Daniel 11

Daniel 11:1

XI. PROPHECIES OF THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE (11:1-35) A. Greece’s Conquest of Medo-Persia (11:1-3) Though still in the future when written, verses 1-35 are now past history. Verses 36 to 45 are still future. The him in verse 1 may refer to Michael, mentioned in the preceding verse, or Darius. Verse 2 tells of the power of four kings of Persia and the opposition of the last one to Greece. The four kings were Cambyses, Pseudo-Smerdis, Darius I (Hystaspes), and Xerxes I (Ahasuerus). Alexander the Great was the mighty king who wrested world power from Persia to Greece.

Daniel 11:4

B. The Decay of the Grecian Empire (11:4-35)

1. The Wars Between Egypt and Syria (11:4-20)11:4 When Alexander died, his kingdom was divided into four partsEgypt, Syria-Babylon, Asia Minor, and Greece. The ruler of Egypt was the king of the south, while the ruler of Syria-Babylon was the king of the north. Not one of Alexander’s successors was from among his posterity, but rather they were his generals. 11:5, 6 Verses 5-35 describe warfare lasting about two centuries between these latter two kingdoms. The first king of the South was Ptolemy I, and the one who shall gain power over him was Seleucus I of Syria. These two were allies at first, then antagonists. Later Berenice, the daughter of Ptolemy II, married Antiochus II, king of Syria, to bring rapprochement between the two nations, but the strategem failed in a torrent of intrigue and murder. 11:7-9 Ptolemy III, a brother of Berenice, successfully attacked the realm of Seleucus Callinicus, returning to Egypt with captives and great spoil. Two years later Seleucus launched an unsuccessful attack against Egypt. 11:10-17 His sons proved to be more successful, especially Antiochus III. Verses 10-20 describe how the tide of battle seesawed between the North and the South. Verse 17b tells how Antiochus III made a pact with Egypt, giving his daughter Cleopatra (not the famousor notoriousqueen of Egypt) in marriage to Ptolemy V, but she defected to side with Egypt. 11:18-20 When Antiochus III attempted to conquer Greece, he was defeated by the Romans at Thermopylae and Magnesia, and returned to his own land to die in an insurrection. His successor, Seleucus Philopater, became infamous for his oppressive taxes on the glorious kingdom, Israel. He died mysteriously, perhaps by poisoning.

Daniel 11:21

2. The Reign of Wicked Antiochus Epiphanes (11:21-35)11:21, 22 Verse 21 brings us to the rise of Antiochus Epiphanes, the “little horn” of Daniel 8. This vile person gained by intrigue the throne that rightfully belonged to his nephew. Kingdoms were inundated by his military might, and the Jewish high priest, Onias, the prince of the covenant, was murdered. 11:23, 24 Antiochus made treaties with various nations, especially Egypt, but always to his own advantage. When he plundered a conquered province, he used the wealth to extend his own power. 11:25, 26 His campaign against Egypt receives special mention; the king of the South was not able to withstand him, partly because of treachery among his own followers. 11:27, 28 Subsequently both the kings of Syria and of Egypt engaged in hypocritical and deceitful conferences. When Antiochus was returning to his own land, he began to direct his hostility against Israel, inflicting great slaughter and destruction. 11:29-31 The next time Antiochus marched against Egypt, he was repulsed by the Romans (ships of Cyprus) near Alexandria. Returning through Palestine, he took out his anger against Israel. Some apostate Jews collaborated with him. He discontinued the daily sacrifices and ordered an idol to be erected in the sanctuary. According to secular history, he polluted the temple by offering a sow upon the altar. The holy covenant (vv. 28, 30, 32) refers to the Jewish faith, with particular emphasis on the sacrifical system. 11:32-35 These outrages brought on the Maccabean revolt, led by Judas Maccabaeus (“the hammer”) and his family. Apostate Jews sided with Antiochus, but the faithful ones were strong and did great exploits. It was a terrible time of slaughter on one hand, but of spiritual brilliance and revival on the other.

Daniel 11:36

XII. PROPHECIES OF THE DISTANT FUTURE (11:3612:13) A. The Antichrist (11:36-45)11:36-39 As mentioned, verses 36-45 are still future. Verse 36 introduces the willful king, whose description makes him sound very much like the Antichrist. He will prosper till God’s wrath against Israel is accomplished. Many believe that he will be a Jew, judging from such expressions as “the God of his fathers” and “the desire of women” (i.e., the Messiah). The Jews would hardly be deceived by a Gentile messiah. At any rate, he will greatly extend his sway through aggressive militarism. 11:40-45 There is a problem in verses 40-45 as to who is intended by he and him. One interpretation is as follows: The king of the South collides with the willful king in battle. The king of the North then swoops down through Palestine and on into Egypt. But disturbing news from the east and from the north causes him to return to Palestine where he encamps between the seas (Mediterranean and Dead Seas) and Jerusalem. He will be destroyed, with no one coming to help him.