Daniel 11:39
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 fortresses
This phrase suggests a powerful military campaign against seemingly impregnable defenses. In the context of Daniel 11, this likely refers to the actions of a king or ruler who seeks to expand his dominion through force. Historically, this could be linked to the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who aggressively expanded his territory. Theologically, it may also foreshadow the Antichrist's future actions, as described in eschatological prophecies, where he will wage war against strongholds, both physical and spiritual.

with the help of a foreign god
The "foreign god" implies reliance on a deity not traditionally worshiped by the Israelites. This could refer to the Hellenistic gods introduced by Antiochus IV, who promoted the worship of Zeus. In a broader prophetic sense, it may symbolize the Antichrist's reliance on demonic powers or ideologies contrary to the God of Israel. This aligns with the biblical theme of false gods leading people astray, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 32:16-17.

and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him
This indicates a system of rewards for loyalty, where the ruler bestows honor and possibly wealth or power on those who support his regime. Historically, Antiochus IV rewarded those who adopted Hellenistic customs and supported his rule. In a prophetic context, this could parallel the Antichrist's manipulation of people through incentives, as seen in Revelation 13:16-17, where allegiance is rewarded with economic benefits.

making them rulers over many
This suggests the delegation of authority to loyal followers, establishing a hierarchy that supports the ruler's agenda. Historically, this was a common practice among ancient empires to maintain control over vast territories. In a prophetic sense, it may reflect the Antichrist's strategy to consolidate power by appointing leaders who will enforce his policies, reminiscent of the ten kings in Revelation 17:12-13.

and distributing the land for a price
This phrase implies the selling or granting of land as a means of securing loyalty or raising funds. Historically, rulers like Antiochus IV might have used land grants to reward supporters or finance military campaigns. In a prophetic interpretation, it could symbolize the Antichrist's exploitation of resources and people for personal gain, echoing the corrupt practices condemned by prophets like Micah (Micah 3:11).

Persons / Places / Events
1. The King
This 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 Alone
Believers 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 13
This 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.
The Specious Success of a Bad MonarchJ.D. Davies Daniel 11:21-45
The Reign of the AntichristJoseph A. Seiss, D.D.Daniel 11:36-45
People
Ammonites, Cushites, Daniel, Darius, Ethiopians, Habakkuk, Javan, Kittim, Nubians
Places
Edom, Egypt, Greece, Kittim, Moab, Persia
Topics
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, Thus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Daniel 11:36-45

     9115   antichrist, the

Daniel 11:38-39

     5316   fortress

Library
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.
LESSON I. 1. In what state was the Earth when first created? 2. To what trial was man subjected? 3. What punishment did the Fall bring on man? 4. How alone could his guilt be atoned for? A. By his punishment being borne by one who was innocent. 5. What was the first promise that there should be such an atonement?--Gen. iii. 15. 6. What were the sacrifices to foreshow? 7. Why was Abel's offering the more acceptable? 8. From which son of Adam was the Seed of the woman to spring? 9. How did Seth's
Charlotte Mary Yonge—The Chosen People

Some General Uses from this Useful Truth, that Christ is the Truth.
Having thus cleared up this truth, we should come to speak of the way of believers making use of him as the truth, in several cases wherein they will stand in need of him as the truth. But ere we come to the particulars, we shall first propose some general uses of this useful point. First. This point of truth serveth to discover unto us, the woful condition of such as are strangers to Christ the truth; and oh, if it were believed! For, 1. They are not yet delivered from that dreadful plague of
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

Watching the Horizon
"Thy Kingdom Come." "Thou art coming! We are waiting With a hope that cannot fail; Asking not the day or hour, Resting on Thy word of power, Anchored safe within the veil. Time appointed may be long, But the vision must be sure: Certainty shall make us strong, Joyful patience must endure. "O the joy to see Thee reigning, Thee, my own beloved Lord! Every tongue Thy name confessing, Worship, honour, glory, blessing, Brought to Thee with glad accord! Thee, my Master and my Friend, Vindicated and enthroned!
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils.
Let us now consider the matters which should be treated in the councils, and with which popes, cardinals, bishops, and all learned men should occupy themselves day and night, if they loved Christ and His Church. But if they do not do so, the people at large and the temporal powers must do so, without considering the thunders of their excommunications. For an unjust excommunication is better than ten just absolutions, and an unjust absolution is worse than ten just excommunications. Therefore let
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

A Discourse of the House and Forest of Lebanon
OF THE HOUSE OF THE FOREST OF LEBANON. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. That part of Palestine in which the celebrated mountains of Lebanon are situated, is the border country adjoining Syria, having Sidon for its seaport, and Land, nearly adjoining the city of Damascus, on the north. This metropolitan city of Syria, and capital of the kingdom of Damascus, was strongly fortified; and during the border conflicts it served as a cover to the Assyrian army. Bunyan, with great reason, supposes that, to keep
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

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