An Historicist Perspective on Daniel 11

Problem The objective of the present study was to establish a rigorous exegetical basis for a historicist interpretation of Dan 11. Method In chapter I the various claims and presuppositions of preterism, futurism, and historicism were contrasted. In chapter II the structure of Dan 11 was examined in terms of both chiastic and linear outline formats, applying the historicist principles discussed in chapter I to the text. In chapter III comparisons were made, with regard to both form and content, between Dan 11 and Dan 8-9. 2 Results It was shown that the narrative of Dan 11 is oriented toward Christ at two points in particular— 11:22 and 12:1. The fact that there are two such historical goals in Dan 11 makes possible certain parallels with Dan 8-9, such that the end of the 70 weeks prophecy (Dan 9) corresponds to the middle of Dan 11 and the end of the 2300 day3 (Dan 8) corresponds to the end of Dan 11. The one pair of references brings us to the first coming of Christ, the other brings us to the second. Conclusions A major finding of the study was that the separate and distinct eras of history associated with the two comings of Christ at 11:22 and 12:1, respectively, provide the framework around which ou. -irrative is organized. What the first coming and the second have in common is the One who comes. Thus, the primary basis for doing the suggested type of historicist interpretation in Dan li is a recognition of the crucially important role that Christ plays in the chapter