V. 28 – Around 170 BC, Antiochus Epiphanes had conquered most of Egypt and returned with great spoil. Against the holy covenant – strangely enough, a rumor spread about Antiochus being dead after his campaign in Egypt. Jason, decided to reclaim the title of high priest from his brother, Menelaos. Antiochus heard about this and thought the Jews as a whole had rebelled. This prompted him to stop on his way home and attack Jerusalem. He conspired with Menelaos and plundered the Temple.

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V. 29 – He was going to re-invade Egypt. However, after two years of fighting, Ptolemy Philometer and Physcon decided to make peace and rule jointly. Apparently, this unified front did not suit Antiochus at all. He set out to break up this new treaty.

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V. 30 – Roman Ambassador Popilius Loenas met Antiochus at Alexandria with a message from the Senate. There is a legend that Antiochus, who was incredibly proud – hence his chosen moniker “Epiphanes,” received the message and said he would consider their request to desist from fighting with Egypt. Loenas then drew a circle around Antiochus and said he would need an answer before Antiochus left the circle. As you can imagine, Antiochus was forced to retreat and to agree to terms with this rising republic. Rome had just conquered Macedonia, they were fast becoming the military power of the world.

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Antiochus returned humiliated and sent about 22,000 men to destroy Jerusalem. The city was taken on the Sabbath and this time, it was a bloodbath. He tore down the walls and established a garrison in the city.

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V. 31 – Pollute the sanctuary – Antiochus sacrificed a pig on the altar. He set up an image (likely of Jupiter or Zeus) in the Temple and sacrificed a pig on the altar. He ordered the daily sacrifices to Jehovah to cease in 167 BC

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V. 32 – Jason and then Menelaus (for different reasons during Antiochus’ reign) led quite a large contingent in turn that were completely fine with worshipping a false god and the murder of their fellow countrymen.

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But the people – what an incredible statement. It gives me chills. This is the time of the Maccabean War. Not only did they do mighty military feats, but there were also many people who chose to remain faithful and lost their lives as a result. It all starts with knowing their God. They were facing death and persecution. They could have capitulated. The Romans weren’t coming to save them. They were insignificant and faced internal pressure from the high priest (who was wrongfully appointed). However, when God’s glory was on the line, there were still men who stepped forward and stood for truth. It wasn’t easy. The war lasted for 3+ years.

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False worship was apparently the step too far for the faithful Hasideans (Pious Ones). Can you imagine how happy this statement/passage made Daniel or how profoundly he agreed with it? He has spent his entire life pursuing God. He had seen miracles and wonders. Daniel probably wanted to stand up and testify right there. To know that someone would come along who would stand in the gap – who would be motivated by love, truth, and reverent worship. How well do we “know” God? We don’t have to wage a physical war to reclaim a city. However, we are called to high and holy things. We are called into relationship. We are called to love. God invites us to join him in his exploits, but we must first know him.

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V. 33 – Not only were those who “knew” God fighting, they were witnessing. They were fighting the battle for the minds of their countrymen. They were teaching them God’s Law and attempting to prevent more from defecting or becoming apostate. Yet, God did not immediately deliver them. Many thousands were killed. Antiochus actually burned many alive that had fled to caves for safety or to worship. He took women and children into captivity. It was a terrible time to be alive but also a remarkable time to see God at work.  

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V. 34 – Many believe this “little help” specifically refers to Matthias Maccabeus and his five sons who were able to successfully fight Antiochus. There are many stories of miracles that took place during this time, lamps that didn’t go out, God’s provision, etc. Since it is very hard to know the line between legend and truth, I’m not going to spend a great deal of time on the feats that occurred, but Judah (sometimes called Judas) Maccabeus (one of Matthias’ sons) became a prominent leader. People began joining him to fight.

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V. 35 – Many godly men would fall (die), but it was also a refining purpose. Tried, purged, made white – conformation is always the result when suffering meets a surrendered/obedient life. This verse also seems to be a place where some of the prophecy is no longer about Antiochus and is rather about the Antichrist.

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Antiochus was a type of Antichrist but not the ultimate one we find in Revelation. I believe there is a pretty distinct break, historically, and a lack of congruity with the last few verses whereas there has been perfect fulfillment until this point. Chapter twelve also indicates this is end times which is a direct continuation of chapter eleven indicates that this is the end times. At some point at the end of chapter eleven there is a movement away from what would happen in the near future (400 years or so down the line) to what will happen in the future.

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V. 36 – The Antichrist will indeed exalt himself as equal to God. He will demand worship eventually he will be given a very specific timeframe to accomplish indignation all of the evil we see in Revelation. He has seven years to reign, not because it is his power. Rather, it has been decreed by God long beforehand that this is his eternal timeline. He will prosper until sin or the indignation is fully accomplished or fulfilled. Antiochus was actually quite dedicated to Greek gods so it seems unlikely that it would say he magnified himself above every god.

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V. 37 – Nothing will constrain him. He will not be influenced by religion, compassion, love or any other relationship. Antiochus certainly primarily was interested in Greek gods – not the gods of his ancestors but he was known for being quite licentious. It is thought that he was not particularly fond of some of the priestess’ who worshipped the moon goddess but again, he was certainly very interested in worship. Perhaps this devotion to worship was a ruse to gain more power but the more likely scenario seems to be that this is again referring to the Antichrist and how focused he is on his self-magnification and glorification.

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V. 38 – The god of forces or fortresses depending on the translation you are reading. This seems to be Satan, the dragon in Revelation. Some have even said the Antichrist will be indwelt by Satan the second half of the tribulation. He will worship the one who gives him power, the ability to conquer fortresses and rule.

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 V. 39 – He will overcome strongholds by Satan’s power and divide land for gain (initially there are ten kings listed in Revelation). He will gain power and allies at the beginning of the tribulation through bribery, deceit, and manipulation. This division of power will be limited at the beginning and then he will move to consolidate power the 2nd half of the tribulation.

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V. 40 – Not completely clear but very possibly an Arabic alliance that objects to:

1. The Antichrist’s acknowledgement of Israel/treaty

2. False worship (ironically enough)

There is no historically reliable account of Antiochus invading Egypt again after his encounter with the Romans. Porphyry claimed that he did invade or attempt to invade Egypt one more time. However, that document is damaged and there is no other historical corroboration of his claims so it has long been viewed with skepticism. With the Antichrist on the other hand, remember, there are three horns plucked up in Daniel seven. Apparently, there will be a rebellion during that first half of the tribulation. With the Christians removed and the Jews pacified by the antichrist, the Muslims will be the only monotheistic religion left on earth to object to what the Antichrist is doing. Certainly, there could be nations that simply object to the removal of their national sovereignty but considering the great delusion that will be sent during that time it seems unlikely that mere national sovereignty would be sufficient motivation to resist the pull of the Antichrist’s manipulation.

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V. 41 – After this and when he has established firm domination he will go back to the glorious land and break the covenant with Israel. There are few nations (regions) that he will not be given dominion over – likely referring to the wilderness/hideouts/refuges of the Jews in Rev. 12:6, 14-16. Interestingly, Bozrah which we know is a wilderness refuge for the Jews is in modern Jordan. This is in the region that Edom and Moab used to occupy. Even in terrible circumstances, God still provides for his people.

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V. 42-43 – Extreme wealth and resources will become his. He will become the spiritual figurehead, but resurrected Babylon will also be the financial capital of the world. Operating on a universal currency, he will control every aspect of the world’s system – until he does not.

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V. 44-45 – Rumors will arise about a revolt, and he will go out with fury. He will surround Jerusalem to devote it to destruction. It will appear hopeless for those he is persecuting and killing but he is met with the Messiah. None shall help him – because there is no fighting against Jesus. He is all powerful and his reign will have no end.