Daniel 11

These faithful ones are called “those who are wise” (verses 33,35); here wisdom is equated with godliness (see Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). These “wise” ones led the resistance movement against Antiochus, and their courage (together with God’s help) resulted in the spiritual preservation of the Jewish nation.³⁸ They themselves were refined and purified through their trials, so that they might be made spotless until the time of the end (verse 35)—until the coming of the Messiah at the end of history (see 1 Peter 1:6–7).

Looking back on verses 2–35, one might wonder why the angel revealed all these details to Daniel. One reason is simple: when all these events came true, then it would be clear that Daniel was indeed a true prophet of God.

But there is a second reason for describing all these struggles between nations: the ultimate significance of any nation is determined not by its power but rather by its treatment of God’s people. Israel wasn’t merely a piece of real estate between opposing kingdoms; it was—and continues to be—God’s central focus in His dealings with nations. How nations and individuals treat the people of God will determine their final destiny (Matthew 25:31–46). Israel may seem small and insignificant in the eyes of the world, but it is ultimately the key to history.³⁹

The King Who Exalts Himself (11:36–45)

36–45 This section is difficult to interpret. Verses 36–39 could possibly apply to Antiochus Epiphanes, but verses 40—45 certainly can not. It is best to understand this whole section as referring to a world ruler who will appear at the end of history. Antiochus Epiphanes could then be considered a forerunner or “type” of this final ruler who, in verse 40, is called the king of the North.

The “king of the North” is the antichrist about whom the Apostle John prophesied (1 John 2:18). The various countries mentioned in verses 41–43 will not necessarily exist by those names at the end of history, but the angel spoke to Daniel in geographic terms that he could understand. Prophets do foretell the future, but they picture coming events in contemporary terms. It is unlikely, for example, that chariots and cavalry will be used in the final battle described here (verse 40).

In verse 45, the angel informs Daniel that this final ruler will pitch his royal tents between the seas (between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea) at the beautiful holy mountain (Jerusalem). From there he will go out to fight his final battle—probably at Armageddon (Revelation 16:14,16). Then he will come to his end in the climactic battle between good and evil.