The Coming Antichrist – Daniel 7:15-28

This chapter is a parallel to chapter 2, giving another overview of what Christ referred to as the “times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24) with additional details, particularly in relation to the rise of Antichrist. In our last lesson we were introduced to the vision in the first part of the chapter. Now we will consider the interpretation of this vision under four headings.

1. Daniel 7 marks the start of the second major section of the Book – Prophetical.
2. This chapter is a parallel to chapter 2, giving another overview of what Christ referred to as the “times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24) with additional details, particularly in relation to the rise of Antichrist.
3. Review of outline
   • The Introduction to the Vision (Vs. 1-3)
   • The Information of the Vision (Vs. 4-14)
   • The Interpretation of the Vision (Vs. 15-28)
4. In our last lesson we covered the first two points of our outline. In this lesson we will cover the final point relating to the interpretation of the vision under four sections.

The Inquiry for an Interpretation (Vs. 15-18)

The Appeal of Daniel (Vs. 15-16)

1. The reason for his appeal (Vs. 15). Daniel’s heart was moved in spirit and troubled mind over the vision and its meaning. Prophetic truth, while fascinating and interesting, should have a sobering affect upon our heart and minds as we contemplate what God is going to do in the future.
2. The request of his appeal (Vs. 16). Daniel asks for help from “one of them that stood by”. This would have been an angelic being.

The Answer to Daniel (Vs. 17-18)

1. The explanation of the earthly kingdom (Vs. 17)
2. The explanation of the heavenly kingdom (Vs. 18)

The Interest for an Interpretation (Vs. 19-22)

Daniel wanted to know more about the Fourth Kingdom (Vs. 19)

1. The description of the beast closely parallels the description in Vs. 7 with an additional detail that it had “nails of brass”
2. A repeated phrase is that this beast was “diverse from all the others” (See Vs. 7, 19 & 23). It stands apart from the other kingdoms as “exceeding dreadful”. This ‘diversity’ could also be on account of the fact it is a conglomerate of the previous empires – See Rev. 13:2. “Rome often incorporated the cultures it conquered into its own.” (Sargent)

Daniel wanted to know more about the Final King (Vs. 20-22)

1. The rise of the final king (Vs. 20-21)
2. The fall of the final king (Vs. 22)

The Instruction of the Interpretation (Vs. 23-27)

The Explanation of the Fourth Kingdom (Vs. 23-24a)

• 1. The fulfilled part of this kingdom (Vs. 23)
  2. The future part of this kingdom (Vs. 24a)

The Explanation of the Final King (Vs. 24b-26)

From Daniel 7 we gain an insightful profile of the coming Antichrist. Note particularly Vs. 8, 20, 24 & 25 and consider 8 particulars about the Antichrist we find in these verses:

1. Antichrist’s Obscurity – he is described as a “little horn” (Vs. 8) Perhaps he will be like a Hitler who started out in obscurity but rose to power and prominence quiet rapidly.
2. Antichrist’s Ascendency – He arises out of the ten-horn confederacy, the last organized form of the Roman Empire. He will “subdue three kings” in his rise to power revealing that he will come to power through violent means.
3. Antichrist’s Beauty – “whose look was more stout than his fellows” Webster’s dictionary defines ‘stout’ as “strong, lusty”. There will be something striking about him. He will have satanically inspired Charisma, appeal and intelligence (“eyes of a man” Vs. 8). 2 Thessalonians 2:9 says, “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” He will be Satan’s “angel of light” (2. Cor. 11:14-15) and all the world will wonder after him (Rev. 13:3-4). What a contrast to the true Messiah who had “no beauty that we should desire him” (Is. 53:2-3).
4. Antichrist’s Oratory – “he shall speak great words” (See also Vs. 8 & 20) He will be an eloquent and dynamic speaker. Revelation 13:5 says, “And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things…” He will hold his audiences spell bound with promises of peace and prosperity!
5. Antichrist’s Blasphemy – “he shall speak great words against the most High” Read Revelation 13:1 & 5-6 where Antichrist is pictured as wearing blasphemy upon his very person. What a contrast to our Lord Jesus Christ, the true Messiah, who is pictured in Revelation 19:11-16 with “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Vs. 16) written on His vesture and thigh.
6. Antichrist’s Cruelty – “shall wear out the saints of the most High” Remember, the church age was a mystery concealed from the O.T. prophets (Eph. 3:9-10) so these are Jewish saints and tribulation converts. Antichrist will be anti-Semitic and will viciously persecute the Jewish people (See Rev. 12). Anti-Semitism is inspired by Satan (Rev. 12:4).
7. Antichrist’s Anarchy – Antichrist will “think to change times and laws” He will seek to legislate anti-God, unbiblical laws. The stage is being set in our present political environment for such a man!
8. Antichrist’s Expiry – his kingdom will be short lived (Vs. 25) and will be destroyed at the second coming of Christ (Vs. 26). Antichrist and his kingdom will be dealt a pulverizing blow by the Rock of Ages (Dan. 2:34-35; 44-45) “…whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.” (2 Thess. 2:8)

The explanation of the Heavenly Kingdom (Vs. 27)

What precious glimpses we get into this coming kingdom of Christ! It will be…

1. A Universal Kingdom – “the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven…all dominions shall serve and obey him”
2. An Eternal Kingdom – “whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom”

The Impact of the Interpretation (Vs. 28)

Daniel is an example to us of how prophetic truth should affect us. This vision affected…

His Cogitations (Vs. 28a)

1. ‘cogitation’ refers to “the act of thinking; thought; meditation; contemplation” (Webster’s 1828). It refers to “the action of thinking deeply about something” (Oxford’s Dictionary)
2. Daniel was more than just fascinated and interested in what God was revealing about the future. He was stirred deeply in heart about these sobering truths (See Vs. 15).

His Countenance (Vs. 28b)

1. his inward heart burden affected his outward appearance. He was visibly affected by the vision.
2. Can you imagine Daniel at this point with the lines furrowing his forehead, the look of concern in his eyes and the color draining from his cheeks?

His Commitment (Vs. 28c)

1. Daniel was receptive and responsive to the truth
2. Everyman’s Bible Commentary: “God’s prophet was not a casual bystander in the special revelation of God to His people. He was deeply and emotionally involved in God’s prophetic program, and so must we be. Instead of merely intellectual academic detachment, he was profoundly affected by the overwhelming Word of God.”

Conclusion

Do the prophecies of God’s Word concerning the future have any effect on our lives? Do they change our priorities and the way we live? Do they affect our perspective of the lost?

Sermon 14 of 23 in Daniel Series

Sermon Audio Id: 6141952125635