And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king’s daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times. (Daniel 11:6)
That is, Berenice, who along with her infant son was killed by the henchmen of Laodice.
His arm.
This is also the reading of the LXX. By a simple change in Hebrew vowels several ancient versions (Theodotion, Symmachus, Vulgate) read “his seed.” This would then refer to Antiochus’ son by Berenice, whom Laodice killed.
Neither shall he stand.
Antiochus died suddenly, poisoned, according to popular opinion, by Laodice.
Shall not retain the power.
After a son had been born to the new marriage, a reconciliation was effected between Antiochus and Laodice.
King of the north.
This term is used here for the first time in this prophecy. In the present context it refers to the Seleucids, whose territories were north of Palestine. The then “king of the north” was Seleucus II Callinicus (246-226 B.C.), son of Antiochus II and Laodice. On the expressions “king of the north” and “king of the south” see on v. 5 and on Isa. 41:25.
Join themselves.
To solidify peace between the two kingdoms after a long and costly war, Antiochus II Theos (261-246 B.C.), grandson of Seleucus I, married Berenice, a daughter of the Egyptian king, Ptolemy II Philadelphus. Antiochus also deposed his former wife and sister, Laodice, from her position of priority and debarred her children from succession to the throne.
End of years.
The prophetic view next focuses on a crisis about 35 years after the death of Seleucus I.
They that brought her.
Many of Berenice’s Egyptian ladies in waiting perished with her.
He that begat her.
Heb. yoledah, correctly, according to Masoretic tradition, “her begetter.” This would of course apply to Berenice’s father, Ptolemy II, who had died shortly before in Egypt. It is not clear, however, why his death should be mentioned here, as it was entirely apart from the vengeance wreaked by Laodice. Several ancient translations read yaldah, “maid,” doubtless having in mind Berenice’s entourage. A simple change in vowel pointing permits us to read “her child” (see RSV). This would, of course, refer to her son, who was killed by command of Laodice.