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Commentary on Daniel 11 verses 1–4
Here, 1. The angel Gabriel lets Daniel know the good service he has done to the Jewish nation (Dan 11:1): "In the first year of Darius the Mede, who destroyed Babylon and released the Jews out of that house of bondage, I stood a strength and fortress to him, that is, I was instrumental to protect him, and give him success in his ward, and, after he had conquered Babylon, to confirm him in his resolution to release the Jews," which, it is likely, met with much opposition. Thus by the angel, and at the request of the watcher, the golden head was broken, and the axe laid to the root of the tree. Note, We must acknowledge the hand of God in the strengthening of those that are friends to the church for the service they are to do it, and confirming them in their good resolutions; herein he uses the ministry of angels more than we are aware of. And the many instances we have known of God's care of his church formerly encourage us to depend upon him in further straits and difficulties. 2. He foretels the reign of four Persian kings (Dan 11:2): Now I will tell thee the truth, that is, the true meaning of the visions of the great image, and of the four beasts, and expound in plain terms what was before represented by dark types. (1.) There shall stand up three kings in Persia, besides Darius, in whose reign this prophecy is dated, Dan 9:1. Mr. Broughton makes these three to be Cyrus, Artaxasta or Artaxerxes, called by the Greeks Cambyses, and Ahasuerus that married Esther, called Darius son of Hystaspes. To these three the Persians gave these attributes - Cyrus was a father, Cambyses a master, and Darius a hoarder up. So Herodotus. (2.) There shall be a fourth, far richer than they all, that is, Xerxes, of whose wealth the Greek authors take notice. By his strength (his vast army, consisting of 800,000 men at least) and his riches, with which he maintained and paid that vast army, he stirred up all against the realm of Greece. Xerxes's expedition against Greece is famous in history, and the shameful defeat that he met with. He who when he went out was the terror of Greece in his return was the scorn of Greece. Daniel needed not to be told what disappointment he would meet with, for he was a hinderer of the building of the temple; but soon after, about thirty years after the first return from captivity, Darius, a young king, revived the building of the temple, owning the hand of God against his predecessors for hindering it, Ezr 6:7. 3. He foretels Alexander's conquests and the partition of his kingdom, Dan 11:3. He is that mighty king that shall stand up against the kings of Persia, and he shall rule with great dominion, over many kingdoms, and with a despotic power, for he shall do according to his will, and undo likewise, which, by the law of the Medes and Persians, their kings could not. When Alexander, after he had conquered Asia, would be worshipped as a god, then this was fulfilled, that he shall do according to his will. That is God's prerogative, but was his pretension. But (Dan 11:4) his kingdom shall soon be broken, and divided into four parts, but not to his posterity, nor shall any of his successors reign according to his dominion; none of them shall have such large territories nor such an absolute power. His kingdom was plucked up for others besides those of his own family. Arideus, his brother, was made king in Macedonia; Olympias, Alexander's mother, killed him, and poisoned Alexander's two sons, Hercules and Alexander. Thus was his family rooted out by its own hands. See what decaying perishing things worldly pomp and possessions are, and the powers by which they are got. Never was the vanity of the world and its greatest things shown more evidently than in the story of Alexander. All is vanity and vexation of spirit.
Verse 1. "And from the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up that he might be strengthened and confirmed." Daniel implies, "From the first year of the reign of Darius, who overthrew the Chaldeans and delivered me from the hand of my enemies to the extent of his ability (for even his sealing of the pit of lions with his signet ring was for my protection, lest my adversaries should slay me), I for my part stood before God, and I besought God's mercy upon him, in view of the man's love for me, in order that either he or his kingdom might be strengthened and confirmed. And since I persevered in my prayer, I was answered by God and given to understand the following information. After all, it is a customary thing with the prophets to bring in new speakers abruptly and without warning. So it is in Psalm Thirty-one: for when the prophet has petitioned God and said: "Thou art my refuge from my tribulation which compassed me about; O Thou, who art my rejoicing, deliver me from those who now encompass me," then God is abruptly brought in as the speaker, replying, "I will give thee understanding, and I will instruct thee in this way in which thou shalt go; I will fasten Mine eyes upon thee" (Psalm 32:7-8). So also here, as the prophet relates, "From the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up and interceded that he might be strengthened and that his rule might be confirmed," God suddenly responds:
[The divine angel says,] As soon as Cyrus came to the throne and the end of captivity had been reached, I took my place until I had secured release and liberation for the people.
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SUMMARY
Daniel 11:1 serves as a crucial bridge between Daniel's intense spiritual vision in the preceding chapter and the detailed prophetic revelation that follows. In this verse, a powerful angelic messenger, likely Gabriel, declares his active involvement in the unfolding historical events, specifically stating that he "stood to confirm and to strengthen" Darius the Mede during his first year of reign. This declaration underscores the unseen spiritual forces at work behind the scenes of human history, influencing earthly rulers and kingdoms according to God's sovereign plan, setting the stage for the extensive prophecy concerning future empires and conflicts.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Daniel 11:1 employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message. The most prominent is Divine Agency, where the angelic messenger explicitly states his active role in human history, demonstrating that God works through His heavenly emissaries to achieve His purposes. This highlights the unseen realm's direct influence on earthly affairs. There is also an element of Foreshadowing, as this verse sets the stage for the detailed prophecies of future kings and battles in Daniel 11, implying that the same divine and angelic involvement will continue throughout subsequent historical periods. The angel's declaration also uses Understatement to some extent, as "confirm and to strengthen" subtly hints at the immense spiritual struggle that was occurring behind the scenes, as revealed in Daniel 10:13, where the angel was resisted by the "prince of Persia." The seemingly simple statement belies a profound and ongoing cosmic conflict.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Daniel 11:1 profoundly reinforces the biblical truth of God's absolute sovereignty over all of history and the active involvement of the unseen spiritual realm in human affairs. It reveals that the rise and fall of empires, the establishment of rulers, and the very course of nations are not merely the result of human will or geopolitical machinations, but are ultimately orchestrated and influenced by divine decree and angelic activity. The angel's mission to "confirm and to strengthen" Darius the Mede demonstrates that even pagan kings are instruments in God's hands, used to accomplish His purposes, particularly concerning His covenant people, Israel. This understanding provides immense comfort and assurance, reminding believers that even in times of political turmoil or global uncertainty, God remains firmly on His throne, working all things according to the counsel of His will.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Daniel 11:1 offers a powerful and comforting perspective for believers navigating a complex world. It reminds us that behind the visible events of history—the shifting political landscapes, the rise and fall of leaders, and the conflicts between nations—there is an invisible, spiritual reality where God's sovereign plan is being meticulously unfolded. The angel's active role in supporting Darius the Mede assures us that God is intimately involved in the details of human governance, even using those who do not acknowledge Him to achieve His ultimate purposes. This perspective should instill a deep sense of peace, knowing that our God is in control, and nothing happens outside of His divine oversight. Furthermore, it highlights the ongoing reality of spiritual warfare, urging us to be vigilant in prayer and to recognize that our struggles often have unseen dimensions. Just as the angel stood to strengthen Darius, God provides His strength and support to us through His Spirit and His heavenly host in our personal battles, empowering us to stand firm in faith and to participate in His kingdom work.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who is the "I" in Daniel 11:1, and why is his role significant?
Answer: The "I" in Daniel 11:1 refers to the powerful angelic messenger who had been speaking with Daniel throughout Daniel 10. While not explicitly named in this verse, he is widely understood to be Gabriel, who previously appeared to Daniel in Daniel 8:16 and Daniel 9:21. His role is highly significant because he reveals the active and direct involvement of heavenly beings in earthly affairs, particularly in the establishment and stability of human kingdoms. His declaration that he "stood to confirm and to strengthen" Darius the Mede demonstrates that God orchestrates historical events through His angelic agents, ensuring that even pagan rulers serve His ultimate purposes for His people and the unfolding of His prophetic plan. This highlights the unseen spiritual dimension behind visible historical transitions.
What is the significance of the angel's support for "Darius the Mede" in the context of God's plan?
Answer: The angel's support for Darius the Mede is highly significant because it underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all earthly powers. Darius the Mede was a transitional figure, likely a viceroy or governor appointed by Cyrus the Great after the fall of Babylon (Daniel 5:31). By "confirming and strengthening" Darius, the angel was ensuring the stability of the nascent Medo-Persian Empire, which was crucial for the fulfillment of God's plans for Israel. This new empire would eventually issue decrees allowing the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple (Ezra 1:1-4). Thus, the angel's intervention was not about endorsing Darius personally, but about ensuring that the political landscape was aligned with God's redemptive purposes, demonstrating that even pagan rulers are instruments in God's hands to accomplish His will.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Daniel 11:1 focuses on an angelic messenger supporting an earthly king, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies in the absolute sovereignty and supreme authority of Jesus Christ over all powers, both seen and unseen. The angel's mission to "confirm and to strengthen" Darius the Mede foreshadows the comprehensive dominion that belongs to Christ alone. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). He is the one by whom and for whom all things were created, including "thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities" (Colossians 1:16). The spiritual warfare depicted in Daniel 10 and the angelic intervention in Daniel 11:1 point to a cosmic battle that Christ has decisively won through His death and resurrection, triumphing over all principalities and powers (Colossians 2:15). Ultimately, the stability of earthly kingdoms and the unfolding of history serve His purposes, as He is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). The angelic ministry seen in Daniel 11:1 is subordinate to Christ's supreme rule, as angels are ministering spirits sent to serve Him and those who are heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Thus, the divine agency at work in Daniel 11:1 finds its perfect and ultimate expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who upholds the universe by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3).