'Wars & Rumours Of Wars'


Last week we began our study of the final three chapters of Daniel contain one last vison and its message is about a great conflict that God's people would find themselves immersed in in the future. Today we turn our attention to the details of Daniel's vison in chapter 11 which sets out in great detail the future history of God's people.

Now I know that while for me history is endlessly fascinating - the truth is that for many others when we hear of history our eyes start to glaze over. Daniel 11 seems to be the account of the quarrels of long dead king and empires with wars and persecution on every page. It presents a dizzying and confusing array of alliances and conflicts, of wars and rumours of wars. Is there really anything that we can learn from this that is relevant and meaningful to us living our lives here and now in 2022?


Main Points:

  1. The Futility of Human Empires Which Are Now Consigned to History (verses 2-20).
  2. The Reality of Intense Persecution For God's People Throughout History (verses 21-35)
  3. The Warning of the Final Persecutor In The Last Days of History (verses 36 - chapter 12, verse 3)

Application Questions:

  1. What are some the strongest anti God and anti-Gospel powers we see in our world today? Why are we not to allow ourselves to be too intimidated and cowed by such powers?
  2. 'Affliction is one of the marks of God's people in every age.' Read 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 and 4:16- 18. What do these verses tell us about Paul's attitude toward the inevitable suffering that came upon him? What positive features or outcomes from this suffering are there for him?
  3. Daniel 11 is seeking to teach us how to live faithfully in the midst of the worst trials. We are called to believe, resist, witness and pray. What practically will this look like for you in your daily life?