Danish propaganda played on the themes of religion, state interests, and opposition to Habsburg domination that were common in many lands, but the main theme in Denmark was a different one: divine-right monarchy. King Christian IV entered the German war in 1625 over the opposition of the Danish state council in order to protect his power base in northern Germany. After his defeat in 1626, Danish propaganda in the form of sermons and pamphlets by clergymen emphasized the unique role of the king as protector of a sinful nation, like the ancient kings of Israel or even Christ.