1. The Meteoric Rise of the Greeks and the Four Successors to Alexander, vv.2-4
2. The Struggles between the Kings of the South and the North, and Judah increasingly stuck in the cross-fire, vv.5-20
3. The Climatic rise of the King of the North (Antiochus IV), vv.21-35 A. Antiochus sells the High Priesthood of God in Jerusalem to the highest bidder, v. 22 B. Antiochus makes alliances with wealthy, very nominally religious Jewish families to turn Jerusalem into a Greek city, he curries favor and gifts them, vv.23, 24 C. Antiochus' first Egyptian campaign ends with an treaty neither party keeps, vv. 25-28 D. Antiochus' second Egyptian military campaign almost succeeds, but he is stopped in his tracks by Rome (“ships of Kittim”) without a battle; only a circle in the sand, vv. 29, 30 E. Antiochus in rage returns north and hears his self-appointed High Priest is being attacked in Jerusalem. He then decides to wipe out, if possible, the entire Jewish religion, vv. 31 F. A Jewish military reaction is inspired (Maccabean Revolt) and Antiochus has a war on his hands that will last for the rest of his life (and his 5 successors) and which the Greeks will eventually lose. Antiochus tries to wipe out faith, but succeeds only in purifying it, vv. 32-35
4. Practical lessons from Daniel's Prophecy A. The implications of both Divine and human sovereignty. B. Fulfilled prophecy ought to lead to purity & vigilance; are you a tourist or a soldier? |