Daniel 11
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
Daniel 11:20-45
MacArthur adds: The prophet transitions from the historical invasion of Judah by Babylon to the future day of the Lord. He speaks of the Great Tribulation, when the Lord will gather all the nations for judgment (cf. Joel 3:1,2,12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17; Zech 12:2,3; 14:2; Mt. 24:21). The faithful remnant, presumably the meek of Zeph 2:1, 2, 3, are exhorted to wait in trust for Him to carry out His judgment. (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible Nashville: Word) For that which is decreed will be done - This phrase alludes to the sovereignty of God even over the time of this evil ruler and serves as a good reminder to all of us that God is in control, even when events and circumstances seem to us "out of control". We see a similar statement in Isaiah 10… For a complete destruction one that is decreed, the Lord God of hosts will execute in the midst of the whole land. Therefore thus says the Lord God of hosts, “O My people who dwell in Zion, do not fear the Assyrian who strikes you with the rod and lifts up his staff against you, the way Egypt did. For in a very little while My indignation (Heb = za'am = intense anger, curse) against you will be spent and My anger will be directed to their destruction. (Is 10:23, 24, 25+). I agree with John MacArthur who comments: The indignation covers the entire period of Israel’s exile (Isa 26:20; Da 11:36). Here is the promise that it will end with the return of the Messiah (Isa 11:1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6-16+). Dr John Walvoord sums up this verse noting that…Beginning with verse 36, a sharp break in the prophecy may be observed, introduced by the expression the time of the end in verse 35. Up to this point, the prophecy dealing with the Persian and Grecian Empires has been fulfilled minutely and with amazing precision. Beginning with verse 36, however, an entirely different situation obtains. No commentator claims to find precise fulfillment in the remainder of this chapter. Although Zöckler and others attempt to relate Daniel 11:36-45 to Antiochus (Antiochus IV Epiphanes), many students of Scripture have recognized from antiquity that another king must be in view (Ed: Even if they did not necessarily identify him as the Antichrist). Ibn Ezra, for example, identified this king with Constantine the Great; Rashi and Calvin referred him to the Roman Empire as a whole; and Jerome, Theodoret, and Luther, among others, identified him with the New Testament Antichrist. (Daniel 11 World History From Darius To The Time Of The End) Daniel 11:37 "HE WILL SHOW NO REGARD FOR THE GODS OF HIS FATHERS OR FOR THE DESIRE OF WOMEN, NOR WILL HE SHOW REGARD FOR ANY OTHER GOD; FOR HE WILL MAGNIFY HIMSELF ABOVE THEM ALL. Regard: Ge 3:16 Dt 5:21 21:11 Song 7:10 Eze 24:16 1Ti 4:3 regard: Ge 3:5 Isa 14:13 2Th 2:4 Daniel 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Show no regard - Antichrist although from a religious background (the specifics of which are debatable) will turn his back on his ancestral religion. It should be noted that this aspect of the king's behavior/preference was the opposite of the practice of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, who has been historically documented to be a benefactor (giver of gifts) to various pagan cults. In other words Antiochus did in fact show regard for his ancestral (pagan) gods and he did not honor a god of fortresses in place of these deities. Mark Mercer writes that… The gods of the Seleucid ancestors of Antiochus IV were Apollo, the patron and ancestor of the dynasty, as well as Zeus. Walbank points out, however, that these special relationships did not, of course, deter the various royal houses from the worship of other gods and goddesses as well and from founding cults and temples to them… How do the benefactions of Antiochus contribute to an understanding of Da 11:37, 38? Many of his gifts to Greek cities were of a religious nature, and they benefited the cults of the gods of his fathers, mentioned above, for whom the text says the king showed no regard. In addition, these gifts to various cult centers demonstrate that to say Antiochus IV did not regard any god is inaccurate (Da 11:37). To be specific, he resumed the construction of the temple of Zeus in Athens. He also made contributions to the temple of Zeus in Olympia. He built a temple for Jupiter Capitolinus at Antioch. He contributed in some way to the building or rebuilding of the temple of Apollo at Daphne. The imposition of the edict of 167B.C. involved the introduction of the Dionysus cult. Finally, during the panyguric at Daphne in the summer of 166, a vast number of images were involved in the procession and following these games Apollo was honored with a new coinage of gold staters and tetradrachms. Antiochus also contributed some statues around the altar at Delos. Delos was thought to be the birthplace of Apollo and was considered sacred to him. The above facts show that Antiochus did indeed show regard for the gods of his fathers, Apollo and Zeus, as well as to others—unlike the King of the North in Dan 11:37, 38. In conclusion, the opinions of two ancient historians note the character of Antiochus In conclusion, the opinions of two ancient historians note the character of Antiochus IV Epiphanes as it relates to religion: Nevertheless in two great and important respects his soul was truly royal— in his benefactions to cities and in the honours paid to the gods (Livy 41.20.5) But in the sacrifices he furnished to cities and in the honours he paid to the gods he far surpassed all his predecessors … (Polybius 26.1.10) From what Livy and Polybius have to say about Antiochus IV Epiphanes, to view him as the King of the North in Da 11:36-45 is difficult. This factor favors the fifth view regarding Dan 11:36-45, that a yet-future king will fulfil the prophecy. (Mark Mercer - The Benefactions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes and Daniel 11:37-38: An Exegetical Note - TMSJ 12/1; Spring 2001, p 89-93 - See article for documenting references) Clearly this documentation of Antiochus IV's affection and support of numerous pagan deities, is strong support that this passage does not refer to that historical king as some posit (suggest), but to a future, yet to be revealed king. The gods of his fathers - "Gods" is the Hebrew word Elohim and thus one could also translate this passage as "The God of his fathers", which has led some to suggest that the Antichrist is Jewish. E.g., we see this phrase in the description of Amon, the son of Manasseh, the writer recording that Amon… forsook the LORD, the God of his fathers, and did not walk in the way of the LORD. (2Ki 21:22) Most commentators feel this phrase signifies that the Antichrist simply rejects the religion practiced by his parents without specifying the religion. The desire of women - This phrase has also led some to favor a Jewish origin for the Antichrist because Jewish women often expressed the desire to be the mother of the Messiah (cf Hag 2:7KJV which uses "desire" to refer to Messiah). Certainly the Antichrist (anti = against or instead of) will show no regard for Christ (cf 1Jn 2:22) and will magnify himself above Christ. Some commentators interpret this phrase as signifying Antichrist has no desire for women (some even saying this suggests he is of homosexual orientation) and/or that he is virtually devoid of natural affection. Will magnify himself above them all (cf 2Th 2:3,4) - Ultimately the Antichrist will demand that all the earth’s inhabitants worship him above God or even so-called gods (Rev 13:12-note, Rev 13:14-note, Rev 13:15-note). The Lxx for magnify is megaluno = to cause to be held in greater esteem through praise or deeds -- exalt, glorify, magnify, speak highly of Daniel 11:38 "BUT INSTEAD HE WILL HONOR A GOD OF FORTRESSES, A GOD WHOM HIS FATHERS DID NOT KNOW; HE WILL HONOR HIM WITH GOLD, SILVER, COSTLY STONES AND TREASURES. A god: Rev 13:12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 17:1, 2, 3, 4, 5 18:12 Daniel 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries But instead - Instead of the gods of his fathers. A god of fortresses (Heb = ma'oz = strongholds, place or means of safety) - This phrase refers to Antichrist's honoring of military strength, might or power. What a marked contrast with believers who see the Almighty as their stronghold, refuge, strength or place of safety (Nah 1:7, 2Sa 22:33, Neh 8:10 = strength, Isa 25:4 = defense, Pr 10:29, Ps 28:8 = defense, Ps 31:2 = strength, Ps 43:2). The Antichrist's honoring of a false god as his strength reminds one of the words of the Psalmist… Behold, the man who would not make God his refuge, but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and was strong in his evil desire. (Ps 52:7) Keil comments that…The god of fortresses is the personification of war, and the thought is this: he will regard no other god, but only war; the taking of fortresses he will make his god; and he will worship this god above all as the means of his gaining the world-power. His fathers - This phrase is used about 70x in Bible and almost every time refers to Jewish ancestral line. While one cannot be dogmatic as discussed above, this phrase could suggest that the Antichrist has a Jewish ancestry. This line of reasoning would also be consistent with the idea of "anti" = instead of. Thus the "counterfeit Christ" the one who is "instead of" the True Christ might logically be expected to be Jewish thus fulfilling OT prophecies that the Messiah (Christ) would be of this line. He will honor him - Antichrist will fortify the god of fortresses by providing a generous "budget" for a military arsenal, even as if it were an "offering" to this personified deity! That Antichrist honors a "god of fortresses" is seem by his continual engagement in war -- Da 11:40, 42, 43, 44, 45; Da 7:8, Da 7:24 Rev 13:4; Rev 16:13, 14, 15, 16). Lehman Strauss has an interesting note…"God of forces" should read "goddess of strongholds." (Ed: I'm not sure this is correct as the Hebrew noun is masculine) Even though the Antichrist shall not have regard for any god at all, verses 38 and 39 seem to teach that he will create his own god, which is love of warfare and victory. With some people their god is sex, or money, or prestige, but with the Antichrist the pride of his heart will be to have men at his feet. If they will not yield to him willingly, then he will bring them there by force. Gold and silver and mere things hold no attraction for Satan. He is "the prince (ruler) of this world" (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11), and the whole world is his sphere of operation (1John 5:19), but he must be the mighty master of men and angels. To bind the Antichrist to himself he will offer him particular honors and influence. The seventieth week will be Satan's greatest hour, and he will make the most of it. The Antichrist will be his willing tool, doing his bidding completely. (BORROW The prophecies of Daniel) Daniel 11:39 "HE WILL TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE STRONGEST OF FORTRESSES WITH THE HELP OF A FOREIGN GOD; HE WILL GIVE GREAT HONOR TO THOSE WHO ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AND WILL CAUSE THEM TO RULE OVER THE MANY, AND WILL PARCEL OUT LAND FOR A PRICE. A price: Rev 18:9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Daniel 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries With the help of a foreign god - In context this to best be interpreted as a "god whom his fathers did not know" in the preceding verse. Some interpret this as an allusion to Satan, who is described by John as the "power" behind the Antichrist (cf Rev 13:2-note) Foreign (05236) (nekar) means alien, strange, as of a deity that is not the true God (eg, Ge 35:2, Dt 32:12, of idols Jer 8:19). Nekar - 35x in 34v - NAS = aliens (2), foreign(16), foreigner (6), foreigners (10), strange(1). Gen 17:12, 27; 35:2, 4; Ex 12:43; Lev 22:25; Dt 31:16; 32:12; Josh 24:20, 23; Jdg 10:16; 1Sa 7:3; 2Sa 22:45, 46; 2Chr 14:3; 33:15; Neh 9:2; 13:30; Ps 18:44, 45; 81:9; 137:4; 144:7, 11; Isa 56:3, 6; 61:5; 62:8; Jer 5:19; 8:19; Ezek 44:7, 9; Da 11:39; Mal 2:11. He will give great honor to those who acknowledge him - Antichrist will reward (? bribe) those who worship/honor/express loyalty to him, even as Antiochus had done in a foreshadowing action (Da 11:24 "he will distribute plunder, booty and possessions among them"). So just as with the despicable Antiochus Epiphanes, Antichrist has those who will acknowledge him (apostatize) and come over to his side, in essence "selling their soul" in order to get favors from him. In fact, Revelation 13 says that And he (the second beast or False Prophet) causes all, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free men and the slaves, to be given a mark on their right hand, or on their forehead, and he provides that no one should be able to buy or to sell, except the one who has the mark, either the name of the beast or the number of his name. (Rev 13:16-note, Rev 13:17-note; See their horrible everlasting destiny = Rev 14:9-note, Rev 14:10-note, Rev 14:11-note = the cost of "selling one's soul"! cf Mt 10:28) Gangel adds that…The ultimate politicians, both Antiochus and Antichrist know how to manipulate people by rewards (make them rulers) and political payoffs (distribute the land at a price). (See Holman Old Testament Commentary - Daniel) Daniel 11:40 "AT THE END TIME THE KING OF THE SOUTH WILL COLLIDE WITH HIM, AND THE KING OF THE NORTH WILL STORM AGAINST HIM WITH CHARIOTS, WITH HORSEMEN AND WITH MANY SHIPS; AND HE WILL ENTER COUNTRIES, OVERFLOW THEM AND PASS THROUGH. at the: Da 11:35 8:17 12:4 king of the south: Da 11:5,6 Eze 38:14-18 like: Isa 5:28 21:1 66:15 Jer 4:13 Zec 9:14 with horsemen: Eze 38:4,15 Rev 9:16 16:12 overflow: Da 11:10,22 Daniel 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries At the time of the end - (see time phrases) In context, this time phrase clearly conveys an eschatological (speaking of future things) meaning. The king of the North - Who is the King of the North? Commentators speculate that this might be Russia, but I think one cannot be dogmatic. Those who are living in the end time will undoubtedly know clearly to whom this refers to as they view current events on CNN! One gains little by attempting to speculate too much on the exact meaning of some the clearly future events described in Da 11:40-45. I agree with Kenneth Gangel who says "If the angel intends to stay with his imagery from the beginning, the Antichrist may find himself battling Egypt and Syria. But one arriving at such a conclusion with any amount of dogmatism does so only to his or her peril." (See Holman Old Testament Commentary - Daniel) He will enter countries, overflow them and pass through - Like a flood flows through the land, this metaphor pictures his military might as overwhelming the enemies. As to who the "he" is in this passage, there is some disagreement, but the context would still seem to favor that this pronoun refers to the Antichrist. Daniel 11:41 HE WILL ALSO ENTER THE BEAUTIFUL LAND, AND MANY COUNTRIES WILL FALL; BUT THESE WILL BE RESCUED OUT OF HIS HAND: EDOM, MOAB AND THE FOREMOST OF THE SONS OF AMMON. Enter: Da 11:45 Eze 38:8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 But these: Isa 11:13, 14, 15 Jer 9:26 48:47 49:6 Daniel 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries He will also enter the beautiful (KJV - "glorious", YLT - "desirable") land (cf Da 8:9-note, Da 11:16-note) - The Antichrist comes into Israel. As an aside some commentators such as the generally well respected author Leupold inappropriately associate this phrase with the church, which in a word, makes no sense whatsoever and thus is nonsense! One is reminded again of the importance of holding fast to the golden rule of interpretation in prophecy (and all Scripture for that matter)… If the plain sense makes good sense (in context), seek to make no other sense or it is (potentially) nonsense! (cf 2Ti 2:15-note) Beautiful land - This is the third of four references to beautiful land, the land of Israel - Da 8:9, 11:16, 11:41, 45. The reason it is beautiful (in my opinion) is because it is the birthplace of the Beautiful One and the future place of His reign as King of kings. He alone can make all things beautiful in His time! Beautiful (beauty, glory) (06643)(tsebi/tsebiy) is a masculine noun tsebi means "glory" (glorious) or "beauty" (beautiful) in the 18 uses in the NASB. Notice that the KJV has 32 uses and 14 not in the NASB have a distinctly different meaning than beauty referring to a gazelle or roebuck. Tsebiy describes Israel ("flowing with milk and honey which is the glory of all the lands" = Ezek 20:6, 15, Da 8:9, 11:16, 11:41, 45 = Temple Mount), the Messiah a Righteous Branch, a beautiful crown (Isa 4:2, Isa 24:16, Isa 28:5), the kingdom of Babylon (Isa 13:19), Ephraim (Isa 28:1). From these uses it is interesting to observe that tsebiy most often depicts the glory or beauty of a land or nation, but as noted also depicts the beauty of the Messiah! Gilbrant - The cognate verb in Aramaic means "to be pleased". In the OT, tsebi most frequently occurs to describe the beauty of various locations. The beauty of Babylon, Tyre and Moab are all subject to destruction at the hand of God (Isa. 13:19; 23:9; Ezek. 25:9). Tsebi describes the land of Israel. Jeremiah describes it as "a goodly [beautiful] heritage of the hosts" (Jer. 3:19). In Daniel, Jerusalem and the Temple are called the "glorious Land" (Da 8:9; 11:16, 41), and the temple hill is the "glorious Holy Mountain" (Da 11:45). David lamented the deaths of Jonathan and Saul, describing them as the slain "beauty of Israel" (2Sa 1:19). Ezekiel prophesied the punishment of God's people, because they transformed the beauty of God's decorations into objects of their own pride (Ezek 7:20). This proclamation likely alludes to events such as the fashioning of the golden calf (cf. Ex. 32:2ff). In Isaiah's prophecy, the fruit of the earth becomes the beauty of the remnant of Israel (Isa. 4:2). Isaiah prophesied judgment against the Northern Kingdom and contrasted their ephemeral beauty with the beautiful crown of God's remnant. He said that the wreaths with which they adorned themselves were dying as their "glorious beauty" faded (Isa 28:1, 4). But the Lord himself would become the beautiful crown of the remnant (Isa 28:5). In Isa. 24:16, tsebi is a word of praise, "glory to the righteous [One]." Here tsebi speaks of the glory of the righteous which is marked, not by physical beauty, but more likely by the justice of righteous judgment (cf. 28:5f). (Complete Biblical Library Hebrew-English Dictionary) NASB - 18v Usage: Beautiful(3), beautiful(4), beauty(4), glorious beauty(2), glory(5).- KJV - 32v KJV translates tsebiy as - roe 9, roebuck 5, glory 8, glorious 6, beautiful 1, beauty 1, goodly 1, pleasant 1; 32 - Deut 12:15, 22; 14:5; 15:22; 2 Sam 1:19; 2:18; 1 Kgs 4:23; 1 Chr 12:8; Prov 6:5; Song 2:7, 9, 17; 3:5; 8:14; Isa 4:2; 13:14, 19; 23:9; 24:16; 28:1, 4f; Jer 3:19; Ezek 7:20; 20:6, 15; 25:9; 26:20; Dan 8:9; 11:16, 41, 45. 2 Samuel 1:19 "Your beauty, O Israel, is slain on your high places! How have the mighty fallen! Isaiah 4:2 In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth will be the pride and the adornment of the survivors of Israel. Isaiah 13:19 And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans' pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. Isaiah 23:9 The LORD of hosts has planned it, to defile the pride of all beauty, To despise all the honored of the earth. Isaiah 24:16 From the ends of the earth we hear songs, "Glory to the Righteous One," But I say, "Woe to me! Woe to me! Alas for me! The treacherous deal treacherously, And the treacherous deal very treacherously." Isaiah 28:1 Woe to the proud crown of the drunkards of Ephraim, And to the fading flower of its glorious beauty, Which is at the head of the fertile valley Of those who are overcome with wine! 4 And the fading flower of its glorious beauty, Which is at the head of the fertile valley, Will be like the first-ripe fig prior to summer, Which one sees, And as soon as it is in his hand, He swallows it. 5 In that day the LORD of hosts will become a beautiful crown And a glorious diadem to the remnant of His people; Jeremiah 3:19 "Then I said, 'How I would set you among My sons And give you a pleasant land, The most beautiful inheritance of the nations!' And I said, 'You shall call Me, My Father, And not turn away from following Me.' Ezekiel 7:20 'They transformed the beauty of His ornaments into pride, and they made the images of their abominations and their detestable things with it; therefore I will make it an abhorrent thing to them. Ezekiel 20:6 on that day I swore to them, to bring them out from the land of Egypt into a land that I had selected for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands. 15 "Also I swore to them in the wilderness that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands, Ezekiel 25:9 therefore, behold, I am going to deprive the flank of Moab of its cities, of its cities which are on its frontiers, the glory of the land, Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon and Kiriathaim, Ezekiel 26:20 then I will bring you down with those who go down to the pit, to the people of old, and I will make you dwell in the lower parts of the earth, like the ancient waste places, with those who go down to the pit, so that you will not be inhabited; but I will set glory in the land of the living. Daniel 8:9 Out of one of them came forth a rather small horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Beautiful Land. Daniel 11:16 "But he who comes against him will do as he pleases, and no one will be able to withstand him; he will also stay for a time in the Beautiful Land, with destruction in his hand. 41 "He will also enter the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall; but these will be rescued out of his hand: Edom, Moab and the foremost of the sons of Ammon. 45 "He will pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the seas and the beautiful Holy Mountain; yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him. The beautiful (tsebi/tsebiy) land is not the church but Israel, the land which God promised to His chosen people (cf God's unconditional, unbreakable promise in Ge 15:18, 19, 20, 21), as recorded in Ezekiel where God says "on that day (Read Ezek 20:4) I swore to them, to bring them out from the land of Egypt into a land that I had selected for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory (tsebiy) of all lands." (Ezekiel 20:6) Why do I say the reference is not to the church? Because there are comments like those of Jeske who writes "In New Testament terms, the Holy Christian church is the “Beautiful Land” where the triune God resides with all his grace and his favor." (The People's Bible: Daniel). Edom, Moab… Ammon - These countries will be spared from the wrath of the Antichrist. Why? We cannot state with certainty therefore it is useless to speculate. Daniel 11:42 THEN HE WILL STRETCH OUT HIS HAND AGAINST OTHER COUNTRIES, AND THE LAND OF EGYPT WILL NOT ESCAPE. Stretch out: Eze 29:14 Zec 10:10,11 14:17 Rev 11:8 Daniel 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Stretch out his hand against other countries - The hand is repeatedly used as a metaphor symbolizing power or might, indicating the Antichrist will wield his dominant power against countries such as Egypt. The land of Egypt - The fact that Egypt is specifically named suggests that this indeed refers to literal Egypt, which is not a powerful nation in our time but will achieve some degree of power in the future. Hand (03027) yad is feminine noun meaning hand and figuratively meaning strength. Vine has a lengthy discussion of yad - "hand; side; border; alongside; hand-measure; portion; arm (rest); monument; manhood (male sex organ); power; rule." This word has cognates in most of the other Semitic languages. Biblical Hebrew attests it about 1,618 times and in every period. The primary sense of this word is "hand": "And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life…" (Gen. 3:22, the first biblical occurrence). Sometimes the word is used in conjunction with an object that can be grasped by the "hand": "And if he smite him with throwing a stone [literally, "hand stone"]…" (Num. 35:17). In a similar usage, the word means "human": "…He shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand [i.e., human agency]" (Dan. 8:25; cf. Job 34:20). In Isa. 49:2, "hand" is used of God; God tells Moses that He will put His "hand" over the mouth of the cave and protect him. This is a figure of speech, an anthropomorphism, by which God promises His protection. God's "hand" is another term for God's "power" (cf. Jer. 16:21). The phrase "between your hands" may mean "upon your chest": "And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands [upon your chest]?" (Zech. 13:6). Yād is employed in several other noteworthy phrases. The "lifting of the hand" may be involved in "taking an oath" (Gen. 14:22). "Shaking" [literally, "giving one's hand"] is another oath-taking gesture (cf. Prov. 11:21). For "one's hands to be on another" (Gen. 37:27) or "laid upon another" (Exod. 7:4) is to do harm to someone. "Placing one's hands with" signifies "making common cause with someone" (Exod. 23:1). If one's hand does not "reach" something, he is "unable to pay" for it (Lev. 5:7, rsv). When one's countryman is "unable to stretch out his hand to you," he is not able to support himself (Lev. 25:35). "Putting one's hand on one's mouth" is a gesture of silence (Prov. 30:32). "Placing one's hands under someone" means submitting to him (1 Chron. 29:24). "Giving something into one's hand" is entrusting it to him (Gen. 42:37). A second major group of passages uses yād to represent the location and uses of the hand. First, the word can mean "side," where the hand is located: "And Absalom rose up early and stood beside the way of the gate…" (2 Sam. 15:2). In 2 Chron. 21:16, the word means "border": "Moreover the Lord stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians, that were near [literally, "by the hand of"] the Ethiopians." A similar use in Exod. 25 applies this word to the "banks" of the Nile River: "And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river; and her maidens walked along by the [Nile]…." In this sense, yād can represent "length and breadth." In Gen. 34:21 we read that the land was (literally) "broad of hands": "These men are peaceable with us; therefore let them dwell in the land, and trade therein; for the land, behold, it is large enough for them…." Second, since the hand can receive only a part or fraction of something, the word can signify a "part" or "fraction": "And he took and sent [portions] unto them from before him: but Benjamin's [portion] was five times so much as any of theirs" (Gen. 43:34). Third, yād comes to mean that which upholds something, a "support" (1 Kings 7:35ff.) or an "arm rest" (1 Kings 10:19). Fourth, since a hand may be held up as a "sign," yād can signify a "monument" or "stele": "…Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place [monument], and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal" (1 Sam. 15:12). Fifth, yād sometimes represents the "male sex organ": "…And art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovest their bed where thou sawest it [you have looked on their manhood]" (Isa. 57:8; cf. v. Isa. 57:10; Isa. 6:2; Isa. 7:20). In several passages, yād is used in the sense of "power" or "rule": "And David smote Hadarezer king of Zobah unto Hamath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates" (1 Chron. 18:3). "To be delivered into one's hands" means to be "given into one's power": "God hath delivered him into mine hand; for he is shut in, by entering into a town that hath gates and bars" (1 Sam. 23:7; cf. Prov. 18:21). "To fill someone's hand" may be a technical term for "installing him" in office: "And thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him; and shalt anoint them, and consecrate them [literally, "fill their hands"], and sanctify them, that they may minister unto me in the priest's office" (Exod. 28:41). Yād is frequently joined to the preposition b(e) and other prepositions as an extension; there is no change in meaning, only a longer form: "For what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand?" (1 Sam. 26:18). (Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words online) See also 4-5 page discussion on the Biblical images of HAND - from Dictionary of Biblical Imagery (online) Daniel 11:43 "BUT HE WILL GAIN CONTROL OVER THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF GOLD AND SILVER AND OVER ALL THE PRECIOUS THINGS OF EGYPT; AND LIBYANS AND ETHIOPIANS WILL FOLLOW AT HIS HEELS. Libyans: Jer 46:9,10 Eze 38:5 At his: Ex 11:8 Jdg 4:10 Daniel 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries He will gain control - The Antichrist will take valuable booty in the land of Egypt. Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels - Further evidence of his charismatic influence over earth dwellers. Daniel 11:44 BUT RUMORS FROM THE EAST AND FROM THE NORTH WILL DISTURB HIM, AND HE WILL GO FORTH WITH GREAT WRATH TO DESTROY AND ANNIHILATE MANY. East: Da 11:11,30 Eze 38:9, 10, 11, 12 Rev 16:12 17:13 19:19, 20, 21 Daniel 11 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries While it is not possible to be dogmatic as to the timing of the event in Daniel 11:36-45, the events in this verse suggest it is almost surely the last half of the 7 years of Daniel's Seventieth Week, during which the Antichrist unveils his ''true colors''. He is indeed the "son of destruction" (2Th 2:3), a very destructive man even as foreshadowed by the despicable Antiochus IV Epiphanes. Rumors from the east and from the north will disturb him - The exact meaning of this phrase is uncertain. The east - While one cannot be dogmatic, this could refer to the armies described in the Revelation of Jesus Christ (see Rev 9:13, 14,15, 16, 17, 18, 19-notes and Rev 16:12-note). In his commentary on the Revelation, Dr Tony
Daniel 11:20-45
MacArthur - To face the latest threats, the willful king sets up his command post between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea (and/or Sea of Galilee) and the holy mountain of Jerusalem, his troops filling the land (cf. Zec 12:2, 3+; Zech 14:2, 3+; Rev 19:17–21+). No one is able to help him against God, Who, by the return of Christ, brings him to his end (cf. Rev 19:20). (Borrow MacArthur Study Bible) Roy Gingrich - Around Jerusalem, the Antichrist and his opponents at first will fight each other and then they will join forces to fight Christ at His Second Advent. Christ will destroy these forces and their leaders, Dan. 2:35; 7:11, 26; 9:27; 2 Thess. 1:7, 8; Rev. 19:20, 21. John