Daniel 11:37
“He won’t regard the gods of his fathers, or the desire of women, or regard any god; for he will magnify himself above all.”
What does Daniel 11:37 mean?
This passage describes a future ruler who will reject every form of worship and tradition, even those his own people held sacred. The phrase "desire of women" likely refers to the Messiah figure that Jewish tradition anticipated, suggesting this ruler will reject messianic hopes alongside all other religious devotion. What ties these refusals together is pure self-exaltation: this person's ultimate "god" is himself, and he will tolerate no competing loyalties or authorities. The verse speaks to the danger of unchecked ambition and pride that cuts a person off from anything beyond themselves. For those going through difficult seasons, it can serve as a reminder that turning inward and rejecting all transcendent hope is ultimately a dead end, while remaining open to faith, community, and something larger than ourselves offers real sustenance.