Why does God allow the wise to stumble according to Daniel 11:35? Daniel 11:35 “And some of the wise will fall, so that they may be refined, purified, and made white, until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.” The Hebrew Term “Wise” (שְׂכִילִים, maśkîlîm) In Daniel the word designates those who grasp and live out God’s revelation (cf. 11:33; 12:3, 10). It is not intellectual brilliance alone but covenantal faithfulness expressed in insight, teaching, and courageous loyalty. Immediate Literary Context (Daniel 11:32-35) Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175–164 BC) desecrated the second temple, outlawed Torah observance, and murdered thousands (1 Macc 1–2; Josephus, Antiquities 12.5-6). Verses 32-35 predict that: • many Jews will capitulate (v. 32a), • “the people who know their God” will resist (v. 32b), • the wise will “give insight to many” yet suffer “sword and flame, captivity and plunder” (v. 33), • some of those wise teachers will “fall” (v. 35). Historical Fulfilment and Typological Foreshadowing During the Maccabean revolt faithful sages such as Eleazar (2 Macc 6) and the mother with seven sons (2 Macc 7) were tortured and killed, fulfilling the text. Their martyrdom became a type of end-time persecution anticipated again in Daniel 12:1 and reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 24:15-22. Purpose Clauses in the Verse “so that they may be refined (לְצָרֵף), purified (לְבָרֵר), and made white (לְהַלְבִּין)” The three infinitives advance from smelting ore, to sifting grain, to bleaching garments—imagery for sanctifying pressure that removes dross, exposes genuineness, and clothes the saints in unmistakable righteousness (cf. Malachi 3:2-3; Zechariah 13:9; Revelation 7:13-14). God’s Sovereign Timing “until the time of the end… at the appointed time.” The suffering is neither random nor permanent. Yahweh fixes its duration and outcome (Isaiah 46:10). History is a teleological drama moving inexorably toward the kingdom of the Messiah (Daniel 2:44; 7:13-14). Why Permit the Wise to Stumble? a. Refinement of Character Hardship burns away self-reliance (Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 1:6-7). Even the discerning can drift into complacency; adversity re-centers them on grace. b. Validation Before Onlookers By persevering through public loss, the wise demonstrate that their devotion is genuine (Job 1–2). Their witness instructs “the many” (Daniel 11:33) and later multitudes who read their story. c. Separation of True and False Allegiance Trial distinguishes wheat from chaff (Luke 3:17). Some who seemed wise prove apostate (11:34 “many will join them insincerely”), while the real wise emerge purified. d. Participation in Redemptive Pattern The Messiah Himself—“the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24)—was “made perfect through suffering” (Hebrews 2:10). His followers share that path (Philippians 3:10). e. Eschatological Readiness End-time events require a prepared remnant (Daniel 12:3, 10). Their earlier stumbling equips them to shine “like the brightness of the expanse.” Stumbling Is Temporary, Not Terminal The verb “fall” (כָּשַׁל) often implies setback, not final ruin (Proverbs 24:16). Daniel immediately adds the outcome of purification, assuring restoration (cf. Psalm 37:23-24). Complementary Biblical Witness • Psalm 66:10-12—“You refined us like silver.” • Isaiah 48:10—“I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.” • Hebrews 12:5-11—Fatherly discipline yields “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” • 1 Corinthians 1:19-25—God overturns human wisdom, using what appears weak to display power. Human Responsibility and Divine Sovereignty Persecutors act freely and are morally accountable (Habakkuk 2:4-19), yet their very opposition fulfills God’s decree (Acts 4:27-28). Likewise, the wise must choose steadfastness; God’s grace empowers but never coerces (Philippians 2:12-13). Practical Implications for Today • Expect intellectual or social setbacks when publicly teaching biblical truth. • Recognize such moments as refining fires, not indicators of divine abandonment. • Continue “giving insight to many” despite personal cost, trusting the appointed end. • Anchor hope in the resurrection, where the purified will “shine like the stars forever and ever” (Daniel 12:3). Summary God allows some of His insightful servants to stumble so that through controlled adversity He may purify their faith, vindicate His wisdom over human schemes, sift genuine allegiance, model the sufferings of Christ, ready a radiant remnant for the culmination of history, and display His sovereign faithfulness. Their temporary fall becomes the very means by which eternal glory is forged. |
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