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And
forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress,
and do away with the regular sacrifice. And they will set up
the abomination of desolation. And by smooth words he will turn
to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but
the people who know their God will display strength and take
action. (NASB) Dan. 11:31-32 |
Menelaus
was the high priest in Israel at this time as the result of a bribe.
He had bribed Antiochus for the position. So when Antiochus arrived,
Menelaus helped him. Antiochus ordered the scriptures to be burned
and stopped the daily sacrifices. He set up an idol of Zeus in the
temple.
As a result, a priest by the name of
Mattathias Maccabee led a revolt against Antiochus - the famous Maccabean
revolt. After his death, his son Judas Maccabee continued the guerilla
warfare and many Jews died. In 165 B.C. Antiochus retreated and allowed
the Jews to start worshipping again as they desired. Peace had finally
returned. Three years and about three months had passed or 1,150 days.
Cause To Pause.
Antiochus was an evil man - a despicable man. He had attempted to
kill every Jew who was devoted to God. He hated them. This was an
evil, powerful man against godly men and women.
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And
those who have insight among the people will give understanding
to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity
and by plunder, for many days. Now when they fall they will
be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy.
And some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine,
purge, and make them pure, until the end time; because it is
still to come at the appointed time. (NASB) Dan. 11:33-35
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