Ask Dr. Couch (#406)

Dr. Couch, where do you start the antichrist in Daniel 11? Most seem to say that he is first mentioned in verse 36 and on.

You sent me a very complicated question about where I think we begin seeing him in prophecy, in that chapter. The best scholars I know say the reference to him does indeed begin with verse 36. It must be remembered that whether one is looking for information in chapter 11 about Antiochus Epiphanes or the antichrist, most of what is said has to do with events that we know, or will know, little about in terms of details. So it is difficult to be dogmatic as to all that is going on in this chapter. In some ways, chapter 11 is one of the toughest chapters in the OT, because it gives to us extremely detailed information and prophecies.

Christ, and then Paul, refers back to Daniel 9 and 11 when predicting the coming of the antichrist. And of course so does the apostle John in the book of Revelation.

The Lord refers to the antichrist and the Abomination of Desolation "standing in the holy place spoken of through Daniel the prophet" (Matt. 24:15). Paul also speaks of him in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-on. Scofield Ministries produced Paul Benware's excellent commentary on Daniel that is now available for a donation of $15. Those reading this really need this great volume. Dr. Benware handles with meaning detail, as much as can be known, the issues of Daniel 11.

After going through all of the twists and turns on chapter 11, Benware concludes: "It seems best, therefore, to see 11:36-45 as referring to the coming Antichrist who will appear at the end of the ages and completely fulfill these predictions of Daniel. Dr. John Walvoord observed that 'many students of Scripture have recognized from antiquity that another king must be in view' and many of these (such as Jerome and Luther) identified him with the Antichrist of the New Testament. We are, therefore, in good company when we identify this king as the 'man of sin', 'the beast', 'the Antichrist'."

The address for ordering the commentary is: 120 CR 3222, Clifton, TX 76634.

Thanks for asking.
Dr. Mal Couch