Daniel 11:29

Authorized King James Version

PDF

At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.

Original Language Analysis

לַמּוֹעֵ֥ד At the time appointed H4150
לַמּוֹעֵ֥ד At the time appointed
Strong's: H4150
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
יָשׁ֖וּב he shall return H7725
יָשׁ֖וּב he shall return
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 2 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וּבָ֣א and come H935
וּבָ֣א and come
Strong's: H935
Word #: 3 of 8
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בַנֶּ֑גֶב toward the south H5045
בַנֶּ֑גֶב toward the south
Strong's: H5045
Word #: 4 of 8
the south (from its drought); specifically, the negeb or southern district of judah, occasionally, egypt (as south to palestine)
וְלֹֽא H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִהְיֶ֥ה H1961
תִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 6 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כָרִאשֹׁנָ֖ה but it shall not be as the former H7223
כָרִאשֹׁנָ֖ה but it shall not be as the former
Strong's: H7223
Word #: 7 of 8
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
וְכָאַחֲרוֹנָֽה׃ or as the latter H314
וְכָאַחֲרוֹנָֽה׃ or as the latter
Strong's: H314
Word #: 8 of 8
hinder; generally, late or last; specifically (as facing the east) western

Analysis & Commentary

Antiochus's second Egyptian campaign (168 BC) was less successful than the first—Roman intervention forced his withdrawal. The phrase 'it shall not be as the former' accurately predicts different outcome. Rome's growing power limited Seleucid expansion.

Historical Context

Daniel chapter 11 contains some of Scripture's most detailed predictive prophecy, written c. 536 BC and fulfilled with remarkable precision 200-160 BC during Ptolemaic-Seleucid conflicts. The prophecies served multiple purposes: encouraging Jewish exiles that God controls history, providing roadmap for future generations facing Hellenistic pressures, and typologically pointing to end-times Antichrist. Reformed theology sees dual fulfillment: near historical events (Antiochus Epiphanes) typifying far eschatological realities (final Antichrist). This pattern validates divine inspiration—only God knows future details with such precision. For believers under persecution, these prophecies demonstrated that tyrannical opposition is temporary, God's sovereignty absolute, and ultimate victory certain. The historical fulfillment encourages trust that eschatological promises will similarly fulfill exactly as prophesied.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

People