The Lessons of History

In both chapters 7 and 8, Daniel is given appalling visions that signal what's to come for the Jewish people as history unfolds. In both accounts, the rise and fall of kingdoms are described using imagery that leaves Daniel terrified and somewhat confused about what it all means. The prophecies are remarkable predictions of the Persian, Greek, and Roman conquests of the region that included Babylon and the Jewish homeland. In both cases, evil tyrants like Nero and Antiochus Ephiphanes commit atrocities against God’s people. The little horn of Chapter 8 refers specifically to Antiochus Ephiphanes, the forgotten foe of history, who attempted to wipe out the Jewish people systematically. He burned scripture, set up an altar to Zeus in the temple, and outlawed common Jewish practices. Those that resisted were often killed.

Even though Daniel will not be alive when these events take place, he is deeply troubled by them. Despite this, he continues to operate faithfully, trusting that God will accomplish His purposes through these events foretold. He is keenly aware of God’s promises to His people because of his knowledge of scripture, as well as his own experience during his exile in Babylon. Because Daniel was able to zoom out of his present moment and see that God has an overarching story of redemption that takes place over all of history, he was able to operate faithfully. 

Unlike Daniel, we have the assurance of God’s redeeming work through the sacrifice of Jesus. Jesus endures pain and suffering at the hands of the Romans, but in doing so he establishes eternal victory over evil. Like Daniel is able to look to scripture and experience for assurance, we should be able to look to the cross and find assurance in Christ.