Know God!
It is written by The Holy Spirit in Daniel chapter 11:
32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.
Daniel 11:32 is one of the most powerful verses in the book of Daniel because it contrasts two very different kinds of people during a time of intense persecution.
“Those who do wickedly against the covenant”
These were Jews who abandoned God’s covenant. Instead of remaining faithful, they compromised to preserve:
- comfort
- wealth
- influence
- safety
When persecution increased, they chose the world’s approval over obedience to God. Throughout Scripture, God’s greatest danger often comes not only from enemies outside His people, but from compromise within His people.
“He shall corrupt by flatteries”
Notice the weapon. It isn’t primarily violence, instead, it is flattery.
The Hebrew idea is:
- smooth speech
- persuasive promises
- deception
- political favors
- appealing to pride
Satan often succeeds more through seduction than intimidation.
Examples include:
- “You’ll gain influence.”
- “You’ll keep your position.”
- “Everyone else is doing it.”
- “You can compromise just this once.”
Flattery tells people exactly what they want to hear.
It appeals to:
- pride
- ambition
- fear
- self-preservation
This is still one of satan’s primary strategies today.
“But the people who know their God…”
This is the turning point.
Notice Daniel does not say:
- people who know about God
- people who attend worship
- people with religious knowledge
Instead, he says:
“the people who know their God.”
The Hebrew word yada (“know”) speaks of personal, covenant relationship—the same kind of intimate knowledge described elsewhere in Scripture.
Knowing God means:
- trusting Him
- obeying Him
- Loving Him
- walking with Him
- remaining loyal even under pressure
Their strength comes from relationship, not merely information.
“…shall be strong…”
Their strength is not physical, it is Spiritual courage. When everyone else yields,
they stand. When everyone else fears, they trust.
Isaiah expressed this same Truth:
“Those who wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.”
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Ephesians chapter 6:
10 Now my Beloved ones, I have saved these most important Truths for last: Be supernaturally infused with strength through your Life-union with the Lord Jesus. Stand victorious with the force of his explosive power flowing in and through you.
God supplies strength to those who depend on Him.
“…and do exploits.”
The KJV says “do exploits.”
Modern translations often render it:
- “take action”
- “carry out great exploits”
- “stand firm”
The Hebrew literally conveys the idea of acting courageously and effectively.
Our “exploits” should include:
- refusing idolatry
- defending God’s Law
- preserving Biblical worship
- encouraging others to remain faithful
Prophetic Application
Daniel 11:32 describes what believers should expect near the end of the age.
There will again be two groups:
1. Those who compromise
They will be persuaded by:
- deception
- promises
- fear
- worldly advantage
2. Those who know God
They will:
- remain faithful
- refuse compromise
- stand firm
- strengthen others
- boldly obey God regardless of the cost
The emphasis is not on spectacular miracles but on steadfast faithfulness under pressure.
Daniel 11:32 teaches several timeless Truths:
- Knowing God personally is more important than merely knowing about Him.
- Flattery and compromise can be more dangerous than persecution.
- Spiritual strength grows from a close relationship with God.
- God equips faithful people to act courageously when others retreat.
- Times of testing reveal whether our loyalty is to God or to comfort.
A New Testament Parallel
This verse is echoed in Jesus’ Words:
“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
It is also reflected in Paul’s exhortation:
“Stand firm… having done all, to stand.”
Daniel 11:32 presents us with a striking contrast:
| Those who compromise | Those who know God |
| Seduced by flattery | Grounded in relationship with God |
| Break covenant | Remain faithful to the covenant |
| Seek personal advantage | Seek God’s glory |
| Spiritually weakened | Spiritually strengthened |
| Yield to evil | Courageously take action |
The central message of the verse is that the decisive factor in times of deception and persecution is not intelligence, influence, or power, but truly knowing God. Those who cultivate that relationship receive the strength to stand firm and faithfully accomplish what God calls them to do.