Daniel 11:17

Daniel 11:17 continues the intricate prophetic narrative detailing the conflicts between the "King of the North" (typically identified as the Seleucid king, Antiochus III the Great) and the "King of the South" (the Ptolemaic ruler of Egypt, Ptolemy V Epiphanes). This verse describes Antiochus III's cunning strategy to consolidate power and undermine his rival.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse points to a specific historical event around 193 BC. After various military campaigns, Antiochus III, the King of the North, decided to employ a different tactic against Ptolemy V. He proposed a marriage alliance, offering his own daughter, Cleopatra I (not the famous Cleopatra VII of Antony and Caesar fame), to Ptolemy V. This was a common political maneuver in the ancient Near East, intended to secure peace and extend influence without direct military conquest. However, Antiochus's true intention, as the prophecy reveals, was to "corrupt" or subvert the Ptolemaic kingdom from within through his daughter's position.

Key Themes and Messages

• Political Manipulation: The verse highlights the deceptive nature of political alliances. Antiochus III's offer of his daughter was not an act of genuine goodwill but a calculated move to weaken his opponent.
• Futility of Human Schemes: Despite the elaborate plan, the prophecy declares, "she shall not stand [on his side], neither be for him." Historically, Cleopatra I eventually sided more with her husband and her new kingdom, Egypt, rather than remaining solely loyal to her father's imperial ambitions. This underscores the unpredictable nature of human relationships and the limits of even the most powerful rulers' control over outcomes.
• Divine Oversight: Underlying these detailed prophecies of ancient conflicts is the overarching theme of God's sovereignty over human history. Even the intricate details of royal marriages and political betrayals are within God's foreknowledge and ultimate plan, as seen throughout the book of Daniel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "corrupting her" comes from the Hebrew word שָׁחַת (shachat), which means to spoil, ruin, or destroy. In this context, it implies an intent to undermine the Ptolemaic kingdom through the marriage. Antiochus's aim was to gain an advantage and weaken Egypt by planting an agent within its royal family, even if that agent was his own daughter. The KJV's "daughter of women" simply emphasizes her human origin, a common Hebrew idiom, contrasting perhaps with divine or supernatural elements and highlighting her role as a pawn in political games.

Related Scriptures

The detailed prophecies of Daniel 11 are unique in their specificity, revealing God's knowledge of future events. This chapter should be read in conjunction with other sections of Daniel that speak of future kingdoms and their interactions, such as the vision of the four beasts in Daniel 7 or the ram and goat in Daniel 8. The idea that human plans do not always succeed aligns with Proverbs 19:21: "There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand."

Practical Application

While this verse describes ancient history, its principles remain relevant. It reminds us that human intentions, even those cloaked in peace or alliance, can be driven by self-interest and a desire for control. We are called to discern motives and recognize that not all overtures are genuine. More profoundly, it reinforces the truth that God's ultimate purposes cannot be thwarted by human cunning or power. Even when world leaders scheme and nations clash, God remains in control, working out His sovereign will for all of history, giving us peace in a tumultuous world, as also seen in Psalm 46:10.