“The Gospel According to Daniel”
Lesson 13 – In Between Egypt and Babylon
In our previous study, we learned about Daniel's persistent prayer to gain more spiritual understanding of a vision that was revealed to him. Today we begin the study of what Gabriel revealed to Daniel in response to that urgent prayer.
Let's read Daniel chapter 11 together.
This passage is a complex historical and prophetic narrative. It speaks of two opposing forces battling each other over a long period of time with God's people caught in the middle of the conflict.
Now, it is quite possible to analyze this passage historically. For example, we can identify notable historical figures like Alexander the Great (Daniel 11:3-4) and Julius Caesar (Daniel 11:16-19).
However, let's try to examine this passage on a more spiritual and figurative level. We know from the passage that the king of the South engaged in a prolonged war with the king of the North. If we look at a map in the time of Daniel, what kingdoms are located to the south and north of Israel? The answer is Egypt is located south of Israel and Babylon is located north of Israel.
If we consider Egypt as the king of the South, then what does Egypt symbolize? In Revelation 11:8, there is a spiritual reference to Egypt as the place where two witnesses of God were killed and their bodies left in the streets. In Exodus 5:1 Moses made his first appeal to Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go to worship God In the wilderness. Pharaoh replied in verse 2: "Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go." We can conclude that Egypt represents atheism - unbelief in God.
If we consider Babylon as the king of the North, then what does Babylon symbolize? In Daniel chapter 3, Nebuchadnezzar tried to enforce worship of his golden image with the death penalty for those who do not bow down before the image. In Revelation 17:1-18, there is a reference to spiritual Babylon as the mother of harlots. If a pure woman is a reference to God's faithful church (Revelation 12:1-6), then a harlot woman symbolizes an unfaithful church. We can conclude that Babylon symbolizes false worship of God.
Friend, God’s people are caught in between a battle between atheism and false worship. The Bible cautions us to follow the narrow way (Matthew 7:13) and not to turn away from the path to the right of the left (Deuteronomy 28:14; Joshua 1:7; Proverbs 4:27). Atheism and false worship are both counterfeit paths that lead to destruction. Will you keep your eyes on Jesus and continue walking forward towards Him?
