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Book of Daniel - Chapter 11 - Verse 5

11:5
And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.

Meaning

In this verse, the prophet Daniel is foretelling a powerful king of the south who will rise to prominence. This king will have a strong prince who will surpass him in strength and dominion. The dominion of this prince will be vast and commanding. Scholars believe that this verse refers to a historical conflict between the Seleucid king, Antiochus III (the king of the south), and one of his powerful princes, who may have been his son and successor, Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Antiochus IV Epiphanes indeed expanded the Seleucid empire and exerted great influence over the region. This verse serves as a reminder of the transient nature of power and the rise and fall of kingdoms as foreseen by the prophet Daniel. It also underscores the importance of understanding historical context and interpretation when studying biblical prophecies.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Daniel in the Old Testament contains a prophetic message about the rise of a powerful king from the south and one of his princes who will become even stronger and have great dominion. The theological interpretation of this verse revolves around the concept of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His divine plan. Some scholars suggest that this verse may refer to historical events, while others see it as a foreshadowing of future rulers and kingdoms. The word "dominion" used in this verse signifies a reign or authority that is extensive and far-reaching. Through careful word studies and analysis, we can gain a deeper understanding of the power dynamics at play and the implications of these actions within the context of biblical prophecy. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over the course of history and the rise and fall of earthly powers.

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