Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Daniel 11:38. It’s a pretty complex passage, but we can simplify it into understandable parts. Here's the gist: This verse is talking about how someone who holds power – like a king or leader – will treat God in a really unusual way when they get to the end of their reign. It suggests a significant shift in their relationship with the divine. Let’s look at it piece by piece: “But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces…” - This means "in his final days, or when he's in charge and has significant power," he will show respect to a powerful deity – likely a god associated with strength, war, or chaos. "Forces" is a broad term that could refer to many gods or supernatural beings. "...and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things." - This is the key part. It’s saying that if this person doesn't truly believe in or respect the God they once knew, they will treat these luxurious gifts – gold, silver, jewels, beautiful clothing – as a sign of reverence. It’s implying that they might become arrogant and prioritize material wealth over genuine spiritual connection. So, what does it mean practically? The verse warns us to be cautious about the kind of power we hold. It suggests that leaders could potentially lose sight of their true faith if they become too focused on earthly possessions and honors. It’s a call for humility and remembering the true source of authority – God. In short, it's saying that a powerful leader who doesn’t genuinely respect or believe in the divine might try to treat wealth and power as symbols of worship, which can be a dangerous thing. --- Do you want me to: Explain any specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible (like faith, leadership, or temptation)? Provide examples of how this principle might apply today?