Deeper ReflectionAntiochus’ reign of terror in “the final period of the indignation” (v.19)
has three characteristics.
Self-magnification: The small horn “grew exceedingly great” until, in
visionary language, it reached the heavenly realm and “threw some of
the starry host to the earth and trampled on them” (vv.9-10, NIV). And it
“magnified itself to be equal to the Commander of the host” – “Yahweh of
hosts”
58 (vv.11, 25). Our pride in our being and doing great may not lead us
to this blasphemous stage. However, when we put the self before God, we
are no better. Both are idolatry of the self.
Opposition: Antiochus’ arrogance made him think that he could defeat
the God of Israel. He “banned circumcision”, “removed the regular
sacrifice from Him [God]” (v.11) and placed “an object sacred to Zeus
in the Holy of Holies”
59 . And he “fling[s] truth to the ground” (v.12) by
burning copies of the Scriptures.
60 God in His sovereignty does allow
Himself to appear to be easily beaten by His enemies.
Transgression: This is “the transgression [that] causes horror” (v.13),
which “refers to Antiochus’ sacrilege”
61 in God’s temple. It also refers
to “when sin is at its height” (v.23, NLT) – the rebellion of the Gentiles
against God,
62 as typified by Antiochus’ sacrilege. God does allow “sin to
reach an extreme form that necessitates radical punishment”
63 . For God is
kind, patient and forbearing to give sinners the opportunity to repent of
their sins (Rom 2:4). The transgression also refers to the rebellion of God’s
people that paved the way for Antiochus to desecrate the temple (v.13).
64
58 Ernest C. Lucas, Daniel, Apollos Old Testament Commentary (Apollos, IVP, 2002), 216
59 Iain M. Duguid, 129
60 Iain M. Duguid, 129
61 John E. Goldingay, 211
62 John E. Goldingay, 217
63 John E. Goldingay, 217
64 Iain M. Duguid, 131
