Daniel 11 (4)

Introduction
Keep in mind that we’re trying to understand these prophetic words as Daniel, and those who were returning to Jerusalem, would have read them. Real historical people are indicated, and most commentaries can help you sort out the details. For our part, we’re trying to focus on the central message of these words, and not the peripheral details. In this section, we see that the “glorious kingdom” and the “prince of the covenant” are drawn into the political strife and struggles of the day, so that the “holy covenant” comes under attack. And yet all this happens according to “the appointed time”.

Read Proverbs 6.20-29.

Read Daniel 11.20-28.

Think it through.
1.  The Messenger warns of Israel’s increasing entanglement with worldly powers. Verses 20-22 indicate that future Gentile nations will impose their will on Israel. This is described in three ways, which together indicate a deepening entanglement and oppression of the people of God (“prince of the covenant” here probably refers to the high priest). Explain. Verses 23 and 24 describe the effects of this entanglement on the people of the “glorious kingdom”. He (the ruler to come) “shall enter peaceably”. What does this suggest? But what happens next? In previous generations, prophets warned Israel against playing the harlot with foreign powers. What does that mean? Why would Israel do this? Was the message to Daniel a similar warning? Explain.

2.  Verses 25-28 warn that such rulers and nations cannot last. Knowing this should expose the folly of becoming entangled with worldly rulers, agreeing to and supporting their “peaceable” policies. Notice what happens to the wealth of God’s people in verse 28, and, in the same verse, how the kings whose “hearts shall be bent on evil” and who “speak lies” feel about God’s covenant and the people who live within it. Concerning all this political posturing and scheming, “it shall not prosper, for the end willstill beat the appointed time” (v. 27). What does this indicate, and how does it serve to remind Israel of her proper focus?

Meditate.
“But nonetheless he will then return to his own kingdom with much wealth and great abundance. ‘And his heart will be against the holy covenant.’ At last, he will have one endeavor, namely, to destroy the law given by God to the Jews. Because he desires this, he puts his plans into effect. ‘And he will act and return to his land.’ The book of the Maccabees and the history of Josephus explain this.” Theodoret of Cyr (393-466 AD)

They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. Galatians 4.17, 18

O Lord, the temptation is great to think that our hopes lie in securing a favorable political climate, where leaders enact policies that favor our cause, so that we will be zealous for them. But we must be careful here, because…

Pray Psalm 9.11-20.
Praise God, Who is Lord of men and nations, and firm up your resolve before Him to serve His purposes, to proclaim and seek His Kingdom, and to look only to Him for all your needs.

Psalm 9.11-20 (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.

All who forget the Lord shall perish evermore.
Condemned by His blessed holy Word, their punishment is sure.
The poor and troubled rest in God’s all-loving care; 
While fear of Him, Whose Name is blessed, grips nations everywhere.

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.