Contents Daniel 11 Next Study
Do You Want to Know the Future?
No.9.
Daniel 11 is the most difficult chapter in Daniel’s book, and although Bible historians have attempted to understand the details, they do not all come to the same conclusions. In this study, we will only deal with the verses that relate to the chapters studied in the previous booklets.
The chapter actually concludes with the first four verses of Daniel 12. In the original writings there were no chapter divisions or verses. These were added to make it easy to find chosen passages. Most of them are well placed, but in a few instances, the choice could have been more appropriate.
Daniel 11 begins in the first year of Darius the Mede, which appears to be earlier than other prophecies, but it has been placed at this point for a reason known to our God.
It begins: “And now will I show thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.” Daniel 11:2.
Historians vary in their account of the four kings because some do not include a false one named Smerdis. However, when he is included, there are four – Cambyses II, the false Smerdis, Darius I, and Xerxes I. (Xerses is also the well-known Ahasuerus, the king in the book of Esther)
Xerxes is certainly the fourth king in the prophecy because his wealth is well-known. He spent four years preparing for an attack against Greece. Pythius of Asia Minor sent a message to Xerses offering money to defray the cost of war. Xerxes asked scornfully, ‘Who is this Pythius?’ He was told, ‘O king, he is the second richest man in the world, next to yourself.’
Forty nine nations pledged alliance to Xerxes, but even with such a massive army, the war was lost.
We might expect from the prophecy that Medo Persia was taken over by Greece at this time, but it is not so. In fact, Artaxerxes I succeeded Xerxes, then Xerxes II, Darius II, even unto Davius III.
However, the loss by Xerxes I against Greece was the turning point of history for the empire. From that time, it went down, and never again attempted an attack against Greece.
“And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.
And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.” Daniel 11:3.4.
The “mighty king” who attacked Medio Persia in the days of Darius III was Alexander the Great, who gained the victory at Arbala in BC 331.
You will notice that this prophecy says Alexander’s successor would not be his posterity (his son), confirming what we have already studied. The chapter goes into great detail concerning the conflict between two of the four divisions of Alexander’s empire – the Egyptian Ptolemies and the Syrian Seleucids.
The Ptolemies are called the ‘king of the south’ and the Seleucids, the ‘king of the north’. The latter was a term familiar to the Jews as applicable to Babylon, which once covered much the same area.
The verses between 5 and 12 are a description of the most tragic experience of the Jews between the time of Jerusalem’s destruction and the burning of the temple by the Babylonians, and the repetition of that tragedy in AD70 by the Romans.
The Seleucids became a ‘new Babylon’ in their hatred of the Jews, but they were simply forerunners of another ‘Babylon’ in type, that of Rome in both its phases.
Many students of Daniel’s prophecies believe that the changeover from the Syrian Seleucids to pagan Rome begins in the following two verses. It is not clear, but as we progress you will see that the clues become more specific.
Verses 13.14. “For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches.
And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of the people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.” Daniel 11:13.14.
The ‘king of the north’ at this point is still the Seleucids, who with others attempts an attack on Egypt, the ‘king of the south’. The Romans are believed to be the “robbers of the people”, or as many suggest, the “breakers (or opposers) of the people” being more accurate. We are told they will “exalt themselves to establish the vision”, so there is some relationship to the vision.
The text says “but they shall fall”. This is not saying ‘they shall fail’, but fall, which parallels a verse in Daniel 8, which certainly speaks of pagan Rome. “… he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” Daniel 8:25. These ‘robbers’ will fulfil their part in the vision, but God will destroy them.
One writer has said that the prophecy of Daniel 11 is like a photograph that has a double exposure. You can see both pictures, but they are slightly blurred because they have been blended together.
Historians tell us that when Ptolemy died, he was succeeded by his young four (or five) year-old son, Ptolemy Ephiphanes. Antiochus Magnus, king of Syria, thought it an opportunity not to be missed, and planned to enlarge his kingdom to include Egypt. He was not the only one, as Philip, king of Macedonia had the same plans. They entered into a league to divide the dominions of Ptolemy between themselves. (200BC)
But the Romans interfered on behalf of the young king of Egypt, and determined that he should be protected from the ruin devised by Antiochus and Philip.
“Providence raised up the Romans against them, who entirely subverted the kingdoms of Philip and Antiochus, and reduced their successors to almost as great calamities as those with which they intended to crush the infant king.” Ancient History by Rollin. Bk 18 Ch 50. Quoted in Daniel and Revelation. U. Smith p256.7. 1918.
Syria was conquered in 64BC, and added to the Roman Empire when Pompey deprived Antiochus Asiaticus of his possessions, and reduced Syria to a Roman province. (Egypt was conquered by Rome some 30 years later, and for many years they yielded their great stores of grain and other supplies to Rome)
The historical account of the conquest of Syria shows us that the ‘king of the north’ has changed its identity to Rome, for history had moved on.
The following Bible verses will be quoted in part, not to fully explain, but to show that they refer to pagan Rome’s activities. (Please refer to your Bible for the full text)
Verses 15.16.17. “So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities; and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand…. none shall stand before him, and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed…. He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom….” Daniel 11:15.16.17.
When reading these three verses, it is quite obvious that the ‘king of the north’ is powerful enough that “none can stand before him”. History confirms that no kingdom was able to resist this rising power of Rome.
The same power was also to stand in the Holy Land and consume it. “Rome became connected with the people of God, the Jews, by alliance…. (161BC)… It did not however, acquire jurisdiction of Judea by actual conquest till 63 BC.” Daniel and Revelation p259.
(Note verse 15. At times it is difficult to identify the pronouns ‘he’, ‘his’, and ‘him’. In this text ‘his chosen people’ does not refer to Rome, but to God. They are His chosen ones, the Jews. The ‘glorious land’ is Palestine, which is called by many descriptive names, such as the ‘glorious land’, ‘the goodly land’, the ‘pleasant land’, the land ‘flowing with milk and honey’)
Much intrigue takes place in verses 18 and 19, involving Ptolomy, Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, Brutus, Cassius and others. We will not comment on this history, as most of us have learned it in school.
Verse 20. “Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom… he shall be destroyed neither in anger, nor in battle.” Daniel 11:20.
The identity of this raiser of taxes is Caesar Augustus. His was the most exacting tax collection the Roman world had ever seen. Luke, the physician, mentions it. “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” Luke 2:1.
Augustus stood up “in the glory of the kingdom”, for “Rome had reached in his days the pinnacle of its greatness of power. The ‘Augustan Age’ is an expression everywhere used to denote the golden age of Roman history. Rome never saw a brighter hour.” Daniel and Revelation p266.
Caesar Augustus died peacefully in his bed in AD 14, not in anger or in battle as the prophecy said.
Verse 21. “And in his estate shall stand up a vile person…”
Augustus wanted his wife to succeed him, but she nominated her son Tiberius (by a former husband). The emperor said, “Your son is too vile to wear the purple of Rome.”
And his reign was vile – tyranny, cruelty, hypocrisy, debauchery and uninterrupted intoxication.
Verse 22. “And with the arms of a flood shall they be overthrown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.” Daniel 11:22.
In AD 37, Tiberius died a violent death, being suffocated with pillows by the pretorian prefect. He was a man “universally execrated”. Daniel and Revelation p269.
Luke says, “Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrach of Galilee….” Luke 3:1.
The fifteenth year of Tiberius, from August AD 26 to August AD 27, was when John began preaching repentance at the Jordan River. Luke 3:3.4. Under the reign of that “vile person”, Tiberius Caesar, Jesus lived and died.
Many commentators believe pagan Rome continues on for the next five verses, but then there is a change, not with Rome, but with the church.
Verse 28. “Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.” Daniel 11:28.
The one referred to in the text must have his heart against those who are now part of the ‘holy covenant’ -- the Christian church. The Jewish nation has been rejected by this time, which means the covenant made with them no longer applies.
“Under Vespasian (AD66), the Romans invaded Judea, and took the cities of Galilee, Chorazin, Bethsaida, Capernaum. They left nothing but ruin and desolation.” Daniel and Revelation p279.
At this time, Judea and Jerusalem were not taken, and Josephus says that ‘for some strange reason’ the army retreated. We do not know Vespasian’s reason, but the Christians understood its God-given purpose.
Jesus had given a sign, for He said, “When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea, flee to the mountains….” Luke 21:20.21.
Every Christian obeyed and immediately fled to the mountains of Pella. Due to their obedience, not one Christian died in the siege. In AD 70, three and a half years later, the Roman General Titus returned to begin his siege, which lasted five months.
You might wonder why the Christians needed to flee at once if they had three and a half years? Firstly, they had no idea how long Rome would remain away, and secondly, it was to spare them from internal strife. Many factions of Jews fought against each other and there was much bloodshed.
Under Titus, thousands perished in horrible suffering. Many thousands were taken prisoner and used as slaves. The temple was destroyed by fire and the city brought to ruin.
Titus, looking at the ruins said, ‘We have fought with the assistance of God’. Everything was then leveled, and the foundations of the temple plowed up.
Speaking of the temple, Jesus had told his disciples that “… there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Luke 21:6.
These verses parallel those that speak of the persecution of God’s people during the 1260 days of the dominion of the little horn. They were brave Christian men, women, and children. The Papacy finally decided the best way to deal with them was to take their lives.
Waldensian pastors often lived as peddlers, taking their wares to the homes of Catholic families. Concealed in their clothing were portions of the Scriptures, and when they found an interest, these were brought out and the truth taught. Others witnessed as minstrels, subtlely singing the gospel message in the villages and towns.
The majority lost their lives by “sword”, by “flame”, and in “captivity”, wasting away in filthy dungeons. But God gave them courage to stand for Jesus in the ultimate sacrifice.
Sadly, there were some who gave up their faith. One such defector repented with remorse for his failure to maintain his stand, and God gave him the courage to follow his friends to the stake. God did “try” and “purge” some, while others gave in to Rome, and lost their heavenly crown.
“From the dungeon, the stake, the scaffold, where saints and martyrs witnessed for the truth, comes down the centuries the utterance of their faith and hope. Being ‘assured of His personal resurrection, and consequently of their own at His coming, for this cause’, says one of these Christians, ‘they despised death, and were found to be above it.’ They were willing to go down to the grave, that they might ‘rise free’.” The Voice of the Church in All Ages by Daniel T Taylor p33. Quoted in The Great Controversy p302.303.
“… others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection; And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment;
They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy); they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth….” Hebrews 11:35-38. (Bracket it text)
Now, there is an important phrase in Daniel 11: 35 you need to note. It is “even to the time of the end”.
As has been said, these verses are referring to the dominion of the little horn between AD 538 and 1798. When the Bible makes the above statement, it is marking a very important point in history -- after the papal dominion is when “the time of the end” begins.
1260 years of papal dominion ‘Time of the end’
AD538________________________________1798 ______________!
Obviously it does not mean time would come to an end at the conclusion of the Papacy’s dominion, for we are now many years beyond that date.
In the book of Hebrews, God said that He “Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son…” Hebrews 1:2. Again, this did not mean that the end would be within a few years. But it did mean that in the overall picture of earth’s history, Christ’s first Advent was the beginning of the “last days”.
Perhaps you wonder how there can be more than one ‘last days’ or ‘time of the end’. It is a matter of progression. When we get to the beginning of December, many people say, ‘Its Christmas already’. Is it? No, but it is getting close.
When the week before December 25 arrives, the anticipation is high as if it has already arrived. Not yet, but it is near. So it continues until the day arrives.
It is the same with God’s timing of earth’s history. When Christ came, it began ‘the last days’; we could say on December 1. When Papal dominion ended, it was like the last week of December, and so it progressed until Christmas Day arrived.
In Daniel 8:17, it says, “Understand O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.” This refers to the end of the 2300 days. As it is the first mention of the phrase ‘time of the end’, it sets a precedent for interpretation, by
which we can conclude that the “time of the end” is 1844.
Consider the week God created at the beginning of the creation of this world. The year is calculated by the earth circuiting the sun; the month is calculated by the moon circuiting the earth; but the week is not calculated at all. It has a divine origin.
The Fourth Commandment says, “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:11.
Is this what happened in the beginning? Yes.
After completing His work of creation in six days, God “rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.” Genesis 2:2.3.
This is the origin of our week.
God gave us the week to remind us of creation. When this is forgotten, men and women make up their own origins, as in the ‘theory of Evolution’.
The week also gives us the seventh day to worship our Creator, and to praise Him for His blessings and care for us.
But it is also given to show that there will only be a ‘week’ of sin on this earth. I want you to listen very carefully. God has made it clear that not only people must rest, but also the land. It is a moral issue. When His people did not obey the Sabbatical years, God took them into captivity for that length of time. (You will remember 70 years in captivity because of 490 years without the Sabbath rests of the land)
This gives us a point of reference relating to the ‘week’ and how it stands in relation to the earth.
There are two places in the Bible where God’s time is mentioned. In principle they are saying the same, although worded a little differently: “one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day”. 2 Peter 3:8 and Ps 90:4. (We must not think that God’s time is exactly one day in relation to a thousand years of our time. The Bible gives it as a means of understanding that time to God is not an issue)
It does not mean we can place God’s timing on the week of creation. He created this earth in six literal, twenty-four-hour days. This is clear from the Hebrew, and a number of other Scriptural considerations.
However, to God, a day is as a thousand years. Based on various Bible principles relating to the week, we can see that God is only going to allow sin to work its woe on this planet for six thousand years.
God’s great week of time for this earth of sin
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7
!___________!__________!_________!__________!__________!__________!__________!
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h)
(a) Noah’s flood – the first destruction for sin – 2350 BC
(b) The Exodus from Egypt to Canaan – 1558 BC.
(c) The decree of Artaxerxes – 457 BC.
(d) The crucifixion of Christ – AD 31.
(e) The beginning of Papal dominion – AD 538.
(f) The end of Papal dominion – 1798.
(g) The end of the 2300 years – 1844, the beginning of the ‘time of the end’ when judgment begins.
(h) The earth shall keep her Sabbatical rest for 1000 years, our time, or one day in God’s time.
* (Based on creation 4006BC. The flood was 1656 years from creation of Adam, according to Bible genealogies)
With this understanding, you can see how close we are to the end, and when God said Christ came ‘in the last days’, at the end of Day 4, you can see why. And you can see how close ‘time of the end’ is to the actual end -- it is like the ‘last week in December’. The return of Christ will begin the Sabbatical rest for this earth.
Now I am sure you are saying – 'But we have passed the end of Day 6 and are into Day 7.' Yes I agree, however, the principle of the 6000 years is not based on creation. Often our minds conjure up Adam and Eve sinning a very short time after they were created, perhaps a week or so. But it was more likely a number of years. The calculation of God’s great week of time is based on the entrance of sin into this world.
Also, Usshur’s chronology was out a few years, so instead of BC having exactly 4000 years, it should be 4005, or even 4006. Certainly Herod must have been still alive during the time Christ was a baby in Bethlehem, and according to some calculations, he died in 4BC or 6BC.
So we have made mistakes. Let this not be a concern. God is working to His time table. He has appointed a time for every act of His will.
At this moment we are very close to the end of the last week of earth’s history. This should at least prompt us to give our lives to Jesus Christ, and to share truth with others who do not know Him.
Verses 36.37.38.39. “And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished; for that that (which) is determined shall be done.
Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall magnify himself above all.
But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces; and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.” Daniel 11:36-39.
These verses are clearly speaking of the Papacy in relation to the elevation of himself; the ‘god’ he worships; the celibate life-style; the honour of gold, silver and precious stones. (This last one will come up again in Revelation)
Verse 40. “And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.” Daniel 11:40.
On the first reading of this verse, we would think it took place in 1844, but nothing happened that fits the prophecy.
However, if we consider it taking place ‘in’ or during the time of the end, rather than ‘at’ the very beginning, it is a different story. From the perspective of Daniel and the giving of the prophecy, it was correct to say ‘at the time of the end’ and not mean on the very first day, but during the time of the end.
Let me ask you – Has there been a time when atheism or Communism, as the ‘king of the south’, pushed at the Papacy as the ‘king of the north’, resulting in the latter coming against him “as a whirlwind”?
Think 20th century.
In May 1981, Pope John Paul II had been shot by a Turkish gunman, sent by East block plotters from Bulgaria, and these were sponsored by the Soviet secret police. ‘Life’ magazine wrote, ‘Their aim was to silence the one man capable of shaking the foundations of international Communism.” Life. Dec 1989.
The ‘Reader’s Digest’ said, “In 1981, the communist bloc got another shock. A new American President, Ronald Reagan, began fulfilling his promise to challenge the Soviets, not placate them.” Reader’s Digest. March 1998 p106.
Then we heard from the ‘US News and World Report’ that “Gorby’s bow to the Roman Legions.”
It happened quickly and ‘Newsweek’ magazine entitled its news article, “Days of the Whirlwind”. Newsweek. Dec 25. 1989. Look back at Daniel 11:40 and you will see that ‘whirlwind” is the very word used by the prophet.
It is certain that the military pressure of the West, and the hands off policy of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, had their place in the explosive changes that took place in Communist-controlled countries, but, “while Gorbachev’s hands-off policy was the immediate cause of the chain reaction of liberation that has swept through Eastern Europe in the past few months, John Paul deserves much of the longer-range credit.” Time. Dec 4. 1989.
‘Life’ magazine said, “The rush to freedom in Eastern Europe is a sweet victory for John Paul II.” Life. Dec 25. 1989. Another article headed, ‘The Triumph of John Paul II said, “The tide of freedom washing over Eastern Europe, answers his most fervent prayer.” Ibid.
The demise of Communism was an important part in the preparation for the final events of earth’s history. Malachi Martin, who was an adviser to John Paul II (and his predecessor), wrote in his book ‘The Keys of this Blood’, that
there was an “all-out race” to head the New World Order between the Pope, Communism, and the capitalist West, particularly the United States of America.
He wrote, ‘Willing or not, ready or not, we are all involved in an all-out, no-holds barred, three-way global competition.” The Keys of this Blood. p16.
(By the way, Mikhail Gorbachev now resides in a palatial residence in the United States. He said that the collapse of Communism was simply ‘cosmetics’. In reality it is still alive, and can be called Facism, Socialism, Fabianism. Obviously it was necessary to make it appear a two-way race, but even this is false, as you will see when we study Revelation)
Verses 41.42.43. “He shall enter also into the glorious land and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyians and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.” Daniel 11:41.42.43.
These verses are still future. Although all things are not clear, some things stand out – the Papacy will enter the “glorious land”. Again, please pay close attention.
The first time this land was mentioned in verse 16 (of this chapter), it referred to the home of the Jewish nation, God’s people at that time. Then it was pagan Rome that surrounded and entered Jerusalem to destroy it. At the end, it will be papal Rome that will enter and surround the Christian ‘remnant’ to do its evil work, not in a local geographical area, but all over the world.
(Remember, God took the land from the Jews and scattered them around the world in AD70. Their title to the land had already expired in AD34, at the close of the 70 week prophecy. The fact that they now have a portion of the original land is not a fulfilment of prophecy, but the work of men and nations who are working for the New World Order. Sadly the Jews will suffer again, but they are not the final target)
You will recall that at the end of the 2300 years, truth was re-established and uplifted against the Papacy. Just before Christ returns, the Holy See will get its own back against Christ and His people by surrounding the ‘remnant’ as pagan Rome did in AD 70. After probation closes, not one Christian will die, but at the beginning of the time of trouble, many will be martyred. (We will study this further in Revelation)
The text says, “many countries” will be overthrown. This means they will give up their autonomy to cooperate with the Papacy. In the end, the whole world will be involved. Some will escape from the land of Edom, Moab and Ammon, but Egypt will not escape, as Rome already controls her treasures. The Libyians and Ethiopians will be ever ready to do her will. These ancient lands represent countries today, but not necessarily in the same geographical area. All we know is that they obey Rome’s commands.
Verse 44. “But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to take away many.” Daniel 11:44.
Again, this prophecy is yet future, one that will take place just before the end. Many believe the “tidings out of the east” come from China, but this is not so. In a few words, as this is a subject on its own -- the tidings out of the ‘east’ and the ‘north’ are symbolic of the final work of God in this earth, when He will give His Spirit in mighty latter rain power. The truth will be taken to the whole world with such power that it will lighten the earth with Christ’s glory.
At this time, the papal church will become very fearful, for its leaders will recognise the work of God’s Holy Spirit. In response, they will step up their final persecution to kill the saints.
Verse 45. “And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” Daniel 11:45.
This verse relates to the Papacy establishing itself between the people of the world (the seas) and the “glorious holy mountain”, representing Mount Zion, God’s faithful ‘remnant’ who “keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus”. The purpose is to destroy them. Revelation 14:12. (Take note of another fulfilment of Matthew 24:15; the anti-type of Luke 21:20 . Some also take the ‘glorious holy mountain’ as being the United States of America)
As has been said, there are many Christians who take the prophecies of ancient Israel literally, believing Daniel 11:45 is referring to the Papacy setting up its headquarters in Jerusalem. (Various popes have stated in past years that the Catholic Church would set up its headquarters in Jerusalem)
Satan is providing a decoy. While Christians have their eyes fixed on the Middle East, he works silently in other areas, and they miss the deceptive preparations of papal Rome to destroy the ‘remnant’.
The choice for Israel was – Obey and live (with many blessings), or disobey and die (with much suffering).
As we continue on to the book of Revelation, it will become clearer that Daniel 11:45 is spiritual, relating to the “remnant” of God’s people, rather than to literal Israel and Jerusalem.
Daniel 12:1. “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Daniel 12:1.
You can see why Daniel 11 continues on to Daniel 12 by the words “at that time”.
At what time? The timing of Daniel 11:45.
Who is Michael? According to the verse, he is “the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people”.
Other verses in Daniel speak of the Prince. In Daniel 8:11, He is called “the prince of the host”. In Daniel 8:25, He is called the “Prince of princes”. In Daniel 9:25, He is called “Messiah the Prince”. In Daniel 10:13, He is called “Michael, one (first) of the chief princes”. (Hebrew echad, can be one or first) In Daniel 10:21, He is called “Michael your Prince”. In Daniel 12:1, He is called “Michael, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people.”
In each case, the Prince is Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, Prince of heaven.
There is a verse in the New Testament that confuses many on this subject. “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke thee’.” Jude 9.
Two points are noted.
(a) It calls Michael “the archangel”.
This term does not mean Christ Himself is an angel, but that He is the Commander or leader of the angels. In Revelation 12:7, Christ, called Michael, commands the holy angels in a battle against Satan and his evil angels.
(b) Michael does not rebuke the devil.
As Christ is the Creator, He has a right to do as He pleases, which includes giving eternal life. Christ does not need to rebuke the devil as He has already battled it out with him in heaven. He knew His Father will deal with Satan at the final judgment.
(It appears to Satan that Christ does not have the right to resurrect Moses, as the prophet had sinned. But Christ knew He would die and be raised from the dead, legally gaining the right to do it, something the devil did not understand)
The Son of God has always had much long-suffering and forbearance when listening to the accusations of the devil, for he is constantly the “accuser of the brethren”. Revelation 12:10. (See also Zechariah3:1.2. Job 1:6-12. 2:1-6. Romans 3:25.26)
Let us come back to the prophecy of Daniel.
When Michael, the Prince of heaven, stands to His feet, it signifies the end of the judgment. We are not given any date for this climax, but by this time, all the righteous dead have been judged, as well as those who are still alive and faithfully living for Jesus.
This time is called the close of probation.
The decree will then be given. “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” Revelation 22:11.
Most Christians are not familiar with this term ‘close of probation’, but it is a Bible principle.
When Noah and his family, and all the animals had entered into the ark, the Lord shut the door. It did not begin to rain immediately. God said, “For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights….” Genesis 7:4.
In other words, probation had closed when the door was shut, even though the rain did not begin for seven days. This means no one could be saved once the door was shut. So it will be when Michael stands up. Human probation will have ended. (Christ is now known to us as Jesus or Yeshua, rather than Michael due to His Incarnation, but this was written prior to Jesus taking on humanity)
You will notice that the text does not say Christ will return immediately after the judgment ends. No, “there shall be a time of trouble such as never was”, at which time probation will close, making it impossible for anyone else to be saved. (The wicked will be punished during this time of trouble with the seven last plagues. We will study this more in Revelation)
Praise God the text says, “thy people shall be delivered”. Remember, it is Daniel to whom the angel is speaking, and the prophet would have thought of his people the Jews. But, in the context of the New Testament, it means all who have accepted Christ as their Saviour, whether Jews or Gentiles. So long as our names are in the Book of Life, we will be protected during this terrible time.
Verse 2. “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” Daniel 12:2.
This verse is progressive and follows on from the great time of trouble portrayed in verse 1. And yet it is much broader because it hints at the final shameful resurrection of the lost and the final verdict of their judgment.
When Christ returns there will be the resurrection of the faithful to eternal life. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18. 1 Corinthians 15:51-54.
But there will also be the resurrection of those who persecuted and crucified Christ. Revelation 1:7. This will be a temporary awakening, for they will die again.
After the investigative judgment of those who rejected Christ, all will be resurrected to receive their wages of shame and eternal death. It will be a terrible time for those who have forfeited God’s offer of mercy, and they will lament and wail in sorrow. But it will be too late.
Verse 3. “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” Daniel 12:3.
With this verse, we will bring the study of Daniel 11 to a close. It is an encouraging verse with a wonderful promise to all who have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as their Saviour. In God’s kingdom, they will shine with the glory of eternal youth.
“All come forth from their graves the same in stature as when they entered the tomb. Adam, who stands among the risen throng, is of lofty height and majestic form, in stature but little below the Son of God. He presents a marked contrast to the people of later generations; in this one respect is shown the great degeneracy of the race. But all arise with the freshness and vigor of eternal youth… (and) will "grow up" to the full stature of the race in its primeval glory.” The Faith I Live By p183.
The verse also gives a challenge to those who will “turn many to righteousness”, for they will shine as the stars for ever and ever.
Do you want this?
It is offered to all who are “wise”, and who surrender their lives to Jesus Christ to live in harmony with His holy Law. In gratitude, these saints of God will speak to others of Christ and His power to change lives, and as a result, “many” will be saved in God’s kingdom.
We will close with a verse from Revelation.
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come.
And let him that heareth say, Come.
And let him that is athirst - come.
And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”
Revelation 22:17.
Verse 29. “At the time appointed he shall return and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.” Daniel 11:29.
The prophecy now takes on a wider scope. It is now the “time appointed” for the changeover. It is not unusual for prophecies to skip over much history, and between verse 28 and 29 is about three hundred years.
The ‘king of the north’ now changes to papal Rome, in the guise of Christianity. However, not only is the Roman side different, so also the ‘king of the south’. The anti-God stance of Egypt’s ‘king of the south’ broadens to the world-wide anti-God power of Communism.
In AD 330, Constantine moved the government of Rome to Constantinople. The removal of the seat of the empire to Constantinople was the signal for the downfall of the empire, as Rome lost its prestige.
“The removal of the capital of the empire from Rome to Constantinople in 330, left the Western Church practically free from imperial power, to develop its own form of organization. The Bishop of Rome, in the seat of the Caesars, was now the greatest man in the West, and was soon forced to become the political as well as the spiritual head.
To the Western world Rome was still the political capital, hence the whole habit of mind, all ambition, pride, and sense of glory, and every social prejudice favored the evolution of the great city into the ecclesiastical capital….
Again and again, when barbarians attacked Rome, he (Bishop of Rome) was compelled to actually assume military leadership. Eastern emperors frequently recognized the high claims of the popes in order to gain their assistance.” The Rise of the Medieval Church. Alexander Clarence Flick. PhD. p168.169. 1809.
This state of affairs suited the Papacy very well, for it gave the authority Rome craved. But even more, the changeover fulfilled prophecy in which the devil, using pagan Rome, gave papal Rome his “power, and his seat, and great authority”. Revelation 13:2.
This change from pagan to papal is not in itself important, except to show the establishment of the little horn. The emphasis of Daniel 8, 9 and 11 is how the devil has attacked God’s people throughout history. Although there is the intrigue of nation against nation, the prophecies are spiritual battles, rather than military ones.
Verse 30. “For the ships of Chittim shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.” Daniel 11:30.
Explanations have been written about the ships of Chittim as from Carthage, however, whatever they represent, the important point is to note the activities of the ‘king of the north’. He has “indignation against the holy covenant”, and “intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant”.
This is clearly treason against the Christian church, something Rome committed early in its history. The next verse brings us to very familiar ground.
Verse 31. “And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.” Daniel 11:31.
There is no question now that this is speaking of the little horn of Daniel 7 and the papal phase of Daniel 8, in which Rome places the “abomination that maketh desolate”, its whole system of falsehood, especially relating to the sanctuary and the provision of salvation.
Verse 32. 33. 34. 35. “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall be corrupt by flatteries; but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help; but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel 11:32.33.34.35.