The last part of Daniel chapter eleven reveals what many think is a parallel prophecy. Antiochus IV Epiphanes is thought to be a near fulfillment of verses 11:36-45, while Antichrist is the subject in the far fulfillment in the end time.
It appears to me that the Antichrist is being described in Daniel 11 during his last great battle with Christ. The same battle is also delineated in John’s vision in the book of Revelation, chapter 19. John sees Christ coming to earth to battle the beast, also known as the Antichrist, and his army. Daniel’s prophecy uncovers the nature and character of Antichrist while John’s vision reveals the nature and character of Christ.
This paper lists a few of the items disclosed to us about these two opposites from these passages. Their confrontation in this battle makes for an epic comparison between good and evil. From both passages, we will see 5 areas:
- The King
- The King’s Character
- The King’s Army
- His Weapons
- The Outcome
I give the whole passage, then list the 5 areas using phrases taken from the text. First, is the vision from Daniel.
Daniel 11:36-45
36 “Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god, and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done. 37 And he will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all. 38 But instead he will honor a god of fortresses, a god whom his fathers did not know; he will honor him with gold, silver, costly stones, and treasures. 39 And he will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him, and he will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price.
40 “And at the end time the king of the South will collide with him, and the king of the North will storm against him with chariots, with horsemen, and with many ships; and he will enter countries, overflow them, and pass through. 41 He will also enter the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall; but these will be rescued out of his hand: Edom, Moab and the foremost of the sons of Ammon. 42 Then he will stretch out his hand against other countries, and the land of Egypt will not escape. 43 But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels. 44 But rumors from the East and from the North will disturb him, and he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many. 45 And he will pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the seas and the beautiful Holy Mountain; yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.”
The King
(Antiochus/Antichrist)
36 “the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god, and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods.”
37 “he will show no regard for the gods of his fathers, nor any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all.”
38 “But instead he will honor a god of fortresses.”
39 “with the help of a foreign god.”
He does as he pleases exalting himself, dishonors the one true God, and magnifies himself as supreme. The phrase ‘honor a god of fortresses’ could be referring to a god of war or that power is his god. Lastly, he is helped by a foreign god, likely referring to Satan.
The King’s Character
39 “he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him, and will parcel out land for a price.”
42 “stretch out his hand against other countries”
44 “rumors will disturb him,” “will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many.”
(From Revelation 19:20 we learn that many will be deceived so that they, “received the mark of the beast and [will worship] his image.”)
In his proud quest for power and control this deceiver strikes deals to build his wealth. Paranoia stokes his anger so he goes on a vengeful, merciless rampage. He receives honor and worship reserved for Christ.
The King’s Army
40 “chariots, with horsemen, and with many ships.” “he will enter countries [and] overflow them.”
42 “and many countries will fall.”
He has all the resources he needs to wage war. His army boasts so many that they overflow their enemy. Many will join him in his battle against Christ. (Rev 19:19-20)
His Weapons
39 “he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him.”
40 “will storm against him, [and] overflow them.”
43 “he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels.”
He is skilled at using bribery, extortion, intimidation, and favors to bring in allies. The sheer number of troops at his disposal usually overwhelms his adversary and he uses his wealth to fund his warfare. He has all the weapons that man can muster.
The Outcome
36 “he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done.”
45 “he will come to his end, and no one will help him.”
He will seem to succeed, but in the end there is no one who can help him. Ultimately his weapons are only humanly derived and are no match for the superiority of his Creator.
Note: More information about the Antiochus/Antichrist connection is given in my post, Antiochus to Antichrist.
Next, we will read John’s vision from Revelation, then list the 5 areas using phrases taken from the text.
End of Part 1.
For Part 2, go to Christ vs Antichrist -Part 2.