150325 The God Who Wins the Ultimate Victory (2)

• LESSON 12 (March 25) • Daniel 11: The God Who Wins the Ultimate Victory (2) BACKGROUND:  Daniel 11 is a continuation of the massive final vision Daniel received in 536 B.C. The prophecy contained in this chapter is remarkable in its detail and accuracy; some 130 predictions are made in the first 35 verses. The chapter is without rival for precedent in the rest of the Old Testament. Nowhere else is so much specific foretelling to be found in one place.  The acid test of whether prophecy is from God is if it comes to pass (Deut 18:20-22). The fact that this passage is so specific and accurate leads some scholars to conclude it was the work of an historian rather than a prophet inspired by God who knows the end from the beginning. We know better. This chapter describes more than 400 years of events that lay in the future from Daniel’s perspective; it reads like an historical survey of the period with only the names and dates missing.o Dan 11:2 – Xerxes I (Esther 1)o Dan 11:3-4 – Alexander the Greato Dan 11:5 – Seleucus I (“king of the north”) and Ptolemy I (“king of the south”)o Dan 11:6 – Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy IIo Dan 11:7-8 – Ptolemy IIIo Dan 11:9 – Seleucus IIo Dan 11:11-12 – Ptolemy IV o Dan 11:13-19 – Antiochus III o Dan 11:20 – Seleucus IVo Dan 11:21-45 – Antiochus IV (Epiphanes)QUESTIONS WORTH THINKING ABOUT:1. Why was Daniel being shown “the truth” (11:2)?2. “Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him” (11:45). What does this communicate to Daniel and the people of God?3. What should we, as Christians, take away from this massive prophecy of ancient historicalevents? What difference does it make? How does it relate to us?