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.

For the king {H4428} of the north {H6828} shall return {H7725}, and shall set forth {H5975} a multitude {H1995} greater {H7227} than the former {H7223}, and shall certainly {H935} come {H935} after {H7093} certain {H6256} years {H8141} with a great {H1419} army {H2428} and with much {H7227} riches {H7399}.

Rather, the king of the north will again muster an army, larger than the first one, at the end of this period, after a number of years; it will be a large, well-supplied army.

For the king of the North will raise another army, larger than the first, and after some years he will advance with a great army and many supplies.

And the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former; and he shall come on at the end of the times, even of years, with a great army and with much substance.

Commentary

Daniel 11:13 continues the highly detailed prophetic narrative concerning the conflicts between the "King of the North" and the "King of the South," which are widely understood by commentators to represent the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties, respectively, in the post-Alexandrian Hellenistic period.

Context

This verse specifically forecasts a significant military resurgence by the King of the North. Following a previous setback (implied by "shall return," likely referring to Antiochus III's defeat at Raphia, as described in Daniel 11:11-12), this prophecy describes his preparation for a second, more formidable invasion. Historically, this aligns with Antiochus III's campaign after consolidating power in the eastern parts of his empire, returning years later with overwhelming force to challenge Ptolemaic Egypt once more around 200 BC. This period of preparation and increased might is central to the prophecy.

Key Themes

  • Divine Foreknowledge: The remarkable precision of Daniel's prophecy underscores God's absolute sovereignty over human history and geopolitical events.
  • Military Resurgence: The phrase "multitude greater than the former" highlights the immense scale of the impending invasion, emphasizing the King of the North's renewed power and ambition after a period of recovery.
  • Strategic Preparation: The detail "after certain years" points to a period of careful planning, resource accumulation, and military buildup before the decisive campaign, indicating the thoroughness of the king's efforts.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew term for "multitude" (hamon) can convey a sense of a great, sometimes tumultuous, crowd or a vast army. Its usage here emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the forces being assembled. The title "King of the North" (melek hatzafon) consistently refers to the Seleucid rulers based in Syria throughout this chapter, distinguishing them from the Ptolemaic "King of the South" (Daniel 11:5).

Practical Application

While specific to ancient geopolitical conflicts, Daniel 11:13 offers timeless insights into God's character. It reminds us that even the most powerful earthly empires and their leaders operate within the confines of God's overarching plan. The meticulous fulfillment of these prophecies serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and the reliability of His Word. Believers can find comfort in knowing that despite global turmoil and the rise and fall of nations, God remains in control, working out His purposes according to His divine timetable. This understanding encourages trust in His ultimate victory and the eventual establishment of His kingdom, which will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44).

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Cross-References

  • Daniel 4:16 (4 votes)

    Let his heart be changed from man's, and let a beast's heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.

  • Daniel 12:7 (3 votes)

    And I heard the man clothed in linen, which [was] upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that [it shall be] for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be finished.

  • Daniel 11:6 (2 votes)

    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.

  • Daniel 11:7 (2 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: