DANIEL's visions

In Daniel 7, Daniel has a vision of four beasts emerging from the sea which represented the kings associated with the kingdoms in  King Nebuchadnezzar dream. Daniel’s vision and perspective of them were different from how Nebuchadnezzar viewed them. 

The four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth” (verse 17).

1st     Babylon Empire                          (626–539 BC) – Iraq 

2nd  Mede-Persian Empire                (539–331 BC) – Iran 

3rd    Greek Empire                               (331–146BC) – Greece 

4th   Final Empire                                 (Roman, 10 nation and Antichrist) 

When studied along with Revelation, the Antichrist (fourth beast) comes to power initially through a confederation of ten kings. The ten toes on Nebuchadnezzar’s statue indicates this ten-nation kingdom is an extension stemmed from the two legs of iron. The ten horns Daniel sees in his vision are ten kings.

The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom.” (Daniel 7:24)

Revelation 13 also describes a beast emerging from the sea with ten horns, similar to the fourth beast described in Daniel 7. 

Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. There was a crown on each of its horns. It had an evil name written on each head. (Rev 13:1)

The beast is wearing a crown on each of the ten horns, which suggests they are ten kings or leaders with power and authority over a kingdom or region. Daniel was concerned by the vision of the fourth beast and the ten horns,  he became ill from the images he saw.

“Behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns.” (Daniel 7:7)

The beast had bronze claws and huge Iron teeth with strength and ability to devour. The ‘trampling’ speaks of a continual crushing even after defeat. It is described as dreadful, terrible and powerful. The Antichrist will be a ruthless leader. It’s important to understand the fourth beast more than the others, Daniel was more focused on this and didn’t go into great detail about the other beasts. The fourth beast was very different and very powerful. Daniel emphasises four times how this empire will be ‘different’ from the others.  

Over 600 years later, John has similar visions while a prisoner on the Isle of Patmos. These are detailed in the book of Revelation. The Lord revealed to him visions of what would occur in the lasts days.

The ten horns which you saw are ten kings…God has put it into their hearts to fulfil His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast…” (Rev 17:12-17)

The ten nations are partly strong and partly brittle, it is not united. King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of ten toes are partly made of iron and clay which don’t mix. Although iron is strong the coalition is weakened by division. The little horn (the Antichrist) grows in power and eventually takes over this confederation. Three of the kings are uprooted, ‘plucked out’ and the other kings give their power over to the Antichrist.

In the midst of the ten horns, he saw a little horn “I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots.” (Daniel 7:8)

This indicates a hostile take-over or a violent overthrow by the Antichrist. A major coup within the coalition or a military uprising could bring about his rise to power.

The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them (Antichrist); he shall be different from the first ones (ten kings] and shall subdue three kings.” (Daniel 7:24)

The little horn is mentioned four times in Daniel 7, a leader that begins with least authority but eventually grows very great and very powerful.

Out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south [Egypt], toward the east [Babylon], and toward the Glorious Land [Israel]. (Daniel 8:9)

Published July 2019

After 21 days of prayer and fasting, God revealed to Daniel details of future world empires, conflicts and political events to take place from his time up to the time prior to Christ’s return. The prophecy is focused on the Jews (Daniel’s people) in the last days. An angel helped Daniel understand the vision. Some events began to unfold not long after.

“Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come” (Daniel 10:14)

Daniel received the vision in the third year of Cyrus, King of Persia, around 535-534 BC, more than 500 years before Christ’s first coming. The chapter begins with emphasis on the ‘fourth king’ of Persia, his riches, his rise to power and his agenda against the Greek empire.

‘Three more kings will appear in Persia and then a fourth’, who will be far richer than all the others. When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the Kingdom of Greece. (Daniel 11:2-3)

Verse 4 refers to the Greek empire, the mighty King who emerged was ‘Alexander the Great’. After his death, his empire was weakened and broken up into four regions.

After he has arisen, his empire will be broken up and parcelled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the power he exercised, because his empire will be uprooted and given to others. (Daniel 11:4)

It then goes into detail about future conflicts between the King of the South and the King of the North. The positions south and north were in relation to Jerusalem, as the vision was given to Daniel concerning his people (v14). The two major powers that existed to the south and the north  of Jerusalem after Alexander the Great were Egypt (south) and Syria (north). The South Kings are referred to as Ptolemy, North Kings are referred to as Seleucus or Antiochus (Seleucid Empire). Jerusalem was affected by conflicts between them.

History 

To understand this chapter and identify the kings, we need to look back at history and see how this prophecy is extended over a period of time. Under the rule of ‘Cyrus the Great’ and ‘Darius the Great’, the Persian Empire was the largest and most powerful up till that point. The Persian empire defeated and replaced the Babylonian Empire while Daniel was an exile in Babylon. The fourth King was Xerxes, he ruled 486-465 BC and was in power when Esther was made queen. He displayed all the wealth of his kingdom for 180 days (Esther 1:4). King Xerxes was known for his unsuccessful attack on Greece in 480 BC. After ‘Alexander the Great’ emerged, he conquered Persia along with most of the known world at that time. It was one of the greatest military conquests in history. 

The King of the North and King of the South continued to war. In an effort to unite the two kingdoms Berenice, the daughter of the ‘King of South’, Ptolemy Philadelphus was given in marriage to the ‘King of North’, Antiochus II Theos. Antiochus had to divorce his current wife first, Laodice, before marrying Berenice. 

After some years, they will become allies. The daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the North to make an alliance, but she will not retain her power, and he and his power will not last. In those days she will be betrayed, together with her royal escort and her father and the one who supported her. (Daniel 11:6)

This brought peace for a time until the King of the South (Egypt) died. Antiochus II (North) divorced Berenice and remarried his former wife Laodice. To ensure her son would inherit the kingdom, she poisoned Antiochus and had Berenice and her son assassinated which started another war. Berenice’s brother (Ptolemy Euergetes) avenged his sister’s death. He attacked the north and was victorious and took all the riches back to Egypt, gaining loyalty from his people.

"One from her family line will arise to take her place. He will attack the forces of the king of the North and enter his fortress; he will fight against them and be victorious. He will also seize their gods, their metal images and their valuable articles of silver and gold and carry them off to Egypt. For some years he will leave the king of the North alone”. (Daniel 11:7)

Seleucus Callinucus (made king by his mother, Laodice) later died in an accident falling from his horse. His sons, Seleucus Ceraunus and Antiochus III came against the King of the South (Ptolemais Euergetes) and his son (Ptolemais Philopater) in revenge for the land that had been taken. Seleucus Ceraunus was poisoned by his own generals and Antiochus (III) became King in his place. He regained territory that had been lost. Ptolemy Philopater (South) succeeded his father as King and made war against Antiochus II (North) driving him out of the Ptolemic empire.  

There was peace for a time, until 14 years later, after the death of Ptolemais Philopater, Antiochus III attacked the South with a much larger army. Antiochus proposed a peace treaty through marriage of his daughter, Cleopatra to Ptolemy V (around 195 BC) in an effort to betray him, but Cleopatra was faithful to her husband, his plan was unsuccessful. Antiochus then went on to conquer Judea and other islands around the Mediterranean. He waged war against the Romans for 3 years but was defeated and returned back to his own lands. He was killed by his own people while attempting to raid the temple in Elymais.

He will determine to come with the might of his entire kingdom and will make an alliance with the king of the South. And he will give him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom, but his plans will not succeed or help him. Then he will turn his attention to the coastlands and will take many of them, but a commander will put an end to his insolence and will turn his insolence back on him. After this, he will turn back toward the fortresses of his own country but will stumble and fall, to be seen no more. (Daniel 11:17-19)

His son, Seleucus tried to gain wealth by raising taxes but was poisoned by his treasurer, Heliodorus. Around 178 BC Seleucus had sent Heliodorus to Jerusalem to collect money, so he could pay the Romans.

"He will send out a tax collector to maintain the royal splendour" (Daniel 11:20)

Antiochus Epiphanes IV (North) was a wicked ruler who greatly persecuted the church, he seized the kingdom for himself through bribery under the pretence of holding it for his nephew, Demetrius. He ruled from 215–164 BC. He sent out small armies to overpower all those who threatened his rule. The King of the North came against the King of the South once again. Ptolemy Philometer (Cleopatra’s son) a 14-year old king, was approached by Antiochus IV to make an alliance, this was to deceive him, so he could claim Egypt for him-self, which he eventually accomplished. He went throughout Syria and Judea with an army and seized Egypt. He took control over the richest parts of the kingdom and dispersed riches in exchange for loyalty. He bribed nobles and men against Ptolemy, so they would betray him. The Romans commanded Antiochus IV leave Egypt, he left disgraced and humiliated. He then turned his attention towards Jerusalem and killed many Jews who resisted him. Antiochus IV ruled over the Jews from 175-164 BC. He is remembered as the dreaded persecutor of the Jews.  He was defeated by the Persians and died not long after through illness. 

During his rule, Antiochus IV brought an end to daily sacrifices in the Jewish Temple. He built an altar to Zeus and to further desecrate the temple, sacrificed a pig on the 25th day of Kislev. He declared everyone was to give up their beliefs and worship pagan gods. All Torah’s were destroyed, those who refused and rebelled were killed.  

The Maccabees

The Maccabees were a group of Jewish rebel warriors who took back control of Judea and recaptured the temple. The Maccabean Revolt, led by Judah Maccabee and four brothers lasted from 167 -160 BC. The war proved costly for Antiochus and he attempted to raise funds from his own lands and seize money from Persia. He left his son in charge of the battle against Jerusalem. After a series of battles, the Maccabees recaptured the temple, built a new altar and rededicated it to God. When the surrounding nations heard of the Maccabees victory, they began to kill Jews amongst them. Judah Maccabee went out and defeated those who attempted to kill the Jews.

The Roman Empire defeated Syria In 65 BC and Egypt in 30 BC bringing them both under Roman rule. Events then fast forward from the time of the Maccabees to re-emergence of the ‘end time’ king of the South (v40). The Jewish nation no longer existed in the Middle East from 70 AD up until 1948, when Israel was formed as a nation again. This was Bible prophecy being fulfilled and is a key part in Daniel 11 being fulfilled. When we look back at history along with Bible prophecy, the first part of Daniel 11 has been fulfilled.

The Abomination of Desolation

The abomination of desolation which Daniel refers to is a major event and turning point of the end times and occurs  prior to the ‘second coming of Christ’. The Antichrist deceives the Jews and they acknowledge him as Messiah. He deceives them into a 7-year peace treaty with other nations. But in the middle of the treaty (after 3 ½ years) he betrays them and brings an end to the daily sacrifices. (Daniel 9:27). He sets himself up in the temple area and along with his image demands to be worshiped worldwide. Matthew 24:15; Daniel 8:13; 9:27; 11:31; 12:11 and Revelation 13:11-18. 

"His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. 

(Daniel 11:31)

The Antichrist first appears on the scene as a political leader or king. He will invade Israel and establish his base near Jerusalem (v45), the mountain is associated with the temple area. The seas to each side of Jerusalem are the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea.

“He shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain yet, he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.” (Daniel 11:36, 45)

The King Who Exalts Himself

Although some of these events can be associated with Antiochus IV, he was defeated by the Romans, Jews and Persians. Antiochus IV, like Hitler was only a ‘type of Antichrist’. A future world leader is still to arise as ‘the’ Antichrist, who claims to be God and is described as arrogant, proud and boastful.

“Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished. He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all.” (Daniel 11:36-37)

The coming Antichrist is mentioned in Daniel 7, referred to as ‘little horn’. Paul mentions him in 2 Thessalonians 2:4 and was referring to a time yet to come. 

Who exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4)

Although Antiochus IV defiled the temple and brought an end to the daily sacrifices, he didn’t set up an image of himself or claim to be God

The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. (Rev 13:5-6)

In Matthew 24:15, Jesus spoke on the end times and warned the Jews of the abomination of desolation that was still to come. He referred back to Daniel’s prophecy, which marks the beginning of the great tribulation.

When you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, for then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:15-22)

In the last days, the King of the North will successfully defeat the King of the South and in the process enters Jerusalem (Glorious Land) and gains control over many countries, one of which will be Egypt. 

“At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon” (Daniel 11:40-41).

Disputes over Jerusalem could trigger this conflict, how it transpires is not clear, but Bible prophecy is clear that eventually all nations gather against Jerusalem. 

For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem” (Zechariah 14:1-2).

Although the King of the South and the Egyptian rulers ended a considerable time ago, Egypt will again be the ‘end time King of the South’ or align with nations that represent it. The King of the South attacking the King of the North could transpire from economic or religious disputes. The Antichrist will attack Egypt, occupy it with his armies and take control of their economy, as well as the Libyans and Ethiopians. 

“He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also, the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.” (Daniel 11:42-43)

Troubling news comes from the east and the north that enrages  the Antichrist, he will respond with great anger annihilating many people and the nations associated with it.

“But news from the east and the north shall trouble him (Antichrist); therefore, he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many.”  (Daniel 11:44)

As Israel is now a nation once again (since 1948), the King of the South and North become relevant. Daniel 11:21-35 has a dual fulfilment. The prophecies regarding the Antichrist in Daniel 8 and 11 were only part-fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes IV (Syria) during his 12-year reign (175-164 BC). 

Syria could be the leading nation in a northern confederation, the King of the North (11:40), and Egypt could be the leading nation in a southern confederation, the King of the South (11:40, 42).  They could be part of the revived Roman Empire, a fourth kingdom mentioned in Daniel 2 and 7, as the king of the North and the king of the South eventually came under Roman rule. According to end-time prophecy, the Antichrist manages to unite all nations against Israel prior to Christ’s return.

Published July 2019