His forces will rise upThis phrase refers to the military power that will be used to achieve the objectives described in the prophecy. Historically, this is often associated with the actions of Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king known for his oppressive rule over the Jewish people. His forces were instrumental in enforcing his decrees and suppressing Jewish religious practices.
and desecrate the temple fortress.
The temple fortress refers to the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, which was both a religious and a defensive structure. The desecration involved the defilement of the temple, making it unclean and unfit for worship according to Jewish law. This act is historically linked to Antiochus IV, who is said to have sacrificed pigs on the altar and erected a statue of Zeus within the temple precincts, actions that were deeply offensive to the Jewish faith.
They will abolish the daily sacrifice
The daily sacrifice was a central aspect of Jewish worship, involving the offering of lambs every morning and evening. The cessation of these sacrifices represented a significant disruption to the religious life of the Jewish people. This abolition is seen as a direct attack on the worship of Yahweh and an attempt to impose Hellenistic practices and beliefs.
and set up the abomination of desolation.
The "abomination of desolation" is a term used to describe a sacrilegious act that causes the temple to be abandoned by God. In the context of Daniel, it is often interpreted as the erection of a pagan altar or idol within the temple. This event is seen as a foreshadowing of future desecrations, including those mentioned by Jesus in the New Testament (Matthew 24:15,Mark 13:14), which some interpret as referring to the destruction of the temple in AD 70 or future eschatological events.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
His ForcesRefers to the military or political power under the control of a ruler, often interpreted as Antiochus IV Epiphanes, a Seleucid king known for his persecution of the Jews and desecration of the temple.
2.
Temple FortressThe holy place in Jerusalem, the center of Jewish worship, which was defiled by foreign powers.
3.
Daily SacrificeThe regular offerings made in the temple, which were a vital part of Jewish religious practice and symbolized continual worship and devotion to God.
4.
Abomination of DesolationA term used to describe a sacrilegious act or object placed in the temple, leading to its desecration. Historically linked to the altar to Zeus set up by Antiochus IV.
5.
Antiochus IV EpiphanesA historical figure whose actions against the Jewish people and their temple are seen as a fulfillment of this prophecy, serving as a type for future events.
Teaching Points
Understanding ProphecyRecognize the dual fulfillment of prophecy, where historical events foreshadow future occurrences. This helps us discern God's plan through history and into the future.
Faithfulness in PersecutionThe removal of the daily sacrifice symbolizes an attack on worship. Believers are called to remain faithful even when external forces challenge their devotion.
Guarding Against IdolatryThe abomination of desolation serves as a warning against allowing anything to take the place of God in our lives, whether it be cultural pressures or personal idols.
Hope in God's SovereigntyDespite the desecration and persecution, God's ultimate plan prevails. This encourages believers to trust in His sovereignty and ultimate victory.
Preparation for End TimesUnderstanding these prophecies equips believers to be vigilant and prepared for future challenges to their faith, as foretold in Scripture.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Daniel 11:31?
2.How can we recognize and resist the "abomination that causes desolation" today?
3.What does Daniel 11:31 teach about standing firm in faith under pressure?
4.How does Daniel 11:31 connect to Jesus' warnings in Matthew 24:15?
5.In what ways can we prepare for spiritual challenges similar to Daniel 11:31?
6.How does "abolish the daily sacrifice" relate to maintaining our spiritual disciplines?
7.What is the "abomination of desolation" mentioned in Daniel 11:31?
8.How does Daniel 11:31 relate to historical events in Jewish history?
9.What role do the "forces" play in Daniel 11:31?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Daniel 11?
11.Does the “abomination of desolation” in Daniel 11:31 conflict with similar references in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14, suggesting multiple or differing events?
12.What was the Maccabean Revolt?
13.Why does Daniel 12:11–12 specify two different periods (1,290 days and 1,335 days) without a clear explanation for the discrepancy?
14.Where is the historical or archaeological evidence for the “abomination of desolation” mentioned in Matthew 24:15?What Does Daniel 11:31 Mean
His forces will rise up– “His” traces back to the “contemptible person” ofDaniel 11:21, historically Antiochus IV Epiphanes and prophetically a preview of the final Antichrist (cf.Daniel 8:23-24;Revelation 13:4-7).
– The verse foretells literal troops, not mere ideas. Antiochus marched on Jerusalem in 167 BC; a future ruler will likewise deploy real military power (cf.Luke 21:20).
– The picture: organized strength, intimidation, and conquest, setting the stage for what follows.
and desecrate the temple fortress– “Temple fortress” points to the sanctuary on Mount Moriah, understood as both holy place and strategic stronghold (Daniel 8:11;Psalm 74:7).
– Antiochus looted vessels, erected garrisons, and defiled the altar with swine’s flesh (Daniel 8:13).
– Paul looks ahead to a similar outrage when “the man of lawlessness… takes his seat in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God” (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
– Bullet notes:
• Physical profanation of a literal temple
• Spiritual assault on God’s honor
• A pattern that climaxes in the end-time siege of Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:1-2).
They will abolish the daily sacrifice–Exodus 29:38-42 commands two lambs every day, morning and evening. Antiochus halted this continual burnt offering for roughly three years (Daniel 8:11-14).
–Daniel 12:11 places a future suspension of sacrifices at the midpoint of the final seven-year period.
– Why it matters:
• Cuts off Israel’s God-appointed worship
• Signals direct rebellion against the covenant (Daniel 9:27)
• Marks a prophetic countdown to divine intervention (Daniel 12:12).
and set up the abomination of desolation– The expression points to an idolatrous object or act that brings ruin. Antiochus erected an altar to Zeus inside the holy place (1 Maccabees 1:54 echoes the event; compareDaniel 8:13).
– Jesus treats the prophecy as still future: “When you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel standing in the holy place…” (Matthew 24:15-16).
–Revelation 13:14-15 describes an image of the beast that will be animated and worshiped, matching Daniel’s pattern.
– Key observations:
• Literal idol or image placed in a rebuilt temple
• Compulsory worship under threat of death
• Triggers unparalleled tribulation but also heralds the soon return of Christ (Matthew 24:21-30).
summaryDaniel 11:31 foretells a real ruler deploying real troops to invade Jerusalem, desecrate the sanctuary, halt God-ordained sacrifices, and erect an idol that provokes judgment. Antiochus IV fulfilled these words in 167 BC, but Scripture presents his deeds as a foreshadowing of a greater, future fulfillment under the Antichrist. The verse warns of tangible defiance against God yet assures believers that such rebellion has a fixed limit and will be met by the triumphant intervention of the Lord.
(31)
Arms.--A further statement of the assistance which the king obtains in his attacks upon all sacred institutions. The word "arms," as in
Daniel 11:5, means "assistance," especially military assistance, or some other aid, with which is contrasted in the next verse the help given by the apostates.
The sanctuary of strength.--In the Hebrew (see Theodotion) there are two nouns in apposition. Apparently the two words are a name for the Temple, which is so called because it was the spiritual support of God's people, as well as a very powerful fortress. (SeeIsaiah 25:4, &c.;Psalm 31:2-4; and compare1 Maccabees 1:44;1 Maccabees 6:7;2 Maccabees 6:4, which speak of the various deeds of Antiochus upon this occasion.) On the daily sacrifice, and on the abomination of desolation, see the Notes onDaniel 8:13. . . .
Verse 31. -
And arms shall stand on hie part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice,
and they shall place the abominationthat maketh desolate. The render* ing of the LXX. is close to the above, "And arms shall stand by him, and shall pollute the sanctuary of fear " - probably the LXX. read
מָגור (
magor), "fear," instead of
מעוז (
ma'oz), "fortress," a change probably due to the fact that
ע sounded in Greek ears like
וּ hard,
Γάζα for
עָזָה - and they shall take away the sacrifice and place (
δώσουσι give) the abomination of desolation." Theodotion, from a mistaken vocalization, renders, "And seeds " - reading
זְרָעִים instead of
זְרֹעִים - "shall spring up from him and shall pollute the sanctuary of power, and shall change the continual (sacrifice), and shall place (
δώσουσι) the abomination of things that have disappeared (
ἠφανισμένων)." The Peshitta is quite different in the firs; clause, "And their strong ones shall arise from them, and they pollute the sanctuary of strength, and they cause the sacrifice (
qorban)
to pass away, and they shall hang up the abomination in the temple." The Vulgate rendering is in accordance generally with the Massoretic, "And arms shall stand from him. and shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall remove the continual (
juge) sacrifice, and shall place the abomination of desolation."
Arms shall stand on his part. This word "arms" here is not to be understood as weapons - a misunderstanding possible in English. "Arms" here stands as the symbol of physical power generally. "On his part" is represented by the preposition
מִן, which means "with" or "from;" hence we find the Septuagint translating by
παρά, and Theodotion by
ἐξ. Probably the most natural view is to take the preposition as equivalent to "by," that is, he shall set physical forces in motion.
And they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength. That the temple in Jerusalem had all the characteristics that fitted it to become a fortress, was proved in every one of the numerous sieges it has endured. It becomes still more a fortress, of course, when the Tower Antonia was erected overlooking the temple area. There may, however, have been a reference to the fact that the collectors of tribute sent by Antiochus fortified the city of David, and used it as a basis of operations from which to assail the temple and defile its courts with blood (1 Macc. 1:35-36).
And take away the daily sacrifice. The Hebrew word here used means "continual," and the substantive "sacrifice" is supplied. In ver. 45 of the same chapter of 1 Macc. we are told that Antiochus forbade "burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and drink offerings in the temple."
And they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. One must note here the source of
δώσουσι which we find in both Greek versions, and
dabit, which we find in the Vulgate. The Hebrew has
וְנָתְנוּ (
venath'noo), "and they shall
give or set." It seems to refer to an altar to Jupiter, which was erected on the brazen altar (1 Macc. 1:59). This altar is spoken of in ver. 54 as the "abomination of desolation (
βδέλυγμα ἐρημώσεως)." The Hebrew phrase has been borrowed from
Daniel 9:27; hence the suggestion of Professor Bevan, to read here "
בעלשׁיי, is not necessary
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Hisמִמֶּ֣נּוּ(mim·men·nū)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out offorcesוּזְרֹעִ֖ים(ū·zə·rō·‘îm)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 2220:The arm, the foreleg, forcewill rise upיַעֲמֹ֑דוּ(ya·‘ă·mō·ḏū)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsand desecrateוְחִלְּל֞וּ(wə·ḥil·lə·lū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2490:To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to playthe templeהַמִּקְדָּ֤שׁ(ham·miq·dāš)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4720:A consecrated thing, place, a palace, sanctuary, asylumfortress.הַמָּעוֹז֙(ham·mā·‘ō·wz)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4581:A place or means of safety, protectionThey will abolishוְהֵסִ֣ירוּ(wə·hê·sî·rū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5493:To turn asidethe daily sacrificeהַתָּמִ֔יד(hat·tā·mîḏ)Article | Adverb
Strong's 8548:Continuance, constant, ellipt, the regular, sacrificeand set upוְנָתְנ֖וּ(wə·nā·ṯə·nū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setthe abominationהַשִּׁקּ֥וּץ(haš·šiq·qūṣ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8251:Disgusting, filthy, idolatrous, an idolof desolation.מְשׁוֹמֵֽם׃(mə·šō·w·mêm)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8074:To stun, devastate, stupefy
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OT Prophets: Daniel 11:31 Forces shall stand on his part (Dan. Da Dn) 
