SUMMARY
In DanielAn interpreter of dreams who was delivered from the lions' den. More 10 we are told that Daniel had a disturbing vision. The rest of the chapter narrates his encounters with heavenly beings as he is being prepared for an interpretation of the dream. Daniel 11 reveals the content and meaning of the dream. It is filled with descriptions of great violence, which lead to the hope contained in Daniel 12.
ANALYSIS
Daniel 10-11 draws together many of the themes of the previous chapters. There are, of course, some distinctive features in these chapters. They are both a climax and a summary. For instance, Daniel’s reaction to the vision is treated more fully in this chapter than at any other point in the book. Also, much more space is devoted to the final violent kingdom in chapter 11 than in the previous treatments.
Many themes from previous chapters appear in 11:5-28. These include plots and revolutions (11:21-25), strength (11:5, 6, 10), insolence (11:18), and deceit (11:23). The ruler mentioned in 11:29-35 repeats a number of these themes, but the emphasis on his magnified heart and his actions against the people of the covenantA covenant is a promise or agreement. In the Bible the promises made between God and God's people are known as covenants; they state or imply a relationship of commitment and obedience. More is unprecedented. The faithful will be sorely pressed; some will die (11:33). Others will flatter the oppressor and make a pact with him (11:34). The picture is one of painful turmoil. The tyrant will not only challenge God, but will forsake his own religious traditions and deify himself and his warring activity (11:36-39).
We can learn from these chapters and from the whole Book of Daniel to persist in faithful defiance of the demands of the tyrants of this world, because they do not control our future. We can, as PaulThe Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, was the author of several New Testament letters and the founder of many Christian communities. More says in 1 Corinthians 15:58, be “immovable” and get on with the work of the Lord. The end of the blasphemous and tyrannical kingdoms of the world is certain. This is asserted in several different visions in the book. The kingdom of GodThe kingdom (reign) of God is a central theme of Jesus' teaching and parables. According to Jesus this reign of God is a present reality and at the same time is yet to come. When Christians pray the Lord's Prayer, they ask that God's kingdom... More lasts forever and ever—that too is repeatedly asserted. The message encourages trust, not insecure speculation about the future.
The book has moved from suffering as punishment (1:1-2; 9:4-15) to punishment as refinement for the final cosmic battle between the forces of evil and God (11:30-32). In Daniel 1-6, faithful living can withstand and avoid the hubris of rulers who can nonetheless be served. As Daniel 7-12 comes to a close, it is clear that a shift has occurred: there will be rulers who cannot be served and who will only persecute. Under those circumstances, perseverance and resistance to the point of martyrdom are the marks of faithful living.
