The initial fulfillment of Daniel's prophecy occurred in 168 BC, on the 25th day of the month Kislev, when Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes, with the support of his army, erected an altar to the Greek god Zeus on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and offered swine upon it. This act of desecration intensified Jewish resistance, sparking the Maccabean revolt. Following their success in retaking Jerusalem, the Jews cleansed and rededicated the Temple in 165 BC, an event commemorated in the Jewish Hanukah celebration.

One of the historical types of the end-time Beast is reflected in the context of the Maccabean Revolt, a significant uprising against oppressive rule. This revolt showcases a fierce resistance to domination, paralleling the militaristic nature of the Beast, who is depicted as a formidable general and conqueror. The Beast, like the figures involved in such historical conflicts, thrives on war and the imposition of harsh terms on the subdued, embodying a relentless drive for victory and control. Scripture highlights this martial zeal as a primary characteristic, suggesting that the Beast will be obsessed with warfare, using swiftness, decisiveness, and overwhelming force to achieve his aims.

The Maccabean Revolt, also known as the Hasmonean Period, marked a significant era of resistance and renewal for the Jews during the intertestamental years. This period began in 165 BC with a revolt sparked by the slaying of an idolatrous Jew at the temple altar. Judas Maccabaeus, succeeding his father as leader of the Jewish patriots, excelled in guerrilla warfare, leveraging the terrain of Judea to thwart Syrian campaigns. Despite three failed attempts by Antiochus Epiphanes to suppress the rebellion, the Syrian ruler succumbed to a severe illness, leading to a temporary peace with the Jews. Though still under nominal Syrian control, Judas became governor of Palestine and initiated the purification and rededication of the temple, establishing the feast of Chanukkah. When hostilities resumed, Judas sought Roman aid, but he perished in battle before assistance arrived. His brother Jonathan took leadership, and was later acknowledged by the Syrians as governor of Judea, only to be assassinated. Simon succeeded Jonathan, securing hereditary rule over Palestine with Roman support. However, internal strife persisted as Simon was followed by John Hyrcanus, and later, a civil war erupted between Hyrcanus II and Aristobulus, grandsons of John Hyrcanus. In this conflict, the Roman general Pompey sided with Hyrcanus, besieged Jerusalem, and entered the Holy of Holies, deeply alienating the Jewish people from Roman authority. The Maccabean era thus shaped a pattern of Jewish nationalism that influenced the cultural and political landscape into the New Testament period.

During the Intertestamental Period, the Maccabean Revolt, also known as the Hasmonean Period, spanned from 165 to 63 BC, lasting about 102 years. It began with a revolt triggered by the slaying of an idolatrous Jew at the altar in the Temple. The land of Judea, well-suited for guerrilla tactics, was led by Judas Maccabaeus, who succeeded his father as the leader of the Jewish patriots. Despite three Syrian campaigns, Antiochus Epiphanes failed to suppress the rebellion and eventually died of a detestable disease. Peace was achieved with the Jews, and though still under nominal Syrian rule, Judas Maccabaeus became governor of Palestine. His first act was the purification and rededication of the Temple, marking the origin of the Jewish Feast of Purification. When the Syrians renewed hostilities, Judas sought aid from the rising power of Rome, but he died in battle before help arrived. His brother Jonathan succeeded him, and the Maccabean history became marked by endless factions. Jonathan was acknowledged by the Syrians as governor of Judea but was soon assassinated. Simon Maccabaeus followed, and with Roman assistance, he became the hereditary ruler of Palestine. He was succeeded by John Hyrcanus. The people faced bitter partisan controversies, leading to a civil war waged by two grandsons of John Hyrcanus, Hyrcanus and Aristobulus. In this conflict, the Roman General Pompey sided with Hyrcanus, while Aristobulus defied Rome and defended Jerusalem. Pompey captured the city after a three-month siege and entered the Holy of Holies, forever alienating loyal Jewish hearts from Rome. In some respects, the Maccabees established a pattern of Jewish nationalism that influenced the New Testament period.