During the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes in the 2nd century BC, his Seleucid Empire defeated Ptolemaic Egypt in a series of conflicts. Among these was a counterattack near the city of Pelusium which ambushed an incoming Egyptian army (Daniel 11:21–24). That resulted in the Seleucid Empire effectively controlling Egypt. Some scholars view aspects of Daniel's prophecy (Daniel 10:1) as predictions of those early battles. While these prophecies are less poetic than many in the Bible, they are not overly specific. History helps us fill in gaps in our understanding.

Throughout this series of prophecies, references to the "south" have pointed to the nation of Egypt (Daniel 11:11–19). The "north" is the Seleucid Empire, also referred to as Syria. Many of the Egyptian leaders of this era carried the name Ptolemy, while the Seleucid rulers passed down the name Antiochus.

As Antiochus continued to thrash Egyptian armies, using his "great army," he was aided by political intrigue in the Egyptian ruling classes. This would correspond with the "plots" mentioned here. The following verse will refer to close associates of the Egyptian ruler participating in his downfall (Daniel 11:26).

Daniel 11:21–35 continues from a series of prophecies about many rulers over many decades. In contrast, this segment's predictions focus on a single ruler and his hateful actions against Egypt and Israel. History knows this figure as Antiochus IV Epiphanes: one of the Jewish people's most vicious and hated persecutors.

This chapter is most easily understood in terms of the historical events which it predicts. These include the conflicts between Ptolemaic Egypt and the Seleucid Empire up through the second century BC. This mentions the infamous Antiochus IV Epiphanes and what eventually became the Maccabean Revolt. The last portion of prophecy looks to the end times: blasphemous rulers, an invasion from the north, and a major defeat.

Daniel is receiving a prophecy, in an encounter which began in chapter 10. The substance of that prophecy is mostly given in chapter 11. This predicts the major events relating to Judea leading up to the conquest of the Roman Empire. It also begins to speak of end-times events. This leads to chapter 12 and the final prophetic remarks given to Daniel. Chapter 11 connects to other prophetic segments of Scripture such as Ezekiel 38 and Joel 2. Occurrences recorded here are also used by Jesus to depict end times events (Matthew 24:15).

The book of Daniel contains famous Old Testament stories and prophecies. Daniel was taken from the Israelite people and made an advisor for a conquering empire. He demonstrates faithfulness and wisdom during many years serving in this role. Though Daniel does not deliver a public message, Jesus refers to him as a "prophet" (Matthew 24:15). The first portion of the book mostly describes Daniel's interpretations of dreams and other events. The second portion looks ahead to the end times. Daniel is classified in English Bibles as a "major" prophet, meaning the book is relatively long and the content has broad implications. The book of Revelation echoes and expands on many of the same themes.

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