Tag: bsf lesson 8 day 4

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 11:21-45

by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 11:21-45

A contemptible person will invade the kingdom and seize it. The prince of the covenant will be destroyed. He will rise to power, invade other kingdoms, and distribute plunder amongst his followers.

With a large army, he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will not be able to stand. The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth.

At the appointed time, he will invade the South again. With flattery, he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.

The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.

At the time of the end, the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 11:21-45

9) The ruler, known as a vile person, illegally seizes the kingdom by flattery (v. 21). He twice attacks the King of the South (Egypt) through deceit and force. Enraged by being checked by external forces (Rome), he returns to violate the holy covenant. His forces profane the Jerusalem sanctuary, abolish the daily sacrifice, and set up the abomination that makes desolate (v. 31), leading to the persecution of the faithful.

10a) The prophet says the ruler will “seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant” (v. 32). This describes the Hellenized Jews who willingly adopted Greek culture, abandoned their religious laws, and collaborated with Antiochus IV to persecute the faithful among their own people.In contrast to the apostates, Daniel prophesied that a core group of believers would resist:

  • Be Strong and Act (v. 32): The people “who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.” This refers to the military and spiritual resistance, historically fulfilled by the Maccabees and their followers, who actively fought against Antiochus’s tyranny.
  • Teach and Suffer (v. 33-35): The “wise among the people shall make many understand,” attempting to educate the nation and maintain true faith. However, they would face heavy losses: “they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity, and by plunder.”
  • The Purpose of Persecution (v. 35): Their suffering and stumbling were not meaningless, but intended “to refine, purify, and make them white, until the time of the end.” God allowed the oppression as a purifying process to separate the true believers from the unfaithful.

b) The faithful face ideological assault (forced public exclusion of conscience) and economic blockades (denial of jobs/services), mirroring ancient plunder. As in Daniel’s time, this creates a split: some believers violate the covenant for status, while others endure persecution and suffering to refine and purify their faith. The ultimate dynamic of political hostility and spiritual refinement remains the same.

c) The crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. Eternal life and vindication.

11) It’s encouraging because the intricate details prove God’s sovereign control over historical chaos. It’s fearful due to the forecast of intense persecution, symbolized by the abomination and the blasphemous ruler. Ultimately, it’s hopeful, guaranteeing that the oppressors will face a decreed limit and the faithful will be refined for ultimate deliverance (v. 45).

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 11:21-45

This one was challenging to say the least. Hopefully, my notes help!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 11:21-45

After the reign of the king of the North, the next king will be evil. This was Seleucis III, named Antiochus IV. He used flattery to gain his position. This new king of the North would try to deceive the king of the South. But this would fail after a great battle.

This vile king would then attack God’s people. He would desecrate the temple. Some people joined with the king when he invaded; others did not. The king killed and robbed many Jews. But God would not let this go on forever.

Verse 36 turns to the Antichrist. The real abomination of desolation was still in the future (Matthew 24:15)

Antiochus Epiphanes is really a footnote in history. He is important here because he foreshadows the Antichrist. God’s plan will be accomplished no matter what.

A confederation of kings will come together in a great conflict in the Promised Land to do battle.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 11:21-45 is a single, dramatic prophecy divided by scholars into two key sections: a detailed historical narrative that culminates in the persecution of the Jewish people, and a transition to an eschatological (end-time) event.

Part 1: The Historical King (Antiochus IV Epiphanes)

Verses 21-35 focus with incredible precision on Antiochus IV Epiphanes (the Seleucid King of the North, 175–164 B.C.E.), whose actions were central to Jewish history:

  • Rise (v. 21-24): He takes the throne illegitimately, succeeding the tax collector (Seleucus IV) through deceit and flatteries, not by right.
  • Conflict (v. 25-30): He repeatedly campaigns against the King of the South (Ptolemaic Egypt), often succeeding due to betrayal, but is ultimately forced by Roman intervention (the “ships of Kittim”) to withdraw from Egypt.
  • Persecution (v. 30b-35): Enraged by the Roman humiliation, he turns his wrath on the “holy covenant” (the Jewish people). He abolishes the daily sacrifice and erects a pagan altar in the Jerusalem Temple, fulfilling the prophecy of the “abomination that makes desolate” (c. 167 B.C.E.). This event sparked the Maccabean Revolt. The prophecy notes that this persecution serves to “refine” the faithful.

Part 2: The Eschatological Shift (The Future Antichrist)

Verses 36-45 abruptly shift from the completed history of Antiochus IV (who died relatively peacefully) to an unparalleled final figure, demonstrating the prophetic technique of “telescoping” (merging a near event with a far future event). This final figure is widely viewed as the Antichrist:

  • Character (v. 36-39): This King acts purely by his own will, exalting himself above every god, ignoring traditional deities and the desire of women (possibly suggesting disinterest in dynastic marriages or religious mandates). He relies on military might (the “god of fortresses”).
  • Final War and End (v. 40-45): At the time of the end, he engages in a great war involving the King of the South and the King of the North, successfully invading the Glorious Land (Israel) and controlling the riches of Egypt. His campaigns are suddenly stopped by alarming reports from the East and North. He sets up his royal tent in Jerusalem, but the prophecy climaxes with the statement that “he shall come to his end, and no one will help him,” signaling divine intervention and the establishment of God’s final kingdom (Daniel 12:1-3).

In conclusion, the intricate prophecies of Daniel 11:21-45 are breathtaking in their accuracy, providing a profound assurance: God’s sovereignty extends over every twist of history, from the minor betrayals of the Seleucid kings to the great persecution by the “vile person,” Antiochus IV. This detailed foresight was given not for historical trivia, but to fortify the faithful. By demonstrating control over the ancient past, God strengthens their trust in His promise of final intervention, culminating in the destruction of the ultimate wicked ruler and the eternal vindication of His people.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 6

by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Daniel 6

Daniel became extremely powerful in his position with the king, so much so that others plotted against him who wanted his power.  They tricked King Darius to put a decree in place that made it illegal to pray to any god or human except him in the next 30 days.  Daniel ignored the decree and prayed to God anyway. The king was forced to throw Daniel into the lions’ den. However, God protected Daniel.

Those who plotted against Daniel, their children, and their wives were thrown into the lions’ den instead. The king issued a decree that all of his kingdom must revere the God of Daniel. Daniel prospered during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 6

8a) Daniel continued to distinguish himself in the service of the king as God blessed him.

b) Daniel’s enemies tricked King Darius to put a decree in place that made it illegal to pray to any god or human except him in the next 30 days. Daniel ignored the decree and prayed to God anyway. The king was forced to throw Daniel into the lions’ den.

c) Daniel did not change his ways. He remained true to God by giving God worship and praise despite the decree. God protected Daniel for his loyalty by sending his angel and shutting the mouths of the lions.

9) Those who plotted against Daniel, their children, and their wives were thrown into the lions’ den instead. The king issued a decree that all of his kingdom must revere the God of Daniel. Daniel prospered during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus.

10) It’s encouraging to know that God rewards His faithful servants no matter what else is happening in the world around them.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 6

I love this story! God is so good and so faithful, and Daniel proves what a faithful life can look like.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 6

There is no record of a Darius ruling during this time. However, Darius could be an alias (perhaps for Cyrus).

Daniel lived such a pure life that the only way to get at him was to go after his God.

King Darius signed the decree not thinking it was a trap for Daniel.

Daniel’s custom was to pray privately, which he did. Still, they found him in prayer.

We have to own our own decisions, which Darius did, and oftentimes they can haunt us. Luckily, we have a more powerful God than that.

Daniel is rescued from the lions’ den by God, who is faithful. Daniel’s faith saved him.

Daniel did no wrong to the king by worshipping his God.

Punishing the children and wives of those who plotted against Daniel may seem severe. However, that was the custom of that time and culture. If one was guilty, all paid the price.

This proved to be a powerful testimony for God’s kingdom. Because of Daniel’s faithfulness, he is rewarded by God, and others see and convert.

We saw this when Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and gave all the glory to God.

You can see how Daniel’s story parallels Jesus’. He was sentenced to death but rose again!

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 4: John 6:10-15

by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:10-15

Jesus had the people sit down. There was about five thousand men in total. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. Once everyone had eaten their fill, the disciples gathered the leftovers, so there would be no waste. They filled twelve baskets.

The people intended to make Jesus, the Prophet, king, so he retreated again.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 4: John 6:10-15

9a) Jesus gave specific instructions to the disciples, which they followed. It’s good to follow exactly what Jesus says to do.

b) He prayed and gave thanks. This should always be the first thing we do with anything in life, from getting out of bed to major and minor life decisions.

10) Jesus makes a bunch of food from nothing. Jesus can make our nothings into something, too. I can have faith in what He will do in my life and for me even when I can’t see it. I pray a lot, but I can remember to pray for everything all the time.

11a) He always gives us everything we need in abundance, including what we need for spiritual health and wellness. By oversupplying the people’s physical needs, he points to how he can meet our spiritual, too.

b) By speaking about Jesus to others; by giving Jesus all the credit for the goodness in my life; by having faith in all that he is and all that he does.

12a) They wanted to make him king to rule over them and be their leader, as well as defeat their enemies. Jesus’ kingdom was spiritual, not physical and of man.

b) When I want something and he doesn’t. When I want the easy way and not the hard way.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 4: John 6:10-15

Love this miracle! It epitomizes who Jesus is: his caring, compassion, and provision for all of us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 4: John 6:10-15

Sitting down is like lying down in green pastures.  Psalm 23:1-2 Jesus is the host here. He is in no hurry. He is our shepherd and provider of everything we need.

We not told how the division of the food happened, and the people weren’t even aware of it at the time. Jesus simply distributed food that was never ending — like his love for us.

Everyone ate their fill. They were satisfied, and the leftovers were more than what the boy had brought. Remember, that eating and drinking in the Old Testament was a great event and signified prosperity and happiness.

The disciples participated by distributing the food.

Jesus likes to give in abundance. He more than meets our needs.

Calling Jesus “The Prophet” is a reference to Moses’ prediction of the coming Prophet/Jesus. (Deuteronomy 18:15)

Jesus also provided the people with food like Moses did in the wilderness with manna.

The people wanted to use Jesus to throw off the Roman powers. They were only interested in what Jesus could do for them. Jesus, of course, wanted nothing to do with this, so he retreated to be with His Father.

Jesus is our King, just not in the way we think of a king.

How often do we think the same way?

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 3:1-19

Joram (or Jehoram) son of Ahab became king of Israel during the reign of Jehoshaphat king of Judah and reigned 12 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, but he did get rid of the sacred stone of Baal.

Moab had to pay tribute to Israel with lambs and wool. But when Ahab died, Moab rebelled. Joram set out to control the rebellion. He asked Jehoshaphat to help, which he agreed to do. They set out through the desert of Edom and the king of Edom joined them. However, they marched for 7 days when they ran out of water. Jehoshaphat was the only one to seek God in this situation, asking for a prophet.

Elisha was amongst them. They called for him, and only because of the presense of Jehoshaphat did Elisha prophesy. The Lord said through Elisha to dig ditches that the Lord would fill with water for everyone and their animals. The Lord will hand Moab over to you.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

10) King Joram did evil in the eyes of the Lord, but he did get rid of the sacred stone of Baal. King Joram set out to control a rebellion, and he managed to unite Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom, too. This is great influence, indeed.

11a) Moab refused to pay tribute to Israel with lambs and wool. Jehoshaphat, King of Judah and the King of Edom

b) Jehoshaphat had made peace with Israel. (1 Kings 22:44).

c) They got lost and ran out of water.

d) Jehoshaphat called for Elisha to ask for God’s help.

12) One, don’t go wandering in the desert without enough water and no sense of direction. Two, don’t partner with unbelievers. Three, seek God when you’ve messed up. Four, do whatever God tells you to do.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

Again, we see God’s great mercy when he not only provides water that the men need to save their lives, but He also grants them victory over their enemies.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

Fun Fact: Joram is the 9th evil king over the kingdom of Israel.

Jehoshaphat was more experienced in battle than Joram, which is why he was asked which way to attack the Moabites.

Note how Joram immediately assumes God will not help them, and they have been sent into the hands of the Moabites; whereas, Jehoshaphat seeks God here. Joram blames God.

The three kings humble themselves and go to see Elisha who only agrees to speak to them because of Jehoshaphat. Note how it’s good to be friends with believers.

Note the spiritual power of music here.

God would provide water but in a miraculous way, leaving no doubt it’s from Him.

Note how God has them work first (by digging ditches) before they are rewarded (with life-giving water). God is preparing the people for a blessing by giving them a task they can do, not a task that is insurmountable.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 7:13-20

The road to life has a small gate and is narrow and only a few find it. The road to destruction is wide and broad and many enter.

Watch out for false prophets whom you will know by the fruit they bear. They will bear bad fruit and can only bear bad fruit. Good trees bear good fruit, and bad ones bear bad. Bad trees are cut down and thrown into the fire.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

9a) That the path to life (heaven) is only through him and not many will find this path. John 14:6 says he is the only way to God. He is the way, the truth, the life. Acts 4:12 says salvation is found only in Jesus.

b) They want to believe the path to heaven is more complicated than that, and they want to be able to do what they want without following God’s law and still gain access to heaven.

10a) They bear bad fruit. John 15:16 says God chooses those to be with Him to bear lasting fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

b) You have to have the ability to discern those who are false prophets from those who are true; those with good hearts versus those who are bad. Judging is about ensuring you are holding yourself to the same standard when you judge others. Thus, by looking at people’s fruit/good deeds, this can help you discern the truth.

11) Be careful of smooth talkers, wolves in sheep’s clothing, and others who sound/say something that is too good to be true. Pray and discern to ensure you are not being led astray.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

Good reminder that God chooses those who go to heaven, and that you have to be wary of false prophets.

Good read on false prophets.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

As Christians know, the path to heaven is narrow and difficult and will not be easy to traverse. Jesus is telling his disciples to prepare for future hardships.

Being aware that there are false prophets is step one. Watch out for those who motivated purely by self-interest. Do these prophets teach God’s Word, are people growing in God, and do they live out God’s teachings?

Before judging others’ fruit, judge your own. Are you bearing good or bad fruit? You are either bearing one or the other. Those who bear neither good nor bad are considered bad.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 12:4-9:

Abram left Haran at age 75 with Lot, his wife, and all the people and possessions they had acquired in Haran. God appeared to Abram when he reached Shechem, telling him he will give his offspring this land. Abram built an offering to God here. He built another altar to God at Bethel. Then he continued towards the Negev.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

9) Abram obeyed, but brought along others and his possessions, which God did not say to do. Still, by faith (being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see) Abram obeyed and was blessed (just being chosen was the best blessing ever).

10a) He obeyed God. He left everything he ever knew and some of his family for a land of unknowns and living in tents. He had kids out of faith. All with no idea how to do this except through God.

b) Personal Question. My answer: Unsure if I’m waiting on anything specific for God to fulfill. I just know He shows up and guides me. I pray and take action when prompted.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

Taking the small steps is what leads to great things.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

Most of us know Lot’s tale (which is coming up in Genesis 13-14). Abram probably regretting bringing him along in disobedience to God’s exact instructions.

Canaan was not the best place either. It was full of sin. He stopped first at a tree. Shechem means “shoulder,” and is roughly in the middle of Canaan. Most names of places are named after a landmark, which is what Bible scholars believe here. We will see Shechem a lot when we get to Jacob.

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What Happens in Shechem?

  • Jacob comes here (Genesis 33:18) and buys land from a man names Hamor for 100 pieces of silver (Genesis 33:19).
  • Jacob builds an altar to the Lord (Genesis 33:20). known as Jacob’s well.
  • Jacob’s daughter, Dinah was raped and in retaliation, the sons of Jacob massacred the men (Genesis 34).
  • Jacob gave this land to Joseph (Genesis 48:22).
  • Jospeh was buried here. (Joshua 24:32).
  • Joshua said his famous words as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24) and made a covenent with Israel
  • \Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 (John 4:5-6).

Since God had commanded all the people to spread out and He did so after the Tower of Babel, people lived in Canaan. Like most of us, we’re not going to voluntarily moved. It would take 400 years for God’s promise of this land to come true.

Calling of Abram

God told Abram again of His promises, backing it up with the land itself. Remember Abram bought his burial plot here. Genesis 23:14-20

Note Abram built an altar, which served as a meeting place between God and Abram before churches. From the beginning of time, we see how important it is to have your own place to meet with God and Jesus and remember their blessings in your life. Hebrews 13:15   (Hebrews 13:10)

Abram lived in a tent. Culture tells us to strive for material goods when our homes are in heaven. Strive to live here just good enough to live well in heaven. Hebrews 11:16

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 9:1-17

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage: God blessed Noah and his sons and told them to be fruitful and fill the earth. All animals will fear and dread you and God placed them in man’s hands. God gave everything that lives and moves now as food for man as well as the plants.

Man must not eat meat that has lifeblood still in it.  God will demand an accounting from every animal and from every man and accounting for the life of his fellow man.  “Whoever sheds the blood of man by man shall his blood be shed for in the image of God has God made man.”

God establishes His covenant with Noah and his sons and with every living creature on earth. God promises to never again destroy the earth with a flood.  The rainbow is the sign of this covenant between God, Noah, and all on earth.  God will see the rainbow in the sky and remember this covenant.

Questions:

8a)  In John Jesus says we must be born again of water and of the Spirit in order to see the kingdom of God.  In Genesis, atonement of a blood sacrifice.

b)  I see no difference.  All the same.  Means we are the image of God and made to be like Jesus.

9)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Probably enhance and ameliorate them.

10)  A believer’s mind and heart are opened and receive the indwelt Holy Spirit, which changes him or her to be more like Christ.  The veil of ignorance is lifted and Truth enters and reigns.  And we now reflect the Lord’s glory and are being transformed little by little into his image.

11)  Personal Question.  My answer.  I had forgotten the rainbow was a sign of the covenant!  I had just remembered it was a sign of God’s promise not to flood the earth. I’ll never look at a rainbow the same again.  God is good and He is faithful.

Conclusions:  Repetitive is the word that comes to mind with this lesson.  When I read question 10, I sighed and thought Not again.  This question has nothing to do with Genesis 9.  It just doesn’t.

Bay’s Last Rainbow

I liked the rainbow since me and my kids love rainbows and photograph them every chance we get!  We will definitely talk about this one this week!

Although not the best picture, this rainbow is special to me.  It was taken on my dog’s last day and she was in the car with us.  It was right after her vet’s appointment–the appointment that had given us hope.

I still wonder what God was trying to tell me with this.  It was so beautiful I had pulled over to take the picture and I had completely forgotten about it in the chaos of her death until I downloaded my pictures.  And Bay was with me that day.

I hope it was a sign that God was remembering her as He promised He’d remember all living creatures.  I call it “Bay’s Rainbow” for I truly believe it was put there by Him for her.  And for me.  She was truly special.  And in my heart forever.

And I liked the idea of seeing other’s as images of God.  So often we see people (especially relatives) as the broken humans we all are.   I would extend this to not just Christians but to all people.  For all are made in His image even if the Spirit is not in them.