Deeper Reflection
Daniel 11:2-35 is filled with human actions, decisions and reactions of superpowers as though history is directed by them. But Daniel 11 calls us to look at this anthropocentric picture of the world theologically. We must look with the theological centre of Daniel 11: God’s sovereignty “at the appointed time” (vv.27, 29, 35).The North and South superpowers had conference talks for peace – peace that can serve their self-interests. So, they “speak lies” to each other with “evil intent in their hearts” and they “will not succeed” (v.27a). The cause of the failure is not political, but theological: “for the end is still to come at the appointed time” (v.27b). In Antiochus’ war campaign, he would invade the South Kingdom again only “at the appointed time” (v.29) – not at Antiochus’ time. This theologically presupposes that every invasion happens “at the appointed time”. The suffering of God’s people for their purification and character development is “until the time of the end” “at the appointed time” (v.35).Much of world history is what Jesus says: “In the world you” – faithful disciples – will “have tribulation” (Jn 16:33). Hence, looking at world history theologically is a critical necessity in biblical discipleship. “Our view of history is foundational to the way we live. If history is an assortment of random circumstances, coming from nowhere and going nowhere, then faithful suffering has no possible meaning. It is a wasted life that could have been better spent on pursuing pleasure instead. But if history is actually following God’s predetermined course to a final end, then our actions are filled with meaning.”73

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⁷³  Christopher J. H. Wright, 206