The "Vision of a Great Conflict" is a prophetic revelation found in the Book of Daniel, specifically in Daniel 10:1 through 12:13. This vision is one of the most detailed and complex prophecies in the Old Testament, providing a sweeping overview of future events that would impact the people of Israel and the broader world. The vision is delivered to Daniel during the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, and is a continuation of the prophetic insights Daniel received throughout his life.

Context and Setting

The vision occurs after Daniel has been mourning and fasting for three weeks. During this time, he abstains from choice foods, meat, and wine, seeking understanding and revelation from God. The setting is by the Tigris River, where Daniel encounters a heavenly being who delivers the vision. This being is described with a striking appearance: "His body was like beryl, his face like the brilliance of lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of polished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude" (Daniel 10:6).

The Heavenly Messenger

The messenger, often identified as an angelic being, reassures Daniel, acknowledging his humility and devotion. The messenger explains that he was delayed for twenty-one days by the "prince of the kingdom of Persia" until Michael, one of the chief princes, came to assist him (Daniel 10:13). This passage is significant for its glimpse into the spiritual warfare that occurs behind the scenes of earthly events.

The Vision's Content

The vision itself spans several chapters and details a series of conflicts involving various kingdoms. It begins with a prophecy concerning Persia and Greece, highlighting the rise of a mighty king in Greece, commonly understood to be Alexander the Great. Following his death, the kingdom is divided into four parts, leading to further conflicts among his successors.

The vision then shifts focus to the "king of the North" and the "king of the South," representing the Seleucid and Ptolemaic dynasties, respectively. These two powers engage in a series of battles, with the land of Israel caught in the middle. The prophecy is noted for its precise historical fulfillment, as it accurately describes the geopolitical struggles of the Hellenistic period.

The Abomination of Desolation

A key element of the vision is the reference to the "abomination of desolation," a term that appears in Daniel 11:31 and is later echoed in the New Testament by Jesus in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24:15). This event is associated with the desecration of the temple and is historically linked to the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who erected an altar to Zeus in the Jewish temple.

The Time of the End

The vision culminates in a description of the "time of the end," a period marked by unprecedented distress and the ultimate deliverance of God's people. Daniel 12:1-2 speaks of a resurrection, where "many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt" . This passage is one of the clearest Old Testament references to the resurrection of the dead.

The Role of Michael

Michael, the archangel, plays a significant role in the vision, described as the protector of Israel. His intervention is crucial during the time of great tribulation, underscoring the theme of divine protection and sovereignty over the affairs of nations.

Daniel's Response and Final Instructions

The vision concludes with Daniel receiving instructions to seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. He is assured that he will rest and rise to his allotted inheritance at the end of days (Daniel 12:13). This promise of personal resurrection and reward provides hope and assurance to Daniel and, by extension, to all believers who look forward to the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

The "Vision of a Great Conflict" thus serves as a profound testament to God's control over history, the reality of spiritual warfare, and the ultimate triumph of His kingdom.