Daniel 11

Daniel 11:20-45

Vernon McGee - “The seas” refer to the Mediterranean Sea, and “the glorious holy mountain” is Jerusalem. In other words, at that time Antichrist will establish his headquarters for world conquest between the Mediterranean Sea and Jerusalem. However, instead of ruling from there, he will be destroyed by the personal return of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rev. 19:17–20). Evil will have taken over, and only in the personal coming of Christ to establish His kingdom will any on this earth be delivered and saved. (Thru the Bible) Dr Donald Campbell writes that the Antichrist "will "come to his end" (v. 45). A startling thing will happen. The armies of the nations assembled to attack Jerusalem will look up, astonished to see Jesus Christ and His heavenly armies descending to earth (Zech. 14:1-4). According to John's vision of this great event, the armies of earth will turn from their conflict to attempt to prevent Christ's return. Needless to say, the attempt will be futile as those armies will be destroyed by the word of His mouth, and Antichrist will be cast alive into the lake of fire (Rev. 19:19-21). We look up from the pages of Scripture, especially of this chapter, and see an alignment of nations and armies with reference to the little nation of Israel that make possible the early fulfillment of these prophecies. We also observe what appears to be a growing interest in this evil world ruler of the end time, the Antichrist. The movie, The Omen, seen in theaters and on television, presents an imaginary account of how Antichrist will be introduced into the world. A Time magazine review of the movie stated, "The movie stretches a prophecy about the return of the Prince of Darkness, taken from Revelations [sic], to fit certain events of our time-the creation of Israel and the Common Market, of all things-then argues persuasively that if Satan were to return in disguise he would logically want to be a member of a rich political family so that he could position himself for maximum mischief making" (June 28, 1976). The film was such a success at the box office that sequels were planned, with the leading character (Antichrist) pictured as a 12-year-old, a young man, and a western leader who guides his people to Armageddon. We do not look for Antichrist, however, but for Jesus Christ. He is coming to take believers to be with Himself before these dark prophecies unfold on earth (John 14:1-3; 1 Th 4:13-18). The most important matter a person will ever face is that of his relationship to God's Son, who by His death at His first coming paid the penalty for sin. He now offers forgiveness of sin and eternal life. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Rom. 6:23). (Daniel Decoder of Dreams) No one will help him - As he ruled alone, he will die alone. God is sovereign. He is in control of the appointed time of the end for both men and devils (cf Da 7:12+, Da 8:19+). It is God alone… Who changes the times and the epochs. He removes kings and establishes kings (Da 2:21+) No help - Equates with "No escape"! His doom is sure. This reminds me of Luther's great words announcing God's sure and final triumph over all evil for all time (Hallelujah. Amen!)…(see one sad caveat on Martin Luther). A Mighty Fortress Is Our God And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure, One little word shall fell him. (2Th 2:8, cf Re 20:9-note) S R Miller nicely sums up chapter 11 commenting that… Daniel 11 has enormous theological value. First, the reality of the God of the Bible is demonstrated. Campbell relates: In the first 35 verses there are at least 135 prophecies which have been literally fulfilled and can be corroborated by a study of the history of the period. (BORROW Daniel God's Man in a Secular Society - aka "Daniel: Decoder of Dreams".) Since no human being can know the future (apart from divine inspiration), there must be a God in heaven who revealed these matters. Second, the divine omniscience and omnipotence of the Lord is set forth. God foretells future events and therefore must have supreme knowledge and power over history. Third, for those who live after the predicted events have occurred, there is the confidence that since the previous prophecies have been fulfilled, the subsequent promises of deliverance and triumph will just as assuredly come true. Fourth, the fulfillment of these amazing predictions evidences that the Holy Scriptures are truly a product of supernatural revelation. Therefore this section of the Book of Daniel is not an unimportant record of historical events but a rich testimony to the believers’ glorious God and the trustworthiness of his Word. (See Daniel: An Exegetical and Theological Exposition) Stephen Miller (same author as above) but different book which has helpful concise notes.... THE KING’S EVIL CHARACTER (Da 11:36–39) - In verses 36–39 the Antichrist is described as arrogant, blasphemous (see Da 7:8, 11, 20, 25; 2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 13:5–6), successful, atheistic (2 Thess. 2:4; Rev. 13:6), and militaristic. He will be successful until God’s wrath (“the time of wrath”; v. 36) is poured out on him and the whole sinful world in the last days (Dan. 12:1; Rev. 6–19). “The one desired by women” (Da 11:37) could mean “that desired by women,” “the one desired by women,” or even “the desire for women.” Sometimes the phrase has been interpreted as a reference to Christ since Jewish women desired to be the mother of the Messiah. The context of the verse seems to support that interpretation. On either side of the phrase, there are statements concerning the Antichrist’s contempt for God and religion. It would not be surprising to find a reference to the rejection of the Messiah in this setting. Rather than worshiping God, Antichrist will honor military power (“god of fortresses,” Da 11:38). That Antichrist will engage in war is affirmed in Da 11:40–45; 7:8, 24; and elsewhere in Scripture (e.g., Rev. 13:4; 16:13–16). BORROW Miller's "Shepherd's Notes" on Daniel - it has some nice features)