This verse illustrates how earthly alliances and power plays inevitably fall short of divine hopes.
“He will set his face to come with the power of his entire kingdom, bringing with him a proposal of peace which he will put into effect; he will also give him the daughter of women to ruin it. But she will not take a stand for him or be on his side.” (Daniel 11:17). This passage describes a ruler, historically identified by many scholars as Antiochus III (the Great), who reigned from 223-187 BC in the Seleucid Empire. Intent on expanding his influence, Antiochus III attempted to secure his position by force and diplomacy. The phrase “He will set his face to come with the power of his entire kingdom” underscores the strategic military might Antiochus III intended to project in order to conquer or negotiate a favorable settlement. Yet, despite his seeming strength, the prophecy reminds readers that earthly power is always limited and subject to God’s overarching plan, just as the rest of Scripture teaches about the sovereignty of the Lord (Romans 8:28).
Within Daniel 11:17, we also notice the mention of a political alliance, implied by the words “bringing with him a proposal of peace” (v.17). Historically, Antiochus III sought to make peace with Egypt’s Ptolemaic dynasty through marriage. The “daughter of women” here is widely associated with Cleopatra I, whom Antiochus III gave in marriage to Egypt’s Ptolemy V around 193 BC. The ancient region in question, stretching from what is now modern-day Turkey and Syria down through Israel and into Egypt, was hotly contested territory in the Hellenistic period. Despite the apparent political brilliance of giving “the daughter of women,” the text indicates “she will not take a stand for him or be on his side” (v.17), foretelling Cleopatra’s eventual loyalty to her husband rather than her father.
On a deeper level, Daniel 11:17 reveals the complexities of human governance and the repeated failure of any power to fully thwart God’s redemptive plan. The repeated rise and fall of kingdoms throughout the Book of Daniel foreshadows that true and lasting peace does not come from alliances or conquests but is fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ (John 16:33). By highlighting the intrigues and shifting commitments of earthly rulers, Scripture underscores that God’s purposes stand firm regardless of human agendas (Proverbs 19:21). This trust in God’s sovereignty can encourage modern readers to rely on the wisdom and love of the Lord, whose kingdom endures forever (Luke 1:33).
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Daniel 11:17 meaning
“He will set his face to come with the power of his entire kingdom, bringing with him a proposal of peace which he will put into effect; he will also give him the daughter of women to ruin it. But she will not take a stand for him or be on his side.” (Daniel 11:17). This passage describes a ruler, historically identified by many scholars as Antiochus III (the Great), who reigned from 223-187 BC in the Seleucid Empire. Intent on expanding his influence, Antiochus III attempted to secure his position by force and diplomacy. The phrase “He will set his face to come with the power of his entire kingdom” underscores the strategic military might Antiochus III intended to project in order to conquer or negotiate a favorable settlement. Yet, despite his seeming strength, the prophecy reminds readers that earthly power is always limited and subject to God’s overarching plan, just as the rest of Scripture teaches about the sovereignty of the Lord (Romans 8:28).
Within Daniel 11:17, we also notice the mention of a political alliance, implied by the words “bringing with him a proposal of peace” (v.17). Historically, Antiochus III sought to make peace with Egypt’s Ptolemaic dynasty through marriage. The “daughter of women” here is widely associated with Cleopatra I, whom Antiochus III gave in marriage to Egypt’s Ptolemy V around 193 BC. The ancient region in question, stretching from what is now modern-day Turkey and Syria down through Israel and into Egypt, was hotly contested territory in the Hellenistic period. Despite the apparent political brilliance of giving “the daughter of women,” the text indicates “she will not take a stand for him or be on his side” (v.17), foretelling Cleopatra’s eventual loyalty to her husband rather than her father.
On a deeper level, Daniel 11:17 reveals the complexities of human governance and the repeated failure of any power to fully thwart God’s redemptive plan. The repeated rise and fall of kingdoms throughout the Book of Daniel foreshadows that true and lasting peace does not come from alliances or conquests but is fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ (John 16:33). By highlighting the intrigues and shifting commitments of earthly rulers, Scripture underscores that God’s purposes stand firm regardless of human agendas (Proverbs 19:21). This trust in God’s sovereignty can encourage modern readers to rely on the wisdom and love of the Lord, whose kingdom endures forever (Luke 1:33).