Two Demonic Dictators
Daniel 8:9-14, 23-27
Daniel: Serving God In A Godless Culture (Series)
Daniel 8:9-14 9
Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land. Antiochus Epiphanes and the Antichrist’s cruelty. Daniel foresaw Antiochus’ evil rule 350 years beforehand. 10 It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. 11 It set itself up to be as great as the commander of the army of the Lord; it took away the daily sacrifice from the Lord, and his sanctuary was thrown down. 12 Because of rebellion, the Lord’s people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground. Antiochus Defeated the Saints, defiled the sanctuary, and destroyed the scripture. 13 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, “How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled—the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, the surrender of the sanctuary and the trampling underfoot of the Lord’s people?” 14 He said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconsecrated.”
How long will God let this evil go on? The Antichrist who comes to power during the Tribulation.
Daniel 8:23-27 23
“In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise. He will be dynamic and influential. 24 He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people. His power will be demonic. His persecution of the saints will be horrific. 25 He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power He will be deceitful, defiant, defeated, and destroyed. 26 “The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.” 27 I, Daniel, was worn out. I lay exhausted for several days. Then I got up and went about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding.
The prophetic vision was proven with Antiochus, to assure us about the destruction of the Antichrist.
