Note: This topic is also addressed in the following videos –> Why Daniel 11:21-45 is about the Antichrist and Daniel 11:21-45 – The Antichrist’s Career
Daniel 11:21-45 is a detailed look at what the Antichrist is going to be up to in the end times. How do we know Daniel 11:21-45 is about the Antichrist?
Daniel 11:21-45 calls the Antichrist the King of the North. This title described the leaders of the Seleucid Empire, which was based in Syria and Iraq. It is used throughout Daniel 11. Daniel 11:21 introduces a new King of the North that rises to power in the area of the Seleucid Kingdom, Syria specifically. In Daniel 8 verse 9 as well as verses 19-25, the Antichrist is depicted as a little horn rising out of the Seleucid Empire, growing in power to the south, to the east and toward Israel. He must come to power in the western portion of Syria, bordering the Mediterranean Sea, if he’s going to conquer to the south, to the east and toward Israel.
Well, Daniel 11:22-23 talks about a covenant being made with this ruler and many nations, including Israel. This is a clear allusion to the seven-year covenant prophesied in Daniel 9:27 which begins Daniel’s 70th Week. Halfway through this seven-year period, the Antichrist will break the deal. This is described in Daniel 11:31, which says this leader will desecrate the Temple, abolish daily sacrifice and his forces will set up the abomination that causes desolation. This is the same abomination of desolation that Jesus warned about in Matthew 24:15. Finally, the ruler that was introduced in Daniel 11:21 is the same guy being discussed all the way through to the end of the passage in verse 45. Clearly, Daniel 11:21-45 is talking about the Antichrist.
Summary
Daniel 11:21-45 is a detailed overview of the military career of the Antichrist. It begins with the Daniel 11:22 War, which is followed by the signing of the seven-year covenant in Daniel 11:22-23. Daniel 11:23-30 highlights the Beginning of Birth Pains, specifically how the Antichrist will take plunder, distribute it among his followers and engage in wars during this time. Daniel 11:31 notes the invasion of Jerusalem and the Abomination of Desolation. Daniel 11:32-39 depicts the Great Tribulation, emphasizing the persecution of Christians and the worship of the Antichrist. Daniel 11:40-44 describes the Antichrist conquering much of the Middle East and North Africa during the Great Tribulation. Finally, Daniel 11:45 concludes the passage by prophesying the destruction of the Antichrist at the Battle of Armageddon.