2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Daniel 8:1-27
In this latest vision of Daniel, it was revealed to him that kingdoms would continue to rise and be overthrown, and the trouble for Israel after the Babylonian exile would be far from over.
The focus in this chapter narrows to two empires; the ‘Ram’ or Medo-Persian Empire and the ‘Goat’ or Greek Empire. Alexander The Great of Greece, conquered the world by the age of 26, but he then died in his early thirties. His empire was divided up amongst four of his generals (four horns) before his death. From one of these four horns grew another little horn, Antiochus Epiphanies, who boasted of himself and defied God; even setting himself in the place of God. He turned his attention towards the land of Israel and its surrounds. He violated the holy temple at Jerusalem and caused worship to cease, putting to death anyone who continued to practice Judaism.
Here we see a pattern of lawlessness which will be repeated time and time again until the end of human government. A boastful ruler, ‘the man of lawlessness’ is destined to appear on the world stage, who will also defy God with his boasting and hatred of God. He will set himself in the place of God. He will be a great deceiver who will cause fearful destruction against mighty men and he will prevail over God’s people, destroying many. However, he will be judged and destroyed, but by no human hand.
It is better to be prepared. It is better to know what’s coming…
Recommended reading for historical context.
Available on Librivox Audio Books
Apocrypha/Deuterocanon: 1 Maccabees