The Empire Devours Its Own — Power, Corruption, and the Faithful Remnant - Daniel 11

November 17, 2025

00:00 17:14

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“Every empire eventually turns inward—what’s built on pride always devours itself.” In Daniel 11, prophecy and history collide as Nicole Unice walks listeners through one of the most complex and detailed chapters in Scripture—a 400-year panorama of rising and falling empires from Persia to Greece to the early Seleucid rulers. This chapter exposes the fragile nature of human power and contrasts it with the unshakable Kingdom of God. Through vivid examples—from Alexander the Great to the tyrant Antiochus Epiphanes—Nicole shows how earthly empires mirror the human heart’s struggle for control, pride, and self-preservation. Yet amid corruption and chaos, God’s faithful people stand firm, reminding us that love, not violence or fear, is the true form of resistance in God’s Kingdom.

Main Takeaways / Learning Points:

History affirms prophecy: Daniel 11 accurately foreshadows 400 years of history between Persia and Greece, confirming that God’s Word aligns with historical reality.
Empires mirror the human heart: Pride, control, greed, and fear—the same forces that shape nations—also war within individuals.
Power corrupts when centered on self: The rise of rulers like Antiochus Epiphanes reminds us that when people worship power, they inevitably destroy what they seek to control.
God preserves a faithful remnant: Even in the darkest eras, those “who know their God will stand firm and take action” (Daniel 11:32).
Resistance in God’s Kingdom looks different: True strength shows up in humility, faithfulness, and love—not domination.

Bible Verse References (linked)

Daniel 11:2–4 — Prophecy of Persia and Greece.
Daniel 11:21–23 — A contemptible ruler seizes power.
Daniel 11:32–35 — The faithful resist corruption.
1 Chronicles 16:9 — God’s eyes search the earth to strengthen His people.
Matthew 5:44 — Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Calls to Action (CTAs)

Subscribe to How to Study the Bible with Nicole Unice for weekly studies.
Download the free Daniel Study Guide: nicoleunice.com/daniel
Watch the bonus “Digging Deeper” video on YouTube: What does it mean to resist empire through love?
Share this episode with a small group or study partner walking through Daniel.

Relevant Links / Resources

Free Study Guide: nicoleunice.com/daniel
YouTube Channel: How to Study the Bible with Nicole Unice
LifeAudio Network: lifeaudio.com

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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Meet Your Host

Nicole Unice is a Bible teacher, author, and passionate communicator who delights in bringing God’s Word to life in a personal and relevant way. Her training as a counselor informs her work, as she emphasizes the importance of facing our own reality and embracing the transforming power of God’s grace. Nicole is ordained as a teaching elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Her latest book, “Help, My Bible is Alive” is a 30-day experience designed to help people experience God through the Bible.

Nicole has spent twenty years serving the local church, first in student ministry (where she’s never lost her love of a great group game) and then leading start-ups of all kinds, from leadership development to capital campaigns. She now teaches and consults with churches and ministries to strengthen their stories and cut through confusion to discover the next right steps for success.