This verse isn't just about a military clash; it highlights how often outward strength ("great army") is undone by internal betrayal. The king of the south, despite mustering a formidable force, is destined to fall not to his enemy's might, but to "devices" — treacherous plots hatched against him from within his own camp.
And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army. And the king of the south shall wage war with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he shall not stand, for plots shall be devised against him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse details the escalation of conflict between the "king of the north" (Antiochus Epiphanes) and the "king of the south" (Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt). After previous deceptive tactics, Antiochus launches a full-scale invasion with a massive army, even though Ptolemy also mobilizes a formidable force. Despite the Egyptian king's preparations, he's ultimately defeated not just by Antiochus's military might but by treacherous plots devised against him by his own people.
Ever felt like you're facing an overwhelming force, only to realize the real danger is hidden?
Verse 25 describes a massive military confrontation. The 'king of the north' (historically Antiochus Epiphanes) amasses a 'great army' and attacks the 'king of the south' (Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt). Even though the king of the south gathers an 'exceedingly great and mighty army,' he ultimately 'shall not stand.'
This isn't just a clash of armies. The key phrase is 'plots shall be devised against him.' While military might is on display, the prophecy points to something more insidious: betrayal and internal treachery undermining the southern king's position. This highlights that sometimes, the greatest threats aren't external battles but internal conspiracies.
You can have all the resources, all the people, but still fall. Why?
The prophecy emphasizes the immense military power assembled by both sides: a 'great army' from the north, and an 'exceedingly great and mighty army' from the south. It seems like a fair, or even favorable, fight for the king of the south on paper. Yet, he 'shall not stand.'
This reveals a crucial truth: numerical strength and material power don't guarantee victory. The prophecy implies that the southern king's downfall wasn't due to a lack of resources, but a failure to recognize or counter the 'plots' being hatched against him. True security and standing don't solely come from outward appearances or sheer force, but from inner integrity, wise counsel, and vigilance against deceit.
Understand the original words
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machashabah · Hebrew Noun
A scheme, plot, or conspiracy devised with evil intent. In Scripture, it often refers to human efforts to circumvent the sovereignty of God.
Daniel 11:25 vividly portrays Antiochus IV Epiphanes' aggressive military campaigns against Egypt. The verse highlights not only the military might involved but also the internal treachery and political instability within Egypt that contributed to Antiochus's successes.
c. 200 BC
Seleucid Empire Claims Coele-Syria
Antiochus III the Great, ruler of the Seleucid Empire (the 'he' in Daniel 11), asserts his claim over Coele-Syria, a region vital for controlling access to Egypt. This sets the stage for ongoing conflict with the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.
197 BC
Ptolemaic Egypt Weakened
Ptolemy V Epiphanes inherits the Egyptian throne as a minor, making the kingdom vulnerable. Antiochus III capitalizes on this weakness, initiating military campaigns to secure Coele-Syria.
190 BC
Battle of Magnesia
Antiochus III suffers a decisive defeat against the Roman Republic at the Battle of Magnesia. This significantly weakens the Seleucid Empire and impacts Antiochus's ability to wage war effectively in the following years.
c. 170 BC— this verse
Antiochus IV Invades Egypt
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, son of Antiochus III, launches a major invasion of Egypt against the young Ptolemy VI Philometor (the 'king of the south'). This is the first of several such invasions.
c. 168 BC
Antiochus IV's Second Invasion
Following internal Egyptian political turmoil and the elevation of Ptolemy VIII Physcon, Antiochus IV invades Egypt again. He defeats the Egyptian forces and advances deeply into the country, even besieging Alexandria.
This verse speaks of a horn growing 'exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the beautiful land,' mirroring the aggressive expansion and conflict described in Daniel 11:25.
This historical account directly parallels Daniel 11:25, describing Antiochus' invasion of Egypt with a 'great multitude, with chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a great navy' and the subsequent defeat of Ptolemy.
The theme of trusting in human strength ('great army,' 'mighty army') leading to ruin, contrasted with reliance on God, echoes the downfall of the king of the south despite his might.
Daniel 11:27This verse immediately follows, revealing that the kings involved will 'speak lies at one table,' directly explaining the 'devices' and treachery mentioned in verse 25 as the cause of the southern king's defeat.
Psalm 20:7This Psalm contrasts the futility of relying on chariots and horses with the strength found in the name of the Lord, offering a spiritual perspective on the military might and ultimate failure described in Daniel 11:25.
ellicottDaniel 11:25: "And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him."
(25) The south.— Here, for the first time in the second portion of the prophecy, mention is made of the southern king. It is highly probable that the deceit mentioned in the last three verses had this king and his provinces for…
jfbDaniel 11:25: "And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him."
- A fuller detail of what was summarily stated (Da 11:22-24). This is the first of Antiochus' three (Da 11:29) open invasions of Egypt.against the king of the south—against Ptolemy Philometer. Subsequently, Ptolemy Physcon (t…
This verse isn't just about a military clash; it highlights how often outward strength ("great army") is undone by internal betrayal. The king of the south, despite mustering a formidable force, is destined to fall not to his enemy's might, but to "devices" — treacherous plots hatched against him from within his own camp.
This verse details the escalation of conflict between the "king of the north" (Antiochus Epiphanes) and the "king of the south" (Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt). After previous deceptive tactics, Antiochus launches a full-scale invasion with a massive army, even though Ptolemy also mobilizes a formidable force. Despite the Egyptian king's preparations, he's ultimately defeated not just by Antiochus's military might but by treacherous plots devised against him by his own people.
This verse details the escalation of conflict between the "king of the north" (Antiochus Epiphanes) and the "king of the south" (Ptolemy Philometor of Egypt). After previous deceptive tactics, Antiochus launches a full-scale invasion with a massive army, even though Ptolemy also mobilizes a formidable force. Despite the Egyptian king's preparations, he's ultimately defeated not just by Antiochus's military might but by treacherous plots devised against him by his own people.
"And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army. And the king of the south shall wage war with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he shall not stand, for plots shall be devised against hi…" — This verse isn't just about a military clash; it highlights how often outward strength ("great army") is undone by internal betrayal. The king of the south, despite mustering a formidable force, is d…
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Last reviewed October 2026
