Verse 11
By desecrating the temple, Antiochus (lit. illustrious one) effectively exalted himself to a position of superiority over Yahweh, the commander (or prince) of the host (the Jews). Pentecost interpreted this verse as indicating that the horn called himself the prince of the host. [Note: Pentecost, p. 1356.] There may be some confirmation of this in history, but I have not been able to find it. Antiochus did take to himself the boastful name "Epiphanes," which means "[divine] manifestation." The Jews changed his name slightly to Epimanes, meaning "madman."
"An attack on the place set aside for worship of God is tantamount to an attack on God Himself." [Note: Baldwin, p. 157.]
Antiochus temporarily terminated the constant sacrifices (Heb. tamid) in the temple, including the daily morning and evening sacrifices, thereby depriving Yahweh of His people’s worship (cf. 1 Maccabees 1:44-49, RSV). [Note: Montgomery, pp. 335-36; Young, p. 172.]
"Apparently Antiochus did not actually tear down the temple, although eventually he desecrated it to such a point that it was hardly fit for use [cf. 1 Maccabees 4:48]." [Note: Ibid.]
"Its overthrowing consists in its being prevented from functioning as a place of worship of the true God." [Note: Goldingay, p. 211.]
Some interpreters believe that this verse also previews another literal fulfillment of the destruction of the temple, which is still future (cf. Daniel 9:27). [Note: E.g., Walvoord, Daniel . . ., pp. 186-88.] Antiochus’ actions anticipated what the Antichrist, the little horn of chapter 7, will do in the future (cf. Daniel 7:8; Daniel 7:20).
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