Dan. 11:36 – it is the first (and only) time in Daniel 11 that someone is called “the king” without attaching “of the South” or “of the North”, etc.  May indicate the general figure of “Antichrist” over the specific king of the North/South.  And/or may show that Antiochus is the type for Antichrist (similar to prophecies about David or Solomon, etc. that begin with a historical fulfillment, but ultimately point to a greater fulfillment in Christ).

Dan. 11:36 terminology is clearly used in 2 Thes. 2 for “the man of sin” (who seems to be Antichrist).  Thus, either “the king” of Dan. 11:36 is strictly speaking of Antichrist, or is referring to Antiochus as a type for Antichrist.

Daniel 11:40 – Options Among Commentators:

1.       Antiochus Epiphanies

  1. Speaks of a historical event to come (doubtful based on historical evidence)
  2. Recaps the essence of Antiochus’ acts (doubtful, see Keil and Delitsch)
  3. Speaks in idealic language, not attached to precise events (seems strange in comparison to rest of chapter)

2.       Antichrist – most probable (see above)

  1. when he is referenced as King of North, may point to a “north” above Syria (which was Antiochus’s kingdom).  Rome is directly above Syria of Ancient Greece, and fits well with other prophecies of Antichrist that place his kingdom in Rome (see Daniel, 2 Thes., and Revelation).
  2. Dan. 12 begins with a description of the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.  This (along with other events) are outlined in Revelation and happen at the time of Antichrist’s demise, thus the placement of this king immediately before Dan. 12 is strong indication of Antichrist.

3.       Rome (see Calvin and Rushdoony) – strange that the language would change from individual kings, to an entire kingdom without any strong clues in the text

4.       King Herod (Mauro) – there is some merit to this position:

  1. Dan. 12 uses language similar to what is used by Jesus to describe Jerusalem’s temple destruction (Mt. 24), and thus it could correspond with a king at that time (like Herod).
  2. “the king” (of v. 40) is used as a term for Herod in the Bible
  3. for more, see Mauro’s “70 Weeks and the Great Tribulation”

5.       Pompey (brought Roman control to Palestine in 63 BC) – not seriously considered by many

6.       Constantine – not seriously considered by many