“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” (Daniel 11:40).

The little horn, prince, vile person and king of the north parallel the man of sin in II Thessalonians. These descriptive narratives of Daniel have been presented in the chazown vision through its several parts. Repeatedly, we have been reminded that it was for the end of time (eth qets) at the appointed time (mowed). At the end of time this power – the papacy – would arise and confront God by defying the core truths of His Word. Even more defiant would be his claim to be like God by assuming many of His prerogatives.

Within that end-time framework, the message of Revelation 13 introduces an earth-beast (“false prophet,” the United States and apostate Protestantism), who will give fiendish support right at the end to the sea-beast (the papacy) to the point of taking the life of any opposition. These two powers, along with the dragon, are called “Babylon” in Revelation. This is the broader meaning of the king of the north. A more focused view is the papacy – the central earthly apostate power.

Against that end-time backdrop a “king of the south” is reintroduced. Many expositors have defined the “south” to be Egypt and interpret it to mean atheism. This designation has been taken to extreme views with frequent statements that since it is atheism, it must be atheistic communism. These designations have brought confusion and have left wide gaps in our understanding.

The king of the south “pushes” (nagach) against the king of the north. Nagach means likely to gore with horns. It symbolizes warring against. What could this refer to in an end-time setting?

We already noted in verses 2-20 fierce competition between the Seleucids’ northern kings of Syria and the Ptolomy’s southern kings of Egypt. North and south were directional images of competition and conflict. In the middle of this conflict was the “glorious land.” All that timed imagery was a metaphor for the very end of time.

During the Dark Ages the conflict, as portrayed here in this chapter, was between the “Christian” papacy and the Muslim world through the Crusade wars. The center of the conflict was Palestine. That, too, was a portrayal of the future.

Once again we have a battle between the north and the south. We already noted that the little horn of Daniel 8 came from the north and pushed worldwide. But it specifically said “towards the pleasant land” or Palestine (8:9). Shortly, we will see that the king of the north – Babylon – will plant its center of worship “between the seas in the glorious holy mountain” (Isaiah 45). That is, once again, Palestine – the “glorious land.”

What power would fight against “Christianity” – the papacy and Protestantism (though in apostasy)? There is only one significant world power that “gores” or “wars” specifically against Christianity – and that is the Muslim world.

It is fascinating that the Koran identifies all non-Islamics as “unbelievers.” Islam is the antithetic force opposing the “symbolic center” of Christianity – the papacy and the United States/Protestantism. The history of this sect reveals intermittent armed conflict against Christians since 674 A.D.[1]

Islam’s spirit of war and hatred has its broad roots in the Koran: “I will instill terror into the hearts of the unbelievers: smite ye above their necks and smite all their finger-tips off them” (Koran 8:12).

In 1979 the Iranian Revolution exploded, giving birth to a new form of radical Islamic thinking. Ayatollah Khomeini convinced the Islamic world that the United States was the “Great Satan.” Seventy of the world’s 184 countries are now part of Dar al Islam or the House of Islam. Six of these are active sponsors of terrorism.

In the setting of the 40th verse of Daniel 11, at the eth qets or time of the final end, when judgment occurs, conflict between the king of the south (which initiates the war of hate) and the king of the north will occur. The latter becomes the conqueror.

The imagery portrays the type of “pushing” (nagach) seen in growing numbers of terrorist attacks against Christians. Sudan, under Islamic rule since 1988, has murdered upwards of two million Christians. Their ultimate goal is liquidation of all Christians.

The aggression by Islamic “radicals” is a Koran-directed and -instigated order to all the Muslim World.

“Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not” (Koran 2:216).

“The punishment of those who wage war against Allah and His Messenger, and strive with might and main for mischief through the land is: execution, or crucifixion, or the cutting off of hands and feet from opposite sides, or exile from the land: that is their disgrace in this world, and a heavy punishment is theirs in the Hereafter” (Koran 5:33).

“For the Rejecters we have prepared Chains, Yokes, and a Blazing Fire” (Koran 76:4).

“Nor take life – which Allah has made sacred – except for just cause. And if anyone is slain wrongfully, we have given his heir authority (to demand Qisas or to forgive): but let him not exceed bounds in the matter of taking life; for he is helped (by the Law)” (Koran 17:33).

Apocalyptic issues suggest that this is a great diversionary tool of Satan’s to unite the United States, at the center of world power, with the papacy and apostate Protestantism in a moral forefront of humanitarian concerns in their opposition to Islam.

The response of the north is like a “whirlwind” or terrible storm. The description of chariots, horsemen and ships entering many countries and going through them is descriptive of military action that we are beginning to see against radical Islam. The Biblical description suggests that it will become a terrible conflict, far exceeding what we see today (2005).

“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” (Daniel 11:41).

The king of the north will enter the glorious land – Palestine.

Some believe the glorious land is the United States, but there is nothing to support that assertion. It is the same country also depicted as “the glorious land” in verse 16, and the “pleasant land” in Daniel 8:9. This can only be Palestine. Its parallel is also found in verse 45 of this chapter where it is called a “glorious holy mountain.” This suggests that the vile person will eventually occupy Palestine in some manner.

Others have argued that the glorious land represents God’s church when the papal north tries to impose her dogma and will upon it. The context, however, shows that the military might of the north (Babylon) is a reaction to the harm the south brought against the north. That reactionary focus is against Islam (south). However, the powers for right will be specifically introduced in verse 44! We are given an overview in these verses of two end-time evil powers in an earthly conflict. Some have tried to pin prophetic messages to specific countries such as Iran or Iraq in association with Daniel 8. The imagery is only general. To add what is not specifically noted is speculation and adds to the prophecy.

There is a spiritual application discovered in verse 45 that we must emphasize. Though this prophecy has been and is difficult, we are reminded of Gabriel’s warning of another end-time prophecy: “If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18).

“Glorious land” or “pleasant land” in several places in the Old Testament refers to Palestine – the promised land to the Jewish people (Psalm 104:24, Jeremiah 3:19, Zechariah 7:14, Deuteronomy 8:7-10, 11:12). In one place only does it allude to God’s people being like “delightsome land” (Malachi 3:12). The weight of evidence encourages a Palestinian application.

The papacy and its ally, apostate Protestantism, symbolized as the United States in Revelation 13, enters Palestine. Enter (bow) has broad meaning. In the context of this verse where it says “many countries shall be overthrown,” bow means that Palestine will be besieged at a time of a massive military campaign, presumably in the mid-eastern theater. This all follows the “pushing” or terror the Muslim world has against the north.

This is an interesting verse in light of what is occurring today. The papacy owns all the major Christian sites related to the birth of Christianity in Palestine. For over a decade Pope John Paul II had been offering to mediate a Palestinian solution, even to the point of administering the land – especially Jerusalem. In addition, the evangelical world, through a novel view of the seventy-week prophecy of Daniel 9, believes that the Jews will rebuild the temple on the Temple Mount. They also see the antichrist coming in the middle of a seven-year period to seize power in that temple. Though believing this because of a serious error in their Biblical understanding, the majority of Protestants now feel Palestine is crucial to the fulfillment of end-time prophecy. Regardless of whether the deceptive views of dispensationalism are entertained or the contextual exposition propounded here, Palestine appears to be a prominent focal point in this end-time drama.

Thus, this verse unfolds a point in time where military operations will occur against the Islamic world, securing Palestine, and, perhaps in the Protestant mind, fulfill prophecy through might. God, however, guides the play and interplay of events to assure that His final will of earth’s happenings will contrast right with wrong – good with evil.

The last half of this verse is fascinating and requires contemplative study. Edom, Moab and the chief of the children of Ammon will escape the destructive onslaught. Is this referring to people related to these three groups or do we have a land area symbolized by Edom, Moab and Ammon? Or will the land of Moab and Edom be protected and only the “children” of Ammon escape the sword?

Since we are dealing with a very end-time scenario, the first point to observe is that the country of Jordan now occupies what was once Ammon, Moab and Edom. Intriguingly, they have been able to maintain a position of remarkable neutrality among the mid-eastern hostilities. Though that literalism brings great risk when addressing prophecy, the use of the symbols for war in verse 41, then the word “countries” in the same verse, along with other such words, contextually focus on the literal mid-east. It appears that Jordan is singled out as a land area not involved in this strife.

Edom was the southernmost group of the three. These people were descendants of Esau. Prophecy revealed that they would cease to exist. God said he hated Esau (Malachi 1:3). Babylonian armies early in the 6th century B.C. attacked them, and the “curse of Esau” led to the termination of this people. They no longer exist. Spiritually, they would not be a desirable people to be represented here. Thus, the land/country previously known as Edom must be symbolized.

Moab was the name of Lot’s son from his elder daughter from an incestuous relationship. The central area of the three lands under review here was called after him – Moab. They were a powerful people and had intermittent conflict with Israel. Ruth was a Moabitess (Ruth 1:4), and her great grandson was King David (Ruth 4:13-22). Moab was where Moses died (Deuteronomy 34:1-8) and Israel mourned there for thirty days.

Isaiah 15, 16 and 25:10-12 predicted the annihilation of the Moabites. That came true. Today, Moab no longer exists, and its people have disappeared. Thus, the land/country previously known as Moab must be meant here, not the people.

Ammon was the northernmost country of the three. The people were descendants of Ammon, Lot’s son by his younger daughter (Genesis 19:38). Along with the Moabites, they hired Balaam to curse Israel (Deuteronomy 23:4). Solomon had many Ammonite wives. One, Naamah, was the mother of King Rehoboam (I Kings 14:31, II Chronicles 12:13). Fearful judgments were prophesied against them because of their hostility towards Israel (Zephaniah 2:8; Jeremiah 43:1; Ezekiel 25:1, 10; Amos 1:13).

They were apparently a numerous people at the time of Justin Martyr (Dial. cum Tryph., sec. 119). Over the course of the next century they vanished from the view of history. No bona fide ties exist today to the Ammonites of old. They symbolized a predatory group of people who were pagans. God told Israel not to meddle in the affairs of the “children of Ammon” (descendants of Ammon) because their land would not be given to them.

In an end-time prophecy (Jeremiah 25:15-38) God’s wrath comes and desolates the nations of the earth. Edom, Moab and Ammon are listed among many others. These three are judged as evil. Why are they listed and “chief of the children of Ammon” singled out?

It appears, once again, that within the context of “countries” being specifically addressed, the nation of Jordan is addressed. The capital of Jordan is Amman. That is in the northern area of the country where the leaders of the people exist. This understanding is tentative but draws on the Biblical record, history and context of this area within Daniel 11:40-45.

There are many spiritual themes in the Old Testament that are drawn from these three countries. Though some “good” comes through various incidents, the ultimate fate results from their evil:

“The Ammonites” will “not be remembered among the nations” (Ezekiel 25:10).

“Moab shall be trampled down under him as straw is trampled down for the refuse heap” (Isaiah 25:10).

The “House of Edom” would become “stubble” (Obadiah 18).

“He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape” (Daniel 11:42).

The first part of this verse reiterates in different words what was said in verse 40: “He shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over” (Daniel 11:40). “He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries” (Daniel 11:42).

A new thought is introduced by identifying Egypt specifically as not escaping the warring king of the north. In prophecy Egypt symbolizes the world from which God’s people are delivered as they journey to the promised land. Egypt also represents paganism/atheism, an anti-God power. Egypt represents today one of the Muslim nations in the Middle East. They are part of the king of the south imagery. Yet, it is singled out here as if to say “even Egypt, that God-defying nation who wielded so much power, is going to be harmed – even they won’t escape.”

There is another important theme that is introduced by singling out the land of Egypt. The verse uses “he,” which again and again in this prophecy refers to the papacy or spiritual Babylon. The words not only reiterate what was said in verse 40 of his exploits, but the Hebrew word for “countries” and “lands” in this verse is the same as in verse 40 – erets or eres. This is a frequently-used word in the Old Testament. Its primary imagery is “the earth” in a cosmological sense – the world. The way the King James Version (and most others) translates it leaves the meaning of the next two verses isolated to Egypt or with its surrounding countries. That introduces a confusing picture and fragments the flowing theme in these final verses.

If we observe the greater meaning of the words in context, this thought emerges: The king of the north shall also stretch his hand of power over the earth, and the wicked, God-defying world will not escape his grip.

This not only makes more sense but parallels the thoughts in Revelation 13.

Sea-beast – papacy

      •     Blasphemes God’s name, His church and all heavenly beings (Revelation 13:6)

      •     Power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations (Revelation 13:7)

Earth-beast

      •     Exercises all the power of the first beast (Revelation 13:12)

This also ties with the world power it wields with “ten kings” at the end (Revelation 17:12). This now opens a clearer meaning for the next verse.

“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” (Daniel 11:43).

The king of the north (generally portraying “Babylon”) will have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt (representing the world). The Hebrew word for power is mashal. It means “to rule” or “have charge over.”

The Vatican (representing the papacy) associated with the United States (representing apostate Protestantism) will be in control of the world’s finances and monetary system. This is intriguing. The Vatican Bank is an international institution. Yet, it is the only bank that is not required to report its operations to the world financial community. Though denied by the Vatican, credible reports have been circulated that when Pope John Paul I became pope he wanted to clean up the corruption of the Vatican Bank. Internal hostilities broke out, and he died shortly after taking office. This raises questions as to how much monetary control is being exercised already in “Babylon.”

The United States, through the IMF (International Monitory Fund) and World Bank, holds major control of the flow of world money. These two together (king of the north) could easily fulfill the intent and prophecy foretold here. Revelation 13 makes clear that the dual cooperative power of the two beasts (sea-beast and earth-beast) will unite at the end in completing Satan’s work.

“The papacy will appear in its power”[2] at the end.

“As we approach the last crisis, it is of vital moment that harmony and unity exist among the Lord’s instrumentalities. The world is filled with storm and war and variance. Yet under one head–the papal power–the people will unite to oppose God in the person of His witnesses.

“What is it that gives its kingdom to this power? Protestantism, a power which, while professing to have the temper and spirit of a lamb and to be allied to Heaven, speaks with the voice of a dragon. It is moved by a power from beneath.

“‘These have one mind.’ There will be a universal bond of union, one great harmony, a confederacy of Satan’s forces. ‘And shall give their power and strength unto the beast.’ Thus is manifested the same arbitrary, oppressive power against religious liberty, freedom to worship God according to the dictates of conscience, as was manifested by the papacy, when in the past it persecuted those who dared to refuse to conform with the religious rites and ceremonies of Romanism.

“In the warfare to be waged in the last days there will be united, in opposition to God’s people, all the corrupt powers that have apostatized from allegiance to the law of Jehovah. In this warfare the Sabbath of the fourth commandment will be the great point at issue; for in the Sabbath commandment the great Lawgiver identifies Himself as the Creator of the heavens and the earth.”[3]

What could the Libyans and the Ethiopians following in his footsteps mean? There is virtually no Biblical information to guide us on the Libyans or Libya. Ethiopia is mentioned several times in the Old Testament (Psalms 68:31, 87:4; Amos 9:3; Zephaniah 2:12, 3:10). Scholars have concluded it symbolizes “remote lands.” One must conclude that “Libyans” refers to the same.

Contextually, then, we see this verse ending with the thought that not only does the king of the north control the world’s financial assets but also remote lands such as Ethiopia and Libya.

“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” (Daniel 11:44).

The tidings (sh@muwah) in this context means disquieting reports. They come out of the “east” and the “north.” This directional symbolism is of great importance.

The “east” was where the tribe of Judah was camped in relation to the tabernacle (Numbers 2:3). That tribe was represented by the first of the living creatures in heaven (Revelation 4:7) and by the white horse of the first Seal (Revelation 6:1-2). Those apocalyptic symbols are associated with the last work of the 144,000. Since we know this setting in Daniel 11 is end-time (eth qets), what is represented here by “tidings” can be none other than the Loud Cry of the 144,000, coming from the “east.” It is having an influence, an effect (bahal). That is, he is “alarmed,” even to the point of being terrified.

What does the “north” represent? North is where Mount Zion is, where God’s people will associate with Him and where Satan seeks to enthrone himself (Isaiah 14:13-14). The king of the north is called that because he wanted to be like God.

What “tidings” or message might come from God’s throne? In this setting it would have to be the power of the Holy Spirit in the work of the Latter Rain, giving power to the Loud Cry. Though the king of the north persecutes, God’s people receive power and, clearly, are under the blessing of heaven. This directly relates to the fifth Trumpet when Satan and his host are warned to hurt not the grass, green thing or tree (Revelation 9:4). At the time of the Loud Cry, God’s people are under special protection, symbolized by these living items.

The reaction to all this is that “he” goes forth with great fury to exterminate and utterly destroy “many.”

“The heavenly sentinels, faithful to their trust, continue their watch. Though a general decree has fixed the time when commandment keepers may be put to death, their enemies will in some cases anticipate the decree, and before the time specified, will endeavor to take their lives. But none can pass the mighty guardians stationed about every faithful soul. Some are assailed in their flight from the cities and villages; but the swords raised against them break and fall powerless as a straw. Others are defended by angels in the form of men of war.”[4]

“Fearful is the issue to which the world is to be brought. The powers of earth, uniting to war against the commandments of God, will decree that no man may buy or sell, save he that has the mark of the beast, and, finally, that whoever refuses to receive the mark shall be put to death. [Rev. 13:15, 17.] The word of God declares: ‘If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation’ [Rev. 14:9, 10.] But not one is made to feel the wrath of God until the truth has been brought in contact with his mind and conscience, and has been rejected. There are many in the churches of our country who have never, even in this land of light and knowledge, had an opportunity to hear the special truths for this time. The obligation of the fourth commandment has never been set before them in its true light. Jesus reads every heart, and tries every motive. The decree is not to be urged upon the people blindly. Every one is to have sufficient light to make his decision intelligently. The Sabbath will be the great test of loyalty; for it is the point of truth especially controverted.”[5]

“As Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon issued a decree that all who would not bow down and worship this image should be killed, so a proclamation will be made that all who will not reverence the Sunday institution will be punished with imprisonment and death…. Let all read carefully the thirteenth chapter of Revelation, for it concerns every human agent, great and small. – 14MR 91 (1896).”[6]

“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” (Daniel 11:45).

There is a temptation to interpret this verse literally and see the king or ruler of the north planting (nata) or establishing his tabernacles (ohel) or tents in Palestine, the glorious land. Though interpreted this way by many expositors and though it may represent a minor application, it is out of context to a greater message.

This verse continues the thought of the previous verse. The papacy is troubled by what is occurring and, in his fury, sets out to destroy God’s people in an end-time Loud Cry setting. In that context comes the report that he is fastening or establishing his (appenden) tents or palace.

The implication means that the papacy is fixing its authority or leadership role between the seas and the glorious holy mountain. Most scholars understand that the word “in” noted in the King James Version should be “and” – thus, between the seas “and” the mountain.

Seas represent people, nations of the world (Revelation 17:15; cf. Isaiah 17:12, Jeremiah 46:7). The glorious holy mountain draws from a rich history of the highest and southernmost mounts in Jerusalem. This was the area of the “City of David,” Solomon’s temple and, today, part of the Temple Mount. It was and remains a sacred place and is often called Mount Zion (Psalm 48:2, 12-13). In Revelation Mount Zion is seen as the place where God’s people – the 144,000 – are gathered with the Lamb (Revelation 14:1).

Once again, shall we view this as literal or symbolic? If literal, which seas? Is it the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, represented by the “holy mountain?” Literalism invites never-ending mid-eastern speculation that exists today in the evangelical dispensationalist world.

Perhaps most importantly, we see Mount Zion here representing the seat of the true church on earth and in heaven (Jeremiah 8:19, Hebrews 12:22, Revelation 14:1). It is intriguing that this mount is located on the “sides of the north” (Psalm 48:2), the very place that the king of the north receives “tidings” that bring fear and terror to him!

The imagery presents a picture of the papacy and its supporting “host” with its imposing power, fixing its authority between the people of the world and God’s holy people. There is already action against God’s remnant seen in the previous verse. Now it is firmly established that this king, the second rise of the little horn, the vile person, is in a central world power position.

“Under one head – the papal power – the people will unite to oppose God in the person of His witnesses.”[7] The setting is one of battle, one of opposition, one of force against God’s people. It is as if Satan said to God’s people, “In the evangelizing of the world by your Loud Cry, you’re not going to get near my people. I dare you to try to pass the fortress I’ve set up between us!”

Well – God has the last word. The king of the north comes to his end (qets), his final end and no one will help him.

When does that occur? It begins when the River Euphrates is dried up under the sixth Plague (Revelation 16:12). Babylon’s support is finished. Why? One of the final steps for Jesus and His followers already reigning with Him, in the symbol of the 24 elders, is to return from the east. The final blow comes when “God remembers” the hatred and treachery of the papacy, the earth-beast and the dragon. When it is separated and finally subject to His wrath (Revelation 6:16-17, 16:19), the battle is over.

That is exactly the terminus of Daniel 8:1-13! That is the promised timed prophecy of Daniel 12:7. That is the end of papal power that brings the deliverance of God’s people (Daniel 12:1-3, 6-13).

Finally – at last – Daniel 8–12 has all beautifully come together. The only details remaining are those in Revelation. We have just been given a great prologue/preface/introduction to that final Biblical book – which, too, is all very end-time.