Daniel 11: Daniel 11:21-The Prophecy of Antiochus IV Epiphanes Seizing the Throne Through Intrigue

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1 Daniel 11:21-22 Daniel 11:21-The Prophecy of Antiochus IV Epiphanes Seizing the Throne Through Intrigue Review of Daniel 11:2-20 Daniel 11:2 Now, at this present time, I must reveal to you the truth. Behold, three future kings will ascend to power for Persia. Then, the fourth will cause greater riches to make him wealthier than each and every one of these in comparison. However, when he amasses power through his wealth, the entire nation will stir up the Greek kingdom. (Author s translation) The unidentified elect angel begins to communicate to Daniel revelation of God s prophetic program for the nation of Israel during the Times of the Gentiles. He begins by issuing a prophecy regarding the Persian Empire, which in 536 B.C. was a world-wide empire. Cyrus the Persian was the ruler of the Medo-Persian Empire at that time. Persian became more dominant than the kingdom of Media, thus the angel does not mention Media. This Persian dominance is predicted in the prophecies found in Daniel chapter seven and eight. This prophecy of these four Persian rulers was fulfilled in history, which records the first as being Cambyses, who was the son of Cyrus the Persian, who reigned from B.C. He was followed by Pseudo-Smerdis, who only reigned for a short period of time in 522 B.C. Darius I Hystaspes who ruled from B.C. followed Pseudo-Smerdis. The fourth ruler was Xerxes, he was known in the book of Esther as Ahasuerus and he reigned over Persia from B.C. He was more powerful than his three predecessors and the most influential and wealthy of the four, thus fulfilling the prophecy found in Daniel 11:2. During the reign of Xerxes, he fought wars against Greece which also served to fulfill this prophecy here in Daniel 11:2. Daniel 11:3 Next, a powerful king will ascend to power so that he will rule with great authority with the result that he will do according to his desire. (Author s translation) History records that this mighty king was none other than Alexander the Great who reigned from B.C. before dying unexpectedly at the age of 32 from complications of malaria and alcoholism. He conquered Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt and the Medo-Persian Empire. Not only is Alexander the Great prophesied about in Daniel 11:3 but he is also prophesied about in Daniel 8:5-8. Daniel 11:4 However, after he ascends to power, his kingdom will be broken up. Then, it will be divided towards the heaven s four winds but not for the benefit of his posterity and in addition, not according to his sovereign 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 1

2 will which he sovereignly exercised. For his kingdom will be uprooted specifically, for the benefit of others, to the separation and exclusion of these. (Author s translation) Since history reveals that this powerful king was Alexander the Great, the fourfold division of this powerful king s empire refers to the four-fold division of Alexander s empire after his death. The four heads of the leopard in Daniel 7:6 as well as the four horns of the shaggy goat in Daniel 8:5-8 also depict this four-fold division of Alexander s empire. History records that Alexander s four generals who divided his empire after he died. To Ptolemy was given Egypt and parts of Asia Minor. Casander was given the territory of Macedonia and Greece. Lysimachus was given Thrace and parts of Asia Minor (western Bithynia, Phrygia, Mycia and Lydia). Seleucus was given the remainder of Alexander s empire which included Syria, Israel and Mesopotamia. The angelic prophecy that this powerful king s empire will not be for the benefit of his offspring or posterity was fulfilled in history since Alexander s son, Alexander Jr. who was born to Roxana after his death did not succeed his father after his death. Herakles or Hercules who was an illegitimate son by Barsina and his half-brother Philip were also possibilities to succeed Alexander but none of them inherited the throne nor did any of his descendants. Daniel 11:5 Then, the king ruling the south as well as one of his subordinate commanders will be strong. In fact, he will become stronger than him because he will exercise authority over a dominion greater than his dominion. (Author s translation) The angel informs Daniel that after the four-fold division of the kingdom of the powerful king, the king ruling the South as well as one of his subordinate commanders will be strong militarily and politically. History records that the king ruling the south is Ptolemy I Soter ( B.C.) who was a general who served under Alexander. As we noted he was given authority over Egypt in 323 B.C. and proclaimed king of Egypt in 304 B.C. His dynasty ended in 30 B.C. History also tells us that the subordinate commander of the king ruling the south is Seleucus I Nicator ( B.C.), who was also a general of Alexander. He was given authority over Babylon in 321 B.C. His dynasty ended in 64 B.C. In 316 B.C. Babylon came under attack by Antigonus who was another general. Seleucus turned to Ptolemy I Soter in Egypt for help and got it. The combined strength of Ptolemy and Seleucus defeated Antigonus at Gaza in 312 B.C. Seleucus was greatly strengthened as a result of this victory and returned to Babylon. He ruled over Babylonia, Media and Syria. He assumed the title of king in 305 B.C. Thus, Seleucus I Nicator ruled over far more territory than Ptolemy I Soter. In fact, by the end of his reign, Seleucus reigned over the territory from Punjab to the Hellenspont with great power. He gained control over the entire area from Asia 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 2

3 Minor to India. Therefore, we can see that Daniel 11:5 was fulfilled with these two men, Ptolemy I Soter and Seleucus I Nicator. Now, the emergence of Ptolemy I Soter as the king over Egypt and Seleucus I Nicator as king over Syria set the stage for the lines of these two rulers in their respective countries to become rivals or adversaries. The king of the South in this prophecy in Daniel 11 is thus a reference to those descendants of Ptolemy who would rule over Egypt. On the other hand, the king of the north in this prophecy is a reference to those descendants of Seleucus. This rivalry between these two kingdoms would adversely affect Israel because she would be caught in between their wars. Daniel 11:5 begins a detailed prophecy of the conflicts that would take place between these two kingdoms. The wars between these two factions would cause quite a bit of suffering for Daniel s people. In fact, Antiochus Epiphanes IV, the small or little horn and bold-face king of Daniel chapter 8, would be a descendant of Seleucus and would persecute the Jewish people in the second century B.C. Daniel 11:6 Next, at the end of an unspecified number of years, they will form an alliance as the daughter of the king ruling the south will enter into marriage with the king ruling the north in order to secure a peaceful arrangement. However, she will by no means retain her powerful position likewise he will by no means endure, namely his power. For she will be delivered over as well as he who caused her to enter into marriage, as well as her child and in addition, her benefactor during those times. (Author s translation) History records that all the events prophesied by the angel here in Daniel 11:6 have all taken place. As we noted in our study of Daniel 11:5, the king ruling the south was Ptolemy I Soter and his subordinate commander was Seleucus I Nicator who became more powerful than the former. Now, here in Daniel 11:6 the king ruling the south is the son of Ptolemy I Soter, who was named Ptolemy II Philadelphus ( B.C.). The king ruling the north is Antiochus II Theos ( B.C.) who was the son of Seleucus I Nicator. History records that these two rulers were bitter rivals. However, in fulfillment of this prophecy they formed an alliance, which was secured by the marriage of the daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus and Antiochus II Theos. History records this daughter was Bernice. It also records that this marriage did not last. When Antiochus II Theos married Bernice, he divorced his wife Laodice. However, when Bernice s father, Ptolemy II Philadelphus died in 246 B.C., Antiochus II Theos took back his first wife Laodice who exacted revenge on Bernice by killing her and the child she bore to Antiochus II Theos who was also killed by Laodice by poisoning him. She ruled in his place for a brief time. However, the son of Laodice and Antiochus succeeded 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 3

4 Laodice who established him on the throne of his father. His name was Seleucus II Callinicus ( ). Therefore, we can see that the death of Ptolemy II Philadelphus precipitated the murders of his daughter Bernice, her son and her husband Antiochus II Theos. There was peace between these two kingdoms during the reigns of Ptolemy I Soter and Seleucus I Nicator. The former abdicated in favor of his son Ptolemy II Philadelphus whose half brother Magas had married a daughter of Antiochus I Soter who had succeeded Seleucus I Nicator as king over Syria. This marriage resulted in a war between these two dynasties since Magas persuaded his father-inlaw Antiochus I Soter to declare war against Egypt. Antiochus I Soter was succeeded by Antiochus II Theos who continued the war. However, as prophesied by the angel here in Daniel 11:6, Ptolemy II Philadelphus offered his daughter, Bernice to Antiochus II Theos, as bribe for peace. There was a condition attached to this marriage, namely Antiochus II Theos would have to divorce Laodice and would have to declare her two sons as not legitimate heirs to the throne. However, as also predicted by the angel, when Ptolemy II Philadelphus died, Bernice could no longer retain her position of power as queen since Laodice from her place of exile formed a successful conspiracy. She engineered a successful coup by having Bernice and the child she bore to Antiochus II Theos killed. Not long after the death of these two, she poisoned Antiochus II Theos. Daniel 11:7 But one of the branches from her roots will ascend to power in his place. Then, he will wage an attack against their army so that he will enter the fortress of the king ruling the north. Indeed, he will take action against them so that he will be victorious. (Author s translation) This verse was also completely fulfilled in history. Her is a reference to Bernice and one of the branches from her roots is a reference to her brother Ptolemy III Euergetes ( B.C.). The name Euergetes means Benefactor. After the death of their father, Bernice s brother ascended to power. He then launched an attack against Seleucus II Callinicus who was the king ruling the north at this time who came to power through his mother, Laodice. Ptolemy III Euergetes attacked Seleucus II Callinicus at Antioch, Syria and killed Laodice. He also conquered much of that region around this city. He remained the foremost military power in the Middle East during the rest of his reign. He returned to Egypt not only avenging the death of his sister Bernice and her infant child and husband but also he came back with many spoils. In exchange for peace, Ptolemy III Euergetes was awarded new territories on the northern coast of Syria including the port of Antioch. Thus the Ptolemaic kingdom was at the height of its power. Daniel 11:8 Consequently, he will also cause their gods to be transported into captivity to Egypt along with their cast images, as well as their valuable 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 4

5 silver and gold articles. Furthermore, for some years he will withdraw from the king ruling the north. (Author s translation) Daniel 11:8 continues the prophecy regarding Ptolemy III Euergetes avenging his sister Bernice s death by defeating in war Seleucus II Callinicus. The angel informs Daniel that as a result of his victory over the king ruling the north, the king ruling the south will cause the gods of the king ruling the north to be transported into captivity to Egypt along with their cast images, as well as their valuable silver and gold articles. Also, for some years he will withdraw from the king ruling the north. As was the case with Daniel 11:2-7, this verse also was fulfilled in history since as a result of his victory over Seleucus II Callinicus ( the king ruling the north ), Ptolemy III Euergetes transported the gods of Seleucus II Callinicus to Egypt. He also captured their cast images and valuable silver and gold articles from their temple treasuries. Ptolemy III Euergetes also signed a treaty with Seleucus II Callinicus in 240 B.C. which fulfilled the prophecy of the king ruling the south withdrawing from the king ruling the north for some years. Daniel 11:9 Then, he will wage an attack against the king ruling the south but will return to his land. (Author s translation) Although there is no ancient source who mentions this failed invasion, we know that this prophecy was fulfilled in history because the angel s previous predictions in Daniel 11:2-8 have all been fulfilled in history and can be verified by ancient historians. In 240 B.C. Seleucus II Callinicus in retaliation for his great loss waged a failed invasion against Ptolemy III Euergetes. In 225 B.C., Seleucus II Callinicus died as a result of falling off his horse. Therefore, during this period, Egypt was in control of the Middle East and thus the land of Israel. Under Ptolemy III Euergetes, the Jews prospered. Thus the reason for the angel spending some time discussing the highlights of his reign. Daniel 11:10 Following this, his sons will initiate hostile military action. Specifically, they will muster a multitude of great military forces. Then, he will as a certainty wage a massive attack so that he will overflow, yes, pass through like a flood with the result that he will turn him back. Indeed, he will engage in hostile military action up to his fortress. (Author s translation) This also was fulfilled in history. First of all, the king of the north refers to Seleucus II Callinicus and the king of the south is Ptolemy IV Philopator ( B.C.). The two sons of the king of the north were Seleucus III Ceranunus (also called Soter) who reigned for only three years ( B.C.) and Antiochus III the Great who reigned for thirty seven years ( B.C.). When Seleucus III Ceranunus was killed, the army placed his eighteen year old brother, Antiochus III on the throne. These two sons of the sons of Seleucus II Callinicus were seeking to restore the lost prestige of their father s Syrian kingdom. The older son, Seleucus III 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 5

6 Ceranunus invaded Asia Minor and the younger son, Antiochus III attacked Egypt. Egypt had controlled all the territory north to the borders of Syria which included the land of Israel. Antiochus III was successful in driving back the Eygptians back to the southern borders of Israel during his campaign in B.C. In the process, he gained control of Israel. Antiochus III was called the Great because of his great conquests since his efforts strengthened the Seleucid Empire. His forces had reclaimed the territories lost to the Ptolemy III Euergetes who was succeeded by Ptolemy IV Philopater. Daniel 11:11 Then, the king ruling the south will cause himself to be enraged so that he will march out in order to wage war against him, against the king ruling the north. Consequently, he will cause a great multitude to be assembled. However, this multitude will be delivered into his power. (Author s translation) The king ruling the south is a reference to Ptolemy IV Philopator ( B.C.). The king ruling the north is a reference to Antiochus III the Great ( B.C.). In 217 B.C., Ptolemy IV Philopator attacked the great army assembled by Antiochus III the Great at Raphia. The account of this great battle appears in Polybius work Histories (pages ). In this battle, Ptolemy IV Philopator was accompanied by his sister-wife, Arsinoe. He led an army of 70,000 as well as 5,000 cavalry and 73 elephants. Antiochus II the Great led an army of 62,000 as well as 6,000 cavalry and 102 elephants. Antiochus lost 14,000 men according to Polybius. Ptolemy IV Philopator regained the land of Israel. According to Jerome, Antiochus was almost captured but escaped to the desert. Unlike his father, Ptolemy IV Philopator lacked his father s military instinct and did not press his advantage. Instead, he was content with the victory and did not pursue Antiochus. This came back to haunt him later. Daniel 11:12 When this multitude will be defeated, his heart will become arrogant. Even though, he will cause ten thousand to fall in combat, he will in fact by no means continue to prevail. (Author s translation) This verse also was fulfilled in history since history records that Ptolemy IV Philopator did indeed become proud and arrogant because of his great military victory at Raphia over Antiochus III the Great. Unlike his father, Ptolemy IV Philopator lacked his father s military instinct and did not press his advantage. Instead, he was content with the victory and did not pursue Antiochus. In fact, he established a peace treaty with Antiochus. This came back to haunt his kingdom after his death. Therefore, the ascendancy of Ptolemy IV Philopator did not continue after his great victory over Antiochus at Raphia. He did not continue to maintain his military superiority after this great victory. Instead Antiochus III continue to wage war biding his time until he could once again attack Egypt William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 6

7 During these years of peace between the two kingdoms, Antiochus III no longer possessed Phoenicia and Palestine since he was forced to give them over to Ptolemy IV. However, from 212 to 204, Antiochus III subdued many rebellious provinces in the Middle East. From the Caspian Sea in the north to the Indus River in the east, he achieved great military success. Then, in 203, he saw a great opportunity to exact revenge against the Ptolemaic dynasty since Ptolemy IV had just died and had been succeeded by Ptolemy V (Epiphanes) who was only a small child of four years old when he ascended to the throne. Daniel 11:13 For he will return again since he will muster a multitude larger than the first in order to wage a massive attack with a great army as well as enormous logistical provision at the end of an interval of some years. (Author s translation) This prophecy of the king of the north was fulfilled in history as well. History records that fourteen years after his army was defeated by the army of Ptolemy IV Philopator at Raphia in 217 B.C., Antiochus III the Great mustered a larger army than the first one he led against the king of Egypt in 201 B.C. He waged a massive attack against Egypt which was no longer under the rule of Ptolemy IV Philopator who had died mysteriously in his thirties in 205 B.C. His four year old son Ptolemy V Epiphanes ( B.C.) had ascended to the throne. Daniel 11:14 In fact, during those days, certain great ones will oppose the king ruling the south. Even violent persons belonging to your people will for their own benefit, rebel in order to fulfill the revelation but they will be overthrown. (Author s translation) This verse was also fulfilled in history since history records Philip V of Macedonia joining Antiochus III the Great in waging war against Egypt whose king was only a child, Ptolemy V Epiphanes. History records the powerful Egyptian general Scopas leading the Egyptian forces against the armies led by Antiochus and Philip. History also records that at that time, politically zealous men in Israel who were characterized by violence waged a rebellion against Egypt who controlled Israel during those days. General Scopas overthrew the Jewish rebellion and punished the ring leaders of this rebellion. Undoubtedly this rebellion was for the purpose of the Jewish nation gaining its independence from Egypt but this did not turn out to be the case. Daniel 11:15 And so, the king ruling the north will wage an attack. Specifically, he will construct a siege mound in order to capture a fortified city. However, the south s armed forces will by no means stand their ground, not even their elite unit because there will be no strength. (Author s translation) Daniel 11:15 has also been fulfilled in history since history records that in 203 B.C. Antiochus III, the king of the north, laid siege to Egypt s fortified city Sidon 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 7

8 and capture it. Antiochus forced the Egyptian general Scopas to surrender near the headwaters of the Jordan River. Three other Egyptian military commanders sought to rescue Scopas at Sidon but failed. This was a great strategic victory for Antiochus III and it also put Israel under the control of the Seleucid kingdom until the Roman Empire wrestled it from its control. Daniel 11:16 Consequently, the one who waged the attack will do according to his desire because there will be absolutely no one standing against him. Furthermore, he will occupy the beautiful land so that it will be completely in his power. (Author s translation) This verse also has been fulfilled in history since history records that as a result of his great victory over the Egyptian army led by Scopas, Antiochus III the Great was in control of the Middle East. Egypt was the only nation that had the resources to fight him and yet they failed to defeat him. History also records Antiochus III entering Israel and being welcomed by the Jews as a deliverer and benefactor and thus he was well-disposed towards the Jews. However, he did punish those Jews who were pro-egyptian. Historians record that Antiochus did not tax the citizens of Jerusalem for three years and afterwards they were released from paying one third of the taxes. Furthermore, he bestowed a large sum of money for the service of the Temple. He also released the elders of the Jews, their priests and scribes as well as singers in the Temple from all future taxes. However, this was an indication of Antiochus complete control over the most powerful men in Israel. Daniel 11:17 Then, with the power of his entire kingdom, he will devise a plan to enter into an agreement. Indeed, equitable terms to injure him. Consequently, he will accomplish it. Namely, he will give in marriage a daughter from his harem for the purpose of destroying it. However, she will never remain loyal because she will never stay united for the benefit of him. (Author s translation) As was the case with all of the prophecies which appear in Daniel 11:2-16, this prophecy in Daniel 11:17 was fulfilled in history as well. History records that in 197 B.C. as a result of the threat from Rome, Antiochus III initiated an alliance with Ptolemy V Epiphanes by offering in marriage his daughter Cleopatra. The marriage took place in 195 B.C. This Cleopatra is not the same woman who became involved with the great Romans Marc Antony and Gaius Julius Caesar. However, she is the grandmother of the Cleopatra who becomes involved with these two Roman greats. Antiochus did not want to openly attack Egypt militarily out of fear that Rome would intervene. His plan was to bring the young Ptolemy V Epiphanes under the control of his daughter who in turn would influence the king s decision making in favor of the Seleucid dynasty. Also, of course the plan included his daughter 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 8

9 getting pregnant and giving birth to a son who would become the legal heir of both the crowns in Egypt and Syria. However, this daughter of Antiochus III consistently sided with her husband against her father, even though her husband was only a young boy of seven at the time. Daniel 11:18 Then, he will turn his attention against the inhabitants of the coastal regions so that he will capture many. However, a military commander will, to his dismay, cause his shameful conduct to come to a stop. Furthermore, he will cause his shameful conduct to be turned back against him. (Author s translation) These Spirit inspired angelic predictions were also fulfilled history since history records that Antiochus III waged war against the islands of the Mediterranean including Greece and Asia Minor after his failed attempt to destroy Egypt through the marriage of his daughter to the Ptolemy V Epiphanes. History also records that the Roman commander Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus was dispatched from Rome to turn Antiochus back. Antiochus was resentful of Rome s presence in Greece stating that the Romans had no business in this region. The shameful conduct of Antiochus mentioned by the angel here in Daniel 11:18 is a reference to Antiochus shameful treatment or conduct with the Roman ambassadors at a meeting in Lysimachia (Thrace) when he contemptuously told the Roman ambassadors that Asia did not concern them, the Romans, and he was not subject to Rome s orders. (Livy xxxiii.40) The great Carthaginian Hannibal was also involved with Antiochus during this time. in 202 B.C. Rome defeated the Carthaginian army under Hannibal at Zama which brought to an end the Punic War. Hannibal fled to the court of Antiochus and then proceeded to encourage him to invade Greece. Consequently Rome declared war on Antiochus. It was only natural for Rome to resent Antiochus courting their former hated enemy. In 196 B.C. Antiochus captured several cities in Aeolis and Ionia. He then crossed the Hellenspont and the Aegean Sea with a powerful navy captured considerable territory in Thrace. Then, approximately during this period the westcentral Greek confederacy of the Aetolian League dispatched a legation to Antiochus. He responded in cooperation with the Aetolians by sending a small naval force in 192 B.C. to land on the coast of central Greece. However, the Macedonians joined forces with the Achaean League to oppose Antiochus from both the north and south. At this point the Romans decided to enter the conflict. In 191 B.C., the Romans while fighting with their Greek allies defeated the Syrians at Thermopylae and forced Antiochus forces to withdraw from Greece. He then fled to Asia Minor. Thirty thousand Roman troops pursued him into Asia and defeated his much larger army of seventy thousand at the Battle of Magnesia which was near Smyrna (now Turkey) in 190 B.C William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 9

10 Then, in 188 B.C. the Romans forced Antiochus to sign the Treaty of Apamea. The terms were severe. The historian Polybius writes that the Syrian king was ordered to surrender territory, and much of his military force. Also Antiochus was forced to pay a heavy indemnity to Rome including twenty hostages, one of whom was Antiochus IV who was the future persecutor of the Jewish people. Under the terms of this treaty Antiochus was forced to surrender all of his claims to Europe as well as much of greater Asia Minor. His boundary was to be the Taurus Mountain Range. He was also forced to surrender his entire elephant unit as well as his entire navy. The Roman historian Livy gives a detailed account of Rome s defeat of Antiochus III (History of Rome, 36-37). The Roman commander responsible for the defeat of Antiochus was Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus who was the brother of Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus who had defeated Hannibal at the Battle of Zama in 202 B.C. Daniel 11:19 Consequently, he will turn his attention toward the fortifications of his own land. However, he will be overthrown, yes he will fall so that he will never be encountered again. (Author s translation) This prophecy has also been fulfilled in history since history records that Antiochus III returned to Antioch but died a year later in 187 B.C. He turned his attention to the fortifications of his own homeland because he was in need of money to pay the tribute demanded by the Romans who had defeated him. Consequently, he attempted to rob the temple treasury of one of his own gods, namely Bel, which was located in Elymais or Elam in Persia. This action caused his own people to be infuriated with him resulting in his murder by those guarding the sanctuary of Jupiter or Zeus. His son Seleucus IV Philopator assumed the throne. He was a son Laodice bore to Antiochus III. Antiochus III attempted to reunite Alexander the Great s empire under his authority. This failed. He had underestimated the military power of Rome which was at that time in fulfillment of the prophecies in Daniel 2 and 7 a world-power. Antiochus III was a great military commander and very successful. However, in the end his arrogance got the best of him resulting in his death. Daniel 11:20 Then, in his place, will ascend to power one who will dispatch one who will exact tribute from the kingdom s ornament. However, within a brief period of time, he will be killed though not in anger or in war. (Author s translation) History records the fulfillment of this prophecy as well. This verse speaks of the successor to Antiochus III the Great who was his eldest son, Seleucus IV Philopator ( B.C.). Antiochus III had two sons. The other being Antiochus IV Epiphanes who the angel begins toprophecy about in Daniel 11:21. History records that upon succeeding his father, Seleucus IV Philopator heavily taxed the 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 10

11 people in his kingdom in order to pay Rome who forced him to pay a thousand talents annually. He inherited this debt from his father. Consequently, Seleucus IV Philopator had to tax all the lands in his kingdom including exacting special taxes from the Jews through a tax collector named Heliodorus. Seleucus IV Philopator did not reign very long since it appears he was poisoned by his treasurer Heliodorus. Therefore, he reigned for only a brief time, twelve years to be exact, in comparison to his father who reigned thirty-seven years. According to Appian, Heliodorus plot was designed to put him in control of the government but he was driven out by Eumenes and Attalus. The Ascension to Power of A Despicable Person Daniel 11:21 In his place a despicable person will arise, on whom the honor of kingship has not been conferred, but he will come in a time of tranquility and seize the kingdom by intrigue. (NASB95) In his place a despicable person will arise is composed of the conjunction wa ( (ו (waw), which is not translated and followed by the third person masculine singular qal active perfect form of the verb ʿā mǎḏ (ע מ ד) (aw-mad), will arise and then we have the preposition ʿǎl (ע ל) (ʿǎl), in and its object is the masculine singular construct form of the noun kēn (כּ ן) (kane), place which is modified by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ) (הוּא) (who), his and then we have the masculine singular niphal passive participle form of the verb bā zā(h) (בּ ז ה) (baw-zaw ), a despicable person. wa The conjunction wa means then, next since it is functioning as a marker of a sequence of closely related events. This means that it is introducing a statement that marks the next event that took place after the events recorded in verse 20. Here in verse 21, the conjunction introduces a statement which records the angel predicting that after the death of this successor, a despicable person will ascend to power. Therefore, the conjunction wa is marking the ascension to power of this despicable person as taking place immediately after the death of the successor to the king of the north. ʿā mǎḏ The verb ʿā mǎḏ means to ascend to power referring to a person ascending to power in a particular nation. It denotes coming to power over a nation. Here it is 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 11

12 used of a despicable person who ascends to power after the death of his predecessor. The qal stem of the verb is stative expressing the fact that this despicable person will exist in the state of ascending to power over the kingdom of the north after the death of his predecessor. The perfect conjugation of this verb is a future perfect expressing a future state resulting from actions that will have been completed by that time. Here it is expressing the future state of this despicable person ascending to power as a result of his actions that will be completed by that time. kēn The noun kēn means place referring to a position of authority or office and is modified by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ), which means his since it is functioning as a possessive pronoun referring to the predecessor of this despicable person who. The noun kēn is the object of the preposition ʿǎl, which is a marker of location or place indicating the location where the action of the verb occurs. It can also be interpreted as a marker of substitution indicating that this despicable person will ascend to power in the place of predecessor. bā zā(h) The verb bā zā(h) is in the niphal stem and means to be despised, to be contemptible referring to a person who is despised by others or is viewed with contempt by others. Here it is used to describe the man who will ascend to power after the death of his predecessor, the king of the north. The niphal stem of the verb bā zā(h) is a passive niphal meaning that the subject is acted upon by an expressed or unexpressed agency. Here the subject is the man who will ascend to power over the north after the death of his predecessor. The unexpressed but implied agency is the contemporaries of this person who will ascend to power after the death of the king of the north. The participle form of this verb is functioning as a substantive and a relative clause and can be translated one who is despised or a despicable person. Despicable Person is Not the Rightful King Daniel 11:21 In his place a despicable person will arise, on whom the honor of kingship has not been conferred, but he will come in a time of tranquility and seize the kingdom by intrigue. (NASB95) 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 12

13 On whom the honor of kingship has not been conferred is composed of the conjunction wa ( (ו (waw), which is not translated and followed by the negative particle lō(ʾ) ( לא) (low), not which is negating the meaning of the third person plural qal active perfect form of the verb nā ṯǎn (נ ת ן) (naw-than), has been conferred and then we have the preposition ʿǎl (ע ל) (ʿǎl), on and its object is the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ) (הוּא) (who), whom (הוֹד) and then we have the masculine singular construct form of the noun hôḏ (hode), the honor of which is modified by the feminine singular construct form of the noun mǎl ḵûṯ (מ ל כוּת) (mal-kooth), kingship. wa This time the conjunction wa means even though since it is used in a concessive sense meaning it is introducing a statement which implies that something is true despite something else taking place. In the previous statement the angel predicted that a despicable person will ascend to power after the death of the king of the north. The conjunction wa is introducing a statement which records the angel informing Daniel that this despicable person will ascend to power even though he was not the next in line to become king. Therefore, the conjunction indicates that a despicable person will ascend to power even though he was not the next in line to become king. nā ṯǎn The verb nā ṯǎn is in the qal stem and means to confer since it pertains to conferring power to someone. Here it is used of the power of the throne being conferred to this despicable person. The word s meaning is emphatically negated by the negative particle lō(ʾ) which functions as a marker of emphatic negation indicating that this despicable person will ascend to power even though for his benefit this authority over the kingdom was never conferred. The qal stem is stative referring to the state or condition of this despicable person existing in the state of not having the authority over the kingdom conferred on him. The perfect conjugation of this verb is a future perfect is expressing the future state of sovereign authority being conferred upon this despicable person as a result of the actions of by the royal family that will be completed by that time. ʿāl āywʹ The third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ) means him,(ע ל) referring to the despicable person and it is the object of the preposition ʿǎl 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 13

14 which is functioning as a marker of advantage indicating that this despicable person will ascend to power even though for his benefit this authority over the kingdom was never conferred. hôḏʹ mǎl ḵûṯʹ The noun hôḏ means majesty, sovereign power, authority referring to the sovereign power or authority over the kingdom of the north. The construct state of this word means that it is governing the noun mǎl ḵûṯ which follows it and means kingdom. Thus, there is a genitive relation to these two words. The latter means kingdom in the sense of the territorial sphere of authority or control over the inhabitants of a particular group of people. The term refers to the boundaries of this authority and control, which were determined by the extent to which the king exercises His authority. Therefore, the noun mǎl ḵûṯ refers to the king of the north s territorial sphere of authority or control over the inhabitants of a particular group of people. It refers to the boundaries of his authority and control, which were determined by the extent to which the king exercises His authority. The genitive relation is subordination Specifically, we have a genitive of subordination meaning that mǎl ḵûṯ specifies that which is subordinated to or under the dominion of the head noun hôḏ. This indicates that for the benefit of this despicable person authority over the kingdom has never been conferred. The Despicable Person Take Power During a Time of Peace Daniel 11:21 In his place a despicable person will arise, on whom the honor of kingship has not been conferred, but he will come in a time of tranquility and seize the kingdom by intrigue. (NASB95) But he will come in a time of tranquility is composed of the conjunction wa (waw), but and then we have the third person masculine singular qal active (ו ( perfect form of the verb bô(ʾ) (בּוֹא) (bo), he will come and then we have the preposition bĕ ( (בּ (beh) in and its object is the feminine singular noun šǎl wā(h) tranquility. (shal-vaw ), a time of ) שׁ ל ו ה ( wa Once again, the conjunction wa is used in a concessive sense meaning it is introducing a statement which implies that something is true despite something else taking place. In the previous statement the angel predicted that this despicable person ascending to power as the next king of the north will ascend to power even 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 14

15 though for his benefit authority over the kingdom has never been conferred. The conjunction wa is introducing a statement which records the angel informing Daniel that this despicable person will come on the scene in a time of peace and then seized the kingdom by intrigue. Therefore, the conjunction indicates that even though for his benefit authority over the kingdom had never been conferred, nevertheless this despicable person will come on the scene and then seize the kingdom by intrigue. bô(ʾ) The verb bô(ʾ) means to come in the sense of appearing in history indicating that this despicable person will appear on the scene or on the pages of history even though the crown was not rightfully his. The qal stem is expressing an action which in our context is this despicable person will appear on the scene to take the throne by intrigue. The perfect conjugation of this verb is a future perfect expressing a future state resulting from actions that will have been completed by that time. Here it is expressing the future state of this despicable person appearing on the pages of history as a result of his actions that will be completed by that time. šǎl wā(h) The noun šǎl wā(h) refers to a false sense of security of people who do not realize they are in danger of an impending danger. Here it refers to a period of time when the people of the north possessed a false sense of security. The noun šǎl wā(h) is the object of the preposition bĕ, which means during since it is a temporal marker indicating when this despicable person will seize authority over the kingdom by intrigue. He will do so during a time of apparent security when the people and the leaders in the kingdom are unaware impending danger as a result of possessing a false sense of security. The Despicable Person Will Seize the Kingdom by Intrigue Daniel 11:21 In his place a despicable person will arise, on whom the honor of kingship has not been conferred, but he will come in a time of tranquility and seize the kingdom by intrigue. (NASB95) (ו ( wa And seize the kingdom by intrigue is composed of the conjunction (waw), and and then we have the third person masculine singular hiphil active perfect form of the verb ḥā zǎq (ח ז ק) (khaw-zak ), seize and then we have the feminine singular construct form of the noun mǎl ḵûṯ (מ ל כוּת) (mal-kooth), the 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 15

16 kingdom which is followed by the preposition bĕ ( (בּ (beh) by and its object is the feminine plural noun ḥ ǎ lǎq lǎq (ח ל ק ל ק) (khal-ak-lak-kaw ), intrigue. wa This time the conjunction wa means when since it is functioning as a temporal marker since it pertains to a point of time roughly simultaneous with another point of time. Here the two points of time are the time when the people and leaders of the kingdom of the north have a false sense of security and the despicable person seizing the throne by intrigue. Therefore, this conjunction indicates that this despicable person will appear on the scene during a time of apparent security when he seizes the kingdom by intrigue. ḥā zǎq The verb ḥā zǎq is in the hiphil stem and means to seize since it pertains to taking possession of something for oneself. Here it refers to this despicable person seizing authority over the kingdom of the north by intrigue. The hiphil stem of the verb ḥā zǎq is factitive meaning that the subject of this verb causes its direct object to enter the state described by the same verb in the qal. The subject of this verb is this despicable person and its direct object is the kingdom of the north. Therefore, this stem indicates that this despicable person as the subject will cause the kingdom of the north to enter the state of being seized by him. The perfect conjugation of this verb is a future perfect expressing a future state resulting from actions that will have been completed by that time. Here it is expressing the future state of this despicable person seizing the kingdom of the north as a result of his actions that will be completed by that time. mǎl ḵûṯ Once again, the noun mǎl ḵûṯ means kingdom in the sense of the territorial sphere of authority or control over the inhabitants of a particular group of people. The term refers to the boundaries of this authority and control, which were determined by the extent to which the king exercises His authority. Therefore, the noun mǎl ḵûṯ refers to the king of the north s territorial sphere of authority or control over the inhabitants of a particular group of people. It refers to the boundaries of his authority and control, which were determined by the extent to which the king exercises His authority William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 16

17 ḥ ǎ lǎq lǎq The noun ḥ ǎ lǎq lǎq is in the plural and means flatteries since it pertains to words that promise but are not fulfilled with emphasis on the flattering quality of the promises. The word is the object of the preposition bĕ which functions as a marker of means indicating the means by which this despicable person seized the kingdom for himself. He did so by flatteries. Translation of Daniel 11:21 Daniel 11:21 Next, in his place, a despicable person will ascend to power even though for his benefit sovereign authority over the kingdom will have never been conferred. Nevertheless, he will appear on the scene during a time of false security when he seizes the kingdom by flatteries. Exposition of Daniel 11:21 Beginning in Daniel 11:21 we have an extensive prophecy concerning Antiochus IV Epiphanes, which ends in Daniel 11:35. He is given more attention than the previous kings prophesied about in Daniel 11:2-20. The reason for this is that Antiochus IV Epiphanes will be a great persecutor of the Jewish people and adversary of the God of Israel. He is the Antichrist of the Old Testament and foreshadows the Antichrist. Now, if you recall, in Daniel 11:20, the elect angel predicts that in the place of the king of the north who he says will die in verse 19, someone will succeed him by ascending to power over his kingdom. This successor will dispatch a tax collector to exact tribute from the ornament of his kingdom. However, within a brief period of time, this successor to the king of the north will be killed though not by someone who is angry towards him or by someone in battle. History records the fulfillment of this prophecy as well. This verse speaks of the successor to Antiochus III the Great who was his eldest son, Seleucus IV Philopator ( B.C.). Antiochus III had two sons. The other being Antiochus IV Epiphanes who the angel begins to prophesy about in Daniel 11:21. History records that upon succeeding his father, Seleucus IV Philopator heavily taxed the people in his kingdom in order to pay Rome who forced him to pay a thousand talents annually. He inherited this debt from his father. Consequently, Seleucus IV Philopator had to tax all the lands in his kingdom including exacting special taxes from the Jews through a tax collector named Heliodorus. Seleucus IV Philopator did not reign very long since it appears he was poisoned by his treasurer Heliodorus. Therefore, he reigned for only a brief time, twelve years to be exact, in 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 17

18 comparison to his father who reigned thirty-seven years. According to Appian, Heliodorus plot was designed to put him in control of the government but he was driven out by Eumenes and Attalus. Now, here in Daniel 11:21, the angel informs Daniel that this despicable person will ascend to power following the death of the king of the north who history records is Seleucus IV Philopator who was killed by Heliodorus. History reveals that this despicable person was none other than Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The angel predicts that this despicable person will ascend to power even though for his benefit sovereign authority over the kingdom will have never been conferred. Nevertheless, the angel says that he will appear on the scene during a time when there will be a false sense of security when he seizes the kingdom by flatteries. This too has been fulfilled in history since history records that Antiochus IV Epiphanes assumed power over the Seleucid kingdom even though the throne rightly belonged to the son of Seleucus IV Philopator who was Demetrius Soter. Antiochus IV Epiphanes seized power for himself and proclaimed himself as king. He accomplished this by persuading the leaders of the Seleucid kingdom by flattering and making empty promises to them. He assumed power during a tranquil time in the kingdom when people had a false sense of security. Antiochus IV Epiphanes had been in Rome as a political hostage and was returning when he received news of the assassination of his brother. He was in Athens when he received this news. Heliodorus was not able to secure the throne for himself by assassinating Seleucus IV Philopator and thus disappeared from the pages of history. Eumenes, the king of Pergamum and his brother, Attalus prevented Heliodorus conspiracy from being successful. The next in line to the throne was Demetrius Soter but Antiochus IV Epiphanes with his powers of persuasion and the help of the king of Pergamum, convinced the leaders of the Seleucid kingdom to have him assume power instead of his brother. The reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes was one of military conquest and struggle for power in the Middle East with Rome and Egypt. It was also marked by one of the worst persecutions of the Jewish people in their history. The text calls him contemptible, and indeed he was. His title Epiphanes means god manifest but the people preferred Epimanes madman. While he was certainly a member of the royal line, the throne should have gone to Seleucus s son, Demetrius (who instead was taking Antiochus s place as hostage in Rome). Another intrigue concerned the throne. He set up a coregency with his nephew (a minor), who a few years later was murdered. 1 Antiochus Epiphanes IV was the eighth king of the Seleucid dynasty in Syria reigning from B.C. In 175 B.C., he ascended the throne of the Seleucid 1 Matthews, V. H., Chavalas, M. W., & Walton, J. H. (2000). The IVP Bible background commentary: Old Testament (electronic ed., Da 11:21). Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 18

19 dynasty after murdering his brother. Daniel 8:9 tells us that this little horn emerging from one of the four conspicuous horns of the male-goat continually grew excessively large toward the south, east and the land of Israel which Daniel describes as the beautiful land. By way of implication, the point of reference is Syria with the south referring to Egypt. History tells us that he conducted military expeditions south of Syria in Egypt and in the east toward Medo-Persia and in the land of Israel, which resides between Syria and Egypt. Therefore, Daniel 8:9 symbolizes Antiochus Epiphanes IV defeating Egypt ( the south ), Medo- Persia ( the east ) and Israel ( the beautiful land ) since the description in this verse corresponds to the history of Syria. The ancient historian Appian writes Afterward, on the death of Antiochus the Great, his 2 son Seleucus succeeded him. He gave his son Demetrius as a hostage in place of his brother Antiochus. When the latter arrived at Athens on his way home, Seleucus was assassinated as the result of a conspiracy of a certain Heliodorus, one of the court officers. When Heliodorus sought to possess himself of the government he was driven out by Eumenes and Attalus, who installed Antiochus therein in order to secure his good-will; for, by reason of certain bickerings, they had already grown suspicious of the Romans. Thus Antiochus, the son of Antiochus the Great, ascended the throne of Syria. He was called Epiphanes (the Illustrious) by the Syrians, because when the government 3 was seized by usurpers he showed himself to be their 4 true sovereign. By cementing the friendship and alliance of Eumenes he governed Syria and the neighboring nations with a firm hand. He appointed Timarchus as satrap of Babylon and Heraclides as treasurer, two brothers, both of whom had been his favorites. He made an expedition against Artaxias, king of Armenia, and took him prisoner. 56 Polybius also writes about Antiochus IV Epiphanes, SELEUCUS PHILOPATOR, whom we last heard of as king of Syria, was assassinated by one of his nobles Heliodorus in the twelfth year of his reign. Antiochus his younger brother had been a hostage at Rome, and being, according to agreement, exchanged in B. C. 175 for Philopator s son Demetrius, he was returning to Syria. At Athens, on his journey home, he heard of the death of Seleucus, and the attempt of Heliodorus to usurp the kingdom. By the help of Eumenes Heliodorus was expelled and Antiochus installed, to the satisfaction of the people, who gave him at first the surname of Epiphanes. He is the Antiochus Epiphanes whose cruelties are recorded in the books of the Maccabees. He died mad at Tabae in Persia, B. C See 31, 11. For the following extract preserved by Athenaeus, see the 2 B.C Y.R B.C Y.R Appian. (1899). The Foreign Wars. (H. White, Ed.). Medford, MA: THE MACMILLAN COMPANY William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 19