Do Exploits

2021-08-28

The English phrase “do exploits” appears twice in the English Bible (Daniel 11:28, 32). With “exploits” being in italics in both cases, it is not in the original text, but is added for clarification. But the phrase nonetheless is an interesting phenomenon.

In the first case, the one doing the exploits is Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a type of Antichrist. In the second case, it is God’s people.

Antiochus is doing exploits against the holy covenant. He wreaks havoc against the temple of God and sets up abominations there to insult the Lord.

God’s people also “do exploits”:

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. (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. (34) Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. (35) And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. (Daniel 11:32-35)

Amid severe persecution, the Lord’s people are strong in the Lord (Daniel 11:32). They instruct many, which can only mean the propagation of the Gospel (Daniel 11:33). They fall by many perils, yet are helped by the Lord, and many deceivers and infiltrators will betray them (Daniel 11:34). However, these trials only build up “them of understanding” (Daniel 11:35).

We are living in those times. We have been for centuries, and we will continue to do so “even to the time of the end.” But who is our strength in all of this? By whom do we these exploits? The Lord Jesus Christ is our strength. If we only knew who it was who gives us strength... just imagine the possibilities. Trust in the Lord, and do exploits.