Daniel 11:38

Hebrew Bible Modern 1977

ולאלה מעזים על כנו יכבד ולאלוה אשר לא ידעהו אבתיו יכבד בזהב ובכסף ובאבן יקרה ובחמדות:

What Does This Mean?

This verse talks about a future ruler who will honor military power and worship a new god that his ancestors did not know, offering valuable items as gifts to this deity. The speaker is Daniel prophesying events.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your friend really liked toy cars and suddenly started collecting toy planes instead because he thought they were cooler. This ruler is like that but with gods; he likes a new god his family never cared about before and gives him lots of shiny things!

Historical Background

Daniel, an exiled Jewish prophet in Babylon, wrote this around the sixth century BC. He was recording visions predicting future rulers and their actions for his fellow Jews who were far from home.

Living It Out Today

In today's world, think about when someone you know suddenly changes what they believe is important or starts following a new trend without knowing its history, possibly influenced by popular culture or social media.

Topics

• worship
• prophecy
• change
• materialism
• idolatry
• faith

Related Verses

• Isaiah 46:5-7
• 1 Kings 18:20-29
• Matthew 24:15
• Revelation 13:14-15
• Ezekiel 28:1-6

Recommended Reading

Commentary Daniel Commentaries → Get This Bible Hebrew Bible Modern Study Bible →

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the 'ruler' mentioned in Daniel 11:38?

The ruler described here is a future king or leader who will honor military power and a new god, which scholars often interpret as representing various historical figures.

What does it mean to honor the 'God of forces'?

Honoring the God of forces refers to valuing and worshiping military strength. In this context, the ruler prioritizes power over traditional religious values or beliefs.

Why is there emphasis on gold, silver, and precious stones in Daniel 11:38?

The mention of valuable items highlights how the ruler lavishes offerings on a new god. This suggests that he dedicates significant resources to this worship, reflecting his deep commitment or perhaps his desire for validation from this deity.

How does Daniel 11:38 relate to modern society?

This verse can remind us of the tendency in today's world to adopt new beliefs or values without fully understanding their origins, often influenced by material success and media portrayal.