Deeper Reflection
The elements that are highlighted in the cycles of conflicts between the two kingdoms “are a seemingly endless sequence of grand conflicts, wars and politics, which never come to a conclusion. The balance of power ebbs back and forth between the two superpowers, but for all their best efforts and the vast expenditure of lives and wealth, neither one of these superpowers is able to conquer the other. Nor are they able to live in peace with one another: their best efforts to forge unity through politically motivated marriage unions and other strategies are equally unsuccessful”⁴⁸ . This story of “wars and rumours of wars” (Matt 24:6) continues into our 21st century, “as one ruler and empire after another seeks to gain power by cunning or force. Yet though the tide in the affairs of men comes in and goes out, in the end it accomplishes precisely nothing. The balance of power in earthly politics may shift but it never comes to a permanent rest”⁴⁹ .The picture of power and politics in Daniel 11 points to a bigger picture: “The fallen world pursuing the wind and finding it elusive”⁵⁰ – as wise Qoheleth says, “All is futility!” (Ecc 1:2, 14). Even when we are not involved in power and politics, this can also be true of us in other arenas of life. Anything that we pursue in life can be striving after wind or not necessarily so. The determining factor is: Everything we do, we do in the Lord, so that we live and die for the Lord, and whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s (Rom 14:7-9).

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⁴⁸ Iain M. Duguid, Daniel, Reformed Expository Commentary (P&R, 2008), 199-200 ⁴⁹ Iain M. Duguid, 200 ⁵⁰ Iain M. Duguid, 200