An Interpretation Of Daniel Chapter 11 by Dr. Craig Johnson

There remains one final section of Daniel’s prophecies which provides additional insight to Alexander’s Empire.

And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.

And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides those.  (Dan. 11:3,4)

The angel of the Lord informs Daniel in Chapter 11 verses 1 and 2 that the leadership of the Persian Empire will be a succession of four rulers:

Cambyses, 530 .-522 B.C.

Pseudo-Smerdis, 522-521 B.C

Darius I, Hystaspes 521-586 B.C.

Xerxes 485-465 B.C. 

He then speaks in summary form, giving yet another accurate outline of Alexander’s brief reign. 

Keil points out:

“From the conflict of Persia with Greece, the angel (v.3) passes immediately over to the founder of the Grecian (Macedonian) world-kingdom; for the prophecy proceeds not to the prediction of historical details, but mentions only the elements and factors which constitute the historical development”.

The prophecy of Daniel Chapter 11:3,4 confirms the same facts which have been previously discussed in Daniel 2:32, 39; Daniel 7:6; and Daniel 8:1-6, 15-21.

In Daniel 11:3,4 the founder of the Grecian kingdom is called a brave king or hero-king. His kingdom is said to have great dominion (7:6; 8:1-6; 15-21).  Of his government, it is said that he shall rule according to his own will (8:4).

The text also confirms the unexpected death of Alexander, as well as the division of his empire in four final consolidations.

Walvoord explains:

“The expression in verse 4, ‘When he shall stand up,’ may be translated ‘While he was growing strong,’ that is, while still ascending in power.  Another rendering, perhaps more normal Hebrew, is ‘And as soon as he shall have stood up,’ indicating the brief duration of Alexander’s reign.  The word ‘stood’ has the same military connotation as in the preceding verses.  The angel predicts to Daniel that his kingdom shall be broken and divided to the four winds of heaven.”[1]

Baldwin adds:

“No sooner has he established his empire than it will be split into four (cf. 7:6; 8:8) and ruled, not by his sons, but by others…  The style of rule exercised by the successors of the Greek conqueror would differ from his, necessarily, because in a divided empire one leader would vie with another.”