While the king of the north’s arrival is described as a terrifying, overwhelming “whirlwind,” the verse begins with the king of the south "pushing" at him first. This subtle detail suggests that the conflict isn't one-sided, but rather an aggressive initiative from the south that provokes the north's ferocious response.
“At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The prophecy is describing a final confrontation involving the "king of the north" and the "king of the south." After a series of conflicts and shifting powers, this passage signals the end of these earthly kingdoms as the "king of the north" launches a massive, overwhelming assault, signifying a period of widespread conquest and upheaval.
What does 'the time of the end' really mean? Is it just about the distant future, or does it start sooner than we imagine?
This verse kicks off with a powerful phrase: 'At the time of the end.' It's easy to hear that and immediately think of the absolute final moments of history. But in Daniel's prophecy, 'the time of the end' often refers to a period of intense conflict and culmination related to the specific powers being discussed, marking the winding up of that particular series of events.
Think of it like this: every major conflict has its own 'end times' – a period where things come to a head, decisions are made, and fates are sealed. For Daniel, speaking about the struggle between the 'king of the south' (often identified as Egypt) and the 'king of the north' (often identified as Syria, and specifically Antiochus IV Epiphanes in this context), 'the time of the end' signifies the concluding phase of their intense rivalry. It's the moment when their actions lead to a dramatic and decisive conclusion, even if it's not the absolute end of the world.
The text describes a sudden, overwhelming attack. What does this 'whirlwind' tell us about God's perspective on empires and their power?
The description of the king of the north's advance is incredibly vivid: "like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships." This isn't just a casual march; it's a picture of overwhelming, destructive force.
A Force of Nature
The 'whirlwind' metaphor emphasizes the suddenness, speed, and uncontrollable nature of the attack. It suggests an invasion that sweeps over the land, leaving devastation in its wake. The inclusion of "chariots, horsemen, and many ships" highlights the military might and the multi-faceted nature of this power – strong on land and sea.
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God's Sovereignty Over Empires
While the human power described is immense, remember this is happening within God's prophetic narrative. Even the most terrifying displays of military strength are ultimately under His sovereign hand. He reveals these events to Daniel not to inspire fear, but to show His foreknowledge and ultimate control over the rise and fall of nations. This 'whirlwind' is a powerful tool within His larger plan, shaping history according to His will.
The verse concludes with the invading force entering countries and 'overflowing and passing through.' What does this relentless expansion signify?
The final part of the verse, "And he shall enter into countries, and shall overflow and pass over," paints a picture of unstoppable conquest. This isn't just a limited skirmish; it's a widespread subjugation.
Beyond Military Might
This phrase speaks to more than just military victories. It describes a power that engulfs territories, disregards borders, and asserts dominance. The imagery of 'overflowing' suggests a force that is difficult to contain, like a flood breaking its banks. It implies a complete overwhelming of the existing order.
A Pattern of Imperial Ambition
Historically, great empires have often been characterized by this kind of relentless expansion. Whether it was the territorial ambitions of ancient Syria, the conquests of Rome, or even later powers, the drive to 'overflow and pass over' has been a recurring theme. God allows Daniel to see this pattern, reminding us that earthly powers, no matter how vast, are transient. Their ultimate end is in His hands, even as they seem to conquer everything in their path.
Understand the original words
qets · Hebrew Noun
The period or events marking the conclusion of the present age, often associated with divine judgment and the transition to the eternal kingdom.
suphah · Hebrew Noun
A violent, sweeping force often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe a sudden, overwhelming divine judgment or military invasion.
This prophecy describes a powerful, whirlwind-like invasion by the 'king of the north' against the 'king of the south' at a time of great upheaval. While some ancient interpreters saw this as a direct historical event involving Antiochus IV and Egypt, the historical record doesn't perfectly match this specific invasion described here after the Roman intervention. This suggests the prophecy might be a summary or a future-looking glimpse, possibly even pointing beyond Antiochus to later conflicts.
171-170 BC
Antiochus IV's First Invasion of Egypt
Antiochus IV Epiphanes of the Seleucid Empire (king of the north) invades Ptolemaic Egypt (king of the south) in a conflict over territory and influence.
169 BC
Antiochus IV's Second Invasion of Egypt
Antiochus IV again invades Egypt, reaching near the capital, Alexandria, but is forced to withdraw due to Roman pressure.
168 BC— this verse
Roman Intervention and Antiochus' Humiliation
Roman ambassador Gaius Popillius Laenas intercepts Antiochus IV as he prepares for a third invasion of Egypt and forces him to withdraw by drawing a circle in the dust and demanding an answer before he steps out.
166-165 BC
Antiochus IV's Final Campaign and Death
Antiochus IV launches a final, unsuccessful campaign into Persia to plunder its temples. He falls ill and dies in 164 BC.
This verse describes a power growing great toward the south, north, and pleasant land, which parallels the expansive and aggressive movements of the 'king of the north' in Daniel 11:40.
Daniel 10:13This passage speaks of the 'prince of Persia' resisting spiritual forces, hinting at the intense, ongoing spiritual warfare that undergirds the political and military conflicts described in Daniel 11, including the 'whirlwind' attack.
Revelation 13:1-7This New Testament passage describes a beast rising from the sea with great power and authority to wage war against the saints, echoing the overwhelming and destructive military force of the king of the north in Daniel 11:40.
Ezekiel 38:15This verse describes armies coming from the north, similar to the direction of the king of the north in Daniel, and emphasizes the vastness and scale of the approaching forces.
ellicottDaniel 11:40: "And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over."
(40) At the time of the end.— These verses speak of the last expedition of the northern king, and of the disappearance of the king of the south. The portrait of Antiochus, as noticed in the Note on Daniel 11:36 , was gra…
barnesDaniel 11:40: "And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over."
And at the time of the end - See Daniel 11:35 . The "time of the end" must properly denote the end or consummation of the series of events under consideration, or the matter in hand, and properly and obviously means here…
While the king of the north’s arrival is described as a terrifying, overwhelming “whirlwind,” the verse begins with the king of the south "pushing" at him first. This subtle detail suggests that the conflict isn't one-sided, but rather an aggressive initiative from the south that provokes the north's ferocious response.
The prophecy is describing a final confrontation involving the "king of the north" and the "king of the south." After a series of conflicts and shifting powers, this passage signals the end of these earthly kingdoms as the "king of the north" launches a massive, overwhelming assault, signifying a period of widespread conquest and upheaval.
The prophecy is describing a final confrontation involving the "king of the north" and the "king of the south." After a series of conflicts and shifting powers, this passage signals the end of these earthly kingdoms as the "king of the north" launches a massive, overwhelming assault, signifying a period of widespread conquest and upheaval.
"“At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass…" — While the king of the north’s arrival is described as a terrifying, overwhelming “whirlwind,” the verse begins with the king of the south "pushing" at him first. This subtle detail suggests that the…
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Last reviewed October 2026
