God maintains ultimate authority, and all human power remains subservient to His sovereign will.
Daniel 11:36 declares, “Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done.” (v.36) This verse presents a ruler who unapologetically seizes control, refusing to submit to any higher authority. The prophecy describes his defiance as he flaunts his power by speaking “monstrous things” against the supreme God, highlighting his prideful and self-centered character. Many interpreters believe the historical backdrop could involve either Antiochus IV Epiphanes (reigned 175-164 BC), the Seleucid king notorious for persecuting the Jewish people, or look farther into the future for an ultimate fulfillment in an end-times figure resembling the Antichrist described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.
By stating that “he will prosper until the indignation is finished” (v.36), the text emphasizes that his apparent success will only last within the boundaries God has allowed. Even when evil seems triumphant, God’s sovereign plan remains in control, reminding us that human power is limited by divine decree. This prophecy highlights a spiritual principle: arrogance and blasphemy toward the God of gods eventually meet God’s righteous judgment. The phrase “for that which is decreed will be done” (v.36) underscores the certainty of God’s purposes, echoing the biblical theme that no human ruler can override the will of the Almighty.
The ruler’s exaltation “above every god” (v.36) places him in direct defiance of God’s authority, a pattern reminiscent of various oppressive leaders throughout history. Antiochus IV Epiphanes fits this pattern, historically aligning with events in the second century BC. Some see this prophecy moving beyond Antiochus to foreshadow a final “king” in the last days, culminating in worldwide rebellion against God’s sovereignty. In both interpretations, whether past or future, believers are reminded that no matter how high or mighty an earthly authority appears, it cannot exceed the power of heaven’s King.
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Daniel 11:36 meaning
Daniel 11:36 declares, “Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done.” (v.36) This verse presents a ruler who unapologetically seizes control, refusing to submit to any higher authority. The prophecy describes his defiance as he flaunts his power by speaking “monstrous things” against the supreme God, highlighting his prideful and self-centered character. Many interpreters believe the historical backdrop could involve either Antiochus IV Epiphanes (reigned 175-164 BC), the Seleucid king notorious for persecuting the Jewish people, or look farther into the future for an ultimate fulfillment in an end-times figure resembling the Antichrist described in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4.
By stating that “he will prosper until the indignation is finished” (v.36), the text emphasizes that his apparent success will only last within the boundaries God has allowed. Even when evil seems triumphant, God’s sovereign plan remains in control, reminding us that human power is limited by divine decree. This prophecy highlights a spiritual principle: arrogance and blasphemy toward the God of gods eventually meet God’s righteous judgment. The phrase “for that which is decreed will be done” (v.36) underscores the certainty of God’s purposes, echoing the biblical theme that no human ruler can override the will of the Almighty.
The ruler’s exaltation “above every god” (v.36) places him in direct defiance of God’s authority, a pattern reminiscent of various oppressive leaders throughout history. Antiochus IV Epiphanes fits this pattern, historically aligning with events in the second century BC. Some see this prophecy moving beyond Antiochus to foreshadow a final “king” in the last days, culminating in worldwide rebellion against God’s sovereignty. In both interpretations, whether past or future, believers are reminded that no matter how high or mighty an earthly authority appears, it cannot exceed the power of heaven’s King.