The Book of Daniel

Daniel was taught by Dr. James Modlish

 

Chapter Eleven
(The Kings of The North & South, and The Anti-Christ Rule -11:1-45)

 

Introduction:

Most commentators believe that chapter (11) is past history, but note (vs. 36-37 - Anti-Christ). Larkin splits chapter (11) at (vs. 36). This takes place at the Mede prophecy, about Grecia and Alexander the Great. Chapter 8, ( vs. 20) shows 4 divisions of Alexander's kingdom. (Dan. 8:22) Anti-Christ comes from one of these kingdoms (8:8-12). Anti-Christ (8:8 & 11:4 match).

(VS. 2) - Since the Prophecy was given in the third year of Cyrus (Chap. 10:1. B.C. 533), the three kings that were to "stand up yet," that is, "after him," were Ahasuerus, Artaxerxes, and Darius (Ez. 4:1-24), known in history as Cambyses (B. C. 529-522), Pseudo-Smerdis (B.C. 522-521), and Darius Hystaspes (B.C. 521-485). The "fourth" king was Xerxes (B.C. 485-465), the son of Darius Hystaspes, whose marvelous riches enabled him to put vast armies in the field. He stirred up Persia against Greece, which he invaded in B.C. 480, but failed to conquer it. Since prophecy touches only upon important events and characters, the remaining kings of Persia are omitted, and the prophecy jumps over nearly 150 years to the time of Alexander the Great. B.C. 336-323.

(VS. 3-4) - These verses take us Nick to the Vision of the "Ram and He-Goat" (Dan. 8: 3-8, 20-22), and we recognize in the "Mighty King," the "Notable Horn" of the "He-Goat" that was broken off, and in the "Four Horns" that came up in its place, the division of this "Mighty King's" Kingdom toward the "Four Winds." This "Mighty King" then was Alexander the Great, and the division of his Kingdom toward the "Four Winds" of heaven was the division of his Kingdom at-, his death among four of his Generals. Cassander took Macedonia and the Western part; Lysimachus took Thrace and the Northern part; Seleucus took Syria and the Eastern part; and Ptolemy took Egypt and the Southern part. None of Alexander the Great's posterity succeeded him, and within fifteen years his family was extinct.

(VS. 5) - The Prophecy now narrows down to two of the four Kingdoms into which Alexander the Great's Empire was divided. And the reason is clear. Gabriel told Daniel that the Prophecy belonged to Daniel's PEOPLE. And as the "Glorious Land" (Palestine vs. 16,41,45) lay between Syria on the North and Egypt on the South, so the Prophecy narrows down to a description of the wars between the "Kings of the North" and the "Kings of the South," whose marching ground and battlefield would be the "Glorious Land," where for centuries (B.C. 320 to A.D. ?) Daniel's People would be ground between the Upper and Lower Millstones. Because of the suffering that these wars would bring to Daniel's People, and the desolation they would cause the country, God revealed these wars to Daniel that he might see that it would be "many days" (chap. 10:14) before his People would ever become a nation again.

Of the Four Kingdoms into which Alexander's Empire was divided, the Kingdom of Egypt was the first to appear. It was founded by Ptolemy Soter. one of Alexander's generals. Another of Alexander's generals, Seleucus Nicator, was appointed vicegerent of Babylonia, but was driven out by Antigonus and fled to Egypt, where he was favorably received by Ptolemy and made one of his Princes. With Ptolemy's assistance he recovered his province and enlarged it, until it extended to the Indus and included Syria, as well as Assyria, and so he became stronger than Ptolemy, and his dominion became a great dominion.

This prophecy had been fulfilled in one sense, but not totally. Could be the 10 kings at the time of Anti-Christ having a struggle between themselves.

(VS. 6) - There was peace between Egypt and Syria during the reigns of Ptolemy Soter and Seleucus Nicator. But, at length, Ptolemy Soter abdicated in favor of his son Ptolemy Philadelphus, whose half brother Magas had married a daughter of Antiochus Soter, who had succeeded Seleucus Nicator as King of Syria. This marriage led to war between Egypt and Syria. For Magas induced his father-in-law, Antiochus Soter, to declare war against Egypt. Antiochus Soter was succeeded by Antiochus Theus, who continued to war with Ptolemy. At length, "at the end of years," Ptolemy offered Antiochus Theus, as a bribe for peace, his daughter Berenice with a large dower, on condition that the Syrian King should declare his former marriage to Laodice void, and her two sons illegitimate. This iniquitous compact was carried out. But when Ptolemy Philadelphus died, his daughter Berenice could no longer "retain the power of her arm," for Antiochus Theus put her away, and took back his former wife Laodice. But neither did he himself "stand," for Laodice, distrusting his motives, and eager to secure the crown for her own son, poisoned her husband, and so opened the succession to Seleucus Callinicus. Then Laodice persuaded Seleucus to have Berenice assassinated, and her child, who by the articles of her marriage had been made heir to the throne, was also killed, as well as all those who "strengthened her in those times."

(VS. 7-8) - Out of a "branch of her roots" means an offspring of Berenice's parents, and refers to her brother, Ptolemy Euergetus, who succeeded his father Ptolemy Philadelphus. And who, indignant at the treatment of his sister, hastily marched into Syria with a large army, and, although he arrived too late to save Berenice and her son, took revenge by putting Laodice to death, captured Seleucia, the fortress of the King of the North, and would have possessed himself of the whole of the Kingdom had he not been recalled by an insurrection in Egypt. But he did not return empty handed. Not only did he carry back many princes, but spoil to the value of 40,000 talents of silver, and 2500 precious vessels and "idol-images" of the gods. Among these "images" were many that Cambyses had formerly taken from Egypt and carried into Persia. These were replaced in the Temples of Egypt with great ceremony, and it was in gratitude for their restoration that the Egyptian priests bestowed upon Ptolemy his surname of Euergetes, or Benefactor.

(VS. 9-10) - "So the King of the South shall come into his (tile King of the North) Kingdom and shall return into his own land (Egypt)." Which we have seen lie did. "But his sons," not the sons of the King of the South. but the sons of the King of the North, "shall be stirred up" by the invasion of the King of the South, "and shall assemble a multitude of great forces, etc." Now we know that this is what actually occurred. The sons of Seleucus Callinicus, Seleucu; Ceraunus, and Antiochus, afterwards surnamed Magnus (the Great), assembled large armies. Seleucus Ceraunus succeeded his father. He assembled a large army to recover his father's dominions, but being a weak and pusillanimous Prince, and unable to discipline his army, lie was poisoned by two of his generals after an inglorious reign of two or three years. He was succeeded by his brother Antiochus, who assembled a large army and took the field in person. He is the "one" in tile text who should "overflow" and "pass through." He directed his energies against the "King of the South," Ptolemy Philopater, who had succeeded his father. Ptolemy Euergetes. He seized Tyre and Ptolemais, overflowed and passed through Palestine, anti marched against Gaza, the fortress of the King of the South, the limit set by the Prophecy. This was in B.C. 218.

(VS. 11-12) - The voluptuous and dissolute King of the South, Ptolemy Philopater, was thoroughly aroused by the invasion of his realm by the King of the North, Antiochus. He assembled a great army, and defeated the large and well-appointed army of Antiochus, at Raphia, not far from Gaza, B.C. 217. Ptolemy's "heart was lifted up" by his success, and he might have followed up his victory and seized the Kingdom of Antiochus, but he was too anxious to return to his sensual pleasures, and so lost his opportunity of gaining supremacy, and thus he Was "not strengthened" by his great victory.

(VS. 13) - The peace concluded between Ptolemy Philopater and Antiochus lasted thirteen years. In tile meantime Antiochus strengthened himself in his Kingdom. And when his armies were numerous and well equipped. and flushed with many. victories, and his treasury filled with spoils, having learned of the death of Ptolemy Philopater and that he had been succeeded by his infant son Ptolemy Epiphanes, Antiochus, feeling the time was ripe, marched against Egypt with a "great army and much riches," expecting an easy victory.

(VS. 14) - Among the "many" that stood up against the infant of the South was Philip, Kin- of Macedon, who into a league with Antiochus to divide the Kingdom of Ptolemy Epiphanes between them. Egypt itself was also a "seething pot" of sedition. And there were "wicked Jews" in Palestine who hoped to gain the favor of Antiochus. They were called "robbers" because by their conduct they made it hard for their brethren. and thus "established the Vision," or prophecy of suffering for Daniel's people during those times. Antiochus turned against these "robber Jews" and thus caused them "to fall." This verse was fulfilled in the wars of Antiochus that followed.

(VS. 15-19) - These verses are taken together because they cover the remainder of the wars of Antiochus the Great, the King of the North. In considering them we must not forget that the "Glorious Land" was under the dominion of the King of the South, at this time Ptolemy Epiphanes. Therefore to reach Egypt it was necessary for Antiochus to first conquer the "Glorious Land." Upon his entrance into the land he encountered Scopas, the General of Ptolemy's army , and compelled him to seek refuge in the strongly fortified city of Sidon, which he besieged. Desperate attempts were made by the Egyptians to relieve the city, but all failed, and Sidon was compelled to surrender. Then Antiochus was able to do "according to his own will, and none were able to stand before him." So he took possession of the "Glorious Land."

Then he "set his face" to enter Egypt with the whole strength of his Kingdom. But he was compelled to change his plans. The Egyptian regency had sought the help of the Romans, then rising in power, and their assistance had been promised. So Antiochus decided to resort to diplomacy. He proposed that his daughter Cleopatra be espoused to the infant king Ptolemy Epiphanes. then seven years old. Cleopatra herself was very young, and it was because she was of tender years. and still under the care of her mother and a nurse, that she was called the "daughter of women." The marriage was consummated some five years later. The words "corrupting her" refer to Antiochus' scheme to get her to play into his hands, rather than into the hands of her husband. But the plan failed. Cleopatra not only took sides with her husband, but even joined him in sending congratulations to the Romans on their victories over her father.

To avenge himself against the Romans. Antiochus fitted out a fleet of 300 vessels and assailed the coasts and isles of Asia Minor. He was defeated at Magnesia, B.C. 190, by Scipio Asiaticus, the Prince mentioned in the prophecy. He then turned his face homeward. At Antioch he sent ambassadors to sue for peace. The terms were hard. He was not only to relinquish Europe, but Asia on the European side of the Taurus, and pay 2550 talents down, and 1000 talents annually for the next twelve years. A few months later, while traversing his Eastern Provinces to raise this tribute money, he attempted to plunder the Temple of Bel in Elymais, but the people rose and slew him. So he "stumbled and fell and was found no more."

(VS. 20) - Antiochus the Great was succeeded by his eldest son, Seleucus Philopater. He was compelled to be a "raiser of taxes" to pay the heavy tribute imposed on his father. He seems to have reigned about twelve years. Toward the end of that time. being hard pressed for money, he sent his Treasurer, Heliodorus, to Jerusalem, called in the above Scripture the "Glory of the Kingdom," to confiscate the treasures of the Temple. Shortly afterward, "within few days," he was mysteriously poisoned. So he died "neither in anger, nor in battle." (Type of Solomon).

The Anti-Christ will be a tax raiser, not collector. (1 Kings 12:411) - Rehoboam - Solomon's son (2 Chron. 9:13 =666) Heavy Taxes!

 

Introduction:

It is difficult to positively identify the person described in (vss. 19 & 20). We have assigned this individual to history and was probably fulfilled in the person of Seleucus Philopater. However in (vs. 21) there is a definite transition and the description that follows is a very accurate one of the Anti-Christ. That a time gap is not recognized between (vs. 20 & 21) is very typical because the gap would represent the church age which the Old Testament prophet knew nothing about (Eph. 3:1-5).

 

I. How the Anti-Christ Obtains Rule

A. By offering a false peace - (11:21,24,27; Rev. 6:2) ....The emphasis in the last days shall be more and more on peace and peace tables - (vs. 27). The Anti-Christ will be a "vial person". The kingdom is taken peaceably. He comes in with a false peace (like all those before him), and destroys many (Dan. 8:25). The rider in (Rev. 6) comes with a bow and crown [no arrows]. Cupid is a winged creature with arrows!

B. By flatteries and deceit - (11:21,23,32,34). (See Prov. 28:23; 20:19; Ps. 5:9).

C. By international negotiations -

[1]. By claiming a Jewish heritage and genealogy - (vs. 24,37)

[2]. Military intimidation - (vs. 25)

[3]. By an effective spy ring - (vs. 30,26)

[4]. By accumulating great wealth - (vs. 28,38,24,43)

Makes an agreement with someone, maybe the man child of Revelations (Lam. 6).
 

II. The Intentions of the Anti-Christ

A. To destroy Israel. This is first attempted by gaining a peace treaty with and for them (9:27;11:30).

[1]. He shall attempt to destroy them with a flood - (11:22, 9:26; Rev. 12:15)

[2]. By persecution - (11:33)

B. To set himself up as the object of worship - (11:31,36,37,38,39; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:4).
 

III. The Anti-Christ's problems

A. Israel - (11:32-35) Even though he shall destroy many Jews some will do great exploits - These are typed in Moses and Elijah who show up as the two witnesses in (Rev. 11).

B. Egypt - (11:25,40,42) He will eventually defeat Egypt, but this nation will be a thorn in his side.

C. Chittim - (11:30) (probably Cyprus)

D. North - Russia (11:44)

Trouble from the northeast against the Anti-Christ. He goes to fix it, during the middle or end of tribulation then returns.

Typed by:

[1]. Saul who goes to David about bad tidings.
[2]. Sennacarib to Hezekiah
[3]. Nebuchadnezzar 606 B.C. returns 598 B.C.

Christ says "flee to the mountains" - probably at that time (Matt. 24).

5. E.East - China (11:44)
   

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