DAILY TEXT, From today Thursday November 17, 2022, They will receive a little help (Dan. 11:34)

DAILY TEXT, Thursday November 17, 2022, They will receive a little help (Dan. 11:34).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Thursday November 17

They will receive a little help (Dan. 11:34).

After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, the servants of God in that vast region received "a little help" as they enjoyed a period of freedom. As a result, it became possible for them to preach freely, and within a short time there were hundreds of thousands of publishers in the former Communist bloc countries. But little by little, Russia and her allies became the king of the north. For a government to assume the role of king of the north or king of the south, it must do three things: first, directly influence God's people; second, to show with his actions that he is an enemy of Jehovah and his servants, and, third, to fight against the rival king. Russia and its allies have had a direct impact on God's people by banning preaching and persecuting hundreds of thousands of brethren. Their actions show that they hate Jehovah and his people. And they have fought against the king of the south, which is the world power made up of Great Britain and the United States. w20.05 12, 13 pars. 3. 4.

What time period is Daniel 11:40-43 talking about, and what happens then?

(Read Daniel 11:40-43). This part of the prophecy gives an overview of the end time. The passage highlights the struggle between the king of the north and the king of the south. Daniel foretold: “In the time of the end, the king of the south will engage in conflict with […] the king of the north” or “butt his horns” with him (Dan. 11:40; note).

What evidence do we have that both kings are still fighting each other?

The king of the north and the king of the south continue to fight for control of the world. For example, consider what happened after World War II, when the Soviet Union and its allies began to dominate a large part of Europe. This forced the king of the south to form an international military alliance, known as NATO. Both kings continue to compete in a costly arms race. In addition, they have fought each other supporting opposing sides in wars and rebellions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In recent years, Russia and its allies have gained a lot of influence around the world. They have also become involved with the king of the south in a cyber war. The two kings have accused each other of using destructive software to harm their economies and political systems. And, just as Daniel predicted,

What is “the Beautiful Land”?

Daniel 11:41 says that the king of the north would invade "the Beautiful Land." What is that land? In ancient times, Israel was said to be “the fairest of all lands” (Ezek. 20:6). In fact, what made it particularly beautiful was that Jehovah was worshiped there. But, since Pentecost of the year 33 of our era, that "Earth" is not a literal place in a geographical sense. And it cannot be, for Jehovah's servants are scattered all over the world. Rather, “the Beautiful Land” today is the symbolic place where God's people carry out activities such as their worship through meetings and preaching.

How has the king of the north invaded “the Beautiful Land”?

In recent days, the king of the north has invaded again and again "the Beautiful Land." For example, when Nazi Germany was king of the north, especially during World War II, he invaded "the Beautiful Land" by persecuting and killing God's servants. After World War II, when the Soviet Union became the king of the north, it invaded this land by persecuting those who worshiped Jehovah and sending them into exile.

In recent years, how have Russia and its allies invaded "the Beautiful Land"?

In recent years, Russia and its allies have also invaded "the Beautiful Land." How? In 2017, this modern-day king of the north banned the work of Jehovah's Witnesses and imprisoned some of our brothers. He also banned our publications, including the New World Translation. In addition, he seized the Russia branch, as well as Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls. Following these events, in 2018 the Governing Body identified Russia and its allies as the king of the north. Now, Jehovah's servants do not fight against any government or try to change it, even when it persecutes us harshly. Rather, we follow the biblical counsel to pray “for all who hold high office,” especially when they make decisions that could affect religious freedom (1 Tim. 2:1, 2).