11 THE KINGS OF THE SOUTH AND THE NORTH,

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1 The Wise Shall Understand Daniel Chapter 11 THE KINGS OF THE SOUTH AND THE NORTH, Part 1 of 2 Lesson 15 Daniel 11:1-35 Dan 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand. The Kings of the South and the North We will now look at the epochal panorama of Grecian influence in the land of Israel as described in the Bible prophecy of the kings of the south and the north. Marvel now at the accuracy and flow of this magnificent prophecy. Keep in mind that the destructive critics even acknowledge the accuracy of this prophecy, but for this reason they continue to insist that it must have been written after the events. After all, they say, prophecy is impossible. Thus, they reject God s sovereign rule. 1 This lesson will be a long historical narrative which cannot be absorbed in a single delivery. Enjoy it for the sheer beauty of the history told at least 200 years in advance of the coming of Alexander the Great on the world scene and to Rome beyond. Just sit back and marvel at the accuracy. It is not essential that you remember it, only that it eventually will point to the Antichrist and give a deeper understanding of the book of Revelation. The wealth of detail given in the following Scriptures is beautiful, just as our God, the One who reveals it, is beautiful and marvelous. This should strengthen your faith immensely. DAN 11:1 Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him. 2 And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia. The three kings were Cambyses ( BC) the Ahasuerus of Ezra 4:6, Pseudo-Smerdis ( BC) the Artaxerxes of Ezra 4:7-23, and Darius I Hystaspes ( BC) the Darius of Ezra 4:24. The fourth was Xerxes I ( BC) the Ahasuerus of the book of Esther. The Persian Empire was still in power, and many Jews still remained in Babylon, although some had returned to the Jewish homeland. Xerxes ruled with ambitious pride and assembled a vast army of over three million men to go against Greece in 480BC. He was obsessed with Greece and stirred up Phoenician Carthage to go against Greece with 300,000 men and 200 ships. He suffered crushing defeats at Thermopylae (the stand of the 300 Spartans) and Salamis and returned to Persia ( BC) (APPENDIX, Figure 1). 2 DAN 11:3 And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. 4 And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those. 1 Renald E. Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, Bellmawr, NJ: The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry, Inc., 1982, pp. 149, John Phillips, Jerry Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux Brothers, 1990, p John A. Garraty, Peter Gay, THE COLUMBIA HISTORY OF THE WORLD, New York, NY: Harper & Row, Publishers, 1972, pp. 165, 167. See also: Emil G. Kraeling (edit.), HISTORICAL ATLAS OF THE HOLY LAND, New York, NY: Rand McNally & Company, THE WORLD BOOK ATLAS, Chicago, IL: Field Enterprises Educational Corporation, 1967 Edition, 1965, John F. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1971, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, pp. 150, 151. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Revised Edition, Electronic Database, 1996, Biblesoft, Esther, Book of. 1

2 Alexander the Great, of Greece, now enters the world's stage and defeats the remaining might of the Persian Empire. Darius Codommanus demanded of Alexander why Greece was invading his Persian kingdom? He was told that Xerxes had done the same to Greece years before without provocation, and Alexander was now come to punish them. 3 Alexander brought Asia and parts of Africa and India under his power, covering about 11,000 miles. This prophecy speaks of his collapse. He died in Babylon in 323BC. Within fifteen years of his death none of Alexander's family remained alive. Those seeking power murdered most of them including his two sons. 4 Alexander's generals Lysimachus, Cassander, Ptolemy, and Seleucus Nicator divided the Empire. Cassander took Macedon and Greece; Lysimachus took Asia Minor and Thrace; Seleucus took Syria and Upper Asia, Babylon, and the east; and Ptolemy took Egypt, Palestine, and Arabia (APPENDIX, Figure 1). 5 Ptolemy took Egypt and became "the king of the south." Seleucus took Syria and became "the king of the north." Battles and feuds between the dynasty's of Ptolemy and Seleucus raged for years. Palestine eventually became an area of contention to the heirs of Seleucus and Ptolemy because the land of Palestine was situated between Ptolemy and Seleucus' seats of power. God's people, Israel, and their land were kept embroiled in turmoil. 6 The Egyptian Princess DAN 11:5 And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion. Alexander s general, Ptolemy, who became Ptolemy I Soter (Ptolemy Lagi) ( BC) founded a new dynasty in Egypt. Ptolemy captured Jerusalem in 312BC. He assumed the title of king in 306BC. Ptolemy I Soter became the strong king of the South as described by this verse. He abdicated in 285BC. 7 Alexander's general, Seleucus, who became Seleucus I Nicator ( BC), did not immediately secure his Syrian kingdom in the North, but eventually fled to Egypt where he became one of Ptolemy's commanders. In 301 BC he took Cappadocia, part of Phrygia, upper Syria, Mesopotamia, and the Euphrates Valley, and reigned from Hellespont to the Indus. This constituted the single largest share of Alexander's Empire. This is what is meant by one of his (Ptolemy's) princes (captains) shall be greater than he. The Seleucid kingdom was greater than the other three put together. His rule extended from 312 to 281BC and was succeeded by Antiochus I Soter ( BC). 8 DAN 11:6 And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times. As we move ahead in time we now find that Ptolemy II Philadelphus ( BC), the younger son of Ptolemy I, is now king of the south, succeeding his father in 285BC, while Antiochus II Theos ( BC) is king of the north. Ptolemy's daughter is Berenice. 9 There was peace between the kings of the south and north during the time of Ptolemy Soter and Seleucus Nicator. After Ptolemy Soter abdicated in favor of Ptolemy II Philadelphus and after Antiochus I Soter ( BC) succeeded Seleucus Nicator, war broke out between Syria and Egypt. 10 Marriage and political intrigues caused war between the kingdoms. Antiochus II Theos succeeded Antiochus Soter and continued the war. Eventually Ptolemy offered his daughter Berenice, and a large dowry, as 3 Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, pp. 256, Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, Exploring the Book of Daniel, p. 99. Garraty, Gay, THE COLUMBIA HISTORY OF THE WORLD, p See also: Kraeling, HISTORICAL ATLAS OF THE HOLY LAND. THE WORLD BOOK ATLAS. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Robert Jamison, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, A COMMENTARY: Critical, Experimental, and Practical, Notes to Daniel 11:5, Electronic Database, 1997, Biblesoft. Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Jamison, Fausset, and Brown, A COMMENTARY: Critical, Experimental, and Practical, Notes to Daniel 11:5. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, pp. 152, Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Seleucus, Electronic Database, 1996, Biblesoft. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Revised Edition, Electronic Database, 1996, Biblesoft, Antiochus. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Antiochus II. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp. 172, 173. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Antiochus I. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p

3 a bribe for peace. For his part Antiochus was to divorce his wife Laodice (his half sister) and declare his children illegitimate. The weak Antiochus agreed to these terms. Berenice married Antiochus in 252BC. 11 When Ptolemy II Philadelphus died, Antiochus II Theos broke the treaty, repudiated Berenice, and restored his wife Laodice. Laodice then poisoned Antiochus and installed her son Seleucus II Callinicus ( BC) king. Laodice persuaded Seleucus to have Berenice assassinated (246BC), killing her ladies in waiting ("they that brought her") and Berenice's son as well. Berenice did "not retain the power [strength] of the arm," and Antiochus did not "stand." He that begat her refers to Ptolemy II whose death precipitated the murders which followed. 12 DAN 11:7 But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail: 8 And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north. 9 So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land. "One of the branches of her roots" refers to Berenice's brother Ptolemy III Euergetes ( BC), who succeeded his father Philadelphus on the Egyptian throne. In his outrage over the death of his sister, Berenice, Ptolemy Euergetes raised an army and marched north against Seleucus II Callinicus, now on the Syrian throne. Ptolemy captured Seleucia, "the fortress of the king of the north." He subjugated the country, put Laodice to death, took Babylon, and marched to the borders of India. 13 Ptolemy returned to Egypt with much spoil. He brought back 4000 talents of gold, 40,000 talents of silver, 2500 molten idols and their sacred vessels, including many that had been captured by Cambyses about 300 years before. This prophecy specifically mentioned that their gods would be taken, which was the usual pagan custom. They believed that this would prove the superiority of their own gods. The returned Egyptian idols were reinstalled in their own temples and the Egyptian priests awarded Ptolemy with his title "Euergetes" (benefactor). 14 The Hebrew word translated princes may also be translated as molten images. According to John Walvoord, he shall continue more years... may best be understood as he shall refrain from further attacks against the king of the north for some years. 15 Verse 9 may be best understood as rendered by the New International Version: Dan 11:9 Then the king of the North will invade the realm of the king of the South but will retreat to his own country. NIV Several years after the Egyptian invasion, about 240BC, Seleucus II Callinicus ( BC) mounted a retaliation against Egypt, but was soundly defeated and returned to his own land. 16 Because of her location, Israel was the pawn and battleground between these two countries, and would continue so in succeeding campaigns. 17 The Wars of Antiochus the Great DAN 11:10 But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, even to his fortress. Seleucus II Callinicus died from a fall from his horse in 225BC. He was succeeded by two of his sons. The first was Seleucus III Ceraunus ( BC) who was murdered after a short reign. Next was Antiochus III 11 Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp. 172, 173. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Antiochus II. NELSON S ILLUSTRATED BIBLE DICTIONARY, Antiochus, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1986, Biblesoft. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Antiochus II. Jamison, Fausset, and Brown, A COMMENTARY: Critical, Experimental, and Practical, Notes to Daniel 11:6. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp. 173, 174. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Ptolemy. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp. 173, 174. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Ptolemy. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Noah W. Hutchings, DANIEL THE PROPHET, Oklahoma City, OK: Hearthstone Publishing, Ltd. 1990, 1998, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p

4 Magnus (the Great) ( BC). He came to the throne in 223BC. The two sons were determined to restore Syria to greatness and avenge their father's defeats by Ptolemy. 18 The murder of the first son, Seleucus III Ceraunus, happened as follows: Before the two sons could avenge their father, Attalus, king of Pergamum, attacked Syria beyond the Taurus Mountains (APPENDIX, Figure 1). Seleucus III assembled a large army to protect and recover his land, only to be murdered by his mutinous troops. 19 After his brother s death, Instead of continuing the campaign against Attalus, Antiochus was concerned with uprisings in his eastern provinces and diverted his efforts in that direction and put down the uprising. A change of the verbs in the text to the singular reflects the fact that it was only Antiochus who assembled great armies and marched against Egypt. Antiochus now directed his effort toward Egypt (217BC). He recovered the fortress port Seleucus, near Antioch, then seized Tyre and Ptolemais. He moved through Palestine taking Dora (Dor), a fortress north of Caesarea. He advanced over the next couple of years as far south as Gaza, the "fortress" of the king of the south, who by this time was Ptolemy IV Philopator ( BC), who had now succeeded his father (221BC), Euergetes. Gaza was thus the limit of Antiochus' advance as indicated by the prophecy, "to his fortress" (APPENDIX, Figure 1). 20 DAN 11:11 And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand. Ptolemy Philopator ( BC), the king of the south, was enraged and assembled an army and marched against Antiochus III Magnus, the king of the north. Ptolemy was accompanied by his sister-wife Arsinoe. Ptolemy assembled an army of 70,000 infantry and 5000 cavalry, with 73 elephants and faced the superior force of Antiochus who had assembled a multitude of about 72,000 infantry, 6,000 cavalry, with 102 elephants. Antiochus attacked against the Egyptian fortress, Raphia, near Gaza in 217BC. In a surprising victory, Ptolemy's forces prevailed against the "multitude" of Antiochus. 21 DAN 11:12 And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it. Ptolemy was a weak man and failed to follow through on his victory. He took Palestine but failed to invade Syria, instead preferring to make peace with Antiochus III Magnus. Before returning to Egypt he profaned the temple at Jerusalem, demanded entrance to the Holy of Holies, but was "struck down to the ground speechless before he could actually enforce his plan." 22 Smarting from his mysterious insult at the temple, he returned to Egypt where he took vengeance on the hapless Jewish population of Egypt. 40,000 Jews were martyred for refusing to embrace the idolatrous Egyptian religion. 23 He therefore "cast down many ten thousands." DAN 11:13 For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches. Antiochus the Great conquered as far as India in the east ( BC). 24 During the thirteen years following his defeat at Raphia, Antiochus III Magnus, through a succession of wars, secured his borders, recovered lost territory in Asia Minor, and advanced to the Indus River and Arabia. Now with great wealth, he raised a vast army, "a multitude greater than the former," he turned his attention once again towards Egypt Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Seleucus; Antiochus III. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Revised Edition, Electronic Database, 1996, Biblesoft, Seleucus. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp. 174, 175. Garraty, Gay, THE COLUMBIA HISTORY OF THE WORLD, p See also: Kraeling, HISTORICAL ATLAS OF THE HOLY LAND. THE WORLD BOOK ATLAS, 1967 Edition. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Seleucus. 20 Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Garraty, Gay, THE COLUMBIA HISTORY OF THE WORLD, p See also: Kraeling, HISTORICAL ATLAS OF THE HOLY LAND. THE WORLD BOOK ATLAS. Jamison, Fausset, and Brown, A COMMENTARY: Critical, Experimental, and Practical, Notes to Daniel 11:10. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Antiochus III; Ptolemy. Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Antiochus III; Ptolemy. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Ptolemy. Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp. 176, 177. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Antiochus III. 4

5 DAN 11:14 And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall. Ptolemy Philopator and his queen had died mysteriously in 203BC, and his infant son, Ptolemy V Epiphanes ( BC), was now the king of the south. During this time, due to poor government and political factions, civil unrest and disturbances occurred throughout the kingdom of the south. The Jews also revolted, and some supported Antiochus III Magnus against Ptolemy V Epiphanes. Ptolemy V Epiphanes was poisoned in 181BC. 26 The real foe of Israel was the kingdom of the north, and the Jews that supported Antiochus were referred to as "the robbers of thy people". This term, "the robbers of thy people" can be rendered "the violent among thy people," or "sons of the oppressors." These were apostate Jews meddling in international affairs. They sought national independence, but misjudged Antiochus III Magnus, obtaining instead further grief and the loss of many Jewish lives. This association with Syria caused many Jews to lean toward pagan Hellenism that would culminate in the horrors experienced under Antiochus IV Epiphanes, the son of Antiochus III Magnus. 27 DAN 11:15 So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand. Antiochus III Magnus now moved to retake Coele-Syria, Phoenicia, Gaza, and Israel. Antiochus forced the Egyptian general Scopus to surrender at Sidon ( the most fenced cities literally, a city of fortifications. The Egyptians were not able to "withstand" the onslaught in BC ("the arms of the south shall not withstand"). This also is a reference that an additional three Egyptian leaders, Eropus, Menacles, and Damoyenus will be unsuccessful in their attempts to rescue the besieged Scopus at Sidon. 28 His chosen people is Israel, God s chosen. DAN 11:16 But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed. After retaking Coele-Syria, Phoenicia, Gaza, and Israel, Antiochus could now do as he willed. The king of the south could no longer oppose him. Antiochus III Magnus now had Gaza and Israel, "the glorious land," from which he could attack Egypt at will. The troops now residing in Gaza and Israel plundered the land unmercifully so that "by his hand" the land was "consumed" or "laid waste." 29 DAN 11:17 He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him. The next stage of Antiochus III Magnus' plan was to invade Egypt. He assembled a vast army and naval force and began to take Ptolemy's cities along the coast of Caria and Cilicia, located in what is now southern Turkey on the Mediterranean Sea (APPENDIX, Figure 1). 30 The "upright ones" are probably prominent Jews, the word "upright" is a descriptive term referring to the Jewish people in general, as distinguished from Gentiles. These Jews were not necessarily upright in actuality. 31 A new kid was now on the block, Rome. The fourth empire of Daniel chapter 2 was finally coming to power. Egypt appealed to Rome, which was just emerging after defeating Hannibal and Carthage in the second Punic War. They had also taken Greece. It was no secret to the Romans that Antiochus III Magnus had ambitions to conquer Greece and become the second Alexander. Now faced with Roman interference if he invaded Egypt, Antiochus blinked and stood down. Instead Antiochus III Magnus became the diplomat. He offered his daughter Cleopatra in marriage to Ptolemy V Epiphanes. The words "the daughter of women" signify 26 Phillips, Vines, Exploring the Book of Daniel, p INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Antiochus III; Ptolemy. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, Exploring the Book of Daniel, p INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Antiochus III; Ptolemy. 28 Phillips, Vines, Exploring the Book of Daniel, p NELSON S ILLUSTRATED BIBLE DICTIONARY, Antiochus. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Coele-Syria (hollow Syria) is the valley formed by the Lebanon Mountains and Anti-Lebanon Mountains (Mount Hermon): it may refer to the entire area of Syria as well. 29 Phillips, Vines, Exploring the Book of Daniel, p NELSON S ILLUSTRATED BIBLE DICTIONARY, Antiochus. 30 Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p This source indicates the coast of Casia (sp?) and Cilicia. I have not been able, with certainty, to locate Casia. I believe this to be Caria on the southern coast of modern Turkey. Garraty, Gay, THE COLUMBIA HISTORY OF THE WORLD, p See also: Kraeling, HISTORICAL ATLAS OF THE HOLY LAND. THE WORLD BOOK ATLAS. 31 Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p

6 that she was still a child. The child Cleopatra was offered to the seven-year-old Ptolemy. Antiochus III Magnus' motive was to influence his daughter, "corrupting her," to betray her husband. Instead, it may mean that she was meant to corrupt the land (Egypt). However, this marriage became a love marriage and Cleopatra supported her husband, Ptolemy, against her father ("she shall not stand on his [Antiochus'] side, neither be for him"). 32 DAN 11:18 After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him. Beginning in 197BC, Antiochus III Magnus tried to take Greece ( the isles ) from the Romans. He sent a fleet of 300 ships and attacked the coastlands and islands of Asia Minor and Greece. The Roman consul Acilius met Antiochus at Thermopylae and defeated him in 191BC, and expelled him from Greece. Antiochus also suffered naval defeats, including the decisive battle of Magnesia, near Smyrna, in 189BC (APPENDIX, Figure1) Antiochus was forced to renounce all claims to any part of Europe or Asia Minor west of the Taurus Mountains in 188BC (APPENDIX, Figure 1). His younger son, Antiochus Epiphanes, was taken hostage to Rome to guarantee that the treaty terms would be kept. Antiochus Epiphanes would remain in Rome for fourteen years, and his father would pay tribute to Rome of 1000 talents for the next twelve years. 33 DAN 11:19 Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found. In 187BC Antiochus III Magnus, in order to raise money to replenish his treasury and pay his tribute to Rome, attempted to plunder the Temple of Bel (the Elymaian Zeus) in Elam and was killed by the furious local inhabitants, thus he stumbled and fell, and was found no more. 34 DAN 11:20 Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle. His eldest son Seleucus IV Philopator ( BC) succeeded Antiochus III Magnus. He was not as ambitious as his father, and desired peace. He became nothing more than "a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom." He sent his treasurer, Heliodorus, to Jerusalem ("the glory of the kingdom") to raise funds. Heliodorus tried to plunder the temple at Jerusalem, but was prevented by a supernatural apparition, which rose before him, as he was about to enter the temple treasury. Soon after this event, Seleucus IV Philopator died, in 175BC, probably poisoned by Heliodorus. He thus died "neither in anger, nor in battle." 35 Antiochus Epiphanes We have seen earlier, in Daniel 8:8-9, that the Grecian goat eventually grew four horns (Alexander s generals) to replace the broken one (Alexander; Daniel 8:8-9). Eventually in this narrative we come to a particularly vile person descended from Seleucus, one of those generals. DAN 11:21 And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. Before he died, Seleucus IV Philopator arranged the release of his brother, Antiochus Epiphanes, by exchanging his own son Demetrius. This move was probably taken so that Antiochus could use his Roman contacts to obtain better terms for Syria. But while Antiochus was in Greece, before he could reach Syria, he was informed of his brothers assassination and that Heliodorus had proclaimed himself king Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp. 178, 179. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Ptolemy. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp. 179, 180. Garraty, Gay, THE COLUMBIA HISTORY OF THE WORLD, p See also: Kraeling, HISTORICAL ATLAS OF THE HOLY LAND. THE WORLD BOOK ATLAS. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Antiochus III. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, pp. 155, Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Antiochus III. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p.156. WIKIPEDIA, Electronic Encyclopedia: Elymais or Elamais, Graecized form of the more ancient name, Elam, was a semi-independent state of the 2nd century BC to the early 3rd century AD, frequently a vassalary under Parthian control, and located at the head of the Persian Gulf in the present-day region of Khuzestan, Iran (Susiana). 35 Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Seleucus. Jamison, Fausset, and Brown, A COMMENTARY: Critical, Experimental, and Practical, Notes to Daniel 11:20. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp. 180,

7 Egypt's new king, Ptolemy VI Philometor ( BC), also claimed the Syrian throne. This was because his mother, Cleopatra, had been the sister of Seleucus IV Philopator. Antiochus, now Antiochus IV Epiphanes ( ) rejected the claims of Heliodorus and that of his nephew Ptolemy. Epiphanes, meaning glorious is a title that he bestowed upon himself in his desire to be thought of as a god. He would later refer to himself as Theos Epiphanes the God Made Manifest, while his contemporaries referred to him as Epimenes (madman). To whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom refers to his seizing the throne, rather than coming by it honorably. History agrees that Antiochus Epiphanes was a "vile person." His behavior was eccentric or irrational. He was given to degraded and unnatural vices. He was courageous, but at the same time, cunning, unscrupulous, cruel, of a savage temper, and fond of the company of the lowest of men. Demetrius, his nephew, was the rightful king, but Demetrius was now in Rome as his ransom, and Antiochus was now on his way to Syria. With influential friends such as Eumenes, king of Pergamum and his brother Attalus, Antiochus Epiphanes was able to finance troops to depose Heliodorus and put himself on the throne of Syria. Antiochus made sure that Demetrius remained in Rome and made himself pleasant to the Syrians with clemency and flatteries. He used the same methods in dealing with Rome. He thus secured his throne "peaceably" and "obtained the kingdom by flatteries." 37 DAN 11:22 And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant. This verse may, as some suggest, refer to the armies of Heliodorus being swept away by the forces of Eumenes and Attalus. Others think it refers to the routing of forces loyal to Demetrius. But, it may probably referred to the overthrow of an Egyptian army near Pelusium soon after Antiochus obtained the throne. His nephew, Ptolemy Philometor, tried to recover lost territory and his forces were swept away as "a flood." 38 The "prince of the covenant" was likely Onias III, the Jewish high priest, whom Antiochus had murdered in 172BC because of his opposition to the, pro-syrian, Hellenized party in Jerusalem, and because he (Onias) supported Ptolemy. According to Walvoord, the high priest bore the title prince of the covenant because he was the de facto head of the theocracy at that time. 39 DAN 11:23 And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people. Antiochus made a treaty with Eumenes and Attalus, but broke the treaty in favor of a more powerful agreement to serve the interests of Rome. He became "strong" with the people of Syria. 40 Alternately, this verse may refer to Antiochus s support of Ptolemy Philometor against Ptolemy Euergetes for control of Egypt, by which he ultimately strengthened himself. 41 DAN 11:24 He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time. Antiochus had signed a treaty with Ptolemy VI Philometor, but he then took his army up the Nile as far as Memphis, proclaiming his goodwill and intentions. He entered "peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province." Deceiving the trusting Ptolemy, he then suddenly invaded Galilee and lower Egypt, doing something none of his forefathers could do, he became the master of Egypt. He distributed the booty hoping to make friends and influence people. "He shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time," indicates his plans for taking all the major Egyptian fortress cities, of which he captured three. But "even for a time" signifies that there would be a limit and he failed to take Alexandria, which probably assured that he could not hold Egypt indefinitely (APPENDIX, Figure 1). 42 DAN 11:25 And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him. 37 Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, pp. 264, 265. Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp. 181, 182. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Garraty, Gay, THE COLUMBIA HISTORY OF THE WORLD, p See also: Kraeling, HISTORICAL ATLAS OF THE HOLY LAND. THE WORLD BOOK ATLAS. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p

8 26 Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain. After Antiochus' initial preparations and positioning of his troops he mobilized a large army and marched against Ptolemy, the king of the south. Ptolemy, now aware of the treachery, tried to match Antiochus' army but was defeated at Pelusium and Mount Cassius. After another victory Antiochus marched to Memphis and made himself master of Egypt, except for Alexandria (APPENDIX, Figure 1). 43 "Forecast devices against him," indicates that it was by treachery, betrayal, and deceit of his ministers that Ptolemy was defeated at the hands of Antiochus. 44 DAN 11:27 And both of these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. Unable to take Alexandria, due to the efforts of Physcon, Ptolemy Philometor's brother, Antiochus returned to Memphis and met with Ptolemy. Ptolemy received him since he was losing his grip on the Egyptian throne, due to a rivalry with his brother, Physcon. Antiochus promised support in return for help in vanquishing Physcon. Ptolemy pretended to go along, only waiting for Antiochus to return to Syria, thus they spoke "lies" to each other. Both Syria and Egypt were dishonorable in their agreements. In the end, Ptolemy made an agreement for a joint sovereignty with Physcon, and they both issued a proclamation against Antiochus. Physcon became Euergetes II, and later, in 170BC, he became Ptolemy VII (VIII?) after Ptolemy VI Philometor s and Ptolemy s (VI) son s (VII?) death in 146BC. Physcon, as Ptolemy VII (VIII?), reigned until 117BC. 45 DAN 11:28 Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land. Some Jews became apostate and adopted Greek ways, philosophy, and unbelief. But as Antiochus was returning home, news reached him that there was a rumor in Palestine that he was dead. The Jews were rejoicing in the streets. In addition, Jason, who had been deposed as high priest by Antiochus, was attempting to regain his office by force. Jason obtained a mercenary army and marched on Jerusalem, capturing it and driving the current high priest, Menelaus, into his castle. 46 Antiochus viewed this as a revolt against him and decided to teach the Jews a lesson (he was "against the holy covenant"). Antiochus hated the Jews and coveted the treasures of the temple. He attacked Jerusalem with his troops and killed 40,000, sold another 40,000 into slavery, and plundered the temple. Jason fled, and Menelaus was retained as the puppet of Antiochus. 47 "He shall do exploits" may be rendered "he shall act effectively" or "accomplish his pleasure." Antiochus next sacrificed a pig on the brazen altar in the temple court, and made a broth of the swine flesh and sprinkled it all over the temple. He then returned to Syria with his booty. 48 DAN 11:29 At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter. Antiochus again came against Egypt and the two Pharaohs, Ptolemy Philometor and his brother Physcon. Several campaigns ensued, and after the second, the Pharaohs hired Greek mercenaries to bolster their forces, and appealed to Rome for help. In the spring of 168 BC Antiochus marched, demanding the immediate surrender of Cyprus, Pelusium, and other territories. He took Memphis and stood before the city of Alexandria. 49 DAN 11:30 For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. 43 Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Garraty, Gay, The Columbia History of the World, p See also: Kraeling, HISTORICAL ATLAS OF THE HOLY LAND. THE WORLD BOOK ATLAS. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, pp. 158, Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Ptolemy. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, pp. 158, Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp. 184, 185. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, pp. 159,

9 At Alexandria it would not be as before. The ships of "Chittim" came against him. "Chittim" was originally a town in Cyprus, but later it referred to the people of that island. Later yet, it would be the general term for the island (Cyprus) and coastlands of the Mediterranean. In this verse it seems to refer to the Romans who were now reaching for empire. 50 A couple of references to Chittim are mentioned in the Old Testament. GEN 10:4 And the sons of Javan; Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. ISA 23:1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them. ISA 23:12 And he said, Thou shalt no more rejoice, O thou oppressed virgin, daughter of Zidon: arise, pass over to Chittim; there also shalt thou have no rest. The Roman Senate sent legates to meet with Antiochus at Eleusis, four miles from Alexandria. He was ordered to leave Egypt immediately. Antiochus attempted to stall. The Roman legate then drew a circle in the sand around Antiochus and said, "Before you step out of that circle, you give me your answer in conformance with the Senate's demands." Antiochus replied, "If it so please the Senate, we must depart." 51 Alexander's empire was now giving way to the new world order of Rome, the fourth empire of Daniel chapter 2. In his "indignation" at this humiliation, Antiochus was to take his revenge on tiny Judea, which had no defense or defender. The Jewish high priest installed by Antiochus, Menelaus, together with the apostate Jews tried to persuade Israel to adopt Hellenism (Greek paganism). To aid this effort, Antiochus sent a force of 22,000 troops to attack Jerusalem. They massacred worshipers in the temple. In this regard he had "intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant" (the apostate Jews). 52 The Revenge DAN 11:31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. The attack against the temple took place on the Sabbath day when many were attending to their religious duties. They ravished the city with a reign of terror. Antiochus Ephiphanes issued a decree for everyone to conform to the Greek religion. The Jewish temple was then consecrated to Jupiter Olympus. Antiochus, identifying himself with this God, demanded that he be worshiped as well. He stopped the Jewish sacrifices and the observance of the Sabbath, as well as other ceremonies of the Jewish religion. Additionally he replaced the feast of tabernacles with a feast to the god Bacchus, and perverted the youth with vile practices. 53 Today, our youth are being perverted with easy access to pornography, taught in school that there are no moral absolutes, freely given condoms, since "they are going to do it anyway", and provided abortions to avoid the consequences of their actions. The mores of this society are being polluted bit by bit while our court system and leaders do nothing. The private lives of your leaders are your business. What they do in private reflects their character. Their character influences the decisions they make, which affect the nation. An immoral leader will produce immoral laws, and an apostate church will say nothing. Antiochus desecrated the temple by installing "the abomination that maketh desolate". It is thought by some that this refers to the erection of a statue of Zeus on the brazen altar in the temple. Others think that it refers to the erection of a Asherah, a sex symbol, on the altar in the temple. This was spoken of by Jesus as a future fulfillment in Matthew chapter 24, in His warning to the Jews, concerning the tribulation coming upon the whole world in the end-times. In this respect and because of his hatred for the Jews, Antiochus is a type of the Antichrist to come. Even Menelaus, the high priest, entered into the service of Zeus. 54 MATT 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains: 17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18 Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe unto 50 Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp. 185, 186. Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, pp. 267, Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, pp Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, pp. 160,

10 them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days! 20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day: 21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. Daniel chapter 8, verses 23 to 25, speaks of the same man (Antichrist). DAN 8:23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. 24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. Whatever the abomination erected by this man will be, the term "an abomination" is used in the Old Testament to refer to idols. Idols were set up throughout the land and the people were commanded, under penalty of death, to worship the gods of Greece. Anyone not obeying this command or those found with copies of the Jewish Scriptures were put to death. 55 Notice the following one last time from the apocryphal historical book of 1 Maccabees to glimpse a shadow of the cruelty to be imposed by the future Antichrist during the Tribulation: 1 MACC 1:41 Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people, 42 And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king. 43 Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath. 44 For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the land, 45 And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the sabbaths and festival days: 46 And pollute the sanctuary and holy people: 47 Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and sacrifice swine's flesh, and unclean beasts: 48 That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation: 49 To the end they might forget the law, and change all the ordinances. 50 And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of the king, he said, he should die. 54 Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of Juda on every side; 55 And burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in the streets. 56 And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which they found, they burnt them with fire. 57 And whosoever was found with any the book of the testament, or if any committed to the law, the king's commandment was, that they should put him to death. 60 At which time according to the commandment they put to death certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised. 61 And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their houses, and slew them that had circumcised them. 64 And there was very great wrath upon Israel. KJV This action precipitated the Maccabean revolt which was severely suppressed by Antiochus causing the death of tens of thousands of Jews. 56 DAN 11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. Apostate Jews went along with the decrees of Antiochus. Many of these Jews held positions of influence. Others were compromising between the two positions much like some Christians today. They were attracted to the intellectual brilliance of Greek rationalism. 57 Similarly, many today are attracted to the god of reason of modern secular humanism while still attempting to maintain the vestiges of Christianity. This is why many mainline denominations have abandoned the fundamentals of their faith, rationalizing the word of God to conform to the anti-supernatural tenants of secular humanism. 55 Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, pp. 268,

11 Now those fence sitters were forced to choose. Many, their faith diluted with pagan ideas, chose the easy way and embraced Hellenism. 58 All too often this nation's people choose the easy way. There is, however, always a remnant of those that God can depend on. 59 God permitted these things in order to purify His people for His service. 60 DAN 11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen [helped] with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed. The Maccabees arrived on the scene. Mattathias, a priest, and his five sons stood in direct opposition to Antiochus Epiphanes. They were defenders of the faith and their God. Many Jews would die for their beliefs. They would be roasted alive, crucified, strangled, sold into slavery, and robbed and left destitute. Hebrews chapter 11:35-38 states plainly of these faithful: 61 HEB 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Israel will be purged. In attempting to break and destroy them, Antiochus only succeeded in purifying them. 62 This refining of God s people will extend from Antiochus Epiphanes to the very end when Christ returns. 63 Upon the death of Mattathias, his son Judas Maccabeus continued the struggle as the leader of a guerrilla band. After successes against the Syrians for six years, Judas' band grew to an army and Judas became a power in the land. Judas then marched triumphantly into Jerusalem, repaired, cleansed, and rededicated the temple. It was for this reason that a new feast known as the Feast of Dedication was instituted and became an annual celebration. Antiochus IV Epiphanes is heard from no more on the pages of biblical prophecy. 64 He died in Persia a madman in 164BC. 65 The Lesson to Ponder Doubt not the accuracy and inerrancy of the Word of God. God is able to accomplish what He says. 2 PETER 1:16 For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. PS 93:5 Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, for ever. PS 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. Soon Christians that firmly adhere to biblical fundamentals may be forced to make a choice to continue to follow those fundamentals or to bend to the dictates of the world. Fundamentalists of all sorts are being lumped together and painted with the same brush. Christian fundamentalists are looked upon today as crazies who go around forcing their faith on others and killing abortion doctors. Unless the Lord returns soon, it may be that it could become intolerable for the Christian to continue in the faith in this age of political and religious correctness. Regardless of how tough it gets we must stay steadfast in the practice of our faith. We must be a light to this perverse generation. 58 Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, p Walvoord, DANIEL, The Key to Prophetic Revelation, p Showers, THE MOST HIGH GOD, p Phillips, Vines, EXPLORING THE BOOK OF DANIEL, pp INTERNATIONAL STANDARD BIBLE ENCYCLOPAEDIA, Electronic Database, 1996, Biblesoft, Antiochus IV Epiphanes. NELSON S ILLUSTRATED BIBLE DICTIONARY, Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1986, Biblesoft, Antiochus IV. 11