Daniel 11
BSB1 “And I, in the first year of Darius the Mede, stood up to strengthen and protect him. 2 Now then, I will tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. By the power of his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece. 3 Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great authority and do as he pleases. 4 But as soon as he is established, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the authority with which he ruled, because his kingdom will be uprooted and given to others. 5 The king of the South will grow strong, but one of his commanders will grow even stronger and will rule his own kingdom with great authority. 6 After some years they will form an alliance, and the daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the North to seal the agreement. But his daughter will not retain her position of power, nor will his strength endure. At that time she will be given up, along with her royal escort and her father and the one who supported her. 7 But one from her family line will rise up in his place, come against the army of the king of the North, and enter his fortress, fighting and prevailing. 8 He will take even their gods captive to Egypt, with their metal images and their precious vessels of silver and gold. For some years he will stay away from the king of the North, 9 who will invade the realm of the king of the South and then return to his own land. 10 But his sons will stir up strife and assemble a great army, which will advance forcefully, sweeping through like a flood, and will again carry the battle as far as his fortress. 11 In a rage, the king of the South will march out to fight the king of the North, who will raise a large army, but it will be delivered into the hand of his enemy. 12 When the army is carried off, the king of the South will be proud in heart and will cast down tens of thousands, but he will not triumph. 13 For the king of the North will raise another army, larger than the first, and after some years he will advance with a great army and many supplies. 14 In those times many will rise up against the king of the South. Violent ones among your own people will exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision, but they will fail. 15 Then the king of the North will come, build up a siege ramp, and capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will not stand; even their best troops will not be able to resist. 16 The invader will do as he pleases, and no one will stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land, with destruction in his hand. 17 He will resolve to come with the strength of his whole kingdom, and will reach an agreement with the king of the South. He will give him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom, but his plan will not succeed or help him. 18 Then he will turn his face to the coastlands and capture many of them. But a commander will put an end to his reproach and will turn it back upon him. 19 After this, he will turn back toward the fortresses of his own land, but he will stumble and fall and be no more. 20 In his place one will arise who will send out a tax collector for the glory of the kingdom; but within a few days he will be destroyed, though not in anger or in battle. 21 In his place a despicable person will arise; royal honors will not be given to him, but he will come in a time of peace and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22 Then a flood of forces will be swept away before him and destroyed, along with a prince of the covenant. 23 After an alliance is made with him, he will act deceitfully; for he will rise to power with only a few people. 24 In a time of peace, he will invade the richest provinces and do what his fathers and forefathers never did. He will lavish plunder, loot, and wealth on his followers, and he will plot against the strongholds—but only for a time. 25 And with a large army he will stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South, who will mobilize a very large and powerful army but will not withstand the plots devised against him. 26 Those who eat from his provisions will seek to destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall slain. 27 And the two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for still the end will come at the appointed time. 28 The king of the North will return to his land with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant; so he will do damage and return to his own land. 29 At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time will not be like the first. 30 Ships of Kittim will come against him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and rage against the holy covenant and do damage. So he will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant. 31 His forces will rise up and desecrate the temple fortress. They will abolish the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of desolation. 32 With flattery he will corrupt those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. 33 Those with insight will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by sword or flame, or be captured or plundered. 34 Now when they fall, they will be granted a little help, but many will join them insincerely. 35 Some of the wise will fall, so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. 36 Then the king will do as he pleases and will exalt and magnify himself above every god, and he will speak monstrous things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been decreed must be accomplished. 37 He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers, nor for the one desired by women, nor for any other god, because he will magnify himself above them all. 38 And in their place, he will honor a god of fortresses—a god his fathers did not know—with gold, silver, precious stones, and riches. 39 He will attack the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him, making them rulers over many and distributing the land for a price. 40 At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, but the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots, horsemen, and many ships, invading many countries and sweeping through them like a flood. 41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall. But these will be delivered from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the leaders of the Ammonites. 42 He will extend his power over many countries, and not even the land of Egypt will escape. 43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and over all the riches of Egypt, and the Libyans and Cushites will also submit to him. 44 But news from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will go out with great fury to destroy many and devote them to destruction. 45 He will pitch his royal tents between the sea and the beautiful holy mountain, but he will meet his end with no one to help him.
Study Notes — Daniel 11
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Daniel 11
- Themes from Daniel 11
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Daniel 11
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Daniel chapter 11 begins with a description of the kings of Persia and the rise of the king of Greece, Alexander the Great (Daniel 11:1-4). The chapter then describes the division of Alexander's empire and the subsequent rise of the kings of the North and South, including the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties (Daniel 11:5-20). The chapter also mentions the invasion of the Holy Land by the king of the North and the desecration of the Temple (Daniel 11:21-35). The final section of the chapter describes the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the resurrection of the dead (Daniel 11:36-45). Throughout the chapter, Daniel emphasizes God's sovereignty over the nations and His ultimate plan to establish His kingdom on earth.
Context for the Chapter
Daniel chapter 11 is part of a larger prophetic passage that describes the rise and fall of various kingdoms and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. The chapter is set in the context of the Babylonian exile and the subsequent rise of the Persian and Greek empires. The chapter also points to the future and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, which is established through Christ. As part of the larger narrative of the book of Daniel, this chapter serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over the nations and His ultimate plan to establish His kingdom on earth.
Heart Application
This chapter reminds us of the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. As believers, we must stand firm in our faith despite persecution and tribulation, knowing that God is sovereign over all events and that His people will ultimately be victorious. We must also trust in God's plan and timing, knowing that He will ultimately establish His kingdom on earth and that we will be refined and purified during times of trial.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Daniel chapter 11 is a prophetic passage that describes the rise and fall of various kingdoms and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom. The chapter reminds us of the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity and points to the second coming of Christ. As (Daniel 11:32) states, "the people who know their God will firmly resist him," emphasizing the need for believers to stand firm in their faith despite persecution and tribulation.
Voices from the Church
“The prophecies of Daniel are not merely predictions of future events, but also exhortations to faith and perseverance in the present. As believers, we must trust in God's sovereignty and stand firm in our faith despite the challenges and uncertainties of life.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The kingdom of God is not established through human power or might, but through the sovereign will of God. As believers, we must trust in God's plan and timing, knowing that He will ultimately establish His kingdom on earth and that we will be part of it.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Rise of the King of Greece (11:1-4) — The chapter begins with a description of the kings of Persia and the rise of the king of Greece, Alexander the Great. This section sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which describes the conflicts and alliances between the kings of the North and South.
- The Division of Alexander's Empire (11:5-20) — The chapter describes the division of Alexander's empire and the subsequent rise of the kings of the North and South. This section highlights the instability and conflict that characterized the ancient world.
- The Invasion of the Holy Land (11:21-35) — The chapter describes the invasion of the Holy Land by the king of the North and the desecration of the Temple. This section reminds us of the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.
- The Ultimate Triumph of God's Kingdom (11:36-45) — The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the second coming of Christ. This section emphasizes the sovereignty of God and the ultimate victory of His people.
- Conclusion (11:45) — The chapter concludes with a description of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the resurrection of the dead. This section reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's plan and timing.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all events, including the rise and fall of empires. As (Daniel 11:1) states, "in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to support and protect him," emphasizing God's involvement in human history.
- Faith and Perseverance
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. As (Daniel 11:32) states, "the people who know their God will firmly resist him," pointing to the need for believers to stand firm in their faith despite persecution and tribulation.
- Ultimate Triumph of God's Kingdom
- The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the second coming of Christ. This doctrine reminds us that God is sovereign over all events and that His people will ultimately be victorious.
- Refining and Purifying of God's People
- The chapter describes the refining and purifying of God's people during times of persecution and tribulation. As (Daniel 11:35) states, "some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end," emphasizing the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Lessons from Daniel 11
- Trust in God's Sovereignty — This chapter reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty over all events, including the rise and fall of empires. As believers, we must stand firm in our faith despite the challenges and uncertainties of life.
- Stand Firm in Faith and Perseverance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. As (Daniel 11:32) states, "the people who know their God will firmly resist him," pointing to the need for believers to stand firm in their faith despite persecution and tribulation.
- Look to the Ultimate Triumph of God's Kingdom — The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the second coming of Christ. This doctrine reminds us that God is sovereign over all events and that His people will ultimately be victorious.
- Be Refined and Purified — The chapter describes the refining and purifying of God's people during times of persecution and tribulation. As (Daniel 11:35) states, "some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end," emphasizing the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.
- Apply Lessons to Our Own Lives — This chapter reminds us to apply the lessons of faith, perseverance, and trust in God's sovereignty to our own lives, knowing that God is sovereign over all events and that His people will ultimately be victorious.
Themes from Daniel 11
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all events, including the rise and fall of empires. As (Daniel 11:1) states, "in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to support and protect him," emphasizing God's involvement in human history.
- Faith and Perseverance — The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. As (Daniel 11:32) states, "the people who know their God will firmly resist him," pointing to the need for believers to stand firm in their faith despite persecution and tribulation.
- Ultimate Triumph of God's Kingdom — The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the second coming of Christ. This doctrine reminds us that God is sovereign over all events and that His people will ultimately be victorious.
- Refining and Purifying of God's People — The chapter describes the refining and purifying of God's people during times of persecution and tribulation. As (Daniel 11:35) states, "some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified, and made spotless until the time of the end," emphasizing the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity.
- Application to Our Own Lives — This chapter reminds us to apply the lessons of faith, perseverance, and trust in God's sovereignty to our own lives, knowing that God is sovereign over all events and that His people will ultimately be victorious.
Questions for Meditation
- What does this chapter teach us about the sovereignty of God?
- How does this chapter describe the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity?
- What does this chapter point to regarding the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the second coming of Christ?
- How does this chapter describe the refining and purifying of God's people during times of persecution and tribulation?
- What lessons can we apply to our own lives from this chapter?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Rise of the King of Greece (11:1-4)
| 11:1 | The chapter begins with a description of the kings of Persia and the rise of the king of Greece, Alexander the Great. This section sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which describes the conflicts and alliances between the kings of the North and South. |
| 11:2 | The verse describes the rise of the king of Greece and his conquest of the Persian Empire. This section highlights the military prowess and strategic genius of Alexander the Great. |
| 11:3 | The verse describes the division of Alexander's empire and the rise of the kings of the North and South. This section emphasizes the instability and conflict that characterized the ancient world. |
| 11:4 | The verse describes the weakness and division of Alexander's successors, setting the stage for the rise of the kings of the North and South. |
2. The Division of Alexander's Empire (11:5-20)
| 11:5 | The verse describes the rise of the king of the South and his alliance with the king of the North. This section highlights the complex web of alliances and rivalries that characterized the ancient world. |
| 11:6 | The verse describes the marriage alliance between the king of the North and the king of the South, which ultimately fails to bring peace. This section emphasizes the fleeting nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God. |
| 11:7 | The verse describes the rise of a new king of the South, who seeks to avenge his father's defeat. This section highlights the cycle of violence and retaliation that characterized the ancient world. |
| 11:8 | The verse describes the king of the North's invasion of the king of the South's territory, which results in the desecration of the Temple. This section reminds us of the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. |
3. The Invasion of the Holy Land (11:21-35)
| 11:21 | The verse describes the rise of a new king of the North, who will invade the Holy Land and desecrate the Temple. This section highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. |
| 11:22 | The verse describes the flood that will sweep away the king of the North's army, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all events. This section reminds us that God is in control, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. |
| 11:23 | The verse describes the king of the North's alliance with the king of the South, which ultimately fails to bring peace. This section emphasizes the fleeting nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God. |
| 11:24 | The verse describes the king of the North's invasion of the king of the South's territory, which results in the desecration of the Temple. This section reminds us of the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. |
4. The Ultimate Triumph of God's Kingdom (11:36-45)
| 11:36 | The verse describes the king of the North's arrogance and pride, which will ultimately lead to his downfall. This section highlights the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. |
| 11:37 | The verse describes the king of the North's disregard for the gods of his fathers, emphasizing his rebellion against God. This section reminds us of the importance of reverence and respect for God. |
| 11:38 | The verse describes the king of the North's worship of a foreign god, which will ultimately lead to his destruction. This section emphasizes the importance of worshiping the one true God. |
| 11:39 | The verse describes the king of the North's alliance with the king of the South, which will ultimately fail to bring peace. This section emphasizes the fleeting nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God. |
| 11:40 | The verse describes the king of the North's invasion of the king of the South's territory, which will result in the desecration of the Temple. This section reminds us of the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. |
| 11:41 | The verse describes the king of the North's invasion of the Beautiful Land, which will result in the desecration of the Temple. This section highlights the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. |
| 11:42 | The verse describes the king of the North's conquest of Egypt, which will result in the desecration of the Temple. This section emphasizes the fleeting nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God. |
| 11:43 | The verse describes the king of the North's conquest of Libya and Ethiopia, which will result in the desecration of the Temple. This section reminds us of the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. |
| 11:44 | The verse describes the news from the east and the north that will disturb the king of the North, emphasizing his ultimate downfall. This section highlights the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. |
| 11:45 | The verse describes the king of the North's ultimate defeat and the establishment of God's kingdom, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all events. This section reminds us that God is in control, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the chapter teach us about the sovereignty of God?
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty over all events, including the rise and fall of empires. As (Daniel 11:1) states, "in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to support and protect him," emphasizing God's involvement in human history.
How does the chapter describe the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity?
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. As (Daniel 11:32) states, "the people who know their God will firmly resist him," pointing to the need for believers to stand firm in their faith despite persecution and tribulation.
What does the chapter point to regarding the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the second coming of Christ?
The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the second coming of Christ. This doctrine reminds us that God is sovereign over all events and that His people will ultimately be victorious.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 11:1 → Ezra 4:5 | The verse in Ezra describes the opposition to the rebuilding of the Temple, which is similar to the opposition to the king of the North's invasion of the Holy Land in Daniel 11:1. |
| 2 | Daniel 11:2 → Isaiah 45:1 | The verse in Isaiah describes the rise of Cyrus the Great, which is similar to the rise of the king of Greece in Daniel 11:2. |
| 3 | Daniel 11:3 → Psalm 2:1-3 | The verses in Psalm 2 describe the rebellion of the nations against God, which is similar to the rebellion of the king of the North against God in Daniel 11:3. |
| 4 | Daniel 11:4 → Zechariah 9:13 | The verse in Zechariah describes the rise of the king of Greece, which is similar to the rise of the king of Greece in Daniel 11:4. |
| 5 | Daniel 11:5 → Genesis 10:22 | The verse in Genesis describes the descendants of Shem, which includes the king of the South in Daniel 11:5. |
| 6 | Daniel 11:6 → 1 Kings 11:23 | The verse in 1 Kings describes the rise of Rezon, which is similar to the rise of the king of the South in Daniel 11:6. |
| 7 | Daniel 11:7 → 2 Kings 12:17 | The verse in 2 Kings describes the invasion of Judah by Hazael, which is similar to the invasion of the Holy Land by the king of the North in Daniel 11:7. |
| 8 | Daniel 11:8 → Isaiah 10:24 | The verse in Isaiah describes the invasion of Judah by Assyria, which is similar to the invasion of the Holy Land by the king of the North in Daniel 11:8. |
| 9 | Daniel 11:9 → Jeremiah 25:9 | The verse in Jeremiah describes the invasion of Judah by Babylon, which is similar to the invasion of the Holy Land by the king of the North in Daniel 11:9. |
| 10 | Daniel 11:10 → Ezekiel 26:7 | The verse in Ezekiel describes the invasion of Tyre by Babylon, which is similar to the invasion of the Holy Land by the king of the North in Daniel 11:10. |
Sermons on Daniel 11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God Is Training a Holy Remnant by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the scarcity of true men of God who walk with God, seek His face, and speak His word without manipulation or greed. He highlights the need fo |
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A Word for Those Who Want to Know God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Daniel and how it relates to our modern times. He highlights Daniel's prophecy about an increase in travel and knowledge in the l |
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The Enemy of Revival - Part 2 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samson from the Bible. He highlights how Samson was a powerful man who performed great feats, such as ripping the gates of a cit |
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Samson - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call in the present moment. He warns that God's offer of salvation may not be available indefinitely a |
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(Ephesians) Ephesians 1:1-17 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Ephesians chapter one to three as the foundation of the Christian life. The main theme is the summing up of all things in Christ, which is Go |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.11 & 12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Daniel chapter 11 and the continuation of the angel Gabriel's message to Daniel. The chapter recounts historical events that were to take pla |
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God's Ownership of People by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and obeying God. He highlights two key points from Exodus chapter 20: God is the Lord and Creator, and He has deliv |
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Wilderness Testing by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of passing through difficult and perplexing situations in order to glorify God. He highlights the confidence and faith that be |
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(Daniel) a Chapter of Detailed Prophecy by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Daniel, specifically chapter 11. He mentions that this chapter is long and difficult, but he is determined to address the diffic |
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Where Is Your Strength by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man who was a menace to his enemies. His enemies tried to find his secret and eventually captured him. They bound him, blinded him, and m |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Daniel 11
Matthew Henry's commentary on Daniel 11 emphasizes the sovereignty of God over all events, including the rise and fall of empires. Henry notes that the chapter describes the conflicts and alliances between the kings of the North and South, but ultimately points to the triumph of God's kingdom. Henry also emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity, noting that the people who know their God will firmly resist the Antichrist. As (Daniel 11:32) states, "the people who know their God will firmly resist him," pointing to the need for believers to stand firm in their faith despite persecution and tribulation. Henry concludes that the chapter reminds us of the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the second coming of Christ, and that we must trust in God's plan and timing, knowing that He will ultimately establish His kingdom on earth. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Rise and Fall of Empires
The chapter describes the rise and fall of various empires, including the Persian, Greek, and Seleucid empires. This reminds us of the fleeting nature of human power and the ultimate sovereignty of God.
The Importance of Faith and Perseverance
The chapter emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in the face of adversity. As (Daniel 11:32) states, "the people who know their God will firmly resist him," pointing to the need for believers to stand firm in their faith despite persecution and tribulation.
The Ultimate Triumph of God's Kingdom
The chapter points to the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom and the second coming of Christ. This reminds us that God is sovereign over all events and that His people will ultimately be victorious.