Of all the Old Testament characters that prefigure the coming Antichrist, the Syrian ruler Antiochus Epiphanes may be the most complete. The historical exploits of Antiochus [also known as Antiochus IV] mirror and foreshadow the Antichrist’s campaign of terror in Israel in the last days.

Daniel, serving under King Darius the Mede, was given a prophecy around 538 B.C. about the coming decline of the Medo-Persian empire and the rapid expansion of the Macedonian (Greek) empire under Alexander the Great. Daniel, prophesying 200 hundred years earlier, predicted Alexander’s rise to power and abrupt death, forcing him to divide his kingdom with four of his most trusted generals [Daniel 11:2-4]. The Apocryphal book of 1 Maccabees describes the details of this history.

“The wicked ruler Antiochus Epiphanes, son of King Antiochus the Third of Syria, was a descendant of one of Alexander’s generals. Antiochus Epiphanes had been a hostage in Rome before he became king of Syria in the year 175 B.C.”

[1 Maccabees 1:10]

Like so many Old Testament prophecies, the prophecies of Daniel 11 are dualistic in nature, meaning that the prophetic descriptions have both a historical fulfillment and a future fulfillment. The prophecy is layered in such a way that it applies both to Antiochus, who fulfilled the prophecy in part in the 2nd Century B.C., but also applies to Antichrist and the time of the end [Daniel 11:40, 12:4]. As I said before, Antiochus provides the most comprehensive profile of the Antichrist, so we can learn a great deal about the future by studying this passage.

THE King of the NORth

Daniel’s prophecy refers to Antiochus as the “king of the north,” which is in reference to the Holy Land, Israel. Antiochus was the king of Syria, which is associated with the ancient Assyrian empire and geographically is due north of Israel. The king of the north and king of the south (Egypt) engage in a series of military conflicts, and Israel is caught directly in the middle of these two nations and their armies. Since Antiochus warred with Ptolemy of Egypt in the historical fulfillment of this prophecy, I believe this regional conflict between the king of the north and king of the south will be repeated during the future campaign of the Antichrist. Both Daniel and John speak of Antichrist rising to power and displacing three other kings in the process. Perhaps Egypt is one of these future kings the Antichrist will subdue in his rise to power.

Although it may be difficult to predict the specific national origin of the Antichrist, I think it is safe to say that he will arise somewhere out of the ancient Assyrian/Babylonian empire that reached into parts of Syria and modern-day Turkey. I will spend more time on this idea in a later post when discussing “the Assyrian” from Micah 5 and also Gog of Magog in Ezekiel 38-39, both of which refer to this same antichrist figure who comes from the “north.”

A Usurper of Power

It is interesting that 1 Maccabees described Antiochus Epiphanes as being a “hostage in Rome” before rising to power in Syria. The prophecy of Daniel also implies that the Antichrist will have to usurp or take his power. He will be a master manipulator, making political power plays with flatteries and lies. This also corresponds to Daniel’s description of the Antichrist as the “little horn,” apparently speaking of his seemingly insignificant role on the geopolitical stage before rising to power out of nowhere. Just like Satan himself, Antichrist will be usurper of power, stealing that which doesn’t belong to him.

“In his place shall arise a contemptible person to whom royal majesty has not been given. He shall come in without warning and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.”

[Daniel 11:21]

Maker and Breaker of the COvenant

Daniel’s prophecies involve the confirmation of some type of covenant with the people of Israel and another nation or nations. Many have speculated about the interpretation of this covenant, especially concerning what role the Antichrist will play in it. Some believe that this covenant — perhaps a peace agreement — will be made between the Antichrist and Israel. Others see the Antichrist as the one who initiates and confirms the covenant between Israel and another party. Perhaps this peace accord will involve the international approval that finally gives Israel the authority to rebuild the third temple. Either way, I believe a future covenant with Israel will play a critical role in the last days.

“And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”

[Daniel 9:27]

In an clear foreshadowing of this end times covenant, 1 Maccabees describes how Antiochus deceived the Jews in his day.

“Two years later Antiochus sent a large army from Mysia against the towns of Judea. When the soldiers entered Jerusalem, ³⁰ their commander spoke to the people, offering them terms of peace and completely deceiving them. Then he suddenly launched a fierce attack on the city, dealing it a major blow and killing many of the people. ³¹ He plundered the city, set it on fire, and tore down its buildings and walls. ³² He and his army took the women and children as prisoners and seized the cattle.”

[1 Maccabees 1:29-32]

Daniel provides even more detail about how the Antichrist will deceive many with this false peace agreement.

“Armies shall be utterly swept away before him and broken, even the prince of the covenant. And from the time that an alliance is made with him he shall act deceitfully, and he shall become strong with a small people … For ships of Kittim shall come against him, and he shall be afraid and withdraw, and shall turn back and be enraged and take action against the holy covenant. He shall turn back and pay attention to those who forsake the holy covenant. Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate. He shall seduce with flattery those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God shall stand firm and take action

[Daniel 11:22-23,30-32]

The ABomination of Desolation

In the same manner as Antiochus, the Antichrist will use this covenant to get what he wants and then he ruthlessly will turn on all parties involved. Just as there was a temple in Jerusalem in the days of Antiochus, there will be a temple in Jerusalem in the last days. Jesus warns everyone living in or around Jerusalem in the last days to flee the city when they see the “abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place” [Matthew 24:15]. What is this great abomination that makes desolate?

The first thing we learn both from history and prophecy is that the Antichrist will put an end to the regular Jewish sacrifices in the holy place. For the Antichrist to put an end to sacrifices in the last days, that means that the Jewish sacrificial system will be reestablished and the altar to the LORD will be rebuilt, which most likely will be in the third temple complex. Antiochus did the same thing in his day.

“He ordered them not to offer burnt offerings, grain offerings, or wine offerings in the Temple, and commanded them to treat Sabbaths and festivals as ordinary work days. ⁴⁶ They were even ordered to defile the Temple and the holy things in it. ⁴⁷ They were commanded to build pagan altars, temples, and shrines, and to sacrifice pigs and other unclean animals there … The penalty for disobeying the king’s decree was death.”

[1 Maccabees 1:45-47, 50]

After putting an end to the Jewish sacrifices in the temple, the Antichrist will totally defile and profane the altar and the temple with some type of pagan blood sacrifice and occult ritual. After defiling the temple, the Antichrist will then take his seat on the “throne” of what is symbolically the earthly throne of the LORD, and he will mock God while magnifying himself before the world.

The Apostle Paul describes this most profane act of blasphemy by saying, “Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.” [2 Thessalonians 2:3-4]

It is also worth comparing Daniel’s prophecy with the historical accounts of 1 Maccabees. According to history, Antiochus erected an altar to Zeus in the Jewish Temple and defiled the holy place with pagan blood sacrifice.

^“On the fifteenth day of the month of Kislev in the year 167 B.C., King Antiochus set up The Awful Horror on the altar of the Temple, and pagan altars were built in the towns throughout Judea. ⁵⁵ Pagan sacrifices were offered in front of houses and in the streets … On the twenty-fifth of the month, these same evil people offered sacrifices on the pagan altar erected on top of the altar in the Temple. ⁶⁰ Mothers who had allowed their babies to be circumcised were put to death in accordance with the king’s decree. ⁶¹ Their babies were hung around their necks, and their families and those who had circumcised them were put to death.”

[1 Maccabees 1:54-55, 59-61]

Daniel describes the future event in this way.

“And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done.

[Daniel 11:36]

DIVIDING Up the Land for a Price

Lastly, Daniel 11 also gives an indication that when the Antichrist turns against the people of the holy covenant, he will use the land of Israel as a bartering piece. The prophet Joel also speaks of this wicked scheme of the nations trying to divide the land of Israel, as if it were theirs to give.

“He shall deal with the strongest fortresses with the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall load with honor. He shall make them rulers over many and shall divide the land for a price.”

[Daniel 11:39]

“For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land.”

[Joel 3:1-2]

As ruthless and blasphemous as Antiochus Epiphanes may have been, he still is nothing compared to the coming Antichrist. All of these pieces to the prophetic puzzle must be taken into account so that we are not deceived by his subtle yet destructive schemes, and so we can boldly proclaim the gospel of salvation for all to hear in these last days.

“And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury. But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.” [Esther 3:5-6]

Just last week, Jews all over the world celebrated the annual holy day of Purim, which remembers God’s faithfulness to save His people from annihilation through Esther, Queen of Persia. The story of Esther is as beautiful as the Queen herself — how it comes alive on the pages of Scripture with astonishing irony and divine sovereignty.

The villain of the story is a ruthless and powerful man by the name of Haman, who had been promoted to highest position of authority in the kingdom beside the king himself. Haman’s seething disdain for the Jew Mordecai — Esther’s cousin — grew into a full-blown plot to totally annihilate the Jewish people living in the provinces of Media and Persia. Haman manipulated King Ahasuerus into issuing a royal decree throughout all the land to destroy the Jews in one day. Once again the spirit of antichrist was at work in the heart of Haman.

“Letters were sent by couriers to all the king’s provinces with instruction to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.”

[Esther 3:13]

THE Spirit of Antichrist

Both historically and in our modern times, if anyone wants to discover where the spirit of antichrist is at work, he must look no further than to the persecution of God’s people — Jews and Christians. Although great injustice and genocide has been carried out historically against all the different people groups of the world at one time or another, the most concentrated and persistent acts of evil have been and always will be directed toward either the Jews or Christians. From the horrors of the Holocaust during WW II to the thousands of persecuted Christians of our day, the spirit of antichrist targets the people of God. Any government or ideology that promotes hatred of Jews or Christians is by definition of the antichrist.

And Esther said, “A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!”  [Esther 7:6]

Satan hates God and all of God’s people and will always seek to deceive and destroy them. Haman is the perfect example of how the spirit of antichrist targets leaders and those in position of power. By positioning Haman at the king’s right hand, Satan was able to devise an evil plot of epic proportions. Had God not intervened through Esther and Mordecai, no Jew would have survived this onslaught of satanic wrath.

The Bible tells us that there is coming another like Haman in the last days whose sole purpose will be to make war with the saints and annihilate the Jewish people. Antichrist will be given authority for 42 months (3 1/2 years) and will be “allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.” [Revelation 13:7-8]

One need to look no further than the present spiritual climate in the Middle East to find the greatest concentration of anti-semitic and anti-christian nations surrounding the holy land. The spirit of antichrist is clearly already at work. The stage is set and the players in place. All it will take is the right leader to unify all of these nations together under one cause, and I believe that unifying force will be the unmitigated hatred of God’s people.

The Antichrist and his demonic armies will bring such relentless, ruthless force against Jews and Christians during the great tribulation that no flesh would survive unless that time be cut short.

“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), 16then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, 18and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. 19And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! 20Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. 21For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. 22And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

[Matthew 24:15-22]

THe LORD is Mighty to SAve

Purim is a perpetual celebration of joy and gladness and serves as a reminder to God’s people that despite all the evil efforts of antichrist, our God is mighty to save His people. Such was true in Esther’s day and such will be true in the last days. Just as Haman and his 10 wicked sons were all exposed and eventually put to death under the judgment of Almighty God, the Beast and his 10 kings also will be destroyed at the LORD’s coming. The LORD delivered His people in their darkest hour primarily because the Jews humbled themselves before Him through prayer and fasting and placed their faith in the LORD, as the only One who could save them from destruction.

If there has ever been a call for God’s people to humble themselves through fasting and prayer, it is now. If there has ever been a time to exercise faith in the Only One who can save us, it is now. His name is Yeshua – Jesus the Messiah. This is a call for the faithful endurance of the saints. Like Esther, we just happen to be the generation living “at such a time as this.”

“Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
O daughter of Jerusalem!
15The LORD has taken away the judgments against you;
he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst;
you shall never again fear evil.
16On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
“Fear not, O Zion;
let not your hands grow weak.
17The LORD your God is in your midst,
a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.”
[Zephaniah 3:14-17]

“But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.”

[Revelation 2:20]

Behind every good man is a good wife. Conversely, behind every wicked man is usually a wicked wife. Such is the story of Ahab, king of Israel, and his ruthless wife Jezebel [874-853 B.C.]. Once Ahab entered into forbidden marriage with the pagan princess from Sidon and allowed her to incorporate Baal worship in Israel, the spirit of antichrist was unleashed in the land of Israel. The rule of Ahab and Jezebel reflect one of the worst seasons of spiritual apostasy and persecution of God’s people in Israel’s history.

What can be learned from Jezebel and King Ahab that corresponds to the coming Antichrist?

Sexual Immorality and the Worship of Demons

Jezebel first seduced King Ahab and led him and the entire Northern Kingdom of Israel into the perverse and profane acts of worshipping Baal, the chief god of the Canaanites. Baal worship was rooted in human sacrifice and gross sexual immorality. Baal was the title of the heathen deity to whom the Jews ascribed the sovereignty of the evil spirits; hence, the Devil or a devil. In the time of Christ this was the current name for the chief or prince of demons, and was identified with SATAN. Jesus called Beelzebub the prince of demons — which referred to the same pagan god Baal.

But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.” 25Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. 26And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. 28But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”

[Matthew 12:24-28]

The reason the sin of Jezebel and Ahab was so grave in God’s sight is because they were openly ordaining and effectively leading Satan worship among God’s people. Clearly this is the same satanic spirit that is alive and well in the world today and that will culminate at the revealing of the Antichrist. As Paul says, “The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception for those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.” [2 Thessalonians 2:9-10]

Also, the coming deception and satanic activity of Satan is always associated with every form of sexual immorality, which has saturated our world and is running rampant, even within the “church.” The pornography epidemic alone is enough to see how strong the spirit of Jezebel is today. Consider the LORD’s warning to the church in these last days that tolerates this Jezebel spirit.

“But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. 21I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her sexual immorality. 22Behold, I will throw her onto a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her works,23and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you according to your works.”

[Revelation 2:20-23]

PERSECUTION OF THE SAINTS

Another clear description of Jezebel is her ruthless persecution of the saints and the prophets of God. One of Jezebel’s primary agendas was to eliminate the prophets of God and replace them with her own prophets of Satan. The Bible describes how comprehensive this persecution had become. Because of Queen Jezebel, the prophets of the LORD, led by Elijah, were in perpetual danger in Ahab’s day. “And Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared the LORD greatly, and when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.)” [1 Kings 18:3-4]

Easton’s commentary gives a concise summary of Jezebel’s hatred for the prophets of God.

“She is the first great instigator of persecution against the saints of God. Guided by no principle, restrained by no fear of either God or man, passionate in her attachment to her heathen worship, she spared no pains to maintain idolatry around her in all its splendour. Four hundred and fifty prophets ministered under her care to Baal, besides four hundred prophets of the groves [R.V., ‘prophets of the Asherah’], which ate at her table (1 Kings 18:19).

Jesus reminded us that in the last days, all who follow Him will be at risk for great suffering and tribulation. He calls many to flee the wrath of the Antichrist, like the prophets in Elijah’s day.

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. 10And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. 11And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. 12And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” [Matthew 24:9-13]

The Days of Elijah and the Two Witnesses

Elijah plays a significant role in the Biblical narrative. He served the LORD in times of great distress, famine, apostasy and persecution. The Jews highly regarded Elijah as the representative of all the prophets. Not only did Elijah stand against Jezebel and face off with the prophets of Baal, but also he was predicted to be the forerunner of the coming Messiah [Malachi 4:5-6]. It has long been believed in Jewish eschatology that since Elijah was taken to heaven on the mysterious chariot of fire, that he would be revealed again in the last days to precede the coming of Messiah.

Elijah was one of two witnesses with Moses on the mountain of transfiguration (Mt. Hermon), and although the Lord Jesus did correlate the spirit of Elijah with the ministry of John the Baptist [Matthew 11:14], I believe the ultimate fulfillment of Malachi 4:5-6 has yet to take place. Elijah will come before “the great and awesome day of the LORD comes.”

In Revelation 11, we are introduced to two witnesses who are given a specific ministry during the great tribulation (3 1/2 years). These witnesses, though unidentified by name, are undoubtedly connected to Elijah and possibly Moses (or Enoch). Consider the description of these two witnesses and how their ministry mirrors that of the Old Testament prophets.

“And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
4These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth. 5And if anyone would harm them, fire pours from their mouth and consumes their foes. If anyone would harm them, this is how he is doomed to be killed. 6They have the power to shut the sky, that no rain may fall during the days of their prophesying, and they have power over the waters to turn them into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague, as often as they desire.7And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that rises from the bottomless pit will make war on them and conquer them and kill them.” [Revelation 11:3-7]

The Arch of Baal

In 2015 the forces of ISIS destroyed an ancient temple in Palmyra, Syria that historically had been known as the temple of Baal. Although the arch, or gate, to this temple was damaged beyond repair, a stone replica was made using 3D printing technology and has since been on display at many of the major summits of the world. Consider the places this Arch of Baal has been on display with the approval of world leaders.

The Arch made its debut in London’s Trafalgar Square, on April 19-21, 2016, which coincided with the start of Beltane, an important pagan holiday on the Satanic calendar.  Next, it appeared in New York, at City Hall Park, on Sept 18-24, 2016, which coincided with the UN General Assembly.  Next, it was set up in Dubai, UAE, on Feb 12-14, 2017, which happened to coincide with the World Governments Summit.    From there, it went to Florence, Italy, March 27 – April 27, 2017, which coincided with the first ever G7 Cultural Summit.  The Arch of Baal was then displayed on the National Mall, in Washington DC, September 26-29, 2018, which once again corresponded to the UN General Assembly.

Why is the Arch of Baal — the prince of demons — being displayed and celebrated by leaders all around the world? Yet another sign that the spirit of antichrist is at work. For more information about this, you can read the story by OneNewsNow — https://onenewsnow.com/church/2018/10/01/arch-of-baal-erected-in-dc-to-pagans-delight

No More Toleration of Jezebel

Jesus reminds all believers of both the severity of those who tolerate and participate with the satanic spirit of Jezebel in these last days and also of the reward of those who reject it. As we draw closer to the coming revelation of the Antichrist, it is imperative that we as believers remain faithful and pure, as we hasten the coming of our Great God and Savior Jesus Christ! Here is a call for the endurance of the saints.

“But to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold this teaching, who have not learned what some call the deep things of Satan, to you I say, I do not lay on you any other burden. 25Only hold fast what you have until I come. 26The one who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, to him I will give authority over the nations, 27and he will rule them with a rod of iron, as when earthen pots are broken in pieces, even as I myself have received authority from my Father.28And I will give him the morning star. 29He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

[Revelation 2:18-29]

King Nebuchadnezzar historically is synonymous with one of the great arch enemies of God’s people, ultimately laying siege to Jerusalem and destroying Solomon’s temple after three waves of brute military force — the last of which was in 586 B.C. The Babylonian empire reached its zenith under Nebuchadnezzar, who in many ways resurrected the same rebellious kingdom of his predecessor — Nimrod — who attempted to unify all the rebellious forces of heaven and earth at the tower of Babel.

By taking a comparative look at Nebuchadnezzar, it will help continue the development of a profile of the coming Antichrist in the last days. Everything from the scope of his kingdom to the pride in his heart provides key characteristics seen in the son of destruction.

Connection with the Temple and the siege of Jerusalem

Nebuchadnezzar was used as an instrument of God’s own judgment on the Jewish people because of their perpetual unbelief and spiritual apostasy [Jeremiah 27:6-7]. The LORD may have used this ruthless king to bring judgment on His own people, but He certainly did not hold Nebuchadnezzar guiltless. As the Babylonian armies surrounded Jerusalem, the last Jewish stronghold, it starved the people and eventually breached the city walls, killing, plundering, and raping the women. Nebuchadnezzar burned the city and destroyed the holy temple. Thousands of exiles were taken into captivity along with the sacred articles of the temple. It was the most horrific day in the history of Israel.

Likewise, there will be a third Temple rebuilt in these last days that will be directly connected to the Antichrist. Not only will the Antichrist set himself up in this third temple as the abomination of desolation [Matthew 24:15], but also he will seduce the Gentile nations to march their armies to surround Jerusalem once again and trample the city — slaugherting many and taking others into captivity.

Zechariah, prophesying of this future invasion of Jerusalem says, “Behold, a day is coming for the LORD, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city.” [Zechariah 14:1-2]

The Lord Jesus mentions this very same future invasion in Luke 21:20-24, and the book of Revelation speaks of the fierce persecution of the saints at the hand of Antichrist in the last days.

“If anyone is to be taken captive,
to captivity he goes;
if anyone is to be slain with the sword,
with the sword must he be slain.
Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.” [Revelation 13:10]

Connection with Raising a Golden Image and Demanding Worship

In Daniel 3 Nebuchadnezzar raises golden image and demands that all people come and bow down and worship before it. Anyone who refused was immediately cast into the fiery furnace. In the same way, the False Prophet will deceive the nations in the last days making” the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast” [Revelation 13:12], eventually raising some type of image to the beast [Antichrist] to be worshipped.

Many have speculated about the nature of this end-times “image,” and there are some fascinating theories. Perhaps it is some type of artificial intelligence. Maybe it is some type of transhuman cyborg or genetically modified clone. It seems to be able to speak and be “alive,” according to Revelation 13:15. And like the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar’s day, all who refuse to worship this image will be killed.

“And it was allowed to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast might even speak and might cause those who would not worship the image of the beast to be slain.” [Rev. 13:15]

Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. [Rev. 20:4]

Connection with His Pride and Dominance

Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom covered the entire Middle East, as he conquered the lands of ancient Assyria, Mesopotamia, Arabia, Egypt, Elam, Edom, Aram, Ammon, Moab, Tyre, Phoenicia, and of course Israel. He was able to bring all of these nations under his rule and authority and maintain unparalleled dominance. Consider Daniel’s own description of the Babylonian kingdom.

“It is you, O king, who have grown and become strong. Your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven, and your dominion to the ends of the earth.” [Daniel 4:22]

O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father kingship and greatness and glory and majesty. And because of the greatness that he gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he would, he killed, and whom he would, he kept alive; whom he would, he raised up, and whom he would, he humbled. But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him. [Daniel 5:18-20]

The Antichrist will be defined by even greater dominance and pride. Both the book of Daniel and Revelation describe the end-times coalition of middle-eastern nations that will be united under the rule of Antichrist. The 10 horns of the beastly kingdom coming up out of the sea will be 10 kings under the command of Antichrist [Daniel 7:19-27, Revelation 17:12-14], and much like Nebuchadnezzar, the Antichrist will hold sway over multitudes of people on the earth and be relentlessly defiant before God. Likewise, as Nebuchadnezzar was brought low by the LORD of lords, so will Antichrist be brought down in the end.

“And the beast was given a mouth uttering haughty and blasphemous words, and it was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to utter blasphemies against God, blaspheming his name and his dwelling, that is, those who dwell in heaven. Also it was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation.” [Revelation 13:5-7]

Connection With Babylon Coming from the “North”

Finally, there is a recurring theme in the Scriptures about antichrist and his armies coming from the north to invade and attack the Holy Land. There is a strategic reason for this because the geography or Israel necessitates enemy armies to funnel in through the mountain ranges from the north. There is also a spiritual component, as the demonic strongholds of the ancient pagan “gods” have always been associated with the northern mountain regions of ancient Bashan, Assyria and Turkey. Daniel identifies the coming Antichrist at the time of the end as the “king of the north” [Daniel 11], and Ezekiel 38-39 clearly identifies the future Antichrist, called Gog, as invading Israel from the north. Consider some of the passages in Jeremiah’s prophecies about Babylon and King Nebuchadnezzar that also place an emphasis on the Northern invasion.

“For behold, I am calling all the tribes of the kingdoms of the north, declares the LORD, and they shall come, and every one shall set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, against all its walls all around and against all the cities of Judah.”

[Jeremiah 1:15]

“Behold, I will send for all the tribes of the north, declares the LORD, and for Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants, and against all these surrounding nations. I will devote them to destruction, and make them a horror, a hissing, and an everlasting desolation.”

[Jeremiah 25:9]

“For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” [Romans 9:17]

Pharaoh is the general title given to the dynastic kings of Egypt. At least a dozen different Pharaohs are mentioned in Scripture, but only two by name — Neco and Hophra. This profile will focus on the two Pharaohs of the Exodus. The first Pharaoh who initially oppressed the Hebrews by forcing them into slave labor, and his successor who opposed Yahweh to his own demise as recorded in the Exodus event.

Divine Royalty

One interesting comparison between many of the ancient kings who prefigure the coming antichrist is the pagan concept of divine royalty. This was the belief that the kings of old were of divine origin and authority — basically “gods” ruling over the mortals. Historically this concept was prevalent in most pagan civilizations, such as the Babylonians, Persians, Romans, and the Egyptians. For example, many Christians of the 1st & 2nd Centuries were martyred for refusing to call Caesar Lord, under the conviction that Jesus Christ alone is Lord. Likewise, the Pharaoh was considered by the Egyptian people as the incarnation of the gods and therefore supreme in decree and destiny.

When Moses first appeared before Pharaoh to demand that he let the Hebrew people go, it is no surprise how Pharaoh answered. He said, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” [Exodus 5:1] In other words, no one tells a “god” what to do.

The Scriptures are clear that the coming Antichrist of the last days will exalt himself above God, even claiming to be God himself. Consider Daniel’s description of the Antichrist.

“And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods. He shall prosper till the indignation is accomplished; for what is decreed shall be done. He shall pay no attention to the gods of his fathers, or to the one beloved by women. He shall not pay attention to any other god, for he shall magnify himself above all. [Daniel 11:36-37]

The Apostle Paul echoes Daniel in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 when he says, “the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.”

Like Pharaoh, the Antichrist will proudly exalt himself above all gods, even claiming to be God.

Persecution of God’s People

After the death of Joseph, the Hebrews continued to prosper in the land of Egypt, becoming a threat to Pharaoh. In response, he forced them into slave labor and severely oppressed them. As the Hebrews cried out in agony to the LORD for mercy, God heard their cry, commissioned Moses and redeemed His people out of the heavy hand of Pharaoh.

The spirit of antichrist was at work in the wicked heart of Pharaoh to exploit and destroy God’s people, even if meant murdering babies by casting them into the Nile. The Scriptures tell us that the Antichrist will also bring relentless persecution against both Jews and Christians during the great tribulation.

Daniel gives keen insight into the future exploits of the Antichrist and his persecution of God’s people . In Daniel 7:21-22, the prophecy reads, “As I looked, this horn made war with the saints and prevailed over them, until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given for the saints of the Most High, and the time came when the saints possessed the kingdom.” Daniel also says, “His power shall be great—but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints.” [Daniel 8:24]

The very same language is used in Revelation 12, where John describes the Dragon being thrown down to the earth to make war with the “woman” [Israel] and the “rest of her offspring” [the church]. Revelation 12:17 reads, “Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus. And he stood on the sand of the sea.”

Supernatural Protection for God’s People

I also would like to bring attention to another similarity between the Exodus account and the end times persecution of the saints. The LORD brought judgment and devastation on Pharaoh and the Egyptians, while at the same time protecting and preserving the Hebrews from the plagues. God poured out wrath on Egypt while at the same time supernaturally protecting the Hebrews in the midst of the land. The LORD did not remove them from the earth, He simply preserved them through the plagues.

While the Antichrist, False Prophet, and their evil demonic armies will certainly capture and kill believers during the tribulation (Rev. 14:12-14), not one of God’s children will be subject to the wrath of the Lamb on that Day of judgment (1 Thessalonians 5:9). The return of Jesus to tread the wine press of the fury of the wrath of God is in connection with the rapture of the saints, who will be protected from God’s wrath and indignation on the nations.

Outpouring of God’s Wrath

Finally, in the same way that Pharaoh was judged by the LORD, and brought down to destruction, the LORD promised to come with fury to strike the nations with a rod of iron and destroy the Antichrist with the breath of His mouth (2 Thessalonians 2:8). Now I personally don’t believe the end times Antichrist will emerge from Egypt, but the Pharaoh does provide a picture of Antichrist that allows us to add another puzzle piece to the profile. That said, Egypt will certainly be involved as one of the enemy armies gathered to Jerusalem to be judged on that great and dreadful Day of the Lord. The following dual prophecy from Ezekiel not only describes an historical event that took place at the hands of the Babylonians, but also gives a future glimpse into the final demise of this evil king Pharaoh and the Antichrist.

“Son of man, raise a lamentation over Pharaoh king of Egypt and say to him:
“You consider yourself a lion of the nations,
but you are like a dragon in the seas;
you burst forth in your rivers,
trouble the waters with your feet,
and foul their rivers.
3Thus says the Lord GOD:
I will throw my net over you
with a host of many peoples,
and they will haul you up in my dragnet.
4And I will cast you on the ground;
on the open field I will fling you,
and will cause all the birds of the heavens to settle on you,
and I will gorge the beasts of the whole earth with you.
5I will strew your flesh upon the mountains
and fill the valleys with your carcass
6I will drench the land even to the mountains
with your flowing blood,
and the ravines will be full of you.
7When I blot you out, I will cover the heavens
and make their stars dark;
I will cover the sun with a cloud,
and the moon shall not give its light.
8All the bright lights of heaven
will I make dark over you,
and put darkness on your land,
declares the Lord GOD.
9“I will trouble the hearts of many peoples, when I bring your destruction among the nations, into the countries that you have not known. 10I will make many peoples appalled at you, and the hair of their kings shall bristle with horror because of you, when I brandish my sword before them. They shall tremble every moment, every one for his own life, on the day of your downfall. [Ezekiel 32:2-10]

Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be dispersed over the face of the whole earth.” 

[Genesis 11:4]

When it comes to constructing a Biblical profile of the coming Antichrist, Nimrod is a natural place to start. He is the first obvious prefigurement of antichrist after the flood. The Scriptures do not dedicate many details to the exploits of Nimrod, making only a few references, so he is an enigmatic figure to say the least. Where the Bible does speak, however, it provides some interesting descriptions about Nimrod’s nature and influence in the early post-flood world. Of all the descendants of Noah and his sons [Genesis 10], Nimrod clearly is intended to stand out, which means there was something unique about him among his generation.

Genesis 10 is often referred to as the table of nations. There we find the genealogies that lead to the establishment of the original 70 nations. Every human civilization can trace its beginning back to Noah’s three sons and their descendants. Nimrod was the son of Cush and the grandson of Ham — Noah’s second son. Ham will be forever remembered for uncovering Noah’s nakedness, bringing shame upon himself [Genesis 9:20-27]. Most of Ham’s descendants would later become the originators of the most profane pagan nations in the Old Testament and the arch enemies of God’s chosen people. It becomes apparent that Nimrod was not of God.

Consider how Nimrod is introduced in Genesis 10.

“Cush fathered Nimrod; he was the first on earth to be a mighty man. He was a mighty hunter before the LORD. Therefore it is said, ‘Like Nimrod a mighty hunter before the LORD.’ The beginning of his kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. From that land he went into Assyria and built Nineveh, Rehoboth-Ir, Calah, and Resen between Nineveh and Calah; that is the great city.”

[Genesis 10:8-12]

A Mighty Man

The first thing we learn about Nimrod is that he began to be a mighty man [gibbor] on the earth. This most certainly implies that Nimrod somehow supernaturally transformed himself into a giant warrior, a mighty man of renown, like the Nephilim before the flood [Genesis 6:1-4]. One reason I conclude that Nimrod somehow became a giant like the Nephilim is by applying the rule of first reference. The term used here for mighty man is the Hebrew word, gibbor, which is first used to describe the giant offspring of the sons of God in Genesis 6:4. Even though this word can refer simply to a valiant warrior, it often refers to giants.

It is worth mentioning that the Septuagint, which is the Greek translation of the Old Testament, also says that Nimrod began to be a “giant” upon the earth [Genesis 10:8-9]. We can’t say for sure how Nimrod became a giant. Whether genetically or supernaturally, he certainly seemed to do something that no one else could do, which set him apart as a mighty warrior and giant hunter on the earth. He subsequently became an intimidating leader and began to use his power and influence to build his own kingdom independently of God. The term gibbor also implies defiance in the face of God, which is certainly descriptive of Nimrod.

Now I do not necessarily believe that the coming antichrist must be a giant, but he at the very least will be a mighty military leader, commanding an army of demonic hordes which most likely will include giants. I also find it interesting that the antichrist is described as the “beast” in the book of Revelation. The whole earth will marvel at the antichrist. “They worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?’ [Revelation 13:4] Like Nimrod, I believe the antichrist will be supernaturally powerful and in some way he may be able to physically transform or modify himself. He will use his imposing force and intimidation as leverage to rule over the nations.

A Rebellious King

When Adam relinquished his God-given authority to rule the earth, Satan and the evil principalities and powers stepped in to rule the nations of the world. Nimrod becomes representative of this satanic kingship. He began to build a kingdom in the plains of Shinar (Babel), which is east of Israel. We can learn more about Nimrod’s kingdom by looking at Genesis 11, where mankind sought to build a kingdom independently of God and in the place of God. Nimrod was able to unify his kingdom and convince the people of Babel to cooperate in a defiant rebellion against the King of kings. They desired to make a name for themselves, not in building God’s kingdom, but rather their own. Babel became the Biblical image for the combined human and spiritual rebellion that has plagued the earth ever since. It is most likely that the tower of Babel was Nimrod’s attempt to summon Satan himself and open a gate to the spiritual realm, creating open access for the spiritual forces of evil.

The Scriptures are clear that the coming antichrist will be a rebellious, arrogant king, who is able to wield unprecedented influence over the earth, establishing his kingdom of darkness in the last days. Revelation 13:7-8 provides a vivid description of this evil empire of antichrist saying, “it [the beast]was allowed to make war on the saints and to conquer them. And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation, and all who dwell on earth will worship it, everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain.”

And even when God’s wrath begins to fall on antichrist and his followers, they still refuse to repent. “The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores. They did not repent of their deeds.” [Revelation 16:10-11]

Babylon the Great

There always has been an ancient connection between the principalities and powers of evil and the kingdom of Babylon. Babylon historically is associated with dark occult arts and black magic, demonic worship and pagan idolatry, sexual immorality, the world money system, and the persecution of God’s people. Babylon was the great enemy of Israel, laying waste to Jerusalem and destroying the Temple under King Nebuchadnezzar in 586 B.C. Revelation 18 devotes an entire chapter to the harlot of Babylon who has made herself drunk on the blood of the saints [Rev. 17:6], and who made the nations of the earth drunk on the passions of her sexual immorality [Rev. 18:3].

Nimrod’s original kingdom at Babel and his wicked spirit of rebellion have persisted throughout the centuries to this very day, and we can be certain that the same satanic spirit of Babylon will emanate from the kingdom of antichrist in the last days. At it’s height of power, the ancient Babylonian empire covered all of modern day Iraq and expanded into Turkey, Iran, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. As we will see in later posts, all of Biblical prophecy is geographically focused on Israel and the surrounding nations. If Nimrod and his kingdom gives us any indication, the coming antichrist will rule a coalition of middle-eastern territories and will himself come from one of these nations.

Ultimately, we must understand that the Antichrist will be the one who reunites all the nations and their demonic principalities that were scattered in judgment at Babel. He will attempt to reestablish Nimrod’s rebellious kingdom once and for all.

“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Day Star, son of Dawn!
How you are cut down to the ground,
you who laid the nations low!
You said in your heart,
‘I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God
I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of assembly
in the far reaches of the north;^c
1I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.’

Isaiah 14:12-14

“Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.” [1 John 2:18]

Antichrist is coming. His satanic spirit is alive and at work in the world. But who is he? Can we know and should we even try? Does the Bible give us a clear picture of this evil, enigmatic enemy of God and His people? Are there enough descriptions in Scripture to harmonize into an accurate profile of the antichrist? I aim to find out.

Antichrist Defined

For starters, it is important to understand the Biblical definition of antichrist. This particular title is used five times in the New Testament, and every reference is made by the Apostle John. The word antichrist can be defined as … “one who puts himself in the place of, or the enemy (opponent) of the Messiah.” So in the most general sense, an antichrist is anyone who deliberately attempts to take the place of Jesus Christ or who works against Jesus Christ. John says that “many antichrists have come,” speaking of the wicked kings and ruthless dictators throughout history who prefigure or typify the evil one who is to be revealed in the last days.

In the same way that there have been many Old Testament characters who were a type or shadow of Jesus Christ [i.e. Isaac, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Jeremiah], there have been many historical antichrists who have prefigured the Antichrist to come. There is only one true Christ, and likewise there will only be one ultimate Antichrist. He will be the very personification of evil and incarnation of the satan himself, and his coming will coincide with the last “hour” of human history just before the glorious return of our Lord Jesus .

In order to build an accurate profile of the Antichrist, one must take a deep dive into the Word of God and also take a long look at Biblical history. The Bible provides both specific descriptions and general representations of antichrist. Profiling antichrist requires a close examination the prophetic word and a responsible harmonization of the evidence. A Biblical profile of the antichrist will help believers determine what he will be like, what he will do, from where he will come, when he will be revealed, how he will proceed to unleash hell on earth, and ultimately how he will be destroyed in the end.

By way of introduction, I would like to share some of the titles and historical types of antichrist, and then I will attempt to build a Biblical profile in subsequent posts.

The Many Types and Titles of Antichrist

First let’s look into some obvious types of antichrist from history. One would expect antichrist to be a powerful political or military figure who is deceptive, persuasive, sadistic, arrogant, slanderous, ruthlessly evil, and blasphemous. More specifically, the spirit of antichrist will always seek to persecute, murder and destroy God’s people — both Jews and Christians. Historical antichrist figures could include but aren’t limited to the following.

1. Nimrod (Genesis 10-11)
2. Pharaoh (Exodus 1-15)
3. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1-4)
4. King Ahab and Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 18-19)
5. Haman (Book of Esther)
6. Antiochus Epiphanes (Daniel 11:21-35, 1 & 2 Maccabees)
7. King Herod the Great (Matthew 2)
8. Judas Iscariot (John 6:70, 17:12)
9. Roman Caesars Nero, Domitian, Trajan [Late 1st, early 2nd Century]
10. Roman General Titus
11. Mohammed
12. Joseph Stalin
13. Adolf Hitler

Furthermore, these are the Biblical titles associated with antichrist.

1. The little horn (Daniel 7-8)
2. The prince who is to come (Daniel 9:26-27)
3. The King of the North (Daniel 11)
4. King of Babylon (Isaiah 14:3-23)
5. King of Tyre (Ezekiel 28:1-19)
6. Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal (Ezekiel 38-39)
7. The Assyrian (Micah 5)
8. The Abomination of Desolation (Daniel 9:27, Daniel 12:11, Matthew 24:15)
9. Man of lawlessness (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12)
10. Son of Destruction (2 Thessalonians 2:1-12)
11. The Dragon (Revelation 12)
12. The Beast (Revelation 13)

By using these types and biblical titles, I will begin building a profile of the coming antichrist. And my first character study will be … Nimrod.