Prophecies That Happened

O. T. #2012  "Prophecies That Happened"

August 27, 2021

Daniel 11

LET IT GLOW

Fulfilled prophecy is one of the proofs of the inspiration of the Bible, for only an omniscient God can know future events accurately and direct His servants to write them down. (Wiersbe)

He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him. (Daniel 2:22)

Those of us who believe in a great God have no problem accepting "the word of prophecy." (2 Peter 1:19-21)

These last two chapters of Daniel's writings and prophecies was actually a revelation that came to the prophet Daniel in a vision, found in 10:1. Keep in mind that some of the events predicted have already been fulfilled and are ancient history, but had not in Daniel's time. There were some ugly wars and conflicts as groups sought to dominate the world and its people, as well as eliminate the Jews, God's chosen and beloved people:

1. The Medo-Persian Empire-Cyrus ruled in Persia and Egypt while Darius ruled in Mede and Babylon. Then came Cambyses, Gaumata, Darius I Hystaspes, and Xerxes (Ahasuerus ) in the book of Esther.
2. The Grecian Empire-ruled by Alexander the Great, but died at age 32. As said earlier, Al's kingdom was divided by the 4 generals-Cassander had Macedonia and Greece; Lysimachus had Thrace and parts of Asia Minor; Ptolemy ruled Egypt and Palestine; and Seleucus ruled northern Syria and Mesopotamia.
3. The Ptolemies and Seleucids-The 6 Ptolemies were the kings of the south and ruled Egypt, while the 4 Seleucids reigned in Syria.
4. Antiochus Epiphanes-had 4 rulers in Syria, too.

An excellent source of history and those rulers is found in commentaries by MacArthur, Wiersbe, Swindoll, and Falwell.

I have tried to summarize what happened, but they offer details on kings killing family members in order to gain control. Greed for power and wealth led them.

We can look into biblical history and see that Daniel's prophecies came true. Two more are yet to occur, so we will study them next week.

LET IT GROW

What can we learn from this history?

• Human nature hasn't changed over thousands of years.
• People went to any length to get what they wanted, even violating human rights and the breaking of divine laws.
• God is not responsible for the evil people have done in the name of government and religion.
• Even though evil has tried to destroy the Jews, god still has a remnant preserved.
• No matter how difficult the times, God keeps His covenant with believers in Jesus. If we are martyred for our faith, it is a witness.
• God is still the Lord of history and continues to work out His plans for humankind. God will receive glory through it all.
• Hopefully, people will repent of their sins before it is too late.

LET IT GO

Jesus is way-maker, miracle worker, promise keep, that is who He is.

He is faithful and trustworthy.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes unto the Father except through Him.

Hold us in Your hands, as well as Christians around the world, so we can proclaim Jesus Christ is Lord.