The Appointed Time

This sermon examines Daniel 11:20-45, tracing the historical rise and fall of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and his conflict with the Ptolemaic kingdom of Egypt. The teaching highlights the fulfillment of prophecy through historical records, specifically citing Josephus and the Maccabees, to demonstrate that God sovereignly governs the rise and fall of world powers according to His appointed time. It contrasts the deceit and self-exaltation of the 'King of the North' with the steadfastness of the faithful Jews who 'know their God' and resist persecution. The passage serves as an apologetic for the veracity of Scripture, showing that specific predictions were fulfilled in history, thereby validating God's ultimate control over human affairs. The sermon concludes by encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty rather than placing hope in shifting political powers, finding strength in the promise that the wise will shine as stars in the final judgment.