Daniel 11:15 depicts the king of the North decisively overtaking the king of the South, demonstrating that even fortified strongholds cannot stand when God’s plan unfolds.
“Then the king of the North will come, cast up a siege ramp and capture a well-fortified city; and the forces of the South will not stand their ground, not even their choicest troops, for there will be no strength to make a stand.” (v.15) In Daniel 11:15, the prophecy foretells a decisive victory by the king of the North against the king of the South. Historically, this likely alludes to the campaigns of Antiochus III (also known as Antiochus the Great) of the Seleucid Empire, who overcame the Ptolemies of Egypt around 198 BC, capturing strategic strongholds such as Sidon in Phoenicia. By referring to a “well-fortified city,” the text underscores how even imposing defenses crumble when God allows these empires to clash according to His sovereign plan.
In context, Daniel 11 describes a series of conflicts between the dynasties that arose after the collapse of Alexander the Great’s empire. The Ptolemies held power in Egypt (the South), while the Seleucid realm (the North) asserted control over Syria and surrounding regions. These verses illuminate God’s overarching guidance of history, showing how the rise and fall of kingdoms serve His ultimate purposes, even when individual rulers seek their own glory. Later in Daniel 11, the prophecy shifts to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who would desecrate the Jewish temple in 167 BC, an event remembered as “the Abomination of Desolation” (Daniel 11:31). Jesus Himself references Daniel’s words when discussing future turmoil and the coming tribulations (Matthew 24:15).
Though Daniel’s vision focuses on geopolitical struggles among ancient nations, it also calls believers to trust God’s sovereignty. Empires clash and cities fall, but the Lord stands above the tides of history, working out a grand narrative that culminates in His kingdom and redeeming work through Christ (Revelation 11:15). As followers of Jesus, we can rest in knowing that no earthly power disrupts God’s ultimate design.
Set to dark mode
Daniel 11:15 meaning
“Then the king of the North will come, cast up a siege ramp and capture a well-fortified city; and the forces of the South will not stand their ground, not even their choicest troops, for there will be no strength to make a stand.” (v.15) In Daniel 11:15, the prophecy foretells a decisive victory by the king of the North against the king of the South. Historically, this likely alludes to the campaigns of Antiochus III (also known as Antiochus the Great) of the Seleucid Empire, who overcame the Ptolemies of Egypt around 198 BC, capturing strategic strongholds such as Sidon in Phoenicia. By referring to a “well-fortified city,” the text underscores how even imposing defenses crumble when God allows these empires to clash according to His sovereign plan.
In context, Daniel 11 describes a series of conflicts between the dynasties that arose after the collapse of Alexander the Great’s empire. The Ptolemies held power in Egypt (the South), while the Seleucid realm (the North) asserted control over Syria and surrounding regions. These verses illuminate God’s overarching guidance of history, showing how the rise and fall of kingdoms serve His ultimate purposes, even when individual rulers seek their own glory. Later in Daniel 11, the prophecy shifts to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who would desecrate the Jewish temple in 167 BC, an event remembered as “the Abomination of Desolation” (Daniel 11:31). Jesus Himself references Daniel’s words when discussing future turmoil and the coming tribulations (Matthew 24:15).
Though Daniel’s vision focuses on geopolitical struggles among ancient nations, it also calls believers to trust God’s sovereignty. Empires clash and cities fall, but the Lord stands above the tides of history, working out a grand narrative that culminates in His kingdom and redeeming work through Christ (Revelation 11:15). As followers of Jesus, we can rest in knowing that no earthly power disrupts God’s ultimate design.