Antiochus & the Antichrist

Daniel Chapter 11

Oh God, King of the Universe, thank you for sending your Son, my Messiah, to die on the cross for me. Your name is great amongst all nations, and I await for the day that you will establish your eternal kingdom here on Earth. May Your will be done always across the universe. Bless me with provision for a healthy body, and please forgive the wrongs I have committed against you or any person in my life. Keep me on the narrow path that leads straight to You. May Your Kingdom reign eternally. May you come quickly full of power and glory forever. Amen.

What is the scariest thing about the Salem witch trials?

So many people crying witch for so many different reasons. How many were actually innocent? How many were guilty? Does this feel like it could happen again?

There have been times throughout our history that peoples are persecuted, enslaved, murdered, and annihilated. It is not a new concept, and these types of ordeals will contiue to happen until Christ returns. This chapter deals with a tyrant unlike any other for the Jewish people. He will force the Jews to either deny God or die. Many of which chose to die. Most of us have never been forced to even think about this question. Praise God that we have been protected. We must learn from history.

Daniel 11:20-45 deals with two different tyrants separated by a large gap in years. The biggest take away for this particular study is that God is sovereign. He uses tyrants for His purposes, and regardless of human plans...God's plan reigns supreme.

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Daniel 11:20-35 deals with the persecution and terror ignited by Antiochus on the Jewish people.

Daniel 11:36-45 deals with the end of the age and the Antichrist's rise and fall from power.

Verse 21

Here we see that the tax collector King from last session is usurped by someone who is contemptible. He sneaks in when everyone is comfortable and at peace to steal it away with intrigue. This political figure is Antiochus IV Epiphanes. It is interesting how he took over the kingdom...with intrigue. Political skills wedded to an evil heart are a dangerous combination. Scheming to get ones way. Is this something that can easily be practiced today by christians? In the workplace? At school? In a Church?

Verse 22

The King of Egypt comes in with a large army to try to take Antiochus down, but he is swiftly defeated. Even Onias III, a high priest in Jerusalem tries to oppose Antiochus and fails.

Verse 23-24

Antiochus negotiates a peace treaty with schemes in mind.

vs. 24: When the rich are secure, he will invade
vs. 24: Distribute the wealth to his followers
vs. 24: Plot the overthrow of fortresses

Verse 25-27

A further look into the attempt made in verse 22 made by Egypt. It ends with Antiochus returning to his homeland with enormous amounts of plunder and wealth.

Verse 28

An insurrection is in progress at his homeland, and the Jews involved will be the center of Antiochus' attention.

Stephen Miller writes,

" He put down the rebellion, massacring eighty thousand men, women, and children (2 Macc 5:12-14) and then looted the temple with the help of the evil high priest, Menelaus. the persecution of the Jews by this evil tyrant had now escalated to calamitous proportions (Daniel, 300)."

Verse 29

Here goes Antiochus going to invade the south again, but this time it is different.

Verse 30-31

The Roman guard, Gaius Popilius Laeas meets Antiochus at the shore and hands Antiochus a letter. Stating he must turn around and cease this affront or face Rome. It is said that the general drew a circle around the king and said he was not allowed to leave it until he made a decision. He turns tail and runs.

Annoyed and filled with rage from his failure to invade the south, Antiochus turns his attention once more to God's people. his fury will be unleashed against them, and he will show favor to those who turn away from God and His covenant.

Antiochus sent the head of his mercenaries to "come in peace" to the Jews. Then on their sabbath day slaughtered the people and plundered their city.

Antiochus' many distasteful deeds:

Antiochus rewarded those Jews who abandoned the holy covenant.
Armed forces to desecrate the temple fortress
All Jewish practices forbidden on penalty of death
- circumcision, posession of scriptures, offering sacrifices, and observing feast days
Erected an altar/idol statue of the god Zeus
Sacrificed swine on the altar (abomination of desolation)
Used flattery to further corrupt Jews to join the cause of Antiochus

Verse 32-35 There were faithful believers who refused to back down

Tens of thousands of Jews were slaughtered. those who had insight or spiritual discernment refused. They also instructed other believers. Many of them were burned, captured or plundered. The purpose is to refine, purify, and cleanse individuals ad the nation as a whole of sinful practices to strengthen their faith "until the time of the end." vs. 35 (Akin, pg 153). The time when Antiochus will fall and fall he shall to insanity.

Stephen Miller further informs us,

"Foremost among those who resisted the oppressive measures of Antiochus were the Maccabees. A certai priest named Mattathias refused to forsake his god. He had five sons, three of whom became known as the Maccabees....The Maccabees successfully overthrew the Syrian yoke through a series of brilliant victories against Antiochus's military commanders, Apollonious, Seron, Grogias, Lysisas, and as a result the temple was rededicated to Yahweh (Daniel,302)."

Why aren't the Maccabees part of our Bible?

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Daniel 11:36-45 Time to take a huge leap in years...which includes us right now!

The end of time with the Antichrist in charge for awhile.

What will the Antichrist do?

will do whatever he wants
exalt and magnify himself above every god
say outrageous things against the God of gods
success will be his until the time of wrath

Vs. 37

What does is mean "the god desired by women?"

According to Andrew Steinmann, this is an attribute of the Antichrist who disdains marriage or the constitution of it. He does not honor God and he imposes this disdain for marriage on others.

A god of fortress...who is he?

I think we know who this unknown "god" is and the antichrist honors him with precious stones, gold and silver.

Vs. 38-39

With the help of the unknown God he will attack the strong fortresses, and will reward those who join him in his crusade. He will shower them with riches and lands.

Vs. 40-45

What else does the Antichrist do?

"the king of the north"
he will be attacked by the king of the south (futile)
advance into other countries and sweep through like a flood
invade Israel and many will die
extend his power and be on the verge of complete victory
become terrified upon receiving reports
pursue enemies with great fury
set up camp in Israel
he will meet his end with a mere whimper

No matter what happens now, God is in control. No matter who is in power, God is in control. We as Christians are called to be humble, love the Lord our God above all else, and hold fast to the faith. What parts of this calling do you find difficult? Pray on these things.

Let's go to the Father in prayer:

Father, Adonai, King of the Universe, thank you for your word. It is truly a blessing to have your word available to us so that we can seek a deeper relationship with you. The kingdom that you have promised is much desired, but I pray that you will help me to tell others about it. Please help me to go wherever you tell me to go. Thank you for you love, mercy and grace! Amen.

Resources:

Akin, Daniel L.. Exalting Jesus in Daniel. Christ Centered Exposition, edited by David Platt, Daniel L. Akin, and Tony Merida. Nashville. : B&H Publishing Group, 2017.

Miller, Stephen R. Daniel. New American Commentary 18. Nashville, TN; B&H, 1994.

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