What is the meaning of Daniel 11:36? Then the king will do as he pleases “Then the king will do as he pleases…” (Daniel 11:36a) • Scripture consistently portrays the final world ruler as unrestrained—answering to no earthly authority (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4; Revelation 13:4–7). • His ruthless autonomy echoes earlier descriptions in Daniel 7:23–25, confirming a literal individual energized by evil, not merely a vague political system. • God allows this season of apparent freedom to expose human rebellion and to set the stage for ultimate judgment (Romans 1:24, 28). He will exalt and magnify himself above every god “…and will exalt and magnify himself above every god…” (Daniel 11:36b) • Pride and self-deification mark the Antichrist’s character (Isaiah 14:13–14). • 2 Thessalonians 2:4 echoes the same pattern: “He will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.” • Revelation 13:15 depicts global worship demanded under threat of death, demonstrating literal fulfillment of this boastful elevation. He will speak monstrous things against the God of gods “…and he will speak monstrous things against the God of gods.” (Daniel 11:36c) • “Monstrous things” are blasphemies—outrageous claims and insults leveled at the true God (Revelation 13:5–6). • Daniel 7:25 foretells the same mouth “speaking words against the Most High,” reinforcing continuity across the visions. • Psalm 2:1–3 shows nations raging and rulers plotting against the LORD; the Antichrist personifies that rebellion. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed “He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed…” (Daniel 11:36d) • His victories are temporary, lasting only the God-appointed span often called the Tribulation (Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21). • Revelation 13:5 notes a precise duration—“forty-two months”—for his authority, underscoring divine limits. • The phrase “time of wrath” aligns with passages describing God’s end-time judgments (Revelation 6:16–17; 1 Thessalonians 5:9). For what has been decreed must be accomplished “…for what has been decreed must be accomplished.” (Daniel 11:36e) • History unfolds under God’s sovereign decree (Isaiah 46:9–10; Daniel 4:17). • Even evil rulers unknowingly serve the larger redemptive plan, much like Pharaoh did (Exodus 9:16; Romans 9:17). • Acts 2:23 shows the same principle at the Cross: wicked actions fulfilling God’s predetermined purpose. summary Daniel 11:36 portrays a future king—commonly identified as the Antichrist—who will act without restraint, exalt himself above all deities, hurl blasphemies at the true God, and enjoy a season of apparent triumph. Yet his rise, reign, and fall are all bounded by God’s sovereign timetable. The verse reassures believers that even the darkest chapter of human history remains under the Lord’s ultimate control, and every decree of Scripture will come to pass exactly as written. |
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