Daniel 11:5-28

11:5-20 | Daniel predicts a long conflict between the kings of the North and the kings of the South. The southern kingdom was known as the Ptolemies (Egypt), and the northern kingdom of the Seleucids (Syria). Because Israel was located between the two kingdoms geographically, it was often caught in struggles between the two powers, with their battles taking place on Israel’s soil.

11:17 | The daughter of women refers to Antiochus III’s daughter Cleopatra. He married her to the king of the Sough, Ptolemy V – probably as a way to spy on the Egyptians – but Antiochus III’s plan backfired when her affections turned toward her husband more than her father.

11:18 | The reference to a ruler who will bring the reproach to an end gives a glimpse of a new world power looming on the horizon: Rome.

11:21-35 | The fighting between the north and the south climaxed with one particularly evil ruler: Antiochus Epiphanes IV, who reigned from 175-163 BC. He showed a complete disregard for God and His people.

11:22 | The prince of the covenant is probably a reference to Onias III, the high priest in Jerusalem when all these events occurred. Because he was more sympathetic to the south (Egypt), Antiochus IV had him removed from his position.

11:27-28 | Antiochus IV attempted to invade the south (Egypt), with much loss of life. On his way back north, he vented his anger on Israel, the people of the holy covenant. The fulfillment of this prophecy is documented by history.