He will attack the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him, making them rulers over many and distributing the land for a price. He will attack the strongest fortressesMilitary power will become a chief instrument of this ruler’s dominion. Antiochus IV displayed such aggression in his campaigns and oppression of those who resisted his Hellenizing program. The final king described in Daniel 11:36–45 will likewise subdue formidable powers, trusting not in the Lord but in strength, conquest, and terror. 2Ch 32:1 After all these acts of faithfulness, Sennacherib… with the help of a foreign god Antiochus honored Zeus and attempted to impose pagan worship upon Judea, even profaning the temple in Jerusalem. The coming Antichrist will exalt a god of military power and draw upon demonic deception in his rebellion against the true God. His apparent victories will reveal not divine favor but the destructive influence of idolatry. Psa 81:9 There must be no strange god among you,… and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him, Loyalty to the ruler will bring public favor, privilege, and advancement. Antiochus rewarded Jews who abandoned the covenant for Hellenistic customs; the final oppressor will similarly demand allegiance and punish those who refuse his authority. Such rewards expose the cost of compromise when faithfulness to God conflicts with political power. Est 6:11 So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai,… making them rulers over many The ruler will secure his empire through appointed officials whose authority depends upon their submission to him. Revelation portrays a similar union of rulers who yield their power to the beast and participate in his war against God’s people. Mat 25:21 His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’… and distributing the land for a price. Land, offices, and wealth will be used to purchase loyalty and strengthen control. Rather than administering justice, this king will treat people and inheritance as commodities for his own advantage. His temporary empire will stand in sharp contrast to the righteous and everlasting kingdom God will establish. Mic 2:2 They covet fields and seize them; they take away houses.… Persons / Places / Events 1. The KingThis refers to a powerful ruler who acts with the support of a foreign deity, symbolizing a leader who relies on external, possibly idolatrous, influences. 2. Strongest Fortresses These represent the most secure and fortified places, symbolizing strongholds of power and influence that the king seeks to conquer. 3. Foreign God This indicates an allegiance to a deity outside of the traditional worship of Yahweh, suggesting idolatry or reliance on false gods. 4. Those Who Acknowledge Him These are individuals who support or align themselves with the king, receiving rewards and positions of power in return. 5. Distribution of Land This refers to the allocation of territories or resources, often as a reward for loyalty, indicating a transactional approach to governance. Teaching Points Reliance on God AloneBelievers are reminded to place their trust in God rather than in worldly powers or false deities. Discernment in Leadership Christians should exercise discernment in whom they follow, ensuring that leaders align with biblical principles. The Dangers of Idolatry The passage warns against the allure of idolatry and the consequences of turning away from God. Integrity Over Compromise The temptation to gain power or wealth through compromise is real, but integrity should guide our actions. Eternal Perspective Earthly rewards and power are temporary; believers should focus on eternal values and God's kingdom. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the king's reliance on a "foreign god" challenge our understanding of idolatry in today's context?2. In what ways can we identify and resist the temptation to compromise our faith for worldly gain? 3. How does the description of the king's actions in Daniel 11:39 compare to the warnings about false leaders in the New Testament? 4. What practical steps can we take to ensure our allegiance remains with God, especially when faced with powerful worldly influences? 5. How can the distribution of land for a price in Daniel 11:39 serve as a cautionary tale for how we view and use our resources? Connections to Other Scriptures Revelation 13This chapter describes the beast and its followers, drawing parallels to the allegiance to a foreign power or deity. 2 Thessalonians 2 Discusses the man of lawlessness, who exalts himself and deceives many, similar to the king in Daniel 11:39. Isaiah 14 The fall of Babylon and its king, who sought to elevate himself, mirrors the pride and ambition of the king in Daniel 11.
People Ammonites, Cushites, Daniel, Darius, Ethiopians, Habakkuk, Javan, Kittim, NubiansPlaces Edom, Egypt, Greece, Kittim, Moab, PersiaTopics Acknowledge, Acknowledged, Acknowledges, Acknowledgeth, Action, Apportioneth, Cause, Caused, Deal, Dealt, Distribute, Divide, Division, Foreign, Fortresses, Gain, Glory, Greatly, Ground, Holds, Honor, Honour, Increase, Magnify, Mass, Mightiest, Multiplieth, Note, Parcel, Places, Practise, Price, Reward, Rule, Rulers, Strange, Strong, Strongest, Strongholds, Takes, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes Daniel 11:36-45Library The Syrian Persecution. "The dead bodies of Thy servants have they given to be meat unto the fowls of the air, and the flesh of Thy saints unto the beasts of the land."--Ps. lxxix. 2. The history of Antiochus the Great is foretold in the 11th chapter of the prophet Daniel, from the 14th to the 19th verse. On the death of Ptolemy Philopator, this king entered Palestine with a great army, and easily obtained from the time-serving Jews the surrender of Jerusalem. Some of them who had forsaken their Law to gain the favour … Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People Questions. Some General Uses from this Useful Truth, that Christ is the Truth. Watching the Horizon Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils. A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon Links Daniel 11:39 NIVDaniel 11:39 NLT Daniel 11:39 ESV Daniel 11:39 NASB Daniel 11:39 KJV Daniel 11:39 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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