דניאל, פרק י״א, פסוק ט׳

Following a period of intense military campaigns and political upheaval, a decisive movement unfolds involving the southern kingdom, culminating in a ruler's return to his homeland. The exact identity of this ruler shapes two entirely different understandings of the historical events.

One approach identifies the primary actor as the king of the South. From this perspective, the king returns to his own land and kingdom in Egypt [רש"י, אבן עזרא]. This return is not merely a physical journey home, but a profound rise to greatness. The southern king reclaims the immense power and high status that historically characterized his dynasty. After emerging victorious from a northern campaign, he decides not to occupy the northern territory. Instead, he travels back to his southern homeland as a triumphant conqueror [מצודת דוד].

A contrasting viewpoint suggests that the king of the North is the one taking action, launching a bold counterattack. In this scenario, the northern king invades the territory of the southern kingdom with the intent to conquer it. However, his ambitious campaign ends in total failure. The northern king loses his military forces, whether in battle or due to a devastating storm that shatters his ships. Stripped of his army, he is forced to flee alone, retreating to his northern homeland in utter shame and disgrace [מלבי"ם, יוסף אבן יחיא].