The Rise and Fall of Human Authority: A Devotional on Daniel 11:20
"Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle." - Daniel 11:20
Daniel 11:20 in the King James Version (KJV) states, "Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle." This verse serves as a sobering reminder of the transient nature of human authority and the divine sovereignty that governs all affairs.
As we reflect on this verse, it is essential to understand its historical context. Daniel 11 is a prophetic chapter that outlines the succession of empires and kings, revealing God's sovereignty over history. The “raiser of taxes” refers specifically to a ruler who would emerge from the political turmoil following the great empires of the past. In this case, it often points towards the oppressive rulers who impose heavy taxes on their subjects in the name of maintaining a glorious kingdom.
At first glance, being in a position of power and glory appears enviable. However, the positional beauty that envelopes such authority is fleeting. The phrase "but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle" starkly reminds us that human achievement, however grand it may seem, ultimately falls short before the ordained will of God. This leader, who seemingly enjoys power and authority, is destined for destruction, not through the chaos of warfare or personal vendetta, but because God has ordained it.
This raises critical questions for us as believers: how do we perceive authority today? Do we see it through the myopic lens of ambition and success, or do we recognize the higher truth established by God's hand? We often regard worldly power with reverence, admiring those who occupy significant roles in government, business, or the church. Yet, the scripture warns us of the fragility of such standing—reminding us that the true gauge of success lies not in dominion but in humility and service.
In a world riddled with political unrest and power struggles, it is natural to observe those in authority and measure our aspirations against them. However, what can we learn from Daniel’s revelations? The message of this passage echoes in the importance of remaining faithful to God's commandments and purposes. Authority, wealth, and glory can fade, but the character of the God we serve is eternal.
Notably, the phrase "neither in anger, nor in battle" illustrates a profound theological truth: God's purposes will not be thwarted. He does not require conflict to enact His will. This teaches us the peace we can find in God’s sovereignty. We can release our anxieties over earthly rulers, knowing that their reigns are limited and that our primary allegiance belongs to the King of Kings.
As followers of Christ, we must establish our lives on the eternal truth of the Gospel rather than the fleeting nature of worldly success. Jesus, the ultimate authority, demonstrated that true power lies in servanthood. In Mark 10:44-45, He encapsulates this principle saying, “And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
As we meditate on Daniel 11:20, let us then remind ourselves not to covet the glory that the world offers through temporary positions of authority. Instead, let us strive to embody Christ's example, serving those around us, knowing that our worth is found not in our earthly titles but in our identity as children of God.
In conclusion, Daniel 11:20 is not merely an ancient prophecy but a modern reminder that we are called to prioritize eternal truths over the ephemeral allure of worldly power. Let us pray for discernment to see beyond what is temporal, focusing our eyes on that which lasts forever—God's love, His kingdom, and our responsibility to reflect His glory through our lives.
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Daniel 11:20 - "Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle."
"Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle." - Daniel 11:20
Daniel 1:11 - "Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,"
Daniel 2:20 - "Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:"
Daniel 6:11 - "Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God."
Daniel 6:20 - "And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?"
"Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah," - Daniel 1:11
"Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:" - Daniel 2:20
Daniel 8:20 - "The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia."
"Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God." - Daniel 6:11
Daniel 4:20 - "The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth;"
Daniel 3:11 - "And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace."
Daniel 11:29 - "At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter."
Daniel 11:1 - "Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him."
Daniel 11:9 - "So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land."
Daniel 11:3 - "And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will."
Daniel 11:42 - "He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape."
Daniel 11:22 - "And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant."
Daniel 11:34 - "Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries."
Daniel 4:11 - "The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth:"
Daniel 10:11 - "And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling."
Daniel 3:20 - "And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace."
Daniel 11:11 - "And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand."
"And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?" - Daniel 6:20
Daniel 11:19 - "Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found."
Daniel 11:33 - "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."
Daniel 2:11 - "And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh."
Daniel 5:20 - "But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him:"
Daniel 11:32 - "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."
Daniel 8:11 - "Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down."