Daniel 11 (2)

Introduction
The history of nations and empires from Alexander to the coming of God’s Kingdom is a history of tumult and violence. Self-interest, revenge, and greed drive the emotions and decisions of world leaders, who seem to have nothing better to do than to waste the lives of their subjects in wars of conquest and revenge. God wants to make sure His people understand the futility and fleetingness of earthly powers, so that they don’t fall into that trap again.

Meditate on Psalm 33.8-22.

Read Daniel 11.5-13.

Think it through.
1.  The Messenger employed a variety of words to describe the political activity and posturing of the nations surrounding the people of Israel. Define each of the following:

  - become strong (v. 5):

  - gain power (v. 5):

  - have dominion (v. 5):

  - authority (v. 6):

  - join forces (v. 6):

  - deal with them and prevail (v. 7):

  - assemble a multitude of great forces (v. 10):

  - overwhelm and pass through (v. 10):

Why does the Lord use so many different, powerful terms to describe the actions of these empires and kings? Do any of these have lasting effects? Why does God want His people to understand this?

2.  Much of the fighting and struggle that would ensue over the next several hundred years would be around, or in, or through the restored nation of Israel. This would make it increasingly difficult for the people to keep focused and not give in to the temptation to make political alliances, like their forebears had done. In some ways, this situation is not unlike that which churches face in our day. All kinds of political, economic, and cultural struggles rage around, within, and through the Church. But these must not keep us from our true focus and calling (Matt. 6.33; 1 Thess. 2.12). What are some ways a church can lose focus in a day like ours, and how should God’s Word to Daniel instruct us for our day?

Meditate.
“But no further notice is taken of the other kingdoms, Macedonia and Asia Minor, because Judea lay in a midway position and was held now by one group of kings and now by another. And it is not the purpose of holy Scripture to cover external history apart from the Jews but only that which is linked up with the nation of Israel.” Jerome (347-420 AD)

For indeed, when we came to Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outside wereconflicts, inside werefears. 2 Corinthians 7.5

Today, Lord, as I go out into the world as Your ambassador, I know many things could distract me from my focus on You. Help me to set my mind on You, so that in all I do I…

Pray Psalm 9.6-12.
Conflicts and struggles of many kinds swirl around us as the people of God. Pray that you will find refuge in Him, and put your trust in Him, whenever the world presses in too much. 

Psalm 9.7-13 (Diademata: Crown Him with Many Crowns)
Lord, You forever reign in judgment on Your throne.
The world in bitter wrath and pain Your righteousness will own. 
All those who know Your Name, though in this life oppressed, 
You shelter from the storms of shame and keep them ever blessed.

Praise then the Lord of Zion; declare His deeds abroad!
Praise Judah’s mighty saving Lion, the ever-blessèd God!
Whose blood has washed us clean, Who hears our plaintive cries, 
Who good to us has ever been and lifts us to the skies!

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006.