He will plunder Egypt’s treasures and extend his power into neighboring lands, but God’s sovereignty remains unchanged.
“But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels.” (Daniel 11:43)
This prophecy continues the theme of an ambitious ruler—often identified as the king of the North—expanding his dominion into Egypt, securing its abundant wealth of gold and silver. Historically, Egypt was known for extraordinary riches and for its strategic location linking Africa and the Middle East; it fell many times under foreign dominance, including that of the Persian empire, the Greeks under Alexander, and later the Romans. Here Daniel portrays this ruler tightening his grip on Egypt’s precious resources while also receiving the allegiance of nearby nations to the south and west. Libyans were from the region west of Egypt in North Africa, and Ethiopians were associated with the land of Cush, roughly corresponding to the Nubian region along the Nile south of Egypt, an area also called Sudan (Zephaniah 2:12).
The mention of Ethiopians (Cush) highlights this ruler’s growing sphere of influence, extending beyond Egypt’s borders. Throughout Daniel 11, the text describes how great powers shift, clash, and amass wealth and territory, but it also reveals that every success is finite and subject to God’s ultimate sovereignty. The Ethiopian people appear in other parts of Scripture as well, reminding readers that God holds sway over all nations, whether they are immediate neighbors of Israel or far-off lands (Isaiah 20:4, Zephaniah 2:12). Although a historical figure such as Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 B.C.) partially fulfilled these prophecies, many believe the passage also foreshadows a future world ruler who will exert great authority before coming to a prophesied end.
Though God’s people may be caught amidst the turmoil of earthly powers, the Bible repeatedly assures us that the Lord governs every outcome (Proverbs 21:1). In Daniel’s time, as in ours, believers could take comfort in the knowledge that no matter how extensive a ruler’s earthly control becomes, every empire ultimately answers to God. This assurance aligns with the New Testament message that Jesus Christ’s kingdom endures beyond all temporal reigns (Revelation 11:15).
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Daniel 11:43 meaning
“But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels.” (Daniel 11:43)
This prophecy continues the theme of an ambitious ruler—often identified as the king of the North—expanding his dominion into Egypt, securing its abundant wealth of gold and silver. Historically, Egypt was known for extraordinary riches and for its strategic location linking Africa and the Middle East; it fell many times under foreign dominance, including that of the Persian empire, the Greeks under Alexander, and later the Romans. Here Daniel portrays this ruler tightening his grip on Egypt’s precious resources while also receiving the allegiance of nearby nations to the south and west. Libyans were from the region west of Egypt in North Africa, and Ethiopians were associated with the land of Cush, roughly corresponding to the Nubian region along the Nile south of Egypt, an area also called Sudan (Zephaniah 2:12).
The mention of Ethiopians (Cush) highlights this ruler’s growing sphere of influence, extending beyond Egypt’s borders. Throughout Daniel 11, the text describes how great powers shift, clash, and amass wealth and territory, but it also reveals that every success is finite and subject to God’s ultimate sovereignty. The Ethiopian people appear in other parts of Scripture as well, reminding readers that God holds sway over all nations, whether they are immediate neighbors of Israel or far-off lands (Isaiah 20:4, Zephaniah 2:12). Although a historical figure such as Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 B.C.) partially fulfilled these prophecies, many believe the passage also foreshadows a future world ruler who will exert great authority before coming to a prophesied end.
Though God’s people may be caught amidst the turmoil of earthly powers, the Bible repeatedly assures us that the Lord governs every outcome (Proverbs 21:1). In Daniel’s time, as in ours, believers could take comfort in the knowledge that no matter how extensive a ruler’s earthly control becomes, every empire ultimately answers to God. This assurance aligns with the New Testament message that Jesus Christ’s kingdom endures beyond all temporal reigns (Revelation 11:15).