Scripture to Read: Daniel 8:1–10
We covered Alexander the Great in last week's devotions, but God reveals more in Daniel 8. Since Alexander the Great died young, his empire went to his four generals; that’s the four horns Daniel saw emerge on the goat to replace the large horn. General Cassandra ruled Macedonia. General Ptolemy ruled Egypt. General Lysimachus ruled Thrace and Asia Minor. General Seleucus ruled Syria. Seleucus’ territory extended into the land of Israel. Another ruler arose after Seleucus named Antiochus Epiphanes, who brought the worst persecution against Israel. Antiochus Epiphanes became a type of antichrist. Daniel 8:9–14 references Antiochus Epiphanes’ reign. Daniel 8:9 describes the rise of Antiochus’ rule and mentions “the Beautiful Land,” which is the nation of Israel. Israel has always been God’s chosen nation and Jerusalem is the center, as revealed in Ezekiel 5:5, “Thus says the Lord God, ‘This is Jerusalem; I have set her at the center of the nations, with lands around her.” Daniel 8:10 describes the persecution of Israel, which didn’t occur until 386 years later, around B.C. 170–164. Antiochus wanted a massive Greek empire consisting of Greek thought, language, culture, and religion but Israel had its own language, culture, and religion, so Antiochus tried to destroy them. Persecution of God’s children still occurs today. Though it is not as prevalent in the USA, persecution of the saints is occurring in other parts of the world. We must pray Philippians 1:12–14 for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ, as they suffer for the cause of Christ. We must live wholeheartedly for our Lord, no matter the cost.
Challenge & Application
• Though we don’t face heavy persecution in the USA, how do you prepare each day for the fleshly battles you do face?
• Why should we pray Philippians 1:12–14 for our imprisoned and persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ in other parts of the world?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!