Daniel 11
Caught between empires, but never outside God’s view—His path stretches through the silence and into glory.
This powerful stretch of Daniel’s vision unfolds a sweep of history from the Medo-Persian Empire through to the rise and tyranny of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, and even points ahead to a future oppressor who will exalt himself against God. The transitions of power between northern and southern kingdoms (descended from Alexander the Great’s divided empire) consistently impact the promised land. God’s people find themselves caught in the crossfire—sometimes ruled by the North, other times by the South—but always seen by God.
The vision zooms in on the cruelty of Antiochus IV, whose atrocities against faithful Jews foreshadow greater tribulations. He forbids worship, desecrates the temple, and slaughters thousands. Yet even in the face of unimaginable suffering, some remain faithful and endure to the end. Their resistance isn’t forgotten—God will vindicate them. The message crescendos with a radiant promise: those who sleep in the dust shall awaken—some to everlasting life, others to everlasting shame. And those who lead many to righteousness will shine like stars forever. Even in the darkest stretches of history, the God of resurrection holds the final word.
Personalized Journal Entry in the Holy Spirit’s Voice Through Scripture
Though kings rise and fall, I have set My purpose in place from the beginning. I declared the end from the beginning and from ancient times what is still to come. My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose. The kingdoms of men roar and rage, but I laugh, for I have installed My King on Zion.
You have read of the kings of the North and South, of alliances and betrayals, of battles and broken promises—but My eye has never left the faithful. Some faltered and fell under pressure, swayed by smooth words and fleeting rewards. But others stood firm, made strong not by resolve alone but by knowing Me.
Their names are written in My book. Those who turn many to righteousness are radiant, for My Spirit has moved through them. They did not love their lives even unto death, for they knew a better resurrection awaited. I am the God of the living, not of the dead. Even now, I am awakening those who lie in the dust, calling them forth to everlasting life.
In this world, empires still rise, and wicked rulers exalt themselves. But none can thwart My plan. At the appointed time, every oppressor shall fall, and My Son shall judge the living and the dead. Until then, shine. You are the light of the world. Let your endurance be shaped not by fear, but by My indwelling presence. You are not alone. You are not forgotten. You are Mine.
(Isaiah 46:10; Psalm 2:4,6; Daniel 11:32–35; Philippians 3:10–11; Luke 20:38; Daniel 12:1–3; Revelation 20:11–15; Matthew 5:14)
A Real-Life Analogy
You’ve probably stood in a long grocery store line while a commotion happened ahead—voices rising, tension thick, and people either backing away or rubbernecking. You had no part in it, but you couldn’t avoid being caught in the moment. You were just there to get dinner. Similarly, in Daniel’s vision, faithful Jews weren’t seeking political power or stirring conflict—they were simply caught in the middle of two roaring empires. They weren't the cause of the fight, but they bore the weight of its fury. Yet God saw every one of them. Even as chaos swirled around, He was watching, remembering, and promising resurrection to those who endured.
Prayer
Father, thank You for showing me once again that history is not spiraling out of control—it is unfolding under Your sovereign hand. Even when the faithful are caught in the fallout of wars they didn’t start, You see them, You sustain them, and You reward them. I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment, with endurance and gentleness, as I await the fulfillment of all You’ve promised. You are my confidence, not because I escape trouble, but because You have already overcome the world.
Devotional Credit:
Insights adapted from the Grace and Truth Study Bible (Zondervan, 2021)
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