2008-01-27 - Daniel

Chapter 11: Part 3 ~ Installment 86

Verses 36-39: What does this passage say about Antichrist? First, he isn't subject to any power or other authority other than his own. And, as was the case with Antiochus, he magnifies himself above other political authorities, and he also deifies himself.

"He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God" (2 Thessalonians 2:4).

As part of this action, he blasphemes God in way so vile that it is unique in history.

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

Antichrist will be successful in all he strives to do, but this will only be the case for a short time, because his end is already established.

"He will confirm a covenant with many for one 'seven.' In the middle of the 'seven,' he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple, he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed in poured out on him" (Daniel 9:27). (emphasis mine)

This is a strange individual, because he is missing all of the traditional loyalties. He has no regard for the faith of his fathers, which some interpret as Judaism, but there is nothing in the passage to indicate this.

Second, he has no loyalty to womankind. This is more than simply not being married, but having no respect for women in general. One excellent way to understand this verse might be the way Campbell explains it:

"The expression 'desire of women' probably refers to the desire of Hebrew women in pre-Messianic times to be the mother of the Messiah. It is plain then that Antichrist will reject any and all deities, and specifically, the Lord Jesus Christ." ₂

Some take this as support for the fact that Antichrist comes out of Roman Orthodoxy, due to the celibacy requirement. Again, that, is certainly reaching.

Finally, the angel reasserts that Antichrist has no regard for any God. All this makes sense, when one realizes that he is a total megalomaniac. His world revolves totally around himself. He becomes his own God and at some point requires the world to accept him as such. But there is apparently one God that he does regard. Keil puts it this way.

"He will regard no God, but only war; the taking of fortresses he will make his god." ₃

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

GKragen@aol.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

Additional studies by Geoff
Podcasts of Studies in Matthew can be found at www.GKragen.com

² Campbell, Donald K., Daniel, Discovery House, 1988, p. 171.
³ Leupold, H. C., Exposition of Daniel, Baker Book House, 1969, p. 517.