Daniel 11:5-9 meaning

When the angelic messenger continues revealing future events to Daniel, he prophesies that Then the king of the South will grow strong, along with one of his princes who will gain ascendancy over him and obtain dominion; his domain will be a great dominion indeed (v. 5).

This verse begins a detailed account of conflicts between two major powers following the breakup of Alexander the Great’s empire. Historically, the king of the South here refers to the Ptolemaic Dynasty in Egypt. After Alexander died in 323 BC, his generals (the Diadochi) divided his kingdom among themselves, and Ptolemy I Soter (reigned 323-285 BC) secured Egypt as his share. Egypt’s rich farmland along the Nile made the region economically robust, allowing Ptolemy’s rule to become a great dominion indeed (v. 5). Although the verse highlights one of his princes who will gain ascendancy, it likely foreshadows how the Seleucid power in the North, once allied to Ptolemy, would eventually overshadow parts of Egypt’s influence. This intricate interplay of alliances and power struggles sets the stage for the ongoing strife.

Egypt (the South) was a key geopolitical force of the time due to its strategic location by the Nile River, which provided abundant agriculture and trade routes. The city of Alexandria became a prominent center of Hellenistic culture and learning, boasting one of the greatest libraries in antiquity. Yet, even with immense cultural and economic might, Ptolemaic Egypt was not immune to rivalry from its northern neighbors.

Because the prophecy specifically notes his domain will be a great dominion indeed (v. 5), we see that political influence can expand rapidly yet remain precarious. Like the earlier Persian and Greek empires, Ptolemaic Egypt rose to remarkable prominence but would soon face stiff opposition. The broader biblical story often illustrates that nations rise and fall under divine oversight (Daniel 2:21). While Daniel’s immediate concern was the future of Israel, his vision reassures believers across all eras that God still directs the tides of history, even when empires appear to flourish on their own terms.

The prophecy proceeds: After some years they will form an alliance, and the daughter of the king of the South will come to the king of the North to carry out a peaceful arrangement (v. 6). This verse highlights a common practice among ancient dynasties—securing treaties through marriages. Historically, the king of the South in this context was Ptolemy II Philadelphus (reigned 285-246 BC). He sent his daughter, Berenice, to marry the king of the North, who was Antiochus II Theos (reigned 261-246 BC) of the Seleucid Empire. The Seleucid territory, centered in Syria and stretching into parts of Mesopotamia, was a product of the division of the nations Alexander conquered.

The daughter of the king of the South (v. 6) traveled north with the intention of solidifying peace and eventually merging territories under her future son’s rule. Despite this seemingly promising peaceful arrangement, events soon turned violent. Antiochus II was already married to Laodice, who, fearing the loss of power, orchestrated the murder of Berenice, her child, and Antiochus II himself. Rather than becoming an instrument of lasting peace, Berenice’s life ended in treachery.

Though the arrangement intended to carry out a peaceful end to conflict (v. 6), the tragedy that befell Berenice underscores the fragility of human plans. In a similar way, Scripture points us toward Jesus Christ—the true and lasting Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)—whose kingdom transcends the temporary nature of diplomatic marriages and war treaties. Human schemes, no matter how well—intentioned, may crumble; yet God’s promise of peace through Christ remains unwavering (John 14:27).

Continuing, But she will not retain her position of power, nor will he continue in his power; but she will be given up, along with those who brought her in and the one who sired her as well as he who supported her in those times (v. 6). This vivid statement confirms the fate of Berenice and those who helped arrange her marriage. She did not retain her position of power because Laodice ensured her downfall. Antiochus II likewise did not continue in his power, as he too was betrayed and poisoned. The verse’s repeated mention of participants—she, those who brought her in, the one who sired her, he who supported her—signals the complete collapse of their diplomatic efforts.

Such systematic elimination of figures connected with Berenice’s cause underlines how intrigue and violence dominated Hellenistic politics. While modern readers can find the shifting pronouns of Daniel 11 difficult and confusing, they reflect the swirl of betrayals in which entire families, attendants, and advisors were targeted. In that era, if a monarch or close relative threatened someone else’s claim to the throne, swift, deadly reactions were common. This stands in stark contrast to the Kingdom of God, where greatness is defined by service (Mark 10:44-45), not by annihilating rivals.

The tragedy that enveloped Berenice and her supporters also foreshadows the challenges God’s people would face under these same rulers. Foreign powers like the Seleucids would hold sway over the Glorious Land (Daniel 11:16), meaning the fortunes of Israel would be caught up in these conflicts. Yet, God continually assures Daniel that, despite the chaos and cruelty of earthly kingdoms, He remains sovereign and is working toward a greater redemptive story.

The prophecy then shifts to say: But one of the descendants of her line will arise in his place, and he will come against their army and enter the fortress of the king of the North, and he will deal with them and display great strength (v. 7). This descendant of Berenice’s lineage was her brother, Ptolemy III Euergetes (reigned 246-222 BC). Enraged by his sister’s murder, Ptolemy III launched an attack against the Seleucid kingdom. Fulfilling the verse, he entered the fortress of the north, which referred to key Seleucid strongholds in places like Phoenicia and nearby territories.

The phrase he will deal with them and display great strength (v. 7) aligns with Ptolemy III’s successful campaigns between 246 and 241 BC. He captured numerous cities, obtained tribute, and carried off plunder, including idol images that earlier Persian forces had taken. Much like his predecessors, Ptolemy III harnessed the wealth and manpower of Egypt to secure decisive victories. Yet these showdowns also made the region of Israel a battleground between the Seleucids (North) and Ptolemies (South). Citizens in Judea would continually see armies march through or besiege their cities, emphasizing once again how God’s covenant people were entangled in these conflicts.

Despite achieving the great strength which the prophecy predicted, Ptolemy III’s triumphs were temporary. Hellenistic geopolitics rarely stabilized for long. As the Book of Daniel repeatedly illustrates, “what has been determined shall be done” (Daniel 11:36)—God allows empires their moment, yet none can establish an everlasting hold. For believers, such historical truths offer comfort: no matter how chaotic international affairs may become, divine providence remains the final authority.

Next, Daniel hears: Also their gods with their metal images and their precious vessels of silver and gold he will take into captivity to Egypt, and he on his part will refrain from attacking the king of the North for some years (v. 8). In fulfilling this prediction, Ptolemy III indeed carried away significant spoils, including images and treasures historically looted by previous conquerors. This recapturing of plunder was a powerful symbolic act: it demonstrated to surrounding nations that Egypt was reasserting its dominance, and it restored artifacts to Egyptian temples.

The reference to metal images and precious vessels of silver and gold (v. 8) reveals how warfare often included not just territory but religious objects. These trophies signified the gods of conquered peoples. By returning them to Egypt, Ptolemy III aimed to bolster his people’s morale and highlight the restored honor of their temples. Meanwhile, the prophecy also observes that Ptolemy III will refrain from attacking the king of the North for some years. Even a successful campaign had its limits, and the Ptolemaic ruler likely paused to consolidate power and avoid overextending his forces.

Such pauses in warfare again show the fleeting nature of military gains. Though the magnificence of the precious vessels (v. 8) was physically impressive, it did little to secure lasting peace. It was only a temporary show of glory for Ptolemy III to bring back stolen or reclaimed spoils. Earthly wealth, even sacred or cultural treasures, proves insufficient for true security. Centuries later, Jesus taught that lasting treasure is stored in heaven (Matthew 6:19-20). Human victories and looted riches cannot solve the deeper moral and spiritual problems that drive nations to war. Thus, Daniel’s prophecy consistently highlights how people place their confidence in visible, human power, while Scripture directs us toward faith in the ultimate King.

Finally, the angelic messenger states: Then the latter will enter the realm of the king of the South, but will return to his own land (v. 9). Despite Ptolemy III’s successes, the Seleucid kingdom remained determined to strike back when it was practical. This verse describes a counter—invasion from the North (the Seleucids), who enter the realm of the king of the South but eventually retreat. Secular historians find less clarity about which precise campaign or skirmish this refers to, suggesting it was perhaps a smaller engagement or an incomplete attempt by the Seleucids to reclaim lost territory.

The prophecy’s wording—but will return to his own land (v. 9)—indicates that the Seleucid forces could not establish a permanent foothold. This pattern of repeated invasions and withdrawals reveals the broader unpredictability of the era. Families, cities, and entire provinces remained caught in the crossfire. Daniel, receiving this message, would be left to ponder how God’s people in Judea would endure such sweeping changes. Yet, within these cycles of conflict, Scripture consistently shows God preserving a faithful remnant (Romans 11:5). The events in Daniel 11, while tragic and convoluted, point toward a faithful God who anchors His promises despite human conflict and violence.

By detailing these historical intrigues so precisely, Daniel 11:5-9 underscores that God knows the future and orchestrates it according to His will. Though the Ptolemies and Seleucids seemed like the ultimate powers of their day, they too would fade as Rome entered the stage and took everything. For us, the chaos in these verses can serve as a reminder that God is never surprised by events on earth. Throughout Scripture, believers are urged to trust that He holds all nations accountable and moves history toward the ultimate culmination in Christ (Revelation 11:15). Whether in Daniel’s time or our own, God’s sovereignty remains steadfast.