What is the meaning of Daniel 11:15? Then the king of the North will come • Scripture describes a renewed northern offensive: “Then the king of the North will come” (Daniel 11:15). Historically this fits Antiochus III of the Seleucid Empire moving southward after earlier setbacks (see Daniel 11:10–13). • Daniel had already forecast such resilience: “He will again raise a greater army than before” (Daniel 11:13). The prophet’s precision underscores God’s sovereign control over international events. • Like Jeremiah’s picture of looming judgment from the north (Jeremiah 1:14), the text reminds us that God may use earthly powers to accomplish His purposes, yet He remains the true King directing history. Build up a siege ramp • Ancient armies piled earth and timber against city walls; “build up a siege ramp” (Daniel 11:15) signals methodical, patient warfare (cf. 2 Samuel 20:15; Jeremiah 32:24). • Antiochus III employed this tactic west of the Jordan, tightening his grip on Phoenician strongholds. Such detail highlights the literal accuracy of prophecy—exact military engineering foretold centuries in advance. • The verse also echoes the Lord’s warning in Isaiah 29:3: “I will encamp against you all around; I will besiege you with a rampart,” showing that siege imagery consistently depicts coming judgment. Capture a fortified city • “And capture a fortified city” (Daniel 11:15) came to pass when Antiochus took Sidon in 198 BC, forcing Ptolemaic commander Scopas to surrender. • Jeremiah 34:7 refers to “the fortified cities of Judah,” clarifying that such strongholds were expected to endure—yet when God decrees otherwise, walls crumble. • 2 Chronicles 11:11 lists Rehoboam’s fortified defenses, underscoring how human strength can never guarantee security apart from the Lord. The forces of the South will not stand • Ptolemy V’s army had once pushed northward (Daniel 11:14), but prophecy declared their downfall: “The forces of the South will not stand.” • Isaiah 31:3 cautions, “The Egyptians are men and not God… when the LORD stretches out His hand, he who helps will stumble,” illustrating why reliance on mere manpower fails. • By recording this collapse before it occurred, God affirmed that He alone “removes kings and establishes them” (Daniel 2:21). Even their best troops will not be able to resist • The Seleucid victory was total; “even their best troops” (literally “choice ones”) broke ranks. Daniel 8:24 had already predicted a northern ruler who would “destroy mighty men and the holy people.” • Psalm 33:16 reminds us, “No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.” Victory rests in the Lord’s hand, not elite battalions. • For believers today, this reinforces confidence that God’s Word proves true in every detail, encouraging steadfast faith when worldly powers appear daunting. summary Daniel 11:15 literally foretold Antiochus III’s southward campaign: he came, raised siege works, seized the stronghold of Sidon, and crushed the Ptolemaic army—including its elite units. Each phrase unfolded exactly as God declared, validating Scripture’s reliability and reminding us that the Lord who governs past empires also oversees present events and future hopes. |
    |