Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11?

Who Are the King of the North and the King of the South in Daniel 11:40-45?

Daniel 11:40-45 is one of the most detailed and solemn prophetic passages in Scripture. It describes the final conflict between the “king of the North” and the “king of the South,” culminating in the close of human history and the deliverance of God’s people. This prophecy is not isolated. It fits within the broader prophetic framework of the book of Daniel, where repeated visions trace world history from ancient times to the establishment of God’s eternal kingdom.

To understand this passage correctly, we must apply the biblical principle of type and antitype. Prophecies often have an initial, local fulfillment and a later, larger fulfillment at the end of time. Daniel 11 follows this pattern.

The Passage in Context

Daniel writes:

“At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind… and he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him” (Daniel 11:40-45, NKJV).

This passage explicitly points to “the time of the end,” showing that its ultimate fulfillment is eschatological, not merely historical.

Type: Fulfillment in Ancient Israel

In its original, local application, the prophecy referred to literal kingdoms surrounding God’s people.

The king of the North was ancient Babylon, which lay north of Judah. Babylon invaded Jerusalem, destroyed the temple, and sought to force God’s people to worship according to its dictates (Daniel 3).

The king of the South was Egypt, located south of Judah. Egypt was known in Scripture for denying the authority of the true God. Pharaoh famously said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice?” (Exodus 5:2).

These two powers struggled for dominance, and God’s people were caught between them. This historical fulfillment established the pattern for the greater, end-time fulfillment.

Antitype: Fulfillment at the End of Time

In prophecy, geographical directions often take on spiritual meaning. In the end-time application, the kings of the North and South no longer represent literal nations but ideological and spiritual powers opposing God’s people.

The King of the North at the End of Time

At the end of time, the king of the North represents spiritual Babylon, identified in Revelation 17 and 18. Bible students and Reformers throughout history have identified this power with the Roman Catholic system, or Papacy, not individual believers, but the institutional religio-political system.

Like ancient Babylon, this power seeks to unite church and state and to enforce worship according to human authority rather than God’s Word.

Revelation describes this system as one that “says in her heart, ‘I sit as queen’” (Revelation 18:7), echoing the self-exalting language of Daniel 11:36.

The King of the South at the End of Time

Egypt, the original king of the South, was characterized by open denial of God’s authority. It did not force Israel to worship Egyptian gods, but it denied their freedom to worship God according to conscience.

Thus, the end-time king of the South represents secularism, atheism, and godless humanism. This power rejects divine authority entirely, echoing Pharaoh’s question, “Who is the LORD?” (Exodus 5:2).

The Actions of the King of the North

1. Attacking God’s Covenant

Daniel foretold that this power would oppose God’s covenant: “His heart shall be moved against the holy covenant” (Daniel 11:28).

God’s covenant is clearly defined in Scripture: “He declared to you His covenant… the Ten Commandments” (Deuteronomy 4:13).

Historically, the papal system altered God’s law (Exodus 20:2-17) in its catechism by removing the second commandment prohibiting images, changing the Sabbath commandment, and dividing the tenth commandment. This fulfills the prophecy of attacking God’s covenant.

2. Exalting Himself and Speaking Blasphemy

Daniel wrote: “He shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods” (Daniel 11:36).

Scripture defines blasphemy in two ways:
• Claiming to forgive sins (Luke 5:21)
• Claiming divine authority or equality with God (John 10:33)

The papal system claims priestly authority to forgive sins, bypassing Christ as the only Mediator. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

It also undermines Christ’s heavenly priesthood, despite Scripture affirming that Jesus is our High Priest in heaven (Hebrews 8:1-2).

The Alliance of the Two Kings

Though historically opposed, Daniel foretold that the king of the North and South would eventually cooperate: “Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table” (Daniel 11:27).

At the end of time, secular powers and religio-political systems unite to oppose God’s faithful people. Revelation confirms this global alliance against God’s remnant (Revelation 13:12-17).

Jesus warned: “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation… and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9).

God’s People and Their Victory

God’s faithful people are not saved by their own merit. Their title to heaven is the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. Their fitness for heaven is the righteousness of Christ imparted through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

This transformation results in obedience: “Here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12).

Tidings From the East and the North

Daniel concludes with hope: “But news from the east and the north shall trouble him” (Daniel 11:44).

In Scripture:
• The east symbolizes Christ’s return: “For as the lightning comes from the east… so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:27).
• The north represents God’s throne: “I will sit… on the farthest sides of the north” (Isaiah 14:13).

These tidings announce the imminent return of Christ and the end of earthly powers. The king of the North “shall come to his end, and no one will help him” (Daniel 11:45).

Conclusion

In summary, Daniel 11:40-45 outlines a profound prophetic narrative that culminates in the final conflict between the king of the North and the king of the South, representing spiritual powers that oppose God’s people. This passage emphasizes the eschatological significance of these kings, with the king of the North symbolizing spiritual Babylon and the king of the South embodying secularism and atheism.

Ultimately, the prophecy assures believers that despite the opposition they may face, God’s faithful people will prevail through the righteousness of Christ. The tidings from the east and the north herald the return of Christ and the end of earthly dominion, affirming the hope that God’s kingdom will triumph eternally.