Free Lessons, Old Testament, Study of Daniel
Daniel 12 presents the final climax of Daniel’s visions: a time of unprecedented distress in which Michael arises to protect God’s people, followed by the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked for judgment. The prophecy is sealed until the end, when many will diligently search it and understanding will grow. The chapter emphasizes purification through tribulation, God’s sovereignty over appointed times, the ultimate vindication of the faithful, and the certainty of final judgment and resurrection.
Free Lessons, Old Testament, Study of Daniel
Daniel 11:21–45 traces the rise of a ruthless ruler—first fulfilled historically in Antiochus IV—whose actions foreshadow a later, greater tyrant: the Antichrist. The passage describes deceit, political manipulation, military campaigns, persecution of God’s people, and a climactic final conflict. It shows how history previews future prophecy and affirms God’s sovereignty over both past and future rulers.
Free Lessons, Old Testament, Study of Daniel
Daniel 11:1–20 traces the shift from Persia to Greece, the breakup of Alexander’s empire, and the ongoing conflict between the Seleucid “North” and Ptolemaic “South,” highlighting shifting alliances, betrayals, and precise prophetic fulfillment.
Free Lessons, Old Testament, Study of Daniel
Daniel 10 records Daniel mourning and fasting for three weeks when a radiant heavenly figure appears by the Tigris River. Daniel collapses at the sight, and an angel strengthens him, explaining that his arrival was delayed by the “prince of Persia” until Michael came to help. The messenger tells Daniel he has come to reveal future conflicts involving Persia and Greece. The chapter exposes the unseen spiritual warfare behind earthly kingdoms and prepares Daniel for the vision that follows in chapters 11–12.
Free Lessons, Old Testament, Study of Daniel
Daniel 9 presents Daniel’s prayer of confession for Israel’s sins and his plea for restoration. In response, Gabriel reveals the prophecy of the “seventy weeks,” outlining God’s timetable for Israel’s future: the coming of the Messiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem, the Messiah being “cut off,” the destruction of the city, and events leading to the final culmination of God’s plan.
Free Lessons, Old Testament, Study of Daniel
Daniel 8 records Daniel’s vision of a ram with two horns (symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire) and a goat with a prominent horn (representing Greece and its first king, Alexander the Great). The goat’s great horn is broken, and four arise in its place—referring to the division of Alexander’s empire. From one of these comes a “little horn”—a fierce, blasphemous ruler (fulfilled in Antiochus Epiphanes and foreshadowing the Antichrist)—who desecrates the sanctuary and persecutes God’s people until divine judgment brings his downfall and the sanctuary is restored.
