The Antichrist: His Role in the End-Times
I. THE ANTICHRIST IN THE BOOK OF DANIEL
A. Daniel recorded four visions for us in Scripture (Daniel 7:1-28; 8:1-27; 9:24-27; 10:4-12:13). The Antichrist’s great
power, fierce cruelty and eventual defeat by the sudden manifestation of God’s sovereign power are central to all four
visions. God’s people must feed on Daniel’s revelations before the Antichrist emerges. The first two visions (Daniel 7 and
Daniel 8) contain symbolism explained by an angel. The next two visions (Daniel 9 and Daniel 10-12) have no symbolism.
B. The two most detailed prophecies about the Antichrist in the OT are found in Daniel 8:9-26 and Daniel 11:21-36.
They are parallel to Revelation 13 (most detailed NT prophecy about the Antichrist).
C. The Daniel 8 vision focuses on the Antichrist’s personality and power, whereas the one in Daniel 11, describes his
religious and military conflicts and activities. In Daniel 8 and 11, the actions of King Antiochus Epiphanes of Syria and his
12 year reign (175-164 BC) give us a prophetic picture of the Antichrist. He was a cruel man who was one of Israel’s
greatest persecutors. God disciplined Israel through Antiochus as a prophetic picture of His discipline of Israel through
the Antichrist.
D. The relationship between Antiochus and the Antichrist is that of type and antitype, thus, the Antichrist may be
from the same territory that Antiochus IV ruled (Syria or Babylon). The Antichrist will also come from the Roman Empire
(Daniel 9:26). Some commentators seek to dismiss these prophecies by saying that they were ALL fulfilled in the career
of Antiochus Epiphanies. However, less than half of the prophetic details in Daniel 8 and Daniel 11 were actually fulfilled
in Antiochus’ life. They will be completely fulfilled only in the Antichrist’s evil career.
II. THE ANTICHRIST’S PERSONALITY AND POWER (DANIEL 8:23-25)
23 In the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have reached their fullness, a king (Antichrist) shall arise,
having fierce features (strong countenance: cruel without compassion), who understands sinister schemes (complex
problems: spiritual and natural). 24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power (demonic, Revelation 13:2); he
shall destroy fearfully (unique), and shall prosper and thrive; he shall destroy the mighty (world leaders), and also the holy
people (Israel). 25 Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper (lying signs; 2 Thessalonians 2:9) under his rule;
and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of
princes (Jesus); but he shall be broken without human means (2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 19:20). (Daniel 8:23-25)
A. A king shall arise (v. 23) – the Antichrist will be a political leader.
B. In the latter time of their kingdom (v. 23) – this is specifically a prophecy about the End-Times.
C. When the transgressors have reached their fullness (v. 23) – sin will reach its greatest heights (ever known in
history) in the generation that the Lord returns.
D. He will have fierce features (v. 23) – strong countenance: cruel without compassion or mercy. The Antichrist is
called a beast 36 times in the Book of Revelation because he will be so cruel that it will be impossible to reason with him
or to receive mercy from him.
E. He will understand sinister schemes (v. 23) – complex problems in the spiritual realm (occult) as well as in the
natural realm of politics, war and economics, etc.
F. His power shall be mighty but not by his own power (v. 24) – the Antichrist’s source of power will be satanic. It will
be more than merely human power.
2 The dragon (Satan) gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. (Revelation 13:2)
G. He shall destroy fearfully (v. 24) – he will come up with unique ways to kill in a way that brings great fear. For
example, the use of the gas ovens in the holocaust was unique and terrifying.
H. He shall prosper and thrive (v. 24) – He will seem totally invincible to the nations (Revelation 13:4).
I. He shall destroy the mighty and the holy people (v. 24) – world leaders and the remnant of Israel
J. Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule (v. 25) – with convincing lies backed up by
demonic signs to confirm them (2 Thessalonians 2:9)
K. He shall exalt himself in his heart (v. 25) – He will see his agenda as the only one that matters.
L. He shall destroy many in their prosperity (v. 25) – he will not be intimidated before the rich
M. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes (v. 25) – Jesus
N. He shall be broken without human means (v. 25) – Jesus will descend from heaven to destroy him
(2 Thessalonians 2:8; Revelation 19:20)
III. THE ANTICHRIST’S RELIGIOUS AND MILITARY ACTIVITIES (DANIEL 11:36-12:3)
A. In Daniel 10-12, we have the account of one of Daniel’s visionary experiences. In Daniel 10, we see circumstance
of Daniel’s 21 days of prayer with fasting and how the angel of the Lord visited him. The angel gave him the most detailed
prophecy in the Bible. It foretold of the conflict in the Middle East from Daniel’s day until the time of Antiochus IV. The
angel gave us details of the Antichrist’s reign of terror including his religious attitudes (Daniel 11:36-39), his military
conflicts in the Middle East (Daniel 11:40-45) and his defeat (Daniel 12:1-3)
B. There are three sections in Daniel 11. First, Daniel 11:1-20 provides a history from Daniel’s generation until
Antiochus Epiphanes. Second, Daniel 11:21-35 gives us details that have a double fulfillment in the life of Antiochus
and the Antichrist. Third, Daniel 11:36-12:3, gives us insight into the Antichrist as the king. Antiochus Epiphanes is
not referred to at all in this section.
C. There are three parts of Daniel 11:36-12:3. First, the Antichrist’s religious attitudes (Daniel 11:36-39). Second,
the Antichrist’s military activities (Daniel 11:40-45). Third, the victory of God’s people over the Antichrist (Daniel 12:1-3).
D. The two most informative chapters in the Scripture on the Antichrist are Daniel 11 and Revelation 13. They each
have a different emphasis. In Daniel 11:36-39, we see the Antichrist’s inner thoughts about religion. Only in Revelation
13, do we understand his plan to be the only religion on earth. In Daniel 11:40-45, we see his regional military conflicts
in the Middle East. In Revelation 13:11-18, we see his miracles, economic sanctions, and legislative powers to kill all who
resist him.
IV. ANTICHRIST’S RELIGIOUS ATTITUDE: HIS ARROGANCE (DANIEL 11:36-37)
36 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…37 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.
(Daniel 11:36-37)
A. The king (v. 36) – The Antichrist will be a king (political leader) who will live in the End-Times just before Jesus’
Coming and when Israel is completely delivered (Daniel 11:40; 12:1-3; 10:14). This king was referred to earlier as the
"little horn" (Daniel 7:8), “another king” (Daniel 7:24) and the “prince to come" (Daniel 9:26). Some view Antiochus IV as
the king in Daniel 11:36-45. However, the historical facts of Antiochus's life and military career do not fit this passage.
For example, Antiochus did not exalt himself above every god (11:36-37), nor did he reject "the gods of his fathers," nor
worship "a god unknown to his fathers" (11:38). Rather he worshiped the Greek pantheon that his fathers did and built
an altar to Zeus in the Jerusalem temple. Antiochus IV did not die or "come to his end" in Israel (11:45). He died at
Tabae in Persia.
B. The king shall do according to his own will (v. 36) – The Antichrist’s arrogance is seen as he does his own will
without fear of consequences from God or man. The Antichrist seeking to do his own will counterfeits what only the God
of Israel can do. He alone can act as He pleases without being eventually judged and destroyed (Daniel 4:35).
C. He shall exalt and magnify himself above every god (v. 36) – The Antichrist’s unique political, military, economic,
religious power and intelligence will fill him with pride as he claims deity.
3 The man of sin…the son of perdition, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped,
so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
D. He shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods (v. 36) – He will claim things about himself that are shocking
as he speaks with terrible boldness against God (Daniel 7:8, 11, 20, 25; 2 Thessalonians 2:4). John said that he shall
speak “great things” as "unheard of things" or "extraordinary things."
8 In this horn (Antichrist) was…a mouth speaking pompous words…11 The pompous words which the horn was
speaking…20 that horn had…a mouth which spoke pompous words…25 He shall speak pompous words against the
Most High… (Daniel 7:8, 11, 20, 25)
5 He was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies …6 he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God,
to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle… (Revelation 13:5-6)
E. He shall prosper (v. 36) – The Antichrist will appear to deliver the world from its global political, economic, spiritual
and military crisis (Matthew 24:7-8).
25 Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; and he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall
destroy many in their prosperity. (Daniel 8:25)
21 A vile person…shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. (Daniel 11:21)
4 They worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?" (Revelation 13:4)
F. He shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done (v. 36) – He
will seem to be invincible as he prospers until God suddenly stops him. He is only a tool of God’s judgment on apostate
Israel and on the wickedness of the nations (Revelation 13).
11 I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. (Daniel 7:11)
G. He shall not regard the God of his fathers (v. 37) – The Antichrist shall despise the religious heritage in which he
grew up. The phrase the "God of his fathers," can be singular or plural. (some translate it as the "gods of his fathers"). In
the singular as "the God of your fathers" it is specifically a biblical phrase for those of a devout Jewish heritage. Manasseh
humbled himself before the God of his fathers (2 Chronicles 33:12). Ananias told Paul that the God of our fathers had
chosen him in a special way (Acts 22:14). This verse causes some to conclude that the Antichrist will grow up in a Jewish
home.
15 To cause as many as would not worship the…beast to be killed. (Revelation 13:15)
H. He shall not regard the desire of women (v. 37) – Some translate this as the "desire for women” meaning that he
will hate women in every way.
I. He shall nor regard any god (v. 37) – The Antichrist will have a total anti-God policy because he will require all to
worship him at the cost of their lives (Rev 13:15). There is no evidence that Antiochus resisted all religion.
J. He shall exalt himself above them all (v. 37) – He will view himself as more important and powerful than the
concerns of women and religion.
V. ANTICHRIST’S RELIGIOUS ATTITUDE: WORSHIP OF WAR (DANIEL 11:38-39)
38 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. 39 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. (Daniel 11:38-39)
A. In the place of regarding or worshipping the gods (or "God") of his fathers, all other gods and women, he shall
honor a god of fortresses or the god of military power (unknown by his fathers) with gold and silver (v. 38a). The god of
fortresses speaks of demons who work to promote war. His god will be war or military conquest (Daniel 11:40-45; 7:8,
24; Revelation 13:4; 16:13-16).
B. The Antichrist will honor the god of military strength by spending unprecedented amounts of money on developing
his military (with gold and silver, precious stones, etc). The combination of military and demonic power will be "foreign" or
unknown to his family heritage. They will not have any background in the military or Satanic worship.
C. The Antichrist shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge (v. 39) –
The Antichrist will trust Satan to help him overcome the strongest fortresses or military alliances on earth. He will trust in
war to accomplish his goals.
D. The Antichrist shall acknowledge, and advance its glory (v. 39) – The foreign god he acknowledges is Satan and
his demonic hosts (Revelation 13:2-4). He will advance the glory of the demonic realm by only promoting leaders with zeal
for Satan and thus are demon possessed.
E. He shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. (v. 39) – He will use bribes to gain cooperation
of the nations. He will promote leaders by giving them land and properties.
VI. HIS MILITARY ACTIVITY: ATTACKED FROM THE NORTH AND SOUTH (DANIEL 11:40)
40 At the time of the end the king of the South (Egypt) shall attack him (Antichrist); and the king of the North (Syria) 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)
A. The king of the South (Egypt) and the king of the North (Syria) shall attack the Antichrist. The north and south in
Scripture is determined by Israel. Throughout Daniel 11, the king of the South spoke each time of the king of Egypt and
the king of the North spoke each time of the Syrian king. They may have a coalition of nations working with them because
without the help of others, Syria and Egypt could not threaten the Antichrist’s empire.
B. The king of the North (Arab Federation led by Syria) shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots,
horsemen, and with many ships (v. 40c). The king of the South (Arab Federation led by Egypt) will attack the Antichrist’s
far northern coalition (Ezekiel 38-39). These attacks will probably be preemptive strikes against the Antichrist before he
invades Israel (Daniel 11:41, 45).
VII. HIS MILITARY ACTIVY: ATTACKING MANY NATIONS (DANIEL 11:41)
41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land (Israel), and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his
hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. (Daniel 11:41)
A. He shall invade the Glorious Land of Israel and occupy it (Daniel 8:9; 11:16; Zechariah 11:16).
16 Indeed I will raise up a shepherd in the land who will not care for those who are cut off, nor seek the young, nor heal
those that are broken, nor feed those that still stand. (Zechariah 11:16)
B. The Antichrist will eventually invade Israel (Daniel 11:45). The Antichrist will use the covenant of Daniel 9:27 to
gain a stronghold in the land of Israel. He will plant part of his headquarters in Israel. The "glorious holy mountain" is in
Jerusalem (site of the Temple). The "Seas" on the two sides of Jerusalem and the temple are the Mediterranean Sea
(west) and the Dead Sea (east).
45 And he (Antichrist) shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas (Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea) and
the glorious holy mountain (Jerusalem)… (Daniel 11:45)
C. Many countries shall be overthrown (v. 40b). Edom, Moab, and the prominent people (leaders) of Ammon shall
escape from his hand (v. 40c). These nations refer to present day Jordan. They will be spared probably because they
help him. They will be judged later (Isaiah 63:1-6; Habakkuk 3:3).
VIII. HIS MILITARY ACTIVITY: ATTACKING EGYPT (DANIEL 11:42-43)
42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 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. (Daniel 11:42-43)
A. The Antichrist shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt
(v. 43a). The riches of Egypt may be the oil wells of the Middle East. This would be precious in the midst of the outpouring
of God’s wrath which will destroy fuel supplies (Revelation 6-9). Hitler invaded the Caucasus and Ukraine for oil reserves.
B. The Libyans (North Africa) and Ethiopians (Sudan and/or East Africa) shall follow at the Antichrist’s heels (v. 43a).
The Ethiopians (Nubians) points to Ethiopia and Sudan.
IX. HIS MILITARY ACTIVITY: ATTACKED FROM THE EAST AND NORTH (DANIEL 11:44)
44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate
many. (Daniel 11:44)
A. The Antichrist will hear troubling news from the east or Asia (Revelation 16:12-14). The Antichrist will hear troubling
news from the far north or from his home front (not the king of Syria or the King of the North). It may be news of treason
and division in his ranks (Daniel 2:41-43) and/or news of great crises related to the seals, trumpets, and bowls destroying
his resources.
B. When hearing this news, the Antichrist shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many (v. 44c). He will
act in great anger to annihilate the men or nations who participated.