Daniel 11:1-35
Q.1. About what kingdoms was the angel prophesying? How do we know the identity of these kings of the north and south? What does this prophecy tell us about God’s ultimate control over the affairs of nations? – (Dan.11:1-28)
Daniel was told that there would be a further three kings to arise in Persia. After that would come the reign of a fourth king – 3 A mighty king will arise, and he will rule with great authority and do as he pleases. 4 But as soon as he has arisen, his kingdom will be broken up and parcelled out toward the four points of the compass, though not to his own descendants, nor according to his authority which he wielded, for his sovereignty will be uprooted and given to others besides them (Dan.11:3-4). History reveals that this was Alexander the Great (336-323 B.C.), who left no sons to continue his rule. There was continual war and unrest between the succeeding Ptolemaic- Egyptian king of the south (320-198 B.C) and the Seleucid-Syrian king of the north (198-142), until the land was overtaken by the Hasmonean dynasty from Judea. The feast of Hanukkah (Lights) is a Jewish memorial to the triumph of the Maccabean Revolt in 164 B.C. The details in Daniel 11:2-35 are so accurate and verified by history, that liberal scholars have, without evidence, claimed it was written four hundred years later, rather than as a prophecy. However, instead it confirmed that God directs history, and uses kings and kingdoms to achieve His over-arching plan of the ages. Why would the angel visiting Daniel (Dan.10:10, 21) support the ungodly king, Darius? God declared – … I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him (Dan.11:1). Darius had been genuinely concerned for Daniel. After Daniel was saved from the lions’ den, Darius declared that the God of Daniel was the living God (Dan.25-27). Daniel was also an example of how believers should faithfully serve those in authority, and in this way acknowledge God’s ultimate authority (Rom.13:1-7).
Q.2. How do these kingdoms impact Israel? What will happen to these kingdoms? Will the faithful of God’s people be deceived? For what purpose are the faithful so severely tested? What does this teach us about suffering? – (Dan.11:14-35)
The kingdoms would fluctuate, and the battles would impact on the people and the ‘Beautiful Land’ (Dan.11:16). The location of the land of Israel between the warring factions to the north and south, makes the people an unavoidable target. These kings will act wickedly with the Covenant, and some of the people will be deceived – 32 … but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. 33 Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days (Dan.11:32-33). Yet through it all, God will achieve His purpose – Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the Endtime, because it is still to come at the appointed time (Dan.11:35). God succeeds in calling out people for Himself, regardless of the prevailing world conditions. We would all like health and wealth and peace. However, the Lord achieves His plan under all circumstances.