Day 11 Daniel Fast 12 Day Devotional
DAY 11: Kingdoms Rise and Kingdoms Fall
READING: Daniel 11
KEY VERSE
In the first year of Darius the Mede, I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him.
Daniel 11:1
Chapters 10-12 relay one vision. This passage echoes the other supernatural visions Daniel had in chapters two, seven, and eight. If you revisit all these chapters, you will see a common story, although with different imagery, which corresponds to the rise and fall of kingdoms and rulers from the period of roughly 626 B.C. to 30 A.D. The traditional interpretation that many scholars and historians believe these four kingdoms represent is
Babylon: head of gold / lion
Medo-Persia: silver / bear / ram / four Persian kings
Greece: bronze / leopard / goat (horns) / kings of south and north
Rome: iron / beast
There is much more context and history than listed above (and not space for all the details in a devotional)! This is an opportunity to dig in for yourself, starting with the biblical text and then consulting other resources for historical background. If you have a study bible, it will probably offer some context, or you can look at online resources like blueletterbible.com
An encouragement, especially if you find this passage overwhelming, is the assurance at the start and end of this vision that God is sovereign over absolutely everything, even sending his angelic messengers for our guidance and protection. Additionally, nothing is permanent when it comes to earthly rulers and kingdoms. When you feel discouraged about current events, remember that all things change in time, and we have hope in a powerful God and eternal kingdom to come.
ADDITIONAL READING
Isaiah 45:1-3
Matthew 25:34
Acts 5:29
QUESTIONS
Do situations in politics, economics, or international affairs concern you? Are you praying and trusting God to take care of them?
When it comes to bible study, in what areas would you like to dig a little deeper, or get more background knowledge and context? Will you commit to study those?
If you have time, go back and take notes on the visions Daniel had in Chapters 2, 7, 8, 9, and 11. What patterns do you see?
