What is the meaning of Daniel 8:25? Through his craft and by his hand, he will cause deceit to prosper • “Through his craft” points to a leader whose power largely rests on manipulation (Daniel 8:12; 8:23). • “By his hand” shows that God allows him room to act, yet the schemes are his own responsibility (Daniel 4:17). • Deceit “prospers” because people prefer lies that serve their interests (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10; Revelation 13:14). • Historically, Antiochus IV Epiphanes used intrigue to gain the throne; prophetically, the coming Antichrist will perfect this strategy (Matthew 24:24). and in his own mind he will make himself great • Self-exaltation defines this ruler (Daniel 11:36-37). • He measures greatness by personal ambition, not by God’s standards (Proverbs 16:18). • God lets the arrogance run its course to expose its emptiness (Psalm 10:4; Luke 1:51). In a time of peace he will destroy many • “Time of peace” (literally “ease” or “security”) describes a moment when people assume danger is past (1 Thessalonians 5:3). • Destruction comes suddenly, highlighting the ruler’s treachery (Revelation 6:4). • Antiochus struck Jerusalem after signing treaties; the future Antichrist will break a covenant midway through the Tribulation (Daniel 9:27). and he will even stand against the Prince of princes • “Prince of princes” is a messianic title for Christ, the supreme ruler (Joshua 5:14; Revelation 19:16). • The rebel’s challenge escalates from deceiving people to outright blasphemy against God (Daniel 8:11; Revelation 13:6). • This confrontation lays bare the spiritual war behind earthly events (Ephesians 6:12). Yet he will be broken off, but not by human hands • God personally ends his reign; no coalition or revolt gets the credit (Daniel 2:34; 8:7). • Antiochus died suddenly of disease far from home; the Antichrist will be destroyed by Christ’s appearing (2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 19:20). • The phrase assures believers that evil has a divinely appointed limit (Psalm 37:12-15). summary Daniel 8:25 unveils a ruler who rises through cunning, magnifies himself, betrays those lulled into false security, and even dares to oppose Christ Himself. Yet his apparent invincibility is an illusion; God intervenes directly to shatter his power. The verse therefore warns against trusting deceptive peace, exposes the pride that fuels tyranny, and reassures the faithful that God—not human effort—delivers the final, decisive victory over evil. |
    |