The King Doing According to His Will - Daniel 11:36

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel told him about battles between the king of the north and the king of the south, and he said of the king of the north, “he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed”, and in chapter eleven and verse thirty-six of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “the king shall do according to his will” where we read,

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

The verse reads, “And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, …” Daniel began with the words, “and the king” or “and the royal ruler and leader” “shall do according to his will” which means “will perform, accomplish and produce in keeping with his, the royal leader’s, desire, delight, favor, goodwill and acceptance”; “and he shall exalt himself” or “and he, the royal ruler, will extol, uplift and make lofty his own self”, “and magnify himself” which means “and will praise and make important and powerful his own self” “above every god” or “beyond and over each, all, the whole and everyone of the deities”. Daniel shared how this “royal ruler” will perform and produce in any manner he desires, and he will uplift himself and make himself more important than all the other deities. 

The verse goes on to say, “… and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.” Daniel continued with the words, “and shall speak marvelous things” or “and will utter, declare and proclaim wonderful, surpassing, extraordinary and beyond one’s power actions” “against the God of gods” which means “in opposition to the Supreme Deity pertaining to all deities”, “and shall prosper” or “and will advance, succeed and be profitable” “till the indignation” which means “until the frothing at the mouth, anger, rage and displeasure with sin” “be accomplished” or “exists as ceased, accomplished, ended and completed”: “for that that is determined” which means “because since and on account that the prosperity of this royal ruler that exists as decided and decreed” “shall be done” or “will be fashioned, produced, performed and accomplished”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him the royal ruler would make grandiose utterances in opposition to the Supreme Deity Jehovah God who is above all other gods, and he will live in prosperity and success until such time that the anger and displeasure with sin is completed because this has been decided and will be performed. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how Gabriel told him the flattering royal ruler from the north would do anything he pleased, would praise and exalt his own self and make himself to be greater than any “god” that existed. He will utter grandiose words in opposition to Jehovah God, and will continue in this mode until the time of “indignation or tribulation” has been completed. Matthew Henry wrote, “he shall proudly put contempt upon all other gods, shall magnify himself above every god, even the gods of the nations. Antiochus wrote to his own kingdom that every one should leave the gods he had worshipped, and worship such as he ordered, contrary to the practice of all the conquerors that went before him, 1 Mac. 1:41, 42. And all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king; fond as they were of their gods, they did not think them worth suffering for, but, their gods being idols, it was all alike to them what gods they worshipped.” God has a plan for the salvation of mankind through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when He raised Him from the dead, He made the way for all who believe and trust in Him to be forgiven of their sins, granted everlasting life and assured by His Holy Spirit that even when a leader appears to do whatever they desire and defiantly make themselves better than God, He has them under His hand of authority.

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel says, “neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Some with Understanding Fall - Daniel 11:35

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel told him about battles between the king of the north and the king of the south, and he said of the king of the north, “he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries”, and in chapter eleven and verse thirty-five of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “some of them of understanding shall fall” where we read,

And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.

The verse reads, “And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, …” Daniel began with the words, “and some of them” or “and a few of the people” “of understanding” which means “pertaining to discernment, knowledge and perception” “shall fall” or “will stumble, stagger and totter”, “to try them” which means “to test,  refine and purify them, the people who have understanding”, “and to purge” or “and to polish, cleanse, make bright and purify”, “and to make them white” which means “and to cause them, the people of understanding, to be purified”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him some of the people who have discernment will stumble and stagger for the purpose of testing, cleansing and purifying them. 

The verse continues, “… even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” Daniel added the words, “even to the time of the end” or “indeed until the season or time period belonging to the extremity, boarder and finite process”: “because it is yet” which means “since and on account that the end time remains” “for a time appointed” or “on behalf of a specific season or time period”. Daniel shared how the purifying of the people with “understanding” will remain until the extreme and finite process is completed on account that it remains on behalf of a specific time period. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how Gabriel told him a small number of the people with discernment will stagger and stumble, however, this will happen to purify and cleanse them until the completion of time comes. This is a specifically “appointed” time which God Almighty knows. Matthew Henry wrote, “Some of those of understanding shall fall, but it shall be for the good of the church and for their own spiritual benefit. It shall be to try them, and to purge, and to make them white. They needed these afflictions themselves. The best have their spots, which must be washed off, their dross, which must be purged out; and their troubles, particularly their share in the public troubles, help to do this; being sanctified to them by the grace of God, they are means of mortifying their corruptions, weaning them from the world, and awakening them to greater seriousness and diligence in religion. They try them, as silver in the furnace is refined from its dross; they purge them, as wheat in the barn is winnowed from the chaff; and they make them white, as cloth by the fuller is cleared from its spots. See 1 Pt. 1:7. Their sufferings for righteousness' sake would try and purge the nation of the Jews, would convince them of the truth, excellency, and power of that holy religion which these understanding men died for their adherence to. The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church; it is precious blood, and not a drop of it should be shed but upon such a valuable consideration.” It is certain that those who are believers in Jesus will suffer affliction at this time, (See Revelations 14:15; 17:17) and the purifying process will continue until God’s “appointed time” comes. God wants us to be in a personal relationship  with us through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind and was resurrected from the dead after three days. When we surrender to Him, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and put His Holy Spirit within us to keep us aligned with Him all the days of our lives regardless of the purifying process that He finds necessary for us.  

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel says, “the king shall do according to his will”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Helped with a Little Help - Daniel 11:34

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel told him about battles between the king of the north and the king of the south, and he said of the king of the north, “he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days”, and in chapter eleven and verse thirty-four of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel said, “when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help” where we read,

Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help: 

but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.

The verse reads, “Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help:” Daniel began with the words, “now when they shall fall” or “at the time and moment they, the people who have discernment, will stumble, stagger and totter”, “they shall be helped” which means “they, the people who have discernment, will be succored, supported and given aid” “with a little help” or “by the use of a small amount of succor, support and aid”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him the people who have discernment will receive a small amount of aid and support at the time they stumble and stagger. 

The verse goes on to say, “but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.” Daniel continued with the words, “but many shall cleave to them” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover a great number of people will lend and join themselves to them, the people who have discernment” “with flatteries” which means “by the use of smoothness, fine promises and slipperiness”. Daniel shared how a great number of people will join themselves to the people who have discernment by the use of smoothness and fine promises.

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how a great number of the people who have discernment will stumble, even as Matthew Henry wrote, “we read much, in the books of the Maccabees, of Antiochus's barbarous usage of the pious Jews, how many he slew in wars and how many he murdered in cold blood. Women were put to death for having their children circumcised, and their infants were hanged about their necks, 1 Mac. 1:60, 61.” Some will be gathered to give aid to the people with discernment, but they will not be sincere in their efforts. God knew all these things before they happened, and even as He told Gabriel to give instructions to Daniel, Daniel, by writing these things down, has given instruction to us. There is a cost for following Jesus Christ as “Savior and Lord” (See Luke 14:28-30) even as Jesus paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross to offer salvation to mankind. When He rose from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and to be equipped with His Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth according to His perfect will and purpose all the days of our lives. 

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel says, “some of them of understanding shall fall”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Instructing Many - Daniel 11:33

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel told him about battles between the king of the north and the king of the south, and he said of the king of the north, “he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days”, and in chapter eleven and verse thirty-three of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel talked about, “they that understand among the people shall instruct many” where we read,

And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: 

yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.

The verse reads, “And they that understand among the people shall instruct many:” Daniel began with the words, “and they that understand” or “and the people who are prudent, circumspect and have insight” “among the people” which means “in the midst of the nations, tribes and troops” “shall instruct many” or “will give discernment, perception and knowledge to a great and massive number of people”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him the people who have discernment in the midst of the people will give knowledge to a massive number of other people.

The verse continues, “yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.” Daniel added the words, “yet they shall fall” or “still, they, the people who have discernment, will stumble, stagger and totter” “by the sword” which means “through the means of the knife, sharp implement, axe, dagger or mattock”, “and by flame” or “and through the means of the flaming head of a spear”, “by captivity” which means “through the means of imprisonment”, “and by spoil” or “and through the means of booty and prey”, “many days” which means “for a great number of sunsets to sunrises”. Daniel shared how Gabriel said the people who have discernment will still stumble and stagger through the means of sharp implements, flaming tips of the spear, imprisonment and as prey for a great number of “days”. 

When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how Gabriel told him there will exist at this time some people who have discernment concerning a relationship with God, however, they will be destroyed through the means of sharp implements, flaming tips of the spear, imprisonment and treated as a prey for a number of “days”. Matthew Henry wrote of these people, “they shall make it their business to show others what they have learned themselves of the difference between truth and falsehood, good and evil. Note, Those that have the knowledge of God themselves should communicate their knowledge to those about them, and this spiritual charity must be extensive: they must instruct many. Some understand this of a society newly erected for the propagating of divine knowledge, called Assideans, godly men, pietists (so the name signifies), that were both knowing and zealous in the law; these instructed many. Note, In times of persecution and apostasy, which are trying times, those that have knowledge ought to make use of it for the strengthening and establishing of others. Those that understand aright themselves ought to do what they can to bring others to understand; for knowledge is a talent that must be traded with. Or, They shall instruct many by their perseverance in their duty and their patient suffering for it. Good examples instruct many, and with many are the most powerful instructions. They shall fall by the cruelty of Antiochus, shall be put to the torture, and put to death, by his rage. Though they are so excellent and intelligent themselves, and so useful and serviceable to others, yet Antiochus shall show them no mercy, but they shall fall for some days; so it may be read, Rev. 2:10, “You shall have tribulation ten days.” God’s desire is for everyone to have a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind, and when He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way through faith and trust in Him to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will help us remain in a state of discernment regardless of the outcome for believing and trusting in Him.

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel says, “when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

Doing Wickedly with Flatteries - Daniel 11:32

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel told him about battles between the king of the north and the king of the south, and he said of the king of the north, “At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter. For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate”, and in chapter eleven and verse thirty-two of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel added, “and such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries” where we read,

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: 

but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

The verse reads, “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries:” Daniel began with the words, “and such as do wickedly” or “and the people who act in evil and malignant ways” “against the covenant” which means “in opposition to the treaty, pledge and alliance” “shall he corrupt by flatteries” or “will he, the king of the north, profane, defile and pollute through the means of complements, smoothness and fine promises”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him the flattering “king” will defile and pollute the people who violate the alliance and treaty by the means of complements and fine promises.

The verse goes on to say, “but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Daniel continued with the words, “but the people” or “however, nonetheless, notwithstanding and moreover the human beings” “that do know their God” which means “who perceive, discern, discriminate and recognize their, the people’s, Supreme Deity” “shall be strong” or “will exist as mighty and powerful”, “and do exploits” which means “and perform and produce mighty works”. Daniel shared how Gabriel said the human beings who recognize their Supreme Deity will exist as mighty and powerful, and they will perform great works. 

When we consider the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how Gabriel continued to tell more about this king of the north (Antiochus) who will defile and pollute people by his complements and fine promises, however, people who align with and put their faith in the Supreme Deity Jehovah God will not only be mighty, but they shall also perform great acts and deeds. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” (See 2 Timothy 2:9-12) When the antichrist comes on the scene, he will deceive some believers even as Jesus said, “For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” (Matthew 24:24) God wants us to be in a personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of all mankind. God raised Him from the dead after three days, and when we put our faith and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and give us His Holy Spirit who will lead and guide us into His truth and make us strong in our commitment and trust in Him.

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel says, “they that understand among the people shall instruct many”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".

The Abomination that Makes Desolate - Daniel 11:31

In the book of Daniel, Daniel shared how Gabriel told him about battles between the king of the north and the king of the south, and he said of the king of the north, “At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter. For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant”, and in chapter eleven and verse thirty-one of his book Daniel shared how Gabriel said the king of the north, “shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate” where we read,

And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate.

The verse reads, “And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, …” Daniel began with the words, “and arms shall stand on his part” or “and forearms, shoulders and strong forces will remain, endure and hold ground on his behalf”, “and they shall pollute the sanctuary” which means “and they, the strong forces of the flattering king, will profane, desecrate and defile the sacred and holy worship temple” “of strength” or “pertaining to the place of safety, refuge, stronghold and protection”. Daniel shared how Gabriel said the military forces will remain on his side and desecrate and defile the sacred holy temple of God. 

The verse continues, “… and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that makes desolate.” Daniel added the words, “and shall take away” or “and will remove” “the daily sacrifice” which means “the offering of worship that occurs day after day”, “and they shall place” or “and they, the military forces of the flattering king, will put, set, ascribe and dedicate” “the abomination that makes desolation” which means “ the detestable thing or idol that stupefies, appalls, amazes and astonishes”. Daniel shared how Gabriel told him the military forces of the flattering royal ruler would remove the day by day offering of worship and place a detestable idol that appeals and astonishes within the sacred worship place. 

When we think through the words in this verse, we learn through Daniel how Gabriel told him the military forces of the flattering royal ruler will desecrate the sacred temple of Jehovah God in Jerusalem. He will remove and stop the day by day worship offerings, and put a detestable idol within the temple. Matthew Henry wrote, “We read (2 Mac. 4:9) of Jason, the brother of Onias the high priest, who by the appointment of Antiochus set up a school at Jerusalem, for the training up of youth in the fashions of the heathen; and (2 Mac. 4:23, etc.) of Menelaus, who fell in with the interests of Antiochus, and was the man that helped him into Jerusalem, now in his last return from Egypt. We read much in the book of the Maccabees of the mischief done to the Jews by these treacherous men of their own nation, Jason and Menelaus, and their party. These upon all occasions he made use of. "Such as do wickedly against the covenant, such as throw up their religion, and comply with the heathen, he shall corrupt with flatteries, to harden them in their apostasy, and to make use of them as decoys to draw in others," This “abomination of desolation” was spoken of by Jesus in Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14 and Luke 21:20 as He spoke of the anti-christ who will appear in the latter days. (See Revelation 13; 17:12) God is well aware of these people and events, and because He wants everyone to live with Him forever, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all mankind. When He raised Him from the dead after three days, He made the way for us through belief and trust in His Son to be forgiven of our sins, granted everlasting life and provided with His Holy Spirit who will lead and guide us into the truth of His provision and protection even when flattering leaders and the anti-christ comes on the scene. 

Next time Daniel shares how Gabriel says the king of the north shall, “do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".