Daniel 11:36-39 is about a powerful king who exalts himself above all gods and shows no regard for the traditional gods of his ancestors, instead glorifying military and political power, while rewarding those who pledge allegiance to him with wealth and honor.
36 “And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done.”
37 He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all.
38 He shall honor the god of fortresses instead of these. A god whom his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts.
39 He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price.
Setting the Scene for Daniel 11:36-39
In Daniel 11:36-39, the scene is set in a grand palace in the ancient kingdom of Persia. King Darius III, a powerful ruler known for his wealth and opulence, is seated on his throne, surrounded by his advisors and courtiers. The room is adorned with intricate tapestries, golden ornaments, and flickering torches that cast a warm glow over the marble floors.
Among the advisors present is a cunning and ambitious man named Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who has ingratiated himself with the king through flattery and deceit. Antiochus is plotting to seize power for himself and is subtly manipulating the king’s decisions to further his own agenda. As the discussion unfolds, Antiochus skillfully plants seeds of doubt and discontent in the king’s mind, sowing discord among the courtiers and paving the way for his own rise to prominence.
The tension in the room is palpable as the power struggle between King Darius III and Antiochus IV Epiphanes plays out against the backdrop of political intrigue and betrayal. As the scene unfolds, it becomes clear that Antiochus’s thirst for power knows no bounds, and he will stop at nothing to achieve his ambitions, setting the stage for the dramatic events that will follow in the book of Daniel.
What is Daniel 11:36-39 about?
Indeed, this verse paints a compelling portrait of a ruler who holds himself in high regard, positioning himself above all gods and showing no reverence for any higher power. This ruler’s self-centeredness is palpable as he considers himself the ultimate authority, with no room for acknowledging any divine beings. The description of this ruler gives us a glimpse into the arrogance and pride that can accompany great power when left unchecked.
Just imagine the audacity and hubris it takes for someone to exalt themselves above any and all gods! This verse serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the dangers of unchecked power and the importance of humility in leadership. It challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards power and authority, prompting us to consider whether we are using our influence for the greater good or simply to elevate ourselves. Let this verse serve as a reminder to always approach power with a sense of reverence and humility, recognizing that true greatness lies in serving others rather than exalting oneself.
Understanding what Daniel 11:36-39 really means
In the prophetic vision given to Daniel, we delve into the intricate tapestry of kingdoms and rulers, witnessing the ebb and flow of power throughout history. These verses specifically hone in on a king characterized by his arrogance and blasphemy, a leader who dares to exalt himself above all gods, including the one true God. “The king shall do as he wills,” painting a picture of unchecked authority devoid of moral or divine constraints. His self-exaltation above every god signifies extreme pride and self-idolatry, a dangerous path of rebellion against the divine.
“He shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods,” a chilling proclamation of blasphemy and defiance towards the Almighty. Yet, amidst his temporary prosperity, there lies a deeper truth – his reign is but a fleeting moment in the grand scheme of divine indignation. The parallels with other biblical passages, such as 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 and Revelation 13:5-6, further emphasize the timeless nature of pride’s downfall. Proverbs 16:18 echoes this sentiment, warning that pride precedes destruction, a cautionary tale woven into the fabric of human history.
The relevance of these verses transcends time, serving as a poignant reminder of the pitfalls of pride and self-idolatry that continue to ensnare humanity. They beckon us to ponder the transient nature of earthly power and success, urging us towards humility and reverence for the ultimate authority of God. Imagine a contemporary leader, propelled by ambition and hubris, ascending to great heights only to plummet due to their arrogance. This modern-day parable mirrors the fate of the king in Daniel 11, underscoring the universal truth that pride inevitably leads to downfall.
In conclusion, Daniel 11:36-39 stands as a beacon of caution, illuminating the treacherous path of pride and the vital importance of humility before the divine. It calls upon us to introspect, guarding against the allure of self-exaltation and hubris that can blind us to our true place in the cosmic order. By grasping the ephemeral nature of earthly power and submitting to the sovereignty of God, we can navigate life with grace, humility, and a profound sense of spiritual alignment.
How can we guard against being filled with pride?
To guard against being filled with pride as mentioned in the verse, we can cultivate humility and remember that any qualities or abilities we possess ultimately come from God. We can stay grounded and avoid becoming conceited by acknowledging that everything we have is a gift from Him. Additionally, staying connected to a community of believers who can provide accountability and encouragement can help us remain humble and focused on serving others rather than seeking recognition for ourselves.
It is important to regularly reflect on our motives and intentions, checking to see if our actions are fueled by a desire for self-glory or a genuine desire to honor and serve God. Seeking opportunities to practice servanthood and putting the needs of others before our own can also help to combat feelings of superiority and pride. We can guard against being filled with pride by keeping our focus on God and staying rooted in His love and wisdom.
Application
In the fast-paced maze of life, are you ready to hold steadfast to your beliefs and values like a sturdy skyscraper in a storm? Be unwavering in your commitment to your faith and trust in God, even when the currents of the world try to pull you off course. Let your actions speak loudly, aligning with your deepest beliefs, paving the way for a life lived boldly and fearlessly in faith. Will you choose to navigate the chaos with your moral compass as your guide, shining brightly against the tumultuous tides of the modern world?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.