Daniel 11:28

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.

Study Bible

The king of the North will return to his land with great wealth
This phrase refers to a ruler from the Seleucid Empire, historically identified as Antiochus IV Epiphanes. After his campaigns in Egypt, he returned with substantial spoils, reflecting the historical accounts of his plundering. The "king of the North" is a term used throughout Daniel to describe the Seleucid rulers, who were north of Israel. This wealth accumulation is consistent with the historical context of Hellenistic rulers who often financed their empires through conquest and plunder.

but his heart will be set against the holy covenant
The "holy covenant" refers to the Jewish faith and practices, particularly the Mosaic Law and the temple worship in Jerusalem. Antiochus IV is known for his aggressive Hellenization policies, which included attempts to suppress Jewish religious practices. His heart being set against the covenant indicates his hostility towards the Jewish religion, which is documented in the historical accounts of his desecration of the temple and the persecution of the Jews, leading to the Maccabean Revolt.

so he will do damage
This damage is understood as the persecution and oppression of the Jewish people, including the desecration of the Second Temple. Antiochus IV's actions are seen as a direct attack on the Jewish faith, fulfilling the prophecy of a ruler who would cause great suffering. This aligns with the broader theme in Daniel of earthly kingdoms opposing God's people, a motif that resonates with the apocalyptic literature's portrayal of the struggle between good and evil.

and return to his own land
After his campaigns and the imposition of his policies, Antiochus IV returned to his own territory. This return signifies a temporary withdrawal, as his actions set the stage for further conflict and resistance from the Jewish people. The cyclical nature of his campaigns and returns highlights the ongoing tension between the Seleucid Empire and the Jewish nation, a theme that is echoed in the broader narrative of Daniel, where earthly powers rise and fall under divine sovereignty.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The King of the North
This refers to a ruler from the northern territories relative to Israel, historically interpreted as a Seleucid king, possibly Antiochus IV Epiphanes, known for his campaigns against Egypt and his persecution of the Jewish people.

2. His Land
The homeland of the king of the North, likely the Seleucid Empire, which covered parts of modern-day Syria and surrounding regions.

3. Great Wealth
The spoils and riches acquired by the king during his military campaigns, which he brings back to his kingdom.

4. The Holy Covenant
This refers to the covenant between God and His people, Israel. The king's heart being set against it indicates hostility towards the Jewish faith and practices.

5. Return to His Own Land
The king's journey back to his territory after his campaigns, signifying a temporary cessation of his military activities.

Teaching Points

Understanding Historical Context
Recognize the historical backdrop of Daniel 11, which provides insight into the struggles faced by God's people and the fulfillment of prophecy.

The Danger of Opposing God
The king's heart set against the holy covenant serves as a warning against opposing God's will and His people.

God's Sovereignty in History
Despite the king's actions, God's overarching plan remains intact, reminding us of His control over historical events.

Faithfulness Amidst Persecution
The passage encourages believers to remain faithful to God's covenant, even when faced with opposition and persecution.

The Temporary Nature of Earthly Power
The king's return to his land with wealth highlights the fleeting nature of earthly power and riches compared to eternal spiritual treasures.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding the historical context of Daniel 11:28 enhance our comprehension of the passage?

2. In what ways can we see the theme of opposition to God's covenant in today's world, and how should we respond?

3. How does the king of the North's temporary success and wealth challenge our perspective on material possessions and power?

4. What lessons can we learn from the faithfulness of God's people during times of persecution, as seen in Daniel 11 and other scriptures?

5. How can we apply the principle of God's sovereignty over history to our personal lives and current global events?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 8:9-14
This passage also describes the actions of a king who opposes the holy covenant, providing a broader context for understanding the hostility towards the Jewish faith.

1 Maccabees 1:20-24
Although not part of the Protestant canon, this historical account provides insight into Antiochus IV's actions against the Jewish people, aligning with the events described in Daniel 11.

Revelation 13:5-7
This New Testament passage describes a future ruler who will oppose God's people, drawing a parallel to the king of the North's opposition to the holy covenant.