What characteristics of the king in Daniel 11:36 should we avoid emulating? Setting the Scene “Then the king will do as he pleases and will exalt and magnify himself above every god; he will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been decreed will be accomplished.” (Daniel 11:36) Traits We Must Refuse to Copy • Self-Will without Restraint – “The king will do as he pleases” – No submission to higher authority (contrast Proverbs 3:5-6). – A life driven by unchecked personal desire always collides with God’s purposes. • Inflated Pride and Self-Exaltation – “Exalt and magnify himself above every god” – Pride sits at the root of Satan’s fall (Isaiah 14:13-15) and God still “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). – Pride blinds us to our need for grace and fellowship. • Blasphemous, God-Defying Speech – “Say unheard-of things against the God of gods” – Words reveal the heart (Matthew 12:34). – Taking God’s name lightly breaks the third commandment (Exodus 20:7) and invites judgment (Jude 15). • Mistaking Temporary Success for Divine Approval – “He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed” – God sometimes allows the wicked to prosper for a season (Psalm 73:3-19). – Present ease can dull spiritual urgency; true success is measured by obedience, not outcomes (1 Corinthians 4:2). Healthy Alternatives to Cultivate • Yielded Obedience – Choose daily submission: “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). • Humble Dependence – “Humble yourselves under God’s mighty hand” (1 Peter 5:6). • Reverent Speech – Let every word honor Him (Colossians 4:6). • Eternal Perspective – Fix hopes on the unseen, enduring kingdom (2 Corinthians 4:18). Living the Lesson Reject the king’s self-willed arrogance, guard your tongue, and measure success by faithfulness. Walk humbly; honor God above all. |
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