Daniel 11:1-27

Alright…buckle up. This week is a lot, but truth is fun. If nothing else, this should astonish and encourage our hearts at the detail, power, and sovereignty of our God.

V. 1 – It is important to note that the “me” here is not Daniel. It is the angel. He has been interceding and working on behalf of Israel for years at this stage. It is small wonder that Darius/Cyrus let the Jews go so quickly.

V. 2 – Three future kings in Persia:

Cambyses II: 530/529 BC – 522 BC – Son of Cyrus the Great
Darius I: 522 BC – 486 BC – Also known as Darius “The Great”
Xerxes I: 486 BC – 465 BC – Son of Darius the Great

The fourth is actually Xerxes (Cyrus, Cambyses, Darius, Xerxes). There is some debate about one additional Smerdis/Bardiya being one of the four thus making three kings + Xerxes = 4. Smerdis would have reigned for less than a year after Cambyses before his death and Darius’ ascension. It is also worth noting that if you trace Darius’ ancestry you find out he is related to the line of Cyrus through his great-great grandfather. The lines diverged, but he was still related to the original Achaemenidian dynasty.

Xerxes I is the king during the reign of Esther. He inherited a tremendous amount of money from his father Darius who was known as a master administrator. According to historical tradition, Xerxes was fabulously wealthy – not to mention arrogant. He built a fleet of ships to invade Greece – the battle of Salamis. His defeat in this battle spelled the beginning of the end for Persian military dominance. He had success initially in his attempted conquest, but he lost the last battle in 480 BC. Thus, began the rise of Greece. I am not saying that this was the point at which Persia lost their status as the world power. However, they never fully recovered their status as untouchable/undefeatable.

V. 3 – There is a time skip between verse two and three of approximately 100 years. Alexander ruled between 334 BC – 323 BC. He truly did almost anything he willed until his unexpected death.

V. 4 – We have already discussed the disillusion of Alexander’s kingdom in chapter eight. His kingdom did not go to his son or “posterity”. Rather, it was divided to his four generals.

Ptolomy: south (Egypt)

Lysimachus: north (Macedonia/Asia minor)

Cassander: west (continuation of Greek empire)

Seleucus: east – (Seleucid empire/Syria)

Let me offer a clarification here. While the divisions were geographical, this prophecy is not fully addressing all four of these nations. Rather, it is considering two in particular (Egypt and the Seleucid empire). In this chapter, these two kingdoms are referred to as the king of the north (Seleucid) and king of the south (Egypt). This is in reference to the fact that the Seleucid empire was north of Egypt. Just be aware that when it says the king of the north, it is not talking about Lysimachus.

V. 5 – Israel was unfortunately caught in the middle of these two warring nations. It makes more sense to read the “his princes” is in reference to Alexander – not Ptolemy. Seleucus was never a “prince” of Ptolemy. Indeed, the Seleucid empire went on to become as close to a world power as existed during this period. To clarify – it makes the most sense to read this as,

Then the king of the south (Ptolemy I) shall be strong, but one of his princes (Alexander’s princes/generals) shall be stronger than he (stronger than Ptolemy I) and shall rule, and his (Seleucus’) authority shall be a great authority.

All of the “he’s” can get confusing. Just wait until we go to all the Ptolemys’!

V. 6 – There had been extensive fighting over the years between these two powerful kingdoms. However, Antiochus Theos (not Epiphanes) agreed to put away his wife Laodice and marry Berenice, the daughter of Ptolemy II (the alliance).

“But she shall not retain the strength…” This arrangement did not last long, and Antiochus brought Laodice back to court. Laodice did not trust the capriciousness of her husband and arranged for his murder and the succession of her son, Seleucus Callinicus. This references the statement that, “His arm shall not endure.”

She shall be given up – Berenice fled with her children but was ultimately poisoned. This verse could also be translated, “He whom she brought forth” – her son was also murdered.

Her attendants – the ones who travelled with her were also killed when they were pursued.

He who fathered her – Her father, Ptolemy II, died shortly before this. According to tradition, he would actually send her water from the Nile so that she didn’t have to drink anything else. Some speculate that his death was actually the thing that Laodice was waiting for before she murdered Berenice. She feared retaliation from Egypt.

V. 7 – From her roots (actually her parents/roots). This is referring to Berenice’s brother, Ptolemy Euergetes who invaded Syria in retribution for his sister’s murder. He “prevailed” and took great plunder. Obviously, Syria remained a world power, so it wasn’t a permanent defeat, but it was a statement.

V. 8 – Ptolemy Euergetes did indeed take some of their gods – specifically gods that Cambyses II had captured when he invaded Egypt years before. Ptolemy E. outlived Seleucus Callinicus by approximately five years and there was a temporary truce of sorts after the retribution for Berenice’s death.

V. 9 – The latter (king of the north Seleucus) made several attempts to invade Egypt, but none were particularly successful. He had to return to his own land.

V. 10 – His sons: In reference to Seleucus Ceraunus and Antiochus the Great (not Epiphanes). Ceranus couldn’t be considered a great leader, but he did muster an army. However, Antiochus the Great was a remarkable and powerful ruler.

He did indeed pass through Israel to get to Egypt and on their pathway they retook several cities that Ptolemy Euergentes had conquered.

V. 11 – Ptolemy Philopater (the new king of the south/Egypt) gathered a huge army (some report as many as 70,000 infantry, 5,000 calvary, and more than 70 elephants). In contrast, Antiochus the Great gathered around 62,000 infantry, 6,000 cavalry, and 102 elephants. Antiochus had been experiencing almost unchecked military success. Indeed, the initial part of this battle, (Raphia which occurred in 216/217 BC) definitely seemed to be going his way. However, he did not prevail against Egypt and prophesy was once again fulfilled.

V. 12 – When the Seleucid army was conquered, Ptolemy P. became incredibly arrogant. He persecuted the Jews. He cast down many. He murdered several of his closest family members and lived in luxurious dissipation until the Egyptian people actually rebelled against their ruler.

V. 13 – Now a seasoned war veteran and ruler, Antiochus the Great turned his attention back to Egypt (13-14 years have passed between v. 12 and 13). Ptolemy Philopater has died and his five year old son is on the throne. This would definitely seem to be the time to invade, and that is what Antiochus did. He actually pressed Philip, King of Macedonia into his service. Antiochus came well prepared this time. It was an incredibly well organized campaign.

V. 14 – Many people rose against the king of the south (i.e., Antiochus, Philip, rebels in Egypt and the Jews (the your people mentioned here in reference to Daniel’s people). They had a vision for an independent Jerusalem that did not pay tribute to anyone. They actually entered into a sort of alliance with the Seleucid empire which set them up for the invasion/rule by Antiochus Epiphanes. While Antiochus the Great did succeed in defeating Egypt, the Jews did not succeed in gaining full independence.

Rather, they traded one oppressor for another. They had a vision, but they did not consult God. When we try to establish our own vision regarding what our future should look like, apart from God, it will not work long-term. I do think it is really interesting that the nation didn’t evaluate everything that was unfolding and read the book of Daniel to say, “Are we sure this is a good idea?” It certainly seems like this incredibly detailed prophecy is indicating that we will fail and that things will not improve. However, either no one did that or they were not the majority voice.

V. 15 – Antiochus the Great besieged Sidon, the city where Scopus, (the Egyptian commander) had fled. Antiochus built siege works around the city. No less than three Egyptian Generals were sent to raise the siege but could not. Ultimately, the garrison had to surrender because of starvation conditions.

V. 16 – After Egypt capitulated, most of the areas surrendered without a fight. Antiochus established his rule over Judea. The destruction referred here was very literal. Antiochus had used a vast number of Israel’s resources in his campaign and had consumed much of the land, much like a flock of locusts.

V. 17 – Concerned about military action in the deeper south (i.e., read making Rome feel threatened/angry), Antiochus resorted to strategy. He chose to marry his daughter Cleopatra I (not the one who is so famous for being associated with Marc Antony/Julius Caesar) to Ptolemy Epiphanes. Antiochus the Great wanted to us her to “destroy the kingdom.” However, she chose to remain loyal to her husband. The two of them sought an alliance with Rome to counteract the power of her father.

V. 18 – Antiochus went on to conquer several islands, including Ephesus. However, he encountered the Romans (specifically the General Scipio) who defeated him at the Battle of Magnesia (near Mt. Sipylus). Antiochus and his descendants were forced to pay tribute to Rome and never set foot in that region again. His “reproach” or insolence depending on which translation you read had returned on his own head. Revenge was extracted.

V. 19 – While attempting to raise the tribute required by Rome, he was killed when he tried to loot a temple near Elymais.

V. 20 – Seleucus Philopater (the son of Antiochus the Great) raised taxes and treated his people terribly. He did indeed send an exactor of tribute. He sent tax assessors to Jerusalem (and other cities) to plunder and gather tribute. He did not rule very long (12 years in comparison to his father’s 37 year rule). He was not killed in battle. Rather, he was killed in a deliberate and well-thought out attack from Heliodorus (a bureaucrat, possibly a tax collector). Heliodonus took over briefly as regent for Seleucus’ five year old son Aniochus (no additional name given). However, Antiochus IV (soon to be known as Epiphanes) quickly assumed power.

V. 21 – Antiochus Epiphanes was not the rightful heir, (“royal majesty has not been given”) Demetrius (Seleucus’ oldest son) was. However, Demetrius was a captive in Rome (under the peace treaty brokered during Antiochus the Great’s reign). It is rumored that Antiochus Epiphanes may have ordered the death of his young nephew Antiochus to guard his own recently assumed power. Eventually, (after Antiochus Epiphanes’ death) Demetrius I would be released from Rome and rule what remained of the Seleucid empire.

As you can imagine from the two preceding paragraphs, this period in history was full of upheaval. However, Antiochus Epiphanes used cunning to persuade other kingdoms not so interfere. This pattern of manipulation and flattery would continue throughout Antiochus E’s reign.

V. 22 – After an initial peaceful start, Antiochus showed his true colors and fought everyone who stood in his way. As already mentioned, Heliodorus and his young nephew were deposed, and Egypt was defeated. The “prince of the covenant” seems to refer to the high-priest Onias who was killed by Antiochus and replaced with Jason (Onias’ brother).

Others argue that this refers to Ptolemy Philometor (the Egyptian ruler and another one of his nephews). Antiochus Epiphanes broke treaties/covenants/promises with Ptolemy multiple times.

V. 23 – After a peace treaty was signed, Antiochus acted deceitfully. He came with a small force that was supposed to help establish Ptolemy Philometer on the throne. However, he ultimately began manipulating Egyptian people/forces to surrender and change loyalties. This Ptolemy was only a teenager at this time.

V. 24 – He took the best and choicest places/towns. None of his forefathers, not even Antiochus the Great, had been able to so thoroughly conquer Egypt. Antiochus Epiphanes did so without much of a fight. Rather, it was through manipulation.

He dispersed the spoils of his victories to his followers. However, he was driven from Alexandria by the Romans (he was only successful for “a time”).

V. 25 – Egypt did rise again, but Ptolemy Philometor was defeated. Some argue that the “plots” mentioned here refers to the plots by his brother to overthrow him and assume the throne. Others say it relates to Antiochus’ plots for Egypt. Regardless, there was a tremendous amount of intrigue that occurred during Ptolemy P’s reign.

V. 26 – Internal arguments eventually resulted in Philometor’s deposition. His army was defeated (interestingly, Philometor was actually later restored to power…but that is another story).

V. 27 – Antiochus E. and Ptolemy P. both tried artifice and deceit multiple times, especially as their reigns progressed. Antiochus invaded Egypt multiple times and would make promises that he almost always broke. There is a legend that says these two rulers (who remember were related) used to meet midway and have dinner together. They pretended to be worried about each other. I think this is particularly interesting because Antiochus E. was not particularly successful in his military campaigns outside of Egypt and Israel. Ptolemy Philometor had dinner and tried to forge treaties with an incredibly evil man. He invited him into close friendship and Antiochus betrayed his trust.

Be careful with who you invite to dinner. Don’t set yourself up for failure and struggle. Navigating this world and spiritual warfare are hard enough. Don’t share your secrets and form a friendship with a devil disguised as a friend.

We will build on this idea for the next section.