This chapter by chapter exposition of the book of Daniel begins in approximately 605BC with the first invasion of Judah by the cruel and fearsome Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. Because of Daniel's faithfulness, God intervenes on his behalf, providing information that no human could possibly know. Now blessed with unusual wisdom and the gift of dream interpretation,Daniel rises from a Jewish captive to an important position of influence that spans five kings and two empires. In his later years, Daniel is visited by the archangel Gabriel who reveals to him a part of God's eternal plan pertaining to the future of idolatrous Israel. This eternal plan involved the rise of three more empires and a perversely self-willed ruler known in scripture as "the little horn". This ruler, whom history identifies as Antiochus Epiphanes, is a type of the coming antichrist. Examining his character and actions will aid in the recognition of the future antichrist.