THURSDAY, JUNE 21
Daniel 11:10-20
Psalm 130:1-8

“there is forgiveness with thee …”

MORE HISTORICAL JIGSAW

Daniel 11:10: The sons of the king of the north (Seleucus Ceraunus and Antiochus the Great) stirred themselves for battle. Seleucus Ceraunus having perished in battle in Asia Minor, Antiochus alone pressed on with an overwhelming mass of warriors in an irresistible advance.

Daniel 11:11: The king of the south Ptolemy Philopator was enraged at the approach of Antiochus coming with a mighty force of 70,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry and seventy-three elephants. In the ensuing battle, Ptolemy emerged the victor and the invading forces fell into his hand.

Daniel 11:12: The multitude of Antiochus was carried away by Ptolemy, whose heart was then filled with pride. In that battle at Raphia, Antiochus lost 10,000 infantry, 300 cavalry, five elephants and 4,000 captives.

Daniel 11:13: About thirteen years later, Antiochus having recovered from his defeat, returned again with a large army, greater than before.

Daniel 11:14: The “many” refers to the forces of Antiochus: the “robbers of thy people” were the disloyal Jews who betrayed their country by aligning themselves with foreign powers.

Daniel 11:15: The “king of the north” Ptolemy came and besieged the fortified city of Sidon. Ptolemy’s forces failed to lift the siege and were defeated by Antiochus near the headwaters of the Jordan river.

Daniel 11:16: Antiochus was at the height of power, sweeping all before him with irresistible force, and occupied the land of Israel.

Daniel 11:17: Antiochus by treaty betrothed his daughter to Ptolemy in a plot to destroy his enemy. The plan proved to be a failure because his daughter took her husband’s side against her father.

Daniel 11:18: The territorial ambitions of Antiochus were foiled by a “prince,” Lucius Scipio Asiaticus, who brought about his downfall.

Daniel 11:19: The haughty and overconfident Antiochus withdrew to his own land in shameful defeat and faded from the scene.

Daniel 11:20: Then arose in his place Seleucus Philopator who sent Heliodorus as tax collector for the kingdom. Shortly after, Seleucus was suddenly and mysteriously removed, probably poisoned.

THOUGHT: “All may change but Jesus never. Glory to His name.”
PRAYER: Father, all praise to Thee, the Sovereign King, over all.