Daniel 11:18
Then he will turn his face to the coastlands and capture many of them. But a commander will put an end to his reproach and will turn it back upon him.
Then he will turn his face to the coastlands
This phrase indicates a shift in focus or strategy, suggesting a military campaign directed towards the coastal regions. Historically, this refers to the actions of Antiochus III, also known as Antiochus the Great, who sought to expand his influence over the Mediterranean coastlands, including areas like Asia Minor and Greece. The "coastlands" often symbolize regions beyond Israel, indicating a broader geopolitical ambition. This expansionist policy aligns with the historical context of Hellenistic rulers seeking control over trade routes and strategic locations.

and capture many of them.
Antiochus III was initially successful in his campaigns, capturing several territories along the coast. This reflects the historical accounts of his conquests in the early 2nd century BC, where he managed to gain control over various regions, enhancing his power and influence. The phrase underscores the temporary success of earthly powers, which is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy, highlighting the transient nature of human achievements compared to God's eternal plan.

But a commander will put an end to his reproach
This part of the verse introduces a turning point, where a "commander" arises to challenge and ultimately halt Antiochus's advances. Historically, this refers to the Roman general Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus, who defeated Antiochus at the Battle of Magnesia in 190 BC. The term "reproach" suggests the disgrace or dishonor brought upon Antiochus due to his defeat. This event marks the rise of Roman power and the decline of the Seleucid Empire, illustrating the shifting dynamics of world powers as prophesied in the Bible.

and will turn it back upon him.
The defeat of Antiochus by the Roman commander not only ended his campaign but also reversed his fortunes, leading to significant losses and the imposition of harsh terms by Rome. This reversal is emblematic of the biblical principle that pride and aggression often lead to downfall, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." The turning back of reproach upon Antiochus serves as a reminder of divine justice and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The King of the North
This refers to a ruler from the Seleucid Empire, historically identified as Antiochus III, who sought to expand his territory.

2. The Coastlands
These are regions along the Mediterranean Sea, which Antiochus III targeted in his military campaigns.

3. A Commander
This is a reference to a Roman commander, likely Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus, who opposed Antiochus III and defeated him.

4. Insolence
This term describes the arrogance and overconfidence of Antiochus III in his military ambitions.

5. Turning Back of Insolence
This event signifies the defeat and humiliation of Antiochus III by the Roman forces, illustrating the theme of divine justice.
Teaching Points
The Danger of Pride
Pride can lead to one's downfall, as seen in the case of Antiochus III. Believers are called to humility and reliance on God rather than their own strength.

God's Sovereignty in History
The events in Daniel 11:18 demonstrate God's control over historical events, using even secular powers to accomplish His purposes.

The Role of Justice
God uses various means, including human authorities, to bring about justice and correct wrongs, reminding us of His ultimate authority.

The Importance of Humility
Recognizing our limitations and submitting to God's will is crucial for spiritual growth and avoiding the pitfalls of arrogance.

Trust in God's Plan
Even when facing powerful adversaries, believers can trust that God is in control and will ultimately vindicate His people.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the downfall of Antiochus III illustrate the biblical principle that pride leads to destruction?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the historical events described in Daniel 11:18?

3. How can the example of the Roman commander's role in this passage inform our understanding of God's use of secular authorities?

4. What practical steps can we take to cultivate humility and avoid the pitfalls of pride in our own lives?

5. How can we apply the lessons of divine justice and sovereignty from Daniel 11:18 to current events in our world today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 10:12-19
This passage speaks of God's judgment on the arrogance of Assyria, similar to the judgment on Antiochus III's insolence.

Proverbs 16:18
This verse highlights the principle that pride precedes destruction, which is evident in the downfall of Antiochus III.

Romans 13:1-4
This passage discusses the role of governing authorities as instruments of God's justice, akin to how the Roman commander acted against Antiochus III.
The Chequered Fortunes of Earthly EmpireJ.D. Davies Daniel 11:5-20
People
Ammonites, Cushites, Daniel, Darius, Ethiopians, Habakkuk, Javan, Kittim, Nubians
Places
Edom, Egypt, Greece, Kittim, Moab, Persia
Topics
Afterward, Attention, Behalf, Captain, Capture, Captured, Cause, Caused, Cease, Chief, Coastlands, Commander, Destruction, Face, Indeed, Insolence, Islands, Isles, Moreover, Offered, Prince, Repay, Reproach, Return, Scorn, Shame, Stop, Turn, Turneth, Yea, Yes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 11:18

     4248   islands

Library
The Syrian Persecution.
"The dead bodies of Thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the air, and the flesh of Thy saints unto the beasts of the land."--Ps. lxxix. 2. The history of Antiochus the Great is foretold in the 11th chapter of the prophet Daniel, from the 14th to the 19th verse. On the death of Ptolemy Philopator, this king entered Palestine with a great army, and easily obtained from the time-serving Jews the surrender of Jerusalem. Some of them who had forsaken their Law to gain the favour
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People

Questions.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People

Some General Uses from this Useful Truth, that Christ is the Truth.
Having thus cleared up this truth, we should come to speak of the way of believers making use of him as the truth, in several cases wherein they will stand in need of him as the truth. But ere we come to the particulars, we shall first propose some general uses of this useful point. First. This point of truth serveth to discover unto us, the woful condition of such as are strangers to Christ the truth; and oh, if it were believed! For, 1. They are not yet delivered from that dreadful plague of
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Watching the Horizon
"Thy Kingdom Come." "Thou art coming! We are waiting With a hope that cannot fail; Asking not the day or hour, Resting on Thy word of power, Anchored safe within the veil. Time appointed may be long, But the vision must be sure: Certainty shall make us strong, Joyful patience must endure. "O the joy to see Thee reigning, Thee, my own beloved Lord! Every tongue Thy name confessing, Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Brought to Thee with glad accord! Thee, my Master and my Friend, Vindicated and enthroned!
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils.
Let us now consider the matters which should be treated in the councils, and with which popes, cardinals, bishops, and all learned men should occupy themselves day and night, if they loved Christ and His Church. But if they do not do so, the people at large and the temporal powers must do so, without considering the thunders of their excommunications. For an unjust excommunication is better than ten just absolutions, and an unjust absolution is worse than ten just excommunications. Therefore let
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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