Introduction: Daniel 11 provides a prophetic glimpse into the future of the powers of the world. It contains a detailed account of the rise and fall of various kings and kingdoms, leading up to the end times, or sometimes called the last days. This chapter has puzzled Christians, scholars and theologians for years, and its mysteries continue to be revealed as time goes on and we get closer to the “Day of the Lord”. In this outline of Daniel 11, we will look deeper into the chapter for a better understanding and use cross reference verses to help us better understand its meaning.
I. Daniel 11:1-4 – Gabriel speaks to Daniel
The chapter begins with a reference to Darius the Mede, who was mentioned in Daniel 5:31. The angel Gabriel then tells Daniel about the rise of four Persian kings, with the fourth being the richest. This king would provoke the king of Greece, leading to the rise of Alexander the Great. This prophecy was fulfilled in time to come, as Alexander conquered the Persian Empire. The reference to the “strong king” who would rule with great power and do as he pleases echoes the description of the Antichrist in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.
II. Daniel 11:5-20 – Kings of North and South
These verses describes the wars between the kings of the South (Egypt) and the North (Syria) after Alexander’s death. These conflicts were known as the Wars of the Diadochi, and they led to the division of Alexander’s empire among his generals. The prophecy accurately predicts the rise and fall of different kings, including the infamous Antiochus IV Epiphanes. This king is a type of the Antichrist, as he persecuted the Jewish people and desecrated the temple, as prophesied in Daniel 8:23-25.
III. Daniel 11:21-35 -War against the Holy Covenant
Antiochus IV Epiphanes is further described in this section, as he comes to power through deceit and flattery. He wages war against the “holy covenant” and desecrates the temple by setting up an “abomination of desolation.” This event was a foreshadow to the future abomination that will occur in the end times, as mentioned in Matthew 24:15. The prophecy also speaks of the Maccabean revolt, where the Jewish people fought against Antiochus and restored the temple. This victory is celebrated during Hanukkah.
IV. Daniel 11:36-45 – The King who will Exalt Himself above God
The chapter ends with a description of the “king of the North” who will exalt himself above all gods and speak blasphemies against the God of gods. This king represents the Antichrist, who will rise to power in the end times. He will be opposed by the “king of the South” and other nations, leading to the final battle of Armageddon. This prophecy aligns with Revelation 19:19-21, where the Antichrist and his armies are defeated by Jesus Christ, who uses only the breath of his mouth do annulate the worlds armies.
Conclusion: Daniel 11 gives a detailed account of the rise and fall of various kings and kingdoms, leading up to the end times. The chapter accurately predicts historical events as can be read in secular history books, such as the Wars of the Diadochi and the persecution of the Jewish people by Antiochus IV Epiphanes. It also gives us a glimpse into the future, with the rise of the Antichrist and the final battle of Armageddon. As we continue to study the book of Daniel, we can gain a better understanding of God’s plan for the world and be encouraged by the ultimate victory of good over evil.
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