Prophecies of Daniel, Part 13

Theology and Politics from a Conservative, Biblical Perspective

In our most recent post in this series on Daniel – Prophecies of Daniel, Part 12 – we managed to get through one verse, Daniel 11:32. We continued highlighting what the Bible refers to as a “despicable” person (Daniel 11:21), who, according to history turns out to be Antiochus Epiphanes IV. We learned last time how his actions essentially brought about the Maccabean Revolt, led by priest Mattathias and his sons. If you need a refresher or to be brought up to speed, I would encourage you to go back and re-read that part. If you’ve just joined this series at this point, with this part, I would encourage you to go to the beginning and start from there and work your way forward. Part 1 can be found here. In fact, if you go to this link, you’ll see a complete list of all the installments in this series with the most recent articles toward the top.

Let’s pick things up with Daniel 11:33.

“Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days.”

You’ll recall from previous installments of this series, Antiochus desolated the Jewish temple through his acts of blasphemous vandalism. He slaughtered a pig on the altar and then sprinkled that pig’s blood around inside the Holy of Holies. After doing so, Antiochus then is alleged to have erected a statue of Zeus there and even placed a mask of his own face over that of Zeus’ face. Because of this desolation and the resultant killing of Jews who stood in Antiochus’ way, faithful priest Mattathias and his sons took up arms and fought back in what became known as the Maccabean Revolt.

As we learned in Daniel 11:32, many Jews were caught up in Antiochus’ desolation, even worshiping the Greek god, Zeus. In this particular verse – 33 – we learn from history that Antiochus’ desolation of the temple also created the “Chassidim (“the godly, pious, loyal ones”) movement that was already underway in Israel.” [1]

There have always been small, committed groups of Jews within Israel who stood for the Lord though it would seem that in every generation, Satan has been allowed to trap most Jews in his lies. Today, some of the most ardent opposition of Israel are found within the Jewish community. Part of that is simply due to the fact that they erroneously believe that if Israel was not part of the Middle East, there might actually be peace in the world. This is a complete deception because the global elite needs to keep the world in a state of controlled chaos, with rumors of wars and actual wars. Islam would not rest on its laurels or somehow go away if Israel did not exist in the Middle East. Jews would still exist and Islam hates Jews and Judaism. Moreover, aspects of Islam (ISIS, etc.) are being allowed to believe that they are entering another (and final) caliphate (rule of Islam) throughout the world. Islam is being taught to believe that Allah is with them and is why they are making such tremendous inroads into global society. Of course, that is merely a mirage, created by the global elite. When they are done using Islam, it will be quickly and easily put down.

For those who do not know, the Chassidim take seriously the Mosaic Law and advocate in favor of all Israel returning to the Old Testament system of sacrifices and obedience to the covenants. Interestingly enough, as Constable notes, “The Chassidim movement really resulted in the spiritual survival of Israel until Jesus’ time. Some of the Chassidim became the sect of the Pharisees (‘separated ones’), which appears in the Gospels.” [2]

From Daniel 11:34-35 states the following.

“34 Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy. 35 Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time.”

It helps to understand that during Antiochus Epiphanes IV’s time, he wound up attracting to him a large percentage of Jews who favored Hellenistic life, the kind that was spread by Alexander the Great. Because of this, they sided with Antiochus against their own fellow Jews, who preferred and were willing to fight for, the truth found in Scripture as revealed to them via Moses and the prophets. This same thing has occurred today, but we even have an additional dilemma of atheistic Jews who don’t care about Israel or God’s Word, but erroneously believe that if Israel did not exist at all today, the problems in the Middle East would be non-existent.

Unfortunately, this mentality completely ignores the reality that is Islam. In today’s world, right now, many able-bodied young male Muslims are being treated as “refugees” and given asylum throughout parts of Europe, Asia, and North America. The people in these countries have little to no say in the matter and these “refugees” are simply being foisted upon these societies because that’s what leaders have ordained.

What is interesting about the time period during Antiochus is that these Hellenistic Jews sought to save themselves. At first, many to most joined in with Antiochus against their own brothers. History tells us that the Maccabean Revolt started out very small with few numbers. Eventually, as the revolt continued and the Maccabees made progress against Antiochus, more Jews switched sides and began fighting against Antiochus, though they still favored the Hellenistic way of life. History records that the Maccabees wound up purging many fellow Jews from their own numbers because of their divided loyalties and hypocrisy. Notice how verse 35 ends. It says, “…because it is still to come at the appointed time.” What was to come at the appointed time? Constable explains.

“Daniel received assurance that the predicted persecution would run its course and end. The purification of his people came eventually, though not completely, through the turmoil just described. There would be a final end later.” [3]

Verse 35 that part of the reason for this persecution (the one during Antiochus’ time) was intended to make “them” pure for the “end time.” Make who pure? Make the Jews living during the time of the “day of the Lord” (beginning with the coming seven-year Tribulation), which verse 35 calls “the end time.” Yes, these will be different Jews, but the truth of the matter is that God has always dealt with Israel as one entity, not made up of millions of people. This is why He has always had His remnant, which is only made up of those whose faith has been in the Lord.

The purging that occurred during the time of Antiochus was used by God to purify those who fought against Antiochus. At the same time, the intention of that purification was to create a historical record so that Jews living during the end times would have it as an example.

The use of the phrase “the appointed time” reminds all of us that God is supernaturally in control of human affairs. He brings His plans to fruition in spite of the rebellious ways of man.

We’ll continue this with Daniel 11:36 next time!

[1] Dr. Thomas Constable’s Notes on Daniel, p. 138

[2] Ibid, p. 139

[3] Ibid, p. 139

Theology and Politics from a Conservative, Biblical Perspective