Daniel 11 (5)

Introduction
In the days between Daniel and the Messiah, when Gentile nations overrun and subjugate the people of God, many will turn away from God’s covenant. But some will remain faithful and will courageously resist the enemies of God. Commentators have seen in this passage a reference to the last days and the coming of the antichrist. These will be terrible times, indeed. But they are “the appointed time”, and all that takes place in them “has been determined”. No matter how terrible things become, Israel must not lose sight of God. He is with them, and He will be exalted among the nations of the earth.

Read and meditate on Psalm 46.

Read Daniel 11.29-39.

Think it through.
1.  Verses 29-35 refer in more detail to Antiochus and the abominations he would introduce to the temple and the “glorious land”. Many would forsake the covenant to avoid his wrath (v. 12), and he would reward those who do (v. 32). Some, however, would remain faithful. How are they described in verses 32 and 33? How would their faithfulness be evident? What would become of them? Notice that this section is bookmarked by the phrase “the appointed time” (vv. 29, 35). Why?

2.  Beginning with verse 36, some commentators – both from ancient times and our own day – see this vision springing forward to the coming of antichrist and the last days before Christ’s return. That may well be. At any rate, what is envisioned is a time when government exalts itself “above every god” and even “speaks blasphemies against the God of gods”. And even as it does this, it shall prosper. Why? Why does God allow this to happen (v. 36, end)? Verses 37-38 show that this particular government’s lust for power is all-consuming. Have you seen in the past, and do you see any evidence now of this kind of behavior on the part of world governments? Explain. As governments increasingly become laws unto themselves, what must we as God’s people remember and do? 

Meditate.
“Those who properly use the knowledge supplied by God will utterly despise that fellow’s laws and will prefer death for the divine law to a life of godlessness.” Theodoret of Cyr (393-466 AD)

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. Ephesians 1.11, 12

Thank You, Father, that all of time and everything in it are in Your hands! Knowing this encourages and emboldens me today to…

Pray Psalm 9.1-13.
Whom can you tell today about the wondrous works of our sovereign God?

Psalm 9.1-13 (Diademata: Crown Him with Many Crowns)
I will give thanks, O Lord, with all my heart to You!
I’ll tell the wonders of Your Word, so many and so true!
With joy to You I cry; Your glory I will raise; 
Your matchless Name, O Lord on High, will I forever praise!

Backwards my foes shall fall before Your holy face.  
You rescue all who on You call by Your all-glorious grace.
The nations lie in ruins; the wicked are no more; 
Our enemies have come to doom in wrath and judgment sore.

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.