Daniel 11:8
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)
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What's truly striking here is not just the plunder of silver and gold, but the taking of "their gods." This act wasn't just about wealth; it was a profound statement of dominance, symbolically stripping the defeated people of their divine protection and power by seizing their idols and religiously charged artifacts.
The king of the South (Ptolemy) has just achieved a stunning victory over the king of the North (Seleucus), seizing vast wealth and even capturing idols. He then returns to Egypt with this immense spoil, including many restored Egyptian gods, which earns him the title "Benefactor" from his people. Following this triumph, Ptolemy will live for several years, effectively holding the upper hand over his defeated rival.
What does a conqueror do with the gods of the defeated? It's not just about treasure; it's about asserting dominance.
Trophies of Triumph
When the "king of the south" (Ptolemy III Euergetes) successfully invaded the territories of the "king of the north" (Seleucus II Callinicus), he didn't just take gold and silver. Verse 8 tells us he "shall also carry off to Egypt their gods with their metal images and their precious vessels."
This wasn't merely looting. Taking the gods of a people was a profound statement of conquest. It declared that the conqueror's gods were supreme, and the defeated nation's deities were powerless.
Imagine the psychological impact: seeing your own sacred idols carted away as trophies! This act aimed to humiliate and demoralize, cementing Ptolemy's victory and demonstrating the might of Egypt and its gods over those of the north.
After a massive victory, why would a leader suddenly stop fighting? This verse reveals a calculated shift in strategy.
The Years of Restraint
The latter part of verse 8 says, 'and for some years he shall refrain from attacking the king of the north.' This might seem counterintuitive. Ptolemy had just achieved a significant victory, extending his reach far beyond his borders.
Why the Pause?
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 captures a moment of immense plunder and political maneuvering following a major military victory by the Egyptian king, Ptolemy III Euergetes, against the northern Seleucid kingdom. The carrying off of gods and precious items was not just military conquest but a symbolic act aimed at demoralizing the enemy and solidifying Ptolemaic power and influence, especially within Egypt itself.
c. 246-221 BC
Ptolemy III Euergetes reigns in Egypt
Ptolemy III Euergetes, often called 'the Benefactor,' reigned during a period of conflict with the Seleucid kings to the north. He initiated military campaigns that extended Egyptian influence.
c. 246-226 BC
Seleucus II Callinicus reigns in the North
Seleucus II Callinicus, the 'king of the north,' was involved in ongoing wars with Ptolemaic Egypt during much of his reign.
c. 240 BC
Ptolemy's Great Campaign into the East
Ptolemy III launched a massive military campaign, conquering Seleucid territories in Syria, Mesopotamia, and even into Persia, plundering vast treasures.
c. 239-238 BC
Ptolemy loots Antioch and Syria
Ptolemy's forces captured the Seleucid capital of Antioch and looted its extensive wealth, including significant religious artifacts and idols.
This verse, like Daniel 11:8, highlights the significance of gods and their plunder being taken during a major divine intervention and conquest.
Jeremiah 50:2Jeremiah prophesies the downfall of Babylon, mentioning the carrying away of gods and idols, mirroring the theme of capturing the deities of conquered nations seen in Daniel 11:8.
Isaiah 46:1-2This passage directly addresses the helplessness of Babylonian idols ('Bel,' 'Nebo') being carried away as captured spoil, much like the 'gods' mentioned in Daniel 11:8.
2 Kings 19:18Hezekiah prays to God, listing the idols of other nations that were destroyed or captured, reflecting the common ancient practice of taking enemy gods as a sign of victory, as seen in Daniel 11:8.
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 truly striking here is not just the plunder of silver and gold, but the taking of "their gods." This act wasn't just about wealth; it was a profound statement of dominance, symbolically stripping the defeated people of their divine protection and power by seizing their idols and religiously charged artifacts.
The king of the South (Ptolemy) has just achieved a stunning victory over the king of the North (Seleucus), seizing vast wealth and even capturing idols. He then returns to Egypt with this immense spoil, including many restored Egyptian gods, which earns him the title "Benefactor" from his people. Following this triumph, Ptolemy will live for several years, effectively holding the upper hand over his defeated rival.
The king of the South (Ptolemy) has just achieved a stunning victory over the king of the North (Seleucus), seizing vast wealth and even capturing idols. He then returns to Egypt with this immense spoil, including many restored Egyptian gods, which earns him the title "Benefactor" from his people. Following this triumph, Ptolemy will live for several years, effectively holding the upper hand over his defeated rival.
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This period of 'refraining' wasn't necessarily weakness, but a deliberate pause in a larger, ongoing geopolitical struggle.
c. 238 BC— this verse
Ptolemy brings spoils back to Egypt
Ptolemy III returned to Egypt with immense spoils, including idols and precious vessels of silver and gold. He notably restored Egyptian idols previously taken by the Persians, earning him the title 'Euergetes' (Benefactor).
226 BC
Death of Seleucus II Callinicus
The king of the north, Seleucus II, died, succeeded by his son Seleucus III.
221 BC
Death of Ptolemy III Euergetes
Ptolemy III Euergetes died after a long and successful reign, outliving his northern rival, Seleucus II, by 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 truly striking here is not just the plunder of silver and gold, but the taking of "their gods." This act wasn't just about wealth; it was a profound statement of dominance, symbolically stripp…
