Daniel 11:33-35

"And they that understand among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed."
Daniel 11:33-35


This part of Daniel is talking about the things that lead up to the second coming.  It seems interesting to me that whether or not you have understanding is the main point here... what separates you from the crowd. :)  The scripture seems to take for granted that those without understanding will fall... but notes that even some of those with understanding will as well.  I'm not sure what all of it means, but these last chapters of Daniel are definitely interesting and worth reading, should you have need of something good to read today. :)  I am wondering what the part about cleaving to them with flatteries means... and why there?  Does that mean that the flatteries will lessen the help?  I think I especially like the last verse... not because it will be very fun if it happens to any of us... only because it kind of makes sense to me on some deep level... the whole thing is still a test, and that will be the primary test for some.  Even though they got to the very last days, and understand what is going on, and are instructing people, they will still fall.  And through going through that trial, if they retain their understanding... they will be purified, and ready for anything. :)