He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to read this as simply a list of conquered peoples and treasures, but the phrase "shall be at his steps" is richer than just marching along. It vividly portrays these surrounding nations – Libyans and Cushites – as completely subordinate, trailing behind him like loyal followers or even captives, utterly under his control. This detail emphasizes the vast extent of his dominion and the complete subjugation of Egypt's allies.
He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage describes the triumph of a northern king, likely Antiochus IV Epiphanes, after a period of conflict and setbacks in Egypt. He will seize vast wealth from the defeated land, and surrounding nations like Libya and Ethiopia will be forced to follow in his victorious procession, acknowledging his power.
Imagine standing victorious, not just over armies, but over the very wealth and resources of a nation. This verse paints a vivid picture of complete control.
The passage highlights the immense power wielded by the conqueror. It's not just about military might, but about claiming the 'treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt.' This signifies not only material wealth but also the control of a nation's economy and assets.
Beyond Material Wealth
This dominion extends to 'all the precious things.' This can be interpreted to include not just literal riches but also cultural artifacts, intellectual property, or anything that holds value and signifies the prestige and power of Egypt. The conqueror possesses the fruits of Egypt's labor and prosperity.
The victory isn't just about Egypt; it's about how other peoples respond to this new power. Who are these followers, and what does their allegiance signify?
The verse names the 'Libyans and the Ethiopians' as those who 'shall follow in his train.' These were neighboring nations, often allied with or subject to Egypt. Their inclusion signifies the far-reaching impact of the conquest.
A Symbol of Extended Authority
Their presence isn't merely incidental; it demonstrates the conqueror's extended authority and influence beyond Egypt's borders. They are not necessarily willing allies but are depicted as being 'at his steps,' suggesting a compelled association or subjugation. This illustrates how a significant victory can reshape regional power dynamics and alliances.
Ask a follow-up
This verse describes the triumphant plunder of Egypt by Antiochus III after his successful campaigns, highlighting the vast wealth and the subjugation of surrounding peoples like the Libyans and Ethiopians under his dominion.
204 BC
Ptolemy V Ascends Throne
Ptolemy V, a child king, ascended the throne of Egypt, leading to a period of instability and foreign intervention as factions vied for control.
c. 200 BC
First Syrian War (Ptolemaic)
Antiochus III of the Seleucid Empire invaded Coele-Syria, marking the beginning of conflicts over the region between the Seleucids and the Ptolemies.
197-196 BC— this verse
Antiochus III's Egyptian Campaign
Antiochus III launched a major campaign against Egypt, conquering much of Palestine and Phoenicia and threatening to annex Egypt itself. This is the context for Daniel 11:40-43.
196 BC
Treaty Between Antiochus III and Ptolemy V
A treaty was likely concluded, possibly through marriage, which temporarily halted Antiochus's advance and secured his gains, though the specifics are debated.
190 BC
Battle of Magnesia
Rome defeated Antiochus III decisively at the Battle of Magnesia, significantly weakening the Seleucid Empire and preventing further expansion into Egypt.
c. 160s BC
Antiochus IV Epiphanes's Rule
Antiochus IV, Antiochus III's son, continued the Seleucid-Ptolemaic rivalry, famously attempting to conquer Egypt but being forced to withdraw by Roman intervention. This period is also often associated with parts of Daniel 11.
This passage also lists Libyans and Cushites (Ethiopians) as allies of Egypt, highlighting their historical connection and military involvement with the nation, which provides context for their appearance in Daniel's prophecy.
Ezekiel 30:5Similar to Daniel, Ezekiel mentions Cush and other North African nations (like Libya) allied with Egypt, underscoring the prophetic pattern of these regions being linked to Egypt's political and military fate.
This historical account of Antiochus IV Epiphanes' conquest of Egypt directly parallels Daniel's prophecy, mentioning his seizure of treasures and spoils, giving a historical example of the fulfillment described.
This prophetic oracle against Nineveh also mentions Cush and Egypt together as sources of strength and aid, indicating a long-standing association between these regions that Daniel is referencing.
ellicottDaniel 11:43: "But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps."
(43) Libyans . . . Ethiopians.— These nations are specified as allies of Egypt. (See Ezekiel 30:5 ; Jeremiah 46:9 .) They are represented as following the steps of the conqueror (comp. Exodus 11:8 ), and as submitting themselves to him.
pulpitDaniel 11:43: "But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps."
Verse 43. - But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. The rendering of the LXX. is somewhat fuller, "He shall have power over the place of gold and the place of silver, and over all the desir…
It's easy to read this as simply a list of conquered peoples and treasures, but the phrase "shall be at his steps" is richer than just marching along. It vividly portrays these surrounding nations – Libyans and Cushites – as completely subordinate, trailing behind him like loyal followers or even captives, utterly under his control. This detail emphasizes the vast extent of his dominion and the complete subjugation of Egypt's allies.
This passage describes the triumph of a northern king, likely Antiochus IV Epiphanes, after a period of conflict and setbacks in Egypt. He will seize vast wealth from the defeated land, and surrounding nations like Libya and Ethiopia will be forced to follow in his victorious procession, acknowledging his power.
This passage describes the triumph of a northern king, likely Antiochus IV Epiphanes, after a period of conflict and setbacks in Egypt. He will seize vast wealth from the defeated land, and surrounding nations like Libya and Ethiopia will be forced to follow in his victorious procession, acknowledging his power.
"He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train." — It's easy to read this as simply a list of conquered peoples and treasures, but the phrase "shall be at his steps" is richer than just marching along. It vividly portrays these surrounding nations –…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026