He shall also carry off to Egypt their gods with their metal images and their precious vessels of silver and gold, and for some years he shall refrain from attacking the king of the north.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's striking here is that Ptolemy doesn't just plunder wealth; he carries off the gods and their molten images. This act of taking idols, especially Egyptian ones that had been stolen previously, was a powerful political move to win over the people of Egypt and secure his reign.
He shall also carry off to Egypt their gods with their metal images and their precious vessels of silver and gold, and for some years he shall refrain from attacking the king of the north.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The king of the South, Ptolemy IV Philopator, has just achieved a major victory over the king of the North, Seleucus III Ceraunus (or possibly his successor Antiochus III the Great). Following this triumph, Ptolemy plunders the enemy's territory, confiscating not only riches like silver and gold vessels but also their idols and even their leaders, taking them back to Egypt. This victory and the return of plundered deities greatly pleased the Egyptians, earning Ptolemy the title "Euergetes" (Benefactor). The passage concludes by noting that Ptolemy will outlive his rival, the king of the North, for several years.
Ever wonder what happens to the 'gods' of defeated nations? This verse reveals a shocking display of power and a subtle theological message.
When the 'king of the south' (Ptolemy III Euergetes) victoriousy returned from his campaign against the 'king of the north' (Seleucus II Callinicus), he didn't just bring back silver and gold. He took their gods – their idols and religious artifacts – captive to Egypt.
This wasn't just about looting; it was a profound act of political and religious statement. By capturing the very deities his enemies worshipped, Ptolemy was essentially declaring their impotence and asserting his own dominance. He even captured Egyptian idols that had previously been taken to Persia, restoring them to their rightful places in Egypt. This act earned him the title 'Euergetes,' meaning 'benefactor,' as it endeared him to the idolatrous Egyptians.
War isn't always a continuous battle. Sometimes, the most strategic move is a temporary retreat, a moment of rebuilding before the next engagement.
The latter part of Daniel 11:8 speaks of the king of the south refraining from attacking the king of the north 'for some years.' This wasn't necessarily a sign of weakness, but often a strategic decision.
After a major military campaign, a leader needs time to consolidate gains, manage resources, and perhaps deal with internal affairs. Ptolemy Euergetes, having achieved significant victory and plundered vast treasures, was likely focused on administering his expanded territories and enjoying the fruits of his conquest. This period of relative peace allowed both sides to regroup, setting the stage for future conflicts described later in the chapter.
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Understand the original words
elohim / massēkah · Hebrew Noun phrase
Refers to the idols and cultic objects worshipped by pagan nations. In the Old Testament, these are strictly forbidden as they represent false worship and competition with the glory and exclusivity of the LORD.
This verse likely refers to Antiochus III's campaign against Ptolemy IV, where he plundered temples and cities, carrying off idols and treasures. The mention of 'continuing more years' may allude to the prolonged conflict between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties, with Antiochus III outliving Ptolemy IV.
c. 205 BC
Ptolemy IV Philopator's Reign Begins
Ptolemy IV, the 'king of the south,' inherits the Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt, facing internal challenges and external threats from the Seleucid Empire.
204-201 BC
Fifth Syrian War
The Seleucid king Antiochus III the Great ('king of the north') wages war against Ptolemy IV, seeking to regain control of Coele-Syria.
201 BC
Battle of Panium
Antiochus III decisively defeats the Egyptian forces at the Battle of Panium, securing control of Judea and other territories.
201 BC— this verse
Seleucid Spoils from Egypt
Antiochus III strips cities and temples in Coele-Syria of their valuable treasures and religious artifacts, carrying them off as booty.
c. 198 BC
Ptolemy V Ascends the Throne
Ptolemy V begins his reign as a child, leaving Egypt vulnerable and cementing Antiochus III's territorial gains.
c. 187 BC
Antiochus III's Death
Antiochus III dies, having consolidated much of the former Seleucid empire but failing to fully subjugate Ptolemaic Egypt.
This verse, like Daniel 11:8, highlights the significance of taking 'gods' as plunder during a divine act of judgment, emphasizing God's sovereignty over all idols.
Isaiah 10:12-14This passage speaks of Assyria boasting about conquering nations and taking their gods, paralleling the theme of kings plundering idols and nations.
Jeremiah 51:17-18This prophecy describes the plundering of Babylon's gods and precious items, similar to what is depicted in Daniel 11:8, showing the futility of idols.
Ezekiel 32:21-27This imagery of fallen kings and mighty warriors taken captive to the underworld, carrying their weapons and idols, echoes the concept of defeated powers and their gods being brought down and displayed.
barnesDaniel 11:8: "And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north."
And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods ... - That is, their idols. Jerome (in loc.) says that Ptolemy took with him, on his return, forty thousand talents of silver, a vast number of precious vessels of gold, and images to the number of two thousand four hundred, among which were m…
clarkeDaniel 11:8: "And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north."
He shall continue more years - Seleucus Callinicus died (an exile) by a fall from his horse; and Ptolemy Euergetes survived him four or five years. - Bp. Newton.
What's striking here is that Ptolemy doesn't just plunder wealth; he carries off the gods and their molten images. This act of taking idols, especially Egyptian ones that had been stolen previously, was a powerful political move to win over the people of Egypt and secure his reign.
The king of the South, Ptolemy IV Philopator, has just achieved a major victory over the king of the North, Seleucus III Ceraunus (or possibly his successor Antiochus III the Great). Following this triumph, Ptolemy plunders the enemy's territory, confiscating not only riches like silver and gold vessels but also their idols and even their leaders, taking them back to Egypt. This victory and the return of plundered deities greatly pleased the Egyptians, earning Ptolemy the title "Euergetes" (Benefactor). The passage concludes by noting that Ptolemy will outlive his rival, the king of the North, for several years.
The king of the South, Ptolemy IV Philopator, has just achieved a major victory over the king of the North, Seleucus III Ceraunus (or possibly his successor Antiochus III the Great). Following this triumph, Ptolemy plunders the enemy's territory, confiscating not only riches like silver and gold vessels but also their idols and even their leaders, taking them back to Egypt. This victory and the return of plundered deities greatly pleased the Egyptians, earning Ptolemy the title "Euergetes" (Benefactor). The passage concludes by noting that Ptolemy will outlive his rival, the king of the North, for several years.
"He shall also carry off to Egypt their gods with their metal images and their precious vessels of silver and gold, and for some years he shall refrain from attacking the king of the north." — What's striking here is that Ptolemy doesn't just plunder wealth; he carries off the gods and their molten images. This act of taking idols, especially Egyptian ones that had been stolen previously…
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Last reviewed October 2026