Who is being referred to in Daniel 8 verse 24?
Daniel 8:24 refers to Antiochus the Great, a king of fierce countenance who persecuted Israel and is a type of the Antichrist. Though a minor figure in secular history, he is a prime player in God's plan, foreshadowing the last man of fierce countenance.
Les explains that Daniel 8:24 is still speaking of Antiochus, specifically Antiochus the Great, in the history shortly following Daniel's visions. This king went down to Jerusalem and utterly persecuted and put tremendous pressure on the people of Israel. Although he is just a little blip on the radar of secular history, in God's plan he becomes a prime player. Les emphasizes that Antiochus is a picture or type of the last man of fierce countenance, the Antichrist, and the very same descriptive words connected to him are also descriptive of the coming man of sin.
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.