Daniel 11:12

When the army is carried off, the king of the South will be proud in heart and will cast down tens of thousands, but he will not triumph.

Study Bible

When the army is carried off
This phrase refers to a military defeat, likely in the context of the ongoing conflicts between the Seleucid Empire (the king of the North) and the Ptolemaic Kingdom (the king of the South). Historically, this could relate to the battles between these two Hellenistic kingdoms following the division of Alexander the Great's empire. The carrying off of an army suggests a significant loss, possibly involving the capture or destruction of troops, which was a common occurrence in ancient warfare.

the king of the South will be proud in heart
The king of the South is typically identified as a ruler from the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt. The phrase "proud in heart" indicates arrogance or overconfidence, a common theme in biblical narratives where pride often precedes a fall (Proverbs 16:18). This pride could stem from a temporary victory or perceived strength, reflecting the human tendency to rely on one's own power rather than on God.

and will cast down tens of thousands
This suggests a significant military victory, where the king of the South achieves a substantial defeat over his enemies, likely the forces of the king of the North. The casting down of tens of thousands indicates a large-scale battle with heavy casualties, emphasizing the might and ferocity of the conflict. This aligns with the historical accounts of large battles during the Hellenistic period.

but he will not triumph
Despite the initial success and the destruction of many enemies, the ultimate victory is not achieved. This phrase highlights the temporary nature of human achievements and the futility of prideful endeavors. It serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations, as seen throughout the book of Daniel. The lack of triumph could also foreshadow future defeats or the eventual downfall of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, aligning with the prophetic nature of Daniel's visions.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The King of the South
This refers to the ruler of Egypt, historically understood to be part of the Ptolemaic dynasty during the Hellenistic period. The "king of the South" is a key figure in the conflicts described in Daniel 11.

2. The Army
The army mentioned here is likely the military forces of the king of the South, which are involved in the ongoing conflicts with the king of the North.

3. Pride
The king of the South's pride is a central theme in this verse, highlighting the dangers of arrogance and overconfidence.

4. Slaughter of Many Thousands
This event signifies a significant military victory for the king of the South, yet it is ultimately hollow as it does not lead to lasting success.

5. Failure to Prevail
Despite the initial victory, the king of the South's pride leads to his downfall, illustrating the transient nature of earthly power.

Teaching Points

The Dangers of Pride
Pride can lead to temporary victories but often results in ultimate failure. Believers should guard against arrogance and seek humility.

The Transience of Earthly Power
Earthly victories and power are fleeting. True success is found in aligning with God's will and purposes.

The Importance of Humility
Humility is a virtue that God honors. Christians are called to humble themselves before God and others.

Learning from History
The historical events in Daniel serve as lessons for contemporary believers, reminding us of the consequences of pride and the importance of humility.

Trusting in God's Sovereignty
Despite human conflicts and failures, God's sovereign plan prevails. Believers can trust in His ultimate control over history.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the pride of the king of the South in Daniel 11:12 serve as a warning for us today?

2. In what ways can we guard against pride in our personal and spiritual lives?

3. How does the theme of pride and downfall in Daniel 11:12 connect with the teachings of Proverbs 16:18 and James 4:6?

4. What can we learn from the transient nature of earthly power as demonstrated in this passage?

5. How can we apply the lessons of humility and reliance on God’s sovereignty in our daily decision-making and interactions with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Proverbs 16:18
This verse speaks to the theme of pride leading to destruction, which is mirrored in the king of the South's experience.

James 4:6
This New Testament passage emphasizes God's opposition to the proud and His favor towards the humble, reinforcing the lesson learned from the king of the South's downfall.

1 Corinthians 10:12
This verse warns believers to be cautious when they think they stand firm, lest they fall, paralleling the king's overconfidence and subsequent failure.