Daniel 11:36-39 – Be active in the service of the Lord

Antiochus Epiphanes, with his atrocities and prophesied conduct and end, aligns with the narrative of Daniel 11:24-45. This alignment is not a mere coincidence but a testament to the truth and power of biblical prophecies.  The scope of Daniel’s prophetic and apocalyptic messages extends far beyond his time.  

The king mentioned in verse 36, while referring to Antiochus, also points to Herod the Great, a figure preceding the birth of Christ Jesus, and the future eschatological Antichrist. Why? Because all three of them share similarities

Firstly, they were not just proud but audaciously arrogant, doing as they pleased without regard for others. Secondly, all three considered themselves not just divine above all pagan gods. They would even have the audacity to elevate themselves above the Almighty God. This level of arrogance is staggering. Thirdly, they all spoke monstrously of the God of gods, a display of downright disrespect. Fourthly, they all rejected the religions of their forefathers, defying tradition. Fifthly, they had no regard for women, a shocking and disturbing disregard. These striking parallels between Antiochus, Herod, and the future Antichrist, a figure that could potentially shape our future, should raise concern and intrigue.     

In their self-aggrandizement, all three figures embraced new gods from various places. They rewarded those who flattered them by giving their flatterer land and influential positions, demonstrating their self-indulgence and disregard for the well-being of their subjects. The pattern of engaging in warfare and fortification of temples continued, as did the use of bribery to assemble a loyal following of fanatics.

Remarkably, the hostility towards Israel that Antiochus Epiphanes was seen in the era of Herod the Great. What had happened would likely be seen again in the arrival of the eschatological Antichrist, a prospect that should stir anticipation and apprehension. 

What must we do as we consider the potential of living in a destructive era when the antichrist would reign? Can we sense God’s call to be vigilant and to draw near to Him to be strengthened for what's coming? We must keep short accounts with God and heed the words of our Lord to work while it is yet day, for the night will come when no man can work. 

Daniel 11:29-35 Standing firm for God in an era of rising evil.

In our previous discussion, we saw how Antiochus IV and his nephew Ptolemy VI came to the table, each with a personal agenda to deceive the other. Each went away thinking that the other had been outwitted. 

Antiochus IV returned home and realized that he was deceived by his nephew. Then we are told in Daniel 11:29 that “At the appointed time he will return and come into the South, but this last time it will not turn out the way it did before.”  In other words, the outcome was different. 

Verse 30 indicates that Antiochus IV was confronted by ships from Kittim. A small contingent of the Roman navy forced him to return home and prevented him from seizing Egypt. Disheartened, he returned home frustrated and took it out on the Jews, the covenant people of God. 

The second part of verse 30 suggests that some of the Jews had forsaken the holy covenant. In other words, some Jews had betrayed their faith and aligned themselves with wicked Antiochus IV. Wickedly, he and his force would arise, desecrate the sanctuary, and set up “the abomination of desolation.” Verse 32 tells us that these had turned godless and taken in by the king’s smooth words and became godless. 

What is the abomination of desolation? Antiochus IV called himself Antiochus Epiphanes, meaning the manifestation of god. He was said to have set up an altar to Zeus on the altar of burnt offerings in the temple. Antiochus Epiphanes sacrificed a pig on the altar and slaughtered a significant number of faithful Jews.  So cruel was Antiochus that he forbade circumcision and decreed that the Jews sacrifice to the pagan gods and eat pork. 

However, there was a godly resistant group among them. They would display strength and stand their ground. These, with godly insights, would seek to enlighten the Jews and help to preserve their faith. Many of these faithful would fall by the sword and be torched and plundered. They were the Hasidim, a pious sect who rose to preserve the Law. The better-known of the Hasidim was Judas Maccabee, a charismatic leader.  

Hypocritically, some Jews, among them, pretended to support Judas Maccabee but were more inclined toward Hellenization.  And when the Hasidim faced extinction, God granted them a “little help.” Though many had sacrificed, they could not wholly rescue the people from Hellenism or obliterate paganism. Account of what they did can be found in the apocryphal, especially in the book of 1 Maccabee. 

The account in Daniel 11:29-35 is a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle between faith and worldly influences. Even in the face of persecution and deception, we can be the remnant of faithful individuals who will stand firm in our beliefs. We must remain steadfast in our faith, to resist the allure of worldly distractions. With unwavering determination, let us stand firm in our faith and be a light amid challenges.

Daniel 11:25-28 – Only God’s plan will prevail.

In Daniel 11:21-24, we saw the description of Antiochus IV’s dubious character and behavior. In verses 25-30, we will see his questionable actions described. With the hope of controlling Egypt, his father married his sister Cleopatra to the king of Egypt, Ptolemy V. 

However, she disappointed her father by choosing to stand on the side of her husband, thus sabotaging the father’s ambitious plan to control Egypt through her marriage. History continuing account has it that after Ptolemy V’s death, Cleopatra became the queen of Egypt. And when she died, her son, Ptolemy VI, a teenager, became the king of Egypt.  

Antiochus IV, according to verses 25, “will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South with a large army….” Verse 26 implies that the king of Egypt, Ptolemy VI would mobilize a force of considerable size to resist the uncle’s advance but was defeated. 

Ptolemy VI failed because plots were devised against him. Verse 27 said that “people who sat at his table,” i.e., his people, would betray him. Apparently, they then made his brother, Ptolemy VII, the king instead. 

Verse 27 suggests that Antiochus IV and Ptolemy VI would then come together in a treaty. They sat at the same table, each with their secret agenda of deceiving and lying to each other.  Both went away, thinking that they each had the better of the other. But all to no avail because the appointed time would come according to God’s appointed schedule.  

Verse 28 states that the king of the North (Antiochus) would return to his own country with great wealth, but his heart would be set against the holy covenant. He would act against it and then return to his own country. On his way back to Syria, Antiochus IV stopped in Jerusalem. With “his heart... set against the holy covenant” of God’s people, he attempted to bring the Jews in line with his Hellenistic pattern by changing specific laws.

Antiochus IV’s attempts to manipulate and deceive ultimately came to naught. Remember, only God’s appointed schedule will indeed prevail. Human efforts to subvert God’s will are in vain. We should always seek to align ourselves with divine purpose rather than resist it. These verses remind us of the importance of righteousness and faith in navigating life’s challenges.

Daniel 11:20-24 – Making Impact by our integrity and godliness.

It is truly remarkable how the prophecies in Daniel 11 are meticulously chronicled with astonishing precision, providing a unique lens into historical events. These prophecies reveal intricate details, such as matrimonial alliances, separations, and the rise and fall of leaders, offering an intense understanding of the past. This divine insight was a preparation for the impending trials and persecution at the hands of Antiochus Epiphanes. They prove God’s omniscient.   

Our last discussion showed how Antiochus III’s campaign against the Coastland was hindered from advancing. The Romans defeated him and made him pay indemnity. The Romans even took hostages. Among the people taken as hostages was his son Antiochus IV, later named Antiochus Epiphanes. Meanwhile, as the Romans held him hostage, his father made his brother, Seleucus IV, a co-regent. Daniel 11:20 alludes to Seleucus IV. Having to pay his father's enormous financial debt, Seleucus IV had an unambitious policy and was finally assassinated by Heliodorus, a government official.  In Daniel 11:21-36, we will see the crisis Antiochus IV had created for God's people. 

Verse 21 indicates that Seleucus IV would be succeeded by "a despicable person…on whom the honor of kingship has not been conferred, but he will come in a time of tranquillity and seize the kingdom by intrigue."

Antiochus IV discovered that his father had appointed his brother, Seleucus IV, as a co-regent during his captivity. Seizing this opportunity, he escaped and navigated his way back to Syria.  Striking a deal with the king of Pergamon, he secured the necessary resources for his return.  He eliminated potential rivals with strategic precision and seized the throne with trickery.   

These verses paint a vivid picture of the nature of Antiochus IV. Though not a legal heir, he craftily manipulated his way into power through bribery, deceit, and trickery. His character was marred by treachery, cruelty, greed, and an insatiable ambition for power. He devised the most sinister schemes to deceive his allies, crush his enemies, and plunder the defenseless. 

These verses serve as a timely reminder of what ambition, deceit, and treachery can do to a person. It shows us the consequences of pursuing power at any cost as well as the devastating effects of using manipulation and cruelty to achieve one's goals.

Trusting in God we should instead prioritize integrity, honesty, and empathy in our pursuits. We must consider the far-reaching implications of our actions on others. With wisdom and discernment in our decision-making, we must ensure that our ambitions are guided by noble intentions and a genuine desire to positively impact the world around us for the glory of God.

 

Daniel 11:17-19 – The danger of being obsessed with power.

In our last reflection, Antiochus III took control of the ground that the Ptolemy dynasty held for over a century. But despite his dominance, Egypt was not entirely subdued. He then decided to use diplomatic action instead. Daniel 11:17-19 prophesied what he did. 

Antiochus III decided to ally his nation with Egypt through a peace proposal, a move that was both unexpected and shrewd. He offered his daughter, Cleopatra, in marriage to the king of Egypt, Ptolemy V. Antiochus III's objective was clearly to control Egypt through his daughter. However, he was disappointed when his daughter chose to stand with her husband rather than support her father. 

Disappointed that his plan did not meet his expectations, verse 18 reveals that he turned his attention to the coastland in his quest to gain more land. In Biblical terms, the coastland refers to areas around the Mediterranean Sea.    

However, verse 18 reveals that a commander would hamper his advance.   This commander would come from what Daniel 2:40 revealed as the rise of the fourth kingdom, a kingdom “as strong as iron, since iron crushes and shatters all things…”

This was the beginning of Antiochus III's end. He was defeated and made to pay a huge indemnity to Rome for the next twelve years. The Roman commander also took hostages, including his son, Antiochus IV, later known as Antiochus Epiphanes.   

After his kingdom had been reduced and his treasury depleted, Antiochus III made his eldest son, Seleucus IV, a co-regent and went to the eastern part of his kingdom in search of funds. However, his journey ended in tragedy. The tragic end of Antiochus III's reign is marked by his return to his land, as Daniel 11:19 states.

In a desperate attempt to replenish his depleted treasury, Antiochus III tried to rob the treasury of a small temple in the east. The guardians of the temple, defending their sacred space, attacked and killed him, ending his reign. This verse says that he was found no more, what a tragic end to a powerful ruler. 

The insatiable lust for power can drive people to do terrible things that would lead to their downfall. Blinded by ambition, many leaders must catch up on what is truly important. Obsessed with power, they would make poor decisions and even resort to duplicity to maintain their grip on power. These actions, driven by power, often result in a loss of trust, and respect, and ultimately, their downfall. 

In God’s economy, service to others holds more value than wielding power. It not only helps us to advance the purpose of God but also brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose to our lives. Don’t be selfish and short-sighted, losing sight of the actual godly goals we are called to accomplish. Prioritizing service over self-aggrandizement can lead to a more meaningful and impactful life.

 

Daniel 11:10-16 – Don’t take matters into 0ne’s own hand

In the account of Daniel 11:4-9, we witness a power struggle and intrigue between the northern kingdom of Syria and the southern kingdom of Egypt. The story revolves around the Seleucid dynasty of Syria. Seleucus II was defeated in his quest for vengeance for his sister Bernice by Ptolemy III of Egypt. This conflict sets the stage for the subsequent events in the saga, as described in Daniel 11:10-16.

Verse 10 of the biblical text refers to the two sons of Seleucus II who enter the fray. They assemble their massive forces to go to war with Egypt. Sadly, Seleucus III, the older of his sons, was killed in a revolt, and his brother, Antiochus III, took the lead and continued the campaign against Egypt. Antiochus III took the war to Egypt even “up to his very fortress.” 

Verses 11-13 of the biblical text summarize the ongoing conflict between Syria and Egypt. Despite years of relentless fighting, Syria eventually emerged victorious, defeating Ptolemy III of Egypt and reclaiming their land. This victory also served to keep Egypt at bay. 

Israel cherished the hope of being free from the dominion of Egypt under the Syrian. Hence, they supported Antiochus, but their hope was dampened. Verse 14 then describes a revolt in Israel by a faction of the Jews, which resulted in more pain for them. In 198 B.C., Antiochus III took control of the ground that the Ptolemy dynasty held for over a century. The Jews not only failed to free themselves but ended up in more trouble because Syria took firm control of Palestine.    

While it is necessary to consider all the facts and evaluate the potential outcomes before one decides to take sides, nothing can beat trusting God. In the case of Israel’s support for Antiochus, their hope for freedom from Egypt’s dominion led to even more pain and trouble.

Here, we learn that taking matters into your own hands can have serious consequences. It's important to remember that there are often better ways to handle a situation than by acting impulsively or without considering the potential outcomes. So, before making a decision, take a moment to consider the consequences and explore other options. In the long run, it's always better to trust God, be patient, and make an informed choice rather than taking hasty actions that may cause more harm than good.

Daniel 11:5-9 – Trust God absolutely

The messenger’s explanation of Daniel's prophetic revelation gives us a history lesson. To comprehend these verses, we must dive into the events that occurred after Alexander the Great’s abrupt and unforeseen death. As he had no offspring to inherit his kingdom, he was asked, just before his final breath, “To whom would you bequeath your kingdom?” To this, Alexander replied, “To the greatest.”

Following the death of Alexander, the Hellenistic world was thrown into a chaotic situation where various factions struggled for power, creating a period of instability that lasted for several decades. Eventually, the situation settled with four dominant powers: the Ptolemaic Kingdom in Egypt, the Seleucid Kingdom, the Kingdom of Pergamon, and Macedonia. 

As the power struggle continued, two factions rose above the rest: the Ptolemaic Kingdom and the Seleucid dynasty. In Daniel 11:5-9, these are referred to as the ‘kingdom of the south’ and the ‘kingdom of the north’ respectively.  The ‘south’ represents Egypt, while the ‘north’ signifies Syria. This distinction is crucial for understanding the geopolitical landscape of the time. 

These two emerging kingdoms were constantly in conflict. Unfortunately, Israel, which was sandwiched between the two kingdoms, had to suffer greatly because of the disputes between the two sides. Israel’s loyalty toggled between the two conflicting sides depending on which side was winning.   

Verses 6-9 speak of an alliance after years of hostility and conflicts. The kingdoms of Syria and Egypt ended their hostility. Bernice, the daughter of Ptolemy II, married Antiochus II, ruler of Syria. However, Antiochus II grew tired of Bernice after their son was born and left her to live with his previous wife, Laodice. Unfortunately, Laodice poisoned Antiochus II to secure her sons’ reign over Syria.

Verses 6 and 7 imply that Bernice, along with her infant son, were given to Laodice, who ruthlessly murdered them. Many of Laodice’s supporters were also killed. Meanwhile, Bernice’s father, Ptolemy II, passed away, creating a power vacuum quickly filled by her brother, Ptolemy III. Fuelled by a strong desire for revenge, Ptolemy III launched a full-scale attack on the Seleucid empire, attacking both by land and sea.

During the reign of Seleucus II, the Seleucid kingdom was invaded by the army of Ptolemy III. As a result, Seleucus II had to flee to Asia Minor, which led to his kingdom being plundered and the spoils taken to Egypt. Verse 9 of suggests that the counterattack by Seleucus II had failed.

This prophecy shows God’s knowledge of future events before they occur. All world affairs are under God’s watchful eye. If He has control over the entire world and the course of history, then we can trust that our lives are secure in His hands. We can trust  Him with the minutest detail of our lives. 

Daniel 11:1-4 – God controls history

Daniel 11:1 is better seen together with the last paragraph of Daniel 10. In that conversation, the messenger assured Daniel that, together with Michael, they would continue to be involved in the conflict even when Greece had overthrown Persia.  Here, the messenger told Daniel that he had been on an assignment with Michael since the first year of Darius' reign.   

Starting from Daniel 11:2, the messenger begins unveiling to the prophet a series of future events. It is crucial to remember that these events were prophetic and yet to occur in Daniel's time. As we delve into this passage, we are privileged to have the hindsight of history, which confirms the accuracy of these prophetic revelations.   

Verses 2-4 offer a glimpse into the future, detailing events up to the conquest of Alexander the Great. We witness a condensed account of the shift from the Persian to the Greek Empire in just four verses.   It’s important to note that the emphasis in verse 2 is on the fourth king of Persia and does not imply that the kingdom only had three kings.  This fourth king is King Xerxes, known from the Book of Esther, who played a significant role in the transition. 

Xerxes was drawn into battle with the Greeks and lost. This spelled the beginning of the end of Persia’s world dominance. It was said that when he returned from the battle defeated, he wanted to seek solace from Vashti, his wife. But his irrevocable decree prevented it from taking place. Hence, he ordered the search for another queen. This was where Esther entered the scene. 

Verses 3-4 refer to Alexander the Great. His conquests left him with a significant part of the world. But he died suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving his vast kingdom to his four generals, who were not his descendants. 

The accuracy of the prophecy that dovetailed with events in history reveals the accuracy of the Word of God. More than that, it shows us that our God is in sovereign control of history. We must make it our business to study the Word of God diligently.  

Daniel 10:10-21 – The reality of spiritual warfare

As Daniel was prostrate and asleep on the ground, a hand touched and set his hands and knees trembling.  This hand that touched him seems to be that of another angelic being. He told the prophet, saying, “O Daniel, a man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.”

Upon hearing the words, Daniel, in his humble state, stood on his feet trembling. He was then told not to be afraid. It was further revealed that it was Daniel’s unwavering humility, his sincere and persistent desire to understand the vision, and his consistent prayer for the past three weeks that led to his prayer being heard. 

This messenger, who was speaking to Daniel was already on the way to explain the meaning of the vision to him. However, he was delayed for 21 days by the ‘prince of the kingdom of Persia’. This prince is not a human ruler, but an unseen demonic power working behind the rulers of Persia, preventing the messenger from reaching Daniel. Then Michael, another of God’s archangels, assisted and released the messenger to Daniel. 

Upon being enlightened about the spiritual battles in the unseen realm, Daniel found himself once again overwhelmed. His lip was touched a second time making him ask the supernatural being standing before him, “O my lord, as a result of the vision anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength. How can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me.”

In response to his question, Daniel was strengthened and told by the messenger that together with Michael, they would wage a righteous war on behalf of the Jews against the evil power backing Persia. In the future, when Greece had overthrown Persia, they would continue their fight against other wicked powers supporting Greece. This passage underscores the power of prayer in spiritual warfare, as it was through Daniel’s prayers that the angelic beings, led by Michael, were able to intervene.

There is a spiritual battle, unseen to the human eye, that is constantly unfolding and has a direct impact on the physical world. This battle involves spiritual powers, and their outcomes can significantly affect the lives of individuals and nations. It is a struggle between good and evil, with the forces of righteousness, represented by the angelic beings, fighting against the forces of wickedness, represented by the unseen demonic powers. 

We also learn the need to stay humble and sincere in our desire to know more about God and his ways. In doing so, we will experience divine reinforcement and aid in spiritual battles. We also see the importance of prayer, which serves as a powerful weapon in these battles. We can be assured that our faithful God will hear and answer our prayers, even when the answer may be delayed due to unseen forces at work.

  

Daniel 10:1-9 – In awe of Him

Daniel 10 serves as a prelude to Daniel's final message and vision, recorded in chapters 11-12. It’s noteworthy that even in this initial, a reference is made to Daniel’s name, Belteshazzar, a name bestowed upon him by Nebuchadnezzar at the start of his exile to Babylon. This name, Belteshazzar, carries a profound significance, signifying that Daniel, despite the change of regime, was still a pivotal figure in the court, his influence and significance undiminished. 

The message and vision Daniel received, which pertained to a great conflict, was the most extensive one he had. It was imparted to him in the third year of Cyrus’ reign over the Jews, a crucial period when the Medo-Persian empire had assumed control and the first group of Jews had already returned to Jerusalem to initiate the temple’s reconstruction. This timing underscores the political and historical context of the narrative, while the sheer magnitude of the vision, with its awe-inspiring details, evokes a sense of wonder and intrigue. 

However, those early returnees met with opposition and mounting pressure both politically and socially. Ezra 4:24 reveals that the rebuilding of the temple they started was halted in the second year of Darius’ or Cyrus’ reign. 

At that time, Daniel was in a state of deep mourning. He was deeply troubled by what was happening in Jerusalem, so much so that he took the time to mourn and fast. It was during this period of vulnerability and emotional turmoil that Daniel had a remarkable and exceptional encounter.   

Verses 4-6 said that on the 24th day of the first month, by the bank of the great river Tigris, Daniel “lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz.”   This man-like figure appeared before Daniel, radiating a glory more significant than any he had witnessed. This figure’s glorious presence was so overwhelming that even those with Daniel, who were unable to see him were frightened by the inexplicable presence. They were said to flee and hide, leaving Daniel alone with the divine figure. 

Who is this figure that Daniel encountered? Many believed that He is none other than the same Jesus whom John described in Revelation 1:12-16.  It is one of the pre-incarnation appearances of Christ in the Old Testament. This encounter with the divine figure is significant as it marks a direct connection between God and Daniel, providing him with a vision and a message that would guide God’s people in their struggles and challenges.  

All alone, in a state of weakness, verses 7-9 said that Daniel alone saw the vision. Though he was pale and weak at this point, he heard the figure’s voice. The voice was so powerful and awe-inspiring that as soon as he heard the words, he prostrated and fell into a deep sleep with his face on the ground. This physical reaction is a testament to the intensity of the encounter and the depth of Daniel’s reverence and fear in the presence of the divine figure. 

Daniel’s encounter with the divine figure teaches us an essential lesson about the power of vulnerability and humility. The lesson we can apply from Daniel’s encounter with the divine figure is that vulnerability and humility can lead to powerful spiritual experiences and guidance, and we should always approach the divine with reverence and awe.

Daniel 9:24-27 – The impact of faith in God.

The interpretation of Daniel’s “Seventy Weeks” has been debated for a long time. Despite numerous attempts to make sense of this cryptic message, its meaning remains unclear. Trying to be exact in counting the “Seventy Weeks” has complicated the matter. It is better to see the “Seventy Weeks” as referring to an era. In doing so, one thing is clear: It represents a period where events would take place in answer to Daniel’s prayer. 

God’s plan for His people would come to fruition during this period. A decree for their return to the land would be issued, Jerusalem would be rebuilt, and the promised Messiah would come. He would be exalted to his rightful place, and everlasting righteousness would be established. 

Yet, this era would come with much struggle. The Jews would face constant trouble for several hundred years before the coming of the Messiah.  Here we also see the rejection and killing of the Messiah at a point in time. When this happens, “awful horror” and “desolating abomination” will be experienced. The ruthless Roman attack would destroy both their city and temple. 

Despite the tragedy that would befall them, the Messiah would have ushered in a new covenant by then, and the Jewish sacrifices would cease forever. This prophecy came true when the Roman armies under Titus destroyed Jerusalem in AD 70. The seventy weeks of Daniel’s prophecy may remain mysterious, but its message of hope and redemption endures.

Daniel’s prayer reminds us of the incredible impact of hope and faith in God when facing adversity. Even in the face of constant persecution, the Jews held onto their belief that a new era was coming. This hope offered them the strength and resilience to persevere through seemingly insurmountable challenges. It’s inspiring to imagine the unwavering faith that drove them forward and kept their spirits high.

From Daniel’s encounter, we learn not to lose hope, no matter how difficult the circumstances may seem. Instead, we should continue to build our faith and trust that things will improve and that a bright future awaits us when Christ the Messiah returns. By holding onto the glorious hope of His second coming, we will be able to overcome life’s challenges and emerge more resilient. So, let us all strive to cultivate a hopeful outlook, even in the face of a challenging future.

 

Daniel 9:20-23 – Persist in prayer.

Gabriel, meaning “God is great,” is God's messenger. The first time he visited Daniel was recorded at 8:16. Daniel said he saw a figure resembling a man standing beside him. He heard a man’s voice calling out to Gabriel to elucidate the vision for him. We were told that as Gabriel approached, Daniel was overcome with fear and prostrated on his face. On the floor, he was told, “Son of man, understand that the vision pertains to the time of the end.”

The second time Gabriel appears to Daniel is recorded here in Daniel 9:21. It takes place amidst Daniel’s extreme weariness. It happened during the time of the evening offering, a time when the Jews were supposed to offer their evening sacrifice. Daniel never forgot this sacred moment though they were forbidden to offer sacrifice in exile. Daniel was praying and confessing his sin and the sin of the people of Israel. In this state of exhaustion, Gabriel appeared, bringing profound comfort and reassurance. The angel’s appearance must have brought hope to Daniel’s heart.  

Gabriel, with his divine authority, talked and instructed Daniel.  He told the latter that he came to give him profound insight and understanding of the future. He urged the prophet to take heed and pay utmost attention to the explanation he was about to give concerning his vision.  In our next reflection on verses 24-27, we shall delve into Gabriel’s explanation of the vision and examine its importance. 

Daniel's encounter with the angel Gabriel teaches us the importance of persevering in prayer. Despite being exhausted, he did not stop praying and confessing his sins and the sins of his people. His steadfastness in prayer was rewarded when Gabriel appeared to him, bringing comfort and reassurance. 

Similarly, when we stay consistent in our prayer life, even when we feel tired, discouraged, or overwhelmed. We must never give up on prayer; instead, we must continue to bring our concerns and requests before God. 

Like Daniel, our persistence in prayer will lead to breakthroughs and revelations from God. So, remain committed to prayer, even when it seems complicated. Just trust that God always hears our prayers and will give us an answer in his perfect timing.

Daniel 9:15-19 – Pray urgently

Daniel 9 is a chapter that illuminates the power of prayer. In the first fourteen verses, we witness Daniel’s journey, starting with a heartfelt confession and a humble acknowledgment of Israel’s sins. He courageously admits their unfaithfulness to the covenant, a crucial step towards redemption. In these verses, Daniel embarked on two crucial aspects of his prayer.  Firstly, he expressed profound adoration and acknowledged the immense greatness of God and His unwavering faithfulness.  Secondly, he humbly confessed and admitted their collective failure and disobedience.

Then in verse 15, he turns to cry out for mercy and forgiveness, a plea that pulsates with the weight of their transgressions. Verses 17-18 reveal the basis of Daniel’s prayer. His concern was God’s glory. Daniel’s primary consideration was God and His glory. He did not pray because of his and the people’s discomfort but for the will and fulfillment of God’s plan and glory.

Verse 19 unveils the essence of effective prayer, a plea that is not just asked, but implored with fervent earnestness and keen anticipation. Daniel’s prayer is a powerful example of this, as he cries out, “O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and take action! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay because Your city and Your people are called by Your name.” This is an urgent prayer, a prayer that urges God to give immediate attention and act swiftly.  

From Daniel’s prayer, we glean several lessons. Firstly, prayer is urgent because it reflects our dependence on God. In our busyness in life, we tend to forget God and take His blessings for granted. Prayer helps us to pause, reflect, and acknowledge God’s presence in our lives, and express our gratitude for all that He has done for us and is doing in our lives.

Secondly, prayer is urgent because it helps us to overcome our weaknesses. We all have struggles and shortcomings, and prayer allows us to seek God’s help in overcoming them. Through prayer, we can confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, receive strength to face our challenges.

Thirdly, prayer is urgent because it aligns our desires with God’s will. Often, we can become so consumed with our ambitions and desires that we forget to seek God’s guidance and direction. Prayer calls us to self-surrender and allows God to take control of our lives.

The urgency and importance of prayer cannot be overstated. For through prayer we deepen our relationship with God, overcome our weaknesses, and find true purpose and fulfillment in life. We must make prayer a priority, and seek God's guidance and blessings in all that we do each day.

 

Daniel 9:7-14 – Live circumspectly.

In Daniel 9:7-14, Daniel continues his prayer by acknowledging and confessing Israel’s sins against God as a nation. He recognizes that the punishment that Israel was facing was a result of their sins, as sin always has a price to pay. Israel’s humiliation before the nations included the destruction of their beloved city, Jerusalem, and the temple and the captivity of their people in Babylon. 

Daniel’s prayer is a poignant reminder of how Israel had taken their privilege as God’s people lightly despite being blessed by God and given the privilege to serve Him. They had not just violated the covenant with God but had done so blatantly and disrespectfully. Their shameful predicament was a result of their disobedience. Although God had shown compassion and forgiveness, Israel had rebelled against Him and refused to seek His forgiveness. They had also ignored the prophets’ teachings and messages sent by God to warn them. 

Israel had also failed to keep God’s covenant through the law of Moses, and their disobedience led to the curses stipulated in the covenant, including the destruction of their land and exile in a foreign land. All of this had been predicted in the covenant, and their calamitous experience affirmed what God had warned them would happen if they broke the covenant.   

The importance of repentance and obedience to God can never be overstated. Sin always brings consequences, and so will disobedience to God’s word. Never take God’s blessing for granted; instead, offer Him our lives in grateful and faithful service. Furthermore, always take the messages He gives seriously. Be circumspect in our walk with Him. Be obedient and mindful that every action has a consequence.   

Daniel 9:4-6 – First step to a restored relationship with God.

Prayer is an important God-given tool for accomplishing His purpose and plan. It is an essential component for spiritual growth and advancement. Being diligent in this spiritual habit will help us to build a firmer and deeper relationship with God. It allows one to draw near, talk with God, and seek His guidance. One can also seek God’s forgiveness and express gratitude for His blessings through prayer.  Prayer releases divine enablement, leading to one’s spiritual transformation. No one can accomplish God’s assignment without prayer; one needs to make prayer a daily habit. 

And Daniel 9 is an excellent chapter on the lesson of prayer. This chapter shows all the essential elements of a victorious prayer. We shall take some time to digest Daniel’s prayer in this chapter. In Daniel 9:3-6, we see the need to acknowledge God’s greatness and confess our flaws.  

Firstly, we can see that though the prophet was confessing Israel’s failure, he highlighted God’s faithfulness and greatness and made them His primary focus. Daniel referred to their relationship with God and how they, as a nation, had failed Him. Here was where the Faultline lies: their relationship with God.   

Notice how Daniel refers to God as the “Great and awesome God.” And indeed, God was, has always been, and will always be. He then goes on to admit how Israel, as His privileged people, had violated and spurned their position and did not act responsibly.  

He admitted that God could not be blamed for their captivity, for He did not leave them without any help. Their failure was evident. Israel had “sinned, committed iniquity, acted wickedly and rebelled, even turning aside from God's commandments and ordinances.” The nation’s leadership, from kings to princes and elders, did not heed the voice of the prophets God had sent to them. 

We must recognize that any failure in life begins when we neglect our privileged position and fail to fulfill our responsibilities as God’s people. However, we should not blame God for our failures. He has provided us with guidance, His word, and godly counselors to steer us in the right direction. Let us not overlook these invaluable resources and strive to align ourselves with God's will. 

Whether we hold a leadership position or are just a member, we must never underestimate the significance of maintaining an unbroken connection with God. To restore our relationship with Him, our first step is to acknowledge His faithfulness, identify our flaws, and openly confess our failures.  As the Lord Jesus urges us in Revelation 2:5, “Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first….” This call to self-reflection and repentance should inspire us to strive for a restored relationship with God.

Daniel 9:1-3 – We must pray.

Despite the warnings, God’s covenant people resisted His plan for them. They even oppressed the prophets He had sent to warn them. The Prophet Jeremiah explicitly told them God would discipline them.  In Jeremiah 25:11, the Prophet told them, “This whole land (Judah and Jerusalem) will be a desolation and a horror, and these nations will serve the king of Babylon seventy years.” It was no secret that the people of Israel would be in captivity for seventy years, and the tenure was almost up. 

As established earlier, Darius the Medes and King Cyrus of Persia refer to the same person. Daniel 9 shows that what happens in this chapter was triggered by Daniel's reading of Jeremiah's writings. 

This took place in the first year of Darius’ reign. In other words, Babylon had already fallen into Medo-Persia’s hands, and Darius was on the throne. The end of Israel's Babylonian captivity was almost up and within sight.  But as yet, the people of Judah's release had not occurred.  

When Daniel read Jeremiah’s writing concerning the duration of their time in captivity, it precipitated his intense prayer for his beloved nation. Verse 3 indicates that Daniel intensifies his prayer, not only supplicating and praying for the country but also fasting and taking time to repent on the nation's behalf, highlighting the significance of these spiritual practices in maintaining faith and purpose in challenging times. 

The lesson we take away is certainly Daniel's attitude. He had not lost sight of God's plan and purpose for His people.  So, he prayed for God’s people. Prayer is a powerful tool we cannot afford to neglect. In prayer, we connect with God, the higher power. And in Him, we will find guidance, comfort, and strength to accept and achieve His will. Prayer also has numerous benefits for us. It will help us to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting positive emotions and improving our overall well-being. We do well to incorporate prayer into our daily routines. We need to be in an attitude of prayer in our uncertain times. Remember to pray without ceasing.

 

 

Daniel 8:27 – Remaining steadfast in God.

Daniel 8:27 shows us the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity. Though utterly exhausted, sick, and perplexed by his vision, Daniel did not give up. He mustered his strength instead, shook off his weariness, and returned to his duty in the king's business. 

It is easy to give up and throw up one’s hand when encountering a tricky situation. How would you react if you were in Daniel's shoes? How have you responded to things you did not fully understand? 

This verse teaches us that we should not give up or resign ourselves easily to defeat when we face difficult situations. Instead, we should take a step back, gather our strength, trust God, and continue to do what needs to be done. We should keep pushing ourselves to move forward and not let the challenges we face overcome us. 

In addition, this verse shows us the deep significance of having faith in God. Despite facing immense difficulties, Daniel held onto his faith firmly, resolutely, and unwaveringly, trusting God’s plan even when what he was told was yet unfulfilled. We should emulate Daniel and anchor our lives on the unwavering hope that our God will never fail us, even in our darkest hour. Like him, trusting God, we can overcome adversity and continue to do what needs to be done, no matter how difficult the circumstances.