LIBERTY UNIVERSITY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

The Antichrist of Daniel Eleven

Submitted to

Dr. Alvin Thompson, Ph. D

in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of

OBST 520

Old Testament Orientation II

by

Milton Rogers

April 29, 2015

Table of Contents

Intoduction………………………………………………………………….. page 1

Controversy of Author and Date…………………………………………….page 2

Piety and Faith of Daniel…………………………………………………….page 5

Prophecies Fulfilled………………………………………………………….page 6

Antiochus IV………………………………………………………………...Page 7

Antichrist…………………………………………………………………… page 8

Summary………………………………………………………………………page 9

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….page 11

Bibliography …………………………………………………………………..page 12

You have no page numbers showing. See the sample paper and Turabian for correct formatting.

introduction

Daniel, a contemporary of Jeremiah and Ezekiel, went into captivity to Babylon in 605B.C. when he was around fifteen years old. Jeremiah warned that the Lord would was sending the Babylonians to punish Judah. In 605 B.C. , Nebuchadnezzar led the Babylonian army to victory over the Eygptians at Carchemish, establishing control over Syria and northern Israel. Then he marched south and took some exiles including Daniel.1 “The Book of Daniel is not only one of the most intriguing works in the Bible, but it is also filled with timeless truths that are just as relevant to modern believers as they were to those who first heard them.”2 In this research paper we are going to assert that Daniel foresees the antichrist who will appear at the end of the age. There is much controversy about the antichrist. Who is he? Was he Hitler or Mussolini or some other despot that persecuted and killed people or is he yet to arrive on the world scene? In the Book of Daniel it is revealed that the Antichrist was not Antiochus IV, but a sinister figure that will arise before the Second Advent of Jesus. We will explore this controversy and come up with viable answers as to the facts of the future Antichrist. It is important to establish the facts because God revealed this to Daniel, God's servant and prophet. This research paper will attempt to help clear up the controversy so that we can have good understanding and appreciate the truthfulness of God's Word. You have too much space following this paragraph.
Controversy on Authorship and Date “Traditionally it has been held that Daniel wrote the book as it exists today. The traditional scholar states, “The prophecy is historically reliable and that its prediction are supernatural and accurate.” Why then do some modern scholars maintain that the book in its present form “was produced by an anonymous Jew during the second century B.C., writing under the pseudonym Daniel and that it consists of non historical accounts and pseudo prophecies?” 3 “The purpose of the work was to encourage Jewish believers in their struggles against the tyrant Antiochus IV Epiphanes (175-163 B.C.) during the Maccabean period.”4 they argue. “The Book of Daniel because of its detailed and accurate prophecies are the target of criticism by those who reject the concept of prophecy that predicts events beyond the immediate setting of the prophet. Many deny that Daniel could have predicted what would happen in the distant future.” 5 “One reason that they claim a late date (second century B.C) for the Book of Daniel is their inability to believe that a man can predict the future, even though divinely inspired.” Eissfeldt explains: “the Neo-Platonist Porphyry (Ca. 232-303)..In the twelfth book of his polemcial work “Against the Christians indicated the second century B.C. as the actual date of the book's composition and described the greater part of the “prophecies' as vaticinia ex eventu, “that is prophecies or predictions after the event.”6 This researcher asserts that some scholars are in error because of faulty presuppositions. Some foundational beliefs, or presuppositions are; 1. The Bible is the Word of God. Although God worked through people to produce it, it is nonetheless inspired by the Holy Spirit and is God's Word to us. 2. The Bible is trustworthy and true. 3. God has entered into human history: thus the supernatural (miracles,etc.) does occur. 4. The Bible is not contradictory; it is unified, yet diverse. Nevertheless God is bigger than we are, and he is not always easy to comprehend. Thus the Bible also has tension and mystery to it.7
We can conclude that the modern scholars if they do not believe in these foundational truths will be subject to error in the interpretation of Scriptures. Paul tells Timothy, his son in the Gospel, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2Timothy 3:16,17 KJV) “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is on any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God sapke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:20,21 KJV) The definition of 'prophet' is in order. “The Hebrew term nabi' itself designates the prophet as a spokesman for God”. “The twofold aspect of the prophets' ministry included declaring God's message for people of their day and foretelling God's actions in the future.”8 Daniel prophecies and revelations came from God.
Piety and the Faith of Daniel The piety and faithfulness of Daniel qualified him to be a true servant and prophet of God. Daniel was exiled to Babylon in 605 B.C. at around the age of fifteen. The Babylonians wanted the brightest young Jewish men to be trained to work for the king of Babylon as administrators. This part of the “research paper is to inform the reader that Daniel was an exemplary youth, who though even in a foreign land, a place were false gods were worshiped , Daniel and his companions still worshiped and served the True and Living God. When asked to eat the food from the king's table Daniel refused to eat, he found favor with the chief eunuch who was in charge of educating the Jewish exiles and persuaded him not to serve them food or wine from the king's table. Daniel did not want to defile himself by eating the king's food. Daniel persuaded the eunuch to let them drink water and eat vegetable for ten days and then compare their physical appearance with those who ate from the king's table. After ten days Daniel and his companions were better in appearance than the other youths so they continued to eat vegetables and water. Because of their faithfulness to Jehovah He blessed them with wisdom and understanding. The were considerably wiser than those who ate the king's food.” The Bible says “As for these four youths, ( Shadrach, Meshak, Abednego, Daniel), God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” (Dan. 1:17 ESV) “And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.” (Daniel 1:20 ESV) Daniel sterling character, his devotion to God made his prophecies credible to people in his day, thus we also in our times can believe what Daniel saw concerning the future.
Fulfilled Prophecies Here is the criteria that God gave for prophets, “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods that same prophet shall die. And if you say in your heart, 'How may we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?'- when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word the Lord has not spoken; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You need not be afraid of him.” (Deut. 18:21,22 ESV) The researcher goal in this section is to prove the reliability of Daniel's prediction concerning the Anti-Christ can be believed because of the fulfillment of previous prophecies. One incident that proves that Daniel was true prophet of God is the time when Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and he was troubled. He called for the magicians , the enchanters, the sorcerers, and the Chaldean be summoned to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king.” (Daniel 2:2 ESV) The king wanted the Chaldean, astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed and then give the interpretation. The wise men of Babylon could not do this, and they complained to the king that no king had ever asked wise men to do what he had asked them. The King became very irate and threatened to kill astrologers, enchanter, magicians, wise men and their families if they did not repeat the dream and then give him the interpretation. When Daniel heard this he asked for time to pray and get the answer from God. When Daniel was brought before the king, “The king declared to Daniel whose name was Belteshazzar, are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” Daniel answered the king and said , “No wise men, enchanters, magician or astrologers can show to the king the mystery that the king have asked, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries , and he has made known to king Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.” (Dan.2:28) Daniel through revelation from God tells the king what will happen in the future concerning the nations. Daniel proceeds to tell the king what he had dreamed. The king saw a great image which was very frightening to look at. The head of the image was gold, it chest made of silver, its middle and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. As you looked, a stone was cut out by no human hand, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and clay and broke them in pieces ,. Then the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold, all together were broken in pieces, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors: and the wind carried them away , so not a trace of them could be found. But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.” Daniel predicted the succession of kings, Babylon, then the Medes and Persian Greece and then the Romans. These kingdom rose and fell as predicted by Daniel. Daniel gives to the people in his day and those of today a future hope. He said the “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall be left to another people. (Daniel ch 2) Daniel's prophecy of the rise and fall of these kingdom have already come to pass. We are eagerly awaiting the full manifestation of the kingdom God will set up in the future. Daniel's prediction of the fall of Babylon came to pass. The humiliation of Nebuchadnezzar becoming like a beast of the field for seven years came to pass. When Nebuchadnezzar came to his senses, he acknowledge the sovereignty of God. Again the researcher is stating these facts to assert the accuracy of the former prophecies and interpretations of Daniel. We thus can be assured that the future prophecy concerning Antichrist will come to pass.
Antiochus IV “In the second half of the book records four prophetic visions that will affect the Jewish people in the years ahead.” 9 The vision in chapter 7 is dated from the first year of Belshazzar. In the vision Daniel sees four huge beasts. These animals were comparable to the four metal elements in the statue in chapter two. “The winged lion was a well-known symbol of ancient Babylon. “The bear represents the Medes and the Persians: the four-headed leopard symbolized Greece and the four divisions of Hellenistic Empire. The monster with the iron teeth represented the Roman Empire.”10 Daniel’s prophecy was accurate the Romans defeated the Greeks. Daniel predicted that the little horn would come out of Greek Empire. His name would be Antiochus IV. “king of Syria reigned from 175 B.C. died 164. He was the son of Antiochus the Great, and after the murder of his brother Seleucus, took possession of the Syrian throne which rightly belonged to his nephew Demetrius.”11 It is reported that Antiochus is called “the wicked” in rabbinical sources. Sources describe Antiochus as “vainglorious and fond of display to the verge of eccentricity. liberal to extravagance:his sojourn in Rome had taught him how to captivate the common people with an appearance of geniality, but in his heart he had all a cruel tyrant's contempt for his fellowmen. An officer Apolonius, was sent through the country with an armed troop, commissioned to slay and destroy.”12 “Antiochus made a royal decree that proclaimed an abolition of the Jewish mode of worship:Sabbaths and festival were not to be observed: circumcision was not to be performed; the sacred books were to be surrendered and the Jews were compelled to offer to the idols that had been erected.”13 “If anyone was caught with sacred books or circumcising anyone they would be put to death. The abomination of desolation was when pigs were sacrificed in the temple, this was the greatest affront to the Jews. The Jews rebelled against the tyrant which resulted in a revolution led my the Maccabees. Antiochus too busy with the Parthinians sent Lysias to exterminate the Jews. But the generals Ptolemaeus,Ncanor, and Gorgis were defeated one after the other(166-165). Lysias himself was defeated and fled to Antioch. Antiochus died in 164 B.C. in Persia.”14 In spite of all the terrible things that Antiochus IV had done he was not the antichrist, he was anti-Semitic because Christ had not come yet this was around 166 B.C. He was not anti Christ.
Anti-Christ
Stephen R. Miller correctly asserts that Exegetical necessity requires that 11;36-45 be applied to someone other than Antiochus IV. The context indicates that the ruler now in view will live in the last days, immediately prior to the coming of the Lord. Verse 40 reveals that the king's activities will place “at the time of the end” (cf. 10:14), and “the time of distress” mentioned in 12:1 is best understood as the same “distress” (the tribulation) predicted by Jesus in Matt 24:21 as occurring immediately before his second advent(Matt 24:29-31; cf. Rev 7:14). But the clearest indication that this “king” will live in the latter days is that the resurrection of the saints will take place immediately after God delivers his people from this evil individual's power (cf. 12:2). Footnote?

Antiochus is not the antichrist as some say he was. “First, no historical facts suggest that Antiochus exalted and magnified “himself above every god” (ver 36), or showed “no regard for the gods of his fathers” (v.38). Greek historian Polybius, a contemporary Antiochus, reported that in 166 B.C Antiochus held a festival at Daphne where he honored “all gods or spirits worshiped by people, In addition Apollo was honored on the festival's coinage.” There are other differences between
Antiochus and the eschatological king, Antiochus is prophesied as attacking the “wonderful things” in God's temple, and the Antichrist will attack God by his words. Antiochus Epiphanes is a foreshadowing of the Antichrist. This eschatological King is characterized by his willful arrogance. This king will elevate himself over every other god and and will speak “wonderful thing against the true God.”15 These facts are presented to let the reader know that Antiochus is the foreshadowing of the Eschatological King the Antichrist. Paul speaks of the antichrist in 2 Thessalonians second chapter. Says Paul, “Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed, either by a spirit or a spoken word, or a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way.” Paul goes on to say that the rebellion will come first, the man of lawlessness is revealed (antichrist) the son of destruction who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God proclaiming himself to be God.”(2 Thes 2:3, 4) Yes Paul was speaking of that escholotogical king that will come at the end of the age. The Antichrist mentioned in Daniel 11. There other antichrists besides the one spoken of in Daniel. Many antichrists are in the world, and in our society. In looking back in history we can conclude that any despot, such as Hitler or Mussolini, Stalin and other world leaders who advocate Antisemitism and abhor basic Christian principles could technically be called antichrist. Cults and religion that deny the existence of Christ, that deny His deity are antichrist. John asks, “Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. (1 John 2:22.23) The antichrist will be a charismatic leader who will come on the scene doing times of trouble. He will promise peace and security to the Jewish people and for three and a half years there will be peace then he will turn on the Jewish nation and will cruelly persecute them. Antiochus was a prototype of this Anti-Christ who will come in the last day. He will be truly antichrist for he will hate all things Christian and Jewish. He also will scorn God and just like Satan will try to be greater than God and take His place of honor. This evil spirit was resident in Satan he wanted Jesus to bow down and worship him. Jesus said that we must worship and serve God the Father only. The spirit of antichrist can come upon any of us if we do not watch and keep loving, worshiping and serving God. Paul told Timothy “But understand this that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers on money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self control, brutal. Not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lover of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4, ESV)
Summary
As we researched the life of Daniel and attempted to prove why his predictions were fulfilled. We understand that “By inspiration God speaks to the nabi', who has to transmit exactly what he receives.”16 We see how Daniel heard from God and spoke truths to kings and the common man. Further the character of this man encourage us to believe in the Words God revealed to him. Daniel also rusted in God even when he was put in the lion den. We admire him for his courage. Daniel was a true servant of God. It is shameful for anyone to think that Daniel would be deceptive by writing and predicting something after it was passed. The other prophecies of Daniel were fulfilled. The seven years that Nebuchadnezzar had a mind of an animal were fulfilled. The prediction that he gave to Belshazzar predicting the fall of Babylon. The death of the Messiah was predicted and came to pass. The point is that Daniel was accurate in the fulfillment of the other prophecies so we can be certain of coming of the antichrist, and the Second Advent of Jesus which was also foretold by Daniel. The Christian and all believers should be joyful for Daniel also told of the future resurrection of the just and the unjust and the millennial reign of Jesus, our Messiah.
Conclusion
Many modern scholars stumble over God's power. They do not believe in the omnscient God. From the beginning God predicted the defeat of Satan when He told the devil “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between her offspring and your offspring: he shall bruise your head and you shall bruise his heel.” (Gen 3:15 ESV) Daniel teaches us in his book that God is in control. He rules and reigns in the affairs of men. God is sovereign over all the nations, He speaks of the events in the future and He is able to bring it to pass. God Word is true so the believers are looking for the New Heavens and Earth and the New Jerusalem that God promised to those who believe. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven prepard as a bride adorned for her husband. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes' and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall theye be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Rev 21:2,4 KJV) Daniel was told,” And many of them that shall sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. The Lord through the Words of Daniel predicts the bless of everlasting life for the believer. (Daniel 12:2 KJV)

See the sample paper and Turabian for correct formatting of a bibliography and the bibliographic page.

Bibliographic references should be listed in alphabetical order, single spaced with a hanging indent and 2x spaced between references.

Bibliography
Miller Stephen R. The American Commentarty,Daniel, Vol. 18,Nashvile, Tn:B&H Publishing Group,1994 OK but there are many better.

Hindson Ed and Gary Yates, The Essence of the Old Testament: A Survey, Nashville: B & H Academics,2012
Not acceptable – this is a survey and not specific enough for the purposes of this paper.

www.JewishEncyclopedia.comAntiochus IV., Epiphanes OK, but se the instructions regarding the use of Internet sources. You do not have the full citation data here.

Steinmann, Andrew E. “Is the Antichrist in Daniel 11? Bibliotheca Sacra 162 (April-June 2005):195-209 Good but not formatted correctly

Schultz, Samuel J., The Old Testament Speaks, Fourth Edition,New York City: HarperCollins Publishers, 1990 Not acceptable. This is a survey and not specific enough.

Duval, J Scott and J. Daniel Hays, Grasping God's Word, Third Edition, Grand Rapids, Mich:Zondervan,2012 Not specific enough.
You need more quality sources and you need to make use of the sources you have. You have used mostly the unacceptable popular sources. You need to do more research in more serious sources.

Research Paper: Submission Rubric
Student:
Grading Key: 4-excellent; 3-satisfactory; 2-minimally acceptable; 1-needs improvement; 0-not acceptable
­­­­
STRUCTURE
Introduction is clear and interesting. 4 3 2 1 0
Paper presentation is strong and focused. 4 3 2 1 0
Each paragraph is clear and contains one major idea. 4 3 2 1 0
Transitions are clear and maintain flow of thought. 4 3 2 1 0
Conclusion is objective and rises from content. 4 3 2 1 0

CONTENT
Specified length (11–15 pages), subject, and objectives are met. 9 pages 4 3 2 1 0
The paper’s focus is clear and coherent. 4 3 2 1 0
Understanding of topic is evident. 4 3 2 1 0
Substantive; good development of ideas and concepts. 4 3 2 1 0
Assertions are clearly supported and/or illustrated. 4 3 2 1 0

GRAMMAR AND MECHANICS
Sentence fluency is coherent, unified, and varied. 4 3 2 1 0
Sentence structure is complete, clear, and concise. 4 3 2 1 0
Punctuation is correct. 4 3 2 1 0
Spelling is correct. 4 3 2 1 0
Words are precise, unambiguous, and appropriate. 4 3 2 1 0
Master’s-level language is properly used. 4 3 2 1 0

SUBMISSION
The Research Paper is submitted on or before the deadline. 4 3 2 1 0
The title page includes your name, ID number, course section, instructor name, and date. class, instructor, and date. 4 3 2 1 0

FORMAT
General appearance is neat. 4 3 2 1 0
Correct Turabian style (font, margins, etc.) is used. 4 3 2 1 0

RESEARCH PAPER SPECIFICS
The topic relates to the study of the OT prophets, psalms, or wisdom literature. 4 3 2 1 0
At least 6 graduate-level sources after 1975 are used. 4 3 2 1 0
Paper consists of relevant materials and effective research. 4 3 2 1 0
Critical thinking is evident throughout the writing. 4 3 2 1 0
Logical progression of thought and excellent organization. 4 3 2 1 0

Total Points earned: 66
Total Points possible: 100 x 1.8 = 118.8 points out of 180

Instructor Feedback: See paper
I did not correct all of the spacing or other errors. Please see the sample paper and the documents I posted in the community center on formatting and use of quotes.
Milton – I’m sorry but this paper does not reflect graduate level research and writing. I would suggest that you go back and take SEMI 500 before continuing much beyond this course. SEMI 500 will help you immensely in planning your paper, organizing it and formatting it. You need to do more scholarly research and be sure you are familiar with the arguments on both sides of an issue and know how to respond beyond simply quoting from various sources. You need to be able to put the arguments into your own words and use the sources as support or for interacting with, not just quoting them.