Read Daniel 11:2-20
The messenger from our last reading continues to share with Daniel in this passage. And there will be still another reading to finish up this one vision. Can you believe the detail Daniel is receiving from this angel from God?
I’m not really a history buff, but when I read this vision, I very much wanted to figure out who these people were from the north and south. I tried drawing a diagram of what we know from Daniel’s vision but felt even more lost.
Thankfully, my pastor husband has an abundance of historical textbooks and Bible references. I found a chronological table in one of them. Suddenly it was obvious who all these people were and where they fell on a timeline that included the events happening in the land of Judah.
What I discovered is that the north is Syria and the south is Egypt. The two daughters that were given to the other kingdom for purpose of alliance building were Berenice and Cleopatra. Palestine was controlled by the Ptolemies of Egypt from 301-198 B.C. until Antiochus III and IV take power. All of this is happening between the Old and New Testament.
Seeing that timeline was like gold. Why did it take that visual to make an impression? It’s my inquiring mind. I always ask a lot of questions. Some people have even suggested I ask way too many questions. But when I get clarity, I’m unshakable. Can you relate?
Understanding how this vision fits with actual history gave me an added dimension of clarity. I was again “wowed” by God and his power. God truly has gone before us as it says in Deuteronomy 31:8. I love this verse. “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
These events happened in history just like the angel messenger explained to Daniel before the fact. It doesn’t surprise me that these words didn’t get written down until years later. The message for us is that God is always in control. Bad things will happen, even to God’s people, but the victory will always belong to the LORD.
We don’t know how this vision will conclude. There may be more surprises in store for us. Take time today to be awed by God and his majesty. He is the Almighty King who will live and reign forever.
Let’s pray. Lord you are the mighty ruler of my heart. Thank you for molding me into the person you want me to be. You have been interacting with your people since time began. I am so honored to be able to call myself your child. Open my eyes to new understanding of your word each day. I look forward to each opportunity to reflect on your message for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
