Why is Antiochus the Great out of Syria important in Daniel's prophecies?
Antiochus the Great is important in Daniel's prophecies because he foreshadows the Antichrist. Though historically a minor figure, his political manipulation, flattery, persecution of Israel, and self-exaltation prefigure the end-time ruler who will rise, deceive many, and oppose God. He serves as a biblical analogy.
Les explains that Daniel brings the same personality—Antiochus the Great out of Syria—onto the scene. Although Antiochus was just a blurp on the radar of history, in biblical analogy he is an important character because he foreshadows the Antichrist. His career mirrors the end-time ruler: he was mighty, destroyed wonderfully, persecuted Israel, prospered through policy, magnified himself, destroyed many by peace, and acted as a political manipulator. He even stood against the Prince of Princes but was broken without hand. Daniel then leaps 2,500 years to the end-time individual, a vile person who comes in peaceably by flattery, not violent overthrow, obtains the kingdom through political maneuvering, signs a treaty with Israel with flattery, then turns on them with violent pressure, and does according to his will.