" . . . but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits," Daniel 11:32.

(Preached by Rev Ivan Foster in Kilskeery FPC)

Daniel is a book of prophecy. There is a lot of disputing about what it is that Daniel says. Do not be surprised at that. Disputes surround every doctrine of the Word of God - the new birth, assurance of salvation, the doctrine of the Trinity, the deity of Christ, the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. These are but a few of the Bible subjects that have been surrounded by disputings ever since God sent forth His Word.

The reason why there are such disputings is easily understood. The devil would seek to sow confusion and spread disbelief in order to rob men of God's truth and the infinite blessing that may be accrued through believing God.

Prophecy is no exception. When the devil has everyone arguing about the subject, he then whispers, "See, this is such a difficult subject, it is a waste of time to study it!"

In this chapter we are presented with details of the Antichrist's activities in the closing stages of this present age. He is the "vile person" referred to in Dan 11:21. He comes to prominence by stealth, deceit and flattery, verses 21, 23 - 24. He is the one Paul refers to in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10.

Please note also the repeated assertion that the timetable of God will be fulfilled. Verses 27, 29, 35-36, 45. We must never forget in the midst of the coming upheavals and wickedness that God is in control of all events. Jeremiah 51:29.

That this is future may be seen in verses 63-64. This is a repeat of Isaiah's prophecy, Isaiah 13:19-22. Compare Rev 18:1-2. This is the time to which the Saviour refers when He said: "iniquity shall abound," Matthew 24:12. However, please note our text which tells us that in the days of the Antichrist. "the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits."