Daniel

Daniel 11: People who know God are strong

Begin in prayer

Before we read about the kings of the south and the north, please ask God to show us that He knows what kings will do, and that those who know Him will be strong.

There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail.

Proverbs 19:21

Father in heaven, please open our eyes as we read Your Word. Show us that You know what every king will do, and help us to know You through Christ. Make us more like Jesus. And please bless our family as we worship You together. In Jesus' name, Amen.

See where we're going

The one speaking with Daniel tells him the truth about kings who will rise and fall. He speaks of kings in Persia, and of a mighty king whose kingdom is broken and divided. Most of the chapter tells of the king of the south and the king of the north, who fight and make agreements. Their hearts are set on mischief, yet the end comes at the time appointed. A king exalts himself above every god, and he prospers only until the indignation is accomplished. People who know their God will be strong, though some of the wise will fall by the sword and flame.

As you read Daniel 11, look for the answers:

Reflect together

Key truth

God knows what kings will do, and the people who know their God will be strong.

In this chapter the one speaking with Daniel tells him “the truth” about kings who will rise and fall (verses 1 and 2). Most of it speaks of the kings of the south and the north, who fight and make agreements (verses 5 to 28). Of two such kings the text says, “it shall not prosper,” for “the end shall be at the time appointed” (verse 27). So the great powers of this world do not run history for themselves. One king would exalt himself above every god, yet he would prosper only “until the indignation be accomplished” (verse 36). Some would be flattered into sin, “but the people who know their God shall be strong, and take action” (verse 32). The text promises them no safety here, yet it says they would be helped, refined and purified (verses 34 and 35). So God rules history, and those who know Him can be strong, even when kings and armies rise against them.

How does Daniel 11 show us that God knows what kings will do, and that the people who know their God will be strong?

God told Daniel the truth about kings who would rise.

He said, “Now will I show you the truth” (verse 2). He spoke of kings in Persia, and of a mighty king who would rule with great dominion (verses 2 and 3). That king's kingdom would be broken and divided toward the four winds of the sky (verse 4). After that the king of the south and the king of the north would fight and make agreements (verses 5 and 6).

The end of every king comes at the time appointed.

The two kings' hearts were set to do mischief, and they would “speak lies at one table” (verse 27). The text says their plans “shall not prosper,” for the end comes at the time appointed (verse 27). One king would exalt himself above every god and speak against the God of gods (verse 36). He would prosper “until the indignation be accomplished” (verse 36). He would come to his end, and no one would help him (verse 45).

The people who know their God shall be strong.

Some would pervert the covenant by flatteries, “but the people who know their God shall be strong, and take action” (verse 32). The wise among them would instruct many, yet some would fall by the sword and by flame (verses 33 and 34). They would be helped with a little help, and some of the wise would be refined and purified (verses 34 and 35). Jesus said that eternal life is to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom He sent (John 17 verse 3).

Memorise

Such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he pervert by flatteries; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and take action.

Daniel 11:32

Looking to Jesus in my life

Ask yourself in your heart, do I know God through Jesus, or do I only know about Him?

Daniel was told that “the people who know their God shall be strong.” Jesus said that no one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14 verse 6).

No one can know a holy God while sin stands between. So Jesus took the death His people had earned, and no one can undo what He finished. Then the Father raised Him, and He lives forever.

So come to Jesus and know God. Turn from your sin and put your trust in Jesus. Everyone who trusts Him is forgiven and brought to the Father.

Parent's note

Tell your children that God knows what kings will do, and that the people who know their God will be strong. Please do not tell them they are saved just because they grew up in a Christian home. Call each child to turn from sin and trust Jesus, and pray that God would give them a new heart. Parents, verses 5 to 45 speak of wars and kings, so please tell them plainly, without looking for dates.

Pray together

Now please close your time together in prayer. Thank God that He knows what every king will do, and bring the heart question to Him. Every child can pray, so let each one say a short prayer if they want to.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.

2 Peter 3:18

Lord God, thank You that You know what every king will do. Thank You for Jesus, through whom we can know You. Please lead us to turn from sin and trust Him, and to know You better. Amen.