Daniel 11 continues with an explanation of the vision that Daniel references in Daniel 10:1 in which he writes; “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, who was named Belteshazzar; and the message was true and one of great conflict, but he understood the message and had an understanding of the vision”. This vision which involved “great conflict” that impacted the lives of Daniel’s countrymen (the Jews) had serious consequences to the future of his people. The angel says to Daniel; “Now I have come to give you understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future” (Daniel 10:14). The information provided in Daniel 11 outline the future historical impact that the Persian and Greek Empire and its leaders have upon the people of the covenant (the Jews), and the detailed account which is future to Daniel will unfold in the later days just as it is described here. The recorded account here in Daniel 11 is so detailed that the skeptics claim that Daniel could not have written this and it had to have been authored by someone who actually lived through the events. I find this claim to be absurd and have no doubt that the vision that was given to Daniel along with its explanation was penned with the intent to show these as future prophetic events, some of which have yet to be fulfilled.

We are introduced to some significant character and world leaders such as Cyrus the king of Persia, Alexander the Great and Antiochus Epiphanes just to name a few. The text here also describes a number of significant battles and wars that are also supported by the historical record involving the Persian, Greek and Roman Empires. These various empires, more specifically the Greek Empire and its most despicable leader named Antiochus IV (AKA – Antiochus Epiphanes) will bring harm to and even persecute the people of the covenant until that divinely appointed time has run its course. This chapter also provides a glimpse toward the yet future events of the Great Tribulation described by Jesus in Matthew 24, Paul in II Thessalonians 2, and the Apostle John in The Revelation. This vision was very troubling to Daniel and rightfully so as it impacted his people the Jews and shows the ugly side of humanity as well as the evil influence of Satan and his demons. Although the chapter is full of persecution and oppression against the Jews, there is hope in Jesus Christ the Messiah who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This same Jesus will rule and reign in the final kingdom which is eternal and will never come to an end. All evil will one day be judged, and Satan and his evil powers will be banished to hell forever – on this you can be 100% sure!

Lesson 11 – Daniel’s Last Vision Part II – Daniel 11 (Student Copy)

Lesson 11 – Daniel’s Last Vision Part II – Daniel 11 (Teacher Copy)