👉 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge [and] increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 11:39. It’s a pretty complex passage, but I’ll try to explain it in a way that's easy to understand. Here's what it means, broken down into simpler parts: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about a time when someone who is powerful and influential (we’ll call them "He") will become incredibly strong and dominant. But this dominance won’t be just about power; it's going to be a greedy kind of power, focused on gaining wealth and land. Let's unpack the key phrases: “Thus shall he do in the most strong holds” : "Strong holds" refers to powerful places – kingdoms, nations, or even governments. It suggests someone who has a lot of authority and control. “With a strange god” : This is where it gets interesting. The person isn't worshipping a God they know and love. They are making a pact with another God – a deity that’s essentially a stranger to the one they already believe in. Think of it as a deal with an unknown or manipulative power. “He shall acknowledge [and] increase with glory” : This means this person will recognize and celebrate their power, making it seem impressive. They’ll want to be seen as important and powerful – perhaps through displays of wealth, influence, and military might. “And he shall cause them to rule over many” : This is the crucial part. This powerful person will use their strength to command a vast number of people and territories. They'll essentially become a ruler with immense authority. “And shall divide the land for gain” : This is the really unsettling part. The goal isn’t just to rule; it’s to take the land. The powerful person will exploit resources, cause conflict, and ultimately control what remains of the land – all for their own benefit. Overall Meaning & Warning: Essentially, this verse warns about a potential scenario where someone who has significant power is tempted to make a deal with an unknown or manipulative deity in order to amass immense wealth and power. It’s a warning against complacency and the dangers of seeking power without regard for God's will. It suggests that such a powerful person could be blinded by greed and ultimately lead to ruin. Important Note: This is a complex passage, often interpreted with a lot of symbolism. The exact meaning depends on how you interpret it within a larger context of biblical prophecy. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Compare it to another Bible passage? Discuss the potential symbolism behind "strange god" and "gain"?
