Welcome


Daniel Chapter 11
Verses 1-24


Introduction

      The prophecies of this chapter fall into two time periods and themes. The first period embodies the Grecian rule over Judah from Alexander the Great till Antiochus Epiphanes. This falls within the gap of time between the Old Testament and the New Testament. The second period has as its theme the tribulation of the Jews at the end of this age and the “antichrist.” So we can think of the vision containing a first series of prophecies, which we might call the “A” series, and the final prophecies, the “B” series of prophecy. The exact point of where “A” leaves off and “B” begins is difficult to determine. Actually there may not be an exact break between the two, but rather a blending or overlapping of “A” and “B” making a section of “C.” This “C” area of prophecy would be about both Antiochus and the “antichrist” where their actions are equivalent.

The Role of Greece

      If we read this chapter with knowledge of Grecian history in the Holy Land it is understood that several Grecian rulers are involved, concluding with the last ruler, Antiochus Epiphanes. As we have seen from our study of the vision of chapter 8 Antiochus Epiphanes has been previously mentioned. Here is a brief summary of the Grecian Empire's involvement with Israel. Alexander the Great was the commanding general and king of this empire when it conquered the Medo-Persian Empire and became the third dominant world empire as seen in Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of the great idol. Upon Alexander's death this empire was divided among his four leading generals. The two concerned with the history of Israel are Ptolemy, who ruled Egypt (the south), and Seleucus, whose initial rule was in the east, from essentially Babylon and eastward. Very quickly Seleucus expanded his kingdom to the west, and Syria became the center of his government. From these two, Ptolemy and Seleucus, came a running series of warfare and conquest lasting for over 100 years, with Israel in the center. Israel, however, remained primarily under the control of Seleucid Empire throughout all that time.

Antiochus IV

      Verses 2 through 35 give detailed prophecies of the major events and people during this period of Grecian dominance. The verses, which speak of Antiochus Epiphanes, are probably 21-35. This opinion is based on the recorded history of Antiochus IV (called Epiphanes) and the revelation of these verses. I have already given you a paper on Antiochus Epiphanes listing his career and his abominations against the Jews, the Temple, and Judaism. But here are the highlights from this chapter concerning him: initially this man is not given the honor of the kingdom; he is called a vile person; he shall come peaceably and obtain the kingdom by flatteries; he also is called the prince of the covenant; he shall work deceitfully; he and his adversary shall speak lies at one table (their sitting at one table is typical of treaty negotiations); his people (by his direct command) shall pollute the sanctuary and take away the daily worship (sacrifices) and then shall place the abomination that makes desolate. Those Jews who warn their people and stand opposed to him are killed. He corrupts many of the Jews through political, religious and monetary favor.

Antiochus and the “Antichrist”

      There are many similitudes between Antiochus IV and his actions and the “antichrist.” Exactly how much he typifies the “antichrist” is hard to tell, but there is much, which the two have in common. The following are the parallels of the two: the “antichrist” will also not initially have the honor of the kingdom, he will initially obtain his kingdom by flatteries, and there is a major peace treaty made which is laced with deceit. Both are called a prince of a covenant, who pollute the sanctuary, end the worship, and make the Temple desolate. The pattern of killing of those who opposed Antiochus will also be practiced by the “antichrist.”

Verse Commentaries

      Verses 36 through 45 seem to deal with the “antichrist” only. However, some of what is spoken of him can also be related to Antiochus Epiphanes. Because of the depth of each verse they are best reviewed individually. Thus the following format is used.

Verse 36.
      This king shall do according to his own will and pleasure.
      He will exalt himself, and magnify himself against every god.
      He will speak monstrous things against The God of Gods.
      He shall succeed until the indignation is exhausted, which has been decreed
          must be done.

Verse 37.
      He will not have any regard or desire for the following:
          The god of his fathers (the god which his lineage has worshiped),
          for women (literally the delight of women, most probably of a sexual nature),
          nor for any god (This places him apart from association with any established
          religion).
     He shall magnify himself above ALL.

Verse 38.
      In his domain, estate, (some say on his pedestal) he will honor the god of
       forces
(This god, who is not now known, is seen to be the god of munitions,
      warfare, and of powers, suggesting a god of conquest. Can this be Satan? In all       probability it is or some direct connection with him. If this is so, then the nature       of this king's victories can be well understood.). This god of forces was not
      knownby his forefathers (whatever nationality this antichrist is, this god will
      be astrange god to them). To this god he gives offerings and honor of gold,
      silver,precious stones and articles of delight.

Verse 39.
      This verse has been interpreted with the following emphasis:
          He shall prepare for the people of this alien god, strongholds of the fortress
          of the sea.(Thus this new alien god now has his own people, worshipers.) He
          willacknowledge these people by giving them honor, authority over many,
          and willdivide the land among them for a price.

Verse 40.
      Two kings come at him, one from the south (Egypt) and one from the north (?).
          The king of the south will push at him and the king of the north will rush
          againsthim. All manner of warfare, armament are being used. But he will
          enter into thesecountries and overwhelm them and pass over them (Go
          throughtheir lands
). This is analogous to Hitler and his conquest of
          Poland in the early days of World War II.)

Verse 41.
      He will enter the Beautiful Land (repeatedly spoken of in Scripture as the land
      of Israel).
      He shall lay low (a term of great destruction) many lands or countries.
      But the lands of Edom, Moab, and the first portion of the sons of Ammon shall
      escape his hand. (This fact joined with the book of Revelation and the
      deliverance of the 144,000 Jews [Rev. 7:4-8; 12:6,13-17] from the
      “antichrist's” power demonstrates God's intervention in His providential
      care of His people.) This is also the Geographical location of the ancient
      city of Petra.)

Verse 42.
      This verse could well be that which is spoken of in Rev. 12:17 (And the
      dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant
      of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony
      of Jesus Christ.). If this assumed connection is correct then it reveals
      that the actions of Satan and the “antichrist” are of one accord. Again
      Egypt is mentioned as having no escape or deliverance. (This rises the
      question as to why they are suffering so badly at the hands of this
      despot. They must be resisting him and opposing his schemes.)

Verse 43.
      He shall have control and power over an immense amount of wealth. Libya
      and Ethiopia will be among his followers. (It is not that they are
      necessarily a part of his kingdom, but they follow his steps, leadership
      and policies.)

Verse 44.
      Literally, news from the east and the north shall terrify him. Therefore
      he will go with great fury to destroy many and to make many devoted to him.
      (This “being devoted” means many will give over their allegiance to him.)

Verse 45.
      He shall station his palace home between the seas towards the beautiful holy
      mountain. (Where exactly this may be is too shrouded for our knowing at this
      time. Those who will be observing these things coming to pass however will
      know exactly.) Yet, for all this, he shall come to his end, and none shall
      help him, not his people, nor his god, nor his power of wealth.
      See Dan. 2:35,44,45; 7:11; 8:25.


For all the prophecy of this chapter the vision continues into chapter 12.



Next: Daniel Chapter 12






This page last updated September 14, 2004 at 10:21am





Index
Charts
Records
Photos
E-Mail
Links
Next
Previous
Home

:: Previous :: :: Home :: :: Next :: :: Index :: :: Charts :: :: Contact ::

Photo © Image-Cafe
© Linkware Set from Carla's Graphic Designs

All Content Copyright IMBC 2004
All Rights Reserved