From Dan 11:36 on, there is quite a diversity of opinions…
   a. Some believe Antiochus Epiphanes (IV) is still the subject of Daniel’s prophecy
   b. Others suggest that a Roman emperor is being described
   c. Still others believe it also refers to someone yet to come [Antichrist? Very probable.]

JIV: This is part of the watershed prophecy of the short-term ruler (Antiochus Epiphanes) and a parallel End Time (antichrist); the parallel end time (watershed) prophecy begins at verse 11:21, not verse 36 as some try to date it. Insiders’ comment: Note how closely the name Antiochus and Antichrist are pronounced

If this (c) is correct, the kings referred to from this point on are symbolic and refer to leaders we do not yet know, are in power today, in 2023, or very soon will be. It also means from this point forward in Daniel, the territories mentioned are symbolic whereas the territories and rulers in 11:1-35 are actuality and now history, but, prophetic to Daniel’s pen and parchment paper as it was written BEFORE any of it played out for history.

Daniel continued to chapter 11 conclusions

36 “The king (including the anti-Christ of the future?) will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard-of things against the God of gods. He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. 37 He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all. 38 Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his ancestors he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. 39 He [including the antichrist of the end time?] will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god [Satan?] and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. *He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price.

#5 of 5 *There are so many parallels between this time in history (Daniel’s prophetic vision including End Time) it would take a separate article to draw the parallels.

 40 “At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. 41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land [Israel]. Many countries will fall, but [the territories of…] Edom, Moab, and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his [antichrist’s] hand [Land of southern Jordan today, 2023]. 42 He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape. 43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Cushites [Nubians/Ethiopians] in submission. 44 But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many. 45 He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he [Satan included at the end of the Tribulation?] will come to his end, and no one will help him.

This is where Daniel swings into full end-time future parallel prophecy; a prophecy yet to be completed in 2023 or beyond, beginning around verse 36. Some suggest beginning in Daniel 11:22 through the end of the chapter. The historical accuracy of verses 11:1-36 makes many historians and mediocre bible followers want to suggest that this portion of Daniel was written AFTER the fact. If true, Daniel 11:1-36 was inserted in the text of the Book of Daniel hundreds of years after this history/prophecy was complete. Daniel was deceased. In turn, to suggest this means the prophecy was not futuristic, but history after-the-fact denying the inspiration of scripture and prophecy.

The underlying doubt of such a rather naïve suggestion is that verses 36 to the end of this chapter are part of history but cannot be connected to any historical events. This is before-the-fact. Such scripture revisionists are not real bible believers and don’t want to admit that Daniel’s prophecies came from his own hand as inspired by God; totally prophetic. They want the bible to be good, but not THAT GOOD. End Time prophecy already coming true includes those who play church but are singing from the wrong songbook. They sing from the hymnal or words on a screen without considering the words being sung.

Thank you for taking the time to read this for yourself. It took many weeks of research to find the correct secular and historical names with events to fit the passages between verses 1 and 36/37. If there is an error, it is unintentional. We might suggest that this translation is about as close to actuality as we will get. That is until God sends his Son to rapture the Church that Jesus already redeemed. We suspect we won’t care at that time. Praise God and pray for His quick return.

Rev. Dr. Jstark
originally written 2-25-2012/11-11-2013
revised 2023