Even the most carefully orchestrated human plans will fail in comparison to the appointed times set by God.
Daniel 11:27 depicts an encounter between two rulers locked in deceitful alliances and intrigues. We read, “As for both kings, their hearts will be intent on evil, and they will speak lies to each other at the same table; but it will not succeed, for the end is still to come at the appointed time” (v.27). The “two kings” here are understood historically to be the King of the North (likely from the Seleucid Empire in the regions of modern-day Syria and parts of Asia Minor) and the King of the South (likely from the Ptolemaic Empire in Egypt). Although they come together at the negotiation table, their motives are treacherous, illustrating the pervasive human inclination toward manipulation when God’s way is not acknowledged. Both the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms rose to power after the division of Alexander the Great’s empire. During the likely timeframe of this prophecy (third to second centuries BC), rulers such as Antiochus III (222-187 BC) in the north and Ptolemy V (204-181 BC) in the south brought these conflicts into sharp focus.
When the prophet Daniel writes that “their hearts will be intent on evil” (v.27), he conveys more than a temporary political scheme. Their deceptive words at the same table highlight a fragile peace founded upon selfish ambition rather than sincere cooperation. In the larger context of Daniel 11, God’s overarching sovereignty remains clear. The verse states that their plan “will not succeed,” pointing us to the truth that the schemes of human rulers ultimately yield to God’s predetermined timeline. Though they might gather in secret plotting, the counsel of the Lord stands firm (Proverbs 19:21).
The words “the end is still to come at the appointed time” (v.27) remind us of God’s control over history, a truth also reflected in prophecies about future events discussed by Jesus (see Matthew 24:6-14). No matter how dire or cunning these rulers’ tactics become, God’s eternal purpose moves steadily forward. The final outcome rests in the hands of the One who governs every kingdom.
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Daniel 11:27 meaning
Daniel 11:27 depicts an encounter between two rulers locked in deceitful alliances and intrigues. We read, “As for both kings, their hearts will be intent on evil, and they will speak lies to each other at the same table; but it will not succeed, for the end is still to come at the appointed time” (v.27). The “two kings” here are understood historically to be the King of the North (likely from the Seleucid Empire in the regions of modern-day Syria and parts of Asia Minor) and the King of the South (likely from the Ptolemaic Empire in Egypt). Although they come together at the negotiation table, their motives are treacherous, illustrating the pervasive human inclination toward manipulation when God’s way is not acknowledged. Both the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms rose to power after the division of Alexander the Great’s empire. During the likely timeframe of this prophecy (third to second centuries BC), rulers such as Antiochus III (222-187 BC) in the north and Ptolemy V (204-181 BC) in the south brought these conflicts into sharp focus.
When the prophet Daniel writes that “their hearts will be intent on evil” (v.27), he conveys more than a temporary political scheme. Their deceptive words at the same table highlight a fragile peace founded upon selfish ambition rather than sincere cooperation. In the larger context of Daniel 11, God’s overarching sovereignty remains clear. The verse states that their plan “will not succeed,” pointing us to the truth that the schemes of human rulers ultimately yield to God’s predetermined timeline. Though they might gather in secret plotting, the counsel of the Lord stands firm (Proverbs 19:21).
The words “the end is still to come at the appointed time” (v.27) remind us of God’s control over history, a truth also reflected in prophecies about future events discussed by Jesus (see Matthew 24:6-14). No matter how dire or cunning these rulers’ tactics become, God’s eternal purpose moves steadily forward. The final outcome rests in the hands of the One who governs every kingdom.