READ: Dan. 11:1-30 – … his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant …
Under King Darius the Mede, a further extensive revelation is given by the Man—God’s Son (10:5-6). This continues from chapter 10 and elaborates on what the Man says in 10:14: “Now I have come to help you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.”
This “latter days” in chapter 11 refers to the period up to 164 B.C., before the coming of Christ. Verse 2 speaks of the Persian Empire—the silver kingdom in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (2:39); it is also mentioned in chapter 8 as the ram with two horns (8:20).
The fourth king after Darius is Xerxes, who unsuccessfully wages war against Greece. Then comes Alexander the Great, leader of the Greek empire (the goat in 8:5). Despite his great power, he dies young. His empire is divided and weakened (see 8:8).
The chapter focuses on world powers influencing Israel. The Man—God’s Son—draws detailed attention to the human intrigues and power struggles. Verse 5 refers to Ptolemy, who gains part of the empire after Alexander’s death.
Many alliances and plots follow, culminating in a despicable person coming to power (v.21)—Antiochus IV Epiphanes from the north (Syria). Through flattery and deceit, he seizes the throne.
From verse 25, his campaign against Egypt (the south) is described. When the kings of the north and south, who are related by blood, meet, it ends badly. Antiochus returns with much spoil.
On his way back, he enters Jerusalem during a revolt. He violently suppresses it, desecrates the temple, defiles the altar, and robs sacred vessels. Antiochus’ heart is against the holy covenant (v.30). This worldly king spreads hatred and destruction but most of all opposes God and His people.
Who can this despicable man be compared to?
Sing: Ps. 74:3,11,12