The Final Gentile Ruler.
God reveals to Daniel not only the next two great Empires that were to come, but also what would happen in the latter time of the victor. The scene is set pictorially but explained by the angel Gabriel. Daniel is in the empire of Babylon and then the Medes and Persians will rule, (ram with two horns) till they are confronted by the king of Greece, Alexander the Great, (goat) who is the victor.
The angel points out that four kingdoms would arise from Greece and in the latter time a king comes forth to try and destroy the holy people of God. It is from the Northern region that the final Gentile Ruler arises – Seleucus, (Iraq, Syria and Jordan.)
God gives a detailed description of this king in the latter time.
`fierce (strong) features, who understands sinister schemes. His power shall be mighty, but not with his own power; he shall destroy fearfully, and he shall prosper and thrive; he shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people.
Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper under his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human hand.` (Dan. 8: 23 – 25)
The power behind this final Gentile Ruler is Satan. It is revealed that as Lucifer in heaven he exalted himself and caused (one-third of) angels to fall from there with him. Satan then controlled these fallen angels.
`And it grew up to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the stars to the ground and trampled them. He even exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host; (of angels) `and by him the daily sacrifices were taken away, and the place of the sanctuary was cast down, (desecrated). ` (Dan. 8: 10 & 11)
