This entire chapter is a monologue from the angel who arrived after 21 days of Daniel’s sacrificial prayers (see ch10). He gives past/present/future prophecy that echoes and expands upon the prophecies from chapters 7 & 8.
” ‘And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all.’ ” (v36-37)
In great detail, the angel foretells events that are in Daniel’s future, some of which are now in our past. This chapter’s prophecy is so specific and accurate that many scholars believe it was written after the fact, though there are theological and historical problems with that theory. We can choose to believe our God knows the future and communicated it to Daniel.
Once more we are told of the antichrist, the one who ‘does as he wills’, ‘exalts himself above every god’, and ‘speaks astonishing things against the Most High God of heaven’. This con artist, controlled by the lord of lies Satan himself, will lead many astray who are not able to discern the Lord’s truth from this person’s fiction.
My takeaway is that our God is not bound by any restrictions such as the laws of space and time (He created those) and He is able to provide all of the wisdom and discernment we need to see through deception. If we truly seek the Lord and hide His truths in our hearts, we’re far less likely to be deceived by this world, and far better equipped to guide those who are led atray.
Father God, our Infinite Lord who knows no bounds, You are all-powerful and all-knowing. Thank you for providing wisdom, discernment and guidance through Your indwelling Spirit. Thank you for helping us learn Your truth in contrast to the world’s ‘truth’. Thank you for leading our neighbors through us. May our lives be reflections of You, and useful for the building of Jesus’ kingdom. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training