Scripture to Read: Daniel 10:13–11:35
As the angel spoke, we see Daniel’s reaction in Daniel 10:15–17. If God opened our eyes to the spiritual realm, we’d probably faint from fear. Therefore, the angel told Daniel again in Daniel 10:19, “do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!” The angel told Daniel in Daniel 10:21, “…I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth.” The “writing of truth” was the vision the angel delivered to Daniel in Daniel 11 and 12. Daniel 11:2 speaks of a fourth king, which is Xerxes, also named Ahasuerus in the Book of Esther. Persia had eight more kings after Xerxes, and then Greece came to power (Daniel 11:3–4). Daniel 11:4 reveals that Alexander the Great would fall, and the Greek Empire would be divided between his four generals (four dynasties). Two are high¬lighted in Daniel 11:5–20. Antiochus Epiphanes (Antiochus the IV) arose from the Seleucid dynasty to reign. We also learned about Antiochus IV in Daniel 8. We have Antiochus IV’s rise to power and military successes recorded in Daniel 11:21–28. Then, in Daniel 11:29–31, Antiochus IV enters the Jewish temple and desecrates it just like the coming Antichrist will do during the Tribulation. Daniel 11:32–35 records the reaction of the faithful within Israel. They resist and defeat Antiochus IV and rededicate the temple to God. A great reminder: we must worship God alone. We all face things beyond our ability. The tests and trials beyond our human abilities build our faith in God (James 1:2–4).
Challenge & Application
• Daniel lost all strength in the presence of the angel, for he was overwhelmed; so, how would you react if an angel from the Lord showed up to speak to you?
• The Israelites finally resist and defeat Antiochus IV. So, as you face the tests and trials of this life, how do you resist and defeat them and honor God through your choices?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!