The Willful King and His Doom
Daniel 11:36-45
Dan.11.36 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- כרצונו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- המלך: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ויתרומם: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- ויתגדל: VERB,hitpael,impf,3,m,sg
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- אל: NEG
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- אל: NEG
- אלים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ידבר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- נפלאות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- והצליח: VERB,hiphil,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- כלה: ADV
- זעם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- נחרצה: VERB,niphal,perf,3,f,sg
- נעשתה: VERB,nip,perf,3,f,sg
Parallels
- Daniel 7:8 (structural): The little horn in Daniel 7 speaks arrogantly and blasphemously, a closely related portrait within Daniel of a boastful, self-exalting ruler.
- Daniel 8:25 (verbal): Describes a boastful, corrupting ruler who rises in pride and succeeds until his end—language and themes parallel the self-exaltation and temporary success of Dan.11:36.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (thematic): Paul’s depiction of the 'man of lawlessness' who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god echoes Dan.11:36’s portrait of a ruler speaking against the God of gods.
- Revelation 13:5-6 (verbal): The beast is given authority to act and utters blasphemous words against God—a New Testament echo of the blasphemous speech and empowered rule described in Dan.11:36.
- Isaiah 14:13-14 (thematic): The proud declarations 'I will ascend... I will exalt my throne' portray the same motif of sovereign self-exaltation found in Daniel’s description.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the king shall do according to his will; he shall be exalted and magnified above every god, and against the God of gods he shall speak astonishing things; he shall prosper until the fury is finished, for what is decreed shall be done.
- And the king shall do according to his will; he shall be exalted and magnified above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper until the time of wrath is accomplished; for what has been decreed shall be done.
Dan.11.37 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- אלהי: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- אבתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3s
- לא: PART_NEG
- יבין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- חמדת: NOUN,f,sg,cons
- נשים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ועל: CONJ+PREP
- כל: DET
- אלוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- יבין: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- כי: CONJ
- על: PREP
- כל: DET
- יתגדל: VERB,hitp,impf,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Dan.11.36 (structural): Immediate context — the same king ‘shall do according to his will’ and ‘exalt himself above every god,’ continuing the description of his arrogance and disregard for gods.
- Dan.8.25 (verbal): Describes a hostile ruler who ‘magnifies himself’/‘exalts himself’ in his heart and prospers by deceit — closely parallels the language and character of the arrogant ruler in 11:37.
- 2 Thess.2:4 (verbal): The ‘man of lawlessness’ who ‘opposes and exalts himself above every so‑called god or object of worship’ echoes Daniel’s portrayal of a ruler who regards no god and exalts himself above all.
- Isa.14:13-14 (thematic): Taunt against the proud ruler who plots to ‘ascend… and make himself like the Most High’ — a theme of rebellious self‑exaltation against God paralleling Daniel’s king.
- Rev.13:5-6 (thematic): The beast speaks blasphemies against God and acts in defiance of the divine — thematically parallels the Daniel figure who shows no regard for gods and exalts himself above them.
Alternative generated candidates
- He shall have no regard for the gods of his fathers, nor for the desire of women; he will not regard any god, for he shall exalt himself above all.
- He shall have no regard for the gods of his fathers, nor for the desire of women; he shall not regard any god, for he shall exalt himself above all.
Dan.11.38 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ולאלה: CONJ+PREP+DEM,pl,abs
- מעזים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- על: PREP
- כנו: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יכבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ולאלוה: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- לא: PART_NEG
- ידעהו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg,ob3,m,sg
- אבתיו: NOUN,m,pl,abs,3s
- יכבד: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- בזהב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובכסף: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובאבן: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יקרה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- ובחמדות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Daniel 11:37 (verbal): Immediate parallel and context: contrasts honoring the 'God of his fathers' with honoring a 'god of fortresses'—same subject and vocabulary continued from v.37 into v.38.
- Daniel 11:39 (structural): Continues the same episode—v.39 develops the king's actions regarding fortresses and foreign gods, linking the honoring of a fortress‑god in v.38 with his subsequent military/political moves.
- Exodus 32:4–5 (thematic): Aaron fashions and the people worship a golden idol; parallels the theme of idolatrous devotion expressed by giving gold/wealth to a false god.
- Revelation 17:4 (verbal): The woman is adorned with gold and precious stones—language of gold, precious stones and costly display echoes Daniel's list of gold, silver, precious stones and desirable things used to honor a foreign deity.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 (allusion): The 'man of lawlessness' exalts himself against every so‑called god and embodies defiant, idolatrous authority—the thematic resonance echoes Daniel's portrait of a ruler honoring a foreign/fortress‑god instead of ancestral God.
Alternative generated candidates
- Instead he will honor a god of fortresses; with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts he will honor that god— a god his fathers did not know.
- Instead he shall honor a god of fortresses—a god his fathers did not know—with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts.
Dan.11.39 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ועשה: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- למבצרי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,const
- מעזים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- עם: PREP
- אלוה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נכר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אשר: PRON,rel
- יכיר: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ירבה: VERB,qal,impf,3,ms
- כבוד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- והמשילם: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg
- ברבים: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ואדמה: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- יחלק: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- במחיר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Daniel 11:36-39 (structural): Immediate literary context: same speech about the king who exalts himself, honors a foreign god, grants authority to supporters, and apportions lands — continuation and development of the same episode.
- Daniel 8:23-25 (thematic): A parallel portrait of a blasphemous, cunning ruler who prospers briefly, causes great destruction, and uses deceit and boldness to prevail — similar characterization of the arrogant king in Daniel 11:39.
- Revelation 13:4-8 (thematic): The beast receives homage and is given authority over peoples and nations; people worship its power — echoes the theme of a ruler honored by followers and exercising dominion over nations.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 (allusion): The 'man of lawlessness' who exalts himself and claims divine authority parallels Daniel’s king who honors a foreign god and is arrogantly exalted above others.
- Isaiah 10:5-7 (thematic): The Assyrian ruler as God’s instrument who boasts and takes spoil, dividing up nations and land, resonates with Daniel’s image of a ruler apportioning territory and granting rewards to followers.
Alternative generated candidates
- He shall deal with the strongholds by means of that foreign god whom he acknowledges; he will give it glory, and will make them rule over many, and he will apportion the land for a price.
- He shall deal with the fortified places of the province as one who acknowledges a foreign god; he will increase his glory, set them over many, and shall apportion the land for a price.
Dan.11.40 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובעת: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- קץ: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יתנגח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עמו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הנגב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- וישתער: CONJ+VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- עליו: PREP,3,m,sg
- מלך: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- הצפון: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ברכב: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובפרשים: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ובאניות: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- רבות: ADJ,f,pl,abs
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בארצות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ושטף: VERB,qal,impf,3,sg
- ועבר: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Daniel 11:25 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same chapter describing the military engagement between the kings of the north and south, including stirring up forces, chariots/horsemen and close combat.
- Daniel 8:23-25 (thematic): Portrays a final, ruthless king ('a king of fierce countenance') who rises in the latter time, uses military/political power, and persecutes the holy people—echoing the eschatological invasion motif in 11:40.
- Daniel 7:23-25 (allusion): The 'little horn' power that persecutes the saints and wages war in the latter days parallels the hostile northern ruler and the theme of end-time conflict in 11:40.
- Ezekiel 38:8-9 (thematic): Eschatological invasion from the north in the 'latter years' with massed forces and armor mirrors Daniel's depiction of a northern king coming at the time of the end.
- Revelation 16:12-16 (structural): Eschatological gathering of armed forces for a final, large-scale confrontation (Armageddon) corresponds structurally to Daniel's motif of a climactic end‑time military campaign.
Alternative generated candidates
- But at the time of the end the king of the South shall press against him, and the king of the North shall rush upon him with chariots and horsemen and with many ships; he shall enter the countries, overflow them and pass through.
- And at the time of the end the king of the South shall clash with him, and the king of the North shall storm against him with chariots and horsemen and with many ships; he shall enter the lands, overflow them, and pass through.
Dan.11.41 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- בארץ: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,def
- הצבי: NOUN,m,sg,def
- ורבות: CONJ+ADJ,f,pl
- יכשלו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- ואלה: CONJ+DEM,pl,abs
- ימלטו: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,pl
- מידו: PREP+PRON,3,m,sg
- אדום: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ומואב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וראשית: CONJ+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- עמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Daniel 11:40 (structural): Same narrative unit—introduces the end‑time campaign of the king whose advance into the ‘glorious land’ is continued in 11:41, providing immediate context for the verse.
- Daniel 11:45 (structural): Closely linked conclusion to the same episode—describes the king’s final position ‘between the seas and the glorious holy mountain,’ paralleling 11:41’s geographic focus on the ‘glorious land.’
- Obadiah 1 (thematic): Prophecy against Edom; treats Edom’s fate in the region surrounding Israel, offering a thematic parallel/contrast to Daniel’s statement that Edom escapes the invader’s hand.
- Jeremiah 48 (thematic): Oracle against Moab—addresses Moab’s judgment and fate, thematically related to Daniel’s mention of Moab as one who will ‘escape’ this conqueror.
- Jeremiah 49:1 (thematic): Oracle concerning the sons of Ammon; parallels Daniel’s reference to the ‘chief of the children of Ammon,’ providing another prophetic tradition about Ammon’s fate in relation to Israel and regional rulers.
Alternative generated candidates
- He shall come into the glorious land. Many shall fall, but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the foremost of the children of Ammon.
- He shall come into the glorious land, and many shall fall; yet these shall escape from his hand—Edom, Moab, and the foremost of the sons of Ammon.
Dan.11.42 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישלח: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- ידו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,m,sg
- בארצות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- וארץ: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- לא: PART_NEG
- תהיה: VERB,qal,imperfect,3,f,sg
- לפליטה: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
Parallels
- Dan.11.40 (structural): Immediate context in the same sequence of end-time conflicts; v.40 introduces the final confrontation that leads to the ruler stretching out his hand over the lands (context for v.42).
- Dan.11.43 (verbal): Direct continuation in Daniel 11 naming Egypt explicitly (treasures and precious things) and describing the ruler's control over Egypt—closely parallels v.42's statement that Egypt will not escape.
- Isa.19:1-4 (thematic): Prophecy of the Lord against Egypt declaring distress, subjugation and handing over to foreign powers—theme of Egypt's defeat and loss of autonomy echoes Dan.11:42.
- Ezek.29:6-7 (thematic): Oracle predicting that Egypt will become desolate and fall into the hands of foreigners so that they know Yahweh—parallels Daniel's theme of foreign domination of Egypt.
- Jer.46:8-10 (thematic): Prophetic depiction of Pharaoh's defeat and the rout of Egypt in battle; like Dan.11:42 it portrays Egypt as overtaken and unable to escape destruction by invading forces.
Alternative generated candidates
- He shall stretch out his hand against the lands, and the land of Egypt shall not escape.
- He shall stretch out his hand over the countries; the land of Egypt shall not be spared.
Dan.11.43 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ומשל: CONJ+PREP+VERB,qal,inf
- במכמני: NOUN,m,pl,const
- הזהב: NOUN,m,sg,def
- והכסף: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,def
- ובכל: CONJ+PREP
- חמדות: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- מצרים: NOUN,f,pl,abs
- ולבים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- וכשים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- במצעדיו: NOUN,m,pl,const
Parallels
- Ezekiel 29:19 (verbal): God hands Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar, who ‘will carry off its wealth’ — closely parallels Daniel’s language of possessing the treasures of Egypt.
- Ezekiel 30:13 (verbal): Declares that Babylon will carry away the wealth of Egypt and make it a spoil — thematically and verbally echoes Daniel’s image of dominion over Egyptian treasures.
- Isaiah 45:14 (verbal): Speaks of ‘the wealth of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush’ coming to the ruler and nations (including Cush) being subdued — parallels the coupling of Egyptian riches with Cush/Kush submission in Daniel.
- Psalm 68:31 (thematic): ‘Envoys will come out of Egypt; Cush will submit’ — echoes the motif of Egypt and Ethiopia/Cush (Kush) appearing under the authority of a foreign ruler as in Daniel 11:43.
Alternative generated candidates
- He shall have dominion over the treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; Libyans and Cushites shall be in his train.
- He shall rule over the treasures of gold and silver and over all the desirable things of Egypt; Libya and Cush shall follow in his train.
Dan.11.44 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ושמעות: CONJ+NOUN,f,pl,abs
- יבהלהו: VERB,hiph,impf,3,m,sg,+3,m,sg(obj)
- ממזרח: PREP
- ומצפון: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויצא: VERB,qal,wayyiqtol,3,m,sg
- בחמא: PREP+NOUN,f,sg,abs
- גדלה: VERB,qal,perf,3,f,sg
- להשמיד: VERB,hiph,inf
- ולהחרים: CONJ+PREP+VERB,hiph,inf
- רבים: ADJ,m,pl,abs
Parallels
- Dan.11.45 (structural): Immediate continuation of the same hostile king; completes the narrative of his final movements and objective after being alarmed by news from east and north.
- Dan.8.24-25 (verbal): Similar vocabulary and theme — a powerful, furious ruler who destroys many (8:24) and 'by peace shall destroy many' (8:25), echoing the destructive intent of 11:44.
- Dan.7.21-25 (thematic): The little horn/king that persecutes the saints and speaks boastfully until divine judgment — parallels the violent, destructive reign described in 11:44.
- Jer.1.14 (verbal): Uses the motif of calamity coming 'out of the north' (or from foreign quarters) as the source of disaster for the land, echoing the 'news from the north' that alarms the king in 11:44.
- Rev.13.7 (allusion): The beast is permitted to make war on the saints and to conquer them, reflecting the apocalyptic picture of a tyrant given scope to destroy many, and likely drawing on Danielic imagery.
Alternative generated candidates
- Tidings from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall rush out with great fury to destroy and to consign many to ruin.
- But tidings from the east and from the north shall alarm him, and he shall rush forth with great fury to destroy and devote many to ruin.
Dan.11.45 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויטע: VERB,qal,impf,3,m,sg
- אהלי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אפדנו: NOUN,m,sg,cons
- בין: PREP
- ימים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- להר: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- צבי: NOUN,m,sg,cs
- קדש: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- ובא: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- עד: PREP
- קצו: NOUN,m,sg,abs+prsuff:3s
- ואין: CONJ+PART,exist
- עוזר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לו: PRON,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Dan.8.25 (verbal): Both passages describe the arrogant ruler's imminent overthrow and emphasize his downfall coming without human rescue—language of being broken/coming to an end.
- Dan.7.11 (thematic): Visionary report of a beast/king being slain and destroyed parallels Daniel 11:45’s depiction of the ruler’s ultimate collapse.
- Dan.7.26 (thematic): Speaks of judgment removing the horn’s dominion to its end; parallels the final termination of the oppressor in Dan 11:45.
- Dan.2.44-45 (structural): God's establishment of an everlasting kingdom and the overthrow of earthly rulers corresponds structurally to the predicted end of the proud king in Dan 11:45.
- Rev.19:20 (allusion): Eschatological NT parallel where the beast is captured and judged; echoes Daniel’s motif of the tyrant’s final, decisive end with no helper.
Alternative generated candidates
- He shall set up his royal tents between the seas and the holy mountain of the glorious sanctuary; and he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.
- He shall set up the tents of his palace between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain, and he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.
The king shall act according to his own will; he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, and against the God of gods he shall speak astonishing things. He shall prosper until the wrath is accomplished; for what is decreed will be done.
He will not regard the gods of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he will exalt himself above all.
Instead he will honor a god of fortresses; a god his fathers did not know he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly things.
He will give aid to the strongholds with a foreign god whom he will acknowledge. He will increase their prestige, set them over many, and will divide the land for a price.
At the time of the end the king of the South shall clash with him, and the king of the North shall storm against him with chariots, with horsemen, and with many ships; he shall enter the lands, overflow them and pass through.
He shall enter the glorious land, and many will fall; yet these shall escape from his hand—Edom, Moab, and the foremost of the children of Ammon.
He will stretch out his hand against the lands; the land of Egypt will not escape.
He shall rule over the treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; Libyans and Cushites shall be in his train.
Reports from the east and from the north will alarm him; he will march out in great fury to destroy and to carry off many.
He will set up his royal tents between the seas and make his headquarters at the mountain of the holy sanctuary; he shall come to his end, and none will help him.