How can Antiochus's descriptions in Daniel apply to the Antichrist?
Antiochus serves as a type of the Antichrist, so the same descriptive words applied to him also describe the coming man of sin. His fierce countenance, understanding of dark sentences, and persecution of Israel foreshadow the final ruler who will stand up in the latter time.
Les explains that Antiochus was a little king whom secular history barely records, yet he went to Jerusalem and severely persecuted Israel, making him a prime player in God's plan. Les teaches that Antiochus is a picture and type of the last man of fierce countenance, the Antichrist. The only way to interpret these descriptions is that the same descriptive words connected to Antiochus are also descriptive of the man of sin. Daniel foretold a king of fierce countenance and understanding dark sentences who would stand up in the latter time of their kingdom, when transgressors come to the full, and this was fulfilled shortly after Daniel's visions.