Episode 73b, Daniel 11

Hi I'm Sal Lopez Executive Director or Ozark Hunger Relief. I am trying to open an office in Prairie Grove to feed neglected children. I will feed anyone though. I am most concerned with people who cannot work or find food other places.
Anyway If you can help ozarkhunger@gmail.com.
This is Daniel 11. This Chapter Proves the Bible is The Truth!
Chapter 11 of the Book of Daniel is one of the most detailed prophetic chapters in the Bible, providing a vision of future events as revealed to Daniel. This chapter is often seen as a detailed account of political and military conflicts involving kings and nations, particularly focusing on the Seleucid (Syria) and Ptolemaic (Egypt) dynasties, which arose after the breakup of Alexander the Great's empire.

Summary of Key Points in Chapter 11:
The Persian Kings and the Rise of Greece (Verses 1-4):

The chapter begins with a prophecy about the Persian Empire. Four kings are mentioned, with the final one, likely Xerxes, being very wealthy and launching a major attack against Greece.
After Persia’s prominence, Greece, under Alexander the Great, emerges as the dominant power. Alexander's empire, however, is divided into four parts after his death, marking the beginning of conflicts between his successors (His four Generals, the Diadochi).
The King of the South and the King of the North (Verses 5-20):

The text introduces the ongoing power struggle between two of these successor kingdoms: the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt (referred to as the "King of the South") and the Seleucid Kingdom (referred to as the "King of the North"). These two dynasties engage in numerous wars and alliances.
Specific kings are prophesied, such as Ptolemy I and his successors (in the south) and Seleucus I and his successors (in the north). A major point here is that Isreal is caught between these 2 warring countries!
Notably, a marriage alliance between the two houses is mentioned (likely referring to the marriage of Ptolemy II's daughter Berenice to Antiochus II), which ultimately fails and leads to renewed hostilities. Berenice ends up favoring The Ptolemy over her own father.
Antiochus III and the Rise of Antiochus IV Epiphanes (Verses 21-35):

A detailed description of the reign of Antiochus III (the Great) of the Seleucid Empire follows, who successfully expands his kingdom but eventually suffers defeat at the hands of the Romans.
The chapter then focuses on Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king infamous for his persecution of the Jewish people. He is described as a "vile person" who seizes power by deceit. He is also an Archetype of the Anti-Christ or Hitler.
Antiochus IV's military campaigns against Egypt, his desecration of the Jewish temple, and his imposition of Greek culture and religion on the Jews are vividly described. This desecration leads to the "abomination of desolation," a term used for his defilement of the temple by setting up a pagan altar.
His oppressive actions, particularly against the Jewish people, are prophesied to lead to suffering, but also to a period of resistance and purification among the faithful.
The Time of the End (Verses 36-45):

The final section of the chapter shifts focus to a future, more enigmatic king. Some interpreters see this as a continuation of Antiochus IV, while others believe it points to a future ruler or the Antichrist.
This ruler exalts himself above all gods and disregards traditional religion, introducing a new form of worship and gaining power through military conquests.
The chapter closes with a description of this king's ultimate downfall, as he faces opposition from Jesus and his Christian Army (us) and meets his end without anyone to help him, at the battle of Armageddon.
Themes and Interpretation:
Historical vs. Future Fulfillment:

Many scholars and theologians interpret much of Chapter 11 as a historical account of the struggles between the Ptolemies and the Seleucids, culminating in the reign of Antiochus IV. His persecution of the Jews is often seen as a precursor or type of later end-times persecution.
Some believe that the final verses, which describe a powerful, self-exalting king, refer to a future eschatological figure (often associated with the Antichrist) who will play a role in the "time of the end."
Spiritual Conflict:

The chapter highlights the larger theme of spiritual warfare and the oppression of God's people, but it also emphasizes that God's ultimate plan will prevail, even in the face of seemingly overwhelming political and military power.
God's Sovereignty:

Despite the intricate details of wars, alliances, and betrayals, the underlying message of Daniel 11 is that God is in control of history. The rise and fall of kings, the suffering of the faithful, and the eventual triumph of righteousness are all part of a divine plan.
Chapter 11 of Daniel is significant both for its detailed prophecies and its depiction of the ongoing struggle between good and evil, often interpreted within the broader context of biblical eschatology.
This book stops after Armageddon, before that is the Rapture, after that is the Millennial Reign of Jesus on the new Earth in the new Jerusalem.
Please ask God to forgive you for your sins in the name of Jesus and be with us as we battle Satan at Armageddon!