History Yet To Be (Part 1)

For those who are science fiction fans, you might be able to actually have a conversation regarding time travel, parallel universes, going back in time, going ahead in time. I find it almost humorous that even though there is no such possibility, many people can explain it all as if it’s really true. I think my best understanding of the whole thing of time travel and knowing events before they happen is best described by Doctor Who: It’s a timey-whimey sort of thing.

The contents of Daniel’s fourth vision is the topic for today. The best way I can explain the overall contents of this vision is that Daniel is made privy to events which have not happened, yet are presented as history that is about to be revealed. We first read about the Persian period, then the Greek Period. After Alexander’s death, we read about the fourfold division of the Greek Empire, focusing specifically on two of those divisions.

Then we are given a brief look, though longer than we might wish, at the wicked Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Even as evil as Antiochus IV was, next week, we will see that Gabriel introduces the absolute most evil tyrant the world will ever know; that is, the Antichrist. This will be the darkest time in history. However, we are also privileged to know that God will deliver His saints.

So, as we look at this large portion of Scripture today, we will find ourselves recognizing that the One Who created time, the One Who is involved intimately in all of history, is the One Who knows and oversees, and even directs, the history which is yet to be. We’ll just be focusing on that which is in the past from our perspective today.

Whatever is happening or will happen in history, God will deliver and bless those who obey and follow Him.

Prophecies about surrounding nations - 11:2-4

Such an amazing message that Gabriel is about to share would cause many to consider it amazing story-telling. Yet, Gabriel reminds Daniel that this message is the truth, which sounds similar to the phrase in 10:21, the book of truth.

The three more kings mentioned, are those who will come after King Cyrus. The fourth king would most likely be Xerxes I. Historically, this matches up with what actually happened. Between Xerxes I and Cyrus, there were three kings. Xerxes I was an incredibly wealthy king and he also made a major attack against Greece.

Evidently, verse 3, is pointing to Alexander the Great. “And a mighty king will arise, and he will rule with great authority and do as he pleases.” In his counterattack against Persia, he defeated the Persian Empire. Again, history is filled with information which agrees exactly with these verses and their descriptions.

Daniel 11.4 describes what happened after Alexander died. “But as soon as he has arisen, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four points of the compass, though not to his own descendants, nor according to his authority which he wielded, for his sovereignty will be uprooted and given to others besides them.” We know from previous messages from Daniel, that the Greek Kingdom was divided into four sections. In addition, history falls in line with Scripture in that we know that both of his sons were murdered, so there was no family member who inherited any part of the kingdom; rather the four generals.

At this point, Gabriel is going to focus on two of the four kingdoms which will have the most impact upon God’s chosen people.

Prophecies regarding the Greek Empire - 11:5-20

Verse 5 seems to be in reference to the ruler of what we would know as Egypt. “Then the king of the South will grow strong, along with one of his princes who will gain ascendancy over him and obtain dominion; his domain will be a great dominion indeed.” During this time, some of you may recall the “Seleucid era” which is what developed from what we read in verse 5. This division then became one of the largest of the divisions, and included Babylonia, Syria, and Media.

Verse 6 shows how conflict began to develop. “After some years they will form an alliance, and the daughter of the king of the South will come to the king of the North to carry out a peaceful arrangement. But she will not retain her position of power, nor will he remain with his power, but she will be given up, along with those who brought her in and the one who sired her as well as he who supported her in those times.” Even with this negative situation, one of the sons, Ptolemy II Philadelphus, supposedly proposed the translation of the Hebrew Bible into Greek. This is what is known as the Septuagint. So, God used a crisis or conflict to make sure His Word would go out into the world.

With the alliance that was supposed to have been made, the daughter of the king of the South was to marry the king of the North. This individual was Antiochus. If this happened, there would have been a sense of unity. The reality is that Antiochus was married to a powerful and influential woman. She ended up murdering the husband, the daughter of the king of the South, and her own child.

This would not be left alone by the king of the Egyptian area. He retaliated with his army and began a war which lasted 5 years. The Egyptian king defeated the Syrian army. History states that the evil Queen was put to death. The Egyptian king, Ptolemy III brought back Syria’s gods and all kinds of riches. He also restored Egypt’s treasures and sacred idols.

Now, in verses 10-19, we see a leader who didn’t get along or play well with others. We are introduced to Antiochus III. So, there was a continuation of the wars that were already going on. Some know this leader as Antiochus the Great from your history classes. He was called this because he had some incredible military prowess and success.

As a result, verse 11 shows a counterattack, pitting two huge armies against each other. “The king of the South will be enraged and go forth and fight with the king of the North. Then the latter will raise a great multitude, but that multitude will be given into the hand of the former.” Listen to what one historian describes regarding the numbers involved. Ptolemy IV (king of the South) had 70,000 infantry, 5,000 cavalry, and 73 elephants. Antiochus the Great’s army had 62,000 infantry, 6,000 cavalry, and 102 elephants.

The counterattack was successful, which resulted in verse 12 describing Ptolemy’s heart be[ing] lifted up. Sadly, multiple thousands died on both sides. The victory didn’t last long. We see in verse 13 that the North rises up and begins an onslaught against the South kingdom. Antiochus the great (about 15 years later - 202 B.C.) once again invaded. History states that Ptolemy IV died and his son was crowned king. However, the son was between 4-6 years of age. Antiochus III was shrewd enough to take full advantage of this. In verse 14, the violent ones among your people is in reference to the Jews who helped Antiochus. The Hebrew word when used in the Old Testament usually speaks about robbers and murderers. Verse 15 continues in describing the battles.

In verse 16, it appears that Antiochus then took complete control over the Promised Land or the Beautiful Land. “But he who comes against him will do as he pleases, and no one will be able to withstand him; he will also stay for a time in the Beautiful Land, with destruction in his hand.” This seemingly simple fact is what sets the stage for the horrific ruler to follow, Antiochus IV Epiphanes. His was truly one of terror and cruelty for God’s children

Interestingly, historians show that the Jews who had helped Egypt were severely punished. Yet, when he came into Jerusalem in 198 B.C., the Jews people welcomed him as a leader who delivered them from oppression and would be a great benefit to them. Sadly, we are reminded that when we look to people, governments, military, etc., rather than God, we look in the wrong direction. Because 23 years later, this government would create one of the worst times in the history of God’s chosen people.

Cleopatra was the daughter given to Ptolemy V as a wife and a means that Antiochus thought would give him inroads and secure peace. Ultimately, his desire was to control Egypt, as well. History tells us that Cleopatra actually loved her husband and would have no part in Antiochus’ wicked scheme.

Verses 18-19 basically shows the future defeat and end of Antiochus. He continued to seek conquest. Then around 190 B.C., The Romans went after Antiochus. The Roman army consisted of 30,000 troops, while the army of Antiochus was around 70,000. However, Antiochus was soundly defeated and forced to sign a treaty. When Antiochus went back home, totally humiliated, he was killed by an angry mob in 187 B.C.

His son, Seleucus IV, sent a tax collector to gather funds to pay the annual fee to the Romans. This even involved him trying to plunder the temple in Jerusalem. This tax collector then poisoned the king Seleucus IV.

This is almost like a soap opera, isn’t it? Yet, none of this had happened as Daniel was writing. Gabriel is describing what is yet to be in this most unique history lesson. Now we come upon the most heinous person to have existed yet, Antiochus IV Epiphanes.

Prophecies about Antiochus IV Epiphanes - 11:21-35

So far, we’ve been privy to the historical preview and set up to one of the most evil individuals to ever walk the earth. Here we’re introduced to the little horn that was discussed in Daniel 8. Why is it that Daniel spends so much time recording information about this Antiochus IV Epiphanes? One is the fact that what he will do in history’s future was going to impact them in a very powerful and painful manner.

Verse 21 labels Antiochus as a despicable person who will seize the kingdom by intrigue. Antiochus was given this description because of how he treated (and would treat) the Jews. He massacred thousands of Jews, persecuting them severely, and tried to totally eliminate any worship to the one true God, Yahweh. Antiochus is the one who labeled himself Epiphanes. That name meant manifest one. He was lifting himself up as God incarnate.

His takeover of the kingdom, actually belonged to a fellow named Demetrius I. But Demetrius was a prisoner in Rome, which allowed Antiochus to do his dirty business. Remember that Antiochus is a type of the Antichrist, who will be even worse. So many of the means and methods will be employed by Antichrist. The intrigue is seen in verses 22 and following. He will practice deception, and he will go up and gain power with a small force of people. In a time of tranquility he will enter the richest parts of the realm, and he will accomplish what his fathers never did, nor his ancestors; he will distribute plunder, booty and possessions among them, and he will devise his schemes against strongholds, but only for a time.

This alliance was a covenant made with Ptolemy so Ptolemy could have a powerful ally in order to regain control of Egypt. Antiochus was okay with this since it would give him power in Egypt when he wanted to exert it. History tells us that Ptolemy broke the alliance. Verse 24 describes that when everything seemed to be going smoothly, Antiochus invaded the areas of Egypt, Judea, and other areas.

The phrase found in the last part of verse 24 is quite important for us to remember, as it was for Daniel: only for a time. Scholars suggest this was the time decreed by God. It doesn’t matter how wealthy and powerful someone is, their times are in God’s hands. It doesn’t matter how brilliant or cunning someone is; their times are in God’s hands. Our God is the Lord of history. To Daniel, this was all in the future. To us, this has all taken place already. However, at the same time, there is a future aspect that is going to be played out during the Great Tribulation.

In verses 25-26, we see the incredible deception and two-faced behavior of the leaders. Promises were made that none of the leaders intended on keeping. To understand better how low-down and dirty this was, it is helpful to understand a bit of the culture. One scholar states: The figure of speaking lies at the same table is significant because, to the oriental, deception practiced at a table of hospitality was the very lowest in kind.

Again, even with all the trickery involved by human leaders, God is sovereign. Now, we slip into verse 28, as Gabriel comes to the real purpose of all this other information. This is to set up the world for the persecution against the Jewish people. . . . his heart will be set against the holy covenant, and he will take action and then return to his own land. History tells us that after the plundering of Egypt, Antiochus went home via where the Jews homeland was. He found an insurrection going on and massacred 80,000 men, women, and children. He continued by looting the temple with the help of the high priest who was known to be quite evil. The persecution was only going to get worse.

Verse 29 lets us know that in God’s timetable, Antiochus was going back to attack Egypt. However, it didn’t turn out the way Antiochus had hoped. Verse 30 tells us: the ships of Kittim will come against him. This refers to the Roman fleet that had come to the rescue. This is the fourth empire which will one day defeat the third Empire of Greece.

History tells us that the Roman commander met Antiochus four miles outside the city. He gave Antiochus a letter from the Roman Senate ordering him to leave Egypt or face war with Rome. The story goes on that the Roman commander drew a circle in the sand around Antiochus and told him that he must respond before stepping from the circle. This, plus the memories of previous humiliations at the hands of the Romans, caused Antiochus to leave Egypt.

According to the last part of verse 30, Antiochus then takes his anger out against the Jewish people again, while rewarding those who rebelled against God. History gives us insight into the treachery that took place. Apollonius who was the chief tax collector from subservient nations was sent to Jerusalem. He pretended to come in peace. However, on the Sabbath Day, he attacked and again massacred multitudes of people and plundered the city.

Verse 31 is seen when the suppression of the Jewish people really took hold in 167 B.C. All Jewish religious practices such as circumcision, having the Scriptures, any sacrifices, and all feast days for forbidden. Anyone caught doing or having anything to do with this would be killed. In December of that same year, an idol statue devoted to Zeus or Jupiter was erected in the temple (they will set up the abomination of desolation). Ten days later, pigs were offered on the altar.

As you read verse 32, it is easy to understand how Antiochus was able to use flattery and wonderful promises to try to move people to support his evil policies. If enough Jews would be corrupted, he would have even more power. But don’t overlook the last part of verse 32: but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. Another historian states: Many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant; and they did die.

The Maccabees were a group who refused to be taken in by Antiochus. They actually developed into a very brilliant military group who stood against Antiochus. They actually had several amazing military victories against Antiochus’s military commanders. As a result, on December 14, 164 B.C., the temple was rededicated. This celebration is known to most of us as Hanukkah.

Part 1 Conclusion

We may wonder who the people are as described as, who have insight. This phrase is used also in 12:3 and 12:10. It seems to be those Israelites who have genuine spiritual discernment, who are genuinely faithful to God alone. They will remain true to God during Antiochus’s horrific persecution and would teach others in Israel about God’s ways. Still, tens of thousands would be killed because of their stance. Many had their property taken from them. One wonders if some of them are described in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11:34, 35. Whatever is happening or will happen in history, God will deliver and bless those who obey and follow Him.

Sadly, some of the Jewish people chose to experience earthly peace; forsaking genuine, true peace. This actually will strengthen the faith of the true believers, as there was a purging of some who chose to go along with Antiochus. Antiochus did die in 163 B.C., presumably dying in a state of insanity.

Next message will focus on the end times, the secondary part of this last section, in which a type of antiChrist is described.