The Destiny of Nations

4 Important Themes in Daniel:

God is sovereign over history.

The ancient , spiritual conflict continues today.

The saints have to endure suffering.

Christ is assured of ultimate victory.

From Persia to Greece

Daniel 11:1-4

200 yrs of dominance over Asia and Egypt

At least 9 different rulers, 4 are highlighted in the Bible

Cyrus, Darius, Xerxes (Ahasuerus) & Artaxerxes

Israelite exiles had already returned under Cyrus & Darius.

Xerxes provoked the Greeks.

Alexander the Great established Greek Dominance.

Read Daniel 11:4-19

Greek Empire Divided

Alexander’s 4 Generals:

Antipater Cassander received Macedonia & Greece

Lysimachus received Thrace & Asia Minor

Seleucus 1 received Syria

Ptolemy received Palestine & Egypt

South Vs North

Israel is geographically in the middle of the conflict and suffers for it.

The Greeks were skilled Politicians:

Political jostling for more power and wealth.

Arranged marriages to curry political favor.

There was a child born through the arranged marriage who should’ve been heir to both kingdoms, but received nothing.

In response to the embarrassment suffered by the southern princess, the southern Empire attacked & captured a northern fortified city.

The back and forth conflict will also attract others to the conflict. Even some of the Jews will enlist in the service of the northern Kingdom.

Read Daniel 11:20-28

The Rise of Antiochus IV

War between North & South lasted for almost 100 years

Seleucid IV was the exactor of tribute…as king he raised taxes to pay off the nations debt…he was killed

Circa 198 B.C. is when Antiochus becomes king of the North…he usurped power from his nephew.

More skilled than any Politician before him

He raised great wealth through his “flatteries” or he confiscated it through political tact

Through marriage, organized assassinations and impressive military campaign, he nearly conquered all of Egypt and laid claim to it throne;

Read Daniel 11:29-39

Maccabean Revolt

King Antiochus was passionate about spreading Greek culture

Greek culture centered around its religion

Greek colonies were established throughout Syria and surrounding Asian nations

The city of Antioch

Antiochus forbade Jews from worshiping Yahweh

He killed the high priest, put an end to the daily, morning & evening sacrifices that were commanded by God

The Jewish Maccabees led a revolt fighting guerilla style

Antiochus was initially distracted by his war with the King of the South

The South King sought aid from the Romans in fight with Antiochus

“Ships from Kittim” is a reference to the Roman island of Cyprus

Antiochus was humiliated by the Roman Proconsul, Gaius Popilius Laenas

Upon his return to Syria, Antiochus turned his anger towards the Jews

Though many were killed early, eventually the Maccabees prevailed

Antiochus would die before the conflict ended

The Maccabees struck a deal with Rome which established Judea as independent state

See the Roman historian Livy as source

Read Daniel 11:40-45

Antiochus, Ephiphanes or Epimanes

Ephiphanes = “God Manifest”

Epimanes = “Madman”

The Maccabees report that God killed him

“Now I remember the evils I did in Jerusalem. I seized all her vessels of silver and gold; and I went to destroy the inhabitants of Judah without good reason.… I am perishing of deep grief in a strange land.” 1 Maccabees 6:12–13

He died in Persia, partly for thinking he could “command the waves of the sea” and “touch the stars of heaven.” 2 Maccabees 9:8, 10.

Read Daniel 12:1-13

The Wise & the Wicked

The wise testify to the Lordship of Christ in times of testing.

The wise prove the power of the gospel by displaying godly fruit.

The wicked when faced with adversity will choose: self or compromise with the world.

The wicked prove a love for this life and world trumps love for Christ.

Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.4No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. 2 Timothy 2:3-7

Wise rulers govern in the fear of the Lord.

Wicked rulers govern according to the dictates of their own hearts or by the wisdom fo the world.

1 Corinthians 2:6–8 ESV

Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

In Conclusion...

Daniel is told to go his way til the end and that he shall rest and stand in his alloted place. This is a gospel promise and reminder to hope in Christ.

The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. Revelation 3:5

Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15