God emphasizes His control over all nations: no kingdom is impervious to His will.
Daniel 11:13 continues the prophecy concerning the battles between the “king of the North” and his southern foes. It unfolds the unwavering resolve of a northern ruler to regroup and fight once more. The verse says, “For the king of the North will again raise a greater multitude than the former, and after an interval of some years he will press on with a great army and much equipment.” (v.13) Historically, many scholars identify this “king of the North” with Antiochus III (also called Antiochus the Great), who ruled the Seleucid Empire from approximately 223-187 B.C. The Seleucid Empire was centered in the region of what is now modern Syria, a significant power in the ancient Near East. The prophecy points to his future hostility toward Egypt and the “king of the South,” reflecting the ongoing power struggles and realignments that took place during that era.
The phrase, “…after an interval of some years he will press on with a great army…” (v.13) suggests that the king of the North would bide his time, strategically gathering more resources before launching another campaign. These words highlight the long-lasting and cyclical nature of the conflict. Each period of relative calm only served as a prelude to a renewed effort to gain dominance. The historical backdrop shows that Antiochus III’s ambitions led him to massive military campaigns, gathering considerable troops and equipment to fulfill his political goals. This intense conflict underscores the volatility of the region and foreshadows the broader themes in Daniel of kingdoms contending against each other—yet ultimately, God’s hand is the guiding force behind these events (Daniel 2:21).
Looking at this verse with the broader biblical context in mind, we see a correlation between earthly powers striving for control and God’s sovereignty over history. Jesus Himself later refers to Daniel’s prophecies when describing critical future events (Matthew 24:15). The consistent message is that while earthly kingdoms rise and fall, the Lord remains the ultimate authority. Daniel 11:13 thus functions as a reminder of human ambition’s limits and the necessity of placing trust in God’s eternal plan.
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Daniel 11:13 meaning
Daniel 11:13 continues the prophecy concerning the battles between the “king of the North” and his southern foes. It unfolds the unwavering resolve of a northern ruler to regroup and fight once more. The verse says, “For the king of the North will again raise a greater multitude than the former, and after an interval of some years he will press on with a great army and much equipment.” (v.13) Historically, many scholars identify this “king of the North” with Antiochus III (also called Antiochus the Great), who ruled the Seleucid Empire from approximately 223-187 B.C. The Seleucid Empire was centered in the region of what is now modern Syria, a significant power in the ancient Near East. The prophecy points to his future hostility toward Egypt and the “king of the South,” reflecting the ongoing power struggles and realignments that took place during that era.
The phrase, “…after an interval of some years he will press on with a great army…” (v.13) suggests that the king of the North would bide his time, strategically gathering more resources before launching another campaign. These words highlight the long-lasting and cyclical nature of the conflict. Each period of relative calm only served as a prelude to a renewed effort to gain dominance. The historical backdrop shows that Antiochus III’s ambitions led him to massive military campaigns, gathering considerable troops and equipment to fulfill his political goals. This intense conflict underscores the volatility of the region and foreshadows the broader themes in Daniel of kingdoms contending against each other—yet ultimately, God’s hand is the guiding force behind these events (Daniel 2:21).
Looking at this verse with the broader biblical context in mind, we see a correlation between earthly powers striving for control and God’s sovereignty over history. Jesus Himself later refers to Daniel’s prophecies when describing critical future events (Matthew 24:15). The consistent message is that while earthly kingdoms rise and fall, the Lord remains the ultimate authority. Daniel 11:13 thus functions as a reminder of human ambition’s limits and the necessity of placing trust in God’s eternal plan.