Bible Studies
What is meant by “…the desire of women…” in Daniel 11:37? Well, that is certainly a question that I used to have when confronted in my studies by what I believed to be End-Time events or prophecies put forth in the Bible. To wit, many have asked me for my opinion on that particular verse and I always provided that opinion with the caveat that I am not a theologian. Like most in laity, I pray that God will give me the necessary understanding when He feels that I am ready or in need of it. With that in mind, I will use this brief article to voice that which I have gained from prayer and study into the written Word of God. However, I will first place the entire verse into context--for that we need to view Daniel 11:36-39.
Daniel 11:36-39 (KJV)
36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
37 Neither shall he regard the god of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
38 But in his estate shall he honor the god of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
39 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.
It should be evident from the context above that the phrase “desire of women” is referring to either a god or someone or some thing worshipped or acknowledged as a god. To imply that the lack of regard for the “desire of women” meant homosexuality or had some other sexual connotation does not work within the context of Daniel 11:37. We all remember having taken a test wherein we were asked, “Which of the following does not belong?“ Well, does “sexual desire” belong between two items talking about a “god” or “any god”? To illustrate, consider the following two contemporary statements…
1) I don’t like the Ford Ranger, the Ford LTD, or any pick-up truck.
2) I don’t like the Ford Ranger, the Ford LTD, or any Ford.
Clearly, only one of the above statements makes any sense with its grouping. Therefore, it is my contention that the phrase “desire of women” was speaking about the Messiah, Yeshua. It is important to reiterate that Daniel is here speaking of End-Time events. With that in mind, we need to maintain an eschatological view. Let’s look to Genesis to see what God says to Eve during the Fall.
Genesis 3:16 (KJV)
16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee.
The above verse is in context of the Fall. The Serpent (Satan) had deceived the woman into disobeying God’s command to not eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Eve then gave the fruit to Adam and he ate of it. God is now speaking to Eve. Eve’s desire is to be toward her husband and he is to rule over her. The first husband was Adam. Who will be the last husband? Let’s look at I Corinthians 15:45, 47.
I Corinthians 15:45,47 (KJV)
45 And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.
Paul has beautifully informed us that Yeshua is the last Adam. We know that He is the Word made flesh and that he tabernacled among men for a period of time. We further know that He will come again to rule all nations with an “iron rod” and that He is the “Desire of All Nations”. The Bridegroom will marry His Church! Hence, the “desire of women” has been (since Eve) and will continue to be toward Messiah!
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