Daniel 7:25 predicts a figure who changes times and laws—what evidence confirms such a historical individual existed?

Daniel 7:25 and the Historical Evidence for a Figure Who Changes Times and Laws

1. Background on the Prophecy

Daniel 7:25 proclaims: “He will speak against the Most High and oppress the saints of the Most High, intending to change the appointed times and laws, and the saints will be given into his hand for a time, and times, and half a time.”

This statement occurs in the context of Daniel’s vision of four beasts representing four kingdoms (Daniel 7:1–8), culminating with a blasphemous ruler who persecutes believers and attempts to alter established ordinances. The vision resonates with the repeated Scriptural theme of earthly authorities defying divine law, whether under the Old Covenant or even in times still future.

2. Identification of a Historical Fulfillment

A strong body of evidence from Scripture, extrabiblical writings, and historical events points to a distinct person in the second century BC: Antiochus IV Epiphanes (reigned 175–164 BC). Additional theological perspectives also see an ultimate end-times figure or antichrist. Still, in terms of demonstrable, documented history, Antiochus IV fulfills the features described in Daniel 7:25 in several concrete ways:

• He outlawed the practice of Jewish customs, including observing the Sabbath and circumcision (changes in “laws”).

• He introduced foreign festivals, forced Hellenistic worship, and desecrated the temple by sacrificing a pig on the altar (changes in “times” and holy observances).

3. Antiochus IV Epiphanes: Historical Overview

Antiochus IV aggressively suppressed Jewish worship. According to 1 Maccabees (though not canonical for all traditions, it is a recognized historical resource) and the works of Jewish historian Flavius Josephus (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 12), Antiochus imposed legal and calendar reforms on the Jewish people:

• He replaced the Jewish religious calendar with Hellenistic festivals.

• He tried to erase the distinct religious identity of the Jewish nation by imposing Greek customs.

This orchestrated effort to control and unify his territory under Greek religion aligns exactly with the phrase “intending to change the appointed times and laws.”

4. Specific Measures That Changed Times and Laws

The Hebrew faith revolved around set feasts (see Leviticus 23) and ordinances that shaped the Israelites’ calendar. Antiochus IV directly interfered with:

1. Feasts and Sabbaths: By banning Sabbath observances and festivals, he undermined the core of the worship schedule (Daniel 7:25 speaks of “changing the appointed times”).

2. Religious Practices: Circumcision, dietary regulations, and the daily sacrifices were forbidden. Historical sources such as 1 Maccabees 1:44–50 describe edicts that banned traditional Jewish religious observances; Josephus confirms these severe restrictions.

3. Temple Sacrifices: 1 Maccabees 1:54–59 and Josephus’ Antiquities (12.253–256) note the installation of pagan altars in the temple—an explicit subversion of the most sacred Israelite institution.

5. Corroborating Documents and Archaeological Discoveries

• Jewish Historical Sources: 1 Maccabees and 2 Maccabees, although not part of all canonical traditions, reliably detail historical events that harmonize with Josephus and other writings of the period, indicating Antiochus’ drive to eradicate Jewish worship.

• Dead Sea Scrolls: These scrolls, discovered in Qumran, include fragments of the Book of Daniel dating to the second century BC or earlier. Their preservation of Daniel’s prophecies underscores the widespread acceptance of the text before and around the time of Antiochus.

• Temple Inscriptions and Coins: Coins minted with the image of Antiochus IV Epiphanes confidently assert his title “Epiphanes” (meaning “God Manifest” or “Illustrious”), consistent with boasting “against the Most High” (Daniel 7:25). Some inscriptions document Hellenistic policies and forcibly implemented religious practices.

Such sources confirm Antiochus IV’s historical existence and highlight his attempts at abolishing the core worship routines and laws of the Jewish people—thus aligning with Daniel’s prophecy.

6. Connection to Daniel’s Broader Themes

Daniel’s visions repeatedly depict earthly powers that defy divine authority but ultimately fail before God’s sovereign plan. The oppressive dominion in Daniel 7:25 echoes other warnings in Daniel about efforts to profane worship (Daniel 8:9–14; 9:26–27; 11:31). These parallels strengthen the conclusion that there was indeed a historical figure who actively sought to change God’s appointed times and established laws.

7. The Reliability of Daniel’s Prophecy

Confirmed by early manuscript evidence and corroborated by historical documents, the accuracy of Daniel is well supported. Archaeological and textual discoveries—such as the Dead Sea Scrolls—affirm the integrity of Daniel prior to the events described; they show that the prophecies were not mere after-the-fact inventions.

8. Larger Theological Implications

This prophecy, and its partial fulfillment in Antiochus IV, points to a pattern of persecutors rising against God’s people yet ultimately being undone by divine justice. Though Antiochus IV’s rule was devastating, his downfall (1 Maccabees 6:1–16) underscores the transient nature of rulers who exalt themselves over God’s revealed laws. Many interpreters also see Daniel’s prophecy transcending the time of Antiochus, anticipating a future final adversary.

9. Conclusion

Historical and literary evidence strongly supports that Daniel 7:25 pinpointed a persecuting ruler who sought to overturn God’s ordained worship schedule and laws. Antiochus IV Epiphanes concretely meets these criteria. Primary sources such as Josephus, 1 Maccabees, and supporting artifacts like inscribed coins and temple records collectively confirm the scope of Antiochus’ reforms.

In discussing Daniel 7:25, it is therefore recognized that Scripture, corroborated by solid historical documentation, does provide evidence of a literal, historical individual who attempted to change the “appointed times and laws,” demonstrating Scripture’s reliability and the consistent unity of its message.