Today’s passage: Daniel 11:29-39
Helpful thoughts:
- This passage continues the prophecy concerning Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
- Antiochus was defeated while attempting to wage war in Egypt in 168 B.C. In anger and humiliation after the defeat, he decided to take out his anger on the Jews.
- A massacre ensued.
- False gods were erected in the Temple and swine (Considered “unclean” by the Jews because of the Law of God) were sacrificed. This event has been called the abomination of desolation (“The abomination that makes desolate” vs. 31).
- Some of the Jewish people persevered in their commitment to worship of the Lord. Other Jews determined to be loyal to the Greeks.
- The transition from verse 35 to 36 begins a set of events and characteristics of the king that have not occurred yet. Many believe the next several verses no longer refer to Antiochus, but instead to the Anti-Christ.
Questions to consider:
- How did Antiochus view himself compared to other people if he was able to destroy them in order to “vent” his anger? When we hurt others in our anger, who are we trying to please and how are we viewing ourselves and others?
- What was Antiohcus’ view of God? How did that impact his decisions? What does a high view of God result in?
- What does it mean at the end of verse 36 when it says, “for what is decreed shall be done.”? Who is the One who makes decrees? Who will ultimately be in control, even when the Anti-Christ appears to be winning in the last days?