דניאל, פרק י״א, פסוק ל״ח

A cunning ruler often views religion not as a matter of faith, but as a tool for political power. By manipulating beliefs and adopting foreign worship, a king can expand his influence and solidify his authority over new territories.

The ruler directs his devotion toward a specific deity of strength and defense. Some view this as a literal idol placed within heavily fortified cities [מצודת דוד], while others understand it as the god of foreign nations with whom the king forms strategic alliances [רש"י]. Alternatively, the king uses this worship to claim that his own military might and power are drawn directly from this deity [מלבי"ם, יוסף אבן יחיא]. He pays great respect to this idol, glorifying its physical resting place and honoring it upon its pedestal [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ, מצודת דוד]. However, a deep political motive hides behind this public display of reverence. While securely seated on his own throne, the king flatters foreign worshipers to deceive them, ultimately planning to conquer and bring them under his rule [רש"י, מצודת דוד]. Taking a different approach, some explain that the ruler actually positions himself in the place of God, presenting himself to the world as His exclusive earthly representative [מלבי"ם].

In his pursuit of power, the king embraces a completely new religion, worshiping a god entirely unknown to his ancestors and foreign to his own people [מלבי"ם]. Some specifically identify this new object of worship as the Christian figure of Jesus [יוסף אבן יחיא]. To legitimize and elevate this new faith, the king lavishes its institutions with extreme wealth. He glorifies its houses of worship by donating vast amounts of gold, silver, precious stones, and beautiful treasures, ensuring the new religion appears majestic and appealing [מצודת דוד, יוסף אבן יחיא, ביאור שטיינזלץ].