily between the Ptolemaic dynasty (the "king of the south") and the Seleucid dynasty (the "king of the north"). This verse describes a specific movement of the King of the South.
Historical and Cultural Context
This verse is widely interpreted by scholars as referring to events during the Hellenistic period, specifically the interactions between the rulers of Egypt (Ptolemies) and Syria (Seleucids) following the division of Alexander the Great's empire. The "king of the south" here refers to Ptolemy IV Philopator of Egypt. The preceding verses (Daniel 11:7-8) describe his success against the King of the North.
Historically, this corresponds to Ptolemy IV's campaign against Antiochus III (the "king of the north"). After a significant victory at the Battle of Raphia in 217 BC, Ptolemy IV did not press his advantage to conquer vast territories, but rather returned to his kingdom in Egypt. This action is precisely what the prophecy foretells: "shall come into [his] kingdom, and shall return into his own land."
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Hebrew phrasing "shall come into [his] kingdom, and shall return into his own land" (יָבוֹא אֶל־מַלְכוּתוֹ וְשָׁב אֶל־אַרְצוֹ) is straightforward. It emphasizes a movement that culminates in a return to the point of origin, rather than a permanent occupation or expansion. There are no complex idiomatic or theological nuances in the specific words themselves, but their placement within the broader prophecy gives them immense historical and prophetic significance.
Practical Application
For believers today, Daniel 11:9, like the rest of this detailed prophecy, offers profound reassurance that God is in control. Even amidst the complex and often chaotic affairs of nations and rulers, His ultimate plan is unfolding. We can trust that God works through history, guiding events toward His intended purposes, even when human actions seem random or driven solely by ambition. This encourages a perspective of faith, knowing that all things work together for good for those who love Him, regardless of earthly powers.