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 has arisen
This phrase refers to the sudden rise of a powerful leader. In the historical context, this is often associated with Alexander the Great, whose rapid ascent to power was unprecedented. The Hebrew root for "arisen" (קוּם, qum) implies standing up or establishing oneself, indicating a swift and decisive emergence. This can inspire believers to recognize the transient nature of earthly power and the importance of establishing oneself in faith and righteousness.

his empire will be broken up
The phrase signifies the fragmentation of a once-unified kingdom. Historically, after Alexander's death, his empire was divided among his generals, known as the Diadochi. The Hebrew word for "broken up" (שָׁבַר, shabar) conveys the idea of shattering or breaking into pieces. This serves as a reminder of the fragility of human endeavors and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations.

and parceled out to the four winds of heaven
This imagery of the "four winds" suggests a distribution in all directions, symbolizing the division of Alexander's empire into four major regions. The phrase "four winds" (אַרְבַּע רוּחוֹת, arba ruachot) is often used in Scripture to denote universality or completeness. It underscores the idea that human plans are subject to divine orchestration, and God's purposes encompass the entire world.

It will not go to his descendants
This indicates that the empire will not remain within Alexander's family line. Historically, his sons did not inherit the kingdom, which was instead divided among his generals. The Hebrew term for "descendants" (אַחֲרִית, acharit) can also mean "posterity" or "future generations." This highlights the biblical theme that earthly legacies are uncertain, and true inheritance is found in spiritual lineage.

nor will it have the power he exercised
The phrase points to the diminished authority of the divided kingdoms compared to the original empire. The Hebrew word for "power" (שָׁלִיט, shalit) implies dominion or control. This serves as a cautionary tale about the fleeting nature of worldly power and the enduring strength found in God's kingdom.

because his empire will be uprooted
The imagery of being "uprooted" suggests a complete removal or destruction. The Hebrew root (נָתַשׁ, natash) conveys the idea of pulling up by the roots, indicating a thorough and irreversible change. This can inspire believers to root themselves in the eternal truths of Scripture, which cannot be shaken or removed.

and given to others
This final phrase emphasizes the transfer of power to those outside the original lineage. It reflects the biblical principle that God raises and lowers leaders according to His will. The Hebrew word for "given" (נָתַן, natan) means to bestow or grant, reminding us that all authority ultimately comes from God and is entrusted to individuals for His purposes. This encourages believers to steward their God-given roles with humility and faithfulness.

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.