QT 05/10/2025 Sun. Daniel 11 Faithfulness, Promises and Ultimate Victory 忠信、应许与最终胜利

QT 05/10/2025 Sun. Daniel 11 Faithfulness, Promises and Ultimate Victory
READ http://www.esv.org/daniel11

Daniel 11 is part of Daniel's final vision, which he receives in the third year of King Cyrus of Persia (Daniel 10:1). It offers a detailed account of historical events from the Persian Empire all the way to the end times. The events span from the rise of the Persian Empire, through the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great, and culminate in a vision of a powerful Antichrist figure—the "king who exalts himself" (Daniel 11:36-45).

At the time, the book of Daniel served to encourage God’s people, who were in exile and struggling under oppressive foreign rule. The detailed prophecies in Daniel 11 show that history, though seemingly chaotic, is under God's sovereign control.

(1) God is Sovereign Over History (vv. 1–35)

The chapter opens with an angelic messenger explaining the detailed unfolding of history, beginning with the Persian Empire and moving into the Greek Empire (especially focusing on the conflict between the Ptolemies and the Seleucids). Every battle, every king’s rise and fall, is predicted in such detail that it has led some to conclude that these prophecies were written after the events. Yet, theologically, we understand that God sovereignly orchestrates history. His hand is guiding events toward His ultimate purpose.

Reflection: God reigns over history, no matter how messy or chaotic the present moment may seem. Every event, both large and small, is under His control. We are reminded to trust Him even when we don’t understand the details of our lives or of the world.

As we face personal trials or global uncertainties, we can find peace in the fact that God knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10). He is in control.

(2) The Suffering of God’s People (vv. 29–35)

As the prophecy unfolds, there’s a sombre shift in focus toward the persecution of God’s people. Daniel predicts that the people of Israel will face great suffering, particularly under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who oppressed the Jews in the second century BC. He desecrated the temple in Jerusalem and sought to stamp out the faith of the people of God.

But even amidst this oppression, God’s people are told that they will endure, and some will be refined through the fire of persecution. The angel speaks of those who are “wise” (v. 33) who will instruct many, even though some will fall, and many will be tested.

Reflection: God allows suffering for His people, but it is never meaningless. Trials refine us, purify our faith, and deepen our dependence on God.

Persecution may come in many forms, but those who remain faithful to God will ultimately be vindicated.

God’s refining process is not always comfortable, but He is shaping us for eternal glory (Romans 8:18).

(3) The Coming of the “King Who Exalts Himself” (vv. 36–45)

The prophecy shifts from historical figures to a future figure—the Antichrist. This king will exalt himself above every god, speak blasphemies, and lead many to destruction. His power will seem overwhelming, and he will wreak havoc upon God's people. But, ultimately, his end is certain (v. 45), and God will decisively defeat him.

This figure represents the ultimate rebellion against God, the final enemy of God’s people, and Satan’s last great attempt to thwart God’s kingdom. However, as with all enemies of God, this king will be destroyed by God's sovereign power.

Reflection: Evil may seem to prosper for a time, but it is always temporary. The Antichrist and all evil rulers are temporary opponents to the eternal Kingdom of God.

As believers, we are called to endure and remain faithful, even when the powers of evil seem to be prevailing.

In the end, Christ’s Kingdom will triumph. We can take comfort in the ultimate victory of Christ (Revelation 19:11–16).

Key Takeaways for Us Today:

(a) God’s Sovereignty in History: Everything happening in the world, both in our personal lives and in the world stage, is under God’s sovereign control. He is orchestrating history toward His purposes, and we can trust that He is working all things for His glory and our good.

(b) Endurance Through Suffering: The suffering of God’s people is real, but it is not meaningless. In the midst of suffering, we are to find our hope in God’s promises and in His eventual victory over evil. Our suffering will be used to refine our faith and prepare us for eternal glory.

(c) Victory in Christ: No matter how powerful the forces of darkness seem, Christ has already triumphed. The "king who exalts himself" will be defeated, and God’s kingdom will endure forever. We are called to stand firm and faithfully endure, knowing that victory belongs to Christ.

Closing Prayer: Father, we thank You for the truth that You are sovereign over all things. Even when the world around us seems in turmoil, we can trust that You are in control. Help us to remain faithful and steadfast, especially in times of trial. Refine our hearts and give us strength to endure. We look forward to the day when Christ will return in glory and put all evil to an end. Until that day, may we faithfully serve You, standing firm in Your promises. In Jesus' name, Amen.

QT 05/10/2025 星期日. 但以理书11章.  忠信、应许与最终胜利
阅读 http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/dan/11/

但以理书第11章是但以理最终异象的一部分，他在波斯王居鲁士执政第三年（但以理书10:1）领受了这个异象。该章详述了从波斯帝国直至末世的历史事件，涵盖波斯帝国兴起、亚历山大大帝统治下的希腊帝国，最终指向一位强大敌基督者——“那自高自大的王”（但以理书11:36-45）的异象。
当时《但以理书》旨在激励被掳异邦、受压迫统治之下的神子民。但以理书第十一章的精确预言表明：纵然历史看似纷乱无序，实则尽在神的主权掌控之中。

(1) 神掌管历史（1-35节）
本章开篇由天使使者阐释历史进程：始于波斯帝国，继而进入希腊帝国（尤其聚焦托勒密王朝与塞琉古王朝的冲突）。每场战役、每位君王的兴衰都预言得如此精准，以致有人推断这些预言是事后补写的。然而从神学角度看，我们明白是神主权地编织历史，祂的手正引导万事成就终极旨意。
反思：无论当下看似多么混乱无序，上帝始终掌管着历史的进程。无论大事小事，万物都在祂的掌控之中。当我们无法理解自身或世界的种种细节时，仍要信靠祂。

面对个人试炼或全球动荡，我们可在神“从起初就预知结局”（以赛亚书46:10）的事实中得享平安。祂掌管一切。

(2) 神的子民所受的苦难（29-35节）
随着预言展开，焦点转向神子民遭受的迫害，气氛转为沉重。但以理预言以色列民将遭遇重大苦难，尤其在塞琉古王朝的安条克四世·埃皮法尼斯统治时期——这位公元前二世纪的君王残暴压迫犹太人，亵渎耶路撒冷圣殿，企图彻底扼杀神的子民的信仰。

然而即便身处压迫，神的子民仍被宣告必能持守，其中有人将因逼迫之火得着炼净。天使提及那些“有智慧”的人（第33节），他们将教导许多人，尽管有人会跌倒，许多人将受试炼。

反思：神允许祂的子民受苦，但这绝非毫无意义。试炼使我们精炼，洁净我们的信心，加深我们对神的倚靠。
迫害可能以多种形式出现，但那些对神保持忠心的人终将得蒙伸冤。
神的炼净过程未必舒适，祂却正为永恒荣耀塑造我们（罗马书8:18）。

(3) “自高之王”的降临（第36-45节）
预言从历史人物转向未来人物——敌基督。这位君王将自高自大凌驾于诸神之上，口出亵渎之言，并引诱许多人走向灭亡。他的权势看似势不可挡，将对神的子民大肆破坏。但最终他的结局已定（第45节），神必彻底击败他。
此人物象征着对神的终极叛逆，是神子民的最终仇敌，也是撒但阻挠神国降临的最后疯狂尝试。然而如同所有神的仇敌，这君王终将被神的主权大能摧毁。
反思：邪恶看似有时得势，实则转瞬即逝。敌基督与一切邪恶统治者，不过是永恒神国面前的暂时对手。
作为信徒，我们蒙召要持守坚忍，即便邪恶势力看似得势，仍要忠心不渝。
最终，基督的国度必将得胜。我们可因基督的终极胜利而得安慰（启示录19:11-16）。

今日要领：
(a) 神在历史中的主权： 世间万事——无论个人遭遇或国际局势——皆在神的主权掌控中。祂正按祂的旨意引导历史进程，我们可确信祂使万事互相效力，既为彰显祂的荣耀，也为成就我们的益处。
(b) 苦难中的坚忍：神的子民所经历的苦难是真实的，但绝非毫无意义。在苦难中，我们当仰望神的应许，仰望祂终将战胜邪恶的胜利。我们的苦难将被用来炼净信心，使我们预备好迎接永恒的荣耀。
(c) 在基督里的得胜：无论黑暗势力看似多么强大，基督已然得胜。那“自高自大的君王”终将败亡，神的国度必存到永远。我们蒙召要站立得稳，凭信心持守，因得胜属于基督。

祷告：
天父，我们感谢祢掌管万有的真理。纵使周遭世界动荡不安，我们仍深信您掌权。求您帮助我们持守忠信，尤其在试炼中坚定不移。求您炼净我们内心，赐我们忍耐的力量。我们期待基督荣耀再来、终结一切邪恶之日。在此之前，愿我们凭着您应许的坚固根基，忠心事奉您。奉耶稣基督的名祷告，阿们。