From Human Conflicts to the Glorious Land - Daniel 11

Chapter 11 of the book of Daniel confronts us with one of the most challenging texts of biblical prophecy. This chapter describes a long period of battles and conquests, from ancient times to the end times, and how these wars directly impact God's people. To better understand the message of Daniel 11, it is necessary to consider some key points. First, the chapter follows a line of continuity with the previous prophecies of Daniel, such as in chapters 2, 7, 8, and 9, with the message extending from Daniel's days to the end times. Second, we see a succession of world powers that arise and frequently oppress God's people. Finally, each of these prophecies culminates in a glorious ending, with God's victory over evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. In Daniel 11, the history of war between the king of the North and the king of the South and the ultimate fate of the king of the North on God's glorious holy mountain are the central elements of this prophecy.

Prophecies about Persia and Greece

At the beginning of Daniel 11, Gabriel reveals to Daniel that Persia would be followed by three kings, with the fourth king being described as the richest and provoking Greece. After Cyrus, three Persian kings ruled: Cambyses II, the false Smerdis, and Darius I. The fourth king, Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus, is described as an extremely rich and powerful king, and his attempt to invade Greece perfectly fits Daniel's prophecy. However, although Xerxes was a formidable military leader, he was unsuccessful in his attempt to conquer Greece, being defeated by a small army of Greek soldiers. Soon, the Greek empire is introduced into the prophecy with Alexander the Great, who at the age of 32 conquered vast lands and became the absolute ruler of the ancient world. However, after his death, without leaving heirs, the empire was divided among his generals, with Seleucus ruling Syria, Ptolemy ruling Egypt, Lysimachus ruling Thrace, and Cassander ruling Macedonia and Greece.

The fulfillment of this prophecy is a strong confirmation that God's Word never fails. It teaches us that God is the Lord of History, and that, despite appearances, the succession of empires and rulers is not the result of human ambitions but part of a greater divine plan. History is not directed by leaders and their personal ambitions but by the sovereign hand of God, who moves events toward the fulfillment of His purposes. The future, like the past, is in God's hands, and it is He who will guarantee the final victory over evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

Prophecies about Syria and Egypt

After Alexander's death, the Greek empire was divided among his four generals, with Seleucus ruling Syria and Ptolemy ruling Egypt. Daniel 11 describes a series of battles and conflicts between these two dynasties, and the prophecy anticipates the attempt at union through marriage, which, as expected, would fail. History confirms this, with the marriage between Antiochus II Theos, grandson of Seleucus I, and Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy II, which did not last, and hostilities between these two powers intensified again.

Daniel's revelation about the kingdoms of Syria and Egypt highlights the constant struggle for supremacy in the region and how these battles would directly affect God's people. The Lord, by anticipating these events, prepared His people to face future challenges. Deepening our understanding, we see that these prophecies show that God is the Lord of History and that He can be trusted in all circumstances. Trusting in God, who knows the future and directs historical events, is a central lesson for all of us.

Rome and the Prince of the Covenant

The next great power mentioned in Daniel 11 is Rome. In verse 16, the text describes a transition to pagan Rome, which then dominates the glorious land, referring to Jerusalem. Rome, which would rise as the greatest power of the ancient world, is identified as the new empire that would replace the Hellenistic kingdoms. The figure of Caesar Augustus, who conducted the census during which Jesus was born, is mentioned in the prophecy. He was succeeded by Tiberius, who is described as a "wicked man," and the prophetic text points to the death of Jesus, the "Prince of the Covenant," during Tiberius's reign.

The death of Christ, as the "Prince of the Covenant," is one of the central events of the entire biblical narrative. Daniel's prophecy is powerful evidence of divine foreknowledge and the accuracy of Scripture. If God was faithful in fulfilling all past prophecies, we can fully trust the promises that He will also fulfill future prophecies, which point to the final victory of His kingdom.

The Next Power and the Great Apostasy

From Daniel 11:29-39, a new power arises, which, while continuing with the Roman Empire, acquires a new identity. This power is described as a religious power, a "king" that attacks God's people and profanes the sanctuary. This power is characterized by opposition to God's "holy covenant" and the attempt to establish an "abomination that causes desolation" in God's temple, reflecting acts of apostasy and rebellion. The description of this power and its actions against God and His people serves as a clear warning of the difficulties that God's people would face in the future.

This religious power would persecute God's people, but Daniel's prophecy assures that, in the end, this power will be defeated, and God's kingdom will be established. The struggle between good and evil, between God's kingdom and the forces of apostasy, is a constant throughout biblical history, and God's final victory is assured.

Final Events and the Eternal Kingdom of God

The "time of the end," described in Daniel 11, refers to the period extending from the fall of the papacy in 1798 to the resurrection of the dead, as stated in Daniel 12:2. The "king of the North" and the "king of the South" are described not only as political powers but as symbols of spiritual forces opposing God and His people. The "king of the North" represents a power that rises against God, while the "king of the South" is associated with atheism.

The prophecy culminates in the final defeat of the forces of evil, symbolized by the king of the North, and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The "glorious holy mountain" represents God's people scattered throughout the world, and in the end, all who are faithful to God will be victorious.

Practical Application

When studying Daniel 11, it is impossible not to notice how history and prophecy intertwine. The application of this prophecy is not limited to past events but extends to future events and the ongoing struggle between the forces of good and evil. As Martin Luther observed, the papacy and its doctrines can be seen as the fulfillment of the prophecies in Daniel 11, and the history of Christianity is full of examples of how God's people have been persecuted, but also how God has triumphed over the forces of apostasy.

This study reminds us that God is sovereign over history and that, even in the face of difficulties and adversities, we can trust that He will fulfill His promises. God's kingdom will be established, and evil will be defeated forever. God's final victory gives us hope and confidence, for we know that the battle against evil has already been won on the cross, and God's eternal kingdom is closer than ever.