Daniel 11:38

"He won’t regard the gods of his fathers, or the desire of women, or regard any god; for he will magnify himself above all."

Key Reflection

Daniel 11:38 describes a leader who defies traditional religious and social norms. This individual will not honor his ancestral gods or even the desires of women, instead elevating himself to a position of supreme authority where he disregards all other deities. This cultural context underscores a significant shift from established traditions, highlighting the emergence of a ruler who prioritizes personal power and autonomy over traditional religious practices and societal expectations.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

But in his estate -The marginal reading here is, “As for the Almighty God, in his seat he shall honor, yea, he shall honor a god,” etc. The more correct rendering, however, is that in the text, and the reference is to some god which he would honor, or for which he would show respect. The rendering proposed by Lengerke is the true rendering, “But the god of forces (firm places, fastnesses - der Vesten) he shall honor in their foundation” (auf seinem Gestelle). The Vulgate renders this, “But the god Maozim shall he honor in his place.” So also the Greek. The phrase “in his estate” -על־כנו'al-kanô- means, properly, “upon his base,” or foundation.

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