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.
DANIEL 11:43KJVWhat does Daniel 11:43 mean?
Daniel 11:43 describes a powerful ruler who will control great wealth, specifically the treasures of gold and silver, and all the valuable things of Egypt. The verse also says that the Libyans and Ethiopians will be in close pursuit or under his influence.
This verse is part of a vision given to Daniel, where an angel explains future conflicts involving kings and kingdoms. The focus here is on a king who conquers Egypt and gains its riches, with neighboring peoples like the Libyans and Ethiopians either following him or falling under his control. The passage uses vivid language to show the extent of this ruler’s dominance in the region.
The Hebrew behind Daniel 11:43
- The word for "power" is מָשַׁל (mashal), which often means to rule or have dominion. This highlights that the ruler is not just wealthy but exercises real authority over these treasures.
- "Treasures" is מִסְכְּנוֹת (miskənôt), meaning storehouses or depositories, emphasizing not just scattered wealth but organized, controlled riches.
- "Steps" is מִצְעָד (mitza'ad), which can mean footsteps or following. Here, it suggests that the Libyans and Ethiopians are either closely following the conqueror or are in his immediate sphere of influence.
Why Daniel 11:43 matters
- Daniel 11:43 clarifies that the ruler’s power is not limited to military conquest but extends to economic control, especially over Egypt’s famed wealth.
- The mention of the Libyans and Ethiopians shows that the ruler’s influence spreads beyond Egypt, affecting other significant nations in North Africa.
- This verse helps set the stage for the dramatic events that follow in Daniel 11, showing the far-reaching impact of this king’s actions and the shifting alliances and powers in the ancient world.