Daniel 11:14
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.
In those times many will rise up against the king of the South.
This phrase refers to a period of political upheaval and conflict. The "king of the South" is traditionally understood to be the ruler of Egypt, part of the Ptolemaic dynasty during the Hellenistic period. Historically, this aligns with the ongoing conflicts between the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt and the Seleucid Empire, which were part of the larger Diadochi wars following the death of Alexander the Great. The phrase "many will rise up" suggests a coalition or multiple factions opposing the king, indicating widespread unrest and dissatisfaction with the ruling power. This can be seen as part of the broader theme of conflict and power struggles that characterize the prophetic visions in the Book of Daniel.

Violent ones among your own people will exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision,
Here, "your own people" refers to the Jewish people, indicating that some within the Jewish community will take aggressive action. The "violent ones" are likely those who seek to assert their own power or influence, possibly through rebellion or insurrection. This could be seen as a reference to the Maccabean Revolt, where Jewish leaders rose against the Seleucid Empire's attempts to impose Hellenistic culture and religion. The phrase "in fulfillment of the vision" suggests that these actions are part of a divine plan or prophecy, aligning with the broader narrative of Daniel where human actions are seen as fulfilling God's sovereign purposes.

but they will fail.
This indicates that the efforts of these "violent ones" will not succeed in achieving their goals. Historically, while the Maccabean Revolt did lead to a period of Jewish independence, many other uprisings and attempts to assert power during this era were unsuccessful. Theologically, this failure can be interpreted as a reminder of the limitations of human efforts when they are not aligned with God's will. It underscores the theme of divine sovereignty present throughout the Book of Daniel, where ultimate success and fulfillment of prophecy are determined by God, not by human ambition or violence.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King of the South
This refers to the ruler of Egypt, a key player in the geopolitical struggles described in Daniel 11. The "South" is traditionally associated with Egypt in biblical prophecy.

2. Violent Men Among Your Own People
These are individuals from the Jewish community who, during the time of the prophecy, would attempt to assert themselves politically or militarily, aligning with external forces against the king of the South.

3. Fulfillment of the Vision
This phrase indicates that the actions of these violent men are part of a larger prophetic vision given to Daniel, which encompasses the rise and fall of empires and the struggles of God's people.

4. Failure of the Violent Men
Despite their efforts, these individuals will not succeed in their plans, highlighting the futility of actions that are not aligned with God's ultimate purpose.
Teaching Points
The Sovereignty of God
Despite human efforts and political maneuvers, God's plan prevails. Believers should trust in God's sovereignty over world events.

The Futility of Human Schemes
Aligning with God's purpose is crucial. Human plans that oppose God's will are destined to fail.

Discernment in Alliances
The violent men aligned with external forces, leading to failure. Christians should seek discernment in their alliances and partnerships.

Faithfulness Amidst Political Turmoil
Like Daniel, believers are called to remain faithful and steadfast, even when surrounded by political and social upheaval.

The Importance of Prophetic Understanding
Understanding biblical prophecy helps believers navigate current events with wisdom and hope.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the failure of the violent men in Daniel 11:14 illustrate the principle of God's sovereignty over human history?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our plans and actions align with God's will, avoiding the futility seen in Daniel 11:14?

3. How can the example of the violent men in Daniel 11:14 serve as a warning against forming alliances that are not God-honoring?

4. What lessons can we learn from Daniel's faithfulness in the midst of political turmoil, and how can we apply these lessons in today's world?

5. How does understanding biblical prophecy, like that in Daniel 11, equip us to face current and future challenges with faith and hope?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 8:9-10
This passage speaks to the futility of plans that are not aligned with God's will, similar to the failure of the violent men in Daniel 11:14.

Psalm 2:1-4
This psalm reflects on the vain plotting of nations against God's anointed, paralleling the failed attempts of the violent men in Daniel 11:14.

Acts 5:38-39
In the New Testament, Gamaliel advises that if a plan is not of God, it will fail, echoing the outcome for the violent men in Daniel 11:14.
The Chequered Fortunes of Earthly EmpireJ.D. Davies Daniel 11:5-20
People
Ammonites, Cushites, Daniel, Darius, Ethiopians, Habakkuk, Javan, Kittim, Nubians
Places
Edom, Egypt, Greece, Kittim, Moab, Persia
Topics
Arms, Destroyers, Downfall, Establish, Exalt, Fail, Fall, Fulfil, Fulfill, Fulfillment, Lift, Lifting, Ones, Order, Rebel, Rise, Robbers, Sons, South, Stand, Stumble, Stumbled, Success, Themselves, Violence, Violent, Vision
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 11:13

     8421   equipping, physical

Daniel 11:10-13

     5608   warfare, strategies

Daniel 11:11-13

     4831   largeness

Library
The Syrian Persecution.
"The dead bodies of Thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the air, and the flesh of Thy saints unto the beasts of the land."--Ps. lxxix. 2. The history of Antiochus the Great is foretold in the 11th chapter of the prophet Daniel, from the 14th to the 19th verse. On the death of Ptolemy Philopator, this king entered Palestine with a great army, and easily obtained from the time-serving Jews the surrender of Jerusalem. Some of them who had forsaken their Law to gain the favour
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People

Questions.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People

Some General Uses from this Useful Truth, that Christ is the Truth.
Having thus cleared up this truth, we should come to speak of the way of believers making use of him as the truth, in several cases wherein they will stand in need of him as the truth. But ere we come to the particulars, we shall first propose some general uses of this useful point. First. This point of truth serveth to discover unto us, the woful condition of such as are strangers to Christ the truth; and oh, if it were believed! For, 1. They are not yet delivered from that dreadful plague of
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Watching the Horizon
"Thy Kingdom Come." "Thou art coming! We are waiting With a hope that cannot fail; Asking not the day or hour, Resting on Thy word of power, Anchored safe within the veil. Time appointed may be long, But the vision must be sure: Certainty shall make us strong, Joyful patience must endure. "O the joy to see Thee reigning, Thee, my own beloved Lord! Every tongue Thy name confessing, Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Brought to Thee with glad accord! Thee, my Master and my Friend, Vindicated and enthroned!
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils.
Let us now consider the matters which should be treated in the councils, and with which popes, cardinals, bishops, and all learned men should occupy themselves day and night, if they loved Christ and His Church. But if they do not do so, the people at large and the temporal powers must do so, without considering the thunders of their excommunications. For an unjust excommunication is better than ten just absolutions, and an unjust absolution is worse than ten just excommunications. Therefore let
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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