Daniel 11 - A Literal Interpretation

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When considering whether to interpret Daniel chapter 11 literally or symbolically, consider the pattern Daniel established. The book of Daniel follows a consistent pattern: there is a vision or dream given in symbolic language, followed by its interpretation given in literal language. The interpretations are meant to give understanding and explain the meaning of symbols. The entire interpretation is literal and doesn't switch partway through. This is a precedent repeatedly established in Daniel by the time we get to chapter 11. Let's look at the pattern in the verses below.

Prophecy	Symbolic Vision/Dream	Literal Interpretation
Nebuchadnezzar's Image (Daniel 2)	Daniel 2:31-35	Daniel 2:36-45 "This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king" (2:36).
The Great Tree (Daniel 4)	Daniel 4:10-17	Daniel 4:18-27 "This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof" (4:18).
The Four Beasts (Daniel 7)	Daniel 7:1-14	Daniel 7:15-28 "I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things" (7:16).
The 2300 Days (Daniel 8-9)	Daniel 8:1-14	Daniel 8:15-27, 9:23-27 "And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision" (8:15-16). And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding... therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision" (Dan. 9:22-23).
Michael the Prince (Daniel 10-12)	Daniel 8:1-14, 10:4-9	Daniel 11:2 - 12:13 "And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent... Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words... Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days" (Dan. 10:11-14).

These verses reveal a pattern in Daniel and establish an important precedent. By following the precedent, we let the Bible interpret itself. It tells us that Daniel 11 is an interpretation of the previous symbolic vision, given in plain language by the angel in order to "make thee understand", and thus no new symbols are introduced and it is taken literally throughout its entirety.

Note: The references to "thy people" in Daniel 10-12 are part of the literal interpretation. This is consistent with Daniel 9 - see more on Israel, the Church and "Thy People".

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