Daniel 10-12
Daniel’s Vision – Daniel 10:1-11:1
Babylon was now under the Persian Empire with Cyrus in charge. Cyrus had allowed the Jewish captives and their descendant to begin rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple. In the third year of Cyrus’ reign Daniel received a vision concerning a great war.
Daniel was standing on the bank of the Tigris river. He saw a man dressed in linen with a gold belt around his waist. I believe this man is Jesus, because He resembles the description of Jesus in Revelation 1:13-16. None of Daniel’s companions saw this vision, but became afraid; they fled and hid themselves. This vision deeply troubled Daniel. His strength left him, he turned pale, and he fell to the ground into a trance at the sound of the words of the man. This is the same reaction that John had in seeing Christ in Revelation 1:17.
Daniel was encouraged and strengthened when he was touched and told to stand. He was told that he was highly esteemed and to consider carefully the man’s words. He is told to not be afraid and that his prayers were heard and the man had come to respond to them.
Daniel had prayed for 21 days, but no response. He told Daniel it was because the prince of the kingdom of Persia opposed this man for 21 days. We don’t know what this spiritual conflict was about, but we know this prince of the kingdom of Persia was the powerful angel of Satan. Then Michael came and helped with the spiritual conflict so he could then come to Daniel.
There is a spiritual war taking place in heavenly places that we cannot see, but we are engaged in. We belong on one side of the other. If we are not actively fighting for the Lord, then we are on the side of Satan. On which side will you serve? “For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” – Ephesians 6:12
The purpose of Daniel’s encounter with the man is in response to Daniel’s prayer. This is a reminder that our prayers are heard and they matter. He refers to the Book of Truth which is not a real book but represents God’s knowledge of all future events and God’s plan for history.
Vision Prediction – Daniel 11:2-20
Daniel’s vision predicted the rise and fall of kings and kingdoms. Three more kings will rise in Persia and then a fourth who would be strong and rich. A mighty king will rise and his kingdom will be broken and divided. This was fulfilled in Alexander the Great. After his death his kingdom will not go to his descendants but given to others. The king of the North and South will join forces but will not last.
I find it intriguing and am inspired by Daniel’s prophecies and how he had such faith and trust in such terrifying visions. I’m in awe as to how God works through the rise and fall of kingdoms throughout history to bring about His plan. It teaches that God has supreme authority and is the ultimate ruler over all creation. He is in control of everything, including future events.
This world’s kingdoms don’t compare to God’s kingdom. Earthly kingdoms will rise and fall, but God’s kingdom will last forever. “God makes nations great, and destroys them; he enlarges nations, and disperses them.” – Job 12:23. “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.” – Psalm 145:13. “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed..” – Daniel 2:44
My trust and faith are strengthened each time I hear and read of God’s love to do whatever it takes to bring His people to Himself and how He uses all kinds of people to do His work. I’m amazed and my confidence has grown with the book of Daniel and how his prophecies tell our future. I’m very thankful for prophecy and although I don’t understand a lot of it, I take it as fact and don’t really question it. I trust God because He knows what He’s doing.
When prophecy is difficult to hear and understand, we can pray for understanding, compare it with other Scriptures, discuss with someone who is mature in their faith, look at the context and the meaning, and remember God will reveal the meaning in His time.
The Contemptible Future Ruler – Daniel 11:21-45
The evil Antiochus IV who was a vile “contemptible person” came to power although he was not of royalty. He is a kind of Antichrist. Verses 21-35 describe his ruthless acts. He will invade the kingdom when people feel secure by seizing the kingdom through intrigue. He will rise to power by being deceitful breaking his promises to people. He will rise to power with only a few people. He will invade and plunder others provinces. He will attack Israel and its people. Many will die, be captured and plundered. He will take away the daily sacrifices and set up the abomination of desolation – placing false gods in the temple. He will exalt himself as god. He will corrupt with flattery, but the faithful people of God will resist him.
We see this today. Those in power try to flatter, say what they think we want to hear, and see themselves as an idol or god. Many Jews and Christians are persecuted, even killed, or taken hostage. But the faithful followers of Jesus stand firm in their beliefs and are not persuaded.
Jesus awaits His faithful followers. 1 Cor. 15:58 tell us to stand firm and let nothing move you. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” – James 1:12
I find hope in God’s sovereignty. Even in the chaos God is present and guiding events and steering history. He is faithful and promises believers His eternal kingdom.
A View of the End Times – Daniel 12
In Daniel 12:1 Daniel is told that there will be a time of distress such has never happened before. “For then there will be a great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now – and never to be equaled again.” – Matt. 24:21. This great distress is called the tribulation. We know this will happen in the future because Daniel is told in Daniel 12:4 “to close up and seal the book the words of the scroll until the time of the end.” God will protect His people during this time. The prophecy in Daniel 12 is not only about the future “time of distress” but also about a time when people will be delivered. Jesus will return and establish the Kingdom of God.
Daniel describes two types of people who will be resurrected:
The difference between these two fates is found in John 3:16-21, 36. If we believe in the name of Jesus and that He is the only Son of God, we will not perish but have eternal life. If we reject Jesus, we will not see life but will experience God’s wrath. We will perish and will be condemned.
Two questions were asked:
Until that time we are to continue living our lives and continue following the ways of Jesus. Living life with pressures and persecution from those who oppose God which can be trying, but we can have hope. We need to keep the faith and trust that God is in control. He will win in the end.
Verse 13 tells us that at the end of the days we well rise to receive our allotted inheritance which refers the inheritance of eternal life and the sharing in God’s glory and living in heaven with Him.
Principles:
NOTE:
Next week we will continue our study in the book of Ezra. -- I encourage you to trust in Jesus.
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