I am sure you are aware that in the original parchments of Scripture there are no headings, nor chapter or verse numbers. The heading are often misleading but the chapter and verse numbers can be very helpful. Look at verses 35 through 36 of Daniel 11.
Da 11:35 Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time. 36 “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods.”
I have removed the italics from the end of verse 35 into verse 36 on purpose. The end will come at the appointed time … and until then, the king will do as he pleases.
1) Who is this king? Some commentators say this is Antiochus. It is true that he assumed divinity and had the inscription placed on the coins (money), “Of King Antiochus, God. Manifest, Victory bearer.” Even though he credits himself as deity this does not do justice to this verse. Others have suggested this to be Herod because he set himself up and over every authority, be it priest or ruler. But to consider him is to force the verse. The only true interpretation must surely come from the Bible
2Th 2:3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
There a few things here …
(1) The language is so similar;
(2) The man of lawlessness who is doomed to destruction. Comparing both Daniel and 2 Thessalonians, they are both speaking about the Antichrist. The evil arrogance, rebellion and opposition to God is the same
Da 11:36 “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place.
2Th 2:3 Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.
(3) The Antichrist will experience destruction in God’s predetermined time.
2) Could this Antichrist be known?
Da 11:37 He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all.
Again some bring Herod’s name into the fray here, but even though he fits the description so well and the Herodian’s through he was the messiah, he was not a Jew. He was an Idumean and the text refers to a Jew who has no regard for the Jewish Religion … indeed, the Antichrist. You see, this one called “king” rejected every so called god including the true God. In his mind he is greater and better than all gods … which would include the true, living God. He is the Antichrist. The Divine Messenger takes it to another level in the prophecy.
Da 11:38 Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his fathers he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts.
One needs to understand that the verse is not referring to any known god that was worshipped. The god spoken of is characterized as … a god of fortresses. As one commentator put it … this god is “the personification of war”. War is honored as god. The religion is the religion of war and will be supported with … gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. With the help of this god … the god of war:
Da 11:39 He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.
With this god, this military machine of war and destruction he enjoys great victories and all who support him he rewards. Even though the passage is talking of the Antichrist, all war lords rewards those who support them.
3) The final conflict. That is the heading one commentator gives these last verses.
(1)
Da 11:40 “At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood.
Much discussion has taken place as to this war and who it represents. It seems as though this is the Antichrist and the king of the South (Egypt) who do battle. Looking at the forces used … chariots, cavalry and ships indict a hug battle.
(2)
Da 11:41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand.
Now this enemy king from the North, the Antichrist overthrew the Promised Land (Palestine- Judea). Whilst other nations fall, Edom, Moab and Ammon, all related to Israel are “handed” over to the antichrist. Why are they spared? Because they were always a thorn in Israel’s side!
(3)
Da 11:42 He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape.
Many nations will fall to the Antichrist … even the great Egypt who most likely resisted the Antichrist.
(4)
Da 11:43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Nubians in submission.
Where the Antichrist scores the wealth of Egypt it seems as though the Libyans and Nubians (now southern Egypt and northern Sudan) join forces with the him.
(5)
Da 11:44 But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many.
Reports come to the Antichrist that causes wrath to spill to the point where he leaves Egypt to deal with those rebelling against him in lands he conquered.
(6)
Da 11:45 He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.
The antichrist sets us base between the Mediterranean Sea and Jerusalem where he meets his end … by the glorious return of the Son of God! Jesus’ Second Coming is the hope of the Church! The end will come at the appointed time.
2Th 2:8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.
Father how we look forward to that Day. Amen.