WHEN PROPHECY BECOMES HISTORY: Daniel 11

Over 25% of the verses in the Bible contain a prediction about the future.

Daniel 11 contains 135 prophetic words that have actually happened.

“Now then, I tell you the truth: Three more kings will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece. —Daniel 11:2

God is laying out the future to Daniel. As we look back, we see that it happened exactly how this angel said it would happen.

3 Then a mighty king will arise, who will rule with great power and do as he pleases. 4 After he has arisen, his empire will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the power he exercised, because his empire will be uprooted and given to others. —Daniel 11:3-4

History is happening just as God’s Word prophesied.

God said it, and it happened!

This prophetic word is also a reminder that Biblically, Israel is the hinge of history. God is releasing His plans through this people.

5 “The king of the South will become strong, but one of his commanders will become even stronger than he and will rule his own kingdom with great power.6 After some years, they will become allies. The daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the North to make an alliance, but she will not retain her power, and he and his power will not last. In those days she will be betrayed, together with her royal escort and her father and the one who supported her. —Daniel 11:5-6

Over 135 details happened just as prophesied.

God said it, and it happened!

God knows the future better than we even know the past.

21 “He will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. —Daniel 11:21

22 Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed. —Daniel 11:22

28 The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action against it and then return to his own country. 29 “At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before. 30 Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant. 31 “His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. —Daniel 11:28-31

32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. —Daniel 11:32

It happened before and it will happen again – God’s people will be attacked. Will we know God and resist?

Now is the time to determine who you are and who you will be.

THE YET TO COME… We’re still awaiting verse 36 through the end of the Book of Daniel: it’s still future.

36 “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. —Daniel 11:36

“At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood…” —Daniel 11:40

He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him. —Daniel 11:45

In the end, the enemy loses! In the end, the victory is ours. God wins and so do God’s people.

History will happen just as God’s Word prophesied.

God said it, and it will happen!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS AND PERSONAL APPLICATION:

Q1: (Daniel 11:2-6) History proves that these events in Daniel 11:1-35 all happened just as the Angel prophetically declared to Daniel. How does this amazing accuracy affect your view of the Bible and other prophetic words in the Bible? Have you ever wished God would clearly explain His plans for your life? Do you think it would be easier to be obedient knowing what is to come? Why or why not?

Q2: (Daniel 11:21-22) What are some of the reasons that God might allow evil kingdoms like Antiochus IV to rise to power? Do you believe God can use difficulty to work in his people? If so, how has he used it in your life?

Q3: (Daniel 11:31-35) This passage speaks about God’s people enduring persecution. Why is preparation for persecution such a necessary part of discipleship? Daniel is called to endure to the end – with that in mind, how would you describe the relationship between distress and deliverance for a believer?

Q4: (Daniel 11:40-45) This speaks about “the time of the end.” Where do you feel secure and hopeful about the future, and where do you feel insecure and worried? How does the fact that God knows the future affect your outlook and your actions?