Daniel 11:15 (KJV)

What does Daniel 11:15 mean?

Daniel 11:15 describes a time when the "king of the north" will attack, build siege works, and capture some of the strongest fortified cities, while the "arms" (military forces) of the "south" will be unable to resist or defend themselves, even with their best troops. The verse shows a clear military defeat for the southern kingdom.

In the context of Daniel's vision, this is part of a detailed prophecy about future conflicts between northern and southern kingdoms after Alexander the Great's empire broke apart. The language highlights the overwhelming strength of the northern king and the helplessness of the southern forces, setting the stage for ongoing power struggles in the region.

The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:15

• "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melek): This word refers to a ruler or monarch, here meaning the leader of the northern kingdom, which history often connects to the Seleucid Empire.
• "mount" (סֹלְלָה, solelah): This word means a siege mound or ramp, a structure built to breach city walls. Its use shows the seriousness and preparation of the attack.
• "fenced" (מִבְצָר, mivtsar): This word means fortified or strongly defended, emphasizing that even the most secure cities could not withstand the assault.
• "arms" (זְרוֹעַ, zeroa): This term often means strength or military forces. Here, it refers to the fighting power of the southern kingdom, showing their inability to hold out.

Why Daniel 11:15 matters

• Daniel 11:15 clarifies that even the most fortified defenses and elite troops of the south will not be enough to stop the northern king, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the defeat.
• The verse emphasizes the historical reality of shifting power and the vulnerability of even the strongest human defenses, which is a theme throughout Daniel 11.
• Understanding the specific terms for siege warfare and fortifications helps readers see the level of detail and realism in Daniel's prophecy, connecting it to real historical events and tactics.