# Daniel Chapter 11
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## Summary
Within this chapter Daniel's vision continues to unfold. He witnesses the division of the Greek empire through four future kings. He watches events unfold relating to the kings of the North and the South. He observes Antiochus IV (a vile person) comes to power and then the final conflict between Antiochus and the kings of the North and the south.

## Imagery and Theme's
This chapter is enormous and so to explore the imagery and themes would take beyond the scope of what this chapter is intended to deal with. As such I'm going to use this post instead to consider one of the points raised about the authenticity of the prophetic utterances. There is a general concern that the precision with which this book is written is reason enough to believe the book was written after the events described took place.

There has evidently been resistance from the evangelical community who argue that such an approach *must* undermine confidence in the entire book. Personally I feel this is too simplistic a view. It is based on the assumption that the entire book of Daniel has nothing to offer if the precision of the prophetic utterances are authentic. It fails to consider the possibility that this was a creative way of recording history, and that other aspects of the book have significant value for contemporary readers.

I do not doubt the possibility that such utterances could have been made prior to the unfolding of history. I simply do not feel that what the book of Daniel has to offer is entirely contingent upon their authenticity. This book is incredibly creative and explores a rich array of thematic issues. How to live in exile, the consequences for proud leadership, how to avoid becoming a monster, even foretastes of the kingdom of God. As such if the author chose to record history creatively I have no objection. The bible is full of such examples such as genesis or job to name a few.