(Reflections and notes on Daniel 11. The series has covered the previous chapters in Daniel, you can click here to read those. Previously, Daniel had an encounter with a messenger of the Lord after going through a time of fasting, this encounter was the prelude to a great unveiling of God’s plan for the future which continues in this chapter.)
God does not give prizes to those who read and understand scripture quickly. The prize is for those who meditate on His word to understand and apply it as He directs. That’s why there are occasions where people of God hear Him as He speaks and at the time do not always understand what is being communicated at the time. It’s also why it’s understandable that people of God today will come across episodes in Scripture that are not straightforward. God has not given His word, however for it to be obscured or mysterious. He has spoken for us to hear Him, understand Him and respond in a manner fitting to the communication. This is why we are grateful for the wisdom the He offers by His Spirit to gain that insight and understanding.
This is particularly reassuring when approaching a chapter like Daniel 11. Set up by the events of chapter 10, there’s already the sense that what is about to be shared is of great significance. So it’s worthwhile taking time to note and understand what is being said in the angel’s message. The fulfilment of what’s been said has been outlined in detail by others and looking at the section of Some Helpful Resources will give links where that detail is outlined. (Also worth checking out this explanation in answer to the question about the identity of the King of the South from Got Questions.)
An overall brief summary would look like this – an age of the end of the Persian Empire, the rise and fall of the Greek dynasty, the split that led to conflict between the South (Egypt) and the North (Syria). Various episodes of conflict and political intrigue are outlined featuring various key people with remarkable precision. Part of that conflict would involve attempts by a particular character to ruin worship among God’s people. This leads to the rise of the figure Antiochus Epiphanes IV whose presence in Judea brought about among other things the abomination that brought about desolation.
The events in the latter part of the message from verse 36 onwards leave room for reading to both what takes place with Antiochus Epiphanes IV as well as what may be hallmarks and signs of what will take place at the end of time before the return of the Messiah. The figure, either way, is one who loves power and looks to exercise it even to the end in defiance of the rule of God.
He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.
Daniel 11:32 (ESV)
Kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall. The significant influence will spread around the known region. Violent conflict will be the theme of the ages to come. Many shall endeavour to rise to a position of total dominance. That will even threaten the people of God and the righteous rule. The outline of events as recorded in this episode was fulfilled to such a degree of accuracy that some have argued that this indicates that the prophecy was given after the events took place. Yet the faithful record of Daniel being present in the time beforehand gives hope for believers to know that this is part of God’s outline of how His rule is revealed in the events of human history as He shares it before time.
It’s for us to take hope that this is how God gives insight to His people. Not for the purpose of ticking off a checklist of events, but to know who holds all time in His hand and as He has been faithful in time past, He can be faithful in time to come. That faithfulness offers us reason to have hope that the end He has in store that He’s been outlining throughout Daniel – the establishment of the eternal Kingdom to defeat the kingdoms of men – is worth holding onto.
Questions from Daniel 11
What does this episode tell you about the character of God?
Why is this episode so important in understanding the will of God?
How can an understanding of this episode build faith in God?
The messenger outlines conflict to Daniel – what does this indicate about the nature of humanity?
Students of this message indicate that much of this prophecy has already taken place – why is that of great importance to the believer?
How can a believer get to grips with this chapter if they are facing some difficulty in understanding it?
Why should a believer have great hope as they read this episode?
Some Helpful Resources
Overview of the book of Daniel by the Bible Project
Bob Deffinbaugh’s commentary on Daniel 11 as part of Bible.org’s series relating prophecy to piety.
Daniel 11 commentary and study by Bob Utley on Bible.org
The Time of the End – Ray Stedman’s sermon on Daniel 11
Daniel 11: Those Who Know Their God by Robert Morgan
A Faith-Building Study from Daniel 11 by Jesse Jackson
Daniel 11: The Most Detailed Prophecy in the Bible by David Treybig
Sermon on Daniel 11 – Futility from the North and the South by Andrew Lightner
I.Gordon’s Commentary on Daniel 11 – A Tale of Three Madmen
Making Sense of Daniel 11 by Zdravko Stefanovic
A Little Help with Daniel 11:1-12:4 Three Aids for Reading This Challenging Chapter by David Schrock
David Guzik’s scripture breakdown of Daniel 11 for Enduring Word site.
Bob Utley’s Bible Study on Daniel 11
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 
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