And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
Chapter 11's detailed prophecy shifts to an eschatological figure: 'And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.' The 'king' who exalts himself 'above every god' describes both historical Antiochus IV Epiphanes and eschatological Antichrist. The phrase 'do according to his will' indicates tyrannical autonomy. Speaking 'marvellous things' (shocking blasphemies) against 'the God of gods' represents ultimate rebellion. Yet he prospers only 'till the indignation be accomplished'—divine judgment has predetermined limits.
Historical Context
Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164 BC) called himself 'Epiphanes' (god manifest), claimed divine status, desecrated Jerusalem's temple by sacrificing pigs and erecting Zeus's statue. His persecution provoked Maccabean revolt. Yet the prophecy's language exceeds Antiochus, suggesting dual fulfillment in future Antichrist (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:4; Revelation 13:5-6). Paul describes 'man of lawlessness' who exalts himself above all worship, paralleling this passage. The certainty that 'what is determined shall be done' shows even rebellion serves God's sovereign purposes.
Questions for Reflection
How does the temporary nature of the king's prospering ('till indignation be accomplished') provide hope during seasons when evil seems triumphant?
What does the certainty of predetermined limits teach about God's sovereignty over even the most blasphemous rebellion?
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Analysis & Commentary
Chapter 11's detailed prophecy shifts to an eschatological figure: 'And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.' The 'king' who exalts himself 'above every god' describes both historical Antiochus IV Epiphanes and eschatological Antichrist. The phrase 'do according to his will' indicates tyrannical autonomy. Speaking 'marvellous things' (shocking blasphemies) against 'the God of gods' represents ultimate rebellion. Yet he prospers only 'till the indignation be accomplished'—divine judgment has predetermined limits.