Daniel 11 (6)

Introduction
The vision is almost complete, and the violence and turmoil increase toward “the time of the end”. Again, many commentators see this as referring to the time before the coming of Christ, and this may well be so. But let’s try to keep focused on how Daniel and those returning to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple would have received these words. If we can understand what God intended for them by this vision, we’ll be able to gain the benefit He has in store for us.

Meditate on Daniel 2.44, 45 and Isaiah 9.6, 7.

Read Daniel 11.40-45.

Think it through.
1.  The mention of Edom, Moab, and Ammon – nations contemporary to Israel in Daniel’s day – suggests this prophesy has more immediate implications than the time prior to the return of Christ – closer to the first coming of the Messiah than the second. But if that is the case, to what would “the time of the end” refer? The message to Israel is clear: Prepare for turmoil, violence, conquest, and oppression. But how should the people of God prepare? To what should they look to sustain them through these times? To what should we look as troubled times descend on our world?

2.  Again, mention of the “Glorious Land” and the “glorious holy mountain” makes it clear that the disturbing action outlined in this vision is taking place right across and throughout the land historically identified with Israel. There will be no escaping the troubles to come. But isn’t this always the case in the life of faith (cf. Jn. 16.33)? What kinds of “tribulation” can we expect? How should Christians help keep one another focused and holding fast to their faith during times of tribulation?

Meditate.
“They say that in his haste to fight Ptolemy, the king of the south, Antiochus left untouched the Idumeans, Moabites and Ammonites, who dwelt to the side of Judea, lest he should make Ptolemy the stronger by engaging in some other campaign. The antichrist also is going to leave Idumea, Moab and the children of Ammon (i.e., Arabia) untouched, for the saints are to flee there to the deserts.” Jerome (347-420 AD)

“Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.”  Matthew 24.15-22

Every day has its trials and tribulations, Lord, but I know that I can persevere and grow through them as I…

Pray Psalm 9.11-20.
Seek the mercy and help of God for today’s troubles and renew your resolve to be faithful in your witness to Christ.

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.