Daniel – Day 11
Chapter 11, while retelling part of the vision of chapter 8, concentrates on the spoken word rather than visionary experiences. Chapter 11 constitutes the climax of the revelations made to Daniel and provides greater clarity than what emerges from the visions that Daniel experienced starting in chapter 7. After being strengthened by the angelic being, which was like one with the likeness of a man in chapter 10, Daniel continues his conversation with this being in chapter 11. Chapter 11 seems to provide the climax and the explanation of earlier visions with the details more completely filled in.
Among the historical details are three more kings, who shall arise in Persia and then a fourth, who shall be far richer than them all (Verse 2). Verse 3 seems to speak of Alexander the Great and repeats information suggesting that his kingdom shall be divided into four smaller kingdoms. Foretelling wars and future conflict, conquest and defeat, most commentators believe that verses 3-20 forecast the emergence of historical figures that later walked the earth. For example Verses 15 and 16 appear to describe a protracted struggle between Antiochus and Ptolemy IV, ending around 198 BC with Antiochus taking over the glorious land which refers to an area controlled at times by the Jewish people. Verses 20-21 describe the rise of the contemptible and vile person, who appears to fit the description of Antiochus Epiphanes. This occurrence eventually led to the destruction and infliction of great damages on Jewish holy places. In this move, Antiochus is apparently aided by some Jews but Jews, who know their God, put up some resistance (Daniel 11:32). Those that join the resistance shall fall but those who die with their hopes in God shall be redeemed at the appointed time (Daniel 11:35). This conflict ultimately culminates in a type of Belshazzar delusion wherein Antiochus exalts himself and magnifies himself above every god. At this point, Ronald Wallace argues that the story shifts from a focus on coming historical figures like Antiochus Epiphanes toward other Antichrist figures who may have even more power than he does. Still, just like Belshazzar and others who lift their fists against the Most High God, this Antichrist figure s days of power and mayhem must come to an end consistent with the notion that God is working to bring the fullness of his kingdom to the earth. The predictive prophecies that we have encountered so far should not be a basis for fatalism because God works out his purposes through the interaction of kings, priests, men and women of wisdom, men and wisdom of faithfulness as well as less than faithful individuals. God grants us free will and we are not marionettes on a stage play. Instead, we have been given free will, but God providentially orders the affairs of men.
Key Verse:
“And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.” ~ Daniel 11:45
Questions:
- Human life is often filled with conflict and struggle. But as Paul says in Ephesians, we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers. In what areas of your life, are you wrestling against principalities and powers?
- What lesson is supplied to Daniel about historical figures and other Antichrist figures who exalt themselves above the most High God?
- Reconsider Ephesians 6:10-20. What lesson does Paul and the visions of Daniel provide us with as we face a world that appears to be more and more uncertain?
