The Years of Silence #2 Lesson 21

1. The Years of Silence #2Lesson 21 Daniel 11-12(Waldron, p. 115-147, 226-235) Sunday Wednesday 25, 2010

2. Credits • Bob and Sandra Waldron. A Remnant Shall Return. p.115-147, 226-235. Guardian of Truth Foundation, Bowling Green, KY, 2005. • Bob Simpson. Class Notes on Daniel, Chapter 11. p.32-37. http://www.insearchoftruth.org/downloads. 1998. • Homer Hailey. A Commentary on Daniel. p.201-254. Nevada Publications, Las Vegas, Nevada, 2001. • C. F. Keil. Commentary on the Old Testament: Ezekiel, Daniel. p.761-832. Translated by James Martin and M. G. Easton. Hendrickson Publishers, Peabody, MA, 2nd, 2006. • Jim McGuiggan. The Book of Daniel. p.183-223. International Biblical Resources, Lubbock, TX, 3rd, 1978. Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14; 15:2; 24:6)

3. What Changed? What Exaggerated?

4. Primary Focus in Studying 400 Years? • World History? (Europe, Asia, Americas, etc.) • Mediterranean History? (Medo-Persia, Greece, Carthage, Rome, Parthia) • Jewish History? (Diaspora, culture, Maccabean Wars, economy, etc.) • Spiritual – God was not entirely silent (Daniel 7-12; Zechariah 9) • Historical Context – Explain changes from Nehemiah to Jesus. • Providential – God’s Awareness and Control (“fullness of time”). • Apologetic – Fulfilled prophecy: • Faith Building – Test of a prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-22; I Peter 2:19-21) • Faith Creating – Convert unbelievers (Isaiah 41:21-29; 44:6-8; Acts 18:24-28) • Comforting – Better understand suffering and persecution. • Correcting – Answer abusive errors (Judaism, Premillennialism).

5. Outline – 400 Years of Silence • 7:1-7 – Rise of: Babylon, Medo-Persian, Grecian, Roman • 7:8-28 – Roman Persecution and Judgment • 8:1-27 – • Transition from Medo-Persian, to Alexander (Greek), to Seleucids • Persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes (Seleucid dynasty) • 9:1-27 – (70 weeks for Jews) Return, Rebuilding, and Roman Destruction • 10-12 – Grecian and Roman influence: • 10:1-19 – Introduction to the heavenly being and vision. • 10:20-3 – Medo-Persian empire’s fall • 11:3-35 – Greece: Alexander the Great to Antiochus Epiphanes • 11:36-45 – Rome’s conquest and expansion. • 12:1-13 – Roman persecution and destruction of Jerusalem

6. Comparing the Visions – 4 Empires History Daniel 2 Daniel 7 Revelation 13 Head of Gold Lion Lion’s Mouth Babylon 612-539 B.C. Medo-Persia 539-331 B.C. Arms & Chest of Silver Bear Bear’s Feet Greece 331-64 B.C. Belly and Thighs of Bronze Leopard Leopard’s Body Rome 64 B.C. – 476 AD Legs of Iron with Feet mixed with Clay Dreadful with Iron Teeth and 10 Horns and Great Words 7 Heads and 10 Horns, Blasphemous 4 World Empires 4 Sections – 1 Body 4 Beasts 4 Sections – 1 Body – 1 Ultimate Enemy

7. Greek Empire Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.)

8. Enter the Romans & the “Fierce King” After this he shall turn his face to the coastlands, and shall take many. But a ruler shall bring the reproach against them to an end; and with the reproach removed, he shall turn back on him. (Daniel 11:18) In 192 B.C., Antiochus began advancing west along the coastlands, through Asia Minor, and on toward Greece. The Romans, having overcome Carthage in the second Punic War in 201 B.C., defeated Antiochus’ army at Magnesia in 190 B.C. and being led by Publius Scipio Africanus, Rome placed a heavy tax upon him. Then he shall turn his face toward the fortress of his own land; but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found. (11:19) Antiochus had been forced to disband most of his army and fleet. He ceded much of his territory in Asia Minor to the Romans, which made it even more difficult to pay his tax to them. He was killed while raiding a temple to pay the tax money in 187 B.C. There shall arise in his place one who imposes taxes on the glorious kingdom; but within a few days he shall be destroyed, but not in anger or in battle. (11:20) Seleucus (IV) Philopator (187-175 B.C.) sent his prime minister, Heliodorus, to Jerusalem to seize the temple treasury. He failed and later (possibly) poisoned Seleucus in 175 B.C. And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. With the force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. (11:21-22) Antiochus (IV) Epiphanes, son of Antiochus (III) the Great, supplants the rightful heir, his nephew, Demetrius Soter, using flattery and intrigue. He is successful against the Egyptians, and he disposes of Onias the high priest and places Jason into the position (II Maccabees 4:7).

9. Antiochus Epiphanes – Expansion And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. (Daniel 11:23-24) Antiochus (IV) Epiphanes made several alliances with different peoples, including the now small Syrian nation, but he would break them for his own gain. His plan was to eventually take Egypt, but he was limited ultimately by God (“only for a time”). He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him. Yes, those who eat of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. Both these kings' hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time. (11:25-27) In 170 B.C., Antiochus attacks Ptolemy (VI) Philometer (his nephew) and defeats him. Some of Ptolemy’s closest companions helped Antiochus defeat the Egyptians. The kings met, spoke, and feigned friendliness, hoping to shrewdly overthrow the other, but God was in control. While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land. (11:28) Antiochus returns home with tremendous spoil. He tries to Hellenize the Jews by forbidding them to worship Jehovah. Instead he forces them to worship Greek gods and accept the Greek culture. He kills 80,000 Jews at this time (I Maccabees 1:20-28)

10. Antiochus Epiphanes (“fierce king”) At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage. So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. (Daniel 11:29-31, not the same “abomination” as in Daniel 9:) At God’s set time, Antiochus returned to invade Egypt again (168 B.C.). However, ships from Rome arrive and order him to abandon his attack. Antiochus requested time to talk with his counselors. Lucius Pupilius Laenas drew a circle around Antiochus and ordered him to make up his mind before leaving the circle. Antiochus relented and returned home, but he vented his frustration on the Jews. Antiochus desecrated the temple by offering pig on the altar and sprinkling pig broth in the temple. He set up an image of Zeus in the temple, and his soldiers performed ritual fornication in the temple. Observing the Sabbath, dietary laws, and circumcision was condemned, and Zeus worship was commanded. Many Jews apostatized and were received by Antiochus. The daily sacrifices ceased. … And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land. … (And in the latter time of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes.) … by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of His sanctuary was cast down. Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who was speaking, “How long will the vision be, concerning the daily sacrifices and the transgression of desolation, the giving of both the sanctuary and the host to be trampled under foot?” And he said to me, “For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.” (Daniel 8:9-25)

11. The Maccabeean Revolt Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time. (Daniel 11:32-35) Many Jews apostatized; however, many Jews resisted Antiochus pagan machinations. This would be a time of great spiritual purification. God was “separating the wheat from the chaff”. The Maccabees arose in 167 B.C., offering some relief by rebelling and enabling the temple to be cleansed. However, many would be killed, and many of the revolutionaries sold-out and acted as spies. Many Jews would be diligent in teaching God’s law, instructing the people to be holy. Some would listen. Others would not. At this point, the Seleucid rule is practically broken. They would dwindle away until overthrown completely by the Romans. Maccabean revolt occurred when Mattathias Hasmoneas, an aged priest, refused to offer incense to Zeus. The Syrians found a Jew who agreed to offer the incense, but Mattathias killed him and the officers before the incense could be offered. He and his five sons went into hiding. Mattathias appointed his son, Judas, surnamed Maccabaeus (“Hammer”), as the military leader. Simon was the adviser. The Maccabees practiced guerilla warfare and routinely beat Antiochus’ forces. Antiochus died in 164 B.C., with his kingdom in shambles and debt ridden. Eventually, all of Mattathias’ sons were killed, except Simon, who entered into an alliance with Demetrius the Seleucid king. Judea was granted independence in 142 B.C. Simon accepts the position of high priest in 140 B.C., even though he was not of the line of Zadok. Simon was succeeded by John Hyrcanus, his son in 134 B.C.

12. The Maccabeean Revolt “As for you also, Because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope. Even today I declare That I will restore double to you. For I have bent Judah, My bow, Fitted the bow with Ephraim, And raised up your sons, O Zion, Against your sons, O Greece, And made you like the sword of a mighty man.” Then the LORD will be seen over them, And His arrow will go forth like lightning. The Lord GOD will blow the trumpet, And go with whirlwinds from the south. The LORD of hosts will defend them; They shall devour and subdue with slingstones. They shall drink and roar as if with wine; They shall be filled with blood like basins, Like the corners of the altar. The LORD their God will save them in that day, As the flock of His people. For they shall be like the jewels of a crown, Lifted like a banner over His land – (compare to, Malachi 3:16-18) For how great is its goodness And how great its beauty! Grain shall make the young men thrive, And new wine the young women. (Zechariah 9:11-17) • In December of 164 B.C., after Antiochus’ death, the temple was cleansed. December 22, Hanukah. • The “Pious Ones” ceased support of Maccabees, who pressed on for full political independence. • Eleazar (son of Matthias) dies killing a war elephant, in 163 B.C. • Judas (Maccabee) and John (sons of Matthias) were killed by overwhelming numbers in 160 B.C. • Matthias’ son Jonathan accepts leadership and high-priest as a bribe. Killed as a hostage. • Simon, last son of Matthias, entered into an alliance with Demetrius the Seleucid and gained independence from Syria in 142 B.C. • In 142 B.C., Simon makes an alliance with Rome. • In 140 B.C., Simon is made commander-in-chief, chief ruler, and high-priest – not of Zadok’s lineage. • In 134 B.C., Simon is assassinated by his son-in-law, but succeeded by Simon’s son, John Hyrcanus.

13. The Maccabeean Revolt

14. Parthian Empire – Eastern Threat

15. Rome’s Conquest and Exaltation Shift from more specific to more generic prophecy, as Rome waxes and Greece wanes: Then the king (???) shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. (Daniel 11:36) Rome continued to grow in dominance after Antiochus Epiphanes, while Syria and Egypt (Greece) continued shrink toward their “end”. Rome is the predetermined executioner of God’s wrath against the Jews and destroyer of Jerusalem (70 AD). After God’s wrath is completed, then Rome will cease to prosper and will then fall. Blasphemous self-exaltation of the Roman rulers, climaxed in self-deification of the Roman emperors. Although many preceding kings would have been would been arrogant, this one would be particularly worse in that it would eventually position itself against the Lord and His Messianic kingdom, the church. He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. (11:37-39) Rome and her rulers were particularly aggressive. Power and conquest would be their god. Everything else would be sacrificed, even the traditions of fathers and the passions of women. Any “god” would be worshipped, if it would expand the empire. Rome prospered, in part, because of her willingness to divide the land among “client kings”, rulers who were bought and who paid a price (bribes for taxes).

16. Conquest of Greece and Judea At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. (Daniel 11:40) In 33 B.C. at the Battle of Actium, Mark Antony’s and Cleopatra’s (king of the South) navy was defeated by Octavius (king of the North), general of Rome. Greece was finally destroyed in 31 B.C. He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. (11:41) Octavius passed through Palestine (“the Glorious Land”) and other countries, bring them into subjection. Herod the Great, who had supported Mark Antony, promised loyalty to Octavius and secured the peaceful take over of Palestine. Apparently, the Jewish enemies escaped at this time. He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. (11:42-43) Rome conquered Egypt, while Libya and Ethiopia were also subjugated. But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. (11:44) Parthia (to the east) and the German tribes (to the north) were a constant source of war for the Romans. And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him. (11:45) Although Rome would conquer Judea, he would still be ultimately destroyed by God, although not discussed here. This is only a parenthetical reminder of man’s boundaries and God’s control.

17. Roman Empire

18. Escape from Jerusalem’s Destruction “At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book.” (Daniel 12:1) Jewish wars would begin in 67 AD, and they would climax in the destruction of Jerusalem and the subjugation of many surrounding cities by Vespasian and Titus. Without God’s intervention, holy Jews, who had become Christians, would have been destroyed along with the unbelieving. Jesus had foretold this fulfillment of such trouble (Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:19). “And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase.” (12:2-4) This was a time of reawakening, a spiritual resurrection (compare to Ezekiel 37:1-14). Many would be converted. Some would apostatize. Others would increase unto glory. … The prophecy pertains unto the end of the holy people. Then I, Daniel, looked; and there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank. And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?” Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished. (12:5-7) It would be a time of suffering that would climax and culminate in the destruction of the Jews (70 AD).

19. The Patience of the Saints Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, “My lord, what shall be the end of these things?” And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:8-10) The words did not pertain to Daniel or his time. They related to the end of his people, climaxed in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. It would be a time of suffering and persecution, which would purify and refine the wise. Although Daniel did not then understand, the wise at their time would understand (“whoever reads, let him understand” … “spoken of by Daniel the prophet”, Matthew 24:15). “And from the time that the daily sacrifice is taken away, and the abomination of desolation is set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days.” (12:11-12) Much like the persecution of Antiochus Epiphanes and the victory of the Maccabees (Daniel 8:10-12, 22-25; 11:30-35), pious people of God would have to patiently wait and trust. When all hope seemed to be lost, there would be salvation (Zechariah 14:1-7). This could be a figurative reference back to Antiochus, or it may have been directly fulfilled by a desecration of the temple or the holy city. “But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the end of the days.” (12:13) Daniel did not need to worry about the fulfillment. He was not ministering unto himself – but unto us (I Peter 1:10-12). Daniel’s inheritance was sure. What about us?

20. Key Lessons? • God was not entirely silent (Daniel 7-12; Zechariah 9) • Historical Context – Explain changes from Nehemiah to Jesus. • Providential – God’s Awareness and Control (“fullness of time”). • Apologetic – Fulfilled prophecy: • Faith Building – Test of a prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-22; I Peter 2:19-21) • Faith Creating – Convert unbelievers (Isaiah 41:21-29; 44:6-8; Acts 18:24-28) • Comforting – Better understand suffering and persecution. • Correcting – Answer abusive errors (Judaism, Premillennialism).