This verse portrays a powerful leader who uses corrupt and manipulative means to secure and hold power.
The prophet Daniel describes a ruler who exalts himself by seeking power through external means when he says, “He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price” (v.39). This shows a king who relies on something outside the true God to sustain his military influence and authority. Historically, many Bible scholars see in these words a parallel to the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who reigned from 175 BC to 164 BC as part of the Seleucid Empire—a Hellenistic state that encompassed regions of modern-day Turkey, Syria, and beyond. He is remembered for his aggressive campaigns and attempts to expand his control over sacred sites and fortresses, often by outlandish favors or bribes for those who cooperated with him.
By “giving great honor” to his loyal followers and granting them rule over the populace, this ruler effectively manipulates political alliances to fortify his place of supremacy and oppress any potential dissenters. According to the verse, his practice to “parcel out land for a price” (v.39) underscores the corruptive tactics used to sustain worldly power—bestowing territories or privileges upon supporters who pay homage to him or his false deity. This draws a stark contrast between the fleeting dominion of human schemes and the eternal, just sovereignty of the God of Scripture (Psalm 2:1-4). The text reveals that this ruler’s partnerships, formed with a “foreign god,” will come at significant moral and spiritual cost.
Some Christian interpreters also see this verse as foretelling a future tyrant who uses deceptive strategies and false worship to consolidate authority (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). This broadens the emphasis to all ages: those who seek dominion at the expense of truth inevitably face divine judgment. The tension in Daniel’s prophetic vision reminds believers to remain discerning, loyal to the God of heaven, and wary of fleeting promises made by those who exalt themselves above God.
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Daniel 11:39 meaning
The prophet Daniel describes a ruler who exalts himself by seeking power through external means when he says, “He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price” (v.39). This shows a king who relies on something outside the true God to sustain his military influence and authority. Historically, many Bible scholars see in these words a parallel to the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who reigned from 175 BC to 164 BC as part of the Seleucid Empire—a Hellenistic state that encompassed regions of modern-day Turkey, Syria, and beyond. He is remembered for his aggressive campaigns and attempts to expand his control over sacred sites and fortresses, often by outlandish favors or bribes for those who cooperated with him.
By “giving great honor” to his loyal followers and granting them rule over the populace, this ruler effectively manipulates political alliances to fortify his place of supremacy and oppress any potential dissenters. According to the verse, his practice to “parcel out land for a price” (v.39) underscores the corruptive tactics used to sustain worldly power—bestowing territories or privileges upon supporters who pay homage to him or his false deity. This draws a stark contrast between the fleeting dominion of human schemes and the eternal, just sovereignty of the God of Scripture (Psalm 2:1-4). The text reveals that this ruler’s partnerships, formed with a “foreign god,” will come at significant moral and spiritual cost.
Some Christian interpreters also see this verse as foretelling a future tyrant who uses deceptive strategies and false worship to consolidate authority (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). This broadens the emphasis to all ages: those who seek dominion at the expense of truth inevitably face divine judgment. The tension in Daniel’s prophetic vision reminds believers to remain discerning, loyal to the God of heaven, and wary of fleeting promises made by those who exalt themselves above God.