Center For IFO Studies: Daniel, Zechariah and the Maccabean War

WHO'S WHO IN THE BOOK OF DANIEL

■ THE STATUE in chapter 2 represents four periods in Jewish history:

•The Babylonian empire (6th century BCE)

•The Medo-Persian empire (5th century)

•The Macedonian empire (4th century)

•The Syrian Wars (3rd century)

■ THE STONE in chapter 2 represents the Maccabean war (2nd century BCE).

■ THE IDOL in chapter 3 represents the image of Zeus placed in the Jewish temple between 167 and 163 BCE.

■ THE THREE FRIENDS in chapter 3 represent the Maccabean leaders, Judas Maccabeus, Johnathan Apphus and Simon Thassi.

■ THE FOURTH FIGURE in the fire in chapter 3 is the archangel Michael, protector of Israel (commonly mistaken for Jesus).

■ THE FOUR BEASTS in chapter 7 represent four periods in Jewish history:

•The Babylonian empire

•The Medo-Persian empire

•The Macedonian empire

•The Seleucid & Ptolemaic empires

(The fourth beast is commonly mistaken for Rome or a future antichrist).

■ THE LITTLE HORN in chapters 7 & 8 represents the Seleucid king Antiochus IV.

■ THE SON OF MAN in chapter 7 represents the Maccabean army (commonly mistaken for Jesus or a future messiah).

■ THE RAM in chapter 8 represents the Medo-Persian empire.

■ THE GOAT in chapter 8 is Alexander the Great.

■ THE BROKEN HORN of the goat in chapter 8 represents the Diodochi - the four generals who became kings after Alexander's death.

■ THE 70 WEEKS OF YEARS in chapter 9 refer to the 400+ years between the reign of Nebuchadnezzar and the reign of Antiochus IV (commonly misinterpreted as terminating in the Roman period, around 30 or 70 CE).

■ THE FINAL WEEK OF YEARS is the seven years between the death of High Priest Onias III (171 or 170 BCE) and the rededication of the temple (164 or 163 BCE) (commonly misrepresented as pertaining to a future end-times "tribulation").

■ THE ANOINTED ONE who is cut off in chapter 9 is High Priest Onias III, removed from office in 171 BCE and murdered a short time later (commonly mistaken for Jesus).

■ THE KING OF THE NORTH (chapter 11) refers to the Seleucid dynasty in Syria.

■ THE KING OF THE SOUTH (chapter 11) refers to the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt.

WHO'S WHO IN DEUTERO-ZECHARIAH

■ THE KING RIDING THE FOAL OF A DONKEY (Zech9:9) is John Hyrcanus (b. 164 BCE), son of Simon Thassi. If the passage is written around 159 BCE, John is 5 or 6 years old. That's why he's riding on a colt rather than a full-grown steed. Calling him "king" is an expression of the regal hopes of his father and uncles who were leaders and high priests before he, too, assumed that roll. Like his brothers, John refused to wear a crown, but his sons, Aristobulus and Alexander, became the first kings of Israel in 482 years.

■ THE SONS OF ZION AGAINST THE SONS OF GREECE (Zech9:13) is an unambiguous reference to the Maccabean war.

■ MOURNING FOR THE ONE THEY HAVE PIERCED (Zech 12:10) refers to the Maccabean war, which was, largely, a civil war between Hellenic and Mosaic Jews who were, in many cases, family, friends and neighbors (commonly mistaken for a prediction of the crucifixion of Jesus and/or his expected return).

■ STRIKE THE SHEPHERD (Zech13:7) refers to the actions of Mattathias, father of the Maccabees, which led to the Maccabean revolt. Mattathias was ordered to officiate a sacrifice to Zeus on a public altar. Instead, he grabbed the sacrificial blade and slew both the Jew who was about to carry out the sacrifice and the Seleucid military official who was forcing Mattathias to participate. People scattered and the Maccabees formed an army. This is the one third of the people God puts "into the fire, to refine them as one refines silver" (Zech13:9).

■ THE FATE OF THE ENEMIES OF GOD (Zech14:12) refers to the deaths of Antiochus IV (163 BCE) and High Priest Alcimus (159 BCE) - the former suffering from severe gangrene; the latter falling victim to a stroke (commonly misinterpreted as an end-times plague or nuclear contamination).

DANIEL'S PROPHETIC TIMELINE

330 BCE Alexander conquers Persia

[Dan2:40, 7:6, 8:7, 11:3]

323 Alexander dies, his kingdom is divided

[Dan2:41, 7:7, 8:8, 11:4]
274-168 Syrian wars (Seleucids vs Ptolemies)

[Dan2:41-42, 7:7, 11:5-20]
c.200 Cistern completed by Simon II

[Zech14:8]
175-170 Demetrius is held captive in Rome; Seleucus IV & son Antiochus are killed

[Dan7:8, 20, 24]
175 Antiochus IV gains power through treachery

[Dan7:8, 8:25, 11:21]
175 Jason gains high priesthood through bribery

[Dan11:39]
171 Antiochus loots temples to provide gifts for a new god (himself)

[Dan8:10, 11:36-39]
171 Menelaus gains high priesthood through bribery

[Dan11:39]
171 Exile and death of High Priest Onias III

[Dan8:11, 9:26]
171 Antiochus begins 7-year covenant with the Hellenists

[Dan9:27a, 11:23]
170 Ptolemy's regents provoke Antiochus

[Dan11:40a]
170 Antiochus invades Egypt

[Dan11:40b-11:42]
170 Antiochus loots the Ptolemaic empire and returns to Syria

[Dan11:42-43]
168 Antiochus attempts a second invasion of Egypt

[Dan11:29]
168 Popilius' “ships of Kittim” force Antiochus out of Egypt

[Dan11:30]
168 Antiochus, alarmed by news of Jason's civil war, sends troops to Jerusalem

[Dan11:44]
167 Antiochus desolates the temple and outlaws Mosaic customs

[Dan7:25, 8:11-12, 9:27b, 11:31, Judith3:8*]

167 Antiochus offers money and power to covenant violators

[Dan11:32]
167 Mattathias and other covenant Jews resist the decree of Antiochus

[Dan3:28,* 6:13,* 11:32-35]
167 Antiochus & Menelaus slaughter thousands in Jerusalem

[Dan7:26, 8:24-25, 11:41]
166 The Maccabees beseech God for help at Mizpah

[Dan7:13, Judith4:14-15*]
166 The Maccabees fight with divine assistance

[Dan7:13, 12:1, Zech9:13-16, 10:5-7, 12:8-9]

164 Judas battles the Ammonites and Idumeans

[Dan11:41, Judith5:2]
164 Antiochus attacks Persepolis

[Dan8:25c]
164 Judas recaptures and rededicates the temple

[Dan8:14, 9:27c, Zech13:2]
163 Antiochus tries to loot Diana's temple at Elymais

[Dan11:37]
163 Antiochus consumed by worms and gangrene

[Zech14:12, Judith16:17]

163 Antiochus dies

[Dan7:26, 8:25d, 9:27c]
163 Judas repatriates Jews from Gilead

[Zech10:8-10]
161 Nicanor meets with Judas on apparently friendly terms

[Judith10:23]
161 Nicanor blasphemes God

[Dan7:25, Judith6:2]
161 Nicanor threatens destruction of the Temple and the Jewish people

[Judith6:3-4]
161 Nicanor camps at Bethoron

[Dan11:45a]
161 Nicanor is killed at the Battle of Adasa

[Dan11:45b]
161 Nicanor's head is displayed

[Judith13:15, 14:11]
161 Nicanor's armies flee

[Zech13:7, Judith15:2]
161 Nicanor's troops are killed as they retreat

[Judith15:3-6]
161- Hasmoneans govern and form international alliances

[Dan2:44, 7:11, 14, 22, 27, 12:1, Zech14:11]

The invasion of Egypt in Daniel 11:40-43 is not a second invasion, but a brief retelling of the first. If Daniel has made a chronological error, he is in good company.

Examples of historical confusion:

Rome was established c.814 BCE (Timaeus) or c.754 (Varro) or c.729 (Almenus)
Plutarch says Romulus either disappeared or was murdered by senators
Pliny says Moses lived thousands of years before Zoroaster
In Chronicles, no king of Judah will ever be as great as Hezekiah and none was ever as great as Josiah
The Talmud lists Persian kings, eliminating several (about 100 years' worth)
Matthew's Jesus is born a decade before Luke's Jesus
Luke has Jesus' family travel to Bethlehem; in Matthew they already live there
John places Jesus' temple riot 3 years earlier, and his death a day earlier, than the Synoptics
Luke's Gamaliel places Judas of Galilee (c.6 CE) as more recent than Theudas (c.40s CE)
Josephus conflates Simon I with Simon II and Onias III with Onias IV
Josephus confuses the battle of Adasa (161 BCE) with the battle of Elasa (160 BCE)
Justin believes David to have lived in 1500 BCE, 500 years before he was born
The Toledoth Yeshu places Jesus during the reign of Alexander Jannaeus (c.100 BCE)
Avenging of the Savior has Titus (b.39 CE) destroying Jerusalem immediately after Jesus' death
Matthew's Judas dies by self-hanging; Luke's by falling; Papias' is crushed by a chariot; in the Gospel of Barnabas, Judas is crucified; the Gospel of Judas implies he was stoned by apostles

Of Antiochus' life and death, we have varying accounts:

He died in Persia...or Babylon...or the Mediterranean Sea
He died fleeing Persia...or rushing to attack Jerusalem
He died from distemper...or after falling from his chariot...or drowning himself
He died an unrepentant pagan...or he felt remorse...or he converted to Judaism
He died after...or while...looting a temple...or attempting to loot a temple...of Artemis...or Aphrodite

And the Roman line in the sand was drawn by Popilius...or Gnaeus Octavius...who died in 168...or 162.

As for Nicanor, we have one version of the story: he dies at Adasa in battle with Judas, his troops flee and are killed by the occupants of the surrounding villages, and his head is displayed in Jerusalem (Josephus omits this last detail). The exact date is well known and was celebrated as Yom Nicanor, “the Day of Nicanor.” Antiochus' date of death remains a mystery.

Reasons Daniel 11:44-45 might refer to the death of Nicanor:

It matches the climax of 2 Maccabees and Judith
Antiochus defiled the temple; Nicanor threatened to destroy the temple
Antiochus was repentant, like Nebuchadnezzar; Nicanor was unrepentant, like Belshazzar
Nicanor's tents were pitched at Bethoron, “between the sea and the holy mountain”
Nicanor has a holiday commemorating his death, signifying its importance to 2^nd century Jews

THE LITTLE HORN

7:24a As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings shall arise, and another shall arise after them

“After Alexander had reigned twelve years, he died. Then his officers began to rule, each in his own place. They all put on crowns after his death, and so did their sons after them for many years; and they caused many evils on the earth. From them came forth a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king.” 1Macc1:7-10

7:24b he shall be different from the former ones,

They respected non-Greek religions; he did not

7:24c and shall put down three kings.

Seleucus IV, Demetrius I, and Antiochus, son of Seleucus IV

7:25a He shall speak words against the Most High

“[Antiochus] the murderer and blasphemer...” 2Macc9:28
“[Antiochus] spoke with great arrogance.” 1Macc1:24
“[Antiochus] plundered their temple and contemned their God.” Jospehus, Antiquities XII 9:1
“Nicanor has spoken wickedly against thy sanctuary” 1Macc7:42
“When [Jews in Nicanor's army] declared, 'It is the living Lord himself, the Sovereign in heaven, who ordered us to observe the seventh day,' [Nicanor] replied, 'And I am a sovereign also, on earth, and I command you to take up arms and finish the king’s business.'” 2Macc15:4-5

7:25b and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law;

“[Antiochus] directed them...to profane sabbaths and feasts.” 1Macc1:44-45
“The altar was covered with abominable offerings which were forbidden by the laws. A man could neither keep the sabbath, nor observe the feasts of his fathers, nor so much as confess himself to be a Jew. On the monthly celebration of the king’s birthday, the Jews were taken, under bitter constraint, to partake of the sacrifices; and when the feast of Dionysus came, they were compelled to walk in the procession in honor of Dionysus, wearing wreaths of ivy.” 2Macc6:5-7

7:25c and they shall be given into his hand for a time, two times, and half a time.

"Antiochus...spoiled the temple, and put a stop to the constant practice of offering a daily sacrifice of expiation for three years and six months." - Josephus, Wars Bk. I 1:1

7:26 But the court shall sit in judgment, and his dominion shall be taken away, to be consumed and destroyed to the end.

“In Syria King Antiochus, wishing to provide himself with money, decided to make an expedition against the sanctuary of Artemis in Elymaïs. On reaching the spot he was foiled in his hopes, as the barbarian tribes who dwelt in the neighborhood would not permit the outrage, and on his retreat he died at Tabae in Persia, smitten with madness, as some people say, owing to certain manifestations of divine displeasure when he was attempting this outrage on the above sanctuary.” - Polybius, Fragments XXXI, 9:1-4
“Antiochus...heard that there was a very rich temple of Diana...he went in haste to Elymais, and assaulted it, and besieged it. But...they drove him away from the city, and went out and pursued after him, insomuch that he fled away as far as Babylon, and lost a great many of his army; and when he was grieving for this disappointment, some persons told him of the defeat of his commanders whom he had left behind him to fight against Judea, and what strength the Jews had already gotten. When this concern about these affairs was added to the former, he was confounded, and, by the anxiety he was in, fell into a distemper, which, as it lasted a great while, and as his pains increased upon him, so he at length perceived he should die in a little time...But if Polybius could think that Antiochus thus lost his life [on account of his attempted plunder of Diana's temple] it is much more probable this king died on account of his sacrilegious plundering of the temple at Jerusalem.” Josephus, Antiquities XII 9:1
“[Antiochus] robbed the temple of Venus Elymais; then died of a wasting disease.” Appian, The Syrian Wars 14:66
“Worms swarmed even from the eyes of this godless man, and while he was still alive and in agony, his flesh rotted off.” 2Macc9:9

8:11 [The little horn] magnified itself, even up to the Prince of the host [High Priest Onias III]; and the continual burnt offering was taken away from him, and the place of his sanctuary [the Jewish temple] was overthrown [167 BCE].
8:25a By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand

“Pretending peace, [Antiochus] got possession of the city by treachery.” Josephus, Antiquities XII 5:4
“The king [Antiochus] sent to the cities of Judah a chief collector of tribute, and he came to Jerusalem with a large force. Deceitfully he spoke peaceable words to them, and they believed him.” 1Macc1:29-30

8:25b and in his own mind he shall magnify himself

Antiochus called himself "Epiphanes," which means "glorious" and "God manifest".

8:25c Without warning he shall destroy many

"[Antiochus] suddenly fell upon the city, dealt it a severe blow, and destroyed many people of Israel.” 1Macc1:30
“[Antiochus] left Egypt and took [Jerusalem] by storm. And he commanded his soldiers to cut down relentlessly every one they met and to slay those who went into houses. Then there was killing of young and old, destruction of boys, women, and children, and slaughter of virgins and infants. Within the total of three days eighty thousand were destroyed.” 2Macc5:11-14

8:25d and he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes [a title widely associated with Persian leaders]:

“[Antiochus] determined to go to Persia and collect the revenues from those regions and raise a large fund.” 1Macc3:31
"[Antiochus] entered the city of Persepolis and attempted to plunder its temples and assume control." - 2Macc9:2

8:25e but, by no human hand, he shall be broken

“[Antiochus] fell out of his chariot as it hurtled along [toward Jerusalem to exterminate the Jews], and so violent was his fall that every joint in his body was dislocated.” - 2Macc9:7

–
11:40 “At the time of the end [170 BCE] the king of the south [Ptolemy VI's regents Eulaeus and Lenaeus] shall attack the king of the north; but the king of the north [Antiochus] shall rush upon the king of the south like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall come into countries and shall overflow [with armies] and pass through.
11:42 [Antiochus] shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape.
11:43 He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall follow in his train.

“Antiochus... invaded Egypt with a strong force, with chariots and elephants and cavalry and a large fleet. He engaged Ptolemy king of Egypt in battle, and Ptolemy turned and fled before him, and many were wounded and fell. And they captured the fortified cities in the land of Egypt, and he plundered the land of Egypt.” 1Macc1:16-19

11:29a [The king of the north] shall return and come into the south;

About this time Antiochus made his second invasion of Egypt.” 2Macc5:1

11:29b but it shall not be this time as it was before. For ships of Kittim shall come against him, and he shall be afraid and withdraw

“King Antiochus [returned] out of Egypt, for fear of the Romans.” Josephus, Antiquities XII 5:3
“When [Antiochus] had crossed the [Nile] river at Eleusis...the Roman envoys met him...Popilius handed him...the decree of the senate [demanding withdrawal from Egypt]...On reading the decree he said that he would call his friends and consider what he should do. Popilius, in accordance with the usual harshness of his temper, drew a circle around the king with a rod...and said, 'Before you step out of this circle, give me an answer...' After the king had hesitated a moment, struck dumb by so violent an order, he replied, 'I shall do what the senate decrees' ...Later, when Antiochus had quitted Egypt...the Romans sailed for Cyprus, whence they sent away the fleet of Antiochus.” Livy, History of Rome XLV 12:3-7
“While Antiochus was encamped near Alexandria, Popilius came to him as Roman ambassador, bringing an order in writing that he should not attack the Ptolemies. When he had read it he replied that he would think about it. Popilius drew a circle around him with a stick and said, 'Think about it here.' He was terrified and withdrew from the country.” Appian, The Syrian Wars 14:66

11:29c and shall turn back and be enraged and take action against the holy covenant.

“Antiochus returning out of Egypt, for fear of the Romans, made an expedition against the city Jerusalem: and when he was there...he took the city without fighting: those of his own party opening the gates to him. And when he had gotten possession of Jerusalem, he slew many of the opposite party. ... after two years...the king [again] came up to Jerusalem...he left the temple bare...he forbade [the Jews] to offer those daily sacrifices which they used to offer to God, according to the law. ...And when the King had built an idol altar upon God's altar he slew swine upon it, and so offered a sacrifice neither according to the law, nor the Jewish religious worship in that country. He also compelled them to forsake the worship which they paid their own God, and to adore those whom he took to be Gods; and made them build temples, and raise idol altars in every city and village; and offer swine upon them every day... [covenant Jews] were whipped with rods; and their bodies were torn to pieces, and were crucified...They also strangled those women and their sons whom they had circumcised...hanging their sons about their necks as they were upon the crosses. And if there were any sacred book, or the law found, it was destroyed: and those with whom they were found miserably perished also.” Josephus, Antiquities XII 5:3-4
“When news of [Jason's failed coup] reached the king [Antiochus], he took it to mean that Judea was in revolt. So, raging inwardly, he left Egypt and took the city [Jerusalem] by storm. And he commanded his soldiers to cut down relentlessly every one they met and to slay those who went into the houses. Then there was killing of young and old, destruction of boys, women, and children, and slaughter of virgins and infants. Within the total of three days 80,000 were destroyed, 40,000 in hand-to-hand fighting, and as many were sold into slavery as were slain. Not content with this, Antiochus dared to enter the most holy temple in all the world, guided by Menelaus, who had become a traitor both to the laws and to his country. He took the holy vessels with his polluted hands, and swept away with profane hands the votive offerings which other kings had made to enhance the glory and honor of the place.” 2Macc5:11-16

11:30b-31 He shall turn back and give heed to those who forsake the holy covenant. Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the continual burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.

“[Antiochus] sent an Athenian senator to compel the Jews to forsake the laws of their fathers and cease to live by the laws of God, and also to pollute the temple in Jerusalem and call it the temple of Olympian Zeus.” 2Macc6:1-2
“The king [Antiochus] sent letters by messengers to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah; he directed them to follow customs strange to the land, to forbid burnt offerings and sacrifices and drink offerings in the sanctuary, to profane sabbaths and feasts.” 1Macc1:44-45
“In order to plunder [the temple's] wealth, he [Antiochus] ventured to break the league he had made. So he left the temple bare...and left nothing at all remaining: and by this means cast the Jews into great lamentation. For he forbad them to offer those daily sacrifices which they used to offer to God, according to the law. And when he had pillaged the whole city, some of the inhabitants he slew, and some he carried captive, together with their wives and children: so that the multitude of those captives that were taken alive amounted to about ten thousand. He also burnt down the finest buildings: and when he had overthrown the city walls, he built a citadel in the lower part of the city...and put into it a garrison of Macedonians...And when the King had built an idol altar upon God’s altar he slew swine upon it, and so offered a sacrifice neither according to the law, nor the Jewish religious worship in that country. He also compelled them to forsake the worship which they paid their own God, and to adore those whom he took to be gods; and made them build temples, and raise idol altars in every city and village; and offer swine upon them every day.” Josephus, Antiquities XII 5:4

11:32a He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant

"[Antiochus'] officers spoke to Mattathias as follows: 'You are a leader, honored and great in this city...Now be the first to come and do what the king commands...and you and your sons will be honored with silver and gold and many gifts.'” 1Macc2:17-18
"[Antiochus] assured [Eleazar's son] on oath that the moment he abandoned his ancestral customs he would make him rich and prosperous by enrolling him as a King's Friend and entrusting him with high office.” 2Macc7:24]
“I [Antiochus] can be a benefactor to those who obey me. Trust me, then, and you will have positions of authority in my government if you will renounce the ancestral tradition of your national life.” 4Macc8:6-7

11:32b but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action

“But many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat unclean food. They chose to die rather than to be defiled by food or to profane the holy covenant.” 1Macc1:62-63
“A Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice [to Zeus] upon the altar in Modein, according to the king’s command. When Mattathias saw it, he burned with zeal and his heart was stirred. He gave vent to righteous anger; he ran and killed him upon the altar. At the same time he killed the king’s officer who was forcing them to sacrifice, and he tore down the altar.” 1Macc2:23-24
“There came one of the Jews into the midst of them, and sacrificed, as Antiochus had commanded. At which Mattathias had great indignation; and ran upon him violently, with his sons, who had swords with them; and slew both the man himself that sacrificed, and Apelles the King's general, who compelled them to sacrifice; with a few of his soldiers. He also overthrew the idol altar.” Josephus, Antiquities XII 6:2

11:36a The king shall do according to his will;

"Because you [Antiochus] have authority among men, mortal though you are, you do what you please." 2Macc7:16

11:37a He shall give no heed to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women;

“In Syria King Antiochus, wishing to provide himself with money, decided to make an expedition against the sanctuary of Artemis in Elymaïs.” - Polybius, Fragments XXXI, 9:1-4
“[Antiochus] robbed the temple of Venus Elymais; then died of a wasting disease.” Appian, The Syrian Wars 14:66
[Antiochus] erected altars to Zeus while calling himself Epiphanes "God (Zeus) Manifest" - and when the Samaritans wrote him about dedicating their unnamed temple to Zeus, they address their letter to "king Antiochus the god Epiphanes." (see Josephus, Antiquities XII 5:5)]

11:37b he shall not give heed to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all

“Antiochus carried off eighteen hundred talents from the temple, and hurried away to Antioch, thinking in his arrogance that he could sail on the land and walk on the sea, because his mind was elated.” 2Macc5:21
“[Antiochus], who had just been thinking that he could command the waves of the sea, in his superhuman arrogance, and imagining that he could weigh the high mountains in a balance, was brought down to earth, and carried in a litter” 2Macc9:8

11:38 He shall honor the god of fortresses

“[The forces of Antiochus] trust to arms and acts of daring,” [Judas] said, “but we trust in the Almighty God, who is able with a single nod to strike down those who are coming against us and even the whole world.” 2Macc8:18

11:39a Those who acknowledge him he shall magnify with honor.

“I [Antiochus] can be a benefactor to those who obey me. Trust me, then, and you will have positions of authority in my government.” 4Macc8:6-7

11:39b He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price.

"Menelaus, thanks to the greed of those in power, remained in office." 2Macc4:50
“Menelaus...when presented to the king...secured the high priesthood for himself, outbidding Jason by three hundred talents of silver.” 2Macc4:23-24

11:41 He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites.

[Note: these neighboring regions had no problem with Hellenism and were active combatants against the Maccabees]
“The Idumeans, who had control of important strongholds, were harassing the Jews.” 2Macc10:15
“[Judas] crossed over to attack the Ammonites, where he found a strong band and many people with Timothy as their leader. He engaged in many battles with them and they were crushed before him; he struck them down.” 1Macc5:6-7
“Judas and his brothers went forth and fought the sons of Esau in the land of the south.” 1Macc5:65
“[Judas] fell upon the Idumeans, the posterity of Esau, at Acrabattene; and slew a great many of them...After this he went thence in haste against the Ammonites; who had a great and a numerous army; of which Timotheus was the commander.” Josephus, Antiquities XII 8:1

11:44 But tidings from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go forth with great fury to exterminate and utterly destroy many

“[Antiochus] departed from [Persia] to return to Babylon. Then someone came to him in Persia and reported that the armies which had gone into the land of Judah had been routed, that Lysias had gone first with a strong force, but had turned and fled before the Jews, that the Jews had grown strong from the arms, supplies, and abundant spoils which they had taken from the armies they had cut down; that they had torn down the abomination which he had erected upon the altar in Jerusalem; and that they had surrounded the sanctuary with high walls as before, and also Bethzur, his city. When the king heard this news, he was astounded and badly shaken.” - 1Macc6:4-8
“About that time...Antiochus had retreated in disorder from the region of Persia. For he had entered the city called Persepolis, and attempted to rob the temples and control the city. Therefore the people rushed to the rescue with arms, and Antiochus and his men were defeated, with the result that Antiochus was put to flight by the inhabitants and beat a shameful retreat. While he was in Ecbatana, news came to him of what had happened to Nicanor and the forces of Timothy [defeated by the Maccabees]. Transported with rage, he conceived the idea of turning upon the Jews the injury done by those who had put him to flight; so he ordered his charioteer to drive without stopping until he completed the journey...'When I get there I will make Jerusalem a cemetery of Jews.'” 2Macc9:1-4

11:45 And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him.

[We have no way of determining the exact location of Antiochus' death, but we can figure out where his “palatial tents” were likely stationed. The regions of Emmaus and Bethoron are situated between Jerusalem and the coastal town of Joppa, and were used as bases of operations by more than one Syrian general or governor]
“Seron, who was general of the army of Coelesyria...came as far as Bethoron, a village of Judea; and there pitched his camp.” - Josephus, Antiquities XII 7:1
“Lysias [Syrian governor] chose...mighty men among the friends of [Antiochus], and sent with them 40,000 infantry and 7,000 cavalry to go into the land of Judah and destroy it, as the king had commanded. So they departed with their entire force, and when they arrived they encamped near Emmaus in the plain.” 1Macc3:38-40
“Judas...and his mighty men moved out to attack the king's force in Emmaus.” 1Macc4:3
"But now for Nicanor, when he was gone out of Jerusalem, and was at a certain village called Bethoron, he there pitched his camp." - Josephus, Antiquities XII 10:5
“Bacchides then returned to Jerusalem and built...the fortress in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethoron...” 1Macc9:50

TIME CALCULATION

8:13 Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to the one that spoke, “For how long is the vision concerning the continual burnt offering, the transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled under foot?”

8:14 “For two thousand and three hundred evenings and mornings [6 1/4 years]; then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.”

"The city continued seven years without a high priest." - Josephus, Antiquities XX 10:1

9:26a From the going forth of the word to restore and build Jerusalem to the coming of an anointed one, a prince, there shall be seven weeks.

[49 years from 587 to 538 BCE]

9:26b Then for 62 weeks it shall be built again, with squares and moat, but in a troubled time.

[434 years, from 605 to 171 BCE]

9:26c And after the 62 weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing;

[The exile and murder of High Priest Onias III in 171 BCE]

9:26d and the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end their shall be war; desolations are decreed

9:27a And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week [7 years];

"In those days lawless men [Jason & Menelaus] came forth from Israel, and misled many, saying, 'Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles round about us, for since we separated from them many evils have come upon us.' This proposal pleased them, and some of the people eagerly went to the king [Antiochus]. He authorized them to observe the ordinances of the Gentiles." 1Macc1:11-13

7:25c and they shall be given into his hand for a time, two times, and half a time.
9:27b and for half of the week [3 1/2 years] he shall cause sacrifice and offering to cease
12:7 I heard [the man dressed in linen] swear by the one who lives for ever that it would be for a time, two times and half a time; and that when the shattering of the power of the holy people comes to an end, all these things would be accomplished.

"Antiochus...spoiled the temple, and put a stop to the constant practice of offering a daily sacrifice of expiation for three years and six months." - Josephus, Wars, Book One, 1:1

THE SON OF MAN

7:13 With the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him

"Judas and his brothers...and the congregation assembled to be ready for battle, and to pray and ask for mercy and compassion...so they assembled and went to Mizpah, opposite Jerusalem, because Israel formerly had a place of prayer in Mizpah. They fasted that day, put on sackcloth and sprinkled ashes on their heads, and rent their clothes. And they opened the book of the law to inquire into those matters about which the Gentiles were consulting the images of their idols. They also brought the garments of the priesthood and the first fruits and the tithes...and they cried aloud to Heaven, saying...'Thy sanctuary is trampled down and profaned, and thy priests mourn in humiliation. And behold, the Gentiles are assembled against us to destroy us; thou knowest what they plot against us. How will we be able to withstand them, if thou dost not help us?' Then they sounded the trumpets and gave a loud shout. After this Judas appointed leaders of the people, in charge of thousands and hundreds and fifties and tens." 1Macc3:42-55
“When...the enemy was already close at hand with their army drawn up for battle, the elephants strategically stationed and the cavalry deployed on the flanks, Maccabeus, perceiving the hosts that were before him and the varied supply of arms and the savagery of the elephants, stretched out his hands toward heaven and called upon the Lord who works wonders; for he knew that it is not by arms, but as the Lord decides, that he gains the victory for those who deserve it. And he called upon him in these words: 'O Lord, thou didst send thy angel in the time of Hezekiah king of Judea, and he slew fully a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of Sennacherib. So now, O Sovereign of the heavens, send a good angel to carry terror and trembling before us. By the might of thy arm may these blasphemers who come against thy holy people be struck down.' With these words he ended his prayer. Nicanor and his men advanced with trumpets and battle songs; and Judas and his men met the enemy in battle with invocation to God and prayers. So, fighting with their hands and praying to God in their hearts, they laid low no less than thirty-five thousand men, and were greatly gladdened by God’s manifestation.” 2Macc15:20-27

7:21 As I looked, this horn made war with the saints, and prevailed over them,

“In his malice toward the Jewish citizens, Antiochus sent Apollonius...with an army of 22,000, and commanded him to slay all the grown men and to sell the women and boys as slaves...[Apollonius] killed great numbers of people.” 2Macc5:23-26

7:22a until the Ancient of Days came

"The Almighty fought on their side." 2Macc8:24
“Maccabeus and his followers, the Lord leading them on, recovered the temple and the city.” 2Macc10:1
“'It is not the size of the army that victory in battle depends, but strength comes from Heaven...[God] himself will crush them before us; as for you, do not be afraid of them.' When Judas finished speaking, he rushed suddenly against Seron and his army, and they were crushed before him.” 1Macc3:19-22
“[Nicanor was] not expecting the judgment from the almighty that was about to overtake him.” 2Macc8:11

THE KINGDOM

7:22b and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints received the kingdom. ...

7:27 And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them.

[Judas, encouraging his soldiers:] “Besides such glorious rewards as those of the liberty of your country, of your laws, of your religion, you shall then obtain everlasting glory.” Josephus, Antiquities XII 7:3
“[Judas] extended the glory of his people. Like a giant he put on his breastplate; he girded on his armor of war and waged battles, protecting the host by his sword. He was like a lion in his deeds, like a lion's cub roaring for prey. He searched out and pursued the lawless; he burned those who troubled his people. Lawless men shrank back for fear of him; all the evildoers were confounded, and deliverance prospered by his hand. He embittered many kings, but he made Jacob glad by his deeds, and his memory is blessed for ever. He went through the cities of Judah; he destroyed the ungodly out of the land; thus he turned away wrath from Israel. He was renowned to the ends of the earth; he gathered in those who were perishing.” 1Macc3:3-9
[Judas secured the backing of Rome, which was a formidable international force]: "If war comes first to the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall willingly act as their allies, as the occasion may indicate to them. Thus...the Romans make a treaty with the Jewish people... And concerning the wrongs which King Demetrius is doing to them we have written to him as follows, ‘...we will defend their rights and fight you on sea and on land.’” 1Macc8:27-32
"Jonathan...sent ambassadors to [Bacchides, Syrian governor] about a league of friendship and mutual assistance; and that they might restore those they had taken captive on both sides. So Bacchides...made a league of friendship with Jonathan...they swore that they would not any more make war one against another. Accordingly he restored the captives, and took his own men with him, and returned to the King at Antioch. And after his departure he never came into Judea again. Then did Jonathan take the opportunity of this quiet state of things, and went and lived in the city Michmash. And there governed the multitude; and punished the wicked, and ungodly; and by that means purged the nation of them." Josephus, Antiquities XIII 1:6
“The land had rest all the days of Simon. He sought the good of his nation; his rule was pleasing to them, as was the honor shown him, all his days. To crown all his honors he took Joppa for a harbor, and opened a way to the isles of the sea. He extended the borders of his nation, and gained full control of the country. He gathered a host of captives; he ruled over Gazar′a and Beth-zur and the citadel, and he removed its uncleanness from it; and there was none to oppose him. They tilled their land in peace; the ground gave its increase, and the trees of the plains their fruit. Old men sat in the streets; they all talked together of good things; and the youths donned the glories and garments of war. He supplied the cities with food, and furnished them with the means of defense, till his renown spread to the ends of the earth. He established peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy. Each man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there was none to make them afraid. No one was left in the land to fight them, and the kings were crushed in those days. He strengthened all the humble of his people; he sought out the law, and did away with every lawless and wicked man. He made the sanctuary glorious, and added to the vessels of the sanctuary.” 2Macc14:4-15

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