Before The Lord Returns

Is it possible that a government would favor people who abandon God? Destroy places of worship? Yes, until Christ returns, agents of evil will seek to defile and ruin people who testify for Christ, but Christ gives to His own victory.

538 BCE is a significant year for the Jewish captives in Babylon. 538 BCE is the year that Cyrus proclaimed the restoration of Israel. This decree, known as the Edict of Cyrus, allowed exiled Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This decree fulfilled a prophecy from Jeremiah and was divinely inspired. The proclamation not only permitted the return but also provided resources for rebuilding the Temple.

Imagine how happy the Jewish captives were to learn that they were free to return to their homeland! They were captured and forced to serve the Babylonian people. Their enemies destroyed their cities and their main house of worship. They abused and killed them. But now, that is history and a new day has dawned.

However, amidst good news, sad news continues. Their trials are not over. The Lord revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon back in Daniel 2 and then, to Daniel in Daniel 7 that three evil empires will follow the Babylonian one before God’s Kingdom appears and rules the world.

In Daniel 9, Daniel confessed and repented of his sins and of the sins of his people for not believing and honoring God. In Daniel 10, Daniel wept before the Lord because he wanted a understand the prophecies that God had given to him. Suddenly, an angel appeared to him. Chapter 11 is a continuation of an angelic message that started in chapter 10.

Below, I have placed the introductions of chapters 9-11 one after the other. I want you to see how God worked in Daniel’s life over a period of time to reveal important future events to him.

“In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the lineage of the Medes [538 BCE], who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans—in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the Word of the Lord through Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish 70 years in the desolations of Jerusalem.” Daniel 9:1-2

“In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia [556 BCE] a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar.” Daniel 10:1 (Eighteen years prior to chapters 9 and 11.)

“Also, in the first year of Darius the Mede [538 BCE], I, even I, stood up to confirm and strengthen him. And now I will tell you the truth. Daniel 11:1

The “I” in Daniel 11:1 is the angel speaking. He stood before Daniel and confirmed and strengthened him in the message that God previously gave to him.

In Daniel 11, God’s messenger reveals to Daniel the future when four generals of Greece will divide up the conquered territories among them. The four winds of 11:4 represent Alexander’s four generals who split up the rule of the conquered lands among them: Antipater (Greece), Antigonus (Asia), Ptolemy (Egypt), and Seleucus (Babylon and Syria). A fifth horn arises out of one of the four existing horns (general’s / kings). This horn is Antiochus Epiphanes. He was an antichrist. His aim was to replace the worship of Yahweh with the worship of Zeus. Hence, the need of prophecy to prepare people for Antiochus. (Jamieson Faussett Brown Commentary)

Daniel 11 outlines a long history of conflict between the “King of the North” (the Seleucid dynasty in Syria) and the “King of the South” (the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt), with the land of Israel situated between them. The chapter begins by describing the rise and fall of the Persian and Greek empires, specifically mentioning the expansion of Alexander the Great and the subsequent division of his kingdom among four generals. It then details the many wars, alliances, and betrayals between the Seleucids and Ptolemies, focusing on the actions of one particularly oppressive “king of the North” who desecrated the Temple. We now know with hindsight that this was Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The prophecy concludes with the end of this king and reassures the faithful that God is in control of history. [Google sources]

Why are these prophecies significant for us today. First of all, these prophecies came to pass showing that the God of the Bible is a true Prophet. What He predicts, happens. Secondly, they are a type of the tribulation prophesied about in the Book of Revelation. As there was a time of tribulation for God’s people before Christ appeared the first time, there will be a time of tribulation before He returns to earth the second time.

Amos 3:7 says, “Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.”

“Also, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I, even I, stood up to confirm and strengthen him. And now I will tell you the truth: behold, three more kings will arise in Persia, and the fourth shall be far richer than them all; by his strength, through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece. Then a mighty king shall arise, who shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. And when he has arisen, his kingdom shall be broken up and divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not among his posterity nor according to his dominion with which he ruled; for his kingdom shall be uprooted, even for others besides these.” Daniel 11:1-4

The four kings of Persia are Cambyses, Smerdes, Darius, and Xerxes. Xerxes raised up all the east countries to fight against the Grecians. Though he had an army 900,000 men strong, yet he lost four battles and fled away with shame. Alexander the Great conquered them.

“Also, the king of the South shall become strong, as well as one of his princes; and he shall gain power over him and have dominion. His dominion shall be a great dominion. And at the end of some years they shall join forces, for the daughter of the king of the South shall go to the king of the North to make an agreement; but she shall not retain the power of her authority, and neither he nor his authority shall stand; but she shall be given up, with those who brought her, and with him who begot her, and with him who strengthened her in those times. But from a branch of her roots one shall arise in his place, who shall come with an army, enter the fortress of the king of the North, and deal with them and prevail. And he shall also carry their gods captive to Egypt, with their princes and their precious articles of silver and gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the North.” Daniel 11:5-8

When this prophecy comes to pass, Egypt will be ruled by one of Alexander the Great’s successor, namely, Ptolemy Soter, while Syria will be ruled by another of Alexander the Great’s successor, namely, Seleucus Nicanor. This pre-history prophecy is important to God’s people because their country is situated between Egypt and Syria.

About 70 years after Alexander’s death, the kings of the north and south came together, but not in sincerity. Ptolemy Philadelphus, king of Egypt, gave his daughter Berenice in marriage to Antiochus Theos, king of Syria, but Theos already had a wife named Laodice. Instead of uniting the northern and southern crowns, Theo divorced Berenice and took his former wife Laodice back again. Laodice poisoned him, and murdered Berenice and her son. She set up her own son to be king, who was called Seleucus Callinicus.

Seleucus Callinicus died miserably, but left two sons, Seleucus and Antiochus. They assemble a multitude of great forces to recover what their father lost. Seleucus was poisoned by his friends. He reigned only two years. His brother Antiochus succeeded him, Antiochus reigned 37 years.

The Lord gave to Daniel a prophecy about Antiochus IV Epiphanes long before he rose to power. And, yes, he did carry out atrocities against people who were faithful to God.

“Therefore he [Antiochus IV Epiphanes] will be discouraged and turn back [to Israel] …and show favoritism toward those [Jews] who abandon (break) the holy covenant [with God].

Armed forces of his will arise [in Jerusalem] and defile and desecrate the sanctuary, the [spiritual] stronghold, and will do away with the regular sacrifice [that is, the daily burnt offering]; and they will set up [a pagan altar in the sanctuary which is] the abomination of desolation.

With smooth words [of flattery and praise] he will turn to godlessness those who [are willing to] disregard the [Mosaic] covenant, but the people who [are spiritually mature and] know their God will display strength and act [to resist]. They who are wise and have spiritual insight among the people will instruct many and help them understand; yet for many days some [of them and their followers] will fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder. Now when they fall, they will receive a little help, and many will join them in hypocrisy. Some of those who are [spiritually] wise and have insight will fall [as martyrs] in order to refine, to purge and to make those among God’s people pure, until the end time; because it is yet to come at the time appointed [by God].” Daniel 11:30-35 Amplified Bible

Thankfully, Antiochus IV Epiphanes and his regime are no more. However, after the Romans defeated the Greeks, the Romans persecuted the people of God. Nero burned Christians alive to light his garden at night. He also fed them to wild animals. He forced Christians parents to watch their children suffer and die.

In Hebrews 13:3, the Lord says to, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.”

In Acts 12:5, 11, when the Apostle Peter was imprisoned, constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church. In response to the church’s prayers, the Lord sent His angel and delivered him from King Herod and from the expectation of those who wanted him to die.”

Let us ask the Lord to mercifully intervene to rescue those of our brothers and sisters in Christ... and their families... from those who delight in abusing and killing them.

In Luke 18:1–8, Jesus urged us to continually come before God with prayers for justice.

In 3 John 1:2, John prayed for God’s people this way, “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

“The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.” Daniel 11:32

Knowing God yields strength and notable works. How does a person come to know God? God reveals Himself to us in the Bible. God reveals Himself to people who believe in Jesus.

Why must a person come to God through Jesus His Son? Jesus Christ atoned for our sins on the cross. 1 Timothy 2:5 says that Jesus is the Meditator between God and humankind. He bridges the sin gap between a holy God and sinners by removing our sins from us and making way for God’s Spirit to come and dwell in us.

Before Jesus Christ came to earth the first time, God’s people were oppressed from without by foreign invaders and oppressed from within by performance-oriented legalistic religious leaders. Circumstances seemed highly unfavorable for them to know God and His strength.

But then, in Luke 1:15, God gave to Elizabeth a son who was filled with the Holy Spirit. In Luke 1:35, the Holy Spirit came upon Mary, and she conceived God’s Son. In Luke 1:41, 67, Elizabeth and Zechariah were filled with the Holy Spirit. In Luke 2:26, the Holy Spirit revealed Messiah to Simeon. In Acts 2, after Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent His Holy Spirit to fill all who believe in Him. Neither by power nor by might do God’s people overcome spiritual forces of wickedness in high places. No, it is by His Holy Spirit that we overcome evil.

So, what does an antichrist look like? The Lord reveals to us in Daniel 11 how such a man acts...

“There will arise in his place a despicable man not entitled to inherit the majesty of the kingdom, but he will come without warning and gain the kingdom by intrigue.” Daniel 11:21

“Large armies will be broken and swept away before him…” Daniel 11:22

“…Alliances will be made with him, but he will undermine them by deceit. …He will have but a small following, he will emerge and become strong.” Daniel 11:23

“Without warning, he will assail the most powerful men… he will reward them with plunder, spoil and wealth while devising plots against their strongholds…” Daniel 11:24

“…He will take furious action against the holy covenant, again showing favor to those who abandon the holy covenant.” Daniel 11:30

“His armed forces will profane the sanctuary and fortress. They will abolish the daily burnt offering and set up the abomination that causes desolation.” Daniel 11:31

“Those who act wickedly against the covenant he will corrupt with his blandishments, but the people who know their God will stand firm and prevail.” Daniel 11:32

“Those among the people who have discernment will cause the rest of the people to understand what is happening; nevertheless, for a while they will fall victim to sword, fire, exile and pillage.” Daniel 11:33

“Even some of those with discernment will stumble, so that some of them will be refined, purified and cleansed for an end yet to come at the designated time.” Daniel 11:35

“The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt himself and consider himself greater than any god, and he will utter monstrous blasphemies against the God of gods.” Daniel 11:36

“He won’t show respect for any god, because he will consider himself greater than all of them.” Daniel 11:37

“He will honor the god of strongholds; with gold, silver, precious stones and other costly things he will honor a god unknown to his ancestors.” Daniel 11:38

“…He will confer honor on those he acknowledges, causing them to rule over many and distributing land as a reward.” Daniel 11:39

“Finally, when he pitches the tents of his palace between the seas and the mountain of the holy Glory, he will come to his end, with no one to help him.” Daniel 11:45

The Lord reveals to us a similar leader to Antiochus in Revelation 13. He will show up before the Lord’s second coming. Let us, therefore, be watchful, pray and be ready to testify for Christ.