But news from the east and the north will alarm himThis phrase suggests a significant geopolitical shift that causes concern for the king of the North, traditionally interpreted as a ruler or empire opposed to God's people. Historically, the east and north could refer to regions like Persia and Media or even further afield, such as the Parthians or Scythians. In the context of Daniel, this could symbolize threats from unexpected quarters, disrupting the king's plans. Biblically, the east often represents a place of origin for invaders (e.g., the Magi in
Matthew 2:1-2), while the north is frequently associated with judgment (e.g.,
Jeremiah 1:14-15).
and he will go out with great fury
The king's reaction is one of intense anger and aggression, indicating a desperate attempt to maintain control. This fury can be seen as a reflection of the spiritual battle between good and evil, where earthly rulers are often depicted as pawns in a larger cosmic struggle. Theologically, this mirrors the wrath of earthly powers against divine purposes, as seen inRevelation 12:12, where Satan's fury is unleashed because he knows his time is short.
to destroy many
The intent to destroy many highlights the destructive nature of the king's campaign. This aligns with the broader theme in Daniel of earthly kingdoms rising and falling, often through violence and conquest. Historically, this could be seen in the actions of rulers like Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who persecuted the Jewish people. Theologically, it reflects the ongoing persecution of God's people throughout history, as seen inMatthew 24:9, where Jesus warns of future tribulations.
and devote them to destruction
This phrase echoes the concept of "herem" in the Old Testament, where something is devoted to destruction as an offering to God, often in the context of holy war (e.g.,Joshua 6:17). It implies a total annihilation, not just a military defeat. In a prophetic sense, this could symbolize the ultimate judgment against those who oppose God's kingdom. Theologically, it serves as a reminder of the finality of God's justice, as seen inRevelation 19:11-21, where Christ returns to judge and wage war against the nations.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
The KingThis refers to a powerful ruler, often interpreted as a prophetic figure representing future opposition to God's people. In the context of
Daniel 11, this king is a part of the larger account of conflict and power struggles.
2.
Reports from the East and NorthThese reports are messages or news that cause alarm to the king. The specific origin of these reports is significant, as they come from directions traditionally associated with threats or invasions in biblical history.
3.
Great FuryThis describes the intense anger and aggressive response of the king upon receiving the alarming reports. It indicates a violent and destructive reaction.
4.
Destruction and AnnihilationThe king's response involves a campaign of widespread destruction, highlighting the severity of his actions and the impact on many people.
5.
Prophetic ContextDaniel 11 is part of a larger prophetic vision that includes historical and future events, often interpreted as a foreshadowing of end-times scenarios.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty Over NationsDespite the chaos and destruction described, believers can trust in God's ultimate control over world events. He is not surprised by the actions of earthly rulers.
The Reality of Spiritual WarfareThe passage reminds us of the ongoing spiritual battle and the need for vigilance and prayer as we face opposition in various forms.
Responding to Fear with FaithThe king's reaction to alarming reports is one of fury and destruction. As Christians, we are called to respond to fear and uncertainty with faith and reliance on God's promises.
The Importance of DiscernmentIn a world filled with alarming news, believers must seek discernment through Scripture and the Holy Spirit to understand the times and act wisely.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Daniel 11:44?
2.How can we prepare for "reports from the east and north" today?
3.What does Daniel 11:44 teach about God's sovereignty over world events?
4.How does Daniel 11:44 connect with Jesus' teachings on end times?
5.How should believers respond to fear-inducing news, according to Daniel 11:44?
6.What actions can we take when "alarmed" by current global situations?
7.What do the "reports from the east and north" in Daniel 11:44 signify historically?
8.How does Daniel 11:44 relate to end-time prophecy?
9.Who is the "king" mentioned in Daniel 11:44?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 11?
11.What role does China play in biblical end times prophecy?
12.Who holds the title King of the North?
13.What is known about Chorazin and Bethsaida?
14.What does the Bible say about the King of the South?What Does Daniel 11:44 Mean
But news from the east and the north• Daniel pictures the end-times tyrant—earlier called “the king” (Daniel 11:36)—receiving startling intelligence from two fronts.
• Scripture repeatedly points to significant military pressure coming from the north (Ezekiel 38:15;Jeremiah 50:3) and from the east (Revelation 16:12;Isaiah 41:2).
• These reports are literal, unexpected troop movements that threaten his dominance and disturb his illusion of invincibility.
will alarm him• The word translated “alarm” speaks of deep agitation; this man is shaken, not merely annoyed (cf.Daniel 11:40 where the “king of the South” already attacked him).
• His fear reveals the limits of his self-made power and sets the stage for his next, violent response (Psalm 2:1-3;2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
and he will go out with great fury• Instead of humbling himself, he erupts in rage—characteristic of satanic opposition to God’s plan (Revelation 12:12).
• Daniel has already shown his prideful anger (Daniel 11:36-37); here the intensity escalates toward the climactic battles that culminate at Armageddon (Revelation 16:14-16; 19:19).
to destroy many• His campaign targets anyone who resists, especially God’s covenant people (Daniel 7:21, 25; 8:24).
• The scope is massive: “many” implies widespread slaughter, foreshadowing the global persecution described inMatthew 24:21-22 andRevelation 13:7, 15.
and devote them to destruction• The phrase recalls earlier biblical moments when total extermination was decreed against God’s enemies (Joshua 6:17;Isaiah 34:2).
• Here, the Antichrist mimics that language, presuming divine authority while actually standing in open rebellion (Revelation 13:6).
• His intent is complete annihilation, but his very aggression hastens the Lord’s return and judgment (Zechariah 14:2-4;Revelation 19:11-21).
summaryDaniel 11:44 depicts a literal future moment when the final world ruler, already dominating much of the globe, is rattled by military threats from the east and the north. Alarm quickly turns to furious retaliation. He marches out in murderous rage, planning wholesale destruction of those he deems enemies—especially the faithful. Yet his violence only propels history toward Christ’s decisive intervention and the ultimate defeat of evil foretold throughout Scripture.
(44)
He shall go forth.--The end of the northern king. While in Egypt he has bad news brought to him from the north and from the east, which stirs up feelings of revenge. Once again he halts in Palestine, where he comes to an end. That this cannot apply to Antiochus is evident from the following facts--(1) Antiochus was in Persia when the news of the defeat of Lysias reached him; (2) Judaea and Jerusalem cannot in any sense be regarded as either east or north of Persia; (3) Antiochus died in Persia, and not near Jerusalem.
Verse 44. -
But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him; there. fore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. The version of the Septuagint is very like this, "A rumour out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him, and he shall come out in great rage to lay waste with the sword, and to slay many." The version of Theodotion is somewhat briefer, "Rumours and disturbances out of the east and from the north shall trouble him, and he shall come in much wrath to destroy many." The Syriac is closer than any other version to the Massoretic text. The Vulgate renders, "A rumour out of the east and north shall trouble him, and he shall come with a great multitude that he may beat down and slay many." The word
חֵמָא (
hayma) may mean either "wrath" or "multitude." It is difficult to identify the rumours that recalled Antiochus from his conquests. The account given by Porphyry (quoted by Jerome) of his receiving news that led him to ravage the coasts of Phoenicia and march against Armenia are unsupported by other historians. A phrase in Tacitus ('Hist.,' 5:8) seems to throw light on this, "After the Macedonians held the supremacy, King Antiochus, when he was endeavouring to change the superstition of this people,
i.e. the Jews, into the manners of the Greeks, was hindered by a Parthian war." There is, however, no record of such a Parthian war; but such a war may have arisen, and not be recorded, as the histories for the period before us are very incomplete. Should we regard these verses as giving another account of the war between Epiphanes and Ptolemy, the tidings out of the north might mean the arrival of the Roman envoys, headed by Popilius Lsenas. If there were also a threat of a Parthian invasion, we should then have, "tidings put of the east and north."
Therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy,
and utterly to make away many. Certainly Antiochus did return furious from the expedition in which he was stayed by the Romans; and certainly also he set himself thereafter to compel the Jews to become Greeks in religion, punishing with death refusal to yield to his demands (1 Macc. 1:24-28; Josephus, 'Ant.,' 12:05. 3).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
But newsוּשְׁמֻע֣וֹת(ū·šə·mu·‘ō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 8052:Something heard, an announcementfrom the eastמִמִּזְרָ֖ח(mim·miz·rāḥ)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4217:Place of sunrise, the eastand the northוּמִצָּפ֑וֹן(ū·miṣ·ṣā·p̄ō·wn)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6828:Hidden, dark, the north as a, quarterwill alarm him,יְבַהֲלֻ֔הוּ(yə·ḇa·hă·lu·hū)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 926:To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiouslyand he will go outוְיָצָא֙(wə·yā·ṣā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximwith greatגְדֹלָ֔ה(ḡə·ḏō·lāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolentfuryבְּחֵמָ֣א(bə·ḥê·mā)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2534:Heat, anger, poisonto destroyלְהַשְׁמִ֥יד(lə·haš·mîḏ)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8045:To be exterminated or destroyedand annihilateוּֽלְהַחֲרִ֖ים(ū·lə·ha·ḥă·rîm)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2763:To seclude, to devote to religious uses, to be blunt as to the nosemany.רַבִּֽים׃(rab·bîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227:Much, many, great
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OT Prophets: Daniel 11:44 But news out of the east (Dan. Da Dn) 
