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.
