Daniel 11:13
For the king of the North will raise another army, larger than the first, and after some years he will advance with a great army and many supplies.
For the king of the North will raise another army,

Antiochus III of the Seleucid Empire recovered from his earlier defeat by Egypt at Raphia in 217 BC. Rather than accepting the loss, he rebuilt his forces, strengthened his rule, and pursued campaigns that restored Seleucid influence in the east.

2Ch 25:5-6 Then Amaziah gathered the people of Judah…
2Ch 11:1 When Rehoboam arrived in Jerusalem, he mobilized…

larger than the first,

His renewed military strength reflected years of conquest, political consolidation, and access to greater resources. The Seleucid king prepared to challenge the Ptolemaic kingdom again, demonstrating how quickly earthly power can recover and turn again toward war.

2Ch 13:3 Abijah went into battle with an army of 400,000 chosen…
1Ki 20:25 And you must raise an army like the one you have lost—…

and after some years

More than a decade passed before Antiochus moved decisively against Egypt. During that interval, Ptolemy IV died, leaving the young Ptolemy V under regents, while internal weakness and rebellion diminished Egyptian stability.

1Ki 20:22 Afterward, the prophet approached the king of Israel…
2Sa 13:23 Two years later, when Absalom’s sheepshearers were…

he will advance with a great army

Around 202–201 BC, Antiochus III launched the Fifth Syrian War and moved southward to seize Coele-Syria and Palestine. His campaign brought the land of Israel under Seleucid control, placing God’s people once more amid the conflicts of greater empires.

2Ki 18:17 Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan,…
2Ch 20:2 Then some men came and told Jehoshaphat, “A vast army…

and many supplies.

Antiochus came equipped for a sustained campaign, with provisions, weapons, transport, and the wealth required to support a large army. The detailed fulfillment of these events shows that kingdoms, armies, and rulers remain subject to the sovereign purpose of God.

2Ch 11:11-12 He strengthened their fortifications and put officers…
2Ch 17:13 and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah.…

Persons / Places / Events
1. King of the North
This refers to a ruler from the northern territories relative to Israel, historically associated with the Seleucid Empire. In the context of Daniel 11, it often points to Antiochus III, also known as Antiochus the Great.

2. Greater Army
The passage speaks of a military force that surpasses a previous one in size and strength, indicating a significant military campaign.

3. Many Supplies
This suggests a well-prepared and well-equipped military endeavor, emphasizing the logistical support behind the campaign.

4. After Some Years
This phrase indicates a period of preparation and planning, suggesting that the events described are not immediate but occur after a strategic delay.

5. Advance
The movement of the army signifies an aggressive military action, likely aimed at expanding territory or influence.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in History
Despite the rise and fall of earthly powers, God remains in control. Believers can trust in His ultimate plan and purpose.

Preparation and Patience
The phrase "after some years" reminds us of the importance of preparation and patience in our own lives. God's timing is perfect, and we must be willing to wait for His plans to unfold.

Spiritual Warfare
Just as physical armies prepare for battle, Christians are called to be spiritually prepared, putting on the full armor of God to stand firm against spiritual adversaries.

The Futility of Earthly Power
The passage highlights the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms. Believers are encouraged to focus on the eternal kingdom of God rather than temporal power.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the rise of the king of the North in Daniel 11:13 reflect God's sovereignty over historical events?

2. In what ways can we apply the concept of preparation and patience from this passage to our spiritual lives?

3. How does the description of a "greater army" and "many supplies" challenge us to be spiritually equipped in our daily walk with God?

4. What parallels can we draw between the military campaigns in Daniel 11 and the spiritual battles described in Ephesians 6:10-18?

5. How does understanding the temporary nature of earthly kingdoms influence our priorities and decisions as Christians?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 8:9-12
This passage also discusses the rise of a powerful figure from the north, providing a broader context for understanding the ambitions and actions of the king of the North.

Revelation 16:12-16
The gathering of armies in the end times can be seen as a parallel to the military movements described in Daniel, highlighting themes of conflict and divine sovereignty.

Isaiah 10:5-19
This passage speaks of the Assyrian king as an instrument of God's judgment, which can be related to the role of the king of the North as part of God's overarching plan.
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
Abundant, Advance, Army, Attack, Caused, Certainly, Equipment, Equipped, Force, Former, Forth, Fully, Greater, Huge, Interval, Larger, Multitude, Muster, North, Press, Raise, Return, Riches, Several, Stand, Substance, Supplies, Wealth
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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