Definition: At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.
Explanation: Okay, letās break down this verse from Daniel 11:29. Itās a pretty complex idea, so we'll try to make it understandable. Hereās what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is about Godās plan for the end times and how He will ultimately bring about a future victory. Let's unpack it piece by piece: āAt the time appointedā¦ā : This means that God has already planned something very important. Itās not happening randomly; it's part of His overarching strategy. āā¦he shall returnā¦ā : This refers to a specific event in the future ā likely involving a person or group of people who are involved in significant events. Think of it as God deliberately choosing a particular person or group to play a crucial role. āā¦and come toward the southā¦ā : This is metaphorical. "The South" usually represents a certain area or time period, and "coming towards" means moving closer to that place. It's not about physically traveling south; itās a symbolic movement of Godās power and purpose. "...but it shall not be as the formerā¦ā : This is the crucial part! The verse says this future event wonāt be like the past. āFormerā refers to something that has already happened, and āthe latterā represents a time of chaos or difficulty before God's plan begins. Putting it all together: Daniel 11:29 suggests that God is preparing for a significant event in the future. Heās deliberately choosing a specific person or group (we donāt know exactly who yet) to play a crucial role and ultimately overcome whatever challenges are looming ahead. It's not about a single battle; itās about Godās ultimate victory that will happen when this chosen person/group rises to their potential. In essence, itās a prophecy of a future event where God is actively working towards His own triumph. Important Note: This is a complex passage, and different interpretations exist within biblical studies. It's often interpreted as a promise of Godās ultimate victory over evil and chaos. --- Would you like me to: Explain another part of Daniel 11? Discuss the meaning of the phrase "the former" and āthe latterā? Provide some context for this verse within the larger story of Daniel and the prophecies?