What is the meaning of Daniel 11:14? In those times “In those times” (Daniel 11:14) signals a specific historical window already outlined in verses 11–13, when Antiochus III of the North was pressing hard against Ptolemy V of Egypt. The phrase reminds us that God’s timetable is exact—He ties prophetic detail to real dates and rulers, just as He does in Daniel 9:25 and Galatians 4:4. We can trust that the Lord anchors prophecy in verifiable history. Many will rise up against the king of the South • The “king of the South” is Ptolemy V Epiphanes, a young ruler whose kingdom was vulnerable (compare Daniel 11:11–12). • “Many” opponents formed a coalition: Antiochus III, Philip V of Macedon, and even factions inside Egypt. Isaiah 31:1–3 warns of the futility of such political alliances when God is moving events. • Psalm 2:1–2 echoes the scene: nations rage, kings set themselves, yet the Lord remains sovereign over every uprising. Violent ones among your own people • These “violent ones” (literally, breakers) were Jews who thought revolt against the Ptolemies would hasten deliverance. Similar zeal is seen later in Acts 21:38 with “the Egyptian” who led four thousand assassins. • Daniel 11:33–34 describes faithful Jewish martyrs, but verse 14 focuses on the hot-headed faction. Proverbs 14:12 warns that a way that seems right can end in death. • Their impatience illustrates how believers can confuse God’s promises with their own timing (see Numbers 14:40–45 for an earlier example). Will exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision • Their self-exaltation looked like courage, yet it merely fulfilled what God had already foretold (Daniel 8:19; Isaiah 46:10). • By acting out the vision, they proved the reliability of Scripture—even their misguided zeal advanced God’s plan. Romans 9:17 shows God using even Pharaoh’s pride to display His power. • This reminds us that prophecy is not guesswork; it is the outworking of God’s settled decree (Ephesians 1:11). But they will fail • History records that Antiochus III eventually dominated the territory, and the Jewish rebels gained nothing. Daniel 11:15 immediately notes the Northern king’s triumph. • Psalm 33:10–11 declares, “The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations… but the plans of the LORD stand firm forever.” • Acts 5:38-39 offers the same principle: human movements not born of God collapse, while His purpose prevails. summary Daniel 11:14 shows God’s detailed foreknowledge of events surrounding Ptolemy V. External enemies and zealous insiders each tried to force history, yet only fulfilled what the Lord had already spoken. Their collective failure highlights God’s unmatched sovereignty and cautions believers against impatient, self-driven schemes. Trusting His timing and methods remains the safest path for every generation. |
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