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Nebuchadnezzar's Image (Part Three): 'Belly and Thighs of Bronze'

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Daniel's prophecy in chapter 8 highlights the Greek Empire, focusing on its rise under Alexander the Great and the later reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Syrian king surnamed Epiphanes, meaning the manifest or the illustrious. The Jews, with tragic wit, called him Epimanes, or the madman, due to his violently anti-Jewish policies. Determined to Hellenize the Jews, this little horn systematically forbade, under penalty of death, circumcision, Sabbath and holy day observance, and the reading or possession of the Torah scrolls. He executed some for refusing to eat swine's flesh and butchered others who would not bow to a pagan image. Additionally, he erected a statue of Zeus Olympius in the Temple, sacrificed swine on God's altar, and permitted pagan rites, orgies, and festivals in the Temple grounds. In his pride, he decreed that he should be worshiped as Zeus, with his coins bearing the inscription theos epiphanes, meaning God manifest. Other despicable deeds of Antiochus, including his wars against Egypt and the Maccabees, are detailed in prophecy, where he is depicted as a precursor to a future world dictator who will also speak blasphemies and persecute God's people.

The Beast's Militarism

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Antiochus IV Epiphanes stands as a significant historical type of the end-time Beast, embodying the militaristic zeal and ruthless ambition that characterize this prophesied figure. Known for his aggressive conquests and desecration of sacred spaces, Antiochus exemplifies the Beast's obsession with war and domination. His actions, marked by a relentless drive to impose his will through overwhelming force, mirror the predicted behaviors of the coming ruler who will thrive on military victories and the destruction of enemies. Like Antiochus, the Beast will be a formidable conqueror, delighting in the imposition of harsh terms on the subdued and reveling in the power and riches that conquest brings. These traits of unyielding martial prowess and strategic cunning, as seen in Antiochus, serve as critical clues to recognizing the Beast when he rises to prominence.

What Is the 'Abomination of Desolation' (Matthew 24:15)?

Bible Questions & Answers

In 168 BC, on the 25th day of the month Kislev, Syrian king Antiochus IV Epiphanes, with the aid of his army, erected an altar to the Greek god Zeus on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem and offered swine upon it. This act intensified Jewish resistance, sparking the Maccabean revolt. Subsequently, in 165 BC, the Jews retook Jerusalem, cleansed, and rededicated the Temple, an event commemorated in the Jewish Hanukah celebration.

Reinstituting Daily Sacrifices in Jerusalem

Commentary by Kim Myers

Before Christ's return, the Two Witnesses must appear, the Beast and False Prophet must arise, and daily animal sacrifices must be re-instituted in Jerusalem.

The Book of Daniel (Part Eight)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Several types of the abomination of desolation have occurred in history, including the desecration of the temple by Antiochus Epiphanes and the Roman legions.

What Happened Between the Testaments?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The Inter-Testamental period, approximately 400 years between the time of Malachi and Matthew, was a time of intense political and intellectual fermentation.

What Do the 1,290 and 1,335 Days Represent (Daniel 12:11-12)?

Bible Questions & Answers

The 1,290-day and 1,335-day time periods refer to events that will happen in this generation. Each period begins with a significant prophetic event.

Meet the Minor Prophets (Part Four)

'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The books of Zechariah and Malachi create a bridge to the New Testament and the coming of the Son of Man.

The Book of Daniel (Part Six)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We need to emulate Daniel by faithfully studying and praying for understanding, asking God for what He has promised and for His will to be done.

The Bible—Superstition or Authority?

Herbert W. Armstrong Booklet

Why do the many churches disagree about what the Bible says? Have you ever proved whether it is the authoritative Word of the Creator God?

The King of the South

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The King of the South (Daniel 11:40) might be a confederation of Arabic/Islamic nations continually at war with the people of Israel.

Do You Really Know God?

Sermon by Clyde Finklea

We can know for sure that we know Him intimately by keeping His commandments and practicing loving kindnesses.

Cleansing God's People

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Haggai received the last two prophecies on the same day. Haggai 2:10 and 20 identify that day as the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, called Kislev.

Don't Lose Your Focus!

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul urged that we get our focus more balanced, emphasizing love over prophetic correctness, not remaining indifferent to what Christ deemed important.