Daniel 11:17

“He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him.”

This verse is part of a prophetic vision given to the prophet Daniel concerning future events. It is important to note that the book of Daniel contains prophecies that span a significant period of time, from the prophet’s own time to the end times. Let’s break down the verse and explore its meaning:

“He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom”: This refers to a specific ruler or king who is determined to invade a territory or engage in a military campaign. The phrase “the strength of his whole kingdom” suggests a significant military force.

“Upright ones with him; thus shall he do”: This part of the verse likely describes the king’s allies or supporters who join him in his military endeavors. They are referred to as “upright ones”, indicating that they are aligned with his cause or share his ambitions.

“And he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her”: In this phrase, the king is mentioned as giving a woman in marriage to someone else. The phrase “the daughter of women” signifies a woman of distinction, possibly a princess or a prominent figure. The marriage alliance may be intended to secure a political alliance or strengthen existing alliances. However, the verse also suggests that the king’s intentions are corrupt, indicating a hidden agenda or ulterior motive behind the marriage.

“But she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him”: Despite the marriage alliance, the woman given in marriage will not support the king or stand on his side. It implies that the alliance will not achieve its intended purpose, possibly due to the woman’s loyalty to her own people or her unwillingness to comply with the king’s corrupt intentions.

This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Daniel 11 that describes a series of conflicts and alliances between powerful kings and kingdoms. It is often interpreted as having historical significance and referring to events that unfolded after Daniel’s time, particularly during the time of the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kingdoms.

It is important to note that interpretations of prophetic passages may vary, and scholars and theologians may offer different viewpoints on the exact meanings of these verses. Therefore, it is recommended to consult various commentaries and study resources for a more comprehensive understanding of the passage.