Daniel 11:1

“Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.”
“Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede,”

• “I” here refers to Gabriel who is beginning his explanation of this vision to Daniel
• “first year of Darius the Mede”: this is not the date of this vision, which occurred in the 3^rd year of Cyrus (Dan. 10:1), but is the date when Gabriel went to strengthen Darius

 “even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.”

• God apparently had sent Gabriel to help king Darius by confirming him and strengthening him
• Gabriel is explaining his role as an emissary to the world’s leaders
  
  

Daniel 11:2

“And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.”

“And now will I shew thee the truth.”

• This begins the message that chapter 10 introduced
• This is the truth that Gabriel mentioned in Daniel 10:21
• This is the fourth great revelation of history in the book of Daniel

 “Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia”

• This refers to the three kings who would follow Cyrus:
• Cambyses         530 B.C. – 522 B.C.
• False Smerdis    522 B.C. – 522 B.C.
• Darius I            522 B.C. – 486 B.C.

“and the fourth shall be far richer than they all:”

• This was Artaxerxes or Ahausuerus
• He was 4^th after Cyrus (5^th counting Cyrus)
• Note: some do not count False Smerdis because he was an usurper to the throne (not legitimate king)

“by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.”

• Xerxes did stir up the world against Greece which was his last frontier in the eastern Mediterranean
• He brought over 40 nations with him to fight Greece

• However, Hebrew “’eth” translated “against” can also translate “rouse all the realm of Grecia [against]” which would mean that he helped unite the city- states of Greece against the world (which also happened)

 “Grecia.”

• Hebrew word : “Yawan”  which is transliterated Javan in Genesis 10:2.  The Greeks were descendants of Javan and called Ionians

 

Daniel 11:3

“And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.”

 “And a mighty king shall stand up,”

• This refers to Alexander the Great : 336 B.C. -323 B.C.
• He was a valiant warrior and king

“that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.”

• Alexander ruled from Macedonia and Greece to India and from Egypt to east of the Caspian Sea
• The largest empire up to his time
  
  

Daniel 11:4

“And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.”
“And when he shall stand up,”

• This refers to when he reached his power

“his kingdom shall be broken,”

• Alexander died soon after completing his world conquest
• He died as a young man (age 33) in 323 B.C. from swamp fever (possibly Malaria) and alcohol abuse 

 “and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven;”

• Four winds here represents four parts and the four quarters of the compass and the four generals who took over
• These four “winds” are the same as the four heads of the leopard (Dan. 7:6) and the four horns on the he-goat (Dan. 8:8)

• Four winds:
• North:   Asia Minor            Lysimachus
• South:  Egypt, Palestine     Ptolemy
• West:   Macedonia             Cassander
• East:    Syria                     Seleucus

• Seleucus overran Lysimachus and the East kingdom became the North/East  kingdom

“and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled”

• Alexander’s kingdom was divided and not given to his family: his infant son, who was not yet born at his death, and his brain damaged ½ brother both had regents who tried to rule in their names but failed
• Alexander’s son was killed during the struggle between the generals for power

“for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.”

• Alexander’s kingdom was taken from his family and divided up among four of his  generals

Daniel 11:5

“And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.”

 “And the king of the south”

• It is important to realize that the compass points used in the book of Daniel relate to Palestine (Jerusalem) as the reference point (God’s city)
• Thus Egypt is south; Syria is east; Macedonia is west; and Asia Minor is north
• The king of the south referred to here is Ptolemy I Soter (306- 283 B.C.)

 “one of his princes;”

• This refers to Seleucus I Nicator (East) (305-280 B.C.) who placed himself under the protection of Ptolemy I Soter (South) in order to regain his land (Babylon and Syria) after he lost a battle with Antigonus. He thus became effectively a prince under Ptolemy.

“he shall be strong above him,”

• Seleucus did become stronger than Ptolemy

 “and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.”

• Seleucus eventually regained his kingdom (East- Babylon and Syria) and became stronger than Ptolemy
• Seleucus also overran Lysimachus in the North and became king of the North
  
  

Daniel 11:6

“And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times.”

Daniel 11:6 (cont.)

“And in the end of years”

• RSV translates “after some years”
• This is referring to an episode that occurred about 35 years after the death of Seleucus I

“they shall join themselves together;”

• An alliance was formed between the North and the South who had been fighting periodically
• Ptolemy II (king of the south) convinced Antiochus II (king of the north) to divorce his wife and sister (Laodice) and marry Bernice (Ptolemy’s daughter)

 “for the king's daughter of the south”

• Bernice

“shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement:”

• Bernice came to Antiochus II to marry him

“but she shall not retain the power of the arm;”

• Antiochus terminated his marriage to Bernice after Ptolemy II died  

 “neither shall he stand, nor his arm:”

• Antiochus remarried Laodice after divorcing Bernice
• Unfortunately, Laodice was insecure and apparently did not trust her regained husband
• Laodice then poisoned Antiochus, Bernice, their son, and Bernice’s attendants
• “neither shall he stand” refers to Antiochus’ death

 “nor his arm:”

• This refers to Antiochus’ son who also was killed by Laodice

“but she shall be given up, and they that brought her”

• Bernice was killed by Laodice
• Bernice’s Egyptian attendants were also killed by Laodice 

 “and he that begat her,”

• This could refer to Ptolemy who had died prior to these murders
• However, this could also refer to the son that was killed

“he that strengthened her in these times.”

• This probably refers to her husband Antiochus II death
   

Daniel 11:7

“But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail:”

 

 “But out of a branch of her roots”

• This refers to Ptolemy III (Bernice’s brother) who now made war on the North to revenge  his sister’s death

“shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army,”

• This refers to Ptolemy III who brought an army to attack the North

 “shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north,”

• Ptolemy III attacked Seleucus II and was victorious

“shall deal against them, and shall prevail:”

• Seleucus II was forced to pay for the mistakes of Antiochus II
   

Daniel 11:8

“And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north.”

 

“And shall also carry captives into Egypt”

• Ptolemy’s armies took many captives
• This phrase confirms that the king of the South was over Egypt

“their gods,”

• Their “gods” here can refer to the North’s gods taken captive or also to the Egyptian gods which were recaptured and taken home!

 “with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold;”

• The princes and leaders were also taken captive along with the gold and silver

“he shall continue more years than the king of the north.”

• RSV states “he shall refrain from attacking the king of the north” which was true (better translation)
• He also outlived the king of the north by 2 years
  
  

Daniel 11:9

“So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land.”

“So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom”

• This can be translated that the king of the north (Seleucus II) came into the kingdom of the south and then was sent back (RSV)
• RSV states “the latter shall come into the realm of the king of the south” (“latter” referring to the king of the north)
• This can also be translated that Ptolemy III (king of the south) went home to Egypt
• Both of these translations occurred and are correct!

 

Daniel 11:10

“But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, even to his fortress.”

 “But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces:”

• This is referring to the sons of the king of the north (Seleucus III and Antiochus III, the Great)
• Seleucus III was murdered after a short reign (226-223 B.C.)
• These two sons attacked Syria and Palestine and fought Ptolemy IV

 “one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through:”

• Antiochus III, the Great captured Seleucia (the port of Antioch) in 219 B.C. and then overran Palestine and into Transjordan
• Pass through refers to Palestine

“then shall he return, and be stirred up, even to his fortress.”

• RSV translates “and again shall carry the war as far as his fortress”
• This suggests that Antiochus III came right to Ptolemy IV’s front door!
   

Daniel 11:11

“And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.”

“And the king of the south shall be moved with choler,”

• “choler” here  means “anger”
• The king of the south (Ptolemy IV) became angry and attacked the king of the north (Antiochus III, the Great)

“shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north:”

• Ptolemy IV against Antiochus III

 “and he shall set forth a great multitude;”

• Antiochus III had a large army (62,000) but Ptolemy IV overcame him

“but the multitude shall be given into his hand.”

• Ptolemy’s army was successful
• At the Battle of Raphia 217 B.C. Ptolemy killed 10,000 infantry and 300 cavalry and captured 4,000 prisoners

 

Daniel 11:12

“And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it.”

“And when he hath taken away the multitude”

• This refers to Ptolemy who overcame the “multitude” (huge army)

“his heart shall be lifted up”

• Pride took over
• Ptolemy failed to follow up on his victory and eventually the north would recover

 “he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it.”

• Ptolemy IV was successful in battle but he was not strengthened by it
• He and his queen died mysteriously in 203 B.C. and his 5 year old son took the throne (Ptolemy V Epiphanes, 203-181 B.C.)

 

Daniel 11:13

“For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches.”

 “For the king of the north shall return,”

• Antiochus (king of the north) did return to the south

“shall set forth a multitude greater than the former,”

• Antiochus III came back with another army to attack the child king (Ptolemy V) in 201 B.C.

 “shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches.”

• Literally, “at the end of times, years”
• It was about 16 years between the lost Battle of Raphia and the second invasion by Antiochus III
• During this time the Roman Senate became the legal guardians of the child king of Egypt Ptolemy V

 

Daniel 11:14

“And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall.”

“And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south:”

• This verse begins the controversy regarding what the rest of the chapter centers on:
• Some suggest that verses 14-45 relate only to the Seleucid and Ptolemaic kings with emphasis on Antiochus Epiphanes and his desecration of the temple. This would ignore the fact that Daniel’s visions have all been progressive and expanding on each other. It also ignores the Roman Empire, the 1260 years and the 2300 years. 

• Another concept is that verses 14-35 cover Rome and verses 35-44 cover France or Catholicism and verse 45 is not yet explained

• This verse begins the controversy regarding what the rest of the chapter centers on:
• However, one other application is possible, which is that the Roman Empire is covered first (Jesus’ 1^st Coming) followed by an emphasis on last day events which continues to the end of time (Jesus’ 2^nd Coming). This is totally consistent with the concept that the book of Daniel is a progressive expansion of prior prophecy.

• This is referring to Antiochus III’s attack on Ptolemy V

“also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision”

• This can read “sons of the breakers of thy people” or “the children of the violent among thy people” 

 “also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision”

• This has been applied to the Romans who took away Israel’s freedom and eventually destroyed Jerusalem
• Establishing the vision refers to Jesus death at the hand of the Romans which sealed the vision (Dan. 9:24)
• RSV “the men of violence among your own people shall lift themselves up in order to fulfil the vision”
• Israel would lift itself above God and kill Jesus and seal the vision!

 “but they shall fall.”

• Rome both Pagan and Papal will fall
• RSV translates “they shall fall” as “they shall fail” referring to Israel as “your own people” (see above) who would fail to stop God’s plan

 

Daniel 11:15

“So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand.”

 ”So the king of the north shall come,”

• This refers to Antiochus III

“cast up a mount”

• Hebrew “solelah”  meaning “a mound” here used for seigeworks

“and take the most fenced cities:”

• Hebrew “’ir mibsaroth”  literally “a city of fortifications”
• This refers to either Gaza  (fell in 201 B.C.) or Sidon

 “and the arms of the south shall not withstand,”

• “arms” refers to strength
• The south would fall

“neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand.”

• “chosen people”  translated “picked troops” (RSV) would not stand

 

Daniel 11:16

“But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.”

 

 “But he that cometh against him”

• This probably refers to Rome (Pompey) which conquered Palestine in 63 B.C. (Rome also overcame Antiochus III in 191 B.C.)

“shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him:”

• Pompey even went as far as to look in the Most Holy Place (Josephus, Antiquities)

“he shall stand in the glorious land,”

• Glorious land is Palestine

“which by his hand shall be consumed.”

• Rome did destroy Palestine

 

Daniel 11:17

“He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him.”

“He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom,”

• This appears to refer to Rome (now the king of the north) entering in to the south

“and upright ones with him;”

• Hebrew is obscure: “yesharim”   which may mean “equities” which then could be translated “bring terms of peace” (RSV)
• If this refers to “terms of peace” then it would describe Rome’s guardianship of Egypt’s two rulers: Cleopatra and brother Ptolemy XII

“thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her:”

• The “daughter of women” is probably Cleopatra, the daughter of Ptolemy XI 

 “the daughter of women, corrupting her:”

• Cleopatra was placed under Roman guardianship in 51 B.C. and in 48 B.C. became Julius Caesar's mistress
• Pompey ruled Egypt as guardian and battled Julius Caesar for control and lost
• Caesar then took Cleopatra to Rome as his mistress

 “the daughter of women, corrupting her:”

• Caesar was assassinated and his son Octavian (Caesar Augustus) took over the throne
• Cleopatra took sides with Mark Antony against Octavian
• Octavian defeated the combined forces of Mark Antony and Cleopatra at Actium (31 B.C.)

 “but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him.”

• Cleopatra did not stand with Caesar but fought against him
• Mark Antony committed suicide (possibly helped by Cleopatra) and later so did Cleopatra when she lost her influence

 

Daniel 11:18

“After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him.”

“After this shall he turn his face unto the isles,”

·         This referring to Julius Caesar who first conquered Egypt and then became involved in conquest along the coastlands

“shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease;”

·         Hebrew: “qasin” means “military commander”

·         Brutus, one of Julius Caesar’s commanders, killed him 

 “without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him.”

• RSV: “indeed he shall turn his insolence back upon him”
• Brutus killed Julius Caesar (William Shakespeare made this famous)
  
  

Daniel 11:19

“Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.”

 ”Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land:”

• Julius Caesar returned to Rome after his conquest of Egypt and the coastlands

“but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.”

• Julius Caesar was assassinated by Brutus
   

Daniel 11:20

“Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.”

“Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom”

• This can be translated “one who causes an oppressor to pass through” (through Israel: “the kingdom”) (see RSV)
• This “raiser of taxes” refers to Caesar Augustus who sent tax collectors through his kingdom, including Israel (Luke 2:1)

“but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.”

• Augustus reigned 40 years and died in his sleep (A.D.14)
   

Daniel 11:21

“And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.”

“And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom:”

• “a vile person” refers here to one who is minimally esteemed
• This refers to Tiberius (A.D. 14-37) who was not popular

“but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.”

• Tiberius was Augustus’ step son who took the throne peacefully through the influence of his mother Livia on Augustus who made him his heir
• Tiberius was suffocated by his attendants after an illness 

 

Daniel 11:22

“And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.”

“And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him,”

• “arms” here refers to military arms or armies (RSV)
• Tiberius was very successful militarily

“and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.”

• The Prince of the covenant is Jesus (Dan. 8:11; 9:25-27)
• Jesus was killed during Tiberius reign by his procurator of Judea (Pontius Pilate)
   

Daniel 11:23

“And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.”

“And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully”

• This refers to the Roman practice of mutual assistance pacts which Rome usually broke, and which occurred with Israel
• Some suggest that since this occurred in 161 B.C. the next few verses now repeat that history again, however, this appears to simply be a description of this kingdom 

 “and shall become strong with a small people.”

• Rome began as a republic with a small number of people
• Rome did become strong using only small numbers of people
• Rome used pacts and guardianships to control countries until they were absorbed into the empire

 

Daniel 11:24

“He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time.”

“He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province;”

• Rome did take over many countries peaceably
• This may be referring to Rome’s entry into Israel originally (“the province”)

“he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers”

• This probably refers to the destruction of Jerusalem by Rome (and also the taxation prior) 

 “he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches:”

• Rome did scatter people and take their riches and spoil

“yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds,”

• RSV “shall devise plans against strongholds”
• Rome would be aggressive against other countries

 “even for a time.”

• Hebrew: “‘ad ‘eth”  which means “until a time”
• This points to a time when the aggressive actions of this power would end
• This is not the same word as “iddanin” (Dan. 4:16;7:26) or “mo’adim” (Dan. 12:7) which refer to specific time periods
• Some suggest that this is a prophetic time period (one time =one year or 360 prophetic days which =360 literal years)
• They suggest that Egypt’s fall at the battle of Actium (31 B.C.) marks the ascendancy of Rome as the 4^th world dynasty and that it ended in A.D. 330 when Constantine left Rome to establish Constantinople 360 years later
• This is consistent with the context

 

Daniel 11:25

“And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.”

“And he shall stir up his power and his courage”

• Some suggest that this verse now returns to the story of Augustus Caesar’s battle against Mark Antony and Cleopatra (king of the south)
• Mark Antony had married Caesar Augustus’ sister (Octavia) and then taken Cleopatra (wife of her brother, Ptolemy XII) as his mistress
• However, the context suggests that this occurs after the end of the Pagan Roman Empire (see verse 24) and may refer to the Crusades

 “and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army;”

• This refers to the Moslem response to the invasion of the Crusaders (sent by Papacy)
• The king of the north would be Papal Rome which was the dominant power in the north after the fall of Pagan Rome
• Note: the king of the North or king of the South is always the dominant kingdom of that era

“but he shall not stand”

• If this refers to Augustus’ time period then this refers to the fall of Mark Antony and Cleopatra
• If this refers to the time of the Crusades then “he” is here referring to Papal Rome (the king of the north in the prior sentence) which failed in its attempt to overthrow the Moslem control of the south

“forecast devices”

• Refers to plots devised against him

 

Daniel 11:26

“Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.”

“Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him,”

• In the ancient Orient loyalty was expected from those whom you fed at your table

“and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.”

• Historically, this may refer to Mark Antony who turned against Augustus Caesar and failed
• However, this probably refers to the fall of the Papacy brought  on by Napoleon whose country had previously supported the Papacy
   

Daniel 11:27

“And both of these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.”

 “And both of these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief,”

• Historically, this may refer to Mark Antony and Augustus Caesar
• However, in the last days this refers to the time after the end of the Crusades and the fall of the Papacy, and probably refers to the treaty between Stalin and Hitler at the beginning of WWII

“they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper:”

• This could refer to each of the above 
• When applied to the time of WWII then this verse introduces the time of history which saw the actual state of Israel restored (1949)
• This means that verses 24-26 cover the time period between the end of historical Israel and the beginning of modern day Israel
• This is consistent with Daniel’s concerns for his nation and means that most of Daniel 11 would relate to events that affected Israel

 “for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.”

• This can refer to the fact that God is in control
• However, this phrase also seems to connect “the end” with “the time appointed” which is consistent with prior usage with the phrase “the time appointed” (Dan.8:19;10:1;compare Dan. 8:17)
• The “end” here referred to is the end of time
• This verse appears to mark a shift in time to the last days
• The time appointed appears to introduce events related to the time of the end
  
  

Daniel 11:28

“Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.”

 “Then shall he return into his land with great riches;”

• Historically, this might apply to the attack on Jerusalem in A.D. 70 by Titus
• However, “then” refers to the time appointed and this verse now introduces events related to the time of the end
• “he” refers to the king of the north at the time of the end
• This king of the north will be rich at the time of the end
• This king of the north will “return” home rich meaning that it will have successfully invaded the Middle East prior to the time of the end
• This king of the north will attack God’s holy covenant
• This king of the north will help set up the abomination (verse 31)
• However, “then” refers to the time appointed and this verse is now talking about time of the end events
• This king of the north would be the dominant kingdom in the world at the time of the end just as the other kings of the north were dominant (Ptolemy, Pagan Rome, Papacy, etc.)
• This dominant world kingdom is the United States of America

“his heart shall be against the holy covenant;”

• If applied to A.D. 70 then the “holy covenant” would refer to the plan of salvation which Jerusalem would represent
• If applied to A.D. 330 the “holy covenant” refers to the attack on God’s Law (especially, the Sabbath)
• If applied to the last days then the “holy covenant” refers to the attack on God’s Law which began when the Sunday laws were passed and then later strengthened after WWII
• There were many Sunday Blue Laws in existence in the USA prior to WWII, however, in 1961 the US Supreme Court ruled that Sunday Laws were constitutional (legal)

 “he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.”

• If A.D. 70 this refers to Titus returning to Rome
• In the last days this describes the same power described in Rev. 13:13  which “works great signs, even making fire come down from heaven” (RSV)
• The United States after WWII would be rich and do great signs and will eventually attack God’s holy covenant

 

Daniel 11:29

“At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south, but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter”

 

“At the time appointed he shall return,”

• “At the time appointed” appears to represent a change in the story and can be considered to mean “as scheduled”
• This appears to be an important shift in the time frame and when compared to prior usage suggests the time of the end (see comments on verse 27)
• Historically, this verse has been chronologically applied to Constantine who moved his capital from Rome to the south (Constantinople) which left the city of Rome to the Papacy
• Historically, this verse begins the introduction of the Papacy
• In the last days application this verse begins the introduction of the time of the false Christ
• The subject matter “he” of verse 29 is the same as the subject matter “him” in verse 31 which is the United States
• The  U.S. will set up the abomination in the temple (Satan as the false Christ)

 “come toward the south, but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.”

• The king of the north will again attack the south
• This can be translated “it shall not be as the former [time], so the latter” meaning that the success of the earlier invasion would not be the case and that this attack would fail
• This can also suggest that this attack will fail but the next will not
• In the last days this verse suggests that the US will invade the Middle East and not be successful
• This verse may find its fulfillment in the U.S. invasion of Iraq beginning in 2003

 

Comments on Verses 23-29:

• The Commentary’s approach to these verses makes them cover the same time period as the prior verses (16-22)
• The last days approach applies these verses to the time of history when literal Israel was not in existence
• Beginning with verse 29 two parallel applications apply:
• Historical: Papal Rome and its attack on God’s people
• Last day events that apply to Satan as the false Christ

Comments on verses 1-29:

• It appears to me that the best approach to these verses is to understand that Daniel is describing what will happen to God’s people (both literal and spiritual Israel) before Jesus’ 1st and 2nd advents
• Therefore, verses 2-22 describe the events prior to Jesus 1st advent up to and including Pagan Rome which would kill Him

Comments on verses 1-29:

• Verses 23-24 describe the end of Israel as a nation and the rest of Pagan Rome’s reign
• Verses 25-27 cover the time between the end of Pagan Rome’s reign and the beginning of events related to the time of the end
• This time period would include Papal Rome, the Crusades, and WWI & WWII
• Israel was restored as a nation at the end of WWII

Comments on verses 1-29:

• Verses 28-29 introduce the final king of the North (U.S.), who will set up the abomination, and describe the time after Israel has been restored
• Note: literal Israel’s existence is related to many of the world’s last day events
• Verses 30-31 introduce the final world events including the attack on the covenant (Sabbath) and the establishment of the abomination in Jerusalem (Satan as the false Christ)

 

 

 

Daniel 11:30

“For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.”

“For the ships of Chittim”

• “the ships of Chittim” has been historically interpreted to refer either to the Mediterranean coastlands or to outside invaders (Chittim or Kittim’s descendants populated Cyprus)
• In the last days these “ships of Chittim” represent outside invaders (terrorists)
• These terrorists will cause the king of the north to fail in his attack in the Middle East

 “therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant:”

• This phrase has been applied to Papal Rome and its suppression of the scriptures and change of the Law which includes the Sabbath (God’s covenant: Ex. 31:16)
• The Vandals were eliminated by the Papacy along with the Heruli and Ostrogoths by A.D.538

 “so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.”

• Papal Rome would listen to those who chose to follow her changes in God’s law and accept her false Sabbath
• In the last days this verse describes the United States which will “be grieved” when its invasion of the Middle East fails and it is forced to retreat
• This verse also suggests that the U.S. will ally with those who reject the holy covenant, which in the last days is the Sabbath. This will lead to the Sunday Law
• Forsaking the “covenant” suggests a belief or relationship which is consistent with God’s covenant of the Old Testament which could be broken or forsaken (Ex. 31:16)
• God’s “perpetual covenant” is His Sabbath which will be attacked in the last days and changed into Sunday

Daniel 11:31

“And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.”

 “And arms shall stand on his part”

• This phrase means that “arms” (military strength) would help do the work of this king and may suggest other countries send help

“they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength,”

• Hebrew: “chalal”  means “to profane” as in making something holy become unholy or making something sacred become common
• This word was applied to desecrating the Sabbath (Ex. 31:14) and to profaning God’s name by killing children (Lev. 20:3)
• Literally, “the holy place, the refuge”
• Historically, this has been applied to the heavenly sanctuary which is our refuge
• This sanctuary was profaned by replacing Jesus as our salvation with a false system of religion which saved by works
• This was applied to Papal Rome and its religion of works
• In the last days this sanctuary is the temple in Jerusalem which is claimed to be God’s temple

 “shall take away the daily sacrifice,”

• Historically, this “daily” has had three applications:
• The literal daily sacrifices in the earthly sanctuary (Israel)
• The daily refers to Paganism as opposed to the Papacy (Papal Rome replaced Pagan Rome’s practices)
• The daily refers to the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ in the heavenly sanctuary
• “daily” here means “continual” or “regular”
• Since the earthly sanctuary does not currently exist this “daily” has been applied to the heavenly sanctuary. It has been suggested that the Papacy has taken Jesus sacrifice for sins and replaced it with their own priests who forgive sins
• However, in the last days this event appears to be happening in the Middle East suggesting that this refers to the daily sacrifices in the earthly temple

 “they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate”

• Historically, this phrase has been applied to:
• the Roman armies that destroyed Jerusalem (Matt. 24:15)
• the Papacy which replaced God with idols, taught worship of Mary, claimed the Pope was god, changed God’s law, and made a new Sabbath
• Satan as the desolater (Dan. 9:27)
• both Pagan and Papal systems of false religion (Dan. 8:13)

 “pollute the sanctuary of strength,”

• In the last days Jerusalem will be surrounded by armies and captured (Luke 21:20)
• In the last days the earthly sanctuary will be profaned by Satan as the false Christ ministering in the holy place (Matt. 24:15) and “proclaiming himself to be God” (II Thess. 2:3,4)
• Matt.24:15; II Thess. 2:3,4; and  Dan.11:31 all suggest that the temple will be rebuilt in the last days

 “shall take away the daily sacrifice,”

• In the last days Satan as the false Christ will pretend to be Christ and take away the true sacrifice as he ministers in the temple

“they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.”

• In the last days the abomination that makes desolate refers to Satan who will be placed into power by those who have accepted his false Sabbath and rejected God’s covenant Sabbath

 

Daniel 11:32

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”

Daniel 11:32 (cont.)

“And such as do wickedly against the covenant”

• Historically, the covenant has been considered one of the following:
• Dan. 9:27  “confirm” covenant =  plan of salvation
• Dan. 11:22 “prince” covenant  = plan of salvation
• Dan. 11:28 “against” covenant = destroy Jerusalem
• Dan. 11:30 “against” covenant = Papacy replace plan and Sabbath
• Dan.11:32 “against” covenant = Papacy replace plan and Sabbath

 “And such as do wickedly against the covenant”

• In the last days Satan will first replace the covenant Sabbath with a false Sabbath
• This will be his test of allegiance
• Later in the last days Satan as the false Christ will replace the plan of salvation with worship of him
• Specifically, in this verse in the last days the covenant represents God’s holy day (Sabbath)

 “shall he corrupt by flatteries:”

• Hebrew: “chalaqqoth”  meaning “smooth, slippery things”
• Those who accept the attack on the covenant will be corrupted by flattery: those who accepted the Papal plan of salvation were convinced that they were saved
• In the last days those who accept Satan and his false Sabbath will be convinced that they are saved

 “but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”

• This phrase suggests that those who attack the covenant don’t know their God
• To “know their God” means to have a close personal relationship with Him

“shall be strong”  RSV “shall stand firm and take action”

• Historically, this has been applied to people like the Waldenses who stood firm during the Dark Ages of Papal persecution

 “but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”

• In the last days this refers to God’s people who are described in Rev. 12:17 as those “who keep the commandments of God and bear testimony to Jesus”
• These are the two issues in the last days:
• God’s Commandments: the Sabbath vs Sunday
• Worship of true Christ: vs the false Christ
• “exploits” God’s people will be filled with His Spirit at the end and will do many exploits!

 

Daniel 11:33

“And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.”

 “And they that understand among the people shall instruct many:”

• They “that understand” historically referred to those who rejected the Papal claims
• At the end of time, those “that understand” are a special people called “wise” (Dan. 12:10)
• They understand what Daniel did not understand Dan.12:6-8
• They understand who Satan is and how long he will reign
• The wise of Dan. 11 are the same as the wise of Dan. 12 further connecting these two chapters

 “And they that understand among the people shall instruct many:”

• Historically, God’s people were witnesses even during the persecution of the Dark Ages
• In the last days, God’s people will witness against the false Christ

 “yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.”

• “fall” here means to die
• Historically, between 50 and 150 million Christians were killed by the Papacy during the Dark Ages
• They were killed by sword, flame, captivity and “plunder” (RSV)
• In the last days God’s people will again be slain by sword, flame , captivity and plunder (see Rev. 6:9-11)

 “many days”  

• Hebrew reads “days”
• Historically, this has been applied to the 1260 days (years) of Papal dominance (538 – 1798)
• In the last days, this refers to actual “days” which cover the reign of the false Christ (see Rev. 11:2)

 

Daniel 11:34

“Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.”

 “Now when they shall fall,”

• This means when God’s people die

“they shall be holpen with a little help:”

• Some would be convicted by the deaths of God’s people
• Historically, many were brought to salvation through the martyrdom of God’s people during the Dark Ages
• Also, God sent help during the Dark Ages in the form of  men like Wyclif, Huss and Jerome 

 “they shall be holpen with a little help:”

• In the last days some of God’s people will die and their deaths will bring others to salvation however, this will cease at the time of the end (Dan. 11:35), and they will no longer die since no one can be saved any longer

“but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.”

• There were false conversions during the Dark Ages and will be again at the end of time
  
  

Daniel 11:35

“And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.”

 “And some of them of understanding”

• RSV “some of those who are wise”
• This text clearly connects to Dan. 12:10 which describes the wise as those who “understand” and who are “refined” and “make themselves white”
• These “wise’ are God’s people both during the Dark Ages and at the end of time
• This text shows that the “wise” of Daniel chapters 11 and 12 are the same people

 “shall fall,”

• Shall die
• God’s people died during the Dark Ages and will die in the last days

“to try them, and to purge, and to make them white,”

• God’s people often suffer in order to purify and cleanse their characters (Heb. 5:8)
• God’s people will receive white robes after suffering (Rev. 6:10,11; 3:5)

 “even to the time of the end:”

• Hebrew: “‘eth qes”  is same word as in Dan. 8:17; 11:40; 12:1; 12:9
• Historically, this has been applied to 1260 year time period
• However, this phrase actually applies to last day events better
• Note: since all of these above texts use the same phrase and all relate to the last days this suggests that the prophecy of Daniel 8:14 must also apply to the last days

• The RSV translates this “until the time of the end” which helps clarify the issue: God’s people will die “until” the time of the end
• There will be a time when the death of God’s people will no longer serve a purpose
• This will occur at the close of probation (Rev. 22:11) when everyone's salvation has been determined

• Daniel here is referring to a specific time (the time of the end) which will involve specific events:
• Several battles:                         Dan. 11:40-45
• Time of trouble:                        Dan. 12:1
• Unsealing final prophecy:           Dan. 12:9
• This time is not the Second Coming but will occur just prior to the Second Coming!
• This is the time of the end but not the end of time

• EGW suggests that the time of the end began in 1798 (GC p. 356) however, Daniel’s time of the end relates to the transgression that makes desolate (Satan as Christ) (Dan.8:13,17); the abomination that makes desolate (Satan as Christ) (Dan.11:31,35); the close of probation (Dan. 11:35); and the time of trouble (Dan. 12:1)
• None of these events have occurred yet

 “because it is yet for a time appointed.”

• Hebrew: “mo’ed” means “appoint” as in appointed meetings with God
• This appointed time is an appointment with God
• The term “time appointed” is often connected to the end (of time) (see comments on Daniel 11:27)
• The appointed time described in Dan. 8:17,19 and Dan. 10:1 and referred to in Dan.11:27 all refer to last day events
• The appointed time here refers to God’s scheduled time when His people will no longer die

 

Daniel 11:36

“And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.”

“And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself,”

• The definite article “the” is present in the Hebrew which suggests that this king has already been referred to
• Historically, verses 36-39 have been considered either as chronologic or as a recapitulation of the prior period
• If chronologic, than it is assumed that this king arose prior to 1798 and represents France which rejected God and worshipped atheism

 “And the king shall do according to his will;”

• If a recapitulation, than the Papacy is the king which tried to eradicate other religions
• However, in the last days this king is the abomination (verse 31), Satan, who as the false Christ, will do according to his will
• Satan has never been able to do “according to his will” because God has controlled him in a “pit” of circumstances which is partially released when he is allowed to ascend (Rev.11:7) and kill the two witnesses. This is when he begins his reign as the false Christ (the 8^th king (Rev. 17:8,11)
• Satan is further allowed to ascend from the pit during the 5^th trumpet (Rev. 9:1,2) when he becomes king of the world (Rev. 9:11)

 “And the king shall do according to his will;”

• Satan as the false Christ and king of the world will finally be allowed to do “according to his will” even up to the killing of the wicked  (compare Rev. 9:5 and Rev. 9:15)
• Satan will not be able to kill God’s people at the time of the end (Dan.11:35; Rev. 9:4)

 “he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god,”

• Historically, this would refer to France which exalted atheism over God or to the Papacy which took God’s place on earth (Pope = God; priests forgive sin; Church changes God’s Law)
• In the last days this clearly refers again to Satan who will pretend to be God on earth

 “and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods,”

• Historically, this can apply to France who abolished religion in France or to the Papacy which spoke words against the Most High (Dan. 7:25) and the Pope claims to be infallible
• In the last days Satan will take God’s place and kill God’s Word (two witnesses: Rev. 11:8) and then reinterpret the Bible as if he wrote it  

 “shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished:”

• Historically, France was only able to maintain this success for about 3 1/2  years
• Historically, the Papacy seemed as if it had been mortally wounded but has recovered and is now prospering (Rev. 13:3,4)
• However, in the last days Satan will prosper as the spiritual and world leader until “the indignation” is completed
• The “indignation” referred to here is Satan as the false Christ (the abomination that makes desolate)
• This indignation will end on time at the end of the 3 ½ years (Rev. 11:11-14)

 “for that that is determined shall be done.”

• This statement can be seen as a reaffirmation that God is in control
• However, in the context here it appears to suggest that Satan as the false Christ will reign and will be successful even though Daniel does not like it!

 

Daniel 11:37

“Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.”

 “Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers,”

• Historically, France rejected all religion and the Papacy rejected God in favor of it’s own religion
• In the last days, Satan as the false Christ will claim to be God returned to save mankind

“nor the desire of women,”

• Historically, this was thought to relate to France’s easy divorce policy or to the Papacy’s celibacy rules  

 “nor the desire of women,”

• RSV translates “give no heed …. to the one beloved by women”
• The “one beloved by women” might refer to Jesus who Satan will replace
• This also might be a statement of fact: Satan has no need for women

“nor regard any god:”

• Historically, France rejected God and chose atheism and  the Papacy replaced God

 “for he shall magnify himself above all.”

• Historically, France magnified itself above God and the Papacy also magnified itself above everyone including God
• In the last days Satan will magnify himself above God and claim to be God and will set himself up in God’s temple  (II Thess. 2:3,4)

 

Daniel 11:38

“But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.”

 “But in his estate”

• Hebrew: “’al-kanno” which means “in his place”
• This means in God’s place

“shall he honour the God of forces:”

• Hebrew: “’eloah ma’uzzim” which means “god of fortresses or god of refuges”
• Historically, applied to the god of reason in France and to the worship of Mary (refuge) by Catholicism or to Catholicism’s use of world powers to force its religion on the world

 “shall he honour the God of forces:”

• In the last days, Satan, as the false Christ, will honor a god of fortresses that will help him claim his throne in Jerusalem
• This god of power will be the most powerful nation in the world and will also work with the Papacy at the time of the end (Rev.13:12)
• This god of forces is the United States of America

 “and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.”

• If this refers to Mary she was a god not known prior to Catholicism who took Jesus “place” and she still receives gold and silver
• In the last days this refers to the United States which did not exist in prior days and which will be rewarded by Satan for it’s assistance to his reign
  
  
  

Daniel 11:39

“Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.”

 “Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god,”

• Hebrew obscure: probably best translated “he will work for the strongest” fortresses “with a strange god”
• Historically, if France then this refers to atheism and rationalism as gods and if the Papacy then it refers to either the worship of saints as protectors or to the United States helping the Papacy with world governments

• In the last days, this refers to how Satan will work with the strongest nations to attempt to establish his kingdom and will use the United States to assist him with those who do not cooperate

 “whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many,”

• Historically, those nations which worked with the Papacy were acknowledged and helped
• In the last days Satan will reward those who help him set up his kingdom and will allow them to rule over many

 “and shall divide the land for gain.”

• Historically, France divided up the land of the nobility and gave it to the people
• If applied to the Papacy this could refer to the Papacy’s division of the New World (1493 Spain and Portugal) or possibly to a future division of the world
• In the last days, this refers to Satan’s method of paying off those who assist him in his attempt to reign as world king and also refers to the final division of the world which he will do as the 8^th king (Rev. 17:12)
  
  

Daniel 11:40

“And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.”

Daniel 11:40 (cont.)

“And at the time of the end”

• This verse now introduces certain events that will occur “at the time of the end”
• Therefore, it is apparent that the time of the end is a time period and not just “the end”
• It is important to note that Daniel also connects  the time of the end to Dan. 11:35 when the wise  (God’s people) will no longer die and to Daniel 12:1 when the time of trouble begins

• Therefore, if the time of the end is the time when God’s people no longer die and is the time of trouble such as has never been and will never be then it is when probation closes
• If this is true then the events described in the next few verses have not yet occurred but will apparently involve the Middle East

 “shall the king of the south push at him:”

• Historically, if France is the subject than some suggest that Turkey is the king of the north and Egypt is the king of the south which was attacked by Turkey
• Historically, some consider the Papacy as the king of the north and that these events describe the end of the Papacy
• In the context of this verse it appears that this verse has not yet been fulfilled since these are events relating to the time of the end
• The king of the south probably represents Egypt which is Islamic and will attack Satan (leader of “Christians”) once they realize he is not the god he claims to be
• Note: “at him” in this verse seems to refer to the prior subject of verses 36-39 which is Satan
• Daniel 11:40 (cont.)

“and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships;”

• Historically, this has been applied by some to Egypt which was overrun by Turkey in 1805
• In the last days it appears that Satan will receive help from the north (U.S. and possibly Europe)

 “and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.”

• Historically, this was applied to the Turks who overran Egypt but not the Arab tribes
• In the last days, the north will come to Satan’s aid
  
  

Daniel 11:41

“He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.”

“He shall enter also into the glorious land,”

• The “glorious land” is Palestine
• Historically, Palestine was overran by the Turks
• In the last days Palestine will be overran again

“many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon”

• Arabian tribes are the descendants of Edom, Moab, and Ammon
• Historically, the Arabian tribes were not subdued by the Turks
• In the last days, the Arabian countries may be spared because of their valuable oil
   

Daniel 11:42

“He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.”

“the land of Egypt shall not escape.”

• Historically, the Turks did overthrow Egypt in 1805
• However, this is a last day event and therefore, must have another application
• In the last days, Egypt will fall to the onslaught of the north in response to Egypt’s attack on Satan
  
  

Daniel 11:43

“But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.”

 “But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt:”

• Historically, the Turks ruled Egypt and it’s gold
• However, in the last days it appears that Egypt will pay economically for it’s attack on Satan

 “and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.”

• “at his steps” can be translated “shall follow in his train” RSV
• This means that Libya and Ethiopia will also pay tribute to the conquerors
  
  

Daniel 11:44

“But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.”

Daniel 11:44

“But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him:”

• Historically, this has been applied to Turkey which was attacked by the Arabs (east) with Col. Lawrence and Russia (north) in WWI
• The Turks killed many Armenian Christians
• In the last days, this represents the final battle being prepared
• It is interesting to note that evil works against itself: the Moslems (the east) will attack Satan and also Satan will attack Babylon (Rome:Rev.17&18)

• The final battle will occur in the Middle East and will be called Armageddon (Rev. 16:16)
• This same battle is described in Rev. 9:16-19 which kills one third of mankind and involves the Euphrates River (Middle East)
• This battle is also described in Rev. 16:12-16 and involves the Euphrates River (Middle East) and the kings of the east

• The final battle will occur in the Middle East and will be called Armageddon (Rev. 16:16)
• This same battle was described in Joel 3:2 and occurs in the valley of Jehoshaphat
• Satan will hear that he is going to be attacked from the north and will know that time has run out

 “therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.”

• Historically, this has been applied to the destruction of some of God’s people by the Turks (Armenians)
• However, this will be fulfilled just prior to the Second Coming and actually involves the killing of many of the wicked by Satan because he knows his time is up (the saints will not die at this time)

 

Daniel 11:45

“And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.”

 “And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain;”

• Historically, this has been applied to the Turks who moved their headquarters to Mount Scopas, one of Jerusalem’s holy mountains, but then were abandoned by Germany and overrun by the Allies

 “And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain;”

• RSV “between the sea and the glorious holy mountain”
• At the end of time Satan will be forced to flee Jerusalem. This will occur at the end of the 3 ½ years when the two witnesses are resurrected and the temple is destroyed for the final time (Rev. 11:11-13)

 “yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.”

• Historically, this has been applied to the Turks who were abandoned by Germany in WWI on Mount Scopas
• At the end of time this applies to Satan who will be abandoned by his supporters and no one will be able to help him!
  
  

Summary

• Daniel chapter 11 continues from chapter 10 which introduced this vision
• This vision is different from Daniel’s prior visions because it does not depend on symbols but it will again cover history from Daniel’s time to the end of time
• The vision begins with the reign of Medo-Persia and describes its next kings
• The vision then describes the reign of Alexander the Great followed by his four generals who divide up the kingdom after his death
• The compass points (four winds) are important to understand and relate to Palestine:
• Four winds:               Four generals:
• North:   Asia Minor            Lysimachus
• South:  Egypt                    Ptolemy
• West:   Macedonia             Cassander
• East:    Syria                     Seleucus
• Daniel then continues to describe world events that relate primarily to God’s people and Israel
• He describes the various conflicts that involve predominately the kings of the north and the south
• The actual countries involved change over time since the real estate changes hands
• Beginning with verse 14 commentators follow differing interpretations:
• Some suggest that 14-45 describe Antiochus IV Epiphanes and his attack on Jerusalem and his profaning of the temple. This interpretation ignores the rest of history and is inconsistent with the prior three visions all of which extend to the end of time. It also ignores Gabriel’s instruction to Daniel that this vision is about the time of the end.
• Some suggest that verses 16-22 can represent either the time period a) 189 B.C.- 168 B.C. or b) 59 B.C. – A.D.37
• 189 B.C.-168 B.C. would describe the reigns of Antiochus III and his daughter Cleopatra up to the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes who overran Jerusalem
• 59 B.C. –A.D. 37 would describe the early rise of the Roman Empire, Cleopatra (the daughter of Ptolemy Auletes),  Julius Ceasar and Jesus death
• This author prefers B) above
• Verses 24 -29 can be considered to represent either:
  • a repeat of the events of verses 16-22 or
  • a description of the time period from 31 B.C. to the appointed time of the end
• Essentially the time when literal Israel did not exist as a country
• the time from the 1^st advent to the time of the end
• this author’s preference
• Beginning with verse 29 there appears to be at least two possible applications:
• The Papacy and its attacks on God’s Law, His plan of salvation and His people
• Last day events that describe Satan’s attack on God’s Law, His plan of salvation and His people
• Verse 27 suggests that the end will occur at the appointed time
• Verse 28 introduces an attack on the holy covenant which can be forsaken (vs.30)
• This covenant is the Sabbath and the attack is to change it to Sunday (Sunday Law)
• Verse 29 introduces the appointed time (the time of the end) and describes events that occur in the Middle East and relate to the king of the north
• Verse 30 states that this king of the north will align himself with those who forsake the Sabbath (covenant)
• The country which will set up the Sunday Law is the USA
• Verse 31 describes the successful capture of Jerusalem. This king (the USA) will set up the abomination that makes desolate which Daniel has seen before (Dan.8:13; 9:27)
• This abomination is Satan pretending to be Christ and ministering in the rebuilt temple
• Verse 31 also describes Satan taking away the daily sacrifice which Daniel has seen before (Dan. 8:11-13; 9:27)
• This daily sacrifice represents Jesus’ death for our sins which Satan will replace with worship of himself
• Verse 32 describes God’s people who will overcome and not abandon His covenant
• Verse 33 describes God’s people as those who understand and describes their persecution by Satan in the last days. They understand what Daniel did not understand (the timing) and are called wise (Dan.12:10). They understand the last day events and the timing.
• Verse 34 states that God’s people will die but will be deceived by some pretended beleivers
• Verse 35 promises God’s people that they will not continue to die indefinitely but that at a specific time they will no longer fall (die)
• That time is called by Daniel “the time of the end” which is not the end of time (Second Coming)
• This is confirmed by Dan. 11:40 and 12:1 because other events will occur at the time of the end
• Verse 36 tells us that Satan will prosper until the indignation is completed. The indignation is Satan as Christ.
• Verse 37 -39 describe Satan magnifying himself above God and working with a god of forces (United States) to accomplish his agenda
• Verse 40-45 describe the events in the Middle East that will occur at the time of the end and will lead to Satan’s downfall
• Verse 45 completes the story with the final down fall of Satan with no one to help him
• The last days application of Daniel 11:27-45 is consistent with the prior prophecies of Daniel 8 and 9 and with Daniel chapter 12 which continues with time of the end events.