Question 1

What is the main message of this long prophecy about kings and wars?

Accepted Answer

This prophecy shows that God is in control of history, even when nations fight and rulers act with pride and cruelty. The angel walks Daniel through a long chain of future kings from Persia and Greece, especially the kings of the north and south, whose battles spill over onto the land of God’s people. In the middle of all this, some leaders attack the covenant and even defile the temple. Yet God knows it all in advance and promises that people who know Him will stay strong and keep acting faithfully.

Question 2

Who are the "king of the north" and the "king of the south" in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The "king of the south" points to the rulers of Egypt after Alexander’s empire broke up, and the "king of the north" points to the rulers of Syria. These families fought back and forth for many years. Their wars often took place in or around the land where God’s people lived, so Israel felt the impact. The prophecy tracks different generations of these kings to show how their choices, plans, and betrayals all unfold under God’s eye and fit within His larger plan.

Question 3

Who is the "vile person" that takes the kingdom by flatteries?

Accepted Answer

The "vile person" is a later king of the north who gains power in a sneaky, dishonorable way, not by normal royal honor. History lines up this description with Antiochus Epiphanes. He uses lies, flattery, and sudden moves to take control, works deceitfully after making agreements, and becomes strong with only a small group at first. He attacks the holy covenant, stops the regular sacrifices, and sets up what is called the abomination that makes desolate, bringing deep trouble to faithful Jews.

Question 4

What is meant by the "abomination that maketh desolate" in this prophecy?

Accepted Answer

In this passage, the abomination that makes desolate is tied to the king who hates the holy covenant. His forces pollute the sanctuary, stop the daily sacrifice, and then set up something detestable in place of proper worship. This wording points to a hateful act or object put into God’s temple that drives out true worship and brings spiritual ruin. It shows how far this king goes in opposing God and His people, turning a place meant for holiness into a scene of offense and loss.

Question 5

What does it mean that "the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits"?

Accepted Answer

This line describes those among God’s people who stay faithful when others give in to fear or flattery. While some are corrupted and side with the wicked ruler, those who truly know God stand firm. They stay strong inside, resist pressure, and take bold actions that honor God, even if it costs them. Their strength does not come from armies or wealth, but from their relationship with God. The passage shows that real knowledge of God leads to courage and faithfulness in hard times.

Question 6

Why does this passage talk so much about wars and politics instead of spiritual things?

Accepted Answer

This prophecy shows that spiritual life is deeply affected by what happens in the world. The rise and fall of empires, broken treaties, and shifting borders all touch God’s people. Kings use power, marriage, and money for their own gain, but God uses the same events to guide His plan. By giving these details ahead of time, God shows that He sees and rules over history. It reminds readers that He cares about His people’s situation under these rulers and will not forget them, even in chaos.

Question 7

How does this prophecy show God’s sovereignty over history?

Accepted Answer

The angel tells Daniel about a long series of kings, battles, alliances, and betrayals before they happen. Powerful rulers appear, gain strength, and then fall in ways God has already described. Wealthy and proud kings are limited and replaced. Even the harsh acts of the “vile” king, including his attack on the temple, do not fall outside God’s plan. The repeated phrase about an appointed time shows that there is a set boundary to their power. God is never surprised or helpless; He directs history toward His purpose.

Question 8

Why are faithful people allowed to suffer and fall in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The prophecy is honest that people who understand and stand for God will suffer. Some are killed by sword and fire, others are taken captive or lose their goods. Yet it says this happens to test them, to purge them, and to make them white. In other words, their trials are not pointless; God uses them to refine faith and separate real loyalty from empty words. There is also a set limit: this will last only until the appointed time. Their pain is real, but so is God’s purpose and future hope.

Question 9

What does it mean that some are helped "with a little help" but many join "with flatteries"?

Accepted Answer

This shows that in times of persecution, support for the faithful can be mixed. Some real help comes, but it is not overwhelming. Alongside that, others attach themselves to the faithful for selfish reasons, using smooth words or pretending to stand with them. Their hearts are not truly with God. The passage warns that not everyone who appears to be on the right side is sincere. It calls readers to look beyond outward claims and see that God values genuine faith more than numbers or outward success.

Daniel 11:1

Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.

Kings of the South and North

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Daniel 11:1

Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.

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Kings of the South and North

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