Daniel 8:23-25 “In the latter period of their rule, when the transgressors have run their course, a king will arise, insolent and skilled in intrigue. His power will be mighty, but not by his own power, and he will destroy to an extraordinary degree and prosper and perform his will; he will destroy mighty men and the holy people. And through his shrewdness he will cause deceit to succeed by his influence; and he will magnify himself in his heart, and he will destroy many while they are at ease. He will even oppose the Prince of princes, but he will be broken without human agency”.
Daniel 8:23-25 is a description of the future antichrist. The prophet Daniel is given clarification and comprehension from the angel Gabriel of a vision he had previously received. Gabriel frames the prophecy with a specific era.
The period in history is clearly stated on four occasions. Gabriel specifically tells Daniel. Gabriel opens the prophecy with a time point.
Daniel 8:23a In the latter period of their rule…
“In the latter period“… This is the Hebrew word acharith. The word is defined as the after-part or end. Many times in the Old Testament, acharith is used in the context of the end of a human lifespan or the end of the calendar year.
As a point of review, Gabriel indicated to Daniel this is about the time of the end. Daniel 8:17 “Son of man, understand that the vision pertains to the time of the end.”
The angel Gabriel restates this again. Daniel 8:19 “Behold, I am going to let you know what will occur at the final period of the indignation, for it pertains to the appointed time of the end.”
On a fourth occasion we are told of the period in history. Gabriel closes the prophecy regarding the character of the antichrist with a time point.
Daniel 8:26 “The vision of the evenings and mornings which has been told is true; but keep the vision secret, for it pertains to many days in the future.”
So I take it these passages have to do with the end times…
The context of Gabriel’s information from God is the Greek Empire. Notice, Rome or modern day Italy was not part of the Greek Empire. Modern day Greece is the country furthest west in the ancient Greek Empire. Historically, the eastern legs of the Roman and Greek Empires were larger. This is suggestive the antichrist will not come from western Europe.
Historically, there has been a pause of over 2,300 years since Alexander the Great. History is running its course. And we continue to wait for a king who will arise… not a nice guy.
