Biblical Text: Daniel 10 & 11

Introduction

Scripture – a unique type of glory

Daniel 10 –

Verses 1-4: Praying and fasting

Verses 5-8: A divine encounter

Compare with Revelation 1:13-15

Quote from Bryan Chappell: Who is being described? Clearly this is the Christ, the anointed Son of Man, who represents the glory and purposes of God. There are many intentional reflections between the chief figures in these chapters of Daniel and Revelation. The men described in both are clothed in white robes—priestly garb; both have a gold belt—kingly apparel. Both have blazing eyes, both have bronze skin, both have roaring voices—all supernatural traits. In Revelation, the one described holds seven stars in his hand and his face blazes like the sun. Perhaps that explains why the appearance of the man in linen to Daniel makes the prophet faint dead away and causes his friends to run away. The one who comes as a spokesman for God is most readily understood as the Son of God, the Second Person of the Godhead who made the heavens and earth.

Verse 12: Daniel’s prayer was heard
Our prayers are heard as well – 1st John 5:14

Verses 13-21: Insight into the spiritual world
Our response to spiritual warfare:
1. Be aware
2. Prayer
3. Fasting
4. Worship

Verses 18-21
The outcome is peace, strength and courage from the Lord

Daniel 11 – Introduction

Quote from HC Leopold – “This chapter might be treated in Bible classes; however I do not see how it could be used for a sermon”
Quote from John MacArthur – “The details of this prophecy, particularly from verse 2 to 35, are so accurate, they are so remarkable, they are so verifiable, that it is this section of Scripture that has been the cause of all the attacks on the book of Daniel”.

Reasons for prophecy in scripture
-Prophecy is history written in advance
Purpose – to strengthen God’s people in light of persecution or suffering
-Prophecy is written for future generations
Purpose to see the faithfulness of God
-Prophecy demonstrates the sovereignty of God
Purpose – To show that God is in control
Isaiah 46:9-10

Daniel 11

Verse 2 – 4 Persian rulers
1. Cambyses,
2. Smerdis
3. Darius (another one)
4. Xerxes

Verses 3-4
Mighty King – Alexander the Great
4 winds:
1. Cassander
2. Lysimachus
3. Ptolemy
4. Selecus

These rulers and empires happened in time and space!
God works in history – Acts 26:26

Verses 5-20 – Egypt and Syria
King of the South – Egypt
King of the North – Syria

One story to show the accuracy of prophecy
Daniel 11:16-17 – Antiochus the Great (Syria) gives his daughter, Cleopatra to the king of Egypt
Why these verses?
The conflict between Egypt & Syria is important because how it impacts the people of God
God is preparing his people

Application
1. What does this text teach us about God?
2. What does this text teach us about fallen humanity?
3. What does this text teach us about Christ?
4. What does God want me to know?

Verses 21-35
In verse 21 we are introduced to the contemptible person who is Antiochus IV Epiphanes (Syrian General)
Verses 21- 38: We see his rise in power and desire for power
Verses 29-30: Antiochus turns his attention and anger towards the Jewish people
Verses 31-35: In 167 BC, the persecution of the Jewish religion reached a climax.

All Jewish religious practices such as circumcision, possessing the Scriptures, offering sacrifices, and observing feast days were forbidden on penalty of death.
Desecration of the Jewish religion reached a crescendo on December 15, 167 BC when an altar or idol-statue devoted to Zeus was erected in the temple. On December 25, sacrifices including swine were offered on the altar. The temple was desecrated, and “the abomination of desolation” became a historical reality.

Jesus references this event in the Olivet Discourse
Verse 35: God raised up Antiochus to refine, purify and sanctify his people

Application
God does this today as well for us!
Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4

Verses 36-45
Controversial and disputed text
Your eschatology will influence your understanding and expectation of these verses
2 options
Option 1 – This section is speaking of a future anti-Christ figure
Telescoping
Option 2 – This section is speaking of a wicked ruler in that day
Verse 45 – His time will end
Daniel 2:21-23

Closing
1. Be amazed at the word of God
2. Be amazed at the sovereign God who is revealed to us
God is in control, of who is in control
3. This God is too glorious not to share