Just a reminder, there is an angelic being who has come to be with Daniel, probably Gabriel. And Gabriel has come to Daniel to explain future events. He has already revealed four future emperors, Xerxes from Persia, Alexander the Great from Greece, Ptolemy from Egypt, and Seleucus from Syria. Then verse six tells about an alliance between Egypt and Syria.

After some years they shall make an alliance, and the daughter of the king of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement. But she shall not retain the strength of her arm, and he and his arm shall not endure, but she shall be given up, and her attendants, he who fathered her, and he who supported her in those times. — Daniel 11:5-6

The arranged marriage referenced here is between Berenice (from the southern kingdom) and Antiochus II (from the northern kingdom). And the word "arm" refers to their combined strength or influence. In other words, this arranged union was intended to produce a stronger physical and political empire. They each hoped it would increase their influence, but as we know from history, it did not have the desired effect.

I think the lesson we learn is that we need to give careful attention to the purpose behind every alliance. The reason for this alliance was power, and children were just pawns of the selfish desires of two men, fathers, and leaders. And it had a tragic end because it did not produce what these leaders hoped it would, and it affected their children and those around them.

As followers, I believe men, husbands, fathers, and leaders are responsible for carefully stewarding every alliance we make. We should steward partnerships in our businesses regarding the vendors we purchase from and the customers we market to. We should steward associations of the little ones in our home, the teachers they learn from, and the friends they spend time with. We should steward our relationships as husbands with the women we encounter and the men we spend time with. Because I know this, we have selfish desires, and they persuade us to make selfish alliances that will result in a tragic end that affects us and others.

So maybe today, it is time to assess and address some alliances you have made and end them before they end up ending you.

ASK THIS: What alliance do you need to end?

DO THIS: End it before it ends you.

PRAY THIS: God, bring healthy and purposeful alliances into my life in my business, family, and personal life.

PLAY THIS: In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found).

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