What is the meaning of Daniel 11:25? And with a large army he will stir up his power The “he” aligns with the king of the North, historically Antiochus III. Scripture gives earlier hints of his growing might: “For the king of the North will come again with a greater army” (Daniel 11:13). • “Large army” underscores genuine military muscle, reflecting God’s prediction in advance. • “Stir up his power” pictures deliberate readiness—steady preparation rather than rash impulse (compare Proverbs 21:31; 2 Chronicles 32:7–8, where Hezekiah emboldens Judah to depend on God yet still strengthens defenses). The detail assures us that what follows is not random but divinely foreseen. and his courage against the king of the South The conflict target is Egypt’s Ptolemaic monarch, “the king of the South” (cf. Daniel 11:5). • Antiochus channels bold resolve—“courage”—into the campaign. God foretold not just armies but attitudes. • Scripture often links courage to outcomes (Joshua 1:9; 2 Samuel 10:12). Here it is courage fueled by ambition, not faith, reminding readers that human valor alone does not guarantee lasting victory. who will mobilize a very large and powerful army The southern king, Ptolemy V, is no push-over; he musters forces “very large and powerful,” echoing previous Egyptian strength (Daniel 11:6–7). • God’s Word emphasizes the size of both armies to show the scale of the clash. • Psalm 20:7 warns that trusting in chariots and horses is futile without the Lord—an implied lesson when two massive armies collide. but will not withstand the plots devised against him Despite numerical might, the South collapses because of scheming. Verse 26 elaborates: “Those who eat his provisions will destroy him.” • Treachery within Egypt proves decisive—political intrigue, betrayal, possibly corrupt counselors (Proverbs 21:30). • 2 Chronicles 25:8–9 illustrates how reliance on allies or internal factions can backfire. This segment highlights God’s sovereignty: He foretells that hidden conspiracies, not battlefield strength, will determine the outcome. summary Daniel 11:25 reveals an exact, God-given preview of a major north-south showdown in the intertestamental era. The northern king gathers vast strength and boldness, the southern king responds with an even larger force, yet victory turns on covert betrayal rather than open warfare. The verse teaches that: • God knows and directs history down to motives, army sizes, and secret plots. • Human courage and numbers are insufficient safeguards without divine favor. • Scripture’s prophecies are trustworthy, encouraging believers to rest in the Lord who rules kings, battles, and the unseen strategies that decide them. |
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