What does "attack the strongest fortresses" reveal about the king's character? Setting the Scene "With the help of a foreign god, he will attack the strongest fortresses and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him, making them rulers over many and distributing the land for a price." Snapshot of the Phrase • “Attack” – deliberate, aggressive action • “Strongest fortresses” – the most secure, well-defended places on earth • “With the help of a foreign god” – empowered by something other than the Lord What This Reveals About the King’s Character • Unchecked aggression – He is not content with minor victories; he goes straight for the hardest targets. • Arrogant self-confidence – Assaulting the “strongest fortresses” shows he believes no defense can withstand him (cf. Daniel 7:8, 20). • Blasphemous dependence on a false power – He leans on a “foreign god,” displaying open rebellion against the true God (2 Thessalonians 2:4). • Calculated intimidation – By striking the mightiest strongholds first, he sends a message: resist and you are next (Revelation 13:4). • Ruthless ambition – He will not stop until every perceived obstacle is crushed; his desire is global supremacy (Daniel 8:25). • Pragmatic opportunism – After conquering, he rewards supporters “for a price,” treating land and people as commodities (Daniel 11:39b). Supporting Scriptural Portrait • Daniel 8:24-25 — “He will cause astounding devastation… He will destroy many in their prosperity.” • 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 — “The man of lawlessness… exalts himself over everything that is called god.” • Revelation 13:7-8 — “He was given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.” Personal Takeaways for Believers • Expect bold, lawless leaders to arise; Scripture foretells it literally. • Earth’s greatest defenses—political, military, or technological—cannot stand without God’s protection (Psalm 127:1). • Ultimate victory belongs to Christ, not to any blasphemous ruler (Revelation 19:11-16). |
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