Daniel 11:42

He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

He shall stretch forth {H7971} his hand {H3027} also upon the countries {H776}: and the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714} shall not escape {H6413}.

He will reach out his hand to seize other countries too. The land of Egypt will not escape -

He will extend his power over many countries, and not even the land of Egypt will escape.

He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries; and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

Commentary

Daniel 11:42 describes the military expansion and dominance of the "king of the north," a central figure in Daniel's detailed prophecy concerning future geopolitical conflicts.

Context

This verse is part of the extensive prophecy in Daniel 11, which meticulously foretells the struggles between the Seleucid (Syria) and Ptolemaic (Egypt) empires following the division of Alexander the Great's kingdom. Historically, much of Daniel 11 found fulfillment in the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a tyrannical Seleucid king who persecuted the Jews. Verse 42 specifically highlights his overwhelming military success, particularly against Egypt, the "king of the south." The prophecy often carries a dual application, pointing not only to historical events but also to a future, ultimate antichrist figure who will rise to global power before his ultimate downfall.

Key Themes

  • Unchecked Expansion: The phrase "He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries" signifies a broad and aggressive campaign of conquest, extending the king's dominion over various nations. This illustrates the immense, though temporary, power given to this figure.
  • Subjugation of Egypt: The specific mention that "the land of Egypt shall not escape" underscores the totality of this conquest. Egypt, a historical rival and a symbol of power in the ancient world, is depicted as completely vulnerable to this king's might, emphasizing his near-universal dominion. This highlights the king's ability to overcome even the most formidable opponents.
  • Divine Foreknowledge: The detailed nature of this prophecy, predicting events centuries in advance, powerfully demonstrates God's sovereign control over human history and the rise and fall of nations. Even the most powerful earthly rulers operate within the confines of God's predetermined plan.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "stretch forth his hand" (ื™ึดืฉึฐืืœึทื— ื™ึธื“ื•ึน - yishlach yado) conveys an action of forceful seizure, control, and domination, rather than a mere gesture. It implies an act of aggression and taking possession. The word for "escape" (ืคึฐึผืœึตื˜ึธื” - peletah) means deliverance, refuge, or survival. Thus, "shall not escape" means there will be no way out, no refuge, and no deliverance for Egypt from this oppressive power.

Practical Application and Reflection

Daniel 11:42 serves as a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of human power and ambition. While rulers may rise and exert immense influence, even to the point of seeming unstoppable, their dominion is ultimately finite. For believers, this verse reinforces the truth of God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly kingdoms and rulers. Even in times of widespread tyranny or oppression, God remains on His throne, orchestrating events according to His divine purpose. This prophecy encourages us to place our trust not in fleeting human powers, but in the eternal and unshakeable Kingdom of God, which alone offers true and lasting refuge.

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Cross-References

  • Revelation 11:8 (2 votes)

    And their dead bodies [shall lie] in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

  • Zechariah 14:17 (2 votes)

    And it shall be, [that] whoso will not come up of [all] the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.

  • Zechariah 10:10 (2 votes)

    I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and [place] shall not be found for them.

  • Zechariah 10:11 (2 votes)

    And he shall pass through the sea with affliction, and shall smite the waves in the sea, and all the deeps of the river shall dry up: and the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the sceptre of Egypt shall depart away.

  • Ezekiel 29:14 (2 votes)

    And I will bring again the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return [into] the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation; and they shall be there a base kingdom.