Daniel - Part 6

The messenger clarifies to Daniel that he has come to explain to him what is in store for the people of Israel during “the latter days,” a direct reference to “end times” from the Hebrew. I believe Daniel would have made a direct connection in his mind to the 70 weeks that Gabriel told him about previously.

Since the Persians were in control at the time of this vision, the messenger first affirms that the Greeks will be the next to take control (v20). I’m going to skip over all the past historical events that were foretold to Daniel and jump ahead to the events yet future. (More detailed information is available in my journal on Daniel on my website.) I don’t discount, however, that there may be some parallels between future events and those already past.

Beginning with chapter 11 and verse 31 the distinction between the reference to Antiochus Epiphanes and the coming Antichrist begins to blur. Antiochus stopped the sacrifices in Jerusalem and desecrated the temple as will the coming Antichrist. Both men were/will be intent on eliminating those who are followers of the true God. Beginning with verse 36 I believe the reference is solely to the coming Antichrist. This man will position himself “above every god” and will blaspheme the true God. In spite of how it may appear, God is still in control and His plan is being fulfilled.

In verse 39 we learn that Antichrist will “divide the land for gain,” [the land being a reference to Israel] an action condemned by God and one He will judge according to the prophet Joel (chapter 3). Although Antichrist will control the world economy, there will still exist those that oppose him. One of the opposing rulers is the “king of the south”; Antichrist is identified as the “king of the north.” The king of the south will try to come against Antichrist but will be defeated. The messenger then notes that Edom, Moab and “the chief of the children of Ammon” will remain outside the Antichrist’s control; these people occupied what is today known as Jordan. Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia, however, will not be so lucky.

Verse 44 then identifies another opposition force that comes from the east and north. This is probably a reference to “the kings of the east” that we encountered in our study of Revelation 16. Antichrist will then establish his stronghold in Jerusalem and eventually meet his doom.

At that time, Daniel is told, Michael will stand in defense of the people of Israel and “there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation.” Finally, some words of encouragement—Those found written in “the book” will be delivered. The question then becomes—What book? I did a study on the “books” mentioned in the scripture when researching the “Book of Life” in my study of Revelation. That study can be found in the Topical Studies section of my website. I believe this reference is to the Book of Life that identifies everyone of faith that is qualified to live in Messiah’s Kingdom.

Daniel attempted to get further information regarding the “end of these things” (v8). He is told that this is not for him to know; this is information that will be understood by those who are living during those perilous times.