AIM: Truth is
revealed by God when we are humble
A) Daniel encounters frightening man sent from God to answer
his prayer and fasting
(1) third year of Cyrus of Persia, another vision future war
hardship
(2-3) vision after
three weeks of mourning, no rich food, meat, wine, no lotions
(4-6) April 23, bank of Tigris River, looked up saw man
linen clothing, pure gold belt waist, body like a precious gem, face flashed
like lightning, eyes flamed like torches, arms/feet like polished bronze, voice
like a multitude of people
(7) Only Daniel saw vision, men with him saw nothing but
were terrified and ran
(8-9) Left alone, pale and weak, fainted
(10-11) hand lifted Daniel trembling hands and knees “very
precious to God, listen carefully, Stand up, I’ve been sent to you”
(12) Don’t be afraid, since
first day you began to pray for understanding, humbled yourself before God your
request heard in heaven, answered prayer
(13-14) But for 21 days, spirit prince Persia blocked my
way, Michael archangels came to help me, Now I’m here to explain what will
happen your people future
(15-17) Looking down, unable to speak, looked like a man,
touched lips, began to speak, “filled with anguish, very weak, how can I speak
my lord, strength is gone, hardly breathe”
(18-19) touched again, strength returning 19 “Don’t be afraid,” he said, “for you
are very precious to God. Peace! Be encouraged! Be strong!”
Application: While
the answer may already be sent it sometimes takes time for us to get it. Never
stop praying (1 Thes 5:17)
B) The terrifying man reveals he’s come to fight against
spirits and tell Daniel what will happen in future wars.
(20-11:1) “Know why I have come? Fight against spirit
kingdom of Persia, then spirit kingdom of Greece will come, meanwhile I’ll tell
you what is written in Book of Truth – only Michael, your spirit prince helps –
I’ve stood beside Michael support/strengthen him since first year of Darius the
Mede (Chapter 6 – lions den)
(2) I will reveal truth to you, three more Persian kings,
succeeded by fourth richer one, stirs to fight Greece
(3-4) Mighty king rise up, succeed in everything, height of
power broken to four parts, not ruled by kings descendants, nor authority once had,
empire uprooted, given to others
(5) King of south increase in power, one official more
powerful than he, rules kingdom with great strength
(6) years later alliance formed between kings north and
south. Daughter of south marriage to north secure alliance – she’ll lose
influence, abandoned
(7-8) one of her relatives king of south, raised an army –
defeat king of north, returns to Egypt, idols, priceless articles, gold,
silver, years afterward leave king of north alone
(9-10) later king of north invade realm of south, return to
own land, but sons of north assemble great army, advance like flood, carry
battle as far as enemy’s fortress
(11-12) in rage south king rally against vast forces and
will defeat them, filling him with pride, execute enemies success short lived
(13-14) years later north king returns with greater army
than before, general uprising against king south – violent men will join but
not succeed
(15) then King of north lay siege, capture fortified city,
best troops of south can’t stand
(16-17) king north unopposed pause in glorious land of
Israel intent on destroying, plans, entire kingdom, alliance form south (via
daughter) but plan will fail
(18-19) then turn attention to coastland, conquer many
cities but commander another land end insolence, king north retreats in shame.
Refuge in own fortresses but stumble, fall and seen no more
(20)north successor
taxes, but brief reign will die, not from anger or battle
(21-22) next
despicable man, not in line/royal succession. Slip in, least expected, take
over by flattery and intrigue, great armies swept away, including
covenant prince
(23-24) deceitful promises, various alliances, strong
despite having only handful of followers, without warning enter rich areas,
plunder wealth among followers, something never done, plot to overthrow
strongholds, lasting only a short while
(25-26) north courage against south, south king battles no
avail, own house causes downfall, his army swept away, many killed
(27) seeking nothing but harm for each other, kings plot
against each other at conference table attempting deceive each other but makes
no difference, end will come at appointed time.
(28) north king returns with great riches, set himself
against people of holy covenant, doing much damage before continuing journey
(29-30) again north invades south, different – warships from
western coastlands will scare him off, return home, vent anger against people
of holy covenant and reward those who forsake the covenant (seems like Nazi
Germany)
Application: Having
seen horrors of World Wars, seems clear that end of time is approaching.
Knowing this how should my life change?
C) Daniel receives encouragement that while times are hard,
some people still know God and are helped by him.
(31-32) his army take over Temple fortress, pollute
sanctuary, stop daily sacrifices, setup sacrilegious object causes desecration,
flatter, win over those who violated the covenant – People who know God strong, resist him.
(33-34) wise leaders instruction to many but will die by
fire, sword or jailed and robbed. During persecutions little help will arrive,
many join them not sincere
(35) some wise
fall victim to persecution, refined, cleansed, made pure until time of the end
– appointed time still to come
(36) king does as pleases, exalting himself, claiming
greater than every god, even God – he will succeed, only till time of wrath is
complete - For what has been determined will surely take place.
(37-39) no respect for gods, boast greatness over all,
instead worships god of fortress, one never known – lavish gold, silver,
precious stones, expensive gifts (Buddha, Islam?)
(40-41) end of time, king of south attack north, north
sweeps lands like a flood, enter Israel but Moab, Edom, Ammon escape.
(42-43) conquer many countries, Egypt, gain control of gold,
silver, treasures of Egypt, Libyans, Ethiopians as servants
(44-45) News from east and north alarm him, in anger set out
to destroy, obliterate many – stop between glorious holy mountain and sea but
there time suddenly runs out and no one will help him.
(12:1) Michael, the archangel who stands guard over Israel
will arise. Greatest anguish of all time – but everyone written in the book
will be rescued.
(2-3) dead will rise to everlasting life or disgrace, wise
will shine bright as sky – who lead many to righteousness shine like stars
forever
(4) Keep this prophecy secret, sealed up until many rush
around and knowledge will increase
(5-6) Daniel saw two others on opposite banks of river, one
asked man now standing above river “how long until shocking events are over?”
(7) raised hands toward heaven, solemn oath by One who lives
forever…”time, times and half time” when shattering of the holy people has
finally come to an end, these things will have happened.
(8-9) Daniel didn’t understand, asked “how?” he said “go it
kept secret and sealed until the time of the end”
(10) Many will be
purified, cleansed, and refined by these trials. But the wicked will continue
in their wickedness, and none of them will understand. Only those who are wise
will know what it means.
(11) daily sacrifice is stopped, sacrilegious object causes
desecration set up to be worshiped, 1,290 days
(12-13) blessed are those who wait, remain until the end of
the 1,335 days, Daniel rest at the end of the days – rise again receive inheritance
set aside for you.
Application: We
can know God’s word is true because of fulfilled prophecy and given courage to
withstand hardships.