Daniel 11 (3)

Introduction
Israel was not immune to, nor could it entirely avoid, the violent struggles of pagan nations. Indeed, even the “Glorious Land” would become caught up in international war and suppression. The people who read and meditated on Daniel’s prophecy for the next several hundred years were to be neither surprised nor dismayed by the ongoing violence that surrounded and affected them. But they must never forget that theirs was the “Glorious Land.” They were to seek the blessings and peace of God, and not those of fleeting political powers.

Read Deuteronomy 28.1-14.

Read Daniel 11.14-19.

Think it through.
1.  The phrase Glorious Land (v. 16) may be more accurately translated as Land of Beauty orHonor. Meditate on Psalm 48.1-3 and Deuteronomy 28.1-14. To what does this phrase refer? Why is this an apt description of God’s intentions for His chosen people? The sudden appearance of this phrase in the midst of these visions of violence and war is meant to shock and remind the reader of Israel’s true calling. Explain.

2.  The Glorious Land is beautiful and honorable, not because of what any political power can bestow, but because God has designated it as such. Only God can make His land and people beautiful, honorable, and a source of joy to the world. And His people, like Israel of Daniel’s day, can only realize that promise by looking not to the fleeting, fading fortunes of political powers, but to the unchanging and unfailing promises of God, especially as these are all realized in our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1.4; 2 Cor. 1.19, 20). Israel would find herself caught up in world events and political and military struggles, but she must at all times remember who she is, why God has raised her up, and how she may hope to realize her promised potential. Is there a word of warning for the Church today in the message given to Daniel?

Meditate.
“The term ‘glorious land,’ or, as the Septuagint interprets it, ‘the land of desire’ (that is, in which God takes pleasure) signifies Judea, and particularly Jerusalem, to which Antiochus pursued those men of Scopas’s party who had been honorably received there. Instead of the phrase ‘glorious land,’ as Aquila rendered it, Theodotion simply puts the Hebrew word itself, Sabin; instead of that Symmachus translated it ‘land of bravery.’” Jerome (347-420 AD)

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. Colossians 2.8-10

“Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12.32 (cf. Dan. 7.18)

Lord, we live in the world, but we must not be of it, for You have called us to Your Kingdom and glory. Thank You, Lord, for the promise of Your beautiful and honorable Kingdom. Help me to seek Your glorious Kingdom today as I…

Pray Psalm 9.11-14.
Offer your daily trials and troubles to the Lord, and firm up Your resolve to be Christ’s witness today. Pray for an opportunity to live out the praises of God.

Psalm 9.11-16 (Diademata: Crown Him with Many Crowns)
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!

Lift up your voice in praise before glad Zion’s gate!
Rejoice in Jesus’ saving ways; His glory celebrate!
The nations fail and fall, condemned by their own hands; 
The Lord Who showed Himself to all o’er them in judgment stands.

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.