WHO SHALL DO EXPLOITS
By W. G. Guy
The word exploits appears in only one place in the entire Bible where it is used twice in the same chapter. The word exploit in the English language means a daring act; a bold deed; (1) to make use of (2) to make unethical use of for one’s own profit. The word does not appear in the Hebrew/Chaldean dictionary, therefore its use in the Bible has to be derived from the context in which it is used.
“Exploits” is found in Daniel Chapter 11, verses 28 and 32 regarding the rule of Antiochus Epiphanes who is considered to be a parallel of the future antichrist. Although the events described in Daniel 11 have already occurred it is important to be familiar with them as such events are likely to be repeated in the very near future under the expected antichrist.
So how is the word exploits used in Daniel 11:28? Here the aggressive and oppressive Antiochus sets his heart against the people of Israel.
Daniel 11:28 – Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.
As used in the above verse, exploits means he will do as he pleases, seeking his own heart’s desire, (as referenced in the English definition #2 in the first paragraph above). However, in verse 32 the word exploits is used differently as in Israel’s daring acts of valor against their oppressor.
Daniel 11:32 – 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.
As used in this verse we see God’s people do exploits against Antiochus which refers to the courageous acts of the Maccabees who led the resistance. The exploits performed by the Maccabees carries the meaning to work effectively, accomplishing their tasks, making gains, achieving their purpose while holding on to their godly conviction and beliefs while resisting evil and holding to their faith in God, even though tortured and suffering severely, and even unto horrible death.
Here is where the significance of God’s people doing exploits comes in to play: to choose suffering and death over sin and compromise with the evil enemy, the antichrist, or the beast system is DOING EXPLOITS.
This prophetic word tells us that much suffering is ahead for the true and faithful believers in Jesus Christ who hold to their faith and testimony. Besides in Daniel, we also read this in the Book of Revelation regarding the beast system and the antichrist.
Daniel 7:21 – I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;
Revelation 13:7 – And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Revelation 12:11 – And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
Please recognize what most teachers of the pre-tribulation rapture fail to understand; that the rapture of the saints and our gathering together unto the Lord Jesus Christ DOES NOT occur until AFTER the antichrist comes to power and is given recognition. Also understand that the beast system and false prophet precede and initiate the rise of the antichrist.
2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 – Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2 that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Our enemy, in many forms, including our own government, will be enraged by the words and works (exploits) of God’s true and obedient believers. God’s word, the revelation of Jesus Christ, and the soon coming Kingdom of God will go forth in power and demonstration (exploits) by those of true faith, (Matthew 24:14). This will invoke the rage of the enemy, the false prophet, the beast system, the antichrist and those who embrace him, (who will be many).
What this all means is that true Christians need to prepare for extreme persecution; and few are currently giving this warning to prepare. This persecution includes imprisonment for following your faith; being resisted by non-Christians; being tortured and killed by opposing extremists, particularly those of Islam (as is already happening in the mid-east); having laws passed by the government against true Christians, (this means only government sanctioned churches will have the right to assemble and practice their faith); the true church will have to go underground to meet, (as is occurring now in China); preaching the Word in the name of Jesus will be outlawed; identifying sin will result in punishment (as is already in effect in dealing with the sin of homosexuality and abortion as hate speech); and on and on it goes. Jesus warned us that this is what is coming.
Matthew 10 select verses – 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. … 28) And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven…. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. ….39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Consider this: everyone dies and after death all will appear before the Lord to be judged on how they lived; or if their name is recorded in the Lambs Book of Life; all will be judged one way or another. It is not about living or dying, it is about how you lived, what you believed and who you served! There is a day of accountability!
Hebrews 9:27 – And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
Christians in America today are absolutely not prepared for such conditions or for such a time. Christians in Syria, and other Muslim nations are already experiencing extreme persecution. In America, this could cause many to throw off their faith and compromise with the enemy; this is known as apostasy.
1 Timothy 1:19 – holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
1 Timothy 5:12 – having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.
We must build up ourselves in the Word and in our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ so that we will be able to stand in that evil day.
Ephesians 6:12-13 – For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
The Matthew Henry Commentary relates the exploits of Israel under the Maccabees of Daniel 11:32 stating: “This might well be called doing exploits; for to choose suffering rather than sin is a great exploit. And it was by faith, by being strong in faith, that they did those exploits; that they were tortured, not accepting deliverance, as the apostle speaks, probably with reference to that story in Hebrew 11:35.” Continuing: “Note: the right knowledge of God is, and will be, the strength of that (faith), gracious souls to do exploits.”
The Commentary also adds: “In times of persecution and apostasy, which are trying times, those that have knowledge ought to make use of it for the strengthening and establishing of others. Those that understand aright themselves ought to do what they can to bring others to understand; for knowledge is a talent that must be traded with.”
It is required of this writer as a “watchman” to share what the Lord has given him to understand and to communicate it with others of His people. Please understand what is coming to the whole earth.
Luke 21:34-36 – And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
There will be much for believers to endure in these coming days as evil, lawlessness and wickedness increase. The word “escape” used above does not mean to be removed from but to be delivered through the circumstances by the power of God’s mercy and grace; as He always does.
James 5:7-11 – Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. 8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door (watching). 10 Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end (reward) of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
Included in these last days will be false teachers, preachers and prophets according to Matthew 7:15-23 that warns us to look for their “fruit”; so you must know God’s Word and look for the Fruit of the Spirit, (Galatians 5:22-23 which is the character and nature of God), in those who minister. Do not depend on the spectacular or supernatural because the enemy can also do such things to draw your attention and to deceive you into following him.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 – Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
Jesus stressed the warning of these false preachers, prophets and teachers who claim to be anointed:
Matthew 24:4-5 &9-14 – And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ (or anointed - the word Christ comes from Messiah which means anointed one); and shall deceive many. …. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. 10 And then shall many (believers) be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
Although fearful times are approaching, we who are in Christ need not be fearful, as many scriptures advise us not to give place to fear. Why are we not to fear the evils of the beast system and the antichrist? Because when Satan and his minions are on the move to fulfill his plans, God also has plans - greater plans.
Isaiah 59:19b – …..When the enemy shall come like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
Know that the standard of the Lord is Jesus Christ and His Word. Those in Christ and who know His Word have no need to fear for that is the power to defeat and throw off the efforts of the enemy.
James 4:7 – Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, (the beast, antichrist, demons, or Satan and his angels), and he will flee from you.
This means that Christ and His Word in you are greater than who the enemy is and what he threatens to do. Thus you are predestined of God to do exploits in these last days which is declaring the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God – and then shall the end come.
1 John 4:4 – Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Christians need to examine themselves to determine: will you be able to discern the workings of the false prophet or resist the antichrist and stand for Christ and properly represent Him in these coming days so that you will be numbered among “the people that do know their God and shall be strong, and do exploits?
