Scripture Reading: Daniel 11:5-45, Jeremiah 30:4-7, Matthew 23:37-39
When we misplace our allegiance, bad things happen. In Daniel 11, we read about rulers who leave cities in ruins and many thousands of people dead. We see power change hands several times. Alliances are forged and broken. Each successive ruler seems more deceitful, arrogant, and bloodthirsty than the last.
What are we, the modern reader, to make of all this? How can we connect our twenty-first century experience as Christ-followers to an obtuse summary of long-past historical events? Because we believe the whole Bible is “inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, [and] for training in righteousness” (2Timothy 3:16)—not just the inspiring verses embroidered on pillows and engraved on knickknacks in our homes, but even the obscure, seemingly irrelevant passages—we must lean into Daniel 11 and trust that God is giving us more than a dry history lesson.
So let’s dig past the facts and look for patterns. First, we must recognize the precariousness of power. Even the mightiest and seemingly indomitable terrestrial forces eventually crumble and fall. There’s always someone bigger and stronger on the horizon looking to swallow up everything in their path.
Second, we note that the primary focus of the leaders in Daniel’s vision was their own glory and supremacy, no matter the cost. Indeed, all history reveals that as rulers become intoxicated by power, the more likely they are to demand unquestioning allegiance from those they conquer and govern. Often, they require their subjects to forsake prior loyalties, whether to governments or gods. This was as true in ancient Mesopotamia as it has been throughout the span of human affairs.
We might not be able to make a direct connection between our current experience and the historical details of Daniel’s vision, but we can be sure about how God expects us to respond to the authorities and idols that demand our devotion. Ezekiel warned God’s people about what would happen if they continued to pledge allegiance to other gods (Ezekiel 20:4–9), and over half a millennium later, Jesus mourned the result of Jerusalem continually ignoring God in favor of lesser authorities (Matthew 23:37–39).
Daniel tells us that “the people who know their God will be strong and take action” (Daniel 11:32). To know God—that is, to taste and see that He is good (Psalm 34:8)—is to recognize Him for who He is: all-mighty, righteous, just, merciful, faithful, and fully invested in restoring His people. The appropriate action in response to a God like that is to prioritize Him above all other allegiances. We must follow the model of Daniel and his friends, who, under threat of persecution and death, refused to bow before any authority other than God Himself. Under His loving authority, we can rest in His strength and not in our own. Apart from God, there is no Savior (Isaiah 43:11). Where is our allegiance? To whom do we ultimately bow? What master do we truly serve?
Written by Alex Florez
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69 thoughts on "The Kings of the South and the North"
Although some of these passages are difficult to read, I do see an overarching theme (that the podcast confirmed for me today) – God is above all. No matter WHO is in power, God is above it all. Serve him well.
When reflecting on Alex’s questions at the end of his devotion especially ’What master do we truly serve?’ I couldn’t help but say me- I don’t worship a political party, a celebrity or any of the other typical fill in the blanks. Confession: I worship me. I make most decisions around myself. If I’m being really honest I it’s how I appear to others. Of course I want to shine the light of Jesus BUT still it’s ’through me’ and I feel like I get stuck on the me part far too long. Not sure if I’m verbalizing what I mean but the Lord knows. Lord I pray today that you remove this selfish desire from my heart and change it so that every decision is based on You and only you. Amen
Power makes people (kings) arrogant this is why they fail/fall. Our Sovereign God has given Us Everything (homes, vehicles, families, food, life and our bodies and so much more) He gives it to Us and He can take it away. Father God I can’t Thank you enough for Everything you have allowed me to have and I am Forever Grateful. I will Thank you and Praise You Holy Name Forever and Ever
This has been a difficult book to read and understand. I can connect our twenty-first century to the past, especially in Alex’s, fourth paragraph.
I agree this was difficult for me to read and understand too
May I always prioritize God above all other priorities, and give my allegiance only to Him.
Thank you, Alex Florez, for a wonderful explanation of today’s reading.
Amen, Teresa! ❤
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Yes, ALEX wrote one of the most engaging devos I have read in this community. I intended to thank him in my comment and missed doing so.
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So,
ALEX FLOREZ – Thank you! ❤☺
The verse that jumped out at me from among all of these many verses we read in Daniel today:
Daniel 11:32b
“But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him.”
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Amen!
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FROM BIBLE HUB:
The Top 10 Lessons from Daniel 11 (only sharing 7-11 here for readability):
The Assurance of God’s Justice
7. Despite the apparent success of wicked rulers, Daniel 11 assures us that God’s justice will ultimately prevail. The chapter reveals that those who oppose God will face judgment, reinforcing the truth that righteousness will be rewarded and evil will be punished.
8. The Role of God’s People
In the midst of the chaos described in Daniel 11, God’s people are called to be a light in the darkness. The chapter encourages us to be bold in our witness, sharing the hope of the Gospel with those around us. As Matthew 5:14 reminds us, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
9. The Hope of Deliverance
Daniel 11 points to the hope of deliverance for God’s people, even in the face of persecution. This chapter reminds us that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. As we trust in Him, we can be confident that He will deliver us from every trial and tribulation.
10. The Ultimate Victory of God’s Kingdom
Finally, Daniel 11 foreshadows the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom over all earthly powers. This chapter assures us that, in the end, God’s kingdom will reign supreme, and every knee will bow to Jesus Christ. As believers, we can look forward to the day when God’s perfect justice and peace will be fully realized on earth.
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SONG SHARE:
He is Exalted | Maranatha! Music (Lyric Video
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I EXALT THEE (chorus- great follow-up to He is Exalted)
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Thanks for sharing this, Cee Gee. And I agree with you … the most uplifting verse in the reading is
“But the people who know their God will be strong and will resist him.”
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Most welcome, Teresa! How’s your back? ❤
Thanks, Cee Gee. Ny back is better than a week ago, thankfully. It has a long way to go, but I’m hopeful its moving in the right direction. Many thanks for your prayers. ❤️
Oh, that’s encouraging! Continued prayers for more improvement! ❤❤❤
I get so lost in this passage, but all I need to know is that it came to pass just as Daniel predicted (most, till the end times)! The devotional was written well, thank you Alex.
It is important to know our Bibles because we must keep our eyes on Israel, God’s chosen place and people. We are told to pray for Israel. And to watch for when the birthing pains begin. We are not to be oblivious and self-focused to our own happenings like the days of Noah. They were drinking and eating and oblivious, even mocking Noah. And the time is coming again..we are seeing it speed up with things coming to pass.
We must remember the brides awaiting the groom as well. Do they/we have oil in their/our lamps? Do we have the Holy Spirit in us and living for God, or are we too caught up in business? Time is short…we could die any given day, right? We should be living to tell others about Jesus. Yes, we are called for him to be our WHOLE life, not our Sunday devotion for 2 hours. It should overflow daily, no idols over him. That can be so many things- our kids, jobs. Wherever you find your time consumed. If Jesus is the center of our life, then everything will flow healthy from there.
The song Unashamed” plays right now! AM I UNASHAMED of Jesus Christ? Would I quit my job if it became clear I couldn’t put faith first, like so many lately? Would I go through years of litigation like so many lately for my beliefs? Would I still preach Jesus if my family was at risk like so many lately? Christians still will argue that it is not happening here!
What’s funny (not funny) is that all the people in the Bible went through trials and persecutions yet we expect that we should not have them. Their lives were turned upside down, and faith tested.
We have certainly been spoiled here in our country, living well for many decades. But history shows the tide always shifts. Let’s make sure we are fortified and ready, with our armor already prepared!
Such good reminders here for us, thank you!
Great encouragement, Rhonda! Yep, we have to be like the wall builders in Nehemiah- working with one hand and weapon ready in the other hand. ❤
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A dry history lesson indeed. Lord help me to see You, even when I think You are not there.
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You are.
same..usually I have new eyes to see and understand and find it all so fascinating…but not today! lol. It reminded me how I would blank out in school.
But, I love that we can understand that it all came true and proved God empowers his profits so that we can see and know our God is the only God that gives revelation and it is revealed.
Same today, the future has already been written. If we just stay close to God, reading his words and abiding in him, we will be in his will and mercy and grace. That’s all we need to know!
I tend to think the same, but today God opened my eyes to some of the hidden lessons of this chapter….self exaltation leads to ruin. God is sovereign over all. His kingdom is everlasting – compared to the king of the north & south. Gods people will face persecution, but we must stand firm. God has a purpose and a plan for everything, and it’s all in his appointed time. ❤️
Thanks for sharing these great take aways from today’s reading! God always has something for us from His word!
Wonderful insight into today’s reading, Sharon ❤️
Apart from God, there is no Savior. (Is 43:11) I echo Sharon Jersey Girl below. She said it exactly how I was thinking this morning.
And I add an “AMEN” to her prayer this morning.
My Jesus is my EVERYTHING! May I never find myself anywhere else!
Fall break starts next week. I’m grateful for the week’s rest and I get to visit my kiddos! I miss them SO much!
Enjoy the time with your kiddos! ❤️
Good morning, precious sisters! This morning I am coming to the table with a couple of prayer requests. Tomorrow I am going on a weekend mission trip with my church. We will be the hands and feet of Jesus serving the homeless and refugees. I have been battling sinus issues and a bad cough for a week. I do not want this cough to affect my ability to do my share of the work this weekend. I am by far the oldest person going. All the others are younger than my children and I don’t want to be a hindrance. Also, I am asking prayer for my oldest daughter. She is facing some critical decisions and needs guidance and God’s protection as she makes them. Thank you all so much for your love and support! I am here every day and praying for your needs and requests. ❤️
Praying for your request Lynne!! I am sure you will have such a wonderful time on this mission trip!!!
You’ve had some amazing opportunities Lynne! Praying for your health as you go on this trip, you will be the wisdom of all the “young” people that you are joking – they are blessed to have you on their team! Praying for your daughter as well. ❤️
Praying for your health as you go on your mission trip, Lynne. I am sure God will use you to minister to the homeless and the refugees, as well as the young people on your trip. They will love having your wisdom and knowledge to guide them. Praying, too, for your daughter as she makes important decisions. ❤️
Praying for you and your daughter
❤ Oh, Lynne, I have prayed for you to have a decrease in coughing and for the stamina to meet the demands of this mission trip. Please listen to your body and rest when needed. I am sure the other team members will be blessed by your prayers and whatever physical contribution you can safely manage. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of it through prayer. ❤
As I read Daniel 11:27, I was stopped cold with visions of Ukraine and Russia and the US and Iran. “The two kings whose hearts are bent on evil will speak lies at the same table but to no avail for still the end will come at the appointed time.” When the powers that be come to the ceasefire table….. Where are their hearts and intentions? And where is God? For still the end will come at the appointed time….. The Works of the hands of men versus God.
“The two kings whose hearts are bent on evil will speak lies at the same table..” when I read this, I thought – “this is politics today, here in the US & every where!”
No one tells the truth, everyone is out for themselves, there is none that does good!
In agreement!
You have put your finger on it, dear Karen.
We must only pray that the hand ofGod is in it.
My thoughts went there, too. Praying for God’s protection as we live through these times.
“Apart from God, there is no Savior (Isaiah 43:11). Where is our allegiance? To whom do we ultimately bow? What master do we truly serve?”
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These are very good questions to ponder. I can quickly answer them – my allegiance is to God, and to Him alone I ultimately bow. I can say I truly serve Him as my master…but what if? What if I was under persecution? What if I had to choose between God and life? What if I was being commanded to serve another instead of my God??
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I hope and pray that my allegiance would always and only be to the One God, the True God, the Only God.
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I can not come to that place unless I walk in Him daily, put on the armor daily, spend daily time in the Word and in prayer – it’s vital for victory!
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Father God, please help me to be strong in the Lord and in the power of Your might. Help me to always be true to You alone. Build my faith, strengthen my walk, grow me in You. In Jesus Name.
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I found an excellent explanation on Daniel 11, Titled, “The Most Detailed Prophecy In The Bible”. It can be found at (Life hope and truth dot com)Verses 1-39 all happened exactly as Daniel prophesied. Verses 40-45 are yet to come. I will post the website on the FB page.
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Happy Thursday She’s. May your day be filled with the hope and joy of Jesus. ❤️
I feel the same way in that if I was under persecution would I keep my allegiance to the One God, the True God, the Only God?
We feel we are sure of ourselves, in our faith, in this world with only minor hardships but what if our feet were held to the fire, like Daniel.
I echo your prayer, Sharon, may we walk with the Lord each day and that He strengthen us for the coming days✨
Thank you for sharing this. So much hope, He is faithful to His promises. I went to the site and read it. He is in the details, what else in all the earth happens down to every single detail like the bible?
The God of the heavens will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, and this kingdom will not be left to another people. It will crush all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, but will itself endure forever. You saw a stone break off from the mountain without a hand touching it, and it crushed the iron, bronze, fired clay, silver and gold. The great God has told the king WHAT WILL HAPPEN in the future. The dream is CERTAIN, and its interpretation RELIABLE. Daniel2;44 The final kingdom, God’s Kingdom. It will happen exactly as He says! Praise!!!
Sharon, I’ve always thought I would hold true to my God if faced with death or my allegiance to Him. But if truly faced with being torn limb from limb by a lion? Or thrown into a fire? Or having my head chopped off? I pray that God increases my faith every day so if faced with death some day for my belief in Him. I hold true to Him, my God, the one and only True God.
Sharon you took the words out of my mouth. I’m on a plane using my iPad so I’ll leave my comment here. Much easier for me to use my computer?
The history of this chapter can be read in the Enduring Word commentary, and it is fascinating! To see how Daniel wrote this vision and honestly I’m not sure how many years apart from this writing to when they all occurred, but it was hundreds of years, if believe, maybe more by the end. Then the last 5 verses are about the future, where the antichrist sets himself up but we know He will come to an end, no one can help him…he will ultimately give an answer to God, because there is no one stronger or greater or mightier than our God!!!
Erica, I agree, Daniel is fascinating!
I was olanning to investigate the timeline and was so busy I just began a search after seeing your comment.
I don’t folliw David Jeremiah, but on his blog there is an article “Decoding Daniel’s Seventy-Weeks Prophecy. There is a timeline chart at the end of the article. I will look for others for comparison/confirmation. Thanks for the prompt! When I attempted this morning on Biblegateway, there was a glitch and with a busy day I had forgotten about looking. ❤
Amen❤️
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We see the bottom line in v 45, “yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.”
The Almighty God is the everlasting ultimate conqueror, never changing. I’m reminded of seeing the constellations on my early morning walks, always there, never changing. Even if clouds are in the way, I know the stars in the heavens are still there because He placed them there.
Keep the faith, sisters, no matter the chaos of today. Walk God’s way.
Isaiah 30:21
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” Whenever you turn to the right hand Or whenever you turn to the left.
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CEE GEE ❤️ just heard that song Sunday
B ❤️
MERCY ❤️❤️❤️ praying for your recovery
“Keep the faith, sisters, no matter the chaos of today. Walk God’s way.” Amen!
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Amen!
“We can be sure about how God expects us to respond to the authorities and idols that demand our devotion.”
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“I am the LORD your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other god but me.”
Exodus 20:2-3 NLT
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The first commandment is what God expects and all of our actions and attitudes stem from obeying it.
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Update: my young mama friend was released to her go home to her apartment. Her wheelchair will not fit through any doorway except the entrance so she is confined to her little living room for now. Please continue to pray for wisom, patience, and of course, healing from this paralysis. Thanks
Oh, Kelly!
Lord, we are praying for healing, for a solution to the access issue, for financial provision and for a path to reunite with her little one.
Yes, I agree.. let it be so, Lord.
Please remove the obstacles and give her encouragement Lord. ❤️
I echo this prayer ❤️
Goodness, this is SO SAD! I echo and agree with Searching’s prayers. A few years ago I was a nurse care manager for patients on Medicaid and part of my job was to help connect patients to resources. I know other insurance providers offer a similar service. Not sure what kind of insurance she has and I imagine she has already discovered all her options for resources, but thought I would throw it out there just in case. ❤️
Praying for your young mama – nothing but up hill battles for her.
Praying for this young mama.
Kelly, continued prayers for your young friend! You know my prayer is that the family who took her son will extend a welcome to her. She has certainly been dealt a tough hand! I pray her faith remains strong through all of this. ❤
In the midst of chaos and turmoil, we need to be “the people who know their God [and] shall stand firm and take action”.
Father God, give us the strenght to do so until You come to rule and reign in a perfect kingdom forever!!
Amen!
What master do you truly serve?
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Ouch!
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This took me back to a long time ago when the pastor of my thriving church was offered a position to run alongside the one he already had.
I was a tad sceptical, and as others prayed for him, I found,I couldn’t.
As others congratulated him, I stood aside.
As others gave him words of encouragement, I was not able to.
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Why?
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Simple.
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Matthew 6:24 tells us we cannot serve two masters, and my spirit told me the two positions he would hold were ‘masters’
Our church was a thriving one, a real place of worship with over one thousand parishioners. The offered appointment was also a large concern that involved thousands of people..
Therein lay the problem that I saw, how can you serve both efficiently, consistently and well without dragging one or both down?
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BUT GOD..
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I sent him an email outlining my concerns, citing Matthew 6:24.
Thankfully, my words, and I am guessing there were other brave folk who felt as I did, did not fall on deaf ears. and he rejected the offer.
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With God its the same, even more so and more pressing, we cannot in good conscience love God, with our hands on heart, and chase money, we can’t!
I know we need money to live, to survive
BUT GOD..
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If He feeds the sparrows, and ‘clothes’ the flowers in the field, how much more those made in His likeness?
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It’s a no brainer, but sometimes we do forget who we are. Whose we are. On whom we can rely. In whom we can trust.
Faithful.
Loving.
Provider.
Merciful.
Gracious.
Helpful.
Protector..
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GOD..
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It is well. We do not need to chase things that aren’t ours to chase.. We have a big BIG God who is so very able to fulfil our every need..
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AMEN.
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Happy Thursday my dears.
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Much love covered, as always in prayers and hugs..❤️♥️❤️
Love this, sister! ❤️
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How wonderful for you to take your concerns to your pastor. And that he had ears to hear!
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