He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silverThis phrase indicates a significant accumulation of wealth and power. Historically, Egypt was known for its vast wealth, particularly in gold and silver, which were symbols of economic strength. The control over these treasures suggests a dominant political and military influence. In biblical context, wealth often signifies power and influence, as seen in the reigns of kings like Solomon (
1 Kings 10:14-29). This control could also symbolize the broader theme of earthly kingdoms and their transient nature compared to God's eternal kingdom.
and over all the riches of Egypt
Egypt, a prominent nation in biblical history, was often seen as a symbol of worldly power and idolatry. The phrase suggests a complete domination over Egypt's resources, reflecting the historical invasions and conquests by foreign powers. Egypt's wealth was not only in precious metals but also in agriculture and trade. This control could be seen as a fulfillment of prophecies regarding the rise and fall of nations, as Egypt was frequently mentioned in prophetic literature (Isaiah 19,Ezekiel 29-30).
and the Libyans and Cushites will also submit to him
Libya and Cush (modern-day Sudan and parts of Ethiopia) were regions south and west of Egypt, known for their own distinct cultures and resources. Their submission indicates a broader geopolitical influence extending beyond Egypt. Historically, these regions had interactions with Israel and Egypt, often as allies or adversaries (Jeremiah 46:9,Ezekiel 30:4-5). The submission of these nations could symbolize the reach of the prophesied ruler's power, aligning with the biblical theme of God's sovereignty over all nations (Psalm 22:28). This also reflects the eschatological vision where all nations ultimately submit to God's authority.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The King of the NorthThis figure is a central character in
Daniel 11, often interpreted as a powerful ruler or empire that rises in opposition to God's people. In the context of verse 43, he is the one who gains control over Egypt's treasures.
2.
EgyptA historically significant nation in the Bible, often representing wealth and power. In this verse, Egypt's riches are seized by the King of the North.
3.
LibyansPeople from the region west of Egypt, historically known for their interactions with Egypt and other Mediterranean cultures. They are mentioned as following the King of the North.
4.
CushitesReferring to people from the region south of Egypt, often associated with modern-day Sudan and Ethiopia. Like the Libyans, they are depicted as aligning with the King of the North.
5.
Treasures of Gold and SilverSymbolic of wealth and material power, these treasures represent the economic dominance the King of the North achieves.
Teaching Points
The Transience of Earthly WealthEarthly riches, like those of Egypt, are temporary and can be easily lost or taken. Believers are encouraged to store up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
The Sovereignty of God Over NationsDespite the rise and fall of powerful nations and leaders, God remains sovereign. This should reassure believers that God's plans will ultimately prevail.
The Danger of Aligning with Worldly PowersThe Libyans and Cushites following the King of the North serve as a warning against aligning with worldly powers that oppose God's kingdom.
The Fulfillment of ProphecyThe events in
Daniel 11:43 remind us of the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecy, encouraging believers to trust in God's Word.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Daniel 11:43?
2.How does Daniel 11:43 illustrate God's sovereignty over wealth and power?
3.What lessons on material wealth can we learn from Daniel 11:43?
4.How does Daniel 11:43 connect with Jesus' teachings on earthly riches?
5.How can we apply Daniel 11:43 to resist the temptation of greed today?
6.What does Daniel 11:43 teach about the temporary nature of earthly possessions?
7.What does Daniel 11:43 reveal about God's control over wealth and power?
8.How does Daniel 11:43 relate to historical events in Egypt and Libya?
9.What is the significance of the treasures mentioned in Daniel 11:43?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 11?
11.What does the Bible say about the King of the South?
12.Who was Jeroboam in the Bible?
13.(Genesis 43) Do the narrative details and timelines align with any reliable extra-biblical sources or known historical events in Egypt and Canaan?
14.Why does Daniel 11:3-4 describe the rapid rise and division of a Greek empire that historical sources suggest lasted longer and split differently?What Does Daniel 11:43 Mean
He will gain control• In the flow ofDaniel 11, the pronoun “he” points back to the “king of the North” (Daniel 11:40). Historically this fits Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who swept south toward Egypt after earlier victories (Daniel 11:22–25).
• Prophetically the verse foreshadows the final world ruler who will repeat Antiochus’s pattern on a larger scale (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4;Revelation 13:4–7).
• God’s Word shows that such authority is never self-generated; it is allowed by the Lord for His purposes (Romans 13:1;Daniel 4:17).
of the treasures of gold and silver• The phrase stresses the conqueror’s reach into Egypt’s famed wealth. Like Solomon’s hoarded riches (1 Kings 10:21) and Nebuchadnezzar’s plunder of Jerusalem’s temple vessels (2 Kings 24:13), Egypt’s stores now change hands.
• The literal seizure of precious metals underscores total domination—economic as well as military (Genesis 47:14–17).
• Scripture repeatedly warns how fleeting material treasure is when nations rebel against God (Proverbs 11:4;James 5:1–3).
and over all the riches of Egypt• Egypt was long celebrated for grain, gemstones, spices, and trade routes (Genesis 12:10;Ezekiel 27:7). Daniel foresees every category of that prosperity falling under the invader’s control.
• Verse 42 already predicted the land’s subjection: “He will extend his power over the lands, and not even the land of Egypt will escape”. Verse 43 specifies the spoils that prove it.
• The prophecy mirrors earlier warnings that Egypt’s idols and resources would fail her (Isaiah 19:1–4;Ezekiel 30:4).
and the Libyans and Cushites will also submit to him• Libya lies west of Egypt, Cush (modern Sudan/Ethiopia) to the south. Both historically provided mercenary troops and trade alliances (Nahum 3:9;Jeremiah 46:9).
• Their “submission” shows the conqueror’s sphere widening beyond Egypt, echoingEzekiel 30:4-5, where Libyans and Cushites collapse with Egypt.
• Just as Pharaoh once pursued Israel into the sea and was overthrown (Exodus 14:26-28), so these allies now bow to a different oppressor—reminding us that trust in human power is futile (Psalm 20:7).
summaryDaniel 11:43 foretells a northern ruler who will:
• seize Egypt’s gold, silver, and every form of wealth,
• place the entire economy of the land under his command, and
• compel neighboring Libya and Cush to yield as vassals.
Historically Antiochus IV foreshadowed this dominion; prophetically the verse previews the future Antichrist’s global reach. In both fulfillments the message is clear: earthly power and riches are transient, but God’s sovereignty stands unchallenged, assuring His people that every empire’s rise and fall unfolds within His perfect plan.
(43)
Libyans . . . Ethiopians.--These nations are specified as allies of Egypt. (See
Ezekiel 30:5;
Jeremiah 46:9.) They are represented as following the steps of the conqueror (comp.
Exodus 11:8), and as submitting themselves to him.
Verse 43. -
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. The rendering of the LXX. is somewhat fuller, "He shall have power over the place of gold and the place of silver, and over all the desire of Egypt, and Libyans and Ethiopians shall be in his multitude." The word translated "treasures" is a late one, but evidently the Septuagint translator had
מקם (
maqom) instead of
מִכְמַנֵי. (
michemanay). Theodotion renders, "And he shall have power over the secret hoards of gold and silver, and over all the desirable things of Egypt, and of Libyans, and of AEthiopians in their fortresses." Theodotion has read
מצוריו (
metzorayo) instead of
מִצְעָדָיו (
mitz'adoyo). The Peshitta rendering is, "And he shall have power over the house of the treasures of gold and silver, and of the pleasant things of Egypt, and the Libyans, and the Cushites (Ethiopians) are his allies." The Vulgate follows a slightly different rendering, "And he shall rule the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; through Libya and AEthiopia, too, shall he pass." Having a different reading in the last clause from the Massoretic, the natural Hebrew equivalent for
transibit is
יַעְבֹר (
ya'bor) -
a word that could scarcelv arise by mistake from that in the text.
Heshall have power over the treasures of gold and silcer,
and over all the precious things of Egypt. Strictly speaking, this never was the case, as Antiochus never wholly conquered Egypt, although in that expedition, in which he had laid siege to Alexandria, he came very near completing his conquest.
And the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall beat his steps. This certainly is not true in the sense in which Jerome takes it, "he shall pass through Libya and Ethiopia." Though Antiochus more than once invaded Egypt, he never passed further into Africa. These nationalities are associated with each other;
e.g. in
Jeremiah 46:8, 9, we have, "The Ethiopians and the Libyans that handle the shield." So in
Ezekiel 30:5 we have the countries spoken of together. It may merely mean that individuals belonging to these nationalities had joined his armies. This is altogether a more ornate and poetical passage than the rest of this chapter, and gives the feeling of a different hand; therefore, probably, it belongs to a time nearer that of Daniel, and contains more of the original prophecy. Professor Fuller remarks on a reference being made to the help Ptolemy received from Cyprus. Cyprus, or Chittim, is referred to in the earlier part of this chapter, but not here. The Lubim and Cushim are contemporary with Edom, Moab, and the sons of Ammon.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
He will gain controlוּמָשַׁ֗ל(ū·mā·šal)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4910:To rule, have dominion, reignof the treasuresבְּמִכְמַנֵּי֙(bə·miḵ·man·nê)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 4362:Hidden storesof goldהַזָּהָ֣ב(haz·zā·hāḇ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear skyand silverוְהַכֶּ֔סֶף(wə·hak·ke·sep̄)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701:Silver, moneyand over allוּבְכֹ֖ל(ū·ḇə·ḵōl)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe richesחֲמֻד֣וֹת(ḥă·mu·ḏō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 2530:To desire, take pleasure inof Egypt,מִצְרָ֑יִם(miṣ·rā·yim)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 4714:Egypt -- a son of Ham, also his descendants and their country in Northwest Africaand the Libyansוְלֻבִ֥ים(wə·lu·ḇîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3864:Lubim -- inhabitants of North Africaand Cushitesוְכֻשִׁ֖ים(wə·ḵu·šîm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3569:Cushite -- descendant of Cushwill also submit to him.בְּמִצְעָדָֽיו׃(bə·miṣ·‘ā·ḏāw)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4703:A step, companionship
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OT Prophets: Daniel 11:43 But he shall have power over (Dan. Da Dn) 
