Daniel 11:25

And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.

And he shall stir up {H5782} his power {H3581} and his courage {H3824} against the king {H4428} of the south {H5045} with a great {H1419} army {H2428}; and the king {H4428} of the south {H5045} shall be stirred up {H1624} to battle {H4421} with a very {H3966} great {H1419} and mighty {H6099} army {H2428}; but he shall not stand {H5975}: for they shall forecast {H2803} devices {H4284} against him.

"He will summon his power and courage against the king of the south with a great army, and the king of the south will fight back with a very large and powerful army; but he will not succeed, because of plots devised against him.

And with a large army he will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South, who will mobilize a very large and powerful army but will not withstand the plots devised against him.

And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall war in battle with an exceeding great and mighty army; but he shall not stand; for they shall devise devices against him.

Commentary

Context

Daniel 11 presents one of the most detailed and specific prophecies in the Bible, outlining a series of historical conflicts primarily between the "King of the North" (representing the Seleucid Empire, based in Syria) and the "King of the South" (representing the Ptolemaic dynasty, based in Egypt). These two Hellenistic kingdoms, successors to Alexander the Great's empire, frequently clashed over control of the land of Israel, which lay between them. Verse 25 describes a significant military engagement in this ongoing struggle, following the introduction of a particularly wicked ruler in Daniel 11:21, widely identified as Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

Key Themes

  • Intense Conflict and Warfare: The verse vividly portrays a major military confrontation, highlighting the immense armies involved and the fierce determination of both sides. It underscores the constant state of war in the ancient Near East.
  • Strategic Deception and Treachery: The phrase "they shall forecast devices against him" is crucial. It suggests that the defeat of the King of the South will not solely be due to superior force but also to cunning plots, internal conspiracies, or strategic betrayals orchestrated by the King of the North's forces. This emphasizes the insidious nature of the conflict.
  • Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty: The remarkable precision of Daniel's prophecy, detailing specific battles and outcomes centuries before they occurred, serves as a powerful testament to God's sovereign control over human history, even amidst the most complex political and military upheavals.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "forecast devices" is yachshĕvu machashavot (יַחְשְׁבוּ מַחֲשָׁבוֹת). The root chashav (חשב) means "to think," "to devise," or "to scheme." The noun machashavot refers to "thoughts," "plans," or "schemes." This emphasizes that the King of the South's downfall is not merely a result of open battle but of carefully laid plans, possibly involving treachery or cunning strategies by the opposing forces or those within his own ranks.

Prophetic Fulfillment and Historical Context

Historians and theologians generally agree that Daniel 11:25 refers to the second invasion of Egypt by Antiochus IV Epiphanes (the "King of the North") around 169 BCE. He launched a powerful offensive against Ptolemy VI Philometor (the "King of the South"). While Ptolemy mustered a "very great and mighty army," he was ultimately defeated. The "devices" or schemes against him likely refer to Antiochus's shrewd tactics, which included feigning friendship and offering terms before seizing control, as well as possible internal betrayals within the Ptolemaic court or army.

Practical Application

Though this prophecy details ancient geopolitical struggles, its underlying messages remain relevant:

  • God's Unwavering Plan: The accuracy of Daniel's prophecy reinforces the truth that God is in control of all history. Even when human affairs seem chaotic and driven by ruthless leaders, God's ultimate purposes will prevail. This can bring comfort and assurance to believers today.
  • Awareness of Deception: The reference to "devices" or schemes reminds us that evil often operates not just through overt force but also through cunning, manipulation, and betrayal. This spiritual insight is echoed in warnings to stand against the wiles of the devil.
  • Trust in Scripture: The fulfillment of such detailed prophecies strengthens faith in the reliability and divine inspiration of the Bible, encouraging us to trust its timeless truths and future promises.
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 28:25 (2 votes)

    ¶ He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the LORD shall be made fat.

  • Proverbs 15:18 (2 votes)

    ¶ A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but [he that is] slow to anger appeaseth strife.

  • Daniel 11:2 (2 votes)

    And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than [they] all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.

  • Daniel 11:10 (1 votes)

    But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and [one] shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, [even] to his fortress.