There is much debate amongst biblical scholars about the identity of the person mentioned in Daniel 36 to 39. Some believe it is Antiochus IV Epiphanes or it could be the Anti Christ. But as we have been reading the Book of Daniel, previous chapters have described the Anti-Christ in the context of Antiochus IV Epiphanes so it could be that the angel had ceased to speak of Antiochus IV and was now referring to the Anti Christ. Whatever the case we are told that this individual will "exalt and magnify himself above every god" vs 36 and we know that all forms of self-exaltation originate from satan. And the book of Daniel has shown us how to deal with this attitude. Verse 37 goes on to say, "he will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the one desired by women." i.e. The anti christ will reject whatever religion is practised by his ancestors and he won't recognize any religion or deity at all not even pagan ones. Instead he will proclaim himself to be the ultimate power.
The God of fortresses is believed by some to be Jupiter or Zeus. The implication being that this individual will make war his God. More than his predecessors, he will wage war and glorify its horrors.
From vs 40 it is more clear that its talking of the anti christ. The Anti christ will wreak terrible and increasing havoc but only as far as god will allow him because ultimately God is still in control. Satans fury will explode to its fullest measure because he knows his time is almost up. Daniel 11:40 says that " the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the north will storm out against him." Israel will be the hot spot of horrific war at this time and many Jews will flee, seeking refuge among the Gentile nations. the end of Daniel 11 depicts the Anti Christ in " his royal tents between the seas ( the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea) at the beautiful Holy mountain", then the word assures us that, " he will come to his end, and no one will help him" vs 45.
Revelation 19:20 clearly teaches us that soon after Christs second coming, He will cast the anti christ ( the beast) and his false prophet alive into "the fiery lake of burning sulphur".
Daniel 12 the final chapter opens with the promise of ultimate deliverance for the faithful and resurrection for the dead. There is clear reference to the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked, although different fates await both.
Daniel 12:3 tells us that "Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens , and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever." Many people try to be stars in the world of entertainment, only to find their stardom temporary. God tells us in his word that we can become eternal stars by being wise and leading many to righteousness.
Closing up and sealing the words meant that the scroll was to be kept safe and preserved. This was to be done so that believers throughout history could look back on Gods work in history and find hope.
The power of the holy people (Daniel 12:7) seems to be crushed again and again throughout history and gods recurring purpose in this, is to break the pride and self sufficiency of his rebellious people and bring them to accept him as their Lord.
Trials and persecutions (Daniel 12:10) make very little sense to us when we experience them, but they can purify us if we are willing to learn from them.
The abomination mentioned in Daniel 12"11) refers to the altar of Zeus set up by Antiochus IV where he sacrificed a pig.
The promise of the resurrection was reaffirmed to Daniel in vs 13.
An ending perfectly ordained by God.
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