What historical events might Daniel 11:23 be referencing? Text Of Daniel 11:23 “After an alliance is made with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power.” Immediate Literary Context Verses 21–24 describe “a contemptible person” who usurps the Seleucid throne, sweeps away opposing forces, enters into a strategic league, and then expands his power through cunning rather than brute strength. Verse 23 sits at the pivot between the seizure of authority (vv 21–22) and the first Egyptian campaign (vv 24–28). Historical Backdrop: The Seleucid Succession Crisis (175 Bc) • 175 BC: King Seleucus IV is assassinated by his minister Heliodorus. • The rightful heir, Demetrius I, is a hostage in Rome. • Antiochus, younger brother of Seleucus IV, returns from Rome, presents himself as co-regent for the infant Antiochus V, and, by bribes and flattery among the Syrian nobles, seizes the crown “with only a few.” (Polybius 26.10; 2 Macc 4:7–10). THE “ALLIANCE” OR “LEAGUE” (חֶבֶר ḥeber) IDENTIFIED 1. Regency Pact, 175 BC. Antiochus convinces the Seleucid council to form a regency on behalf of the child-king. Although outwardly lawful, it is the basis for a deceitful rise. 2. Treaty with Eumenes II of Pergamum, 175–173 BC. A defensive league granting Antiochus legitimacy and a naval ally against both Egypt and internal rivals. 3. Accord with Ptolemy VI at Memphis, 170 BC (most widely held). After conquering Memphis, Antiochus installs his nephew Ptolemy VI as “co-ruler” with Ptolemy VIII, pretending friendship while planning a second invasion. Polybius 28.17 records that the pact was no sooner signed than Antiochus began plotting Egypt’s subjugation. Because Daniel stresses treachery (“he will act deceitfully”), the Memphis accord of 170 BC best exemplifies the prophecy: an alliance publicly ratified yet immediately violated. “With Only A Few People He Will Rise To Power” Unlike earlier Seleucid kings who relied on large mercenary armies, Antiochus first secured power through: • Secret supporters within the royal court (Diodorus 31.2). • Bribery of Hellenistic city elites (2 Macc 4:7–9). • Roman approval gained by gifts to influential senators (Livy 42.6). Archaeologically, his earliest coin issues (tetradrachms from Seleucia-on-the-Tigris) have limited mint volumes, confirming the absence of vast resources during his initial phase. Egyptian Campaigns And Deceit (170–168 Bc) • First Campaign, 170–169 BC: Antiochus invades Egypt under pre-text of defending his nephew, captures Pelusium, conquers Memphis, and signs the alleged “alliance.” • Interlude, 169 BC: Withdraws, plunders Jerusalem en route (2 Macc 5:11-14). • Second Campaign, 168 BC: Marches on Alexandria, but the Roman envoy Gaius Popillius Laenas draws the famous “line in the sand,” forcing withdrawal. The broken alliance has run its course, exactly as verse 23 anticipates. Archaeological And Literary Corroboration • Heliodorus Stele (discovered 2003, Israel Museum) corroborates a Seleucid court plot immediately preceding Antiochus’s accession. • Polybius, Livy, Diodorus, 1 Maccabees 1–2, and 2 Maccabees 4–6 collectively depict the deceptive diplomacy and limited initial backing of Antiochus. • Coinage strata in Syrian sites (e.g., Apamea treasure hoard) mark the abrupt replacement of Seleucus IV’s portrait with Antiochus IV, echoing the sudden regime change “with only a few.” Prophetic Pattern And Typology Antiochus functions as an historical fulfillment and a foreshadowing type of the end-time “man of lawlessness” (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4) who likewise gains ascendancy through covenantal deceit (Daniel 9:27). The near-term events validate Scripture’s precision; the typology projects the same pattern upon the last days, assuring believers that God sovereignly foreknows both. Alternate Conservative View: Future Antichrist Covenant Some conservative exegetes push verse 23 forward, seeing vv 21–35 as telescoping directly into the Tribulation. In that reading the “alliance” becomes the seven-year covenant of Daniel 9:27; the phrase “with only a few” denotes a small initial confederacy that blossoms into global dominion. The Antiochus data serve as partial pre-figurement rather than the exhaustive referent. Theological Implications • God’s Word details political intrigue centuries in advance, demonstrating omniscience. • History’s corroboration of prophecy anchors the believer’s confidence in all Scripture, including the resurrection accounts that form the core of our salvation hope (1 Corinthians 15:3–8). • The passage urges vigilance: pretended alliances and spiritual compromise invite tyranny and persecution. Summary Of Likely Historical Referents Primary: The 170 BC alliance between Antiochus IV and Ptolemy VI at Memphis, immediately exploited for a deceitful power grab. Secondary: The 175 BC regency pact within the Seleucid court, and/or the Pergamene treaty that validated Antiochus’s claim. Tertiary (typological): A future covenant forged by the final Antichrist. Each layer exhibits the precise features Daniel lists—league, deceit, and ascent with minimal initial support—offering a multifaceted yet harmonious fulfillment that magnifies the reliability of inspired Scripture. |
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