daniel 11: the syrian wars and beyond…. acknowledgement i like to thank bob faulkner for his very...

Daniel 11: The Syrian Wars

And beyond…

Acknowledgement

• I like to thank Bob Faulkner for his very detailed explanations of the Syrian Wars in “Daniel’s Last Message”

• Without his notes, this presentation would not be possible

Proof Positive that Daniel 11 foretells future history

• Daniel lived around 600-500 BC

• We found copies of Daniel has been found in the Dead Sea scrolls – dated to 200 BC

• The book describes events in detail that will occur from around 300 BC to 100 BC

• So even if we assume Daniel was written in 200 BC, it still foretell future events in 100 BC !!!

• Isaiah 46:9-10 – Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no

other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.

• Dan 10:1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel …– Notice the vision is given when Cyrus is king

• 11:2b “Behold, three more kings will arise in Persia”

• 11:2c “and the fourth shall be far richer than them all; by his strength, through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece .”

• Historical fulfillment:– Cyrus the Great

– Cambyses (1)

– Smerdis (2)

– Darius Hystapses (3)

– Xerxes (4)

• Xerxes attacked Greece (movie: 300)

• 11:3 “Then a mighty king will appear, who will rule with great power and do as he pleases.”

• Historical fulfillment:

– Alexander the Great is this mighty king

Alexander’s Empire

• 11:4a“After he has appeared, his empire will be broken up and parceled out toward the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the power he exercised, because his empire will be uprooted and given to others”

• Historical fulfillment:

– After Alexander’s death, his generals divided up his empire

– After decades of war, 4 empires were formed:

Egypt (Ptolemy)

Syria (Seleucus)

Lydia + Cappadocia (Cassander)

Phrygia (Lysimachus)

The Syrian Wars: Overview of kings

Ptolemy IPtolemy IIPtolemy III (Benefactor)Ptolemy IV (Philopater)Ptolemy VPtolemy VI

Seleucus I….Antiochus IISeleucus III (Callinicus)Antiachus III (the Great)Seleucus IVAntiochus IV (Ephiphanes)

11:5a “The king of the South will become strong”

Ptolemy I is the king of the South – he established his kingdom first

Seleucus I was at first a general of Ptolemy I

11:5b “but one of his commanders will become even stronger than he and will rule his own kingdom with great

power.”

Ptolemy I is king over Egypt

Seleucid I is “one of this commanders” – he was Ptolemy I’s general and led an army to fight against Syria

Seleucus I conquered Syria for himself

At first, Seleucus I and Ptolemy I were friends… That will change when their children started a war that last generations...

11:6a “After some years, they will become allies. The daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the

North to make an alliance”

Ptolemy II

The daughter of the king of the South is: Bernice

Antiochus II x Laodice

Ptolemy II and Antiochus II made an alliance in 252 BC

To seal the alliance, Antiochus II marries Ptolemy II’s daughter Bernice

Problem was: Seleucus II has a very willful wife: Laodice

The prophecy skipped many year – Ptolemy I and Seleucid I have been succeeded by their sons: Ptolemy II and Antiochus II

11:6b “but she will not retain her power, and he and his power will not last. In those days she will be handed over, together with her

royal escort and her father and the one who supported her.”

Ptolemy II soon died and his son Ptolemy III (Bernice’s brother) is now king

After Ptolemy II’s death, Antiochus II divorsed Bernice and re-married Laodice

Laodice was bitter and when she returned, she had Bernice and her child (with Seleucid II) killed.

Laodice poisoned Antiochus II and set her son Seleucid II Callinicus up as king (in 246 BC)

Bernice will not retain her powerPtolemy II will not lastAntiochus II’s power will not lastBernice, Ptolemy II and Antiochus II will be handed over (= die)

11:7 One from her family line will arise to take her place. He will attack the forces of the king of the North and enter his fortress; he will fight against them and be victorious.

Ptolemy III (benefactor) becomes king over Egypt in 246BC

Ptolemy III is the brother of Bernice

Seleucus II (eldest son of Laodice)

One from her family line = Ptolemy III (Bernice’s brother)King of the North = Seleucid IIThis war is the 3rd Syrian War, a.k.a. the Laodicean war (246-241 BC)

3rd Syrian war (246-241BC)Ptolemy III revenges the death of his sister Bernice

11:8 He will also seize their gods, their metal images and their valuable articles of silver and gold and carry them off to Egypt. For

some years he will leave the king of the North alone.

Ptolemy III

Seleucus II

Seleucid II was a weak leaderPtolemy III was victorious over Seleucid IIAlso, Iran and Afganistan broke away in 247 BC from the Seleucid Empire and formed the Parthian Empire (which will be later conquered by the Islamic Empire)

Ptolemy III took a lot of loot from Syria back to Egypt (war trophy).

In the midst of the campaign, Egypt had domestic troubles and Ptolemy III had to go back to take care of business

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.

Ptolemy III died in 221 BC

Ptolemy IV (his son) succeeded him in 221 BC

Seleucus II

King of the North = Seleucus II regrouped and attack back !

Seleucus II launched an all-out attack in 240 BC, but was defeated.

They made peace which lasted from 240-221 BC

Ptolemy III

11:10 His sons will prepare for war and assemble a great army, which will sweep on like an irresistible flood and

carry the battle as far as his fortress.

Ptolemy IV

Seleucus II

Seleucus II has 2 sons: Seleucus III and Antiochus IIISeleucid III was a weak king; he reigned only 3 years and was killedAntiochus III is a powerful king – later he is called Antiochus the Great

Seleucus III

Antiochus III – the Great

11:10 His sons will prepare for war and assemble a great army, which will sweep on like an irresistible flood and

carry the battle as far as his fortress.

Ptolemy IV

Seleucus II has 2 sons: Seleucus III and Antiochus IIISeleucid III was a weak king; he reigned only 3 years and was killedAntiochus III is a powerful king – later he is called Antiochus the Great


Fourth Syrian War: At first Antiochus III conquered many Egyptian territories

11:11 Then the king of the South will march out in a rage and fight against the king of the North, who will raise a

large army, but it will be defeated. .

Ptolemy IV

This is the famed battle of Raphia


Fourth Syrian War: Then Ptolemy IV retaliated and beat back Antiochus III

11:12 When the army is carried off, the king of the South will be filled with pride and will slaughter many thousands,

yet he will not remain triumphant.

Ptolemy IV

After defeating Antiochus III, Ptolemy IV turned to persecute the JewsThis story is documented in “Maccabees III”

11:12 When the army is carried off, the king of the South will be filled with pride and will slaughter many thousands,

yet he will not remain triumphant.

Ptolemy IV

11:13 For the king of the North will muster another army, larger than the first; and after several years, he will advance

with a huge army fully equipped.

Ptolemy IV died under mysterious circumstances

Ptolemy V (a boy) become king

Ptolemy IV suddenly died under mysterious circumstances (murder ?)His son (Ptolemy V) is still a kid. Antiochus III formed new allegiance with Philip V of MarcedoniaTogether they marched against Ptolemy V – the Fifth Syrian War


Fifth Syrian War: Antiochus III bullies a kid

11:14 "In those times many will rise against the king of the South. The violent men among your own people will rebel

in fulfillment of the vision, but without success.

Ptolemy V (boy king)

Although Israel is under the rule of Egypt (Ptolemy V), some Jews joined forces with the Syrians (Antiochus III) and “rise against the king of the South”


Fifth Syrian War: Some Jews joined Antiochus III

11:15 Then the king of the North will come and build up siege ramps and will capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will be

powerless to resist; even their best troops will not have the strength to stand.


Sidon was a very important port and was the strongest fortress in those days


Fifth Syrian War: Ptolemy V’s general Scopas retreated to SidonBut Antiochus III besieged and took Sidon

11:16 The invader will do as he pleases; no one will be able to stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful

Land and will have the power to destroy it.


Israel falls in the hand of Antiochus III by 201 BC


Fifth Syrian War: Antiochus III also conquers Israel (the Beautiful Land – in the eyes of God)

11:17 He will determine to come with the might of his entire kingdom and will make an alliance with the king of the South. And he will give

him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom


By this time, Rome has defeated Hannibal and is beginning to impose its might on the region


To avoid a war on 2 fronts, Antiochus III tries to make a treaty with Ptolemy V. Antiochus III marries his daughter Cleopatra I to Ptolemy V

Rome is rising in Power

Mighty Rome stopped Anthiocus’ invasion into Egypt

11:17…. but his plans will not succeed or help him.

Ptolemy V + Cleopatra I

Cleopatra I will turn against his father Antiochus III later (as predicted)When Rome won a battle against Antiochus III (at Thermapolis), Cleopatra I joined with Ptolemy V in congratulate the Romans.


Rome gets in Anthiochus’ territory

11:18 Then he will turn his attention to the coastlands and will take many of them, but a commander will put an end to his

insolence and will turn his insolence back upon him.


Anthiocus III attacked the Greek Islands (that were part of Roman territory)Antiochus III is defeated in the Battle of Thermopylae The commander in verse 18 may be Scipio – the Roman commander who defeated Hannibal also defeated Antiochus III


Rome gets in Anthiochus’ territory

11:19 After this, he will turn back toward the fortresses of his own country but will stumble and fall, to be seen no more.


After Rome defeated Antiochus III, Rome forced Antiochus to: - retreat back - pay a huge sum of penalty - give up his navy - give Rome his younger son Antiochus IV as ransom


After retreating, Antiochus III must raise money to pay the penalty. He raised taxes and he raided the Temple of Jupiter in Elymais. The locals killed him…

His son Seleucus IV is now king

Rome defeats Anthiochus III

11:20 "His successor will send out a tax collector to maintain the royal splendor. In a few years, however, he will be

destroyed, yet not in anger or in battle.

Seleucus IV must still pay the huge sum of penalty imposed by RomeRome frees Anthiocus IV in exchange for Seleucus IV’s son DemetriusSeleucus IV sends his prime minister Heliodorus (tax collector) to rob the Jewish temple of its treasuresSoon after Heliodorus returns with the loot; Seleucus IV is poisoned by his chancellor

Seleucus IV is now king

He needs lots of money to pay war penalty of his father.He decided to take the treasures from the Jewish Temple.

Anthiocus IV is freedDemetrius (Seleucus IV’s son) is now held as the ransom hostage

11:21 "He will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty.

Seleucus IV’s son Demetrius is still in Rome – he is the rightful king… ButAnthiocus IV (Seleucid IV’s brother) seized the throneAnthiocus IV is a very despicable rules – he is called Epiphanes (the Illustrous one) – but instead, the people called him “Epimanes” (the Mad one)

Anthiochus IV is now king

He is a very shrew king…

Demetrius (Seleucus IV’s son) is held in Rome as the ransom

11:21…He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue.

Anthiocus IV tactic is to come in as a friend; then turn and conquer the territory


Antiochus IV conquer Israel by deceit

Demetrius (Seleucus IV’s son) is held in Rome as the ransom

1 Maccabees Chapter 1• 29 Two years later, the king (Anthiocus IV) sent the

Mysian commander to the cities of Judah, and he came to Jerusalem with a strong force.

• 30 He spoke to them deceitfully in peaceful terms, and won their trust. Then he attacked the city suddenly, in a great onslaught, and destroyed many of the people in Israel.

• 31 He plundered the city and set fire to it, demolished its houses and its surrounding walls,

• 32 took captive the women and children, and seized the cattle.

11:22 Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed.

At that time, Onias is the high priest in Israel.Onias is against Hellenization of the JewsBut Onias’ brother Jason is much more in favor to Hellenize the JewsAnthiochus IV helped Jason depose his brother to become the high priest


Antiochus IV conquer Israel by deceit

11:23 After coming to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power.

Anthiochus IV now wants to expand his empire

Anthiochus IV has his eyes on Egypt

Ptolemy V + Cleopatra Ihave these children: - Ptolemy VI - Ptolemy VII (Euergetes) - Cleopatra II

Anthiochus IV and Cleopatra I are borther + sister

11:23 After coming to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power.



Ptolemy VI is king (boy)Anthiochus IV comes in Egypt with a small army to celebrate his cousin Ptolemy VI coronation and brought gifts

11:24 When the richest provinces feel secure, he will invade them and will achieve what neither his fathers nor his forefathers did. He will distribute plunder, loot and wealth

among his followers. He will plot the overthrow of fortresses—but only for a time.



Ptolemy VI is king (boy)Anthiochus IV bribes the officials of Egypt

11:25 "With a large army he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will wage war with a large and very powerful army, but he will not be able to stand because of the plots devised against him.



Ptolemy VI

Ptolemy VI fights back but to no avail

11:26 Those who eat from the king's provisions will try to destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall in battle.



Ptolemy VI Ptolemy VI’s counsellors bribed by Anthiochus IV, betrayed Ptolemy

11:27 The two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will sit at the same table and lie to each other, but to no avail, because an end will still come at the appointed time.



Ptolemy VI Ptolemy VI’s and Anthiochus IV made a peace treaty (lie to each other)

(Ptolemy VIII)

11:28 The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action against it and then return

to his own country.

Anthiochus IV has troubles back home…

Anthiochus IV

Ptolemy VIAnthiochus IV has to return to deal with a revolt of the Jews

11:29 "At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before.

Anthiochus IV comes back to conquer Egypt… this time Rome intervenes !!!

Anthiochus IV

Ptolemy VI Anthiochus IV is angry because he lost control of Egypt and invades it again

11:30 Ships of the western coastlands (Kittim) will oppose him, and he will lose heart.

Kittim is the ancient name for Rome…

Anthiochus IV

Ptolemy VI Anthiochus IV is stopped by Rome…

11:30 …Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.

Anthiochus wants to Hellenize the Jews to keep them under controlSome wealthy Jews joined Anthiochus and overthrow the High Priest

Anthiochus IV

Ptolemy VI Anthiochus IV plans to control Israel by changing its culture to Hellenism

11:31 "His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation.

Anthiochus’ effort to Hellenize the Jews went so far that: - He set up a statue of Zeus in the Jewish Temple (abomination in God’s sight) - He told the Jews to worship Zeus - He sacrificed a pig (not kosher) to Zeus on the Temple’s Alter

Anthiochus IV

Ptolemy VI Anthiochus IV desecrates the Jewish temple in 168 BC

11:32 With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.

Anthiochus IV offered many benefits to Jews who convertedBut his defiling of the Jewish Temple was too much to bear for some JewsThis trigger the Maccabean Revolt

Anthiochus IV

Ptolemy VI Judah Maccabee leads the revolt against Anthiocus IV

• 33 "Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. – Pious Jews instruct many not to take advantage of the Hellenists

favors; and for this, they are being persecuted

• 34 When they fall, they will receive a little help, – There is no active resistance in the first months. The people of Israel

simply lay down and die. Their martyrdoms inspire many, and Hellenism still is having trouble catching on, so

– Antiochus decides it will be good to make examples of more key figures.

– Like Eleazar for example, a priest, an expert in the law. This old saint is told to eat pork. He refused. So he is tortured and beaten, burned and stretched.

– Then comes Judas Maccabee and the others are angered and come to the rescue.

• 34… and many who are not sincere will join them. – Judas Maccabee begins to drive out the Syrian troops

– The Hellenistic Jews are now in trouble

– They faced a choice: join the revolt or die – they joined

• 35 Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.– The revolt cost the lives of many pious Jews

– E.g.: 1 Maccabee records the painful deaths of all the sons of Mattathias.

The unfulfilled prophecy begins

• From Dan 11:36 on, the angel’s prophecy does not compare easily to anything in history.

• We can only guess what these events will be…

• I will interprete it with my bias:– the Mahdi is the fulfillment of this prophecy

My interpretation of Daniel 11

• 36 "The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. – The Mahdi will exalt Allah and himself above Jehovah

– “Allah is greater” is Islam’s profession of faith

– The Mahdi will rule until Jesus returns and destroys him

• 37 He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all. – Islam does not respect the desires of women

My interpretation of Daniel 11• 38 Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god

unknown to his fathers he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts.– Islam’s god is a god of war: Jihad !!!

– Islam teaches that if you join in the Jihad, you can take part of the share of the conquered loots

• 39 He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price. – Islam is predicted to conquer Rome

– AgainL Islam teaches that if you join in the Jihad, you can take part of the share of the conquered loots – that includes land

My interpretation of Daniel 11• 40 "At the time of the end the king of the South will engage

him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. – Egypt (and other secular Islamic nations) may not join the Mahdi at first

– The Madhi will conquer Egypt; and not only Egypt; the Mahdi will conquer many other countries

• 41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand. – The Mahdi will eventually attack Israel (and violates the peace treaty)

– Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon are the present day Jordan

– Somehow, he will not invade Jordan…

My interpretation of Daniel 11• 42 He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will

not escape. – As I wrote before, the Madhi will conquer Egypt

• 43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Nubians in submission. – Again, the Madhi will conquer Egypt

My interpretation of Daniel 11• 44 But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and

he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many. – I think Russia and China will finally get involve in the conflict

– Russia is to the North of the Islamic Empire

– China is to the East

• 45 He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.– In the Islamic tradition, the Mahdi will rule from Jerusalem (Temple

Mount)

– The Holy Mountain is ofcourse Mount Morriah (Temple Mount) where the Temple is Located

– The Islamic tradition coincides with the Biblical prediction precisely

My interpretation of Daniel 12• 1 "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your

people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. – There will be a great persecution…

• But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered.– Then Jesus arrives on the scene

• 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. – The death will be resurrected (I.e., Jesus has arrived !!!)

• 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. – God’s people will be glorified

My interpretation of Daniel 12• 4 But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll

until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge." – This prediction will not be understood until the End Time is near

– You can tell that the End Time is near when people travel greatly (cars, airplanes) and knowledge abound (research, information age)

• 5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and there before me stood two others, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank.

• 6 One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?" – Great question !!! I like to know it too

My interpretation of Daniel 12• 7 The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the

river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, "It will be for a time, times and half a time – It will take 3 ½ years to complete

• When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed." – When the Jews are being massacred, Jesus will return to rescue them

– See: Zech 14

• 8 I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, "My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?" – Great question, Dan… I like to know that too


• 9 He replied, "Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. – Daniel does not get to know what they mean

– But we do because we have the reality to guide us in the interpretation !!!

• 10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand. – God reveals the meaning only to those who search for and love

Him


• 11 "From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.

• 12 Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.

daily sacrifice abolished

Abomination setup(Madhi enters God’s Temple and declares himself as God)

1290 days

Jesus returns ? 1290 + 45 days

45 days of intense persecution ?Worship the Mahdi or die ?


• 13 "As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.“– We are told that Daniel is with God.

– At the End Time – resurrection – Daniel will rise and receive his reward: eternal life

– Not surprising: Daniel was willing to give his life up (got tossed in the lions) than bow down to worship an idol (imposed by Cyrus)

• Warning:– In Revelation, we are told that whoever takes on the “Mark of the

Beast” will be tossed in the Lake of Fire (where Satan is also tossed)

– I believe some who takes on this mark believe themselves to be Christians…

11:6“xxxxxx.

Ptolemy I is king over Egypt

xxxx

Seleucus I conquered xxxxx

Seleucus I conquered Syria for himself

xxxx

daniel 11: the syrian wars and beyond…. acknowledgement i like to thank bob faulkner for his very...

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