Don't Let the Ending Surprise You

Daniel 11 begins talking about Antiochus Epiphanes in verse 20, detailing how one of the most deceptive and cruel rulers over the Jews is a prefigured example of the final anti-Christ to come. When we read scripture here, we learn what to expect when the lawless one is revealed and the last days begin. 

Daniel 11:20 (ESV) “Then shall arise in his place one who shall send an exactor of tribute for the glory of the kingdom. But within a few days he shall be broken, neither in anger nor in battle.

The ascension to power for Antiochus happened with the unexpected and possibly murderous death of his predecessor, Seleucus Philopator after Seleucus ordered his treasurer to plunder the Jewish Temple. 

From verse 21, we have a clear description of Antiochus, which is of utmost importance if we are to be wise at the time of the end and determine the season, staying ready when the world is utterly confused.

Daniel 11:21 (ESV) In his place shall arise a contemptible person to whom royal majesty has not been given. He shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

Antiochus was an inwardly bankrupt person who achieved power through smooth talk and flattery. 

Daniel 11:22–23 (ESV) Armies shall be utterly swept away before him and broken, even the prince of the covenant. 23 And from the time that an alliance is made with him he shall act deceitfully, and he shall become strong with a small people.

“Prince of the covenant” is often interpreted to mean a Jewish leader tied to the covenant people of God, specifically Onias III, the legitimate high priest at the time. Antiochus would defrock Onias and install his own puppet high priest to desecrate and obliterate the worship of Israel.

Daniel 11:25–28 (ESV) And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army. And the king of the south shall wage war with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he shall not stand, for plots shall be devised against him. 26 Even those who eat his food shall break him. His army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. 27 And as for the two kings, their hearts shall be bent on doing evil. They shall speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for the end is yet to be at the time appointed. 28 And he shall return to his land with great wealth, but his heart shall be set against the holy covenant. And he shall work his will and return to his own land.

These verses describe Antiochus' campaign against Egypt. When he failed to take Egypt he set his eyes on Israel and sought to destroy the Jews.

He plundered the temple, abolished sacrifices, killed Jews, and left soldiers to maintain order. Two years later (168 B.C.), he invaded Egypt again but was defeated by the Romans. He reluctantly obeyed and channeled his anger at the Jews, aided by Jewish traitors who abandoned their covenant to support him. He promised substantial rewards in return.

Daniel 11:31–32 (ESV) Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate. 32 He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action.

This passage details the most damning action on his part. Antiochus erected an altar in the Temple to Zeus and offered a pig on it. This infuriated the Jews and led to the Maccabean War. Notice the final line in verse 32: "but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action." God always reserves a number for Himself to stand strong in a time of massive deception. The key? Knowing the Lord.

Now Jesus tells us this action will be repeated at the end of time.

Matthew 24:15 (ESV) “So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),

The good news is this: as it was then, so it will be in the end: some faithful and strong Jews will stand for the Lord and accomplish great things. In Antiochus' Time, that was the family of a Jewish priest named Matthais, whose 5 sons (including Judas Maccabeus) fought back, won, and cleansed the Temple.

Daniel 11:33–34 (ESV) And the wise among the people shall make many understand, though for some days they shall stumble by sword and flame, by captivity and plunder. 34 When they stumble, they shall receive a little help. And many shall join themselves to them with flattery,

In the last days, Revelation stipulates an army of 144,000 Jews ready to battle for the glory of the Lord. 

Revelation 14:1 (ESV) Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.

Throughout history, times of great deception have swept over mankind. The year 2020 was such a season. Many false believers were exposed, but many others were convicted and made stronger. I pray that you and I will be among those who know the Lord and accomplish great things, battle for truth and finish our race.