Day 253, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Daniel 10–12
What’s Next? Bible Prophecy
Most of us are curious about the future. We wonder what will occur in our lives, the life of our nation, and even the world. To predict the future, some of us might listen to experts in politics, history, philosophy, or religion. Others might consult tarot cards, palm readers, and horoscopes to determine their prospects for good or evil. How can we know what's next?
Ask God
The Almighty Sovereign God and creator of the universe knows everything. He knows the beginning and the end and everything in between. He selects prophets to reveal things that will happen in the future, and we can trust him. Shouldn't we consult God before anyone else? We might not, but the prophet Daniel did.
In Daniel's lifetime, the Jews from Judah were in Babylonian exile for seventy years. The Jews from the northern kingdom of Israel were in exile as much as 150 years earlier. First Assyria conquered them, then Babylon, and finally Persia. In Daniel's old age, Persia is the dominating world power.Then, the LORD overruled. In answer to Daniel's prayer, King Cyrus signed a decree to allow the Jews to return to the land of Israel. There, they could live in peace and rebuild their temple. Initially, 49,000 returned with Ezra back to their homeland. They built an altar, and now they're working on the temple.
Since Daniel has seen God fulfill his promise, he asks the LORD, what's next for Israel?
God Answers
In answer to his prayer, Daniel is given a disturbing vision. Then he fasts and prays for three weeks before he receives an explanation of what it all means. How long are we willing to seek God for answers to our prayers?
One day, a messenger clothed in splendor visits Daniel. Theologians say the person Daniel saw could be Jesus Christ; he looks like the one described in Revelation 1:13-15.
This Christ-like messenger tells Daniel many things about the future of the Jewish people. To understand his message, we must first know about the attributes of most Bible prophecies (more...). Here is a brief descriptionSix things you should know about Bible prophecy
• Bible prophecy is first a forth-telling, a proclamation of God's message of judgment and hope.
• Prophecies of the Bible usually have a near fulfillment , which is partial, and a distant fulfillment , which is complete.
• Not all prophesies are in their chronological order, so the context of a Scripture passage is key to its interpretation.
• Comparisons and correlations between prophecies and their fulfillment are vital to their interpretation.
• Since five hundred of the 1,000 prophecies of the Bible had literal fulfillment, we can expect the next five hundred to have literal fulfillment.
• Some predictions are couched in symbolism, such as numbers and metaphorical expressions. Context and correlation with other Bible texts give us clues for interpretation.
Near Fulfillment
According to the messenger (Daniel 11:1-35), four more Persian kings would rule and then be defeated by Greece. History reveals these Persian kings to be Cambyses, Pseudo-Smerdis, Darius I Hystaspes, and Xerxes or Ahasuerus. Alexander the Great would then come to power, conquering Persia and every other nation. He would do as he pleases until he suddenly dies in 323 B.C.
Alexander's four succeeding generals would have territorial wars, and Israel would be caught in the middle. She suffered for a long time during the conflicts between the Ptolemies and Seleucids.
Afterward, one Seleucid (northern) general would seize power by intrigue and bring much trouble to Israel. History reveals this madman to be Antiochus Epiphanes. He would defile the temple by placing an idol of Zeus in it and sacrificing a pig on the altar. Antiochus Epiphanes would serve as a prototype for the Antichrist, who will arise in the end times (Daniel 8:23-26; Daniel 12:1-2, 11; Matthew 24:3-25; and 2Thessalonians 2:2-12). This may be the Satanic-empowered beast mentioned in Revelation 13:1-18.Although not mentioned by name in Daniel 10-12, a reference is made to a fourth kingdom in Daniel 7:19-27, From history, we know this was the kingdom of Rome. When Rome would come to power after Greece, she would rule the whole known world. She would bring rule and order and enforce peace. This would prepare for the appearance of Jesus Christ.
Distant Fulfillment
In the last days of the earth, as we know it, there will be a terrible time of plagues upon the world and its people. The Tribulation period and will last seven years (Revelation 6–19). The first three and a half years will be peaceful for Israel because of a treaty negotiated with the nations. Once again, there will be daily sacrifices in a new temple until the treaty is broken.
Then a world leader (mentioned earlier) will rule with more beastly power than all the other kingdoms of the earth. Troops and armory will move against Israel, and she will be threatened with destruction. Then Jesus Christ will come back to this earth to destroy them and save her (Ezekiel 38). He will then rule and reign from Jerusalem.
None of the events of Daniel 11:36–12:13 have happened yet. But, because all other prophecy has been fulfilled literally, we can expect these will, too.
Responding to Prophesies
What's next for our nation? What's next for our lives? The answer depends on how we respond to prophesy. If we live oblivious to God or in opposition to him, he will judge us either in this life or the next.
If we respond with a fear of the LORD, turn from our sins and seek him for salvation, God will have mercy and forgive us. He will give us peace and bring healing to our land or to our personal lives.
If we Christians conduct our lives in holiness and righteous living, God will be gracious to protect us, and perhaps bring us success.
Psalm 33:12, NIV says, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Is God the LORD in our lives? Do any of us want forgiveness, peace, and spiritual life? We can call out to him to help us (more...).
Christians, do we ask God for wisdom? Do we diligently seek it in his Word and wait for his answer?
Discussion
Why should we ask God about the future? Where can his answers be found?
What are some attributes of Bible prophecy? What can we be confident of regarding them?
How should we respond to Bible prophecy?
End Note: 1. Some theologians think the messenger who visits Daniel is Jesus Christ because his appearance to Daniel is similar to the manifestation of Christ described in Revelation 1:13-15.
Others believe He cannot be Jesus because He is a messenger which has trouble conquering the prince of Persia (probably a powerful demon in Satan’s army). However, somehow this messenger gives physical strength to Daniel when he faints at the sight of Him and is weak and trembling.
Is this the Christ or an angel like Gabriel? We do not know. Angels are messengers and ministering spirits (Hebrews 1:14), and angels are at war with demons. We need to understand we are in a spiritual conflict and be prepared (Ephesians 6:10-18). Demons do not want Israel, God’s chosen people, to prosper, and demons do not want Christians to prosper.
2. (Summary of Daniel 10-12 and The Bible Knowledge Commentary of the O.T. edited by Walvoord and Zuck, © 1985, pp. 1367-74)
Focus Verses
Psalm 37:37-38 (NIV) “Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace. But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.”
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Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: Israel's neighbors threaten her and stop the work. Two prophets encourage them to get back to work. Join us in our Next Lesson to bolster your courage. Don't Be Intimidated!
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