Vision of History

“from the first day you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.” Daniel 10:12

Daniel chapters 10-12 is one vision, chapter 10 is like the introduction to this grand vision. We notice in verse 2 that Daniel mourned for three weeks. This likely has to do with the exiles that had returned to Jerusalem and the difficulties they faced resettling in their homeland. At the beginning of the vision Daniel sees a glorious person, either the pre-incarnate Christ (Rev. 1:13-15) or an angel.

I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a multitude. And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision, but a great trembling fell upon them, and they fled to hide themselves. Daniel 10:5-7

Apparently there were others with Daniel, but only Daniel sees the vision. And it is so powerful his strength leaves him. When the angel speaks, Daniel falls on his face. Then the angel touches Daniel and he begins to tremble on his hands and knees. I think all of this is given to us so we understand how powerful the holiness of God is, and that he is not someone to be taken lightly.

War in Heaven

What is described in Daniel 10 is not found anywhere else in the Bible. We see not only an enormously powerful angel, but also spiritual warfare. We become aware of the powers that oppose God. It is interesting that the prince of Persia and Greece are mentioned since the prophecy is about Persian and Greek conflicts, and the opposition the people of God will face.

We also notice the dynamic of the physical versus the unseen world. In verse one we find out that Cyrus is the king of Persia, but also that there is a “heavenly” prince who ruled Persia and influenced the affairs of the nation. And I think what is so striking is the revelation of how prayer affects the spiritual unseen world. Daniel’s prayers were heard and the angel was sent. But the prince of Persia was blocking the message to Daniel for 21 days. When the arch angel, Michael, arrives the battle changes and the messenger appeared to Daniel.

This whole scene reveals what we do not see in the spiritual world. Our prayers affect that world, but there is a constant battle – a war in heaven. And we are reminded of Revelation 12, “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven.” Prayer is very powerful, let us never forget we are engaged in a spiritual war.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness … praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints”. Ephesians 6:12-14, 18

The vision is given to Daniel and he is told that the angel has come to tell him what will happen in the coming days(vs. 10, 14). In fact, once again Daniel is given a vision of nations in conflict, it is a history starting with Daniel’s time and going all the way to the New Covenant. It is a very detailed account, especially pertaining to Antiochus IV Epiphanes. And as we think back to Daniel 8, we remember that vision is similar is some respects, but in chapter 11 we see a progression in the visions. We see this type of genre in Revelation as well, where ideas are repeated or recapitulate but with more detail. The angel tells Daniel that he will tell him what is inscribed in the book of truth. It should be noted this is not the Bible, but writing only available to angels. And we notice at the end of chapter 10 that warfare and opposition will continue with Greece and Persia.

Now, before moving on to chapter 11, I want to pause here. Daniel is several hundred years before the coming of Jesus, but when we read about the war in heaven in Revelation, that obviously is after Jesus has come. And I want to make a distinction here. Remember the beginning of the story Job, where Satan still has access to the throne room of Heaven. Well, in Revelation 12 Satan is kicked out of heaven. Why? Because of Jesus Christ! Satan is a defeated enemy and Revelation 12 lists the weapons to defeat him. 1) The blood of the Lamb 2) The word of their testimony 3) Complete surrender to Christ. Now, why do I mentioned this? Because in Revelation 12 it shows us that Satan has been kicked out of heaven by Jesus Christ. And even though Satan’s fury is against Jesus, now he can only pursue the woman, or God’s people on the earth. I make this distinction because in Daniel (during his lifetime), this had not happened yet. So, while Daniel and the Apostle John do reference the same things, kingdoms, beasts, etc., there are also great differences. Daniel’s revelation was sealed until the time of the end. John’s revelation was an unveiling of the revelation of Jesus Christ and his kingdom.

Now, let’s move on to chapter 11 and I want us to keep in mind that chapters 10-12 are all one vision. Again, chapter 10 has been the introduction to the vision. It should be noted that this the the 4th and final vision of Daniel. Chapter 11 is so detailed about the history of the gentile kingdoms that many critics have attacked the book as previously mentioned. In fact, the philosopher, Porphyry (3rd century A.D.) was the first to attack the book. Why? Because the prophetic revelation of Daniel 11:1-35 is so specific and detailed about the history of the Persians and Greeks that he believed no one could have prophesied this about future events. And many others have had these same claims, but the Bible has proven itself true time and time again.

The first thing to note about this chapter is that it begins with Darius the Mede (539 B.C.). Now, there is a division within the chapter. Verses 1-35 appear to describe events about the Persian and Greek empires, and end with Antiochus Epiphanes (175-164 B.C.) The tricky part is where there seems to be a transition starting in verse 36. Many scholars believe it is at this point that the text skips over the “church age” and is talking about the last “gentile ruler” who comes, or the antichrist, who comes on the scene right before the second coming of Jesus. Now, I will point out that there are a lot of people and scholars who believe this. What I will says is that I do respect this position for it is held by many godly people. But I do not believe this is the case. When you look at the progression of the visions of Daniel (7, 8, 9) what we see in chapter 7 is a transition. Remember chapter 7 is in Aramaic and is discussing the four world kingdoms, which includes the 4th kingdom, which is the Romans. However, in chapter 8, we switch to the Hebrew text and the Jewish people as the audience. And we get more detail about the Persian and Greek kingdoms. Chapter 11 does this as well. Then in chapter 9 we have Daniel’s prayer for his people and the great revelation of the 70th week. We discussed this in detail, and while verses 24-27 is talking about Jesus Christ, it does reference what we believe is a Roman prince, probably Titus. So, we are starting to see the pattern. There are four world kingdoms and the kingdom of Jesus Christ. Then, we have more detail about the 2nd and 3rd kingdoms as it relates to the Jews. Then, it progresses to the “time of the end” – the coming of Jesus Christ and his work on the cross with the New Covenant.

Now, in chapters 10-12 we again are provided great detail in 11:1-35 about the Persian and Greek empires up until Antiochus. Again, this has great importance to the Jews. However, in verse 36 there seems to be a transition. Is it talking about the second coming of Jesus and the antichrist at the end of history? Or is it again referring to the 4th kingdom, the Romans? I will admit because of all the opinions and controversy surrounding the end of Daniel, I am not entirely sure we can know without some uncertainty. But I do believe again it is talking about the 4th kingdom and the final kingdom, the Romans and the first coming of Jesus. There are a lot of opinions and I know what I am saying may be a minority view, but I do think it fits best within the scope of what Daniel is talking about. The prophetic history has been fulfilled. In essence, this last vision is putting all of it together, starting with the Persians and going all the way to Jesus, which is what the text has been doing starting with chapter 7. You have four gentile kingdoms and then the final kingdom of Jesus Christ.