Daniel 10:1—11:35: Another Vision of the Future
WARS, TERRORISM, ASSASSINATIONS—so often world events seem out of control. We are frustrated and frightened because of our inability to do anything to stop them. The last of four great visions given to Daniel presents God's perspective on world events.
Warming Up to God
What recent national or international crisis made you feel insecure or frightened? Explain.
Read Daniel 10:1—11:35. »
Discovering the Word
- Describe the man in Daniel's vision (10:4-6).
- Why did the vision of verses 4-6 cause Daniel to react the way he did (10:7-11)?
- What do the angel's words to Daniel tell us about God's response to those who seek him (10:12-14)?
- In 11:5-35 the conflict between the Syrian division of the Greek Empire ruled by the Seleucid family ("the king of the North") and the Egyptian division of the Greek Empire ruled by the Ptolemies ("the king of the South") is outlined with amazing accuracy. The focus of the passage is on a man we have met in Daniel before—Antiochus Epiphanes. Verses 21-24 describe his conquest of the people of Israel who had regathered in Palestine after the exile. What do we learn from these verses about Antiochus's character and methods of operation?
- Antiochus invaded Egypt the first time with relative success (11:25-28). The second time he met some new opposition and in his frustration vented his anger on "the holy covenant," the Jewish religion (11:29-31). What can we learn from 11:32-35 about why God may allow genuine believers to suffer under the hand of a godless tyrant?
Applying the Word
- How might Daniel's experience encourage us to be persistent in prayer?
- If an evil power could hinder an angel in Daniel's day, what does this indicate about our own need for help against Satan's forces?
- How can God's sovereign rule help us to stand firm when evil seems to triumph?
Responding in Prayer
Offer your praise to the Lord, who is sovereign over history.
For Further Study
Israel & the Nations by F.F. Bruce and David F. Payne