Daniel
11:20 THEN IN HIS PLACE ONE WILL ARISE WHO WILL SEND AN OPPRESSOR THROUGH THE
JEWEL OF HIS KINGDOM; YET WITHIN A FEW DAYS HE WILL BE SHATTERED, THOUGH NOT
IN ANGER NOR IN BATTLE. (place, Da 11:7,21) (Dt 15:2,3 2Ki
23:35)
Time: 187-175BC
In his place one will arise -
Seleucus IV Philopator (187-175BC)
Will send an oppressor through the
jewel of his kingdom - A tax collector.
Oppressor (05065) (nagas)
is a verb which means to force someone to do something, as in this context
where it refers to forcing someone to pay money (cf 2Ki 23:35).
Walvoord explains the reason
for the taxation...
Because of the rising power of Rome, he (Seleucus IV Philopator)
was forced to pay tribute to the Romans of a thousand talents annually. In
order to raise this large amount of money, Seleucus had to tax all the lands
under his domain, including special taxes from the Jews secured by a tax
collector named
Heliodorus (2Macc 3:7) who took
treasures from the temple at Jerusalem (Ed: But read the record from Second
Maccabees).
Second Maccabees records a quite
incredible story regarding Heliodorus attempts to take funds from the Jewish
Temple...
While they (Jews distraught that
Heliodorus was attempting to take funds from God's House) were imploring the
almighty Lord to keep the deposits safe and secure for those who had placed
them in trust, Heliodorus went on with his plan. But just as he was
approaching the treasury with his bodyguards, the Lord of spirits who holds
all power manifested himself in so striking a way that those who had been
bold enough to follow Heliodorus were panic-stricken at God’s power and
fainted away in terror. There appeared to them a richly caparisoned
horse, mounted by a dreadful rider. (Click picture below to enlarge)
Charging furiously, the horse attacked Heliodorus with its front hoofs. The
rider was seen to be wearing golden armor. Then two other young men,
remarkably strong, strikingly beautiful, and splendidly attired, appeared
before him. Standing on each side of him, they flogged him unceasingly until
they had given him innumerable blows. Suddenly he fell to the ground,
enveloped in great darkness. Men picked him up and laid him on a stretcher.
The man who a moment before had entered that treasury with a great retinue
and his whole bodyguard was carried away helpless, having clearly
experienced the sovereign power of God. While he lay speechless and
deprived of all hope of aid, due to an act of God’s power, the Jews praised
the Lord who had marvelously glorified his holy Place; and the temple,
charged so shortly before with fear and commotion, was filled with joy and
gladness, now that the almighty Lord had manifested himself. Soon some of
the companions of Heliodorus begged Onias to invoke the Most High, praying
that the life of the man who was about to expire might be spared. Fearing
that the king might think that Heliodorus had suffered some foul play at the
hands of the Jews, the high priest offered a sacrifice for the man’s
recovery. While the high priest was offering the sacrifice of atonement,
the same young men in the same clothing again appeared and stood before
Heliodorus. “Be very grateful to the high priest Onias,” they told him. “It
is for his sake that the Lord has spared your life. Since you have been
scourged by Heaven, proclaim to all men the majesty of God’s power.” When
they had said this, they disappeared. After Heliodorus had offered a
sacrifice to the Lord and made most solemn vows to him who had spared his
life, he bade Onias farewell, and returned with his soldiers to the king.
(2Macc 3:22-35) (Ed note:
To be fair, the reader should be aware that there are no other records of
these truly incredible events to definitively substantiate their
authenticity).
Heliodorus Expelled
from the Holy Temple
Wikipedia...
Seleucus IV Philopator
was compelled by financial
necessities, created in part by the heavy war-indemnity exacted by Rome
(The
Treaty of Apamea in 188BC stipulated that thousand talents were to be
paid annually to the Roman government), to
pursue an ambitious policy. In an effort to collect money to pay the Romans,
he sent his minister
Heliodorus to Jerusalem to seize (plunder) the temple
treasury. On his return, Heliodorus assassinated Seleucus, and seized the
throne for himself.
The true heir
Demetrius, son of Seleucus, was now being
retained in Rome as a hostage, and the kingdom was seized by the younger
brother of Seleucus,
Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164BC).
Antiochus managed to oust Heliodorus and an infant son of Seleucus, also
named Antiochus, was formal head of state for a few years until Epiphanes
had him murdered.
Yet within a few days will be
shattered, though not in anger nor in battle - Some scholars
speculate that
Heliodorus
poisoned
Seleucus IV Philopator
in order to gain the throne.
Daniel
11:21 IN HIS PLACE A DESPICABLE PERSON WILL ARISE, ON WHOM THE HONOR OF KINGSHIP
HAS NOT BEEN CONFERRED, BUT HE WILL COME IN A TIME OF TRANQUILITY AND SEIZE
THE KINGDOM BY INTRIGUE. (Place Da 11:7,20) (Will
arise: Da 8:9,23,25) (Despicable person: 1Sa 3:13 Ps 12:8 15:4 Isa 32:5 Na 1:14)
(By intrigue: Da 11:32, 34 Jdg 9:1-20 2Sa 15:2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Ps 55:21)
Time: 175BC
A
DESPICABLE PERSON
ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES
(175-164BC)
Daniel 11:21ff parallels the prophecy
of Daniel 8...
Out of one of them (Northern Kingdom -
Syria - Seleucids) came forth a rather small horn (Antiochus IV Epiphanes) which grew
exceedingly great toward the south (Egypt was south), toward the east, and toward the
Beautiful Land (Da 11:16, Da 11:41). It grew up to the host
(In context appears to refer to Jews - later they are said to commit
transgression and would hardly be given over to a human being if they were
angelic hosts!) of heaven and
caused some of the host and some of the stars to fall to the earth, and it
trampled them down. It (Rather Small Horn) even magnified itself to be equal with the
Commander of the host; and it removed the regular sacrifice from Him,
and the place of His sanctuary was thrown down. And on account of
transgression the host will be given over to the horn along with the regular
sacrifice; and it will fling truth to the ground (Antiochus
forbade reading of the Word of Truth, God's Word) and perform its will and
prosper. Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to
that particular one who was speaking, “How long will the vision about the
regular sacrifice apply, while the transgression causes horror, so as to
allow both the holy place (Desecration of the Holy Temple) and the host
(Destruction of the Holy People, the Jews who were not overtly
transgressing) to be trampled?” He said to
me, “For 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the holy place will be
properly restored.” (Da 8:9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14-notes)
The shaggy goat represents the
kingdom of Greece, and the large horn that is between his eyes is the
first king (Alexander the Great - Da 11:. The broken horn and the four
horns that arose in its place represent four kingdoms which will arise from
his nation, although not with his power. In the latter period of their
rule, When the transgressors have run their course, a king will arise,
Insolent and skilled in intrigue. His power will be mighty, but not by
his own power, and he will destroy to an extraordinary degree and prosper
and perform his will; He will destroy mighty men and the holy people (Jews).
And through his shrewdness He will cause deceit to succeed by his influence.
And he will magnify himself in his heart, and he will destroy many
(especially Jews) while they are at ease. He will even oppose the Prince of
princes, but he will be broken without human agency. The vision of the
evenings and mornings which has been told is true; But keep the vision
secret, for it pertains to many days in the future (How so? Antiochus
Epiphanes serves as a "type" or a foreshadowing of the future world ruler,
the Antichrist). (Da 8:21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26-notes)
In his place -
Seleucus IV Philopator (187-175BC)
A despicable person -
Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164BC) What a
contrast is God's view (despicable) versus his narcissistic view (Epiphanes
= shine upon ~ glorious one).
Despicable (0959) (bazah)
means to show contempt for someone or something, to view with disdain or to
despise. Antiochus was indeed despised by the Jews.
Bazah - 44x in 42v - Ge 25:34;
Nu 15:31; 1Sa 2:30; 10:27; 15:9; 17:42; 2Sa 6:16; 12:9f; 2Kgs 19:21; 1Chr
15:29; 2Chr 36:16; Neh 2:19; Est1:17; 3:6; Ps 15:4; 22:6, 24; 51:17; 69:33;
73:20; 102:17; 119:141; Pr 14:2; 15:20; 19:16; Ec 9:16; Isa 37:22; 53:3; Jer
22:28; 49:15; Ezek 16:59; 17:16, 18f; 22:8; Da 11:21; Obad 1:2; Mal 1:6, 7,
12; 2:9. NAS = careless(1), contempt(1), despicable(1), despise(5),
despised(32), despises(2), disdained(1), disdained*(1).
He will come in a time of
tranquility - Either the people or the leaders felt secure and were at
ease, suggesting Antiochus came when there was a sense of false security. In Daniel 8 we read that Antiochus
Epiphanes "will destroy many while they are at ease (salwah)." (Da
8:25-note)
(NLT - "defeating many by catching them off guard")
Tranquility (07962) (salwah)
means security, prosperity, lack of anxiety or concern. Salwah occurs 8x in
8v - Ps 122:7; Pr 1:32; 17:1; Jer 22:21; Ezek 16:49; Da 8:25; 11:21, 24. NAS
= complacency(1), ease(2), prosperity(2), quietness(1), time of
tranquility(2).
Wikipedia...
He assumed divine epithets, which no
other
Hellenistic king had done, such as Theos
Epiphanes ("God Manifest") and after his defeat of Egypt,
Nikephoros ("Bearer of Victory"). But his often eccentric behavior,
capricious actions and even insanity led some of his contemporaries to call
him Epimanes ("The Mad One"), a word play off of his title Epiphanes.
(Reference)
Honor of kingship - Antiochus
was not the rightful heir to the throne.
Seize the kingdom by intrigue -
Antiochus was a master of "political intrigue."
As the son and a potential successor of
King
Antiochus III, Antiochus became a political hostage of the
Roman Republic following the
Peace of Apamea in 188 BC. When his older brother,
Seleucus IV Philopator (187-175BC)
followed his father onto the throne in 187BC, Antiochus was exchanged for
his nephew
Demetrius I Soter (the son and rightful heir of Seleucus). After King Seleucus
was assassinated by
Heliodorus, a usurper, in 175BC, Antiochus in turn ousted him. Since Seleucus' true
heir,
Demetrius I Soter, was still a hostage in
Rome, Antiochus, with the help of King
Eumenes II of Pergamum, seized the throne for himself, proclaiming
himself co-regent for another son of Seleucus, an infant named Antiochus
(whom he then murdered a few years later). (Reference)
Matthew Henry comments that
Antiochus Epiphanes...
was a cruel and
violent persecutor of the Jews. See what decaying, perishing things worldly
pomp and possessions are, and the power by which they are gotten. God, in
His providence, sets up one, and pulls down another, as He pleases. This
world is full of wars and fightings, which come from men's lusts. All
changes and revolutions of states and kingdoms, and every event, are plainly
and perfectly foreseen by God. No word of God shall fall to the ground; but
what He has designed, what He has declared, shall infallibly come to pass.
While the potsherds of the earth strive with each other, they prevail and
are prevailed against, deceive and are deceived; but those who know God will
trust in Him, and he will enable them to stand their ground, bear their
cross, and maintain their conflict.
Daniel
11:22 THE OVERFLOWING FORCES WILL BE FLOODED AWAY BEFORE HIM AND SHATTERED, AND
ALSO THE PRINCE OF THE COVENANT. (with: Da 11:10 9:26 Isa 8:7,8
Am 8:8 9:5 Na 1:8 Rev 12:15,16) (also: Da 8:10,11,25)
NIV- Then an overwhelming army
will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be
destroyed.
The overflowing forces will be
flooded away before him - Describes the military victories of
Antiochus IV Epiphanes over his enemies.
Prince of the covenant - The
identity of this individual is debated. Some commentaries favor this
as reference to the "shattering" (murder) of the high priest
Onias III who Antiochus Epiphanes
ordered in 172BC. Others feel this represents
Ptolemy VI Philometor who was defeated by
Antiochus' forces.
Walvoord notes that...
The high priest bore the title “prince of
the covenant” because he was de facto the head of the theocracy at that
time. In Da 11:28 and Da 11:32 the “covenant” is used for the Jewish
state.
Daniel
11:23 AFTER AN ALLIANCE IS
MADE WITH HIM HE WILL PRACTICE DECEPTION, AND HE WILL GO UP AND GAIN POWER
WITH A SMALL FORCE OF PEOPLE. (work: Da 8:25 Ge 34:13 Ps 52:2 Pr
11:18 Eze 17:13-19 Ro 1:29 2Co 11:3 2Th 2:9)
Gain power with a small force of
people - Antiochus the despicable deceiver allayed suspicion when he
came against Egypt with a small force but was able to gain power
over Egypt as far as Memphis.
Wikipedia...
When the guardians of King
Ptolemy VI Philometor of Egypt demanded the return of
Coele-Syria in 170 BC, Antiochus launched a
preemptive strike against Egypt, conquering all but
Alexandria and capturing King Ptolemy. To
avoid alarming
Rome, Antiochus allowed Ptolemy VI to
continue ruling as a Puppet-king. Upon Antiochus' withdrawal, the city of
Alexandria chose a new King, one of Ptolemy's brothers, also named
Ptolemy (VIII Euergetes). Instead of
fighting a civil war, the Ptolemy brothers agreed to rule Egypt jointly.
Daniel
11:24 IN A TIME OF TRANQUILITY HE WILL ENTER THE RICHEST PARTS OF THE REALM, AND
HE WILL ACCOMPLISH WHAT HIS FATHERS NEVER DID, NOR HIS ANCESTORS; HE WILL
DISTRIBUTE PLUNDER, BOOTY AND POSSESSIONS AMONG THEM, AND HE WILL DEVISE HIS
SCHEMES AGAINST STRONGHOLDS, BUT ONLY FOR A TIME. (Jdg 9:4 Pr 17:8 19:6)
(Devise his schemes: Da 7:25 Pr 23:7 Eze 38:10 Mt
9:4)
NLT - Without warning he will
enter the richest areas of the land and do something that none of his
predecessors ever did--distribute among his followers the plunder and wealth
of the rich. He will plot the overthrow of strongholds, but this will last
for only a short while.
In a time of tranquility - When
they felt they were secure.
He will distribute plunder, booty,
possessions among them - He used the treasures he gained from his
victories to bribe and influence others to cooperate with him (cf 1Macc
3:30).
Only for a time - This phrase
reminds us that God is sovereign even over the events of evil men. God set
the limits allotted to Antiochus Epiphanes.
Daniel
11:25 HE WILL STIR UP HIS STRENGTH AND COURAGE AGAINST THE
KING OF THE SOUTH
WITH A LARGE ARMY; SO THE KING OF
THE SOUTH WILL MOBILIZE AN
EXTREMELY LARGE AND MIGHTY ARMY FOR WAR; BUT HE WILL NOT STAND, FOR SCHEMES
WILL BE DEVISED AGAINST HIM. (stir up: Da 11:2,10 Pr 15:18 28:25)
Constable notes that...
After Antiochus had grown strong enough,
he marched his army against Ptolemy VI in 170 B.C. He was able to get all
the way to the Nile Delta before the Egyptians discovered that he was
approaching. He exercised much influence over Egypt usually pretending to be
an ally and then using this enemy for his own advantage. Notice how the
text highlights Antiochus’ deceptiveness. We can see how he was a forerunner
of the future
Antichrist. (Bolding added)
Schemes will be devised against him
- There was treason against the King of the South. The idea is that a carefully
calculated plan would be orchestrated against the King of the South. The
text does not say but the same Hebrew word is used in Da 11:24 where it says
Antiochus Epiphanes devises schemes against strongholds.
As described in more detail below, Antiochus defeated the army of Ptolemy
Philometor, and in the next campaign made himself master of all Egypt,
except Alexandria. While they had frequent conferences at the same table,
they spoke lies to each other; and the former returned to Syria laden with
riches.
Wikipedia describes the main
events related to the Sixth Syrian War which lasted from 170-168BC...
The causes of this conflict are
obscure. In 170, Eulaeus and Lenaeus, the two regents of the young
king of Egypt
Ptolemy VI Philometor, declared
war on the Seleucid ruler
Antiochus IV Epiphanes. In the
same year, Ptolemy's younger siblings
Ptolemy VIII Physcon and
Cleopatra II were declared co-rulers in order to bolster the unity
of Egypt. Military operations did not begin until 169 when Antiochus
quickly gained the upper hand, seizing the important strategic town of
Pelusium. The Egyptians realised
their folly in starting the war, Eulaeus and Lenaeus were overthrown
and replaced by two new regents, Comanus and Cineas, and envoys were
sent to negotiate a peace treaty with Antiochus. Antiochus took
Ptolemy VI (who was his nephew) under his guardianship, giving him
effective control of Egypt. However, this was unacceptable to the
people of Alexandria who responded by proclaiming Ptolemy Physcon as
sole king. Antiochus besieged Alexandria but he was unable to cut
communications to the city and he also needed to deal with a revolt in
Judaea so, at the end of 169BC, he withdrew his army.
In his absence,
Ptolemy VI Philometor and his
brother
Ptolemy VIII Physcon were
reconciled. Antiochus, angered at his loss of control over the king
(Ptolemy VI), invaded again. The Egyptians sent to Rome asking for
help and the Senate dispatched
Gaius Popilius Laenas to
Alexandria. Meanwhile, Antiochus had seized
Cyprus and
Memphis and was marching on
Alexandria. At Eleusis, on the outskirts of the capital, he met
Popilius Laenas, with whom he had been hustlas during his stay in
Rome. But instead of a friendly welcome, Popilius offered the king an
ultimatum from the Senate: he must evacuate Egypt and Cyprus
immediately. Antiochus begged to have time to consider but Popilius
drew a circle round him in the sand with his cane and told him to
decide before he stepped outside it. Antiochus chose to obey the Roman
ultimatum. The "Day of Eleusis" ended the Sixth Syrian War and
Antiochus' hopes of conquering Egyptian territory. (Reference)
Daniel
11:26 THOSE WHO EAT HIS CHOICE FOOD WILL
DESTROY HIM, AND HIS ARMY WILL OVERFLOW, BUT MANY WILL FALL DOWN SLAIN.
(that feed: 2Sa 4:2-12 2Ki 8:14 10:6-9 Ps 41:9 Mic 7:5,6 Mt 26:23 Mk 14:20
Jn 13:18) (overflow: Da 11:10,22)
Strauss...
Notice once more that the victory of
Antiochus was to be credited to "devices." (schemes) Even
those who worked closely with the king of the south, that is, men who ate at
the king's table, turned against their ruler. We are not told how Antiochus
successfully operated his conspiracy within the top administration in the
Egyptian government, but we do know his wicked plan worked, at least for
awhile.
Daniel
11:27 AS FOR BOTH KINGS, THEIR HEARTS WILL BE INTENT ON EVIL, AND THEY WILL SPEAK
LIES TO EACH OTHER AT THE SAME TABLE; BUT IT WILL NOT SUCCEED, FOR THE END
IS STILL TO COME AT THE APPOINTED TIME. (Will be: 2Sa 13:26 Ps 12:2 52:1 58:2 64:6 Pr 12:20 23:6-8 26:23)
(speak lies: Ps 62:9 Jer 9:3-5 41:1-3) (but: Pr 19:21 Eze 17:9)
(But: Da 11:29,35,40 8:19 10:1 Hab 2:3 Ac 1:7 17:31 1Th 5:1)
Daniel
11:28 THEN HE WILL RETURN TO HIS LAND WITH MUCH PLUNDER; BUT HIS HEART WILL BE
SET AGAINST THE HOLY COVENANT, AND HE WILL TAKE ACTION AND THEN RETURN TO
HIS OWN LAND. (the holy: The Jews having rejoiced at a report of
his death, he took Jerusalem, and slew 40,000 of the inhabitants, and
polluted the temple. Da 11:22,30-32 8:24 Ac 3:25
Time: 168BC
Gaebelein
In 168BC he returned from his expedition
and had great riches. Then he marched through Judea and did his awful deeds.
A report had come to his ears that the Jewish people had reported him dead.
In the first and second book of the Maccabees we read of his atrocities.
Then he retired to Antioch. (The Prophet Daniel:
Key to the Visions & Prophecies of the Book of Daniel)
Comment: See 1Macc 1:20, 21, 22,
23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 and 2Macc 5:11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 for a detailed
description of the violent atrocities of Antiochus and his murder of
thousands of Jews as he marched through Judea
Daniel
11:29 AT THE APPOINTED TIME HE WILL RETURN AND COME INTO THE SOUTH, BUT THIS LAST
TIME IT WILL NOT TURN OUT THE WAY IT DID BEFORE. (time: Da 8:19
10:1 Isa 14:31 Ac 17:26 Ga 4:2
as the former: Da 11:23,25
At the appointed time - The
sovereign God is in control of time.
He will return - Antiochus IV
become angry when Ptolemy VI and his brother, Ptolemy Physcon were
reconciled and invaded Egypt a second time.
Will not turn out - Egypt's
call for help from Rome resulted in dispatch of the Roman commander
Gaius Popillius Laenas (described in
the next verse as "ships of Kittim"), who confronted Antiochus IV, telling
him to withdraw from Egypt or face the wrath of Rome. As described in Da
11:30 Antiochus withdrew in great anger which he avenged on the "Holy
Covenant", the Jews.
Daniel
11:30 FOR SHIPS OF KITTIM WILL COME AGAINST HIM; THEREFORE HE WILL BE
DISHEARTENED AND WILL RETURN AND BECOME ENRAGED AT THE HOLY COVENANT AND
TAKE ACTION; SO HE WILL COME BACK AND SHOW REGARD FOR THOSE WHO FORSAKE THE
HOLY COVENANT. (ships: Ge 10:4 Nu 24:24 1Ch 1:7 Isa 23:1,12 Jer 2:10 Eze 27:6)
(enraged: Da 11:28 7:25 Rev 12:12) (have intelligence: Ne 6:12 Mt 24:10)
Ships of Kittim will come
against him - This verse continues the story of Antiochus IV's
unsuccessful second invasion of Egypt described in the previous passage. The
ships of Kittim refer to the Roman forces that turned Antiochus IV away from
his designs on Egypt.
NET Bible Note on Kittim...
The name Kittim has various designations
in extra-biblical literature. It can refer to a location on the island of
Cyprus, or more generally to the island itself, or it can be an
inclusive term to refer to parts of the Mediterranean world that lay west of
the Middle East (e.g., Rome). For ships of Kittim the Greek OT (Septuagint
- LXX) has "Romans," an
interpretation followed by a few English versions (e.g., TEV). A number of
times in the Dead Sea Scrolls the word is used in reference to the Romans. (Daniel
11 Commentary Notes)
Wikipedia describes the events
as follows...
being confronted with the Roman demands
that he abort his attack on Alexandria, Antiochus IV played for time;
Popillius Laenas is supposed to have
drawn a circle around the king in the sand with his cane, and ordered him
not to move out of it until a firm answer had been given. The Syrians
withdrew. According to
Livy,
"After receiving the submission of the
inhabitants of
Memphis and of the rest of the Egyptian
people, some submitting voluntarily, others under threats, [Antiochus]
marched by easy stages towards Alexandria. After crossing the river at
Eleusis, about four miles from
Alexandria, he was met by the Roman
commissioners, to whom he gave a friendly greeting and held out his hand to
Popilius. Popilius, however, placed in his hand the tablets on which was
written the decree of the senate and told him first of all to read that.
After reading it through he said he would call his friends into council and
consider what he ought to do. Popilius, stern and imperious as ever, drew a
circle round the king with the stick he was carrying and said,
"Before you step out of that circle
give me a reply to lay before the senate."
For a few moments he hesitated, astounded
at such a peremptory order, and at last replied,
"I will do what the senate thinks
right."
Not till then did Popilius extend his
hand to the king as to a friend and ally. Antiochus evacuated Egypt at the
appointed date, and the commissioners exerted their authority to establish a
lasting concord between the brothers, as they had as yet hardly made peace
with each other." Ab Urbe Condita, xlv.12.
He will be disheartened and will return -
Antiochus IV submits to the request of the Roman Senate not to invade Egypt
again.
Become enraged at the holy covenant
and take action - Antiochus IV Epiphanes takes out his wrath on
Jerusalem and the Temple
Enraged (02194) (za'am)
properly means to "foam at the mouth", and thus means to become angry, to
express indignation (divine indignation - Ps 7:11, Isa 66:14, Zech 1:12, Mal
1:4). Given the root meaning (foaming at the mouth) it is not surprising
that such anger can show in one's face (Pr 25:23).
Za'am - 12x in 11v - Nu 23:7,
8; Ps 7:11; Pr 22:14; 24:24; 25:23; Isa 66:14; Da 11:30; Mic 6:10; Zech
1:12; Mal 1:4. NAS = abhor(1), angry(1), become enraged(1), been
indignant(1), cursed(2), denounce(2), denounced(1), indignant(2),
indignation(1).
Show regard for those who forsake
the holy covenant - Antiochus showed favor to those Jews who apostatized and
locked arms with his agenda (which was clearly anti-Semitic).
Daniel
11:31
"FORCES FROM HIM WILL ARISE, DESECRATE THE SANCTUARY FORTRESS, AND DO AWAY
WITH THE REGULAR SACRIFICE. AND THEY WILL SET UP THE ABOMINATION OF
DESOLATION. (forces: Da 8:24 Rev 17:12) (desecrate: Da 8:11 12:11 La 1:10 2:7 Eze 7:20,21 9:7 24:21,22)
(Do away with: Da 8:12,13,26 9:27) (abomination: Da 8:13 9:27 12:11 Mt 24:15 Mk 13:14 Lk 21:20)
(Ac 13:40,41)
Forces (02220) (zerowa')
is literally the arm, a physical part of the body, but is used repeatedly in
the OT as a picture or symbol of might, power or strength.
Zerowa' - 92x in 85v - Gen
49:24; Exod 6:6; 15:16; Num 6:19; Deut 4:34; 5:15; 7:19; 9:29; 11:2; 18:3;
26:8; 33:20, 27; Judg 15:14; 16:12; 1 Sam 2:31; 2 Sam 1:10; 22:35; 1 Kgs
8:42; 2 Kgs 9:24; 17:36; 2 Chr 6:32; 32:8; Job 22:8f; 26:2; 35:9; 38:15;
40:9; Ps 10:15; 18:34; 37:17; 44:3; 71:18; 77:15; 79:11; 83:8; 89:10, 13,
21; 98:1; 136:12; Prov 31:17; Song 8:6; Isa 9:20; 17:5; 30:30; 33:2; 40:10f;
44:12; 48:14; 51:5, 9; 52:10; 53:1; 59:16; 62:8; 63:5, 12; Jer 17:5; 21:5;
27:5; 32:17, 21; 48:25; Ezek 4:7; 13:20; 17:9; 20:33f; 22:6; 30:21f, 24f;
31:17; Dan 10:6; 11:6, 15, 22, 31; Hos 7:15; 11:3; Zech 11:17. NAS =
rm(53), arms(19), forces(3), help(1), mighty(1), position(1), power(4),
shoulder(2), strength(8).
Sanctuary (04720) (miqdash)
refers to the consecrated thing or place, especially the sanctuary,
the Holy place, the hallowed part.
Miqdash - 76x in 72v - Ex
15:17; 25:8; Lev 12:4; 16:33; 19:30; 20:3; 21:12, 23; 26:2, 31; Num 3:38;
10:21; 18:1, 29; 19:20; Josh 24:26; 1 Chr 22:19; 28:10; 2 Chr 20:8; 26:18;
29:21; 30:8; 36:17; Neh 10:39; Ps 68:35; 73:17; 74:7; 78:69; 96:6; Isa 8:14;
16:12; 60:13; 63:18; Jer 17:12; 51:51; Lam 1:10; 2:7, 20; Ezek 5:11; 7:24;
8:6; 9:6; 11:16; 21:2; 23:38f; 24:21; 25:3; 28:18; 37:26, 28; 43:21; 44:1,
5, 7ff, 11, 15f; 45:3f, 18; 47:12; 48:8, 10, 21; Dan 8:11; 9:17; 11:31; Amos
7:9, 13. NAS = holy(1), holy place(2), holy places(1), places(1),
sacred part(1), sanctuaries(5), sanctuary(65).
Fortress (04581) (mauz)
refers to a place or means of safety or protection.
Mauz - 35x - Judg 6:26; 2 Sam
22:33; Neh 8:10; Ps 27:1; 28:8; 31:2, 4; 37:39; 43:2; 52:7; 60:7; 108:8;
Prov 10:29; Isa 17:9f; 23:4, 11, 14; 25:4; 27:5; 30:2f; Jer 16:19; Ezek
24:25; 30:15; Dan 11:1, 7, 10, 19, 31, 38f; Joel 3:16; Nah 1:7; 3:11
Desecrate the sanctuary fortress
- Literally - "the sanctuary, the fortress"
Do away with the regular sacrifice
- The parallel passage in Daniel 8 records that Antiochus Epiphanes...
even magnified itself to be equal with
the Commander of the host; and it removed the regular sacrifice from
Him, and the place of His sanctuary was thrown down. (Daniel 8:11)
Abomination (08251) (shiqquts)
is a very "strong" word referring to that which is filthy, detestable or
disgusting (abominable filth). In the OT shiqquts was always used in
connection with idolatrous practices, either referring to the idols
themselves as being abhorrent and detestable in God's sight, or to something
associated with the idolatrous ritual. Idols generally are referred to as an
abomination (Jer 16:18; Ezek 5:11, Ezek 7:20).
Abomination of desolation -
KJV has "the abomination that maketh desolate." While this abomination
was fulfilled in 168BC, the abomination of Da 12:11-note
refers to a yet future abomination of desolation which Jesus alluded to in
Mt 24:15.
Desolation (08074) (shamem)
means ruin or waste and is a primary root which refers to a desolation
caused by some great disaster, usually a result of divine judgment. Shamem
stresses horror caused by desolation of judgment. Shamem also refers to the
reaction to such a ruin, including consternation, astonishment, or being
appalled.
Shamem - 86v - Lev 26:22, 31f, 34f,
43; Num 21:30; 1 Sam 5:6; 2 Sam 13:20; 1 Kgs 9:8; 2 Chr 7:21; 36:21; Ezra
9:3f; Job 16:7; 17:8; 18:20; 21:5; Ps 40:15; 69:25; 79:7; 143:4; Eccl 7:16;
Isa 33:8; 49:8, 19; 52:14; 54:1, 3; 59:16; 61:4; 63:5; Jer 2:12; 4:9; 10:25;
12:11; 18:16; 19:8; 33:10; 49:17, 20; 50:13, 45; Lam 1:4, 13, 16; 3:11; 4:5;
5:18; Ezek 3:15; 4:17; 6:4, 6; 20:26; 25:3; 26:16; 27:35; 28:19; 29:12;
30:7, 12, 14; 32:10, 15; 33:28; 35:12, 15; 36:3f, 34ff; Dan 8:13, 27; 9:18,
26f; 11:31; 12:11; Hos 2:12; Joel 1:17; Amos 7:9; 9:14; Mic 6:13; Zeph 3:6;
Zech 7:14. NAS = appalled(13), astonished(8), astounded(1), become
desolate(1), causes horror(1), causing consternation(1), desolate(22),
desolated(4), desolating(1), desolation(5), desolations(3), destitute(1),
destroy(1), devastations(1), horrified(2), laid desolate(1), laid waste(4),
lie deserted(1), lies desolate(1), made me desolate(1), made you
desolate(1), made desolate(3), make the desolate(2), make their desolate(2),
make them desolate(1), make your desolate(1), make...appalled(1),
make...desolate(1), makes desolate(2), ravaged(1), ruin(1), ruined(1),
ruins(1).
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who has
been labeled the "Antichrist of the Old Testament", caused an up an
altar to be set up in the Jewish Temple and on this altar he placed an
idolatrous image of Zeus (cf 2Macc 6:2). In addition, he turned the priest's
chambers into brothels, creating the "abomination that causes desolation".
In other words, the Temple was desolate to pious Jews because of the
desecration of the altar which destroyed its true purpose. They had no
desire to worship in such a polluted environment and thus the Temple was
deprived of Jewish worshippers. Just so will the
Antichrist
establish an abomination in the sanctuary, a demonic counterfeit worship (Da
9:27-note;
Da 12:11-note).
Even more blatantly defiant of God, the
Antichrist will command
worship of himself and his image! (2Th 2:3,4, Rev 13:14-note,
Rev 13:15-note)
God will allow this gross evil because He is using this devilish man to
fulfill His purging and purifying purpose in the nation of Israel. While the
infinitely good and holy God does not cause evil, in His infinite wisdom and
omnipotence is able to bring good out of what others mean for evil. (cf Ge
50:20, Ro 8:28-note)
Henry Morris adds...
It is believed that Epiphanes, aided by
traitorous Jews, sacrificed a sow on the altar and erected a statue of Zeus
in the temple at Jerusalem. The motive behind this act was his ambition to
unify the great empire extending all the way to India, left him by his
father, by compelling all people in the empire to adopt the Greco/Roman
system of culture and pantheistic religion.
Daniel
11:32
"BY SMOOTH WORDS HE WILL TURN TO GODLESSNESS THOSE WHO ACT WICKEDLY TOWARD
THE COVENANT, BUT THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD WILL DISPLAY STRENGTH AND
TAKE ACTION. (turn to: 2Th 2:9, 10, 11, 12 Rev
13:12, 13, 14, 15) (the people: 1Ch 28:9 Ps 9:10 Jer 31:34 Jn 17:3 2Co 4:3-6 1Jn 2:3,4 5:20)
(shall be: Pr 19:5 26:28 Mic 5:7, 8, 9 7:15, 16, 17 Zec 9:13, 14,1 5,
16 10:3, 4, 5, 6,12 12:3, 4, 5, 6, 7 14:1, 2, 3, 4 Mal 4:2 2Ti 2:1, 2, 3 Heb
10:32,33 Rev 6:11 7:9,10 12:7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
By smooth words - Antiochus IV
Epiphanes was a "smooth operator" facile in using words laden with flattery.
The root verb (for smooth) is balaq which means to be smooth or slippery!
What a picture of this despicable king's speech and a foreshadowing of the
future king, the
Antichrist.
Turn to godlessness those
who act wickedly toward the covenant - This refers to Jews who are
enticed by Antiochus to in essence "apostatize", to reject the truth of
God's covenant.
First Maccabees alludes to
these events recording that
In those days there appeared in Israel
men (Jews) who were breakers of the law (act wickedly toward the covenant),
and they seduced many people, saying: “Let us go and make an alliance with
the Gentiles all around us; since we separated from them, many evils have
come upon us.” 12 The proposal was agreeable; 13 some from among the
people promptly went to the king (Antiochus IV), and he authorized them to
introduce the way of living of the Gentiles (Hellenization).
14 Thereupon they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to the Gentile
custom. 15 They covered over the mark of their circumcision and abandoned
the holy covenant; they allied themselves with the Gentiles and sold
themselves to wrongdoing. (1Macc 1:11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
Many even from Israel gladly adopted his
(Antiochus pagan, godless) religion; they sacrificed to idols and profaned
the sabbath. (1Macc 1:43)
But - Observe the striking
contrast between the Jews who were unfaithful and apostatized versus those
Jews who remained faithful to Jehovah and His covenant.
The people who know their God -
This refers to faithful, God fearing Jews, who were "jealous" for God which
in turn made them "zealous" (display strength and take action), for
this verse alludes to the Maccabees who revolted against the forced
imposition of godless religion upon the nation of Israel.
Daniel
11:33 THOSE WHO HAVE INSIGHT AMONG THE PEOPLE WILL GIVE UNDERSTANDING TO THE
MANY, YET THEY WILL FALL BY SWORD AND BY FLAME, BY CAPTIVITY AND BY PLUNDER
FOR MANY DAYS. (Insight: Da 12:3,4,10 Isa 32:3,4 Zec 8:20,
21, 22, 23
Mal 2:7 Mt 13:11,51,52 28:20 Lk 24:44, 45, 46, 47 Acts 4:2, 3, 4 11:26 14:21 2Ti 2:24,25)
(Yet: Mt 10:21 20:23 24:9 Jn 16:2 Acts 12:2,3 1Co 4:9 2Ti 1:12 4:6 Heb 11:34
Rev 1:9 2:13 6:9 7:14 13:7, 8, 9, 10 17:6)
Those (Jews) who have
insight among the people (Jews) - This description refers to Jews who
understood what was happening in Israel, because they knew and believed
God's truth. As an aside, one wonders if some of the insight of these
Jews was obtained from these prophecies of Daniel written over 250 years
earlier. If so, these Jews would have had Biblical insight into the
anti-Semitic acts of Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
Give understanding to the many
( = the Jews) - Those who understood the truth instructed others in
the truth of the Scriptures. The implication of this statement is these wise
Jews appealed to their less knowledgeable Jewish brethren to place their
hope in the covenant keeping God, Jehovah, and not in the anti-God teaching
associated with paganism and
Hellenization.
Yet they will fall by sword and
flame - The God fearing Jews who took a stand of God's Truth for the
sake of righteousness paid dearly for their faith, suffering persecution and
even death at the hands of the rabidly anti-Semitic king Antiochus.
1Maccabees says that...
many in Israel stood firm and were
resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. 63 They chose to die
rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant; and they
did die. 64 Very great wrath came upon Israel. (1Macc 1:62, 63, 64)
Gleason Archer records that...
The fulfillment of these predictions came
in 168BC, when the standard of revolt was raised by
Mattathias, the leading priest in the
city of Modein, located in the hills of the tribe of Ephraim. After killing
the officer of Antiochus who had come to enforce the new decree concerning
idolatrous worship, Mattathias and his five sons (John Gaddis, Simon Thassi,
Judas Maccabeus, Eleazar Avaran, and
Jonathan Apphus) led a guerrilla band that fled to the hills (1 Macc
2:23–28) and attracted many adherents from various other cities in the
Judean province. A large number of these original patriots died in their
first engagement with the king’s troops because they refused to fight in
their own defense on the Sabbath, the day on which they were attacked (1
Macc 2:38). But revising their policy after this tragic slaughter, they
decided they would fight even on the Sabbath, if compelled to do so. Then
they engaged in vigorous attacks on all their fellow Jews who had bowed to
Antiochus’s ordinance and forsaken their God. Not long afterward Mattathias
died, whether from illness or wounds, after entrusting the leadership of the
Israelite forces to his own capable sons.
Judas Maccabeus (for it was originally he
alone that received this title of “Hammer,” rather than the family as a
whole) assumed the military leadership and gained a brilliant victory over
the forces of Apollonius, whom he slew in battle. Judas’s second triumph
involved routing an even larger army under Seron. A third army of formidable
proportions came down from Syria under Lysias, Antiochus’s deputy, equipped
with a fearsome elephant corps. Thanks to the heroism of Judas’s brother
Eleazer, who managed to plunge his sword into an elephant’s chest before it
fell on him and crushed him to death, even this mighty host was put to
flight by the Maccabean forces. So the Maccabees fulfilled the predictions
(cf. Mic 4:12, 13 [Payne, Biblical Prophecy, p. 403] and Zech 9:13; 10:8, 9
[Payne, Biblical Prophecy, p. 449).
(Gaebelein,
F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary OT 7 Volume Set: Books: Zondervan
Publishing
or
computer version)
Daniel
11:34 NOW WHEN THEY FALL THEY WILL BE GRANTED A LITTLE HELP, AND MANY WILL JOIN
WITH THEM IN HYPOCRISY. (They will be: Rev 12:2, 3, 4, 5, 6,13,
14, 15, 16, 17 13:1, 2, 3, 4) (Join: Mt 7:15 Acts 20:29,30 Ro 16:18 2Co 11:13,
14, 15 Ga 2:4 1Ti 4:1,2 2Ti 3:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
4:3 Titus 1:11 2Pe 2:1, 2, 3,18,19 1Jn 2:18,19 4:1,5 2Jn 1:7 Jude 1:4 Rev 2:20,
13:11, 12, 13, 14)
They will be granted a little help
- This passage is somewhat difficult to interpret dogmatically but
presumably refers to other Jews who came alongside the Maccabean rebels in
their fight against Antiochus.
Many will join them in hypocrisy
- This appears to refer to Jews who will join with the Maccabean troops but
who in actuality are only pretending loyalty.
1Maccabees records...
Then there united with them a company of
Hasideans, mighty warriors of Israel, all who offered themselves willingly
for the law. 43 And all who became fugitives to escape their troubles joined
them and reinforced them. 44 They organized an army, and struck down sinners
in their anger and renegades in their wrath; the survivors fled to the
Gentiles for safety. 45 And Mattathias and his friends went around and tore
down the altars; 46 they forcibly circumcised all the uncircumcised boys
that they found within the borders of Israel. 47 They hunted down the
arrogant, and the work prospered in their hands. 48 They rescued the law out
of the hands of the Gentiles and kings, and they never let the sinner gain
the upper hand. (1 Mac 2:42-48)
Archer explains that...
because one Seleucid army after another
fell before their onslaught, the Maccabean troops were able to intimidate
many of their fellow citizens who had previously held back from the
conflict. Particularly when the Hasidim began to round up those who had
collaborated with the Seleucids and put them to death (1Macc 2:42) and Judas
himself (Judas
Maccabeus) hunted out those (Jews) in the various cities who had
deserted scriptural standards (“the lawless,” as Maccabees calls
them), goodly numbers of insincere followers attached themselves to the
patriot cause, hoping to save their own skins. Such supporters as these,
however, proved to be of more help to the enemy than to the cause of freedom
when later invasions were launched against them by the successors of
Antiochus Epiphanes after his death in 164.
(Gaebelein,
F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary OT 7 Volume Set: Books: Zondervan
Publishing
or
computer version)
Daniel
11:35 SOME OF THOSE WHO HAVE INSIGHT WILL FALL, IN ORDER TO REFINE, PURGE AND
MAKE THEM PURE UNTIL THE END TIME; BECAUSE IT IS STILL TO COME AT THE
APPOINTED TIME. (Some: Da 11:33 8:10 Mt 16:17 26:56,69,
70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75 Jn
20:25 Acts 13:13 15:37, 38, 39) (Refine, etc: Da 12:10 Dt 8:2,3,16 2Chr 32:31 Pr 17:3 Zec 13:9 Mal 3:2,
3, 4 4:1, 2, 3 Jas
1:2 1Pe 1:6,7 Rev 2:10) (Because: Da 11:29,40 8:17,19 9:27 10:1 12:4,11 Hab 2:3 Rev 14:15 17:17)
Time: ~164 BC
Some of those who have insight will
fall - Some of the Jews who understood the significance of Antiochus'
anti-Semitic actions would die (presumably in war with Antiochus' troops).
To refine (KJV = "try"), purge, and make them
pure (KJV = "make...white" - for more discussion of "white" as
a wonderful metaphor of salvation see notes
on Da 12:10) - This identifies the purpose of God's allowing Antiochus to
persecute Israel and is a foreshadowing of the greatest conflict (cf Da 10:1-note
"great conflict"), the future time of distress (Da 12:1-note) at the
end time, the appointed time when...
Many (Jews) will be purged,
purified and refined (cf Zech 13:8, 9); but the wicked will act
wickedly, and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight
will understand. (Da 12:10-note)
As John MacArthur phrases it...
The gracious design of such suffering was
to sanctify them.
Until the end time ("the time
of the end" NIV, NLT, NET, ESV) - This time phrase signifies that the
persecution of Israel will continue until the final period of time in the
future, the time which God has appointed. This time will only come to an
end, at the end of the "time of Jacob's trouble" (Jer 30:7 "but he
will be saved from it" or rescued Da 12:1-note), the
Great Tribulation (Mt 24:21),
the last half of the Seventieth Week of Daniel. In other words,
anti-Semitism and overt Jewish persecution will continue until the Messiah
puts a stop to it at His
Second Coming.
The tragic History of the Jews
bears out the veracity of this prediction, whether in the Spanish
Inquisition (See
The inquisition of the church against the Jews
1481-1834), the "Crusades" (see
Persecution of Jews in the First Crusade)",
the
Pogroms, [meaning to destroy, wreak
havoc or demolish violently] Hitler's
Holocaust, etc.
There are a number of relatively
similar time phrases in the eschatological section of Daniel
Da 8:17-note
= the time of the end
Da 8:19-note
= the appointed time of the end
Da 8:26-note
= pertains to many days in the future
Da 9:26-note
= even to the end there will be war
Da 10:14-note
= in the latter days...pertains to the days yet future
Da 11:27-note
= the end is still to come at the appointed time
Da 11:35-note
= until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed
time
Da 11:40-note
= at the end time
Da 12:4-note
= until the end of time
Da 12:6-note
= until the end of these wonders
Da 12:9-note
= until the end time
Donald Campbell...
The approximately 135 specific prophecies
in the first 35 verses of this chapter have been fulfilled with amazing
accuracy, as would be expected of a divine revelation. There is every
reason to believe, therefore, that the remaining prophecies of the chapter
will have the same precise and literal fulfillment in the future.
Dr. E.
Schuyler English once told of a man on Long Island who was able to satisfy a
lifelong ambition by purchasing a very fine barometer. When he unpacked the
instrument, he was dismayed to find that the needle appeared to be stuck,
pointing to the section marked "Hurricane." After shaking the
barometer vigorously, the man wrote a scorching letter to the store from
which he had purchased the instrument and, on his way to his office in New
York the next morning, mailed the protest. That evening he returned to Long
Island to find not only the barometer missing, but his house also. The
barometer's needle had been right-there was a hurricane! (Campbell,
Donald: Daniel God's Man in a Secular Society.)
A LEAP
IN TIME
Daniel
11:36
"THEN THE KING WILL DO AS HE PLEASES, AND HE WILL EXALT AND MAGNIFY HIMSELF
ABOVE EVERY GOD AND WILL SPEAK MONSTROUS THINGS AGAINST THE GOD OF GODS; AND
HE WILL PROSPER UNTIL THE INDIGNATION IS FINISHED, FOR THAT WHICH IS DECREED
WILL BE DONE. (Do: Da 11:16 8:4 Jn 5:30 6:38
exalt: Da 7:8,20,25 Isa 14:13 2Th 2:4 Rev 13:5 17:3) (God: Da 2:47 Dt 10:17 Jos 22:22 Ps 136:2)
(Until: Da 7:20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 8:19 12:7,11, 12, 13 Rev 11:2,3 12:14 13:5)
(For: Da 4:35 9:26 Job 23:13,14 Ps 33:10 Pr 19:21 Isa 46:10 Acts 4:28 Rev 10:7
17:17)
Seiss (writing in 1879)
introduces his discussion of Daniel 11:36-45 quoting Martin Luther
who...
writes: "This prophecy applies
entirely, as all expositors unanimously agree, to the Antichrist, whose
spirit is of the pope, but whose body is another, who corporeally oppresses,
destroys and persecutes the congregation of the Lord."...(Seiss continues)
That this Seleucid tyrant (Antiochus IV Epiphanes) and despoiler of the Jews
is embraced in the description may be readily admitted; but the relation of
Antiochus to "the king," upon whom the emphasis here falls, is no more than
that of Cyrus to Christ, or that of the destruction by the Romans to the end
of the world. The one is simply the typical forerunner of the other.
Identity or the confinement of the portrait to Antiochus is never once to be
though of, unless we can arrange to transfer him down to the still-pending
period of the resurrection of the the dead (Ed note: Da 12:2-note
continues the prophetic vision, chapter 12 being a poor chapter break), to
which the time of this monster is so specifically assigned."
Whoever this king may be, or from
whatever quarter he may come, he is the last representative of the bestial
world-power that ever bears rule upon earth. The terms of the angel's
description, particularly as continued in the succeeding chapter, establish
this beyond mistake. He is to "prosper till the indignation is accomplished"
-- till God's angry visitations on the Jews for their sins are finally and
fore ever exhausted and ended (Ed: cf the summary statements dealing with
transgression, sin and iniquity in Da 9:24-note)--- which is manifestly not yet
the fact.
In the ninth chapter the angel had said
that "desolations are determined" (Da 9:26-note)--
desolations which "make desolate even until the consummation (Da 9:27KJV-note)" and he
here says that this king shall prosper for the doing of "that which is
determined (Da 11:36KJV)." His prosperity must therefore run to the
consummation. And so in the next chapter (Daniel 12) the time of his doings
is specifically noted as contemporaneous with the period of the great
tribulation -- the period when the woes of the prophet's people are to reach
a perpetual end --- the period when every one written in the Book
shall be delivered -- the period when the many who sleep in the dust of the
earth shall be exhausted by fulfilment (Da 12:2-note)
-- "the time of the end" (Da 8:17, Da 11:35KJV-note,
Da 11:40KJV-note,
Da 12:4KJV-note,
Da 12:9KJV-note) -- "the end of the days,"
when Daniel shall stand in his lot (Da 12:13KJV-note). The character assigned to this king, and
the manner in which the angel introduces him as "the king," identifies him
with the little horn which comes up after the ten kings in the first vision
(Da 7:23, 24, 25, 26-note)...and
with "the prince that shall come," who makes a covenant with the many for
seven years, and in the midst of the seven breaks it and desecrates the
temple with abominations, as stated in the third vision (Da 9:26-note,
Da 9:27-note).
But the power spoken of in each of those instances extends to the
termination of all mere human rule on earth -- to the sitting of the
judgment --- to the time when transgressors are come to the full (Da 9:24-note)
-- "even until the consummation (Da 9:27KJV-note)."
He must therefore be the very last of this world's powers. (Joseph
Augustus Seiss - Voices from Babylon or The Records of Daniel the Prophet - Daniel
11:36-45. Pages 285-287. Published in 1879)
Daniel
11:36-45
THE FUTURE KING:
THE ANTICHRIST
Then (See
expressions of time) -
When?
At the appointed time (God's perfect timing which indicates His
complete control of history), the time which is still to come. While
not everyone agrees, as explained below, at
this juncture it appears that Daniel describes events that take us into the future at
"warp speed", so that between Daniel
11:35 and Daniel 11: 36, there is a gap of at least over 2160 years. Notice
that if one carefully follows the pronouns describing the "king"
in Da 11:36, this king proves to be the same one designated "him...him...he"
in Daniel 11:40-note (which cannot be Antiochus because this verse says the King
of the South comes against this other king - Antiochus cannot be both
the "king of the north" and "him...him...he" in this verse!). Continuing
this same line of reasoning, the king of Da 11:36 is the same "he" who will
"come to his end" in Da 11:45-note, which in turn is clearly linked with the
future "time of distress", rescue of the Jews in Daniel 12:1-note and
resurrection in Daniel 12:2-note (none of which has yet occurred!). In sum, if
one interprets Daniel 11:36-12:3 literally, the king of Daniel
11:36 is clearly not Antiochus IV Epiphanes but another king who has all the
"pedigree" of the future Antichrist.
David Guzik adds that...
Here we shift from what was fulfilled in the Ptolemies and the Seleucids to
what will be fulfilled in the Antichrist, the final world dictator. Daniel
was told that this revelation pertained to the latter days (Da 10:14-note),
and Da 11:36 begins to look more towards this final world dictator, who is
sort of a "last days Antiochus Epiphanes." We know that everything about
this prophecy was not fulfilled during the career of Antiochus Epiphanes.
Jesus specifically said the real abomination of desolation was still in the
future (Matthew 24:15). (Daniel 11 Commentary)
John Whitcomb identifies Daniel
11:36 as descriptive of future events for the following reasons...
The fact that these events will occur
during the future Great Tribulation (Ed comment: This period is the
last 3.5 years and it difficult to identify when in the Da 11:36 through 45
that time period is being described. Certainly the last few verses are
clearly in the last 3.5 years but it is otherwise difficult to be dogmatic) is suggested by
(1) the chronological reference of Da
12:1-note
("now at that time"), which places the events of Da 11:36-45 into the time
of final resurrection and judgment (Da 12:2-note);
(2) the transitional events of Da
11:35-36, which continue "until the end time";
(3) the broad scope of Da 10:14-note, which
would fail if its only possible fulfillment, namely, Da 11:36-12:3, is not
eschatological; and
(4) what we know of the career of
Antiochus Epiphanes, which simply does not fit the wording of Da
11:36-12:1.20 (Whitcomb,
J. Daniel Everyman's Bible Commentary)
Dr Donald Campbell offers the
following points to support the premise that Daniel 11:36 begins a section
which refers to
unfilled future events...
Though not all have agreed, the evidence
seems conclusive that the spotlight now falls on an evil ruler of the last
days-Antichrist.
(1) According to the angel's words, the scope of this prophecy was to
include the "latter days" (Da 10:14-note).
(2) In the opening verses of this section (Da 11:36, 37, 38, 39),
introductory statements are made as if this person is being introduced in
this context for the first time. This corresponds with the fact that the
story of Antiochus in relation to the Jews was brought to completion (Da
11:35).
(3) The prophecies (through Da 11:35) find fulfillment in history, but there
is no historical correspondence with what now follows.
(4) This king is actually distinguished from the king of the north
(Da 11:40-note). Therefore, he cannot be Antiochus Epiphanes.
(5) The entire section (Da 11:36-45) corresponds remarkably with other
recognized prophecies of the final Antichrist (Da 7:24, 25, 26, 27; 8:23,
24, 25-note;
Da 9:26-note,
Da 9:27-note; 2Th 2:3, 4; Rev 13, 17).
(6) In connection with this person's rule there will occur the time of Great
Tribulation (Da 12:1 "great distress"). (Campbell,
Donald: Daniel God's Man in a Secular Society)
The Wycliffe Bible Commentary
adds that another reason this section refers to a future prophecy is
because...
Da 11:36 mentions a king whose period is
“the indignation,” a technical term drawn from Israel’s prophetic
literature, usually having reference to eschatological events (e.g., Isa
26:20). (Ed comment: See more discussion on the indignation below)
(Pfeiffer,
C F: Wycliffe Bible Commentary. 1981. Moody
or
Logos
or
Wordsearch)
Jerome (original written in
417AD) wrote that...
The Jews believed that this
passage has reference to the Antichrist alleging that after the small
help of Julian a king is going to rise up who shall do according to his will
and shall lift himself up against all that is called god, and shall speak
arrogant words against the God of gods (Jerome's Commentary on Daniel.
Translated by Gleason L. Archer, Jr. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Book House,
1958. Page 136)
Gleason Archer writes that...
This present section (Da 11:36, 37, 38,
39) contains some features that hardly apply to Antiochus IV, though most of
the details could apply to him as well as to his latter-day antitype, “the
beast.” Both liberal and conservative scholars agree that all of chapter 11
up to this point contains strikingly accurate predictions of the whole sweep
of events from the reign of Cyrus (during which Daniel brought his career to
a close Da 1:21-note) to the unsuccessful effort of Antiochus Epiphanes to stamp out the
Jewish faith. But the two schools of thought radically differ in the
explanation for this phenomenon. Evangelicals find this pattern of
prediction and fulfillment compelling evidence of the divine inspiration and
authority of the Hebrew Scriptures, since only God could possibly foreknow
the future and see to it that his announced plan would be precisely
fulfilled.
(Archer,
G. L., Jr. Daniel. In F. E. Gaebelein, Ed., The Expositor's Bible
Commentary, Volume 7: Daniel and the Minor Prophets. Page 143. Grand Rapids,
MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
or
computer version)
Remember that if God has perfectly
fulfilled 135 prophecies from Daniel 11:1-35, the sure word of prophecy in
these following verses Daniel 11:36 through Daniel 12:3 will be fulfilled
just as perfectly!
The king - Note that in
contrast to the pattern in this chapter, this one is identified only as "the
king" without qualifying him as from the North or the South (cf every
previous mention of the king - Da 11:5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 25). The
only previous use of king with geographic designation is in Da 11:3
where king refers to Alexander the Great who "will rule with great authority
and do as he pleases" (Da 11:3-note) even as will the
Antichrist. See also the
discussion on Da 11:40. And so the king is a reference
to the infamous
Antichrist, the same
individual that
Daniel 9:26-note referred to as the "prince who is to come"
who
originates from the people who destroyed Jerusalem (the Romans).
Daniel 7 also implies that the
Antichrist will be a king...
As for the ten horns (on the "dreadful
and terrifying beast", the Roman Empire), out of this kingdom ten kings will
arise (This fact projects this prophecy into the future as there has yet to
be a "Ten King/Kingdom Stage" of the Roman Empire, implying that it will be
revived and will have a 10 King stage); and another (Another what?
Implication is "another king", an 11th if you will) will arise after them
(The 11th king arises after the 10 are in existent and arises from them
which indicates they must be contemporaneous not sequential kingdoms), and he
will be different from the previous ones and will subdue three kings. (Da 7:24-note)
Will do as he pleases - Self
willed ("Strong willed"). This self oriented focus is common to other godless rulers -
Alexander the Great (Da 8:4-note, Da 11:3-note),
Antiochus III "the Great" (this is not Epiphanes) (Da 11:16-note)
Will exalt himself above every god
- This speaks of his self-deification (if he is above every
god, the clear implication is that he considers himself to be a god! cf
the root of all human sin in Ge 3:5).
Guzik rightly observes that this
description is not perfectly fulfilled Antiochus Epiphanes and thus is
additional support that the description of the the king which begins in Da
11:36 points to another king, one yet future...
Antiochus Epiphanes certainly did this in
the general sense that all sinners oppose God. Yet he remained loyal to the
Greek religious tradition, which revered the entire Olympian pantheon.
Antiochus Epiphanes put a statue of Zeus in the temple, not of himself. This
will be far more precisely fulfilled in the Antichrist, who sits as God in
the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (2Th 2:4, cf Rev 13:15,
16-note).
(Daniel 11 Commentary)
Paul describes the
Antichrist's "god
complex" in the context of explaining to the saints at Thessalonica
that they are
not in the terrifying
Day of the Lord instructing
them to...
Let no one in any way deceive you, for it
will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness
(Remember - In Scripture one's name often speaks of one's character. What is
the character of this man?) is revealed, the son of destruction, who
opposes (present
tense = not just
once or twice but as his continual practice, his lifestyle of anti-god
attitude and actions) and exalts (present
tense =
continually) himself above every so-called god or object of worship,
so that he takes his seat in the temple of God (The Temple was destroyed in
70AD, thus this verse underscores the fact that the Jewish Temple will be
rebuilt), displaying (present
tense =
continually; Greek = apodeiknumi = means to cause something to be known as
genuine, in this case that he is the "real deal", that he really is god!
Remember is a master deceiver) himself as being God. (2Thes 2:3,4)
Will speak monstrous things against
the God of gods - He blasphemes the true and living God.
Daniel offered a similar description
of the "Little Horn" (aka, the "King" of Da 11:36) in chapter 7...
And he will speak out against the Most
High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make
alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a
time, times, and half a time.
(for this same time phrase see Da 12:7, cf Rev 12:6-note,
Rev 12:14-note) (Da 7:25-note)
John adds ...
And there was given to him (Antichrist =
The King = The Little Horn = The Beast of Revelation 13) a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies;
and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him. And he opened
his mouth in blasphemies against God, to blaspheme His name and His
tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven. (Rev 13:5-note,
Rev 13:6-note)
Will prosper (cf "prosper" in
Da 8:12-note
referring to
Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a foreshadowing
of the
Antichrist) - He will be
allowed to have power. Where did he get his power and/or authority to
prosper? Ultimately the sovereign God allowed him to prosper, but in
Revelation 13 John teaches that...
the dragon (Satan - see Rev 12:9-note
for several of his many names) gave him his power and his throne and great
authority. (Rev 13:2-note)
Even the usually non-futuristic older
commentary by Matthew Henry remarks that...
The remainder of this prophecy is very
difficult, and commentators differ much respecting it. From Antiochus
the account seems to pass to
Antichrist (however unfortunately Henry
goes on to equate the historical Roman Empire with the
Antichrist)
Kenneth Gangel makes the point
that...
Readers dissatisfied with the
premillennial interpretation of this chapter should look at the InterVarsity
Press publication The Meaning of the Millennium for a variety of positions
on end-time events. The premillennial interpretation is hardly some recent
position rising out of prophecy mania developed in twentieth-century
fundamentalism. (Holman Old Testament Commentary - Daniel)
UNTIL THE INDIGNATION
IS FINISHED
Indignation (02195) (za'am) literally
means frothing at the mouth and speaks of fury and in the Scriptures
is often a dramatic picture of God's great displeasure with sin (Isa
26:20; Isa 30:27; Hab 3:12).
Za'am - 22 verses - Ps 38:3;
69:24; 78:49; 102:10; Isa 10:5, 25; 13:5; 26:20; 30:27; Jer 10:10;
15:17; 50:25; Lam 2:6; Ezek 21:31; 22:24, 31; Da 8:19; 11:36; Hos
7:16; Nah 1:6; Hab 3:12; Zeph 3:8. NAS = indignation(21),
insolence(1).
Indignation is defined as
(extreme) anger (mingled with contempt, disgust, abhorrence) aroused
by something unjust, unworthy, or mean. The 1828 Webster's defines
indignation as "The anger of a superior; extreme anger; particularly,
the wrath of God against sinful men for their ingratitude and
rebellion. The effects of anger; the dreadful effects of God’s wrath;
terrible judgments."
Until the indignation is finished
- "Until" is an
expression of time which
indicates that the
Antichrist
will prosper for a time but that his seemingly indomitable
kingdom will come to an abrupt end when the indignation is finished.
So what is the indignation?
In the present context, the indignation
speaks of God's wrath which will be poured out on the nation of Israel
during the last 3.5 years of the
Seventieth Week of Daniel, the
Great Tribulation.
Henry Morris agrees...
Claiming to be the greatest of all men,
representing the highest attainment of the cosmic evolutionary process, and
energized by Satan himself (cf Rev 13:2-note),
this man, the final
Antichrist, will briefly attain world dominion, but only
until God's "indignation be accomplished"--the "day of God's wrath,"
the great tribulation, the seventieth week of the prophetic calendar.
(Morris,
Henry: Defenders Study Bible)
(Online
Version)
We see a foreshadowing of God's final
indignation in Daniel 8, where the angel
lets Daniel know...
what will occur at the final period of
the indignation (Hebrew = za'am;
Lxx
=
orge [word study]
= wrath), for it pertains to the appointed time (Heb = moed;
Lxx
=
kairos)
of the end. (Daniel 8:19-note)
While the prophecy of Daniel 8 focuses on
the emergence of the Grecian empire and specifically on the anti-Semitic reign
of the rather small horn, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, this description of
Antiochus seems to foreshadow the future reign of terror of the
Antichrist (See
also Da 8:26-note
"pertains to many days [in the future]")
In a similar use of indignation Isaiah
writes...
Come
(All verbs in
red are commands), my people,
enter
into your rooms, and close your doors behind you;
hide for a little while, until
indignation (za'am) runs its course ("has passed by" -
NIV, ESV). For behold (interjection to arrest the reader's attention -
Listen up!), the LORD (Jehovah) is about to
come out from His place to punish the inhabitants of
the earth (When will Jesus return to punish the earth? Has this
happened yet? This must speak of His Second Coming - see chart
comparing the
Rapture versus the Second Coming) for
their iniquity (cp Rev 19:11-21); and the earth will reveal her bloodshed and will no
longer cover her slain. (Isaiah 26:20, 21)
Thomas Constable
Comments: Before the restoration of Israel, however, God’s
people would experience hard times (in the Tribulation, cf. Rev.
12)...Yahweh would come out of His heavenly place of quiet to punish
Earth Dwellers for their secret sins in the Tribulation. The earth
itself, the forces of nature, would assist the Lord, metaphorically,
by exposing sins that lay hidden (cf. Isa 26:12). (Daniel
Expository Commentary Notes)
KJV Bible commentary on
Isaiah 26:20: The passing over of the indignation (za'am, indignant
denunciation) may refer to the survival of the Jewish remnant during
the Tribulation Period.
(Dobson,
E G, Charles Feinberg, E Hindson, Woodrow Kroll, H L. Wilmington: KJV
Bible Commentary: Nelson
or
Logos)
John Martin comments:
Isaiah wrote that the future
remnant
should hide during the time of
distress (God’s wrath in the Tribulation) (Ed note: See same phrase Da
12:1-note), knowing that deliverance
from the Lord will come.
(Walvoord,
J. F., Zuck, R. B., et al: The Bible Knowledge Commentary. 1985.
Victor or
Logos
or
Wordsearch)
The prophet Zephaniah also
uses indignation (za'am) in a passage describing the future
Great Tribulation...
Therefore wait
(command) for Me,” declares the Lord, for the day when I rise up as a
witness. Indeed, My decision is to gather nations, to assemble
kingdoms, to pour out on them My indignation (NIV = "My
wrath"), all My burning anger; For all the earth will be devoured by
the fire of My zeal (NIV = "jealous anger"). (Zeph 3:8)
John Hannah comments: The
prophet concluded the “judgments” portion of his prophecy by reverting
to the universal theme with which he introduced the section. He began
with a summary statement of universal judgment (Zeph 1:2, 3); then he
delineated God’s judgment on Judah and Jerusalem (Zeph 1:4-2:3) and on
other nations (Zeph 2:4-15). Then for emphasis he repeated the
judgment on Jerusalem (Zeph 3:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Now he ended this
long section with another general summary of universal judgment. In
the Lord’s impending universal judgment on the nations, His cup of
wrath was about to be poured out; at that time His grace would take
second place to His anger! At the end of the yet-future Tribulation,
God will cause the nations’ armies to assemble toward Jerusalem, and
in the Battle of Armageddon
(See
Campaign of Armageddon) (cf. Zech 14:2; Rev 16:14, 16) He will
pour out on them His wrath (za‘am, from “foam”), all His fierce anger
(cf. Zeph. 2:2), and the fire of His jealous anger (lit., “jealousy”).
(Walvoord,
J. F., Zuck, R. B., et al: The Bible Knowledge Commentary. 1985.
Victor or
Logos
or
Wordsearch)
John MacArthur adds: The
prophet transitions from the historical invasion of Judah by Babylon
to the future day of the Lord. He speaks of the
Great Tribulation, when
the Lord will gather all the nations for judgment (cf. Joel 3:1,2,12,
13, 14, 15, 16, 17; Zech 12:2,3; 14:2; Mt. 24:21). The faithful
remnant,
presumably the meek of Zeph 2:1, 2, 3, are exhorted to wait in trust
for Him to carry out His judgment.
(MacArthur,
J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word
or
Logos)
For that which is decreed will be done
- This phrase alludes to the sovereignty of God even over the time of this
evil ruler and serves as a good reminder to all of us that God is in
control, even when events and circumstances seem to us "out of control".
We see a similar statement in Isaiah
10...
For a complete destruction one that is
decreed, the Lord God of hosts will execute in the midst of the
whole land. Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts, “O My people
who dwell in Zion, do not fear the Assyrian who strikes you with the
rod and lifts up his staff against you, the way Egypt did. For in a very
little while My indignation (Heb = za'am = intense anger,
curse) against you will be spent and My anger will be directed to their
destruction. (Is 10:23, 24, 25).
I agree with John MacArthur who
comments: The indignation covers the entire period of Israel’s
exile (Isa 26:20; Da 11:36). Here is the promise that it will end with the
return of the Messiah (Isa 11:1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6-16).
Dr John Walvoord sums up this
verse noting that...
Beginning with verse 36, a sharp break in
the prophecy may be observed, introduced by the expression the time of the
end in verse 35. Up to this point, the prophecy dealing with the Persian and
Grecian Empires has been fulfilled minutely and with amazing precision.
Beginning with verse 36, however, an entirely different situation obtains.
No commentator claims to find precise fulfillment in the remainder of this
chapter. Although Zöckler and others attempt to relate Daniel 11:36-45 to
Antiochus (Antiochus IV Epiphanes), many students of Scripture have
recognized from antiquity that another king must be in view (Ed: Even
if they did not necessarily identify him as the
Antichrist).
Ibn Ezra, for example, identified this
king with Constantine the Great;
Rashi
and Calvin referred him to the Roman Empire as a whole; and Jerome,
Theodoret, and Luther, among others, identified him with the New Testament
Antichrist.
(Daniel 11 World
History From Darius To The Time Of The End)
Daniel
11:37
"HE WILL SHOW NO REGARD FOR THE GODS OF HIS FATHERS OR FOR THE DESIRE OF
WOMEN, NOR WILL HE SHOW REGARD FOR ANY OTHER GOD; FOR HE WILL MAGNIFY
HIMSELF ABOVE THEM ALL. (Regard: Ge 3:16 Dt 5:21 21:11 Song
7:10 Eze 24:16 1Ti 4:3) (regard: Ge 3:5 Isa 14:13 2Th 2:4)
Show no regard -
Antichrist
although from a religious background (the specifics of which are debatable)
will turn his back on his ancestral religion.
It should be noted that this aspect of
the king's behavior/preference was the opposite of the practice of Antiochus
IV Epiphanes, who has been historically documented to be a benefactor (giver
of gifts) to various pagan cults. In other words Antiochus did in fact
show regard for his ancestral (pagan) gods and he did not honor a
god of fortresses in place of these deities. Mark Mercer writes
that...
The gods of the
Seleucid ancestors of Antiochus IV were Apollo, the patron and ancestor of
the dynasty, as well as Zeus. Walbank points out, however, that these
special relationships did not, of course, deter the various royal houses
from the worship of other gods and goddesses as well and from founding cults
and temples to them....How do the benefactions of Antiochus contribute to an
understanding of Da 11:37, 38? Many of his gifts to Greek cities were of a
religious nature, and they benefited the cults of the gods of his fathers,
mentioned above, for whom the text says the king showed no regard. In
addition, these gifts to various cult centers demonstrate that to say
Antiochus IV did not regard any god is inaccurate (Da 11:37). To be
specific, he resumed the construction of the temple of Zeus in Athens. He
also made contributions to the temple of Zeus in Olympia. He built a temple
for Jupiter Capitolinus at Antioch. He contributed in some way to the
building or rebuilding of the temple of Apollo at Daphne. The imposition of
the edict of 167B.C. involved the introduction of the Dionysus cult.
Finally, during the panyguric at Daphne in the summer of 166, a vast number
of images were involved in the procession and following these games Apollo
was honored with a new coinage of gold staters and tetradrachms. Antiochus
also contributed some statues around the altar at Delos. Delos was thought
to be the birthplace of Apollo and was considered sacred to him.
The above
facts show that Antiochus did indeed show regard for the gods of his
fathers, Apollo and Zeus, as well as to others—unlike the King of the North
in Dan 11:37, 38. In conclusion, the opinions of two ancient historians note
the character of Antiochus In conclusion, the opinions of two ancient
historians note the character of Antiochus IV Epiphanes as it relates to
religion:
Nevertheless in two great and important
respects his soul was truly royal— in his benefactions to cities and in the
honours paid to the gods (Livy 41.20.5)
But in the sacrifices he furnished to
cities and in the honours he paid to the gods he far surpassed all his
predecessors . . . (Polybius 26.1.10)
From what Livy
and Polybius have to say about Antiochus IV Epiphanes, to view him as the
King of the North in Da 11:36-45 is difficult. This factor favors the fifth
view regarding Dan 11:36-45, that a yet-future king will fulfil the
prophecy. (Mark
Mercer - The Benefactions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and Daniel 11:37-38: An
Exegetical Note - TMSJ 12/1; Spring 2001, p 89-93 - See article for
documenting references)
Clearly this documentation of
Antiochus IV's affection and support of numerous pagan deities, is strong
support that this passage does not refer to that historical king as some
posit (suggest), but to a future, yet to be revealed king.
The gods of his fathers -
"Gods" is the Hebrew word Elohim and thus one could also translate this
passage as "The God of his fathers", which has led some to suggest that the
Antichrist is Jewish. E.g., we
see this phrase in the description of Amon, the son of Manasseh, the writer
recording that Amon...
forsook the LORD, the God of his
fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD. (2Ki 21:22)
Most commentators feel this phrase
signifies that the
Antichrist simply rejects the religion practiced by his
parents without specifying the religion.
The desire of women - This
phrase has also led some to favor a Jewish origin for the
Antichrist because
Jewish women often expressed the desire to be the mother of the Messiah
(cf Hag 2:7KJV which uses "desire" to refer to Messiah). Certainly the
Antichrist (anti = against or instead of) will show no regard for
Christ (cf 1Jn 2:22) and will magnify himself above Christ.
Some commentators interpret this
phrase as signifying
Antichrist has no desire for women (some even saying
this suggests he is of homosexual orientation) and/or that he is
virtually devoid of natural affection.
Will magnify himself above them all
(cf 2Th 2:3,4)
- Ultimately the
Antichrist will demand that all the earth’s inhabitants
worship him above God or even so-called gods (Rev 13:12-note,
Rev 13:14-note,
Rev 13:15-note).
Daniel
11:38
"BUT INSTEAD HE WILL HONOR A GOD OF FORTRESSES, A GOD WHOM HIS
FATHERS DID NOT KNOW; HE WILL HONOR HIM WITH GOLD, SILVER, COSTLY STONES AND
TREASURES. (A god: Rev 13:12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 17:1, 2,
3, 4, 5 18:12) (Isa 44:9)
But instead - Instead of the
gods of his fathers.
A god of fortresses (Heb =
ma'oz = strongholds, place or means of safety) - This phrase refers to
Antichrist's
honoring of military strength, might or power. What a marked contrast with
believers who see the Almighty as their stronghold, refuge, strength or
place of safety (Nah 1:7, 2Sa 22:33, Neh 8:10 = strength, Isa 25:4 =
defense, Pr 10:29, Ps 28:8 = defense, Ps 31:2 = strength, Ps 43:2). The
Antichrist's
honoring of a false god as his strength reminds one of the words of the
Psalmist...
Behold, the man who would not make God
his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and was
strong in his evil desire. (Ps 52:7)
Keil comments that...
The god of fortresses is the
personification of war, and the thought is this: he will regard no other
god, but only war; the taking of fortresses he will make his god; and he
will worship this god above all as the means of his gaining the world-power.
His fathers - This phrase
is used about 70x in Bible and almost every time refers to Jewish ancestral
line. While one cannot be dogmatic as discussed above, this phrase could
suggest that the
Antichrist has a Jewish ancestry. This line of reasoning
would also be consistent with the idea of "anti" = instead of. Thus the
"counterfeit Christ" the one who is "instead of" the True Christ might
logically be expected to be Jewish thus fulfilling OT prophecies that the
Messiah (Christ) would be of this line.
He will honor him -
Antichrist
will fortify the god of fortresses by providing a generous "budget"
for a military arsenal, even as if it were an "offering" to this personified
deity! That
Antichrist honors a "god of fortresses" is seem by his continual
engagement in war -- Da 11:40, 42, 43, 44, 45; Da 7:8, Da 7:24 Rev 13:4; Rev
16:13, 14, 15, 16).
Lehman Strauss has an
interesting note...
"God of forces" should read
"goddess of strongholds." (Ed: I'm not sure this is correct
as the Hebrew noun is masculine) Even though the
Antichrist shall not have regard
for any god at all, verses 38 and 39 seem to teach that he will create his
own god, which is love of warfare and victory. With some people their god is
sex, or money, or prestige, but with the
Antichrist the pride of his heart
will be to have men at his feet. If they will not yield to him willingly,
then he will bring them there by force. Gold and silver and mere things hold
no attraction for Satan. He is "the prince (ruler) of this world" (John
12:31; 14:30; 16:11), and the whole world is his sphere of operation (1John
5:19), but he must be the mighty master of men and angels. To bind the
Antichrist to himself he will offer him particular honors and influence. The
seventieth week will be Satan's greatest hour, and he will make the most of
it. The
Antichrist will be his willing tool, doing his bidding completely. (Lehman
Strauss Commentary – The Prophecies of Daniel) (The
Prophecies of Daniel - Wordsearch)
Daniel
11:39
"HE WILL TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE STRONGEST OF FORTRESSES WITH THE HELP OF A
FOREIGN GOD; HE WILL GIVE GREAT HONOR TO THOSE WHO ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND WILL
CAUSE THEM TO RULE OVER THE MANY, AND WILL PARCEL OUT LAND FOR A PRICE.
(A price: Rev 18:9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
With the help of a foreign god
- In context this to best be interpreted as a "god whom his fathers did
not know" in the preceding verse. Some interpret this as an allusion to Satan, who is described by John as
the "power" behind the
Antichrist (cf Rev 13:2-note)
Foreign (05236) (nekar)
means alien, strange, as of a deity that is not the true God (eg, Ge 35:2,
Dt 32:12, of idols Jer 8:19).
Nekar - 35x in 34v - Gen 17:12,
27; 35:2, 4; Ex 12:43; Lev 22:25; Dt 31:16; 32:12; Josh 24:20, 23; Jdg
10:16; 1Sa 7:3; 2Sa 22:45, 46; 2Chr 14:3; 33:15; Neh 9:2; 13:30; Ps 18:44,
45; 81:9; 137:4; 144:7, 11; Isa 56:3, 6; 61:5; 62:8; Jer 5:19; 8:19; Ezek
44:7, 9; Da 11:39; Mal 2:11. NAS = aliens (2), foreign(16), foreigner
(6), foreigners (10), strange(1).
He will give great honor to those
who acknowledge him -
Antichrist will reward (? bribe) those who worship/honor/express
loyalty to
him, even as Antiochus had done in a foreshadowing action (Da 11:24 "he will
distribute plunder, booty and possessions among them"). So just as with the
despicable Antiochus Epiphanes,
Antichrist has those who will acknowledge
him (apostatize) and come over to his side, in essence "selling their
soul" in order to get favors from him. In fact, Revelation 13 says that
And he (the second beast or
False Prophet)
causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free
men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand, or on their
forehead, and he provides that no one should be able to buy or to sell,
except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number
of his name. (Rev 13:16-note,
Rev 13:17-note;
See their horrible everlasting destiny = Rev 14:9-note,
Rev 14:10-note,
Rev 14:11-note
= the cost of "selling one's soul"! cf Mt 10:28)
Gangel adds that...
The ultimate politicians, both Antiochus
and
Antichrist know how to manipulate people by rewards (make them rulers)
and political payoffs (distribute the land at a price).
Daniel
11:40
"AT THE END TIME THE KING OF THE SOUTH
WILL COLLIDE WITH HIM, AND THE
KING OF THE NORTH WILL STORM
AGAINST HIM WITH CHARIOTS, WITH HORSEMEN AND WITH MANY SHIPS; AND HE WILL
ENTER COUNTRIES, OVERFLOW THEM AND PASS THROUGH.
(at the: Da 11:35 8:17 12:4) (king of the south: Da 11:5,6 Eze 38:14-18)
(like: Isa 5:28 21:1 66:15 Jer 4:13 Zec 9:14) (with horsemen: Eze 38:4,15 Rev 9:16 16:12)
(overflow: Da 11:10,22)
At the time of the end - In
context, this time phrase clearly conveys an eschatological (speaking of
future things) meaning.
The king of the North - This
phrase would further support the premise that Da 11:36-45 does not refer to
Antiochus IV Epiphanes who is clearly a king of the north. However in
this passage this king of the north is fighting against the king
described in the previous passages (Da 11:36, 37, 38, 39). Who then is the
King of the North? Commentators speculate that this might be Russia,
but I think one cannot be dogmatic. Certainly for those persons living in
the end time will know clearly who this refers to as they view current
events. Therefore, one gains little by attempting to speculate too much on
the exact meaning of some the clearly future events described in Da
11:40-45. I agree with Kenneth Gangel who says...
If the angel intends to stay with his
imagery from the beginning, the
Antichrist may find himself battling Egypt
and Syria. But one arriving at such a conclusion with any amount of
dogmatism does so only to his or her peril.
He will enter countries, overflow
them and pass through - Like a flood flows through the land, this
metaphor pictures the military might as overwhelming the enemies. As to who
the "he" is in this passage, there is some disagreement, but the context
would still seem to favor that this pronoun refers to the
Antichrist.
Daniel
11:41 HE WILL ALSO ENTER THE BEAUTIFUL LAND, AND MANY COUNTRIES WILL FALL; BUT
THESE WILL BE RESCUED OUT OF HIS HAND: EDOM, MOAB AND THE FOREMOST OF THE
SONS OF AMMON. (Enter: Da 11:45 Eze 38:8, 9, 10, 11, 12,
13) (But these: Isa 11:13, 14, 15 Jer 9:26 48:47 49:6)
He will also enter the beautiful
(KJV - "glorious", YLT - "desirable") land (cf Da 8:9-note,
Da 11:16-note)
- The
Antichrist comes into Israel. As an aside some commentators such as
the generally well respected author Leupold inappropriately associate this
phrase with the church, which in a word, makes no sense whatsoever and thus
is nonsense! One is reminded again of the importance of holding fast to the
golden rule of interpretation in prophecy (and all Scripture for that
matter)...
If the plain sense makes good
sense (in context), seek to make no other sense or it is
(potentially) nonsense! (cf 2Ti 2:15-note)
The beautiful (Heb = tsebiy)
land is not the church but Israel, the land which God promised to His chosen people
(cf God's unconditional, unbreakable promise in Ge 15:18, 19, 20, 21), as recorded in
Ezekiel where God says...
on that day (Read Ezek 20:4) I swore to
them, to bring them out from the land of Egypt into a land that I had
selected for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory
(tsebiy) of all lands. (Ezekiel 20:6)
Edom, Moab...Ammon - These
countries will be
spared from the wrath of the
Antichrist.
Why? We cannot state with certainty
therefore it is useless to speculate.
Daniel
11:42 THEN HE WILL STRETCH OUT HIS HAND AGAINST OTHER COUNTRIES, AND THE LAND OF
EGYPT WILL NOT ESCAPE. (Stretch out: Eze 29:14 Zec 10:10,11 14:17 Rev 11:8)
Stretch out his hand against other
countries - The hand is repeatedly used as a metaphor symbolizing power
or might, indicating the
Antichrist will wield his dominant power against
countries such as Egypt.
The land of Egypt - The fact
that Egypt is specifically named suggests that this indeed refers to literal
Egypt, which is not a powerful nation in our time but will achieve some
degree of power in the future.
Daniel
11:43
"BUT HE WILL GAIN CONTROL OVER THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF GOLD AND SILVER AND
OVER ALL THE PRECIOUS THINGS OF EGYPT; AND LIBYANS AND ETHIOPIANS WILL
FOLLOW AT HIS HEELS. (Libyans: Jer 46:9,10 Eze 38:5) (At his: Ex 11:8 Jdg 4:10)
He will gain control - The
Antichrist will take valuable booty in the land of Egypt.
Libyans and Ethiopians will follow
at his heels -
Daniel
11:44 BUT RUMORS FROM THE EAST AND FROM THE NORTH WILL DISTURB HIM, AND HE WILL
GO FORTH WITH GREAT WRATH TO DESTROY AND ANNIHILATE MANY. (East:
Da 11:11,30 Eze 38:9, 10, 11, 12 Rev 16:12 17:13 19:19, 20, 21)
While it is not possible to be
dogmatic as to the timing of the event in Daniel 11:36-45, the events in
this verse suggest it is almost surely the last half of the 7 years of
Daniel's Seventieth Week, during
which the Antichrist unveils his ''true colors''. He is indeed the "son
of destruction" (2Th 2:3), a very destructive man even as foreshadowed
by the despicable Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
Rumors from the east and from the
north will disturb him - The exact meaning of this phrase is uncertain.
The east - While one cannot be
dogmatic, this could refer to the armies described in the Revelation of
Jesus Christ (see Rev 9:13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19-notes
and Rev 16:12-note).
In his commentary on the Revelation, Dr Tony Garland comments that...
The movement of these kings probably contributes to
the “news from the east and the north” which
disturbs the
Antichrist (Da
11:44). (See
Campaign of Armageddon)
He will go forth with great wrath
- While the
Antichrist
is dominating North Africa, he is made aware of these
rumors which cause him to go back into the beautiful land in a state of
great rage.
Destroy (08045)
(shamad) always expresses complete “destruction” or “annihilation.”
The destruction depicted by shamad usually involves a rather sudden
catastrophe such as warfare or a mass killing.
Annihilate (02763)
(haram) means to completely destroy, to devote to destruction, to
exterminate, to annihilate, to doom with the ultimate idea of bringing about
a complete and utter destruction.
Haram - 51x in 47v - Ex 22:20;
Lev 27:28, 29; Nu 21:2, 3; Deut 2:34; 3:6; 7:2; 13:15; 20:17; Josh 2:10;
6:18, 21; 8:26; 10:1, 28, 35, 37, 39, 40; 11:11, 12, 20, 21; Jdg 1:17;
21:11; 1Sa 15:3, 8, 9, 15, 18, 20; 1Kgs 9:21; 2Kgs 19:11; 1Chr 4:41; 2Chr
20:23; 32:14; Ezra 10:8; Isa 11:15; 34:2; 37:11; Jer 25:9; 50:21, 26; 51:3;
Da 11:44; Mic 4:13. NAS = annihilate(1), covet(1), destroy them
utterly(1), destroy utterly(1), destroyed them utterly(1), destroying(1),
destroying them completely(2), destruction(2), devote(2), forfeited(1), set
apart(1), sets apart(1), utterly destroy(11), utterly destroyed(22), utterly
destroying(3).
Mounce adds that haram...
is used most often to designate cities
that are to be utterly destroyed. This involves the total annihilation of
the human and animal population and the burning of all items not given over
in consecration to God. On several occasions, God commands Israel to destroy
the cities of Canaan and other neighboring nations (Nu 21:2, 3; Dt 2:34; Jos
8:26), but there are also instances of foreign nations following the
practice (2 Ki. 19:11; 2 Chr. 20:23; Da 11:44). Isaiah writes that Yahweh
has devoted the foreign nations to the ban (Isa 34:2). These nations are
devoted to the ban because of their sin: prolonged immoral and idolatrous
practices and hostility against God and his people (cf. Ge 15:16; Deut 7:4,
5, 25, 26; 9:5). (Mounce, W. D. Mounce's Complete Expository Dictionary of
Old & New Testament Words. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan)
Daniel
11:45 HE WILL PITCH THE TENTS OF HIS ROYAL PAVILION BETWEEN THE SEAS AND THE
BEAUTIFUL HOLY MOUNTAIN; YET HE WILL COME TO HIS END, AND NO ONE WILL HELP
HIM. (Between: Joel 2:20 Zec 14:8) (And the: Da 11:16,41 Ps 48:2 Isa 2:2 14:13 Mic 4:2 2Th 2:4)
(He will come: Da 2:35 7:26 8:25 Eze 38:22,23 39:2 2Th 2:8 Rev 13:10
14:14-20 Rev 19:19-21 20:2,9)
He will pitch the tents of his royal pavilion - While the exact
meaning is uncertain, this event may correspond the the gathering of the
armies at Armageddon. The apostle John records...
And they gathered them together to the
place which in Hebrew is called Har-Magedon. (Rev 16:16-note)
(See also the
Campaign of Armageddon)
Gangel observes that...
Megiddo, mentioned twelve times in the
Old Testament (Josh. 12:21; 17:11; Jdg 1:27; 5:19; 1Kgs. 4:12; 9:15; 2Kgs.
9:27; 23:29, 30; 1Chr. 7:29; 2Chr. 35:22; Zech 12:11), lies on a major
highway connecting Egypt with Syria. No one can say with certainty that
Daniel 11:45 and Revelation 16:16 indicate the exact geographical site of
the final battle between good and evil, but no interpretation makes any
better sense
(Ed note: Gangel like many identifies
Armageddon as a "battle" when it is more accurately a campaign or a war -
see
Campaign of Armageddon). Daniel's angel seems to say that the great world leader finds
his final defeat right there (Holman Old Testament Commentary - Daniel)
Between the seas - the Dead Sea
and the Mediterranean Sea.
The beautiful mountain - Mount
Moriah, the place of Temple Mount.
Yet he will come to his end - This
describes the demise of the
Antichrist.
The end of Antichrist is described in
multiple passages...
Then I kept looking because of the sound
of the boastful words which the (Little) horn (the
Antichrist)
was speaking; I kept looking until the beast (the
Antichrist)
was slain, and its body was destroyed and given to the burning fire. (Da
7:11)
And then that lawless one (the
Antichrist)
will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and
bring to an end by the appearance of His coming (as described in Rev
19:11-20 - see below) (2Thes 2:8)
And I saw the beast (the
Antichrist)
and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled to make war against
Him who sat on the horse and against His army. And the beast (the
Antichrist)
was seized, and with him the false prophet (Beast #2, "another beast" of
Revelation 13 - Re 13:11, 12, 13, 14-note)
who performed the signs in his presence, by which he deceived those
who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his
image; these two were thrown alive into the lake of fire which burns
with brimstone. (Rev 19:19-note,
Rev 19:20-note
including discussion of the "Lake of Fire").
No one will help him - As he ruled
alone, he will die alone. God is sovereign. He is in control of the
appointed time of the end for both men and devils (cf Da 7:12-note,
Da 8:19-note). It is God alone...
Who changes the times and the epochs. He
removes kings and establishes kings (Da 2:21-note)
No help - Equates with "No
escape"! His doom is sure. This reminds me of Luther's great words
announcing God's sure and final triumph over all evil for all time
(Hallelujah. Amen!)...
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
(play)
And though this world, with devils
filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him. (2Th 2:8, cf Re 20:9-note)
S R Miller nicely sums up chapter
11 commenting that...
Daniel 11 has enormous theological value.
First, the reality of the God of
the Bible is demonstrated. Campbell relates:
In the first 35 verses there are at least
135 prophecies which have been literally fulfilled and can be corroborated
by a study of the history of the period. (Campbell,
D. Daniel God's Man in a Secular Society)
Since no human being can know the future
(apart from divine inspiration), there must be a God in heaven who revealed
these matters.
Second, the divine omniscience and
omnipotence of the Lord is set forth. God foretells future events and
therefore must have supreme knowledge and power over history.
Third, for those who live after
the predicted events have occurred, there is the confidence that since the
previous prophecies have been fulfilled, the subsequent promises of
deliverance and triumph will just as assuredly come true.
Fourth, the fulfillment of these
amazing predictions evidences that the Holy Scriptures are truly a product
of supernatural revelation.
Therefore this section of the Book of
Daniel is not an unimportant record of historical events but a rich
testimony to the believers’ glorious God and the trustworthiness of his
Word. (Miller,
S. R. - Daniel - New American Commentary) (Logos
version) (Wordsearch
version).
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