Three times in Daniel 8 we’re told that rise and reign of horror under Antiochus is fueled by sin:
- “because of rebellion” (v. 12),
- “the time of wrath” (v. 19),
- “when the rebels have become completely wicked” (v. 23).
We’re certainly not surprised by this. In light of the atrocities Antiochus was responsible for in his persecution of God’s people and his desecration of the temple—we’d be surprised if it wasn’t connected to sin. But I don’t think we’re supposed to understand these statements as referring to Antiochus’ sin—they are referring to the sinful state of God’s covenant people.
Verse 12 says, “Because of rebellion, the Lord’s people and the daily sacrifice were given over to it.” Who’s rebellion? It’s certainly not that of Antiochus. It is the rebellion of Israel—not all of them (1 Maccabees speaks of those who stood strong even in the face of persecution), but most of them. Likewise, “the time of wrath” (v. 19) or “indignation” as some other versions have, is God’s wrath and indignation against His people. “When the rebels have become completely wicked” (v. 23), a fierce looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise.” This makes it clear that Antiochus comes to power because wickedness was flourishing and in response to it.
It’s helpful to remember that most of the events recorded in Daniel take place during the time when the Jewish nation is in captivity because of their sin. He tells them in chapter 2 that God is faithful (even though His people haven’t been) and will establish the Messiah’s kingdom in the days of the 4th kingdom (Rome). But in chapter 9 we also learn that the days of the Jewish nation are numbered (9:25-27). God’s coming reign through Jesus will be under a new covenant that will involve all nations. Israel will no longer have their status as a most favored nation. Their city and sanctuary will be destroyed (v. 26).
God allowed Antiochus to do what he did as part of a national judgment against Israel. This judgement was one of His calls to a dying nation and sadly, as a nation, they didn’t respond. Despite the fact that God had sent them prophet after prophet, the nation hadn’t learned their lesson. John the Baptizer would come with his message of repentance and many would respond—but not the bulk of the nation. Chapter 9 tells us that God would send one final prophet, His Son, and they would put Him to death. The destruction of Jerusalem would follow.
And what does any of this have to do with us today? I don’t think it’s hard to see that as a nation, we’re moving away from God. It’s more difficult to appreciate this if you are younger, but if you have been around a while and remember where our country was, it’s obvious we are not where we used to be. And I believe if you read the headlines in light of Scripture; we’re already experiencing that judgment. Take a look at Romans 1 and see the things that God gave people over to and then ask yourself if that isn’t exactly what is happening in our world today.
But there’s hope. There’s always hope for the follower of God. It starts with recognizing that if we’re looking to our government to save us, we’re looking in the wrong place. Governments don’t save, God does. If you were an Israelite living during Daniel’s time, I suppose it would be easy to talk yourself into the idea that living under the Babylonian king was the problem. Then the Medo-Persians come to power and they’re the problem. Then the Greeks and the Romans.
That wasn’t the problem.
The problem was, as a nation, they weren’t allowing God to be their king. That’s still the problem today. Governments don’t save anyone; God does if we will allow Him to reign in our lives. If you want to do something transformative, keep walking with the Lord—that’s what our nation needs more of! That’s where hope is!
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 