Daniel 11:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The ruler of the south, disturbed by these events, will advance and engage in battle with the ruler of the north, assembling a formidable army that he will deliver into the hands of his opponent, capturing many. His pride will swell due to his victories over thousands; however, he will not prevail ultimately. Ptolemy, known as Philopator, after losing Syria due to the betrayal by Theodotius, assembled a vast force to confront Antiochus the Great, now designated as the king of the north based on the geographic alignment of Egypt and the land of the Jews. This region, when viewed from one perspective, is considered southward, and from another, northward. For instance, Judea lies to the north for the Egyptians but to the south for the Syrians.

According to the Archangel, the ruler from the south will face a large army, yet Antiochus will prevail, subjugating many, and in his triumph, he will become arrogant, defeating many forces of darkness. However, he will not triumph over Egypt, nor will he gain control over the realm of Ptolemais. Thus, feeling aggrieved, as stated previously, the king from the north will return, bringing an even greater multitude than before, and he will approach with significant strength and abundant resources until the end times.