What does Daniel 11:23 reveal about alliances and deceit in biblical prophecy? Text “After an alliance is made with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power.” (Daniel 11:23) Canonical Context Daniel 11 is part of the final vision given to Daniel (chapters 10–12) and records a sweeping panorama of Near-Eastern conflicts from the Persian era through the rise of an ultimate eschatological antagonist. Verse 23 sits within the subsection that tracks the exploits of a “contemptible person” (v. 21)—identified historically with Antiochus IV Epiphanes and typologically with the future Antichrist (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:3-12; Revelation 13). Historical Fulfillment: Antiochus IV Epiphanes 1. Alliance with Ptolemy VI (170 BC). The contemporary historian Polybius (Histories 27.16) records a treaty whereby Antiochus presented himself as protector of the young Egyptian monarch even while plotting to annex Egypt. Coins struck at Alexandria bearing both kings’ images verify this political façade. 2. Deceitful Rise (175–170 BC). Appointed co-regent with his infant nephew Antiochus V, he returned from Rome a hostage and leveraged small but loyal supporters—chiefly the mercenary Seleiucid guard and a handful of nobles—to usurp the throne (cf. v. 24 “without warning he will invade the richest provinces”). 3. Dead Sea Scrolls Vindication. 4QDanc–e (dated c.150 BC) already contains Daniel 11, placing the prophecy before many specific events it describes—eliminating the skeptical claim of post-event “history in the guise of prophecy.” Prophetic Typology: Foreshadowing the Antichrist Jesus references “the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel” (Matthew 24:15), linking Antiochus’ temple profanation (cf. 1 Macc 1:54) with a climactic future figure. Paul likewise speaks of the “man of lawlessness” who will exalt himself in the sanctuary (2 Thessalonians 2:4), echoing Daniel 11:36-37. Thus verse 23 models the end-time pattern: a charismatic ruler secures power through covenantal pretense and calculated treachery. Theological Themes 1. Human Deceit vs. Divine Sovereignty. God foreknows and foretells the machinations of rulers (Isaiah 46:10), turning even treachery toward His redemptive ends (cf. Acts 4:27-28). 2. Fragility of Alliances Apart from God. Scripture warns against trusting pagan treaties (Isaiah 30:1-3); Daniel 11:23 supplies an historical case study. 3. Remnant Principle. God repeatedly works through “the few” (Judges 7:2-7). Here, the wicked similarly leverages the few—an inversion that magnifies the moral divide between holy trust and manipulative politics. Practical Exhortations for Believers • Discern covenant commitments: “Do not be unequally yoked” (2 Corinthians 6:14). • Expect counterfeit peace offerings in the last days (1 Thessalonians 5:3). • Anchor hope in the unbreakable covenant inaugurated by Christ’s blood (Hebrews 13:20). Archaeological & Historical Sidebars • Elephantine Papyri (5th century BC) establish the Jewish exile community in Egypt, validating Daniel’s setting under Persian administration. • The Heliodorus Stele (inscription of Seleucid minister, 178 BC) illustrates the sort of palace intrigue and small-circle conspiracy Daniel foretells. • Numismatic Evidence. Tetradrachms depicting Antiochus IV styled as Theos Epiphanes (“God Manifest”) illustrate his hubris (cf. v. 36 “he will exalt himself above every god”). Systematic-Theological Connection God’s covenant faithfulness (hesed) stands in stark contrast to human covenant treachery. Daniel 11:23 sharpens our appreciation of the New Covenant, whereby Christ, “the faithful witness” (Revelation 1:5), secures salvation untainted by deceit. His resurrection seals the promise (Romans 1:4), proving the reliability of every prophetic word (2 Colossians 1:20). New Testament Parallels • Matthew 24:4-5—Jesus warns of deception in eschatological alliances. • Revelation 17:12-13—Ten kings give authority to the Beast “for one hour,” an echo of “with only a few people he will rise.” • 1 John 2:18—“Many antichrists have come,” rooting the Antiochus-type in ongoing church-age reality. Conclusion Daniel 11:23 unpacks a prophetic pattern in which a leader secures dominion through strategic alliance and calculated deceit. Historically realized in Antiochus IV and ultimately consummated in the Antichrist, the verse authenticates Scripture’s predictive power, exposes the frailty of human covenants, and calls believers to unwavering allegiance to the covenant-keeping God who, through the risen Christ, guarantees final triumph over every deceitful alliance. |
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