1. A mighty king who fails (2-32)

The mighty king (3) who seems so successful leaves nothing behind him but war and strife. Alexander's kingdom broke into 4 parts. The continuing war between Syria and Egypt--the Seleucids and the Ptolemies--concern Daniel, for God's people were caught in the middle and suffered under godless kings. The kings of the world try to make alliances and find peace by human means (6,7,17,27) but they fail because their hearts are evil (27,28). The devil works hard to keep wars going. The king who opposes the holy covenant and sets up an idol in the temple was Antiochus Epiphanes; he was the devil's tool. He would corrupt those who had violated the covenant, but when God's people resist him and live by God's word, he could not defeat them.

2. Those who are wise (33-45)

Those who are wise persevere and keep on teaching the Bible in the midst of the ebb and flow of worldly strife.

Application: Lord, help me to live according to your word in these confusing times.
One Word: Don't be fearful; be wise