This verse reveals God’s hand in raising a new leader to avenge wrongdoing, proving that even in the midst of political intrigue, divine oversight remains firmly in place.
The prophecy in Daniel 11:7 foretells a time of political upheaval, focusing on an avenger who would come from the same lineage as a murdered royal figure. Scripture says, “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). The phrase “descendants of her line” (v.7) refers to a family member of the woman introduced a few verses earlier (Daniel 11:6), who has suffered tragedy and betrayal. This new leader is described as fiercely determined, taking the battle to the enemy kingdom—“enter the fortress of the king of the North” (v.7)—and asserting dominance by “deal(ing) with them and display(ing) great strength” (v.7).
Historically, this passage points toward the conflict between the Ptolemaic dynasty controlling Egypt (the South) and the Seleucid Empire controlling Syria and surrounding regions (the North). The “descendants of her line” can be connected to Ptolemy III Euergetes (reigned 246-221 BC), who was enraged by the treacherous death of his sister Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy II and former wife of the Seleucid king. After Berenice’s death, Ptolemy III marched against the Seleucid territories, which were geographically north of Egypt, capturing strategic strongholds. During this timeframe (the mid-3rd century BC), the tension between these rulers peaked, as each side vied for territorial and political supremacy.
In the broader biblical context, “he will deal with them and display great strength” (v.7) underscores the sovereignty of God over historical events (Daniel 2:21). It also foreshadows how earthly kingdoms, no matter how powerful, ultimately play their part in the unfolding of God’s plans. While this verse covers historical warfare and power shifts, it echoes the biblical theme that true security and lasting power belong to the Lord alone, seen most fully in the coming of Jesus Christ, who reigns over an eternal kingdom (Matthew 16:28).
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Daniel 11:7 meaning
The prophecy in Daniel 11:7 foretells a time of political upheaval, focusing on an avenger who would come from the same lineage as a murdered royal figure. Scripture says, “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). The phrase “descendants of her line” (v.7) refers to a family member of the woman introduced a few verses earlier (Daniel 11:6), who has suffered tragedy and betrayal. This new leader is described as fiercely determined, taking the battle to the enemy kingdom—“enter the fortress of the king of the North” (v.7)—and asserting dominance by “deal(ing) with them and display(ing) great strength” (v.7).
Historically, this passage points toward the conflict between the Ptolemaic dynasty controlling Egypt (the South) and the Seleucid Empire controlling Syria and surrounding regions (the North). The “descendants of her line” can be connected to Ptolemy III Euergetes (reigned 246-221 BC), who was enraged by the treacherous death of his sister Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy II and former wife of the Seleucid king. After Berenice’s death, Ptolemy III marched against the Seleucid territories, which were geographically north of Egypt, capturing strategic strongholds. During this timeframe (the mid-3rd century BC), the tension between these rulers peaked, as each side vied for territorial and political supremacy.
In the broader biblical context, “he will deal with them and display great strength” (v.7) underscores the sovereignty of God over historical events (Daniel 2:21). It also foreshadows how earthly kingdoms, no matter how powerful, ultimately play their part in the unfolding of God’s plans. While this verse covers historical warfare and power shifts, it echoes the biblical theme that true security and lasting power belong to the Lord alone, seen most fully in the coming of Jesus Christ, who reigns over an eternal kingdom (Matthew 16:28).