Read Daniel 11:5-14. What is unfolding here? Upon the death of Alexander the Great, the vast Greek empire was divided among his four generals. Two of them — Seleucus in Syria (North) and Ptolemy in Egypt (South) — managed to establish dynasties that would fight each other for control of the land. Most Bible students understand … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 11:1-4. What do we see here that reminds us of some of the previous prophecies we have seen in Daniel? Gabriel tells Daniel that three kings will still rise from Persia. They will be followed by the fourth king, who will be the richest one of all and will provoke the Greeks. After Cyrus, … Continue reading –>
Sabbath Afternoon Read for This Week’s Study: Dan. 11:1-45; Dan. 8:3-8, Dan. 8:20-22; Isa. 46:9-10; Dan. 8:9, Dan. 8:23; Matt. 27:33-50. Memory Text: “And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time” (Daniel 11:35, NKJV). As we begin this challenging chapter, a … Continue reading –>
Fetus Refused to Die By Victor Hulbert “I’m very sorry”, the doctor told Fusae Suzuki. “Your husband is very young but, unfortunately, he will die tonight or at the most in a few days”. The news devastated the young Japanese mother. She went to the river to fetch water and, looking into the water, considered … Continue reading –>
Further Thought: “For three weeks Gabriel wrestled with the powers of darkness, seeking to counteract the influences at work on the mind of Cyrus. … All that heaven could do in behalf of the people of God was done. The victory was finally gained; the forces of the enemy were held in check all the … Continue reading –>
The most prominent character in the book of Daniel is the figure initially called “Son of Man” (Dan. 7:13, NKJV) or “Prince of the host” (Dan. 8:11, NKJV). Eventually we learn that his name is Michael (Dan. 10:12), which means “Who is like God?” He comes to help Gabriel in the conflict with the king of Persia (Dan. 10:13). The … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 10:20-21. What is revealed to Daniel here? The heavenly messenger pulls the curtain aside and reveals to Daniel the cosmic war that transpires behind the scenes of human history. As soon as Daniel begins to pray, a spiritual battle starts between heaven and earth. Heavenly beings began a struggle with the king of Persia … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 10:10-19. What happens each time an angel touches Daniel? Overwhelmed with the radiance of divine light, the prophet falls. Then an angel appears to touch him and comfort him. As we read the narrative, notice that the angel touches Daniel three times. The first touch enables the prophet to stand and hear the words … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 10:4-9. What happens to Daniel here? As Daniel describes his experience, we can hardly imagine the overwhelming splendor of what he sees. That human appearance (Dan. 10:5-6) harks back to the “Son of man” depicted in the vision of the heavenly judgment (Dan. 7:13). His linen clothing is reminiscent of priestly garments (Lev. 16:4), an aspect that likens … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 10:1-3. What do we again find Daniel doing? Daniel does not spell out the reasons for his extended mourning period. But such a fervent intercession is most likely motivated by the situation of the Jews, who have just returned from Babylon to Palestine. Read Ezra 4:1-5. What challenges are the Jews facing upon their return? … Continue reading –>
