What is the meaning of Daniel 11:31? His forces will rise up – “His” traces back to the “contemptible person” of Daniel 11:21, historically Antiochus IV Epiphanes and prophetically a preview of the final Antichrist (cf. Daniel 8:23-24; Revelation 13:4-7). – The verse foretells literal troops, not mere ideas. Antiochus marched on Jerusalem in 167 BC; a future ruler will likewise deploy real military power (cf. Luke 21:20). – The picture: organized strength, intimidation, and conquest, setting the stage for what follows. and desecrate the temple fortress – “Temple fortress” points to the sanctuary on Mount Moriah, understood as both holy place and strategic stronghold (Daniel 8:11; Psalm 74:7). – Antiochus looted vessels, erected garrisons, and defiled the altar with swine’s flesh (Daniel 8:13). – Paul looks ahead to a similar outrage when “the man of lawlessness… takes his seat in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). – Bullet notes: • Physical profanation of a literal temple • Spiritual assault on God’s honor • A pattern that climaxes in the end-time siege of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:1-2). They will abolish the daily sacrifice – Exodus 29:38-42 commands two lambs every day, morning and evening. Antiochus halted this continual burnt offering for roughly three years (Daniel 8:11-14). – Daniel 12:11 places a future suspension of sacrifices at the midpoint of the final seven-year period. – Why it matters: • Cuts off Israel’s God-appointed worship • Signals direct rebellion against the covenant (Daniel 9:27) • Marks a prophetic countdown to divine intervention (Daniel 12:12). and set up the abomination of desolation – The expression points to an idolatrous object or act that brings ruin. Antiochus erected an altar to Zeus inside the holy place (1 Maccabees 1:54 echoes the event; compare Daniel 8:13). – Jesus treats the prophecy as still future: “When you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel standing in the holy place…” (Matthew 24:15-16). – Revelation 13:14-15 describes an image of the beast that will be animated and worshiped, matching Daniel’s pattern. – Key observations: • Literal idol or image placed in a rebuilt temple • Compulsory worship under threat of death • Triggers unparalleled tribulation but also heralds the soon return of Christ (Matthew 24:21-30). summary Daniel 11:31 foretells a real ruler deploying real troops to invade Jerusalem, desecrate the sanctuary, halt God-ordained sacrifices, and erect an idol that provokes judgment. Antiochus IV fulfilled these words in 167 BC, but Scripture presents his deeds as a foreshadowing of a greater, future fulfillment under the Antichrist. The verse warns of tangible defiance against God yet assures believers that such rebellion has a fixed limit and will be met by the triumphant intervention of the Lord. |
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