Question 1

Who are the kings of the north and south in this prophecy?

Accepted Answer

In this passage the “king of the south” points to the rulers of Egypt who came from Ptolemy’s line, and the “king of the north” points to the rulers of Syria from Seleucus’ line. After Alexander’s empire broke into four parts, these two houses fought again and again. Their wars often crossed through the land of Israel, so their choices deeply affected God’s people. The exact name changes from king to king, but the titles north and south follow these two rival kingdoms over time.

Question 2

Who is the vile person who gains the kingdom by flatteries?

Accepted Answer

The “vile person” who comes in peaceably and gains the kingdom by flatteries is understood as Antiochus Epiphanes, a ruler from the northern kingdom. He did not receive the throne in an open, honored way, but slipped into power through schemes and smooth words. He used lies, sudden attacks, and broken promises. He especially harmed the Jews, attacking the holy covenant, stopping the daily sacrifices, and setting up what is called the abomination that makes desolate in the sanctuary.

Question 3

What is the abomination that maketh desolate in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The “abomination that maketh desolate” here is linked to the acts of the northern king who attacks the sanctuary. He sends forces to pollute the temple, stop the daily sacrifices, and set up something unclean in God’s place. Many readers connect this with Antiochus Epiphanes putting pagan worship and an idol or pagan altar in the temple. It is called an abomination because it is hateful idolatry, and it brings desolation because it leads to great ruin and suffering for the people and the sanctuary.

Question 4

What does it mean that the people who know their God shall be strong and do exploits?

Accepted Answer

This line speaks of faithful Jews in a time of harsh rule and persecution. While many are led astray by flatteries, those who truly know God stand firm. Their strength does not come from armies or wealth, but from trust in God and loyalty to His covenant. They act bravely, resist forced idolatry, teach others, and refuse to give up their faith, even when it costs them their lives. The verse shows that real strength in dark times comes from knowing God, not from human power.

Question 5

How does this long list of wars show God’s rule over history?

Accepted Answer

The passage walks through many changes of kings, sudden deaths, broken plans, and shifting borders, yet it is given ahead of time as a clear word from God. That shows that these events are not random. God knows which king will rise, how far he will go, where he will fall, and how their fights will touch His people. Even proud rulers who “do according to their will” can only go as far as God allows. Phrases like “time appointed” remind us God sets the limits and the seasons.

Question 6

Why does God’s people suffer so much in this prophecy?

Accepted Answer

In this vision, the land of Israel sits between fighting empires, so God’s people suffer as armies pass through, taxes are raised, and rulers attack the holy covenant. Some faithful people even fall by sword, fire, captivity, and loss. The passage says this happens “to try them, and to purge, and to make them white” until the time of the end. Their trials are not pointless. God uses them to test faith, cleanse His people from false trust, and show who truly belongs to Him, even in pain.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about pride and false worship in rulers?

Accepted Answer

Several rulers in this chapter grow proud after victories and riches. One king’s heart is lifted up after a big win, but he gains no lasting strength. Another king exalts himself above every god, speaks proud words against the God of gods, and honors a strange god of power and strongholds instead of the true God. Their pride leads them to attack God’s covenant and people. The passage shows that such pride and false worship may seem to succeed for a time, but in the end these kings fall with no one to help.

Question 8

How can believers today apply the message of this prophecy?

Accepted Answer

This passage reminds believers that world events, even confusing and painful ones, are not outside God’s hand. Empires and leaders change, but God sets their limits. It also shows that knowing God gives strength when rulers are unjust or when faith is costly. Like the faithful in the passage, believers today are called to stay loyal to God’s ways, resist pressure to compromise, accept that there may be loss, and trust that God’s plan will stand even when proud powers seem to win for a while.

Question 9

What is meant by “the time appointed” and “the time of the end” here?

Accepted Answer

The passage often speaks of “the time appointed” and ends with a clash “at the time of the end.” This shows that God has fixed times for these events. Kings do not choose their own times; God has set when they rise, act, and fall. Faithful readers have seen this in more than one way. Some link much of this to past rulers like Antiochus, others see a future final king in the closing verses. In both views, the main point is that God controls the timing and the end of all proud rule.

Daniel 11:1

Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.

Kings of the South and North

The King Who Exalts Himself

Kings of the South and North

Cross References

Daniel 11:1

Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.

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Kings of the South and North

The King Who Exalts Himself

Kings of the South and North

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