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The Scriptorium

Successors to Alexander

The kingdoms of the world continue to fragment.

Daniel 8 (3)

Introduction
Following Alexander’s death, his empire was divided into four parts, the most important of which for our purposes was that which came under the rule of Ptolemy, and after him, Antiochus Epiphanes (ruled 175-164 BC). His kingdom was that of the Seleucids. Primarily because of where he ruled, but also because of how, his rule is important to Daniel’s growing vision of the coming Kingdom of God. His kingdom recalls an earlier one and hints at a spiritual struggle which John will unfold in Revelation 12. In the fragmentation of Alexander’s empire and the hubris of Antiochus we are witnessing the death rattle of kingdoms – and not just earthly ones.

Read Revelation 12.7-17.

Read Daniel 8.8-12, 22.

Think it Through

1.  Alexander’s was the greatest empire the world had ever known. It’s shattering into four weaker fragments (v. 22) illustrates what Daniel saw in chapters 2 and 7 concerning the fragility of earthly kingdoms under the sovereign rule of God. The “little horn” (Antiochus Epiphanes) is a boaster, though not as great as Alexander. The rule of the Seleucids (312 BC to 62 AD) extended (as a puppet monarchy) into the period of the Roman Empire. Meditate on verse 10, and compare it with Genesis 11.1-4 and Revelation 12.3, 4. Why would Daniel’s vision have paid most attention to this fraction of Alexander’s empire? Meditate on John 12.31, 32. The crumbling and fragmentation of these earthly kingdoms symbolizes the dissolution of another kingdom, not mentioned in Daniel’s visions, probably because it was not well understood in his day. Explain.

2.  Antiochus took as a deliberate part of his political agenda to dethrone the God of Israel, humiliate His people, and subjugate their nation. He desecrated the holy sanctuary by erecting a statue of a pagan deity. He interrupted the normal routine of sacrifices, and he set aside the Law (“truth”) of God. And all the while he was doing this he “prospered.” This direct attack on the rule of God puts us in mind of Matthew 4.1-11. Explain. When might it be possible to say that a government today has taken aim on the rule of God? What should such a government expect?

Meditate
“After [Alexander’s] death his empire will be divided into four kingdoms, but though those reigning over them are four, they will not succeed in achieving what he achieved but will be seen to be much inferior to his strength.” Theodoret of Cyr (393-466 AD)

“Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoplesto Myself.” John 12.31, 32

You are my King, O Lord! Let Your Law be my delight, and help me to live as Your witness with…

Pray Psalm 2.10-12

Does God intend the nations of the world to submit to the rule of King Jesus? Pray for your nation, that this may indeed be the case.

Psalm 2.9-12 (Agincourt: O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High!)
To Christ the Lord be given all
Who humbly embrace Him and on Him call.
Be wise, be warned: His judgment comes
To break the prideful, sinful ones.

Rejoice with fear in Jesus’ grace,
And worship before His exalted face!
Beware His anger and judgment grim:
How blessed are all who rest in Him!

T. M Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
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