What does Daniel 11:39 mean?

Daniel 11:39 (KJV) states, "Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain."

This verse is part of the prophetic vision given to the prophet Daniel, who served in the courts of various Babylonian and Persian rulers. The vision depicted a series of conflicts among ancient empires, offering a glimpse of the political and military struggles that would shape the world in the centuries to come. In this specific verse, the "he" mentioned refers to a powerful leader who will use force and deceit to conquer strongholds and gain power.

One of the key themes in this verse is the idea of spiritual corruption and the worship of false gods. The use of the term "strange god" suggests that the leader mentioned will not worship the one true God, but rather a foreign deity. This reflects a broader theme in the book of Daniel of the tension between faithfulness to God and the pressures to conform to the pagan practices of the surrounding culture. The verse also speaks to the idea of glorifying this false deity, suggesting that the leader in question will promote and exalt this god, perhaps as a means of consolidating his power and influence.

The verse also addresses the leader's use of power to subjugate others and divide the land for personal gain. This speaks to the themes of oppression, exploitation, and the abuse of power, all of which have been present throughout human history. The division of the land for gain suggests a selfish and greedy motivation, as the leader seeks to enrich himself at the expense of others. This theme of injustice and inequality is one that resonates through the ages and remains relevant in our modern world.

Symbolically, the "strong holds" mentioned in the verse can represent various centers of power and influence, whether they be military, political, or economic. The use of force and deceit to gain control over these strongholds points to the ruthless and unscrupulous tactics that the leader will employ in pursuit of his goals. The mention of ruling over many and dividing the land for gain symbolizes the leader's desire for dominion and material wealth, as well as his willingness to exploit and oppress others to achieve it.

In terms of historical context, many scholars interpret this verse as referring to Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king who ruled over a large portion of the Near East in the 2nd century BCE. Antiochus is known for his persecution of the Jewish people and his efforts to impose Hellenistic culture and religion on them, including the desecration of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem. This interpretation aligns with the themes of idolatry and oppression found in the verse and provides a specific historical backdrop for understanding its meaning.

Overall, Daniel 11:39 is a powerful and evocative verse that speaks to timeless themes of spiritual corruption, the abuse of power, and the struggle for justice. It offers a sobering reflection on the darker aspects of human nature and the enduring relevance of these issues in our world today. As with many prophetic passages in the Bible, it challenges us to consider our own actions and motivations and to strive for righteousness and integrity in all that we do.

Artwork for Daniel 11:39

Daniel 11:39 - "Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain."

"Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain." - Daniel 11:39

Daniel 1:11 - "Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah,"

Ezekiel 39:11

Ezekiel 39:11

Daniel 6:11 - "Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God."

Daniel 2:39 - "And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth."

Exodus 39:11 - "And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond."

1 Kings 11:39 - "And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever."

"Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God." - Daniel 6:11

"Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God." - Daniel 6:11

"Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah," - Daniel 1:11

1 Chronicles 11:39 - "Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armourbearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah,"

Hebrews 11:39 - "And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:"

"Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God." - Daniel 6:11

"And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond." - Exodus 39:11

Daniel 3:11 - "And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace."

Daniel 11:29 - "At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter."

Jeremiah 39:11 - "¶ Now Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzar-adan the captain of the guard, saying,"

Revelation 12:3-9

Daniel 11:1 - "Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him."

Daniel 11:9 - "So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land."

Ezekiel 39:11 Valley of Hamongog east of the dead sea in Israel

Daniel 11:3 - "And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will."

Job 39:11 - "Wilt thou trust him, because his strength is great? or wilt thou leave thy labour to him?"

Genesis 39:11 - "And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within."

"And I will for this afflict the seed of David, but not for ever." - 1 Kings 11:39

Daniel 11:42 - "He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape."

Daniel 11:22 - "And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant."

Daniel 11:34 - "Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries."