What is the meaning of Daniel 11:13? For the king of the North Daniel 11 repeatedly calls the Seleucid ruler “the king of the North.” In this verse that title points to Antiochus III (cf. Daniel 11:6, 8, 11), the monarch who ruled Syria and the territories north of Israel. His earlier defeat at Raphia did not end the conflict with Egypt, and Scripture records his continuing ambition just as Proverbs 21:1 reminds us that “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.” will raise another army God foretells that Antiochus would not remain passive. After returning home, he rebuilt his forces—exactly as Daniel 11:13 prophesies and as Daniel 11:10 hints: “His sons will mobilize for war.” We see here the faithful pattern of fulfilled prophecy that reassures believers today (Isaiah 46:9–10). larger than the first The new force Antiochus raised eclipsed the earlier army defeated at Raphia (approx. 217 BC). Ancient records confirm that his later campaign involved more troops and allies, underscoring the literal precision of God’s word (Psalm 33:4). The numerical growth of the army also foreshadows final-hour coalitions foretold in Revelation 16:13-16. and after some years Roughly fourteen years passed before Antiochus attacked again (Daniel 11:13; compare with the “time, times, and half a time” pattern in Daniel 7:25 that highlights God’s control of the calendar). The delay shows that even aggressive leaders move only when the Lord permits (Habakkuk 2:3). he will advance True to the prophecy, Antiochus pressed southward into Coele-Syria and Judea. His advance fulfilled the earlier prediction of Daniel 11:9 that the northern king would “march against the realm of the king of the South.” History, then, confirms Scripture, not vice versa (John 13:19). with a great army and many supplies Antiochus’ renewed offensive came with ample troops, provisions, and funding. Polybius notes his recruitment from Asia Minor and alliances with Philip V of Macedon, matching the verse’s stress on “many supplies.” By comparison, 2 Chronicles 32:7-8 reminds us that although pagan kings trust vast resources, God’s people rely on the LORD of hosts. summary Daniel 11:13 foretold, with stunning accuracy, that the Seleucid “king of the North” would rebuild a larger force, wait a number of years, and then march south with overwhelming strength. History bears out every detail, proving again the sovereignty of God over nations and the trustworthiness of His Word for every generation. |
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