Search The Scriptures —Study 14 — Daniel 11:21 – 12:13

Study 14 From the Book of Daniel is:  Daniel 11:21 – 12:13

With this study we will end the book of Daniel. Tomorrow we will go back the last time to the book of Psalms

At chapter 11:21 the predicted course of events as told in the vision reaches the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, and the historical fulfilment can be traced with accuracy up to verse 35. The career of Antiochus is revealed in four main features: (a) the craft by which he obtained the throne and won his way to power (verses 21-23);  (b) his love of munificent and lavish giving (verse 24a); (c) his plans for war (verse 24b), and especially his wars against Egypt (verse 25-30); and (d) his acts of sacrilege against the Temple in Jerusalem’ and persecution of the Jews (verse 31-35).

            The remainder of the passage (11:36-12:4) seems at first sight to be a continuation of the career of Antiochus, but on closer examination is seen to go beyond it, alike in its description of the king (verse 36; cf. 2 Thes. 2:4), in the events which it records (e.g., 12:1, 2), and in the emphasis laid upon its being ‘the time of the end’ (11:35, 40; 12:4). The figure of Antiochus seems here to merge into the more sinister figure of the antichrist. With 12:2, 7, cf. 7:25; 9:27.

1-     Gather out the evidence given here on the one hand of man’s sinfulness and lust for power, and on the other of God’s overruling control and purpose. Cf. Je. 17:5-14.

2-     What are the characteristics of those who will be glorified and of those who will be put to shame at the last?

Notes

1-     11:21. I. e., he was not the recognized heir to the throne.

2-     11:22-24. ‘The prince of the covenant is probably Antiochus, the infant son and heir of Seleucus IV. ‘The strongholds’ are those of Egypt.

3-     11:27. Antiochus actually captured the king of Egypt, but they pretended to be friendly.

4-     11:30. ‘Ships of Kittim’: i.e., Roman ships, which refused Antiochus liberty to proceed. He vented his anger, therefore, upon Palestine.

5-     11:31. ‘The abomination that makes desolate’: a small altar was placed upon the altar of burnt offering and sacrifices were offered to idols.

6-     11:37. ‘The one beloved by women’ refers to the god Tammuz. See Ezk. 8:14.

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