Although the Bible was written by men, men were used by God to write it. Like holding a pen to write the words, God's Spirit held the man while His words poured out of the oracle like ink out of a pen onto the page.
Why would anyone believe that?
There is plenty of proof for it! And it's all in the Bible. All you have to do is read it to find the proof.
First of all, you'll find miracles that have been recorded in the Bible to prove its veracity. There are dozens of miracles that were witnessed by many and passed down from generation to generation to encourage faith.
In fact, the first verse of the first chapter of the first book of the Bible records a miracle:
Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth."
That one sentence, containing ten words, has sparked controversy and arguments down through the ages.
More evidence that the Bible is God's Word is prophecy. The Bible is full of it! Prophecy proves that what was written by the prophets came directly from the mouth of God. And what makes prophecy prophecy is the fulfilling of prophecy.
When a prophecy has been fulfilled, it proves that it was indeed a prophecy and that the man who recorded it was a prophet. Prophecy also shows us where we are on God's timeline. The prophecies yet to be fulfilled are very few.
The reason why we call the prophets of the Bible prophets is because their prophecies have been fulfilled throughout history, exactly as they were predicted. Only God can do that because only God is "Omnipresent" (existing in every time).
(That's not to say that false prophets don't also prophecy the future accurately. Many false prophets are gone out into the world and we need the help of the Holy Spirit to be able to discern between godly prophets and evil ones.)
The words of Jesus are enough evidence of themselves. His words are spirit and life. He spoke like no other man has ever spoken.
"Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's and unto God the things which are God's."
"Suffer little children and forbid them not to come unto Me for of such is the kingdom of God."
"I am the way, the truth and the life. No man cometh unto the Father but by Me."
"Give and it shall be given unto you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over shall men give into your bosom, for with what measure you mete, it shall be meted unto you."
"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me."
"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth."
The Bible can prove itself to you. But, you have to be willing to read it.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Friday, December 5, 2014
The Last Chapter of Daniel
Daniel 12
1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
("At that time" is talking about the previous verse in chapter 11. "...yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him." That was the last part of the last verse.
This confirms that this person they are referring to here has not yet arrived on the world political scene. It's definitely not Antiochus Epiphanes because Michael hasn't stood up yet. -- Not to my knowledge, anyway.
When Michael "stands up" there shall be a "time of trouble" that has never happened before. Again, this is the "Great Tribulation" Jesus spoke of.
This is an encouraging verse because it says "thy people shall be delivered". If your name is in the book and you happen to be alive at that time, you'll be delivered, one way or the other. These are exciting times, people! And nothing to be afraid of if you've done your homework!)
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
(How do we "turn many to righteousness"? Well, considering that humans have no righteousness of their own, we turn them to Jesus! We share the Good News of salvation.)
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
(This book has been "sealed" until now. Now is when things will begin to open up so the people that need to know will be able to read and understand it.
"many shall run to and fro" - just look up and imagine how much sky traffic is going by all the time these days, not to mention the cars running to and fro.
"knowledge shall be increased" - Until 1900, knowledge was doubling every 100 years but now, they say our knowledge is doubling every13 months!)
5 Then I Daniel looked, and behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.
6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be fore a time, times, and an half: and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
(A "time" is a year, according to other Bible prophecy. This "time of trouble" will last 3 1/2 years.)
8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
(As we read in chapter 11:31, the Antichrist will take away the daily sacrifice and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. The time remaining after that will be 1,290 days. That's a little more than 3 1/2 years.)
12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
(If you're still alive at that time, you will be blessed!)
13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Thus concludes the book of Daniel. Most of the prophecies contained in Daniel have been fulfilled. Like a cup of coffee that's full almost all the way to the brim, there is only a little tiny drop of prophecy yet to be fulfilled! And we may be here to see it!
1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
("At that time" is talking about the previous verse in chapter 11. "...yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him." That was the last part of the last verse.
This confirms that this person they are referring to here has not yet arrived on the world political scene. It's definitely not Antiochus Epiphanes because Michael hasn't stood up yet. -- Not to my knowledge, anyway.
When Michael "stands up" there shall be a "time of trouble" that has never happened before. Again, this is the "Great Tribulation" Jesus spoke of.
This is an encouraging verse because it says "thy people shall be delivered". If your name is in the book and you happen to be alive at that time, you'll be delivered, one way or the other. These are exciting times, people! And nothing to be afraid of if you've done your homework!)
2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
3 And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
(How do we "turn many to righteousness"? Well, considering that humans have no righteousness of their own, we turn them to Jesus! We share the Good News of salvation.)
4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
(This book has been "sealed" until now. Now is when things will begin to open up so the people that need to know will be able to read and understand it.
"many shall run to and fro" - just look up and imagine how much sky traffic is going by all the time these days, not to mention the cars running to and fro.
"knowledge shall be increased" - Until 1900, knowledge was doubling every 100 years but now, they say our knowledge is doubling every13 months!)
5 Then I Daniel looked, and behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.
6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?
7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be fore a time, times, and an half: and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
(A "time" is a year, according to other Bible prophecy. This "time of trouble" will last 3 1/2 years.)
8 And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?
9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.
10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
(As we read in chapter 11:31, the Antichrist will take away the daily sacrifice and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. The time remaining after that will be 1,290 days. That's a little more than 3 1/2 years.)
12 Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days.
(If you're still alive at that time, you will be blessed!)
13 But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.
Thus concludes the book of Daniel. Most of the prophecies contained in Daniel have been fulfilled. Like a cup of coffee that's full almost all the way to the brim, there is only a little tiny drop of prophecy yet to be fulfilled! And we may be here to see it!
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Prophecies Concerning the Antichrist
Daniel 11
21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
(Some people may think that this verse is referring to Antiochus Epiphanes who succeeded Seleucus Philopator. However, if we take into consideration the preceding chapters in Daniel, we'll note that the dreams covered the entire history of the world, ending with the ten toes.
So, although Antiochus Epiphanes may have partially fulfilled the prophecies concerning this "vile" person, it seems reasonable to believe that another possibly even more vile person will rise up to fully complete the prophecy, closing the loop to end all of the history of the world.
Antiochus Epiphanes was a precursor to the Antichrist and demonstrated what kind of person we should expect. In a sense, the coming "beast" will have the same attributes as ancient Rome's dictators. Nevertheless, he shall come in peaceably. His theme will be "World Peace".
We can also note that this chapter uses the words "the time of the end" (verse 35 and verse 40) which usually refers to the end of time as we know it today. Then, Daniel chapter 12 begins at the "Great Tribulation" that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:21.)
22 And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.
(A flood could represent a crowd of people or a huge army and the prince of the covenant is probably someone in favour of the seven-year peace covenant that is signed.
[Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week...]
I'm going to go out on a limb here and take a guess that the "prince of the covenant" is the Pope, because he's really determined to have a unification of all the world's religions, which is abominable. This prince could also be a major religious leader of Israel.)
23 And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.
(The Antichrist is often referred to as being deceptive and it looks like he's quite an artful liar. To become strong with "a small people" he'll deceive them in some way, possibly by professing to believe in their god.)
24 He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strongholds, even for a time.
(Again, the word peaceably is used here. Peace is a keyword in politics these days, that is "peace" and "security". Look for someone who is sharing the wealth with his armies and boasting of his future conquests.)
25 And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.
(Who is the king of the south? Your guess is as good as mine. My guess is the king of Saudi Arabia or his son the prince of Mecca or one of those kings in the south. I'm thinking it's not a king of Egypt or Africa. But it's a king of the south anyway.)
26 Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.
(Sadly, another huge loss of life.)
27 And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.
(This is not an uncommon sight, two politicians lying to each other at a table.)
28 Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.
(The Antichrist is starting to resent the covenant that he confirmed, which was probably concerning Israel.)
29 At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.
30 For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.
(The ships of Chittim or Kittim are ships from the coastal areas surrounding the Mediterranean. These may even be American or British ships. They will be attacking the Antichrist. But the AC will continue to gather like-minded people to himself to break the holy covenant, thus beginning the Tribulation of 3 1/2 years.)
31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.
(This is a hugely significant sign to watch out for! In Matthew 24, Jesus tells us when we see the abomination of desolation, flee! Don't hang around waiting to see what comes next! GET OUTTA THERE. And FAST. RUN! Don't even stop to pack a bag.
It seems likely that the "sanctuary of strength" will be the temple that the Jews are intending to build in Jerusalem near the temple mount near the Dome of the Rock. And this is where the Antichrist will place his idol for everyone to worship.)
32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.
(Do you know your God? Have you been getting to know Him?)
33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct man: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
(If you understand what's going on, you have a responsibility to instruct others, right?)
34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
(Those who fall will be helped and when God helps you, it's not just a little help. Watch out for spies.)
35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.
36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
(The Antichrist will exalt himself above every god. This seems to be a trend with world leaders only this guy is really stuck on himself big time. God's going to allow him his moment in the spotlight.)
37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
(He's just not into women. Maybe he doesn't want to be distracted and maybe he sees himself as above all of those needs of the flesh.)
38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
(So, he does regard the "God of forces" = Satan.)
39 Thus shall he do in the most strongholds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.
40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.
(The king of the south will both come against the Antichrist. So, I guess his popularity polls are shrinking.)
41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
(The glorious land is probably Palestine or Israel. Edom, Moab and Ammon are areas to the Northwest of Saudi Arabia.)
42 He shall stretch forth his hand also, upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.
43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.
44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.
45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
(He shall come to his end. After all, he's only human. And that will be the end of life as we know it. But with every ending there comes a new beginning!)
21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.
(Some people may think that this verse is referring to Antiochus Epiphanes who succeeded Seleucus Philopator. However, if we take into consideration the preceding chapters in Daniel, we'll note that the dreams covered the entire history of the world, ending with the ten toes.
So, although Antiochus Epiphanes may have partially fulfilled the prophecies concerning this "vile" person, it seems reasonable to believe that another possibly even more vile person will rise up to fully complete the prophecy, closing the loop to end all of the history of the world.
Antiochus Epiphanes was a precursor to the Antichrist and demonstrated what kind of person we should expect. In a sense, the coming "beast" will have the same attributes as ancient Rome's dictators. Nevertheless, he shall come in peaceably. His theme will be "World Peace".
We can also note that this chapter uses the words "the time of the end" (verse 35 and verse 40) which usually refers to the end of time as we know it today. Then, Daniel chapter 12 begins at the "Great Tribulation" that Jesus spoke of in Matthew 24:21.)
22 And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.
(A flood could represent a crowd of people or a huge army and the prince of the covenant is probably someone in favour of the seven-year peace covenant that is signed.
[Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week...]
I'm going to go out on a limb here and take a guess that the "prince of the covenant" is the Pope, because he's really determined to have a unification of all the world's religions, which is abominable. This prince could also be a major religious leader of Israel.)
23 And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.
(The Antichrist is often referred to as being deceptive and it looks like he's quite an artful liar. To become strong with "a small people" he'll deceive them in some way, possibly by professing to believe in their god.)
24 He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strongholds, even for a time.
(Again, the word peaceably is used here. Peace is a keyword in politics these days, that is "peace" and "security". Look for someone who is sharing the wealth with his armies and boasting of his future conquests.)
25 And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.
(Who is the king of the south? Your guess is as good as mine. My guess is the king of Saudi Arabia or his son the prince of Mecca or one of those kings in the south. I'm thinking it's not a king of Egypt or Africa. But it's a king of the south anyway.)
26 Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.
(Sadly, another huge loss of life.)
27 And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.
(This is not an uncommon sight, two politicians lying to each other at a table.)
28 Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.
(The Antichrist is starting to resent the covenant that he confirmed, which was probably concerning Israel.)
29 At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.
30 For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.
(The ships of Chittim or Kittim are ships from the coastal areas surrounding the Mediterranean. These may even be American or British ships. They will be attacking the Antichrist. But the AC will continue to gather like-minded people to himself to break the holy covenant, thus beginning the Tribulation of 3 1/2 years.)
31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.
(This is a hugely significant sign to watch out for! In Matthew 24, Jesus tells us when we see the abomination of desolation, flee! Don't hang around waiting to see what comes next! GET OUTTA THERE. And FAST. RUN! Don't even stop to pack a bag.
It seems likely that the "sanctuary of strength" will be the temple that the Jews are intending to build in Jerusalem near the temple mount near the Dome of the Rock. And this is where the Antichrist will place his idol for everyone to worship.)
32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong and do exploits.
(Do you know your God? Have you been getting to know Him?)
33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct man: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
(If you understand what's going on, you have a responsibility to instruct others, right?)
34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
(Those who fall will be helped and when God helps you, it's not just a little help. Watch out for spies.)
35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.
36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
(The Antichrist will exalt himself above every god. This seems to be a trend with world leaders only this guy is really stuck on himself big time. God's going to allow him his moment in the spotlight.)
37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
(He's just not into women. Maybe he doesn't want to be distracted and maybe he sees himself as above all of those needs of the flesh.)
38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
(So, he does regard the "God of forces" = Satan.)
39 Thus shall he do in the most strongholds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.
40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.
(The king of the south will both come against the Antichrist. So, I guess his popularity polls are shrinking.)
41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
(The glorious land is probably Palestine or Israel. Edom, Moab and Ammon are areas to the Northwest of Saudi Arabia.)
42 He shall stretch forth his hand also, upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.
43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.
44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.
45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
(He shall come to his end. After all, he's only human. And that will be the end of life as we know it. But with every ending there comes a new beginning!)
Monday, December 1, 2014
Cleopatra Shows up in the Book of Daniel! (Daniel 11:17)
We're reading prophecies Daniel received about his future and our past.
11 And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.
(The "King of the South" is Ptolemy Philopator, who succeeded Ptolemy Euergetes. He fought against the "King of the North" who was Antiochus and both armies set forth a great multitude. The multitude of Antiochus's army [sixty two (some say seventy two) thousand foot soldiers, six thousand horses, and a hundred and two elephants] was given into Philopator's hand.)
12 And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it.
(Antiochus escaped out of his hand and Ptolemy Philopator didn't use his advantage to gain more territory but was contented with recovering his previous holdings.)
13 For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches.
(After the death of Ptolemy Philopator, Antiochus returned 14 years later and set forth a greater multitude.)
14 And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.
(The king of Egypt, Ptolemy Epiphanes was only five years old. Taking advantage of this, Antiochus king of Syria, and Philip king of Macedon, joined in alliance together, to seize upon his kingdom, and divide it between them. Antiochus began the war in Coelesyria and Phoenicia, and Philip went against Egypt and Samos.
"robbers of thy people": Agathocles and Agathoclea laid a scheme of taking the regency into their hands and were hated by the Egyptians, which caused insurrections and seditions among themselves; and Scopas, a general in the army of the king of Egypt, made a plan to take the government to himself. But they failed.)
15 So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand.
(Antiochus the great came into Coelesyria and Phoenicia and beat Scopas, bringing all the cities that Ptolemy had in Coelesyria into subjection to him; and these are the "most fenced cities" he "cast up a mount" or placed battering engines before them to cast stones into the besieged cities.
"and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand": Noone could stand against the power of Antiochus. When Scopas was beaten by Antiochus at Jordan, he fled to Sidon with ten thousand soldiers, where he was shut up in a close siege; and though Ptolemy sent his hoicest commanders to his relief, Eropus, Menocles and Damoxenus, they were not able to raise the siege, but by famine were forced to surrender; and he and his men were dismissed naked.)
16 But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.
(Antiochus the Great, who came against Ptolemy king of Egypt, in those parts where he came, did as he pleased, took cities, and disposed of them at his pleasure. He stood in the "glorious land" of Judea and the Jews readily submitted to him.)
17 He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him.
(These events are well known. Antiochus collected all his forces with a view to the conquest of Egypt, then, alarmed by the progress of Rome and the overthrow of Philip of Macedon, he changed his plan. He now endeavoured to get Ptolemy to be his ally, and gave him his daughter, Cleopatra to wife. Her dowry was Coele-Syria. His idea was that she would remain always on his side, would be his spy in the court of her husband, and would always lead the policy of Egypt in the lines he wished. His hopes were frustrated. She was not corrupted so as to be false to her husband. In proof of this, when her father's armies were defeated by the Romans, she joined with her husband in sending congratulations to the Senate of Rome.)
18 After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him.
(Antiochus the Great took advantage of the defeat inflicted on Philip of Macedon by the Romans, to seize many of the islands of the archipelago. He took possession of all the Asiatic dominions of Philip, crossed into Europe and seized Thrace. The Romans demanded that he should retire from all the former dominions of Philip. He refused, and war ensued, in which, after being driven out of Europe, he was totally defeated at Magnesia by Lucius Scipio, and compelled to surrender all his dominions west of the Taurus.)
19 Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.
(Deeply in debt for the expenses of the war which Antiochus agreed to pay, he attempted to rob the temple of Jupiter Elymaeus! But, the inhabitants got together, and slew him, with all his soldiers. Antiochus the Great never returned to Syria, but died in the province of Elymais.)
20 Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.
(Seleucus Philopator, the eldest son of Antiochus the Great might well be called a raiser of taxes, being a covetous lover of money above all things who laid heavy taxes on his subjects, to gratify his avarice and also to raise the thousand talents yearly to pay the Romans. He reigned only twelve years and was poisoned to death, so he didn't die in battle.)
Thus ends the fulfilled prophecies in this chapter. It inspires my faith in the unfailing Word of God when I see how accurately in the smallest detail prophecy has been fulfilled throughout history.
Verse 21 of Daniel 11 is the beginning of prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled!
11 And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.
(The "King of the South" is Ptolemy Philopator, who succeeded Ptolemy Euergetes. He fought against the "King of the North" who was Antiochus and both armies set forth a great multitude. The multitude of Antiochus's army [sixty two (some say seventy two) thousand foot soldiers, six thousand horses, and a hundred and two elephants] was given into Philopator's hand.)
12 And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it.
(Antiochus escaped out of his hand and Ptolemy Philopator didn't use his advantage to gain more territory but was contented with recovering his previous holdings.)
13 For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches.
(After the death of Ptolemy Philopator, Antiochus returned 14 years later and set forth a greater multitude.)
14 And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.
(The king of Egypt, Ptolemy Epiphanes was only five years old. Taking advantage of this, Antiochus king of Syria, and Philip king of Macedon, joined in alliance together, to seize upon his kingdom, and divide it between them. Antiochus began the war in Coelesyria and Phoenicia, and Philip went against Egypt and Samos.
"robbers of thy people": Agathocles and Agathoclea laid a scheme of taking the regency into their hands and were hated by the Egyptians, which caused insurrections and seditions among themselves; and Scopas, a general in the army of the king of Egypt, made a plan to take the government to himself. But they failed.)
15 So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand.
(Antiochus the great came into Coelesyria and Phoenicia and beat Scopas, bringing all the cities that Ptolemy had in Coelesyria into subjection to him; and these are the "most fenced cities" he "cast up a mount" or placed battering engines before them to cast stones into the besieged cities.
"and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand": Noone could stand against the power of Antiochus. When Scopas was beaten by Antiochus at Jordan, he fled to Sidon with ten thousand soldiers, where he was shut up in a close siege; and though Ptolemy sent his hoicest commanders to his relief, Eropus, Menocles and Damoxenus, they were not able to raise the siege, but by famine were forced to surrender; and he and his men were dismissed naked.)
16 But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.
(Antiochus the Great, who came against Ptolemy king of Egypt, in those parts where he came, did as he pleased, took cities, and disposed of them at his pleasure. He stood in the "glorious land" of Judea and the Jews readily submitted to him.)
17 He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him.
(These events are well known. Antiochus collected all his forces with a view to the conquest of Egypt, then, alarmed by the progress of Rome and the overthrow of Philip of Macedon, he changed his plan. He now endeavoured to get Ptolemy to be his ally, and gave him his daughter, Cleopatra to wife. Her dowry was Coele-Syria. His idea was that she would remain always on his side, would be his spy in the court of her husband, and would always lead the policy of Egypt in the lines he wished. His hopes were frustrated. She was not corrupted so as to be false to her husband. In proof of this, when her father's armies were defeated by the Romans, she joined with her husband in sending congratulations to the Senate of Rome.)
18 After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him.
(Antiochus the Great took advantage of the defeat inflicted on Philip of Macedon by the Romans, to seize many of the islands of the archipelago. He took possession of all the Asiatic dominions of Philip, crossed into Europe and seized Thrace. The Romans demanded that he should retire from all the former dominions of Philip. He refused, and war ensued, in which, after being driven out of Europe, he was totally defeated at Magnesia by Lucius Scipio, and compelled to surrender all his dominions west of the Taurus.)
19 Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.
(Deeply in debt for the expenses of the war which Antiochus agreed to pay, he attempted to rob the temple of Jupiter Elymaeus! But, the inhabitants got together, and slew him, with all his soldiers. Antiochus the Great never returned to Syria, but died in the province of Elymais.)
20 Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.
(Seleucus Philopator, the eldest son of Antiochus the Great might well be called a raiser of taxes, being a covetous lover of money above all things who laid heavy taxes on his subjects, to gratify his avarice and also to raise the thousand talents yearly to pay the Romans. He reigned only twelve years and was poisoned to death, so he didn't die in battle.)
Thus ends the fulfilled prophecies in this chapter. It inspires my faith in the unfailing Word of God when I see how accurately in the smallest detail prophecy has been fulfilled throughout history.
Verse 21 of Daniel 11 is the beginning of prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled!
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