Daniel 11:17

He will resolve to come with the strength of his whole kingdom, and will reach an agreement with the king of the South. He will give him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom, but his plan will not succeed or help him.

Study Bible

He will resolve to come with the strength of his whole kingdom
This phrase indicates a determined and strategic move by a powerful ruler, likely referring to a king from the North, traditionally understood as the Seleucid Empire. The "strength of his whole kingdom" suggests a full mobilization of resources and military might, reflecting the historical context of Hellenistic power struggles following the division of Alexander the Great's empire. This aligns with the historical actions of Antiochus III, who sought to expand his influence over the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt.

and will reach an agreement with the king of the South
The "king of the South" is typically identified as the ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt. The agreement mentioned here is a political alliance, often sealed through marriage, a common practice in ancient diplomacy to secure peace or strengthen ties between rival powers. This reflects the historical peace treaty between Antiochus III and Ptolemy V, which included a marriage alliance.

He will give him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom
This refers to the historical event where Antiochus III gave his daughter, Cleopatra I, in marriage to Ptolemy V. The intention behind this marriage was to gain influence over Egypt and eventually control it. This tactic of using marriage to achieve political ends is well-documented in ancient history and reflects the cunning strategies employed by rulers to expand their power.

but his plan will not succeed or help him
Despite the strategic marriage, Antiochus III's plan to control Egypt through his daughter did not succeed. Cleopatra I remained loyal to her husband and the Ptolemaic Kingdom rather than siding with her father. This outcome highlights the limitations of political alliances based on marriage and the unpredictable nature of human loyalty. It also serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over human affairs, as seen throughout the book of Daniel, where human plans often fail in the face of divine will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The King of the North
This refers to a ruler from the Seleucid Empire, historically identified as Antiochus III, who sought to expand his influence and power.

2. The King of the South
This is typically understood as the ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt, with whom Antiochus III sought to make an alliance.

3. The Daughter
Historically, this is believed to be Cleopatra I, the daughter of Antiochus III, who was given in marriage to Ptolemy V of Egypt as part of a political strategy.

4. Marriage Alliance
A common political strategy in ancient times, where marriages were used to secure alliances and peace between rival kingdoms.

5. Failed Strategy
Despite the marriage alliance, the plan to destroy or control the kingdom through this union did not succeed.

Teaching Points

The Limits of Human Schemes
Human plans, no matter how well-crafted, are ultimately subject to God's sovereign will. We should seek God's guidance in our plans and trust in His ultimate purpose.

The Role of Political Alliances
While political alliances can be beneficial, they should not be relied upon as the ultimate source of security. Our trust should be in God, not in human institutions or agreements.

God's Sovereignty Over Nations
This passage reminds us that God is in control of the rise and fall of nations. We can find peace in knowing that God’s purposes will prevail, even when political situations seem uncertain.

The Importance of Integrity in Relationships
The use of marriage as a political tool in this passage serves as a caution against manipulating relationships for personal gain. We are called to integrity and sincerity in our relationships.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the failed strategy of Antiochus III illustrate the limitations of human plans when they are not aligned with God's will?

2. In what ways can we apply the lesson of God's sovereignty over nations to our current political climate?

3. How can we ensure that our personal and professional relationships are built on integrity rather than manipulation?

4. What other biblical examples can you think of where human plans were thwarted by God's intervention?

5. How can we balance the use of wisdom in planning with a trust in God's ultimate control over our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Isaiah 8:10
This verse speaks to the futility of plans that are not aligned with God's will, similar to the failed strategy of Antiochus III.

Proverbs 19:21
Highlights that many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails, reflecting the ultimate failure of human schemes against divine sovereignty.

Psalm 33:10-11
Emphasizes that the Lord foils the plans of the nations, which connects to the theme of God's sovereignty over human political maneuvers.