Further Thought: It is interesting that at least in reference to Daniel 11:29-39, Martin Luther identified the abomination of desolation in Daniel 11:31 with the papacy and its doctrines and practices. Thus, the correlation of Daniel 11 with Daniel chapters 7 and 8 reinforces the view of Luther and many other Protestant commentators that the institution of … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 11:40-45. What is happening here? The following phrases help us understand this text: Time of the End: The expression “time of the end” appears only in Daniel (Dan. 8:17; Dan. 11:35, Dan. 11:40; Dan. 12:4, Dan. 12:9). Examination of Daniel’s prophecies indicates that the time of the end extends from the fall of the papacy in 1798 until the … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 11:29-39. What is this power that arises after pagan Rome? Daniel 11:29-39 refers to a new power system. Although this system stands in continuation with the pagan Roman Empire and inherits some characteristics of its predecessor, at the same time it seems to be different in some aspects. The biblical text says that “it shall … Continue reading –>
Read Daniel 11:16-28. Though the text is difficult, what images can you find that appear elsewhere in Daniel? A transition in power from the Hellenistic kings to pagan Rome seems to be depicted in Daniel 11:16: “But he who comes against him shall do according to his own will, and no one shall stand against him. He … Continue reading –>
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 –>
