Lesson Sixteen
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A Study Of The Prophetic Visions Of Daniel

Lesson Sixteen –Chapter Eleven – Part Two – The King Of The North


 

Daniel 11:35

And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.

   

This verse emphasizes the fact that the main purpose of the vision was to show what would befall Israel in the last days (Daniel 10:14). From this part of the chapter to the end Daniel is now speaking of events yet future even from today.

Daniel 11:36

And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.

 

From here to the end of the book the future Antichrist and events connected with the last Syrian king before the second coming of Christ are predicted.  There is a 10-fold purpose of Daniel chapters 10-12:

 

1.To give further information of what will befall Israel in the last days (Daniel 10:14)

2.Complete the revelation as to where the Antichrist comes from (Daniel 11:2-45)

3.Complete the revelation of the book of Daniel of Gentile world powers that will oppress Israel before the second coming of Christ (Daniel 2:37 45; Daniel 7:17-27; Daniel 8:20-25)

4.Give further information of the little horn or Antichrist (Daniel 11:36-12:7)

5.Identify Antichrist as the king of the north

6.Complete the revelation of the Revised Roman and Revised Grecian empires (Daniel 2:40-43; Daniel 7:23-24)

7.Narrow down the coming of the Antichrist geographically, from the 10 kingdoms of Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 and the 4 kingdoms of Daniel 8 to one of these kingdoms—Syria (Daniel 7:23-24; Daniel 8:9-14,20-25; Daniel 11:36-45)

8.Explain more fully when, why, and how the Antichrist will come (Daniel 7:23-24; Daniel 8:9-14,20-25; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:36-45)

9.Complete the revelation of the last day wars (Daniel 2:40-45; Daniel7: 23-24; Daniel 8:9-14,20-25; Daniel 11:40-45)

10.Show the operation of satanic powers over the kingdoms of this world (Daniel 10:12-21; Daniel 11:1; Daniel 12:1)

 

The term “king” refers to the last Syrian king of the last days, the Antichrist, whom we believe Daniel calls “the king of the NORTH.” Daniel 11:36-12:13 definitely identifies the Antichrist as the king of the north (Syria) at the time of the end.  The whole purpose of this vision was to show "what shall befall thy people (Israel) in the latter days" (Daniel 10:14) under the last Syrian king who is foreshadowed by Antiochus Epiphanes (Daniel 11:21-34), and to narrow down the coming of Antichrist geographically, from the 4 divisions of Grecia to one—the Syrian division.

 

The visions of Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 were given to show the formation of 10 kingdoms
inside the old Roman Empire and reveal that the Antichrist would come out of one of these 10 kingdoms and lead these nations against Christ at His second coming.  The purpose of Daniel 8 was to give additional information to that of Daniel 2 and Daniel 7—to narrow down the coming of Antichrist geographically, from the 10 kingdoms to the 4 divisions of the Grecian Empire, which will make up 4 of the 10 kingdoms of the Revised Roman Empire before Antichrist comes.  The purpose of the last vision (Daniel 10:1-12:13) was to narrow down the coming of Antichrist geographically, from the 4 divisions of the Grecian Empire to one of these divisions, the Syrian, and complete the visions of Daniel concerning the last days and the reign of the Messiah.  Daniel 11:35-12:13 gives the third and last description of the Antichrist in Daniel.

 

The Little Horn, King of the North, the Man of Sin, and the Beast of Revelation Are the Same—The Future Antichrist:

 

1.All do according to their will (Daniel 11:36 with Daniel 7:25; Daniel 8:24; 2 Thes. 2:10-12; Rev. 13:5-7).

2.All exalt themselves "above every god" (Daniel 11:36,37 with Daniel 7:25; Daniel 8:25; 2 Thes. 2:4; Rev. 13).

3.All "speak marvelous things against the God of gods" (Daniel 11:36 with Daniel 7:8,11,20,25; Rev. 13:1-7; 2 Thes. 2:4).

4.All prosper UNTIL indignation (tribulation, Daniel 8:19; Rev. 6-19) is accomplished (Daniel 11:36 with Daniel 8:9-11,21,22,25-27; 2 Thes. 2:8; Rev. 19:11-21).

5.All refuse to regard the God of their fathers (Daniel 11:37 with Daniel 7:25; Daniel 8:25; Rev. 13:1-7; 2 Thes. 2:4; John 5:43).

6.All honor a god whom their "fathers knew not" (Daniel 11:38-39 with Daniel 8:24; 2 Thes. 2:8; Rev. 13:1-4).

7.All exist "at the time of the end" and will be successful in conquests in the same territories (Daniel 11:40-42 with Daniel 7:8,11-12,20-26; Daniel 11:23-25; 2 Thes. 2:8; Rev. 13:1-10; Rev. 17:8-17).

8.All reign from Jerusalem "in the glorious holy mountain" and have their thrones in the temple (Daniel 11:45 with Daniel 9:27; 2 Thes. 2:4; Rev. 11:1-2; Rev. 12:1-17; Rev. 13:1-18).

9.All cause the greatest "time of trouble" ever on the earth (Daniel 12:1 with Daniel 7:21-27; Daniel 8:19,24-25; Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15-23; 2 Thes. 2:8-12; Rev. 13:1-18; Rev. 15:2-4; Rev. 20:1-6).

10.All wage war on Israel during the same time and length (Daniel 12:7 with Daniel
7:21-22,25-26; Daniel 8:24; Rev. 13; Matthew 24:15-23).

11.All take away the daily sacrifices and cause the abomination of desolation (Daniel
12:11 with Daniel 7:25; Daniel 8:24-25; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thes. 2:4; Rev. 13).

12.All come to an end (Daniel 11:45 with Daniel 7:8-11,21-22,25-27; Daniel 8:25; 2 Thes. 2:8; Rev. 19:11-21; Rev. 20:10).

 

From Where Does Antichrist Come?

 

Daniel saw the little horn coming out of one of the four divisions of the Grecian Empire (Daniel 8:8-9,21-23).  This was to be "in the latter time of their kingdom" and so it must yet be in the future, for these kingdoms still exist (Daniel 8:23).  These four divisions are known today as Greece, Turkey, Syria, and Egypt.

 

In Daniel 7 we have the Antichrist coming from ten kingdoms inside the Roman Empire and if we did not have the vision of Daniel 8 we could believe that he could come from England, Holland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Albania, or some other part of the

Old Roman Empire territory outside the four divisions of the Grecian Empire.  But since we have in Daniel 8 the narrowing down of Antichrist's coming from ten kingdoms to four of the ten and definitely limiting his coming as from Greece, Turkey, Syria, or Egypt, then we must limit his coming to one of these four countries.

 

If the Antichrist is coming from Greece Turkey, Syria, or Egypt, then it is certain that he cannot come from Italy, the Vatican, England, America, Germany, Russia, or any country of the world other than one of these four. 

 

The Antichrist, Daniel says, will do “according to his will,”  until the second coming, then he will do what he will not want to do (Daniel 7:11; Daniel 8:25; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:45; 2 Thes. 2:8; Rev. 19:20; Rev. 20:10).

 

Daniel says “and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god.” Daniel is really just repeating something he saw many times concerning the Antichrist and the rebellion and arrogance of this future demonic leader.

 

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

 

Daniel 8:25

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.

 

2 Thes. 2:3-4

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; [4] Who opposes and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

 

   

Daniel also says the Antichrist “shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods.” This again is restating similar qualities Daniel foretold in earlier visions.

 

Daniel 7:8

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

 

Daniel 7:11

I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.

 

Daniel 7:20

And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.

 

Daniel 7:25

And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

 

2 Thes. 2:4

Who opposes and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.

 

The phrase “and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done,” means the Antichrist will prosper until the indignation (Hebrew: za€am (HSN-2194), froth at the mouth; rage; fury, especially, God’s displeasure at sin) is accomplished, for it shall be finished in due time.  This refers to the tribulation wrath of God in the seals, trumpets, vials, and woes that will come upon men for their sins during Daniel's 70th week (Rev. 6:17; Rev. 15:1).

 

It no doubt also refers to the end of sins for Israel and all men in general when Christ comes to rid the earth of all rebellion and sin (1 Cor. 15:24-28; Ephes. 1:10; Rev. 21:3-7).  This is proof that this king is yet future and that he will be the last one before God puts down sin on the earth.  He could be none other than the beast of 2 Thes 2:8; Rev 13:18; Rev. 17:12-17; Rev. 19:11-21; Daniel 7:25-27; Daniel 8:25; Daniel 9:27; and Daniel 11:36-45.

 

Compare Jehovah's indignation (Daniel 8:19; Daniel 9:16; Isaiah 10:23,25).

 

Daniel 8:19

And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.

 

Daniel 9:16

O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.

 

Isaiah 10:23

For the Lord God of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.

 

Isaiah 10:25

For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.

 

Daniel 11:37

Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

 

          This verse has led many to believe the Antichrist will be a homosexual, which we do not believe is true. He will not regard any God whatsoever. One thing we do believe this scripture indicates is that he will of Jewish descent. The term “God of his fathers,” gives clue to this. The term “fathers,” in Old Covenant terminology always refers to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the “fathers” of the Hebrew race. That is our view which may be incorrect but one worth noting. There are 7 things stated here in this passage about the Antichrist andh his loyalties during his reign:

 

 

1.  He will disregard the God of his fathers, the true God (Daniel 11:37; John 5:43).

2.  He will reject the gods that women desire.

3.  He will reject every idol god (Daniel 11:37).

4.  He will exalt himself above every idol god, and even the true God (Daniel 11:36-37; 2 Thes. 2:4; Rev. 13).

5.  He will honor the god of forces (Daniel 11:38).

6.  He will honor a god whom his fathers knew not (Daniel 11:38).

7.  He will honor a strange god (Daniel 11:38-39; see 2 Thes. 2:4; Rev. 13:1-18).

.

Daniel 11:38-39

But in his estate shall he honor the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.

 

In place of the God of his fathers he will honor the god of forces by dedicating gold, silver, precious stones, and pleasant things to it in all strongholds (Daniel 11:38-39). He will be a man of war and will spend millions, if not billions of dollars on building up a strong military.

 

Some scholars believe this verse has connotation to believe he will build an image of the demonic principality controlling him. The term “a god whom his fathers knew not,” tends to indicate the Antichrist will know this god and honor it with gold and precious stones. Daniel calls this god a “strange god,” in verse 39 referring to the god of forces and the fact the Antichrist will honor this demonic deity whatever it may be. (Daniel 11:38).

 

He “shall divide the land for gain,” meaning He will be liberal, sharing the spoils and riches taken from many sources, and in this he will be similar to Antiochus Epiphanes (Daniel 11:24).

 

Daniel 11:40

And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

 

“At the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him:  and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships,” is a statement that definitely identifies the time of fulfillment of the main purpose of the vision (Daniel 11:40; Daniel 8:19; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:35,45; Daniel 12:1,7-13).  The vision concerns the very end of the Gentile world powers symbolized by the image of Daniel 2 and the beasts of Daniel 7 and Daniel 8; Rev. 13; Rev. 17:8-17.  At the time of the end of this age in which we live, "shall the king of the south (Egypt) push at him (that is, the king of the north); and the king of the north (Syria) shall come against him (that is, the king of the south) like a whirlwind" with his armies and navies and conquer many countries (Daniel 11:40).

The above quotation refers to the little horn or Antichrist coming out of the 10 horns of Revised Rome, and after them to get power over them in the first half (3 1/2 years) of Daniel's 70th week.  He subdues 3 of them (Daniel 7:23:24).  The others submit to him without further struggle (Rev. 17:12-17).  He comes from Syria, one of the 4 divisions of the Grecian Empire (Daniel 8:9,23; Daniel 11:36-45) and overthrows the other 3 divisions—Greece, Turkey, and Egypt.  He thus revives the old Grecian Empire, which is symbolized by a leopard (Daniel 7:6; Rev. 13:1-2).  The other 6 kingdoms of the old Roman Empire submit to him, making him their leader in a war with the north and east (Daniel 11:44; Rev. 17:12-17).

Rev. 13:1-2

And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. [2] And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

 

 

Rev. 17:12-17

And the ten horns, which thou sawest, are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. [13] These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. [14] These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. [15] And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. [16] And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. [17] For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

 

The "countries" here are the ones of the old Grecian Empire divisions, as dealt with in this chapter, as well as Daniel 8:8-9,20-23.

Daniel 11:41-42

He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. [42] He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

 

“He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown,” means that after Antichrist from Syria has conquered Greece, Turkey, and Egypt and the countries making up these last-day divisions of the Grecian Empire, he then breaks his covenant with the Jews (Daniel 9:27), entering into Palestine as well as taking over the many countries of the other six kingdoms of Revised Rome.

The phrase, “but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon,” gives us insight to the fact that the Antichrist's kingdom will be limited.  Here, three countries escape out of his hand even though they border on his empire. Below are 15 proofs we believe show us that Antichrist will not reign over America or be a worldwide dictator:

 

  1. Four statements in Rev. 13 have led some to believe that Antichrist will literally rule the whole world and cause every man on earth to take a mark or be killed.

Rev. 13:6

And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.

 

Rev. 13:8

And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

 

Rev. 13:16

And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:

 

Rev. 13:17

And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

 

They are:

(1)          Power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations (Rev. 13:7)

(2)          All that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (except Christians, Rev. 13:8)

(3)          He causes all, both small and great ... to receive a mark (Rev. 13:16)

(4)          No man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, name, or number (Rev. 13:17)

On the surface it might seem that these statements prove Antichrist will be a world ruler, killing all on earth who do not take his mark, name, or number.  But, the contrary is true because "all" in these passages is simply a figure of speech—synecdoche—in which a whole is put for a part, as we would say, "Everyone in town," or "the whole country."  If the United States would make a law that "all men" of all nations, and tongues must register on a certain day or be killed, we would naturally understand the law to apply only to all people of all nations and tongues who are under the government of the United States, not to the people of these nations and tongues who are under other governments.  The word "all" is used in a limited sense hundreds of times in Scriptures (Genesis 6:17; Joshua 6:21-25; 2 Samuel 6:5,15; 1 Kings 11:16-17; Matthew 3:5-6; Luke 2:1-3; Romans 1:8; Romans 10:18; Col. 1:23; etc.).

2.  Such terms as in Rev. 13 have been used of other rulers and kingdoms who did not literally rule the whole world.  It was said of Nebuchadnezzar—Wheresoever the children of men dwell ... hath made thee ruler over them ALL (Daniel 2:38).  Of Greece—Which shall bear rule over ALL the earth (Daniel 2:39).  Of Rome—Shall devour the WHOLE earth (Daniel 7:23-24).  None of these kingdoms ruled the whole world.

3.  Rev. 13 itself limits the kingdom of Antichrist to the 10 kingdoms that are yet to be formed inside the old Roman Empire territory (Daniel 7:23-24). The beast has only 10 horns, not 65, plainly teaching that a limited part of the earth will be under Antichrist (Rev. 13:1; Rev. 17:12-17).

4.  Rev. 17:8-17 also limits the kingdom of Antichrist to the 10 kingdoms—the 10 horns ... are 10 kings, which have received no kingdom as yet, but received power as kings with the beast ... these shall give their kingdom unto the beast.

5.  In Daniel 7:7-8,23-24 we have the definite location of the future 10 kingdoms.  They are to be inside (out of), not outside the old Roman Empire territory.  America and many other lands were never a part of the old Roman Empire, so they will not be a part of the 10 kingdoms to be formed in the last days inside that empire.  No country outside the 10 kingdoms will be ruled by Antichrist and no mark of the beast will be forced upon any man outside the kingdom of Antichrist.

6.  In Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:40-45 Antichrist breaks his 7-year covenant with Israel and takes over Palestine and many other countries, "but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon," which would be modern Jordan and Arabia.  If these countries escape Antichrist, these on the border of Palestine, which does not escape him, then it is surely conceivable that many countries across the vast oceans will also escape him.

7.  The nation of Israel escapes the Antichrist arriving safe in the wilderness of Edom and Moab where they are protected of God for 3 1/2 years, or during the time the whole world is supposed to be taking the mark of the beast (see pt. 10, The Sun-Clothed Woman)

8.  In Daniel 11:44-45 it is stated that the countries north and east of the 10 kingdoms under Antichrist will make war on him.  These countries too, then, are not ruled by him and are and are not therefore forced to take the mark.

9.  In Rev. 16:13-16 we have 3 unclean spirits like frogs going forth working miracles through ambassadors thus seeking the cooperation of many nations to help Antichrist against Jesus Christ at Armageddon. These will not have been conquered by him or be under him or they would not have to be persuaded to help him at Armageddon.  If he ruled them and they loved him enough to worship him and take his mark, such demonic ministries would be unnecessary.

10.     In Rev. 13:4 we have proof that there are nations whom the Antichrist has not conquered.  If there were no nations who were not under him it would be foolish to raise the question about who can conquer him.

11.     In Rev. 14:9-11 it is stated that every man who does take the mark of the beast, or his name, or the number of his name, will be sent to eternal hell without exception.  If, as some teach today, Antichrist will kill every man who does not take the mark of the beast, and if, as stated here, every man who does take it will be sent to eternal hell, there will not be one person left on earth to populate it in the Millennium and the New Earth.  Thus, such a doctrine as Antichrist killing all on earth who do not take his mark and worship him is literally untrue.

12.     The truth is that Antichrist will make a law that all in his 10 kingdoms must worship him and take his mark, but the law will not and cannot be literally enforced in such a vast territory in as short a time as 3 1/2 years.  It would be impossible for one human Antichrist to contact every man in the whole world and to see that every man is killed who does not take his mark.  To say that, he could be virtually teaching that one man can do more in 3 1/2 years than what God, Christ, the Holy Spirit, angels, and all the redeemed people of over 1,900 years have been able to do.  The gospel has been preached that long and still multiplied millions of people on earth have never heard the name of Jesus Christ.  How could a new doctrine and a new religion of the beast be made known to all the world in 3 1/2 years?

One reason why Antichrist cannot enforce such a law even inside the Roman Empire territory in 3 1/2 years is because of the wars between his 10 kingdoms and the many nations north and east of his empire (Daniel 11:44). These wars will keep him so occupied that he will not be able to pay full attention to the enforcement of his religious laws.  Then, too, there will no doubt be ways of avoiding such laws in certain localities as there are concerning any other manmade law.  Local officials, money, bribery, and many other things will enable some in his kingdom to escape literal compliance to such a law.  Guerrilla warfare against Antichrist can be carried on in all parts of his kingdom, making it impossible to enforce such a law literally.

Antichrist will come and go without millions of people in various parts of the earth knowing that he ever existed.  This is true of Jesus Christ, and it will be true of Antichrist.  Many peoples in the interior of certain lands do not yet know that there have been two world wars in a generation.  Many do not know we have automobiles, airplanes, etc.

The Bible teaches that in the Millennium Christ will be reigning in Jerusalem for some time before His agents contact certain peoples on earth and seek to bring them under His government (Isaiah 2:2-4; Isaiah 40:9; Isaiah 52:7; Isaiah 61:6; Isaiah 66:18-21; Zech. 8:23; Zech. 14:16-21).  So it will be in the days of Antichrist.

13.     In Zech. 14:16-21 it is clear that many from every nation, even those that are under Antichrist, will be left alive on the earth in the Millennium.  These will not take the mark of the beast.  If so, they would be sent to eternal hell by Christ at His second coming.  Since they are left to enter the Millennium, it is proof that every man on earth will not take the mark or be killed.  For example, Egypt is spoken of in Daniel 11:40-45 as not escaping the Antichrist, but we find Egyptians left to enter the Millennium in Zech. 14:16-21.  So it will be with many people of all the nations under Antichrist.  Some will not take the mark or obey his law and yet escape death by him.  Multitudes will be killed, but not all (Rev. 7:9-11; Rev. 14:13; Rev. 15:2-4; Rev. 16:2; Rev. 20:4-6).

14.     In Matthew 25:31-46 we read of many of all nations that are called blessed of My Father who will inherit the millennial and eternal kingdom.  These people will not take the mark of the beast or they would be sent to eternal hell, as stated in Rev. 14:9-11.  The basis of the judgment of the nations here is their treatment of Israel.  Such kind treatment of Israel could not be possible on the part of any nation if all were directly controlled by Antichrist.

15.     The remnant of the woman in Rev. 12:17 escapes the mark of the beast and the worship of Antichrist.  This is made possible by new wars in the north and east of his kingdom, forcing him to let them alone for the time being so as to conquer these new enemies.  The ministry of the two witnesses helps protect them the last 3 1/2 years.  Then when Antichrist conquers his enemies after nearly 3 1/2 years of war he gathers his forces against the Jews to destroy them.  Jesus Christ at Armageddon defeats him before he even takes all of Jerusalem, which by some means has been suddenly delivered from Antichrist and is back in Jewish hands (Zech. 14:14-15).

Thus, we conclude that Antichrist will not rule America or be a worldwide dictator; that his kingdom will be limited to the old Roman Empire territory during the time he seeks to enforce the new beast worship; that he will be in constant wars with other nations during the whole 7 years he is here (Daniel 7:23-24; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:36-45); that multitudes of all nations will escape the mark of the beast and his worship; and that Antichrist will be defeated by Christ before he conquers all of Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and all other parts of the world.

 

He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries, meaning  three kingdoms he will subdue (Daniel 7:24), besides the rest of the ten kingdoms of Revised Rome that will submit to him (Rev. 17:12-17), plus Libya and Ethiopia (Daniel 11:43).

Daniel makes it clear “that the land of Egypt will not escape,” If the wars of Daniel 11:5-34 are only between Syria and Egypt, and if the last-day war of Daniel 11:40-43 is between Syria and Egypt, ending with the overthrow of Egypt (the king of the south) by Syria (the king of the north), then it settles the question as to where Antichrist comes from.  He arises from Syria and will fulfill Daniel 7:8,19-27; Daniel 8:9-14,22-25; Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:40-45; Daniel 12:1-7; Rev. 6:1-8; Rev. 13:1-18; Rev. 16:13-16; Rev. 17:8-17; Rev. 19:19-21.

Daniel 11:43-44

But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

 

          The last 3 verses of this 11th chapter show us details of a tri-continent war towards the end of the Great Tribulation. There will be one before this one mentioned in verse 44 when the Antichrist destroys 3 of the 10 kingdoms opposing him during his rise to power.

 

2.The second tri-continental war will take place after the 10 kingdoms are formed and the Revised Roman Empire continues a short space (Rev. 17:10).  The little horn or future Antichrist will come from one of these 10 kingdoms and from among them to form the eighth kingdom of Rev. 17:8-17.  In this second war he will overthrow 3 of the 10 kingdoms before the others submit to him (Daniel 7:23-24; Rev. 17:12-17).

3.The third tri-continental war will be after Antichrist gets power over the 10 kingdoms, in the middle of Daniel's 70th week, or 3 1/2 years before the second coming of Christ (Rev. 13:5).  The 10 kingdoms under Antichrist will fight this third war with the countries of the north and east of the old Roman Empire territory (Daniel 11:44).  When Antichrist conquers these new enemies he will lead the nations down to Jerusalem to battle and then Christ will come to defeat them at Armageddon (Ezekiel 38-39; Zech. 14 Rev. 19:11-21).

It literally predicts that plans of war against him and his ten kingdoms inside the old Roman Empire will become known to Antichrist and he will lead his armies to victory against the combined nations, east and north of his ten kingdoms.

Russia Not the King of the North

 

Many current prophecy teachers teach Russia is the king of the north of Daniel 11, but this is impossible for the following reasons:

1.Russia never was a part of the old Roman Empire out of which 10 kingdoms must be formed in the last days and out of which Antichrist must come (Daniel 7:8,23-24).

2.Russia never was a part of the old Grecian Empire, or the 4 divisions of that empire after the death of Alexander the Great, out of which Antichrist must come (Daniel 8:9-14,20-23).

3.Russia is not once referred to in the wars of Daniel 11:4-34.  These were eventually fought between Syria and Egypt in a period of about 150 years, ending with the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, as seen in the notes on that section of Scripture.  Therefore, to insert Russia into the future war between the future king of the north (Syria) and the king of the south (Egypt) is adding to God's Word.  One might as well identify the U.S.A., Britain, or any other country we want to as the king of the north as to do so with Russia.

4.If Russia is the king of the north of Daniel 11:4-45, then what countries are north of Russia that will make war on Russia, fulfilling the war tidings from the north and east of this king of the north of Daniel 11:44? There are no countries north of Russia that could make war on her, fulfilling this verse.  Hence, Russia is entirely out of the picture in Daniel 11.

5.In the past, Russia bordered the Syrian division of the 4 divisions of the old Grecian Empire, so in the formation of the 10 kingdoms this will perhaps be true of the border between future Syria and Russia.  Hence, Russia could be the only country to fulfill making war on Syria at that time, for Turkey will have already been conquered by him and made a part of the 10 kingdoms of Revised Rome, under the king of the north (Daniel 7:23-24; Rev. 17:8-17).

Another View Of Russia’s Role In The Last Days

Another view about Russia is that she will invade Palestine, fulfilling Ezekiel 38-39.  Many have speculated in the past that Russia would be from which Antichrist comes, of her fulfilling Daniel 11:40-45; Ezekiel 38-39, and of her invading Palestine before the battle of Armageddon.  Not one of these theories is true.  Even if Russia did invade Palestine before Armageddon, no particular prophecy would be involved

Antichrist from Syria will get power over the 10 kingdoms of Revised Rome in the first 3 1/2 years of Daniel's 70th week, and then the war between him and his 10 kingdoms and the countries east and north of the old Roman Empire territory will be fought.  Antichrist will conquer the eastern and northern countries and become the ruler of Russia by conquest, not by being a native of Russia and coming from her (Daniel 11:44). 

One view of Armageddon is that at this time when the Antichrist conquers those countries north and east of him, he will become the Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal of Ezekiel 38-39—at the end of this war or near the
end of the last 3 1/2 years of Daniel's 70th week.

This view states that the Antichrist will lead the newly conquered countries, together with the 10 kingdoms and other nations that will cooperate with him, through the ministry of the 3 unclean spirits (Rev. 16:13-16), to their end at Armageddon (Ezekiel 38-39; Joel 3; Zech. 14; Rev. 19:11-21). Thus the king of the north (Syria), will war on the countries north and east of Syria, and they will be defeated, for Antichrist will go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly make away many (Daniel 11:44). 

Many, if not all the nations north and east of the old Roman Empire territory, will unite to put down this new conqueror who, in 3 1/2 short years, will have gained complete mastery of all the 10 kingdoms of the Roman Empire territory.  Realizing that he is set upon complete world conquest they will know that they must defeat him or be defeated eventually by him.  So, before he recovers from his bloody wars inside the Roman Empire, they will unite to put an end to his conquests.

 Antichrist could perhaps conquer more of the world if it were not for Christ's coming to earth to save Israel when half of Jerusalem is taken (Zech. 14).  Thus, Antichrist's dream of being a total worldwide dictator will come far short of his goal. Christ will be the one and only worldwide ruler other than Adam and Noah of the human race and Lucifer of the angelic race.

While we tend to lean in this direction we want to make it clear that in reality no one knows for sure. There are many reasons to believe Ezekiel 38 and 39 tells of a battle at some point before the end of the Tribulation. Many older bible prophecy teachers did not see Islam being a major world threat and power as we see it today.

I believe that TURKEY and SYRIA are both keys. The destruction of the former Soviet Union was not seen by many who were predicting a third world war to loose those countries in the Old Roman Empire territory. Many current Bible teachers believe that some sort of Islamic confederacy (along with more than likely the help of Russia without a doubt, and possibly a great many of the former Soviet states which are now mainly Islamic) led by TURKEY will descend upon Israel at some point during the Great Tribulation period.

Whether this happens before or after Antichrist is unclear but one thing IS clear. Israel will for some reason when this battle occurs have disarmed herself thinking she is at peace. Ezekiel saw “unwalled” villages in his vision indicating Israel will be caught off guard when this attack occurs. The only time Israel will know peace is the false peace the Antichrist will bring for a short season and the peace Jesus will bring in totality when He returns to earth to set up His Kingdom in Jerusalem.

In the 44th verse three words are used to describe Antichrist’s actions and feelings – trouble, fury and utterly. The word “trouble,” comes from the Hebrew: bahal (HSN-926), and means to tremble inwardly; palpitate; be alarmed; agitated; to hasten.

The word “fury,” comes from the Hebrew “chema,” and means heat; fury. The term “utterly,” used in Daniel comes from the Hebrew:  “kaliyl (HSN-3632), which means to complete; wholly consume. Put together it means the Antichrist will rage war against those who trouble him out of the east with utter fury and totally consume his enemies. Neighbor, it’s getting late!

 

 

Daniel 11:45

And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.

 

The Antichrist, or king of the north (Syria), will make his capital the Jewish temple in Jerusalem between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea in the glorious holy mountain, Mount Moriah; yet he shall come to an end at Armageddon (Daniel 7:11,26-27; Daniel 8:25; Daniel 9:27; 2 Thes. 2:8; Rev. 19:19-21). His end will be the lake of fire (Daniel 7:11; Isaiah 11:4; Rev. 19:20; Rev. 20:10).

 

Daniel says, “None will help him,” meaning that his army will be destroyed except a sixth part (Ezekiel 39:2).  His supernatural backers (Satan, angels, and demons) will be cast into the bottomless pit (Rev. 20:1-3; Isaiah 24:21-22), and he will be left alone to die as all men must do (Rev. 19:20). Christ will WIN! And those who belong to the Kingdom of God will win as well!