Daniel 11:38

Daniel 11:38 says, But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.  Daniel said this king would honor the god of forces and a god he created, since his fathers did not know this god.  Unlike most rulers before him, he did not allow the worship of any god except the one he created.  There are countries today who worship false gods and deny people the right to worship any other.  Verse thirty-nine adds, 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.  He would be prosperous in his following of this god he created.  Verse forty continues, And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.  Matthew Henry says this was most likely a fourth battle with Egypt, when Antiochus basically just plundered their riches.  I believe it is safe to say that he was feeling indestructible.  When rulers begin to feel this way, especially those that do not acknowledge God, then they feel that they have the right to do whatever they please to do.  Verse forty-one states, He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.  He will enter that glorious land, Israel, and will overthrow many countries, but some will escape.  By claiming Israel, he will really think himself all powerful.  Verse forty-two adds, He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.  Verse forty-three continues, But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.  Once more, it seems that he is unstoppable.  He has gained not only territory, but also great resources.  Resources still lead to wars today.  The concern may not be as much for occupying the land as it is for claiming a right to the resources.  Verse forty-four says, But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.  He will receive word about some rising against him and will be troubled by this.  Verse forty-five adds, And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.  Matthew Henry states that during this time that Antiochus will really begin to punish the Jews, but when he begins to fall no one will come to his aid and his reign will end.  This should be a prophecy of hope for God's people.  Even though things would be bad for them for many years, God would still be with them.  Today, no matter how bad things may get in the world, God is still the ultimate victor, as are those who put their faith in Christ.  This should always bring us hope and comfort.