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THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR D A N I E L CHAPTER ELEVEN

Daniel 11:1-4 11:1 "Also in the first year of Darius the Mede, I, even I, stood up to confirm and strengthen him.) 2 And now I will tell you the truth: Behold, three more kings will arise in Persia, and the fourth shall be far richer than them all; by his strength, through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece. 3 Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. 4 And when he has arisen, his kingdom shall be broken up and divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not among his posterity nor according to his dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be uprooted, even for others besides these. NKJV

Kings of North and South 11:2. Four Persian kings. Cyrus is already king when this is taking place, so he would not be counted among the four. His immediate successors were Cambyses, Smerdis (Bardiya/ Gaumata), Darius, Xerxes and Artaxerxes.

Seven more kings followed in the royal line before Alexander the Great brought about the fall of the empire. The last was Darius III. Xerxes was arguably the richest of the kings and was the one who was most involved with battles against the Greeks. This spans about seventy years of Persian history. (IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament)

11:3. Mighty king. The mighty king is none other than Alexander the Great. The text skips about 130 years from the end of Xerxes' reign to 336, when Alexander took the throne of Macedon. Within five years his military prowess had toppled the Persian Empire and ushered in the Greek. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:4. Divisions to four winds. Alexander died in 323, and a twenty-year struggle for succession ensued that eventually led to a four-way division of the empire (see comment on Daniel 8:22). Two of those divisions were in the Aegean region (Cassander had Greece and Macedonia; Lysimachus had Thrace),

While the other two divided up the Near East (Ptolemy had Egypt and Palestine; Seleucus had Syria, Mesopotamia and Persia). The Ptolemaic line is going too represented by "the king of the South," while the Seleucid line will be represented by "the king of the North." (IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament)

[General Information – 11:1-45: the heavenly being reveals future events]. A detailed description follows representing events in the conflicted relations between the Seleucid Empire of Syria and Babylonia and the Ptolemaic Empire of Egypt. The symbolic aspect of the vision is less compelling that Chapter 7 or even Chapter 8; it also sometimes bogs down in historical correspondences.

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Apocalyptic writings, as well as some of those from Qumran [Dead Sea Scrolls], typically refer to historical figures indirectly (as if in code), rather than by name. Daniel follows this practice. As the visions progress, and relate to the time of the author [Daniel] rather than to earlier times, they become more detailed. Thus, the detail allows a precise dating of the final composition and editing of Daniel. [Jewish Study Bible]

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:1-4 11:1: First year of Darius the Mede, see 9:1 notes.

11:2-4: It is unclear what Persian kings are intended; the fourth may be the last Persian king, Darius 3rd (336-331 BCE [BC]). The warrior king is Alexander the Great, whose kingdom was broken up after his death, and ruled by various successor kingdoms. [Jewish Study Bible]

11:1 This verse is parenthetical [back information], to tell us what the angelic speaker had done two years previously (426 BC.). Darius the Mede is the same king as we see in 9:1 [Darius the son of Ahasuerus of the seed of the Medes] in other words this is Cyrus.

11:2 Now calling attention to the then present time (424 BC) as being then distinct from verse 1, which refers to what took place about two years before the present time.

Three kings in Persia they are Cambyses, and the pseudo Smerdis, and finally Darius Hystaspis. But we find in ancient histories that they “contain much that is admittedly fabulous” (Reference Encyclopedia Britannica in the 11th edition, in volume 21 on page 210), and the commentaries based on them differing among themselves are therefore not to be relied on.

We know from this verse in Daniel that there were three kings after Cyrus, and also a fourth. So whoever he was, the “mighty king” of verse 4 succeeded him, which was of course Alexander the Great.

By his strength through his riches. We find that in some codices, and also five early printed editions will read “by strengthening himself in his riches he will stir up,” &c.

11:3 A mighty king. This is non other than the he-goat’s “little horn” (8:9), do according to his will. See Daniel 8:4 also compare 11:16, 36. This is talking about the beast of Revelation 13. Paul the Learner

ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER This chapter contains a portion of those things, which the angel said were written in "the scripture of truth," and, which he came to disclose to Daniel. The revelation also embraces the twelfth chapter, and the two comprise the last recorded communication that was made to Daniel.

The revelation, which is made in these chapters not only embraces a large portion of history of interest to the Jewish people of ancient times, and designed to give instruction as to the important events that would pertain to their nation, but also, in its progress, alludes to important 2 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR periods in the future as marking decisive eras in the world's history, and contains hints as to what would occur down to the end of all things.

The chapter before us embraces the following definitely marked periods:

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:1-4 Analysis of the chapter continued I. The succession of kings in Persia to the time of a mighty king who should arouse all the strength of his kingdom to make war on Greece-referring doubtless to Xerxes, Daniel 11:1-2. Of those kings in Persia there would be three-three so prominent as to deserve notice in the rapid glance at future events-Cambyses, Smerdis, and Darius Hystaspis.

II. After this succession of kings, one would stand up or appear who would be characterized as ruling "with great dominion," and "'according to his will," Daniel 11:3. The dominion evidently would pass into his hand, and he would be distinguished from all that went before him. There can be no doubt, from the connection, and from what is said in Daniel 11:4, that the reference here is to Alexander the Great in a historical context.

III. The state of the empire after the death of this mighty king, Daniel 11:4. His kingdom would be broken, and would be divided into four parts referring doubtless to the division of the empire of Alexander after his death divided into four parts-referring doubtless to the division of the empire of Alexander after his death.

IV. The history then proceeds to notice the events that would pertain to two of these portions of the empire-the conflicts between the king of the south, and the king of the north-or between Egypt and Syria, Daniel 11:5-19. This portion of the history embraces, in detail, an account of the policy, the negotiations, and the wars of Antiochus the Great, until the time of his death.

Daniel 10:21 These kingdoms are particularly referred to, probably because their conflicts would affect the holy land, and pertain ultimately to the history of religion, and its establishment and triumph in the world. In the notice of these two sovereignties, there is considerable detail-so much so that the principal events could have been readily anticipated by those who were in possession of the writings of Daniel.

The destiny of the other two portions of the empire of Alexander did not particularly affect the history of religion, or pertain to the holy land, and therefore they are not introduced. In a particular manner, the history of Antiochus the Great is traced with great minuteness in this portion of the prophecy,

Because his doings had a special bearing on the Jewish nation, and were connected with the progress of religion. The commentary on this portion of the chapter will show that the leading 3 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR events are traced as accurately as would be a summary of the history made out after the transactions had occurred.

V. A brief reference to the successor of Antiochus the Great, Seleucus IV, Daniel 11:20. As he occupied the throne, however, but for a short period, and as his doings did not particularly affect the condition of the Hebrew people, or the interests of religion, and his reign was, in every respect, unimportant, it is passed over with only a slight notice.

VI. The life and acts of Antiochus Epiphanes, Daniel 11:21-45. There can be no doubt that this portion of the chapter refers to Antiochus, and it contains a full detail of his character and of his doings.

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:1-4 Analysis of the chapter continued VI The account here, though without naming him, is just such as would have been given by one who should have written after the events had occurred, and there is no more difficulty in applying the description in this chapter to him now than there would have been in such a historical narrative.

The revelation is made, evidently, to prepare the Jewish people for these fearful events, and these heavy trials, in their history; and also to assure them that more glorious results would follow, and that deliverance would succeed these calamities. In the troubles, which Antiochus would bring upon the Hebrew people,

It was important that they should have before them a record containing the great outlines of what would occur, and the assurance of ultimate triumph-just as it is important for us now in the trials, which we have reason to anticipate in this life, to have before us in the Bible the permanent record that we shall yet find deliverance. In the twelfth chapter, therefore, the angel directs the mind onward to brighter times, and assures Daniel that there would be a day of rejoicing. (Barnes' Notes)

Note: What you have here is an historical fulfillment of a recorded prophecy, but even though it was fulfilled historically it can still have a future fulfillment also. Paul the Learner

Daniel 11:1 Verse 1 [Also I] I the angel. He alludes here to what he had done on a former occasion to promote the interests of the Hebrew people, and to secure those arrangements, which were necessary for their welfare-particularly in the favorable disposition of Darius the Mede toward them.

[In the first year of Darius the Mede] See the notes at Daniel 5:31. He does not here state the things contemplated or done by Darius in, which he had confirmed or strengthened him, but there can be no reasonable doubt that it was the purpose, which he had conceived to restore the Jews to their own land, and to give them permission to rebuild their city and temple.

Compare Daniel 9:1. It was in that year that Daniel offered his solemn prayer, as recorded in Daniel 9; in that year that, according to the time predicted by Jeremiah (see Daniel 9:2), the captivity would terminate; and in that year that an influence from above led the mind of the Persian king to contemplate the restoration of the captive people.

Cyrus was, indeed, the one through whom the edict for their return was promulgated; but as he reigned under his uncle Cyaxares or Darius, and as Cyaxares was the source of authority, it is evident that his mind must have been influenced to grant this favor, and it is to this that the angel here refers.

[I stood to confirm and to strengthen him] Compare the notes at Daniel 10:13. It would seem that the mind of Darius was not wholly decided; that there were adverse influences bearing on it.

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:1-4 Daniel 11:1 That there were probably counselors of his realm who advised against the proposed measures, and the angel here says that he stood by him, and confirmed him in his purpose, and secured the execution of his benevolent plan. Who can prove that an angel may not exert an influence on the heart of kings?

And what class of men is there who, when they intend to do good and right, are more likely to have their purposes changed by evil counselors than kings; and who is there that more need a heavenly influence to confirm their design to do right? (Barnes' Notes)

Daniel 11:2 [And now will I show thee the truth] That is, the truth about events that are to occur in the future, and which will accord with what is written in "the scripture of truth," Daniel 10:21.

[Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia] The phrase "stand up,” means that there would be so many kings in Persia; that is, there would be three before the fourth, which he mentions. The same Hebrew word here rendered "stand up" ‘aamad occurs in Daniel 11:3-4,6- 8,14-16 (twice), 17,20,21,25,31; also in Daniel 12:1,13.

In Daniel 11:8 it is rendered "continue;" in Dan 11:15, "withstand;" in the other cases, "stand up," or simply stand. Gesenius says it is a word used particularly of a new prince, as in Daniel 8:23; 11:2-3, 20. He does not say that there would be none afterward, but he evidently designs to touch on the great and leading events respecting the Persian Empire,

So far as they would affect the Hebrew people, and so far as they would constitute prominent points in the history of the world. He does not, therefore, go into all the details respecting the history, nor does he mention all the kings that would reign. The prominent, the material points, would be the reign of those three kings; then the reign of the fourth, or Xerxes,

As his mad expedition to Greece would lay the real foundation for the invasion of Persia by Alexander, and the overthrow of the Persian empire; then the life and conquests of Alexander, 5 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR and then the wars consequent on the division of his empire at his death. The "three kings" here referred to were Cambyses, Smerdis, and Darius Hystaspis.

As this communication was made in the third year of Cyrus (Daniel 10:1), these would be the next in order; and by the fourth is undoubtedly meant Xerxes. There were several kings of Persia after Xerxes, as Artaxerxes Longimanus, Darius Nothus, Artaxerxes Mnemon, Ochus, and Darius Codomanus, but these are not enumerated because the real ground of the invasion of Alexander, the thing, which connected him with the affairs of Persia, did not occur in their reign, but it was the invasion of Greece by Xerxes.

[And the fourth shall be far richer than they all] That is, Xerxes-for he was the fourth in order, and the description here agrees entirely with him. He would of course inherit the wealth accumulated by these kings, and it is here implied that he would increase that wealth, or that, in some way, he would possess more than they all combined.

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:1-4 11:2 The wealth of this king is mentioned here probably because the magnificence and glory of an Oriental monarch was estimated in a considerable degree by his possessions, and because his riches enabled him to accomplish his expedition into Greece. Some idea of the treasures of Xerxes may be obtained by considering,

(a) That Cyrus had collected a vast amount of wealth by the conquest of Lydia, and the subjugation of Croesus, its rich king, by the conquest of Asia Miner, of Armenia, and of Babylon-for it is said respecting him, "I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places," Isaiah 45:3: see the notes at that passage.

(b) That Cambyses increased that wealth, which he inherited from Cyrus by his victories, and by his plundering the temples wherever he came. A single case occurring in his conquests may illustrate the amount of wealth, which was accumulated. On his return from Thebes, in Egypt, he caused all the temples in that city to be pillaged and burned to the ground.

Daniel 11:2 But he saved from the flames gold to the amount of three hundred talents, and silver to the amount of two thousand and five hundred talents. He is also said to have carried away the famous circle of gold that encompassed the tomb of king Ozymandias, being three hundred and sixty-five cubits in circumference, on which were represented all the motions of the several constellations. - Universal History, vol. 4 page 140.

(c) This was further increased by the conquests of Darius Hystaspis, and by his heavy taxes on the people. So burdensome were these taxes, that he was called by the Persians, ho kapeelos - the "merchant," or "hoarder." One of the first acts of Darius was to divide his kingdom into provinces for the purpose of raising tribute. 6 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR

"During the reign of Cyrus, and indeed of Cambyses, there were no specific tributes; but presents were made to the sovereign. On account of these and similar innovations, the Persians call Darius a merchant, Cambyses a despot, but Cyrus a parent." - Herodotus, b. iii. Lxxxix. A full account of the taxation of the kingdom, and the amount of the revenue under Darius, may be seen in Herodotus, b. iii. Xc. - xcvi. The sum of the tribute under Darius, according to Herodotus, was fourteen thousand five hundred and sixty talents.

Besides this sum received from regular taxation, Herodotus enumerates a great amount of gold and silver, and other valuable things, which Darius was accustomed to receive annually from the Ethiopians, from the people of Colchis, from the Arabians, and from India. All this vast wealth was inherited by Xerxes, the son and successor of Darius, and the "fourth king" here referred to.

Xerxes was full four years in making provision for his celebrated expedition into Greece. Of the amount of his forces, and his preparation, a full account may be seen in Herodotus, b. vii. In the city of Celaenae, Herodotus says, there lived a man named Pythius, son of Atys, a native of Lydia, who entertained Xerxes and all his army with great magnificence, and who farther engaged to supply the king with money for the war.

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:1-4 11:2 Xerxes on this was induced to inquire of his Persian attendants who this Pythius was, and what were the resources, which enabled him to make these offers. "It is the same," they replied, "who presented your father Darius with a plane-tree and a vine of gold, and who, next to yourself, is the richest of mankind." - Herod. vii. 27.

[And by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia] That is, his entire that is, kingdom. He was enabled to do this by his great wealth collecting and equipping, probably, the largest army that was ever assembled. The expedition of Xerxes against Greece is too well known to need to be detailed here, and no one can fail to see the applicability of this description to that invasion.

Four years were spent in preparing for this expedition, and the forces that constituted the army were gathered out of all parts of the vast empire of Xerxes, embracing, as was then supposed, the entire habitable world except Greece. According to Justin, the army was composed of seven hundred thousand of his own, and three hundred thousand auxiliaries.

Diodorus Siculus makes it to be about three hundred thousand men; Prideaux, from Herodotus and others, computes it to have amounted, putting all his forces by sea and land together, to two million six hundred and forty-one thousand six hundred and ten men; and he adds that the servants, eunuchs, suttlers, and such persons as followed the camp, made as many more, so that the whole number that followed Xerxes could not have been less than five million. - Connexions, pt. i. b. IV. Vol. i. p. 410

Grotius reckons his forces at five million two hundred and eighty-two thousand. These immense numbers justify the expression here, and show with what propriety it is applied to the hosts of Xerxes. On the supposition that this was written after the event, and that it was history instead of prophecy, this would be the very language, which would be employed. (Barnes' Notes)

Note: I think that archeology and reference in historical documents are important in seeing the facts of history prove the Scriptures as correct. Paul the Learner

Daniel 11:3 [And a mighty king shall stand up] So far as the language here is concerned, it is not said whether this would be in Persia, as a successor of the "fourth king" (Daniel 11:2), or whether it would be in some other part of the world. The next verse, however, shows that the reference is to Alexander the Great-for to no other one is it applicable.

There were several monarchs of Persia, indeed, that succeeded Xerxes before the kingdom was invaded and subdued by Alexander (see the notes at Daniel 11:2), and these are here entirely passed over without being alluded to. It must be admitted, that one who should have read this prophecy before the events had occurred would have inferred naturally that this "mighty king that should stand up" would appeal immediately after the "fourth, " and probably that he would be his successor in the realm; but it may be remarked,

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:1-4 11:3 (a) That the language here is not inconsistent with the facts in the case-it being literally true that such a "mighty king" did "stand up" who "ruled with great dominion, and according to his will;"

(b) That there was no necessity in the prophetic history of referring to the acts of these intermediate kings of Persia, since they did not contribute at all to the result-it being well known that the reason alleged by Alexander for his invasion of the Persian empire was not anything, which they had done, but the wrongs sustained by Greece in consequence of the invasion by Xerxes and his predecessor.

The real succession of events in the case was that last invasion of Greece by Xerxes, and the consequent invasion of the Persian Empire by Alexander. It was these transactions, which the angel evidently meant to connect together, and hence, all that was intermediate was omitted. Thus Alexander, in his letter to Darius, says:

"Your ancestors entered into Macedonia, and the other parts of Greece, and did us damage, when they had received no affront from us as the cause of it; and now I, created general of the Grecians, provoked by you, and desirous of avenging the injury done by the Persians, have passed over into Asia." - Arrian, Expedition. Alexander. i. 2.

[That shall rule with great dominion] That shall have a wide and extended empire. The language here would apply to any of the monarchs of Persia that succeeded Xerxes, but it would be more strictly applicable to Alexander the Great than to any prince of ancient or modern times.

The whole world, except Greece, was supposed to be subject to the power of Persia; and it was one of the leading and avowed purposes of Darius and Xerxes in invading Greece, by adding that to their empire, to have the earth under their control. When, therefore, Alexander had conquered Persia,

It was supposed that he had subdued the world; nor was it an unnatural feeling that, having done this, he, whose sole principle of action was ambition, should sit down and weep because there were no more worlds to conquer. In fact, he then swayed a scepter more extended and mighty than any before him had done, and it is with peculiar propriety that the language here is used in regard to him.

[And do according to his will] Would be an arbitrary prince. This also was true of the Persian kings, and of Oriental despots generally; but it was eminently so of Alexander-who, in subduing kingdoms, conquering mighty armies, controlling the million under his sway, laying the foundations of cities,

And newly arranging the boundaries of empires, seemed to consult only his own will, and felt that everything was to be subordinate to it. It is said that this passage was shown to Alexander by the high priest of the Jews, and that these prophecies did much to conciliate his favor toward the Hebrew people. (Barnes' Notes)

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:1-4 Remember we are dealing both with prophecy and history and how they both agree with each other and considering that this was written centuries before it came to pass, only shows that as far as this world and the kingdoms in it, God is supreme and no matter what happens we must realize that our Lord has everything under control, and after all our kingdom is NOT OF THIS WORLD as Jesus told Pilate and like Abraham we are looking for a kingdom not of this world. Paul the Learner

Daniel 11:4 [And when he shall stand up] In the might and power of his kingdom. When his power shall be fully established. I understand this, with Rosenmuller and Havernick, as meaning, when he shall be at the height of his authority and power, then his kingdom would be broken up. The reference is, undoubtedly, to the sudden death of Alexander; and the sense is, that his empire would not "gradually" diminish and decay, but that some event would occur, the effect of, which would be to rend it into four parts.

[His kingdom shall be broken] To wit, by his death. The language is such as is properly applicable to this, and indeed implies this, for it is said that it would not be "to his posterity" - an event, which might be naturally expected to occur; or, in other words, the allusion to his 9 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR posterity is such language as would be employed on the supposition that the reference here is to his death.

[And shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven] Into four parts. For the remarkable fulfillment of this prediction, see the notes at Daniel 8:8.

[And not to his posterity] See also the notes at Daniel 8:8.

[Nor according to his dominion which he ruled] This was literally true of the division of the empire. No one of his successors ever obtained as wide a dominion as he did himself.

[For his kingdom shall be plucked up] By his death. This does not naturally mean that it would be by "conquest," for it is said that it would be "divided toward the four winds of heaven" - language which is not properly expressive of conquest. All that is implied is met by the supposition that at his decease the kingdom which had been founded by him, and which had been sustained by his valor and political wisdom, would fall to pieces.

[Even for others beside those] That is, to others beside those to whom it should be at first divided. Literally, "exclusively, or to the exclusion of" - milbad the word "those" refers to his posterity; and the meaning is, that the process of division would not stop with them, or that the four portions of the empire, as thus divided, would not remain in their hands, or pass to their posterity.

There would be other changes and other divisions; and it was not to be expected that just four, and no more, empires would grow out of the one, which had been founded, or that when that one should be divided into four parts, that partition would always continue. There would be other divisions, and other princes besides those who first obtained the empire would come in, and the process of division would ultimately be carried much farther.

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:1-4 11:4 It is unnecessary to say that this occurred in the empire founded by Alexander. It was, soon after his death, separated into four parts, but at no distant period this arrangement was broken up, and all traces of the empire, as established by him, or as divided among his four successors, wholly disappeared. (Barnes' Notes)

Daniel 11:5-28 Warring Kings of North and South 11:5 "Also the king of the South shall become strong, as well as one of his princes; and he shall gain power over him and have dominion. His dominion shall be a great dominion. 6 And at the end of some years they shall join forces, for the daughter of the king of the South shall go to the king of the North to make an agreement; but she shall not retain the power of her authority, and neither he nor his authority shall stand; but she shall be given up, with those who brought her, and with him who begot her, and with him who strengthened her in those times. 7 But from a branch of her roots one shall arise in his place, who shall come with an army, enter the fortress of the king of the North, and deal with them and prevail. 8 And he shall also carry their god’s 10 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR captive to Egypt, with their princes and their precious articles of silver and gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the North.

9 "Also the king of the North shall come to the kingdom of the king of the South, but shall return to his own land. 10 However his sons shall stir up strife, and assemble a multitude of great forces; and one shall certainly come and overwhelm and pass through; then he shall return to his fortress and stir up strife. 11 "And the king of the South shall be moved with rage, and go out and fight with him, with the king of the North, who shall muster a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into the hand of his enemy. 12 When he has taken away the multitude, his heart will be lifted up; and he will cast down tens of thousands, but he will not prevail. 13 For the king of the North will return and muster a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come at the end of some years with a great army and much equipment. 14 "Now in those times many shall rise up against the king of the South. Also, violent men of your people shall exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision, but they shall fall.

15 So the king of the North shall come and build a siege mound, and take a fortified city; and the forces of the South shall not withstand him. Even his choice troops shall have no strength to resist. 16 But he who comes against him shall do according to his own will, and no one shall stand against him. He shall stand in the Glorious Land with destruction in his power. 17 "He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do. And he shall give him the daughter of women to destroy it; but she shall not stand with him, or be for him. 18 After this he shall turn his face to the coastlands, and shall take many. But a ruler shall bring the reproach against them to an end; and with the reproach removed; he shall turn back on him. 19 Then he shall turn his face toward the fortress of his own land; but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found. 20 "There shall arise in his place one who imposes taxes on the glorious kingdom; but within a few days he shall be destroyed, but not in anger or in battle.

21 And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22 With the force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant.

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:5-28 23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. 25 "He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him. 26 Yes, those who eat of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. 27 Both these kings' hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time. 28 While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land. NKJV 11 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR

Note: this vile person historically is: 1. Historically is Antiochus Epiphanes 2. Futurist ally it would be the Beast of Revelation 13 Paul the Learner

Daniel 11:5 11:5. Ptolemy I Soter (305-285). The text will now focus on the two kingdoms (Ptolemaic Egypt and Seleucia) that flanked Palestine. Ptolemy was a power broker and instigator during much of the twenty-year succession struggle (playing a significant role as early as 321), but Seleucus emerged as the stronger party with the largest kingdom.

Ptolemy's military action in 321 broke up the original group that had assumed power after Alexander's death. One of his few failures came in 309, when he attempted to move against Antigonus (Seleucus's predecessor). By 306 it was clear that he had overextended himself, and he had to fall back and regroup. Still in 306 he was able to declare himself king of Egypt. (IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament)

OUTSIDE INFORMATION AKKADIAN APOCALYPSES Cf. Daniel 10-11

In Akkadian literature there are a few pieces (dating from the twelfth century to the third or fourth century) that have been labeled apocalypses (the Marduk Prophecy, the Shulgi Prophecy, the Uruk Prophecy, the Dynastic Prophecy, and Text A). It has been demonstrated that there is a literary relationship between some of these works and the (astrological) omen texts, thereby placing them in Daniel's area of specialty.

One prominent feature of these is that they ostensibly predict a series of unnamed kings who will arise, summarizing a couple of their deeds. Often these deeds are of a negative sort and the intention of the literature is to condemn those kings. Invariably the sequence ends with a king who will arise and set things right (the Dynastic Prophecy may be an exception, but the end is so fragmentary that it is difficult to be certain).

These have been recognized as pieces of propaganda composed during the reign of the last king listed, who is using this genre to indict his predecessors and legitimate his own reign. As such they could be called "pseudo-prophecies,"

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:5-28 Outside Information continued Because their "predictions" in actuality occur after the fact. Chapter 11 of Daniel undeniably shares some common characteristics with this genre as it presents a sequence of unnamed kings and a summary of some of the events of their reign. Daniel, however, has no king at the end of the sequence to promote.

The opposite is true, as the last, Antiochus Epiphanes, is the worst of the lot. As throughout the book, then, Daniel uses a recognized motif but totally repackages it for his own distinctive use. F (IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament) 12 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR

11:5. Seleucus I Nicator (312-280). After Alexander died, Perdiccas became head of the armies, and Seleucus was one of his generals. He was among the group that assassinated Perdiccas. Seleucus briefly gained control of Babylon, but was forced to flee when Perdiccas's successor, Antigonus, moved against him in 316.

He then served as a general for Ptolemy from 316 to 312. They fought together against Antigonus at the Battle of Gaza. After Antigonus's defeat at Gaza, Seleucus regained control of Babylon, which became the center of his power. Verses four and five cover the period from Alexander's death through the reigns of the first kings of the two empires, about forty years. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:6. Failed alliances of Ptolemy’s and Seleucids (246). The text now moves forward about forty years. These years had witnessed the first and second Syrian wars (274-271; 260-253), mostly over the control of the trade routes, ports and natural resources of Syria. In the aftermath of the second war there was interest in peace, and the text now focuses on this pivotal moment in history.

About 252, Ptolemy II Philadelphus (285-246) sent his daughter, Berenice, with her entourage to marry the Seleucid king, Antiochus II Theos (261-246), and thereby to establish an alliance between their kingdoms. The alliance would give Ptolemy control of Syria and Antiochus control of Asia Minor.

The fragile relationship held for a couple of years, and Berenice had a child, but a former wife of Antiochus, Laodice whose sons had been cut off from succession, allegedly poisoned Antiochus and consequently had Berenice and her son (along with many from her entourage) murdered. Ptolemy II also had died in that year. Needless to say, the alliance crumbled and the next fifty years are full of tumultuous warfare between the two kingdoms. (IVP Bible Comm.)

11:7. Ptolemy III Euergetes (246-221). Upon hearing of the death of Antiochus, Berenice summoned her brother (who had acceded to the throne in Egypt) to intervene in Syria in order to support her son's claims to the throne. He was unable to secure control of Syria before the murder of his nephew and sister.

In 245 (Third Syrian War) he pressed his invasion of Seleucia and successfully attacked the Syrian capitals of Antioch (on the Orontes) and Seleucia (this is Seleucia Pieria in Syria) and took much plunder. Seleucus II quickly recovered the cities after Ptolemy returned to Egypt. (IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament)

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:5-28 11:5: The king of the south. Ptolemy 1 Soter (323-285), who established the Ptolemaic kingdom in Egypt; one of his officers is Seleucus 1, who founded the Seleucid kingdom in Babylonia. [Jewish Study Bible]

11:6: An alliance based on marriage was effected between the Ptolemy’s and the Seleucids. The daughter of Ptolemy 2nd and others were murdered. [Jewish Study Bible] 13 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR

11:7-8: Her brother, Ptolemy 3rd (246-221), a shoot from her stock, retaliated. [Jewish Study Bible]

A-1 11:5 The first king of the South B-1 11:6 The first king of the North A-2 11:7-9 The second king of the South B-2 11:10 The second king of the North A-3 11:11, 12 The second king of the South B-3 11:13-20 The second king of the North

That there is a break between the past and the future is manifest from 10:14 [‘the latter days’] of, which this chapter is the continuation of that fact. The Companion Bible

11:6 in the end of years. In verse 13 this is rendered “after certain years,” and it is said to be a time of sixty – three years. The Companion Bible

Lack of space forbids tracing in detail the correspondence between Daniel's prophecy and the history of the Syrian Seleucid kingdom (the king of the north) and the history of the Egyptian kingdom of the Ptolemy’s (the king of the south). The prophecy does not give a continuous view; i.e., there are gaps in it.

Nor is present knowledge of the Egyptian history of the epoch complete. Even the so-called historical portions of the OT lack the precision required of strict history. We may not, therefore, expect the predictions to be as precise in regard to sequence, chronology, etc., as our curiosity desires. (The Wycliffe Bible Commentary)

Remember back in the early histories there was not the information that we have discovered in our time frame. Paul the Learner

11:8 their precious vessels = vessels of desire, said to have been valued at 40,000 talents of silver; and 2,400 images, including Egyptian idols, which Cambyses had taken from Egypt. Hence he was named by the grateful Egyptians “Energetes” (=Benefactor). More years: i.e. four years, reigning all together forty-six years in all. Companion Bible

11:9. Seleucus II Callinicus (246-226). Laodicea’s son, Seleucus II, emerged the beneficiary of all of the treachery and intrigue of his mother. In 243 he attempted to gain control of southern Syria and Palestine. Not only was he unsuccessful, but also the momentum turned against him and he ended up losing territory. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:5-28 11:9 11:10. Seleucus III (226-223). For the last fifteen years of his reign, Seleucus II was engaged in an ongoing struggle with his brother, Antiochus Hierax. Both died about the same time, and 14 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR

Seleucus III came to the throne. Verse ten telescopes the events of the next ten years. Seleucus III was killed in a campaign against Pergamum in Asia Minor. His brother, Antiochus III, who began mustering troops for the Fourth Syrian War (221-217) against Ptolemy IV, succeeded him. (IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament)

11:10. Antiochus III the Great (223-187). The next nine verses are occupied with the deeds of Antiochus III and cover about thirty years. His reign is considered significant for the text of Daniel because he is responsible for taking Palestine out of Ptolemaic control and incorporating it into the Seleucid kingdom, ending a century of Ptolemaic rule over Israel. This began in 218, when he successfully penetrated Galilee and Samaria. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:11. Ptolemy IV Philopator (221-203). For most of the years of the Fourth Syrian War, Ptolemy IV had little success militarily against Antiochus the Great and only forestalled his progress south through repeated diplomatic initiatives. Many of Antiochus's successes were carried out with the help of traitors rather than through military power or genius. In fact his lackadaisical tactics allowed Ptolemy to gather, train and field a significant armed force by 217. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:11-13. Fourth and Fifth Syrian Wars. In 217 Ptolemy IV engaged Antiochus III at the Battle of Raphia for what would turn out to be the climactic battle of the Fourth Syrian War. Raphia was a traditional dividing line between Palestine and Egypt, about twenty miles southwest of Gaza on the Mediterranean coast.

Antiochus claimed an army of seventy thousand, but even with the superior size of his armies he was beaten badly by the Egyptians. This victory restored Syro-Palestine to the control of the Ptolemies. This status was maintained until the death of Ptolemy IV in 204. The suspicious circumstances of the death of Ptolemy IV (still in his thirties)

Brought his six-year-old son, Ptolemy V Epiphanes (204-180), to the throne of Egypt. Antiochus took the opportunity of conflict over who was in charge to initiate the Fifth Syrian War (202-200), allied with Philip V of Macedon. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:9: Seleucus 2nd, the king of the north (verse 7), invaded Egypt, the realm of the king of the south, but returned north. [Jewish Study Bible]

11:10-13: The sons of Seleucus 2nd grew in strength and Antiochus Egypt. One of them, Antiochus 3rd the Great (223-287), finally defeated Ptolemy 5th. There were Jews sympathetic to both sides (2 Maccabees Chapters 3-4 – See the Douay Version). [Jewish Study Bible]

In 201, Antiochus mustered another large army, joined forces with Philip V of Macedon, and headed for Egypt (verses 13-16), where he won a great victory against Ptolemy V Epiphanes. Contrary to God's law, but in fulfillment of the prophecies (vision), some of the Jews in Palestine joined with Antiochus, hoping to break free of Egyptian control; but their revolt was crushed (verse 14).

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN 15 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR

Daniel 11:5-28 Antiochus not only conquered Egypt and Sidon (verse 15), but also “the glorious land" of Palestine (verse 16). Once again marriage enters the scene Antiochus offered to negotiate with the Egyptian leaders and to marry his daughter Cleopatra I to Ptolemy V, who was seven years old at the time!

He hoped that his daughter would undermine the Egyptian government from within and uses her position to help him take over. However, Cleopatra was loyal to her husband, so the marriage stratagem didn't succeed. Antiochus decided to attack Greece but was defeated at Thermopylae (191) and Magnesia (189).

The "prince on his own behalf" (verse 18) was the Roman consul and general Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus who led the Roman and Greek forces to victory over Antiochus. At an earlier meeting, Antiochus had insulted the Roman general, but the Romans had the last word. The Syrian leader died in 187 and his successor was his son Seleucus IV Philopator,

Who oppressed the Jewish people by raising taxes so he could pay tribute to Rome. Shortly after he sent his treasurer Heliodorus to plunder the Jewish temple, Seleucus Philopator suddenly died (probably poisoned), thus fulfilling verse 20. This opened the way for the wicked Antiochus Epiphanes to seize the throne. (Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament)

11:14-16. Antiochus III's occupation of Palestine. The Battle of Gaza in 201 gained Antiochus temporary control of Palestine, but he was pushed back again by Egyptian forces under the command of Scopas. In the next year, however, at the Battle of Panion (at one of the sources of the Jordan; the New Testament Caesarea Philippi, modern Banias),

Antiochus defeated the Egyptians and took control of Palestine from them for the last time. At the same time, the Romans were getting a foothold in Greece in the Second Macedonian War. (IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament)

11:14. Violent men. The book of 3 Maccabees records a visit of Ptolemy IV to Jerusalem after the Battle of Raphia in, which he was treated very badly when he wished to enter the temple. There is a question concerning the historicity of the account. There were pro-Seleucid (led by Onias II, the high priest)

And pro- Ptolemaic factions (from the powerful Tobiad family, competitors for the office of high priest) within Judea at this period. Sources do not provide enough information to determine, which party might be alluded to in this verse. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:17-19. Antiochus III's defeat by Rome, Scipio (191, 190). The increasing Roman control in Greece was established by a peace accord in 196. The Greeks who were unhappy with this new state of affairs made contact with Antiochus, urging him to come to their aid. By this time, Antiochus, anticipating that he would need to neutralize Egypt,

Had entered a marriage alliance, sending his daughter, Cleopatra, to be Ptolemy V's bride. He expected her to also be a useful spy, but in this he was disappointed as her loyalties turned to her new husband. Nevertheless, he made his move toward Greece in 192.

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:5-28 11:17-19 Constantly shifting alliances eventually worked against him, and he lost a large portion of his ten thousand troops at Thermopylae in 191. Antiochus then resorted to sea battle to try to keep the Romans out of Asia Minor but was again unsuccessful. By 190 the larger Seleucid army of seventy thousand men had arrived to reinforce Antiochus's positions.

Roman troops under Scipio were only half this strength when the forces met at Magnesia (about fifty miles north of Ephesus). Yet due to lack of training and tactical errors on the part of the Seleucid army, Antiochus was defeated and much of his army slaughtered. The terms of surrender were humiliating, devastating and accepted without argument. (IVP Commentary)

11:20. Seleucus IV Philopator (187-175). This son of Antiochus III had a relatively peaceful reign and appeared to have maintained favorable relations with Jerusalem. The exception alluded to in this verse was when he dispatched one of his chief officials, Heliodorus, to Jerusalem to seize funds that were reported to be either in excess of what was needed or hoarded by anti- Seleucid factions.

Before the high priest, Onias III, could get to Antioch to appeal the decision and offer explanation, Seleucus was assassinated in a plot carried out by Heliodorus, with Antiochus IV suspected by historians of complicity. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:14: The lawless son of your people probably refers to the Seleucid sympathizers. [Jewish Study Bible]

11:15-16: The Battle of Paneas in 200 BCE gave Antiochus 3rd control of the beautiful land, Judea. [Jewish Study Bible]

11:17: Another marriage is arranged to normalize relations, but it did not achieve its end. [Jewish Study Bible]

11:18-19: Antiochus 3rd turns his attentions elsewhere but is unsuccessful and ultimately dies. [Jewish Study Bible]

11:20: Seleucus 4th Philopator sent Heliodorus to rob the Jerusalem Temple treasury. According to 2 Maccabees Chapter 3, this attempt was unsuccessful because a divine apparition chastised Heliodorus, i.e. not by wrath or by war. [Jewish Study Bible]

WHAT HAPPENED TO HELIODORUS BY GOD ‘But the spirit of the almighty God gave a great evidence of his presence, so that all that had presumed to obey him, falling down by the power of God, were struck with fainting and dread. 25 For there appeared to them a horse with a terrible rider upon him, adorned with a very rich covering; and he ran fiercely and struck Heliodorus with his fore feet, and he that sat upon him seemed to have armor of gold. 26 Moreover there appeared two other young men beautiful and strong, bright and glorious and in comely apparel: who stood by him, on either side, and 17 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR scourged him without ceasing with many stripes. 27 And Heliodorus suddenly fell to the ground, and they took him to covered with great darkness, and having put him into a litter they carried him out.’ 2 Machabbes 3:24-27 Douay Version

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:5-28 Here ends the historical portion, which has been fulfilled now, but at that time was then future. From Verses 21- 12:3 it will pass on to the time, which is still future to us. Paul the Learner

At verse 21 Antiochus Epiphanes (175 B.C. - 163 B.C.) is introduced as a vile person. His wicked persecution of the Jews and desecration of the Temple are described by a contemporary witness in I Maccabees, which ought to be read by every student of Daniel. His action is predicted also at Daniel 8:13, and his deeds furnish a kind of pattern for those of the wicked "prince that shall come" (Daniel 9:26-27; cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:4-5; Matthew 24:15-21).

In the dreadful days of Antiochus only those who knew their God (Daniel 11:32) were able to hold up their heads without shame, being enabled by God to do exploits. Many died for their faith (verses 34, 35), by their deeds instructing many (verse 33). Their suffering produced unusual character, by God's help (verses 34, 35).

They were the separatists of that day, who refused the pagan vices of their Greek lords no less than the beautiful lies of the heathen ritual and religion. They constitute the main link between the Testaments for their spiritual descendants appear in the Gospels as the Pharisees (whose name means "separated ones"). How sad that there descendants fell from their true principles! Hebrews 11:34-39 memorializes the faithful Jews of that time of tribulation. (Wycliffe Bible Commentary)

11:21. Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-164). Antiochus IV, the brother of Seleucus, had been in Rome as a political hostage and was just returning (he had got as far as Athens) when the assassination of his brother took place. His goals included converting Jerusalem into a center for Greek culture and helping the Jews to make the transition to becoming Greek citizens with Greek ways.

The intrigues that he became involved in were many, but certainly the main one concerning Jerusalem was how he handled the high priesthood (see next entry). The text calls him contemptible, and indeed he was. His title "Epiphanes" means "god manifest"—but the people preferred "Epimanes"—"madman."

While he was certainly a member of the royal line, the throne should have gone to Seleucus's son, Demetrius (who instead was taking Antiochus's place as hostage in Rome). Another intrigue concerned the throne. He set up co-regency with his nephew (a minor), who a few years later were murdered. (IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament)

11:22. Prince of the covenant. Onias III was detained by Antiochus, and in the interim Jason, his brother, conspired to usurp his position. He paid a considerable sum to Antiochus and offered to be cooperative in the Hellenization of Judea (promotion of Greek culture at the expense of Jewish practices). Three years later Menelaus, with the probable support of the Tobiads paid a larger sum and, the precedent having been established, was awarded the office over Jason. 18 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR

According to 2 Maccabees, Onias was murdered about 171. Many identify him as the prince of the covenant referred to in this verse, but others attach that title to Ptolemy VI (see below). The over-whelming army in some way represents the opponents to Antiochus's reign. This could include internal political opponents, Jewish antagonists or foreign opposition such as that which develops in Egypt. (IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament)

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:5-28 11:25. First Egyptian War, 169. Antiochus's dreams of adding Egypt to his kingdom were finally acted on in 169. His invasion was prompted by Egypt's growing animosity and may even have been in response to Egypt's military action, since the first encounter (November 170) was between Pelusium and Gaza. Nonetheless, Antiochus succeeded in capturing the city of Memphis and securing the surrender of Ptolemy VI. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:26-28. Ptolemy VI Philometor (181-146). Ptolemy VI was young when he came to the throne and was aided by two officials, Eulaeus and Lenaeus, who stirred up antagonism against Syria. The humiliation of Ptolemy in the First Egyptian War is thought to have been the result of bad advice given by his two advisors with the intention of undermining him. (IVP Bible Comm.)

11:21-22: Antiochus 4th Epiphanes (175-164) succeeds Seleucus 4th. Under his rule the covenant leader, the high priest Onias 3rd was murdered (see 9:26). [Jewish Study Bible]

11:24: Antiochus 4th was notoriously lavish with sacrifices. (Jewish Study Bible]

11:25-27: Antiochus 4th again defeats Egypt. [Jewish Study Bible]

11:28: In the midst of his constant campaigns, Antiochus 4th had designs once again on the gold in the Jerusalem Temple (1 Maccabees Chapter 1). [Jewish Study Bible]

11:21-12:3 THE FUTURE A 11:21-31 “The vile person” (“this is non other than the little horn”) B 11:32-35 The People Tried A 11:36-45 “The willful king” (“the little horn”) B 12:1-3 The People Delivered

Now we are coming to the period called “the latter days” of Daniel 10:14.

11:21 a vile person this is one of the twelve titles given to the person who we call the antichrist. The prophecy concerning this person is now continuous to the end of the chapter. It is a parallel with Daniel 7, 8; 8:9; and 9:-26, 27. This person is not just another successional king of the north, but he is a totally different and unique personage, and his appearance is still future.

Now there is a type of this person who we know as Antiochus 4th Epiphanes and he will fulfill these prophecies historically:

1. The 1st type of this vile person is Antiochus 4th called Epiphanes. 19 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR

2. The 2nd type of this vile person is none other than the leaders of the rebellion against Rome that brought destruction against Jerusalem and the Temple by Titus of Rome in 70 AD.

3. The final one who is the vile person is none other than the trinity from Hell [the Dragon – Satan, the False Prophet and the Beast]. This beast is given all the kingdoms of the world by Satan [Revelation 13:2] this individual blasphemes God and heaven [Revelation 13:5] and rules the earth for a period of forty and two months [3 ½ years –the end of Daniel’s 70 weeks of years].

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:5-28 Now back to our type, he comes in by flatteries and in verse 40 he is attacked by both a “king of the south” and “a king of the north.”

Abomination of desolation set up = Daniel 8:13; 9:27; 11:31; 12:11; Matthew 24:15.

The end = Daniel 7:26; Daniel 8:17, 19; Daniel 9:26; Daniel 11:40; Daniel 12:4, 9, 13; Matthew 24:14 Paul the Learner

Daniel 11:29-39 The Northern King's Blasphemies 29 "At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. 30 For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage. "So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. 31 And he shall muster forces, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. 32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. 33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. 34 Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. 35 And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time.

36 "Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. 37 He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. 38 But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god, which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. 39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. NKJV

Note: When Antiochus Epiphanes offered a swine on the altar of God that was indeed the abomination of desolation to the nation of Israel. But Jesus speaking in Matthew 24:15

‘Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand).’

Jesus was not talking about what Antiochus Epiphanes had done, but what would happen when the priests would be killed at the altar trying to offer the daily sacrifice. The armies of Titus would kill them and that would indeed be an abomination of desolation that God was speaking about to the prophet Daniel.

Because Jesus would also say to the believers, ‘Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.’ Matthew 24:16 The believer did indeed flee and were saved from the destruction and the killing of over 1,100,000 Jewish people. Paul the Learner

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN SECTION TWO Daniel 11:29-39 11:29-30. Second Egyptian War, 168. In the spring of 168 Antiochus again had to besiege Memphis, and he did so successfully, taking control of Lower Egypt. As he again prepared to lay siege against a weakened Alexandria, he actually had himself crowned king of Egypt. But there was a difference this time.

Egypt had appealed to Rome for help, and their ships arrived as he approached Alexandria. Roman consul Gaius Popillius Laenas met him by the walls of Alexandria and commanded Antiochus to leave Egypt. When Antiochus replied that he had to consult with his advisors, the Roman consul drew a circle in the dirt around the king and insisted that he give his answer before stepping out of the circle. A humiliated Antiochus conceded to Roman authority and straggled toward home looking for a way to vent his misery. This was probably in July 168. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:30. Fury against the holy covenant. There was a rumor in Jerusalem that Antiochus had been killed in battle. Jason, who had been ousted as high priest, took the opportunity to lead a rebellion against Menelaus, who at this time was high priest (see comment on Daniel 11:22). When Antiochus heard of trouble, he may have come himself to Jerusalem to put down the rebellion.

In the process tens of thousands of Jews were massacred, and the temple was looted (Menelaus apparently cooperating in the plundering). Another report (perhaps of a subsequent action) says that Apollonius with a contingent of soldiers was sent by Antiochus to subjugate the riotous citizens of Jerusalem.

According to the books of Maccabees this was accomplished through pretending to be peaceful but then slaughtering many. This may be a separate occasion, and the relationship of these events to those reported in the comment on Daniel 11:28 are difficult to determine. It is probably at this time that a citadel (the Akra) of Syrian soldiers was set up at the edge of the Temple Mount. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:31. Desecration of sanctuary. According to the book of Maccabees, an individual named Geron was sent by Antiochus to dismantle Jewish religious practice. It is possible that the Syrian military contingent, seeking accommodation for their own worship practice, was partially responsible for some of the changes described in the temple.

In December 167 a systematic program of instituting Greek religious practices at the expense of Jewish ones began in earnest. The sacrificial system and the Sabbath and festival observances were halted. Worship sites were set up around the country and circumcision was forbidden. The temple was consecrated to Zeus and became a center of polytheism and prostitution. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:31. Abomination of desolation. This is usually taken as an idol of Olympian Zeus that was set up in the temple. Antiochus had identified this favorite god of his with the Syrian Baal Shamem, the chief deity of the Syrian portion of the population (see comment on Daniel 9:27). (IVP Bible Commentary)

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:29-39

I agree that offering a swine on the altar of Jehovah and worshiping Zeus in the temple of God and using God’s house as a place for prostitution would indeed be an abomination of desolation except that God was no longer in His temple and He did not care what went on in it at that time.

And also when Jesus went into the Temple in Jerusalem He said that they had made God’s house a den of thieves and before Titus destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, again God left it as is recorded in Josephus account and truly at that time with all of the slaughter and such we could also say that this was indeed an abomination of desolation. Paul the Learner

Let me again call your attention to Daniel 9:27 ‘And “he shall confirm” the covenant with many for “one week [7 years]: and in the midst of the week [after 3 ½ years] he shall cause “the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of “abominations he shall make it desolate,” even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.’ Daniel 9:27

From history of this time period of 69, 70 AD we have seen historically that it took Titus of Rome 3 ½ years to destroy Jerusalem and the Temple as the priest were sacrificing the daily offering, and then he destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple and made it desolate. [See Josephus] Paul the Learner

Note: I know that many scholars tell us that the last seven years will be divided into two periods of 3 ½ years apiece and that the beast will befriend the Jews and that they will construct a temple to Jehovah and the beast after a period of 3 ½ years will set in that temple and proclaim himself as god and then we will have a tribulation period that will cover the last 3 ½ years. This is a possibility but there is only 3 ½ years spoken of in the book of Revelation. 22 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR

Paul the Learner

11:29-31: When Antiochus 4th invades Egypt once more, he is opposed by ships from Kittim, or Rome, now a Mediterranean power. Jewish sympathizers, along with Antiochus’s appointed high priest, will forsake the covenant and introduce new sacrifices, including the appalling abomination. (Jewish Study Bible)

11:31 Pollute the sanctuary. By putting up the “abomination” (the Asherah = something set upright or erect in the ground, and worshipped –Zeus?), this then brings on the judgment of “desolation.” This marks the “cleansing of the sanctuary” (Daniel 8:14; 9:24). So what you have here is:

(1) A period of 3 years December 164 when Judas Maccabeus retakes Jerusalem and cleans the polluted temple and then God comes back into His Temple and that is why I have recorded what happened to the next time they came for money and failed. See Page 12 – 2 Maccabees Chapter 3.

(2) A period of 3 ½ years when Titus of Rome destroys Jerusalem and by fire cleans the Temple by its destruction.

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:29-39 11:31 (3) And after a period of 3 ½ years of rule by Satan controlling the beast and false prophet, we find that God comes and destroys and cleans all, see Revelation Chapter 19

So three possible cleaning of the Temple under (1) Judas Maccabeus, (2) The fire of Titus of Rome, (3) The final solution to the sin problem by the supreme God of the Universe. Paul the Learner

Daniel 11:31 [And arms shall stand on his part] Up to this verse there is a general agreement among commentators that the reference is to Antiochus Epiphanes. From this verse, however, to the end of the chapter, there is no little diversity of opinion. One portion suppose that the description of Antiochus and his deeds continues still to be the design of the prophet; another, that the Romans are here introduced, and that a part of the predictions in the remainder of this chapter are yet to be fulfilled; another, as Jerome, and most of the Christian fathers, suppose that the reference is to Antiochus as the type of Antichrist, and that the description passes from the type to the antitype. The reason suggested for the change in the supposed reference, as alleged by Bishop Newton "on the Prophecies," p. 296, is, substantially, that what follows can be applied only in part to Antiochus. Whether this portion of the chapter can be shown to refer to him, we shall be able to determine as we proceed. Nothing can be clearer than the allusion up to this point.

Daniel 11:31

The word rendered "arms," [King James Text] in the verse before us zro’iym - singular zrowa’, means, properly, the arm-especially the lower arm below the elbow; and then comes to denote strength, might, power; and thence, is applied to a military force, or an army. See Daniel 11:15.

Such is undoubtedly the meaning here, and the reference is to the military force, which Antiochus would employ to wreak his vengeance on the Jews-particularly by the instrumentality of Apollonius. Others would apply this to the Romans, and suppose that they are introduced here; but this construction is forced and unnatural, for:

(a) The reference in the previous verses was, undoubtedly, to Antiochus, and the narrative seems to proceed as if there were no change.

(b) There is nothing in the statement, which does not agree with what was done by Antiochus.

As a matter of fact, as attested by all history, he detached Apollonius with twenty-two thousand men, on his mortified return to his own land; to attack and lay waste Jerusalem, and Apollonius did all that is here said would be done.

Bishop Newton concedes (p. 294) that "this interpretation might be admitted, if the other parts were equally applicable to Antiochus; but," says he, "the difficulty, or rather impossibility of applying them to Antiochus, or any of the Syrian kings, his successors, obliges us to look out for another interpretation."

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:29-39 11:31 Accordingly, he says that Jerome and the Christians of his time contend that these things apply to Antichrist; and he himself adopts the view proposed by Sir Isaac Newton, that it refers to the Romans, and that the allusion is to the fact that, at the very time when Antiochus retreated out of Egypt, the Romans conquered Macedonia,

"Putting an end to the reign of Daniel's third beast," and that the prophet here leaves off the description of the actions of the Greeks, and commences a description of those of the Romans in Greece. As, however, all that is "here" said is strictly applicable to what was done by Antiochus, such an interpretation is unnecessary.

Note: because a prophecy is historically fulfilled once, doesn’t mean that it can never happen again. Paul the Learner

[And they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength] The "sanctuary of strength" seems to refer to the fortifications or defenses that had been set up to protect Jerusalem, or the temple. At various points the temple was defended in this manner, not only by the walls of the city, but by fortifications erected within, and so as to prevent an army from approaching the temple, even if they should penetrate the outer wall. Compare 1 Maccabees 1:36

The temple itself might thus be regarded as fortified, or as a place of strength-and, as a matter of fact, when Titus ultimately destroyed the city, the chief difficulty was to obtain possession of the temple-a place that held out to the last. When it is said that they would "pollute the sanctuary of strength," the reference is to what was done by Apollonius, at the command of Antiochus, to profane the temple, and to put an end to the sacrifices and worship there.

Compare 1 Maccabees 1:29, 37-49; Josephus "Ant." b. xii. Chapter v. Section 4. The account in the book of Maccabees is as follows:

"Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary and defiled it, insomuch that the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them, wherefore the city was made a habitation of strangers, and became strange to those who were born in her, and her own children left her. Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, and her feasts were turned into mourning, her Sabbaths into reproach, her honor into contempt.

As had been her glory, so was her dishonor increased, and her Excellency was turned into mourning. Moreover, King Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, and every one should leave his laws; so all the pagan agreed, according to the commandment of the king. Yea, many Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the Sabbath.

For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, that they should:

1. Follow the strange laws of the land, 2. And forbid burnt-offerings, and sacrifices, and drink-offerings, in the temple; 3. And that they should profane the Sabbaths and festival days,

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:29-39 11:31 4. And pollute the sanctuary and holy people; 5. Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, 6. And sacrifice swine's flesh and unclean beasts; 7. That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, 8. And make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation, 9. To the end they might forget the law, and change all the ordinances."

[And shall take away the daily sacrifice] That is, shall forbid it, and so pollute the temple and the altar as to prevent its being offered. See the quotation above. This occurred in the month of June 167 B.C. See Jahn, "Hebrew Commonwealth," p. 267.

[And they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate] Margin, or, "astonisheth." The Hebrew word mshomeem will bear either interpretation, though the usage of the word is in favor of the translation in the text. The passage will also admit of this translation - "the abomination of desolation of him who makes desolate," or "of the desolater." See Gesenius, "Lexicon" 3.

The idea is, that somehow the thing here referred to would be connected with the "desolation," or the laying waste of the city and temple; and the sense is not materially varied whether we regard it as "the abomination that makes desolate," that is, that "indicates" the desolation, or, "the abomination of the desolater," that is, of him who has laid the city and temple waste.

On the meaning of the phrase "abomination of desolation," see the notes at Daniel 9:27. The reference here is, undoubtedly, to something that Antiochus set up in the temple that was an indication of desolation, or the result of his having laid the temple in ruins. The very expression occurs in 1 Maccabees 1:54:

"Now, the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred and forty-fifth year, they set up the "abomination of desolation" upon the altar, and builded idol-altars throughout the cities of Judah on every side." This would seem, from 1 Maccabees 1:59, to have been an idol-altar erected "over" or "upon" the altar of burnt-offerings

"They did sacrifice upon the idol-altar, which was upon the altar of God." "At this time an old man, by the name of Athenaeus, was sent to Jerusalem to instruct the Jews in the Greek religion, and compel them to an observance of its rites. He dedicated the temple to Jupiter Olympius; and on the altar of Jehovah he placed a smaller altar, to be used in sacrificing to the pagan god." - Jahn, "Hebrew Commonwealth," pp. 267,268.

The reference here is, probably, to this altar, as being in itself and in the situation where it was located an "abominable" thing in the eyes of the Hebrews, and as being placed there by a "desolater," or "waster." The same "language" which is used here is applied in Daniel 9:27, and in the New Testament, with great propriety to what the Romans set up in the temple as an indication of its conquest and profanation;

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:29-39 11:31 But that fact does not make it certain that it is so to be understood "here," for it is as applicable to what Antiochus did as it is to what was done by the Romans. See the notes at Daniel 9:27. (Barnes' Notes)

Remember I do not disagree that Antiochus Epiphanes fulfilled the scriptures perfectly in the abomination of desolation, but then why did Jesus use that statement in Matthew 24 pointing to what will happen in 70 A.D. by Rome? Paul the Learner

11:32-35. Judas Maccabeus. In contrast, many of the Jews fought vigorously against the Hellenization of Judea—with many suffering martyrs' deaths. The Hasmonean family, initiated by its patriarch, Mattathias, a priest, led the major organized revolt. In early 166 when Antiochus's envoy came to their town to enforce the new regulations, Mattathias and his five sons, John, Simon, Judas, Eleazar and Jonathan, responded with armed force and killed him. 26 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR

The family then fled the town and the rebellion was begun. With Judas as the military commander, they began seizing control of small towns, intending thereby to cut off all the roads to Jerusalem. This created an effective blockade that eventuated in the retaking of Jerusalem and the purifying of the temple in December 164,

Exactly three years after the desecration, but Daniel 11 does not report this event. There is continued controversy over whether in this section the Maccabeans are referred to favorably or unfavorably. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:36-39. If Antiochus IV is still in sight in these verses, they offer a general description of the difficult period surrounding the desecration. References to Antiochus's arrogance, his lavish support of some temples and his redistribution of land to those who support him are easily recognized as characteristic of this period. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:37. The gods. Antiochus's Seleucid predecessors had elevated the god Apollo, while the Ptolemies had shown preference for Adonis (possibly referred to here as the one desired by women). Antiochus neglects them (though by no means rejects them) in favor of Olympian Zeus. The fact that he designated himself, as God Manifest on his coins is sufficient to explain the comment in this verse. (IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament)

11:38. God of fortresses. The fortress referred to here is usually considered to be the Akra, the garrison for Syrian soldiers that was adjoined to the Temple Mount. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:32-35: Some faithful Jews resist, and those who are knowledgeable will instruct the many (cf. 12:3). Many will, for the first time in Jewish history; suffer martyrdom (1 Maccabees 1:63), namely death due to their religious beliefs. The little help they receive perhaps indicates the lack of an effective alliance between the militant Maccabees and Daniel’s circle (cf. 1 Maccabees 2:29-38). [Jewish Study Bible]

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:29-39 11:36-39: The author depicts the arrogance of Antiochus 4th as conflict in the divine council (cf. Isaiah 14:12-21; Ezekiel 28:1-10). The offense of Antiochus 4th is not only against the God of gods, but also against his own ancestral god and the one dear to women, the Mesopotamian god Tammuz (Ezekiel 8:14).

It has been thought that Antiochus elevated the cult of Zeus Olympios above all other gods, but ancient authors saw him as active in the worship of many deities and divine heroes. To the author of Daniel, however, the installation of Zeus Olympios in the sanctuary was alien both to Jews and to the Seleucid dynasty, which had previously favored Apollo as a patron deity. [Jewish Study Bible]

Jerome states that in his time this portion of Daniel was applied to Antichrist by "our writers." And to the present day that interpretation is prevalent. The following are the chief reasons for holding that the prophecy shifts from Antiochus to Antichrist precisely at verse 36:

(1) The scope of the prophecy (Daniel 10:14) demands some eschatological reference, thus making this view of the division a possibility.

(2) Although all prophecy in Daniel down to Daniel 11:35 can easily be related to well-known events of ancient history, correspondence can not be continued beyond that.

(3) Daniel 11:36 mentions a king whose period is "the indignation," a technical term drawn from Israel's prophetic literature, usually having reference to eschatological events (e.g., Isaiah 26:20).

(4) Predictions herein correspond quite precisely with recognized prophecies of final Antichrist (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 ff; Revelation 13; 17).

(5) A natural literary break occurs before Daniel 11:36, observed by both the ASV and the RSV.

(6) The willful king is a new element, separate from either of the two kingdoms whose history is under consideration up to verse 35.

(7) Of decisive force is the connection with the Great Tribulation, the resurrection of the dead, and final rewards, etc. (Daniel 12:1-3) furnished by the words, "And at that time" (Hebrew Ube’et hahi’, 12:1). The time of these eschatological events is the time of the events of the latter part of chapter 11. (The Wycliffe Bible Commentary)

Daniel 11:40-45 The Northern King's Conquests 40 "At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:40-45 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. 44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. 45 And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him. NKJV

11:40-45. Final battle. There is no known historical sequence corresponding to that, which is laid out in these verses. Antiochus IV was killed in battle in Persia in December 164. Many 28 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR interpreters of Daniel consider this section (perhaps starting as early as verse 36) to contain a reference to a much more distant future. (IVP Bible Background Commentary)

11:40-45: From this point, the predictions do not correspond to events as known from other sources, and scholars agree that the author must have been writing at the time of the events described in the preceding verses. What is described is a cataclysmic battle of the major powers that would mark the end of the present age (cf. Ezekiel 38-39), but the campaigns predicted here did not occur. This helps to date Daniel to the middle of the persecutions of Antiochus 4th. [Jewish Study Bible]

Gabriel closes this section about Antiochus by reminding Daniel that what he had related to him had implications for Israel in "the time of the end" (11:35). Although he had spoken about leaders who would appear after the fall of Persia, Daniel could see in those events some of the things that would happen to the Jews in the end times.

This was especially true of Antiochus Epiphanes, a clear picture of the future Antichrist. Daniel knew that his people would endure great suffering for their faith, that some would apostasize and join the enemy, and that others would trust the Lord and "do exploits" (verse 32). No matter how difficult the times. God has always had His faithful remnant, and He will keep His covenant with His people to the very end.

Having mentioned "the time of the end," Gabriel will now speak about the future Antichrist and the terrible time of Jacob's trouble (11:36-12:1). (From The Bible Exposition Commentary: Old Testament © 2001-2004 by Warren W. Wiersbe. All rights reserved.)

Daniel 11:42-44 Correspondence of this section with events leading up to World War II, especially Mussolini's early career, was startling. But the failure of history to justify the prophetic interpretations of that decade should discourage other premature identifications with contemporary powers. This much seems sure: there are to be at least three strong national powers contemporary with Antichrist, the "Roman" king. They will be "of the north" (verse 40), "of the south" (verse 40), and out of the east (verse 44). (Wycliffe)

Remember a theologian like Wycliffe or Barnes or even some one like me, will state their opinions as if it were facts. They may be right and I may be wrong, or the other way around. But in the end the student of Scripture must place their confidence in the Holy Spirit who will guide you into all truth and away from false doctrine. Paul the Learner

LEARN TO LISTEN TO THAT STILL SMALL VOICE OF GOD IN YOUR MIND

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:40-45

Daniel 11:42-44 Evidently in Palestine to put an end to the perennial Jewish problem by wiping out the Jews, he himself meets his end (Zechariah 12; cf. Joel 3:16; see also Zechariah 14; Revelation 14:17-

20; 19). Tregelles (op. cit.) applies Isaiah 14:14 and Ezekiel 28 to the fall of this man. G. H. Lang (Histories and Prophecies of Daniel) applies Ezekiel 38; 39 at this point. (From The Wycliffe Bible Commentary)

Daniel 11:44 [But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him] Shall disturb him, or alarm him. That is, he will hear something from those quarters that will disarrange all his other plans, or that will summon him forth in his last and final expedition-on that expedition in which "he will come to his end" (Daniel 11:45), or which will be the end of this series of historical events.

The reference here is to the winding up of this series of transactions, and, according to the view taken on Daniel 11:40 (see the notes at that place), it is not necessary to suppose that this would happen immediately after what is stated in Daniel 11:43, but it is rather to be regarded as a statement of what would occur in the end, or of the manner in, which the person here referred to would finally come to an end, or in, which these events would be closed.

As a matter of fact, Antiochus, as will be seen in the notes at Daniel 11:45, was called forth in a warlike expedition by tidings or reports from Parthia and Armenia-regions lying to the east and the north, and it was in this expedition that he lost his life, and that this series of historical events was closed.

Lengerke says, Antiochus assembled an army to take vengeance on the Jews, who, after the close of the unfortunate campaign in Egypt, rose up, under the Maccabees, against Antiochus, 1 Maccabees 3:10, following Then the intelligence that the Parthians in the east, and the Armenians in the north, had armed themselves for war against him, alarmed him. So Tacitus (Hist. v. 8. In the year 147 B.C., Antiochus went on the expedition to Persia and Armenia, on the return from which he died.

The occasions for this were these:

(a) Ataxias, the king of Armenia, who was his vassal, had revolted from him, and

(b) He sought to replenish his exhausted treasury, that he might wage the war with Judas Maccabeus.

[Therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy...] Great fury at the revolt of Artaxias, and especially at this juncture when he was waging war with the Jews; and great fury at the Jews, with a determination to obtain the means utterly to destroy them. 1 Maccabees 3:27: "Now when king Antiochus heard these things (the successes of Judas Maceabeus), he was full of indignation." In every way his wrath was kindled:

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:40-45 1. He was enraged against the Jews on account of their success; 30 THIS MATERIAL HAS NOT BEEN EDITED FOR SCRIPTURAL ACCURACY, SPELLING, OR GRAMMAR

2. He was enraged against Artaxias for revolting from him; 3. He was enraged because his treasury was exhausted, and 4. He had not the means of prosecuting the war. 5. In this mood of mind he crossed the Euphrates (1 Maccabees 3:37)

To prosecute the war in the East, and, as it is said here, "utterly to make away many." Everything conspired to kindle his fury, and in this state of mind, he went forth on his last expedition to the East. Nothing, in fact, could better describe the state of mind of Antiochus than the language used here by the angel to Daniel. (Barnes' Notes)

Daniel 11:45 [And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace] The loyal tents; the military tents of himself and his court. Oriental princes, when they went forth even in war, marched in great state, with a large retinue of the officers of their court, and often with their wives and concubines, and with all the appliances of luxury.

Compare the account of the invasion of Greece by Xerxes, or of the camp of Darius, as taken by Alexander the Great. The military stations of Antiochus, therefore, in this march, would be, for a time, the residence of the court, and would be distinguished for as great a degree of royal luxury as the circumstances would allow.

At the same time, they would consist of tabernacles or tents, as those stations were not designed to be permanent. The meaning is, that the royal temporary residence in this expedition, and previous to the close-the end of the whole matter, that is, the death of Antiochus-would be in the mountain here referred to.

[Between the seas] That is, between some seas in the "east," or "north" - for it was by tidings from the east and north that he would be disturbed and summoned forth, Daniel 11:44. We are, therefore, most naturally to look for this place in one of those quarters. The fact was that he had two objects in view-the one was to put down the revolt in Armenia, and the other to replenish his exhausted treasury from Persia.

The former would be naturally what he would first endeavor to accomplish, for if he suffered the revolt to proceed, it might increase to such an extent that it would be impossible to subdue it. Besides, he would not be likely to go to Persia when there was a formidable insurrection in his rear, by which he might be harassed either in Persia, or on his return.

It is most probable, therefore, that he would first quell the rebellion in Armenia on his way to Persia, and that the place here referred to where he would pitch his royal tent, and where he would end his days, would be some mountain where he would encamp before he reached the confines of Persia. There have been various conjectures as to the place here denoted by the phrase "between the seas," and much speculation has been employed to determine the precise location.

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:40-45 Jerome renders it, "And he shall pitch his tent in Apadno between the seas" - regarding the word which our translators have rendered "his palaces" °apadnow as a proper name denoting a place.

So the Greek, [efadanoo]:

The Syriac renders it, "in a plain, between the sea and the mountain." Theodoret takes it for a place near Jerusalem; Jerome says it was near Nicopolis, which was formerly called Emmaus, where the mountainous parts of Judea began to rise, and that it lay between the Dead Sea on the east, and the Mediterranean on the west, where he supposes that Antichrist will pitch his tent; Porphyry and Calmer place it between the two rivers, the Tigris and Euphrates-the latter supposing it means "Padan of two rivers," that is, some place in Mesopotamia; and Dr. Goodwin supposes that the British Isles are intended, "which so eminently stand 'between the seas.'" Prof. Stuart understands this of the Mediterranean Sea, and that the idea is, that the encampment of Antiochus was in some situation between this sea and Jerusalem, mentioned here as "the holy and beautiful mountain."

So far as the phrase used here - "between the seas" - is concerned, there can be no difficulty. It might be applied to any place lying between two sheets of water, as the country between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean, or the Dead Sea, and Persian Gulf; or the Caspian and Euxine Seas; or the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf, for there is nothing in the language to determine the exact locality.

There is no reason for taking the word °apadnow as a proper name-the literal meaning of it being tent or tabernacle; and the simple idea in the passage is, that the transaction here referred to-the event which would close this series, and which would constitute the "end" of these affairs-would occur in some mountainous region situated between two seas or bodies of water. Any such place, so far as the meaning of the word is concerned, would correspond with this prophecy.

Daniel 11:45 [Yet he shall come to his end] Evidently in the expedition referred to, and in the vicinity referred to. Though he had gone full of wrath; and though he was preparing to wreak his vengeance on the people of God; and though he had every prospect of success in the enterprise, yet he would come to an end there, or would die.

This would be the end of his career, and would be at the same time the end of that series of calamities that the angel predicted. The assurance is more than once given (Daniel 11:27, 35); that there was an "appointed" time during which these troubles would continue, or that there would be an "end" of them at the appointed time,

And the design was, that when these inflictions came upon the Jews they should be permitted to comfort themselves with the assurance that they would have a termination-that is, that the institutions of religion in their land would not be utterly overthrown.

[And none shall help him] None shall save his life; none shall rescue him out of his danger. That is, he would certainly die, and his plans of evil would thus be brought to a close.

DANIEL CHAPTER ELEVEN Daniel 11:40-45 The question now is, whether this can be applied to the closing scenes in the life of Antiochus Epiphanes. The materials for writing the life of Antiochus are indeed scanty, but there is little doubt as to the place and manner of his death. According to all the accounts, he received intelligence of the success of the Jewish arms under Judas Maccabeus, and the overthrow of the Syrians, at Elymais or Persepolis (2 Maccabees 9:2), in Persia;

And as he was detained there by an insurrection of the people, occasioned by his robbing the celebrated Temple of Diana (Jos. Ant. b. xii. Chapter 9: Section 1), in which his father, Antiochus the Great, lost his life; his vexation was almost beyond endurance. He set out on his return with a determination to make every possible effort to exterminate the Jews; but during his journey a disease, in which he suffered excessive pain, and was tormented by the bitterest anguish of conscience, on account of his sacrilege and other crimes, attacked him.

He finally died at Tabae in Paratacene, on the frontiers of Persia and Babylon, in the year 163 B.C, after a reign of eleven years. See the account of his wretched death in 2 Maccabees 1:9, Jos. Antiq. b. xii. ch. ix. ; Section 1. Now this account agrees substantially with the prediction in the passage before us in the following respects:

(a) The circumstances, which called him forth. It was on account of "tidings" or rumors out of the east and north that he went on this last expedition.

(b) The place specified where the last scenes would occur, "between the seas." Any one has only to look on a map of the Eastern hemisphere to see that the ancient Persepolis, the capital of Persia, where the rumor of the success of the Jews reached him which induced him to return, is "between the seas" - the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf-lying not far from midway between the two.

(c) The "glorious holy mountain," or, as the interpretation above proposed would render it, "the mountain of beauty," sacred to religion or to worship. (From Barnes' Notes)

Note: So in the end there are many different views some good other maybe questionable. But in the end you as a student of Scripture must seek the influence of the Holy Spirit who will lead and guide you in all truth as Jesus said. Paul the Learner