Daniel 11:4

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.

Study Bible

But as soon as he is established
This phrase refers to the swift rise of a powerful ruler, historically understood as Alexander the Great. His rapid establishment as a dominant force in the ancient world is well-documented, with his conquests spreading Greek culture and influence across a vast territory. The phrase highlights the transient nature of earthly power, a theme echoed in other biblical passages such as James 4:14, which speaks of life as a vapor.

his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven
After Alexander's death in 323 BC, his empire did not remain intact. Instead, it was divided among his four generals, known as the Diadochi: Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy. This division is symbolically represented by the "four winds of heaven," indicating the scattering of his empire in all directions. This historical event fulfills the prophecy and demonstrates the sovereignty of God over the rise and fall of kingdoms, as seen in Daniel 2:21.

It will not go to his descendants
Alexander's untimely death left no clear heir to his throne. His half-brother, Philip III, and his son, Alexander IV, were both murdered, leading to the end of his direct lineage. This phrase underscores the futility of human plans and ambitions, aligning with Proverbs 19:21, which states that the Lord's purpose prevails over human intentions.

nor will it have the authority with which he ruled
The authority and influence that Alexander wielded were unmatched, but after his death, the divided territories lacked the centralized power and cohesion of his reign. This reflects the biblical principle that true authority comes from God, as seen in Romans 13:1, and that human authority is temporary and often fragmented.

because his kingdom will be uprooted and given to others
The imagery of a kingdom being "uprooted" suggests a complete and forceful removal, akin to a plant being pulled from the ground. This signifies the end of Alexander's empire as a unified entity and its transfer to others, fulfilling the prophecy of Daniel. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly kingdoms and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom, as prophesied in Daniel 2:44.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The King
This refers to a powerful ruler whose kingdom will be divided after his rise. Historically, this is often associated with Alexander the Great, whose empire was divided after his death.

2. The Kingdom
The vast empire established by the king, which will be broken and divided. This represents the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great.

3. Four Winds of Heaven
Symbolic of the four directions (north, south, east, west), indicating the division of the kingdom into four parts.

4. Descendants
The king's offspring, who will not inherit the kingdom, highlighting the abrupt end of his lineage's rule.

5. Others
Refers to the generals or leaders who will take over the divided parts of the kingdom, not being direct descendants of the king.

Teaching Points

The Transience of Earthly Power
Earthly kingdoms and power are temporary and can be swiftly divided or lost. This reminds believers to focus on eternal values rather than temporal power.

God's Sovereignty in World Affairs
The division of the kingdom "toward the four winds of heaven" underscores God's control over the rise and fall of empires. Believers can trust in God's ultimate plan and sovereignty.

The Futility of Human Ambition
The king's inability to pass his kingdom to his descendants highlights the futility of human ambition without God's blessing. It encourages believers to seek God's will in their endeavors.

The Importance of Legacy
The passage challenges believers to consider what kind of legacy they are leaving behind, not just materially but spiritually.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the division of the kingdom in Daniel 11:4 illustrate the temporary nature of human power and ambition?

2. In what ways can we see God's sovereignty at work in the rise and fall of nations today, similar to the events described in Daniel 11:4?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a change in plans or loss of control. How can Daniel 11:4 encourage you to trust in God's sovereignty?

4. How does the concept of "four winds of heaven" in Daniel 11:4 connect with other biblical passages that speak of God's control over the earth?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that your legacy is aligned with God's purposes, rather than merely human ambition?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Daniel 8:8
This verse also speaks of a great horn being broken and four notable ones rising in its place, paralleling the division of the kingdom.

Zechariah 2:6
The phrase "four winds of heaven" is used, symbolizing God's sovereign control over the earth and its directions.

Ecclesiastes 2:18-19
Discusses the futility of laboring for an inheritance that may not be passed to one's descendants, similar to the king's situation in Daniel 11:4.