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Final Years of the Antichrist

(Part 3)

Introduction

Within an “appointed time,” two powerful and competing powers take center stage in a conflict for world supremacy. The northern “Christian” leader, centered in Rome, with its vast military coalition, successfully overruns the southern Islamic forces. Its overpowering invasive forces expand their exploits as the saga within Daniel continues.

“He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown:” (vs 41 – KJV)

The word “countries” is added, which is, however, contextually implied. It is an echo of what was said in the previous verse. The antichrist and his forces (apostate Christianity), in an effort to subdue Islam, will bring many “countries” to their knees. All resistance to its power appears to be suppressed.

The Hebrew word for “overthrown” is kashal (as noted previously in 11:35). It literally means “stumble.” This can be figurative (Psalm 64:8) or literal.[1] It is used symbolically by Daniel in many places (11:14, 19, 33-35, 41), implying “to be defeated.”[2] The narrative shows that these “countries” or areas they symbolize will be subdued.

This description portrays military action where many Islamic-controlled nations are defeated. They are no longer able to maintain their religio-political regimes.

Who the “personal” “king” of the south is, is not clear. There are secular geopolitical documents that suggest that Iran will control this region, which is numbered the seventh area in the New World Order by the Club of Rome. This includes most of the current Muslim countries of the Middle East and across northern Africa. Contextually, this “king” must soon become as distinct as the antichrist of the north.

The unique notation that the “glorious land” (cf. 8:9, 11:16) will be entered is a striking message. The Hebrew word for “enter” is bo, a verb in the qal tense. There is no indication that violence is used for this particular incursion! Since Palestine is the historic crossroads of hatred within the Islamic world, this entrance alone suggests that Israel will not resist this northern king. Perhaps the Jewish leaders will see it as a protective move. This verse is a simple statement of entering and likely controlling or securing this strategic area.

Intriguingly and disturbingly, recent regional geopolitical maps of the New World Order do not show Israel’s future existence![3]

“but these shall escape out of his hand,” (vs 41 – KJV).

“Escape” (malat) – will be delivered out of his hand. Most expositors interpret this phrase to mean that the peoples living now in these ancient areas will be protected against military assault. No overt spiritual metaphor or application has been understood.

“even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon” (vs 41 – KJV)

These three “nations,” though related to Israel by descent, were “hereditary enemies” of the chosen people[4] (Psalm 83:7-8, II Chronicles 20:1-2). Why would the suppression of Islam be bypassed here? One must look at the end-time setting this is in. Those three countries compose today what is the nation of Jordan.[5]

More than 90% of Jordan adheres to Sunni Islam. Its 1952 constitution stipulates that the king and his successor must be Muslim and born of Muslim parents. Strict adherence, however, to the Islamic traditions has not been prevalent, though more so since 1980. Women’s freedom has been strong. Ties with Egypt and Israel came in 1979 with the Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel. It has, in addition, been a nation of many conciliatory gestures towards Christianity!

Jordan has also been identified as the custodian of the Islamic Holy Sites in Jerusalem.[6] The Catholic Church is, in turn, the custodian of the Christian Holy Sites. Yet, Muslims open and close the Catholic-owned Church of the Holy Sepulcher.[7]

King Abdullah has been a remarkable mellowing force in the “center” of Islamic hatred. Though the Islamic Action Front wishes to destabilize Jordan, its chance of success has been slim.[8] The “king of the north,” in his violent moves to destroy Islamic power, appears to avoid this country that used to be Moab, Ammon and Edom. [9]

Since Moab, Ammon and Edom are metaphors for theological enemies of God’s people, could they help move forward the persecution against God’s remnant people along with the king of the north? That isn’t within the text but arguably in the associated context. It is a consideration to watch. At this time, Christians have considerable freedom in Jordan, even holding positions in the Parliament and the military.[10] Roman Catholicism flourishes in Jordan. Muslim converts to Christianity have been having an upsurge since Middle Eastern conflicts in 2016.[11]

“He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries:” (vs 42)

There are just three Hebrew words making up this phrase. The NET appears to reflect best their meaning: “He will extend his power against other lands.” This is the third time allusions are made to “countries.”

He shall enter into the countries

Many countries shall be overthrown

Stretch forth his hand … upon the countries

This is a trilogy (three similar thoughts) as often used in John’s apocalyptic prophecies. The emphasis suggests that the work of suppressing Islamic influence/power will be broad and complete. Evidence is mounting that a geopolitical phenomenon is in view. This is symbolically riveted in the next phrase:

“and the land of Egypt shall not escape” (vs 42)

The word for “countries” and “land” (‘eres) is duplicated in this verse – simply implying that “Egypt will not escape.” The action initially suggests that harm will come to this nation.

Egypt is 88% Muslim, which is often in conflict with its 10% Christian community. Though Egypt is currently in a peaceful alliance with Jordan, its antichristian laws are harsh, which helps to drive this “south” imagery! It is prophetically and literally singled out.

In prophecy Egypt symbolizes the wicked world from which God’s people are to be delivered as they journey toward the promised land! If we observe this metaphorical meaning, this thought emerges: “The antichrist shall stretch his hand of power over the earth, and the whole world will not escape his grip.” Though there is a distinct military action by the antichrist against Islam, the ultimate mission of Rome is world dominion. Islam is in the way of that final objective. An additional “global mission” of this northern king is in view!

This is intriguing when tied to the geopolitical thoughts of Revelation 13.

Sea-beast – antichrist

• 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)

Earth-beast

• Exercises all the power of the first beast (Revelation 13:12) – on its behalf

This links the world power that it finally wields with an ally, the “earthbeast,” seen by many as the United States. Ten horns (Revelation 17:12) and the papal beast are also unified in a coalition, the exact number of regions projected in the New World Order.

The “king of the north” is, therefore, seen exercising world power in this end-time setting:

1. Over the Islamic world – religious and political
2. Over the world (symbolically, Egypt) – in geopolitical control

Paraphrasing part of verse 42: “The world shall not escape.”

There is no indication that “nations” are destroyed. The context seems to be mission-specific: Stop the expanding violent power of Islam and begin to assume control of the world. Intriguingly, as the Rome-centered power seeks to block expansion of Islam, world dominance occurs. In the collective messages of verses 29 to 45 is also another mission-specific issue: Destroy the remnant people. This warning comes again in verse 44.

“He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver” (vs 43 – NIV)

“He” – the king of the north – has “power over.” The Hebrew word is mashal, which means “dominion over,” “rule over.” This is in the immediate context of the military exploits into many countries that have Islamic influence. However, as was just noted, “Egypt [the world] will not escape” (vs 42). Contextually, it suggests that the global “treasures” (mikman) or “stores” of gold and silver have come under the rule of this northern “king.” Then it notes:

“and all the riches of Egypt:” (vs 43 – NIV)

Most scholars assume that “precious things” and “gold and silver” are tied together, revealing control of the wealth of “Egypt” or, symbolically, the world’s wealth. If the eschatological “campaign” of exploiting “countries” were only a suppressive Islamic objective, then singling out Egypt as controlling its wealth would make the prophecy highly disjointed. That is why there is so much opinion and speculation over what this means, especially from literalist expositors. Metaphoric Egypt, representing the evil world, is cohesive and is what now beckons our attention.

It appears that this northern king obtains unmitigated financial control of the world. It reinforces what Revelation 13 and 17 point out – the “beast” and the “woman” have geopolitical control for a brief time via its ten horns (17:13)! There is currently a mysterious tie between the Vatican Bank and the International Bank of Settlements in Basil, Switzerland. Additionally, brilliant individuals have been appointed to head the Vatican’s bank. As they began to “audit” secret accounts, they were fired or quit. This happened as recently as July 2017, when Libero Milone resigned.[12] There is currently a sinister financial tie between Rome and the international economy.

“and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.” (vs 43 – KJV)

“Steps” (misad) contextually means that it is marching into submission. Since these countries are not known for their wealth, why are they mentioned here? This is parenthetically inserted to inform us that no country will be exempt – even the most insignificant (in the contextual eyes of that time) – perhaps some of the poorest. Again, forcing us to think globally. 

According to Ezekiel 30:12, God will dry up the Nile River (the great river of Egypt). This represents the elimination of all support (of people – Revelation 17:15) for the nations that hamper earth’s final moves. This text suggests that the exploits of the king of the north will be successful – but time limited! Numerous prophecies reveal that the antichrist is given a time period in which to operate – three and a half years (the “appointed time”).

“But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him:” (vs 44 – KVJ)

The word “tidings” (shema) is best interpreted as “reports” (NET, NIV). News has reached Rome that is troubling. In fact, “trouble” (bahal) really denotes terror. He (the “king of the north”) is terrified.[13]

This is a dramatic turn in the narrative. The bold king of the north – the papacy with its world support – has been described in powerful, conquering, subduing terms. He has been in command. Undaunted by the “attacks” of the “south,” his counter-exploits have succeeded – until now!

Suddenly he is terrified. A greater foe is in evidence. He is threatened. The description of this “enemy” must be derived from things that have been said previously. The directional location of the news helps.

• East is where the end-time forces of Christ come from (Daniel 8:4, 17, 19). The two horns of the ram (Christ) represent two groups of people who “know their God.” It comes from this direction of deliverance!
• North is, again, intriguing. That is where this king is from – “king of the north.” Then why would news from “home” terrify him? North is also the symbolic place where God dwells (Psalm 48:2). The final successful exploits of God’s people operate under His power. This king is threatened.

Earlier, an overview of this “vile person” or “man of sin” (verses 29-35) indicates that a distinct group of individuals is now in focus, whom this Roman power will also “attack.” They are another threat:

• “the people that do know their God shall be strong” (vs 32)
• They will “do exploits” (vs 32) – spreading the final gospel message to planet earth
• “they that understand among the people shall instruct many” (vs 33)
• “some of them of understanding shall … [become] white” through purging “even to the time of the end” (vs 35). Their robes (Christ’s righteousness) reveal that they are pure, which trials helped to bring (cf. Revelation 7:14).

This represents a special group of people who “know their God.” This “king of the north” has harmed them! “Yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil many days” (vs 33). But something now changes. He is terrified by the news of their last-day success. This appears to be the final gospel cry planet earth will ever hear! Nothing will stop it (Revelation 11:5-6). Their mission succeeds (Revelation 11:7a)!

“therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away [annihilate] many” (vs 44 – KJV)

This unquestionably belies a move or decree to kill God’s people. Harm against them is part of numerous end-time messages! Examples:

• “shatter the power of the holy people” (Daniel 12:7 – NAS)
• “it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them” (Daniel 8:10)
• “shall destroy the mighty and the holy people” (Daniel 8:24)
• “under the altar [were] the souls slain for the word of God” (Revelation 6:9)
• “shall overcome them, and kill them” (Revelation 11:7)
• “not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Revelation 13:15)

All these, along with Daniel 11:33, and here in 11:44, speak of events during the “appointed time” so frequently alluded to in Daniel and in Habakkuk. This is the tribulation or, as some call it, the “time of trouble.” Its end, during the “Loud Cry” of the fourth angel of Revelation 18:1-5 that sounds throughout the world, brings hatred and opposition.

“The most bitter and cruel persecution always comes from those who have the form of religion without the spirit and power of godliness. There is nothing at which religious prejudice will hesitate.... Angels are watching the development of character, and are weighing moral worth. They are bidden to place a mark upon those who are loyal to God’s commandments; such will have special help from God to endure the test and proving of the time of trouble.”[14]

“The two armies will stand distinct and separate, and this distinction will be so marked that many who shall be convinced of truth will come on the side of God’s commandment-keeping people. When this grand work is to take place in the battle, prior to the last closing conflict, many will be imprisoned, many will flee for their lives from cities and towns, and many will be martyrs for Christ’s sake in standing in defense of the truth.”[15]

Throughout the three and a half years, the “appointed time,” there will be persecution. But, as the end draws near, more pointed hatred will develop against those “from the east,” who identify with the divine power of the “north.” This will reach a point in which God’s people will be the target of destruction. A death decree is apparent.

“And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace” (vs 45 – KJV)

“The planting of the tabernacles” is actually an expression: “he shall pitch or set up the tents” of his palace.[16] There is disagreement as to the meaning of this apparently idiomatic expression. It has been recently suggested that this means only a temporary move (implied by the word “tents”).[17] It appears to be the final act of the antichrist. The setting up of the palatial tents suggests that a center of worship or leadership is being established. Literalism has enamored most scholars by this verse. The king of the north – the antichrist – has established a new residence or center of power. He is already functioning as a geopolitical king from Rome. Why this? Why now? The answer appears to be in the next phrase.

There is a place where the antichrist or “man of sin” sets up his seat of power, noted by Paul: “Who opposeth 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” (II Thessalonians 2:4). This appears to represent words similar to those of Christ (Matthew 24:15), when the abomination of desolation spoken by Daniel the prophet will “stand in the holy place.” “Standing” or “sitting” means that he is functioning as ruler.

• Might this all imply that a religious dominion is being established?
• Prophecy is filled with the antichrist seeking total coercive control even over Christianity.

“between the seas in the glorious holy mountain;” (vs 45 – KJV)

The literal meaning of “between the seas” is understood by most scholars as between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. This is confirmed by the words “glorious holy mountain.” That refers to Mount Zion, the sacred temple mount. Anciently, that was Mount Moriah, where Abraham attempted to offer Isaac but was rescued by the stay of his hand, a heavenly voice and “lifting up his eyes” (Genesis 22:13). Mt. Zion remains symbolic of where God and His people reside (Revelation 14:1-5).

To the Jewish world, Islam and Dispensational Christians, this “mount” is a holy mountain. It symbolizes the central place of worship, where God meets man. That, in turn, figuratively represents the “place” where the antichrist exerts his final leadership.

• “standing” – he has dominion over all places of worship (Matthew 24:15)
• “sitting” – judicial rule, no one is higher – he claims lordship over all; the antichrist acts as God (II Thessalonians 2:4)
• “glorious holy mountain” – the symbolic center of all worship (Daniel 11:45)

Though literal imagery is used, a metaphor representing God’s church comes into focus – albeit now in apostasy. Will this be physically on the Temple Mount? Unlikely. It represents “central control” of the world’s religious elements – at least over the literal and spiritual descendants of Abraham.

“And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven” (Revelation 13:6). Of him it is said, the world “wondered after the beast” (Revelation 13:3) and the world “worshipped the beast” (Revelation 13:4). The beast is the papal “empire” and its leader, depicted especially in Revelation 13 and 17 and, here, as the “king of the north.” Paul embellishes this apocalyptic imagery:

“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; Who opposeth 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” (II Thessalonians 2:3-4).

The world accepts this religious leadership, unaware that it is the antichrist. It is so enamored that it finally, in impudence, asks a rhetorical question: “Who is like unto the beast? Who is able to make war against him?” (Revelation 13:4). This infatuation will be so strong that anyone at variance with it, like God’s remnant, will be harmed. The antichrist has assumed the supreme head of “God’s church.” The world is charmed.

The sinister obeisance of the world is now further embellished by the persecution of those saints.

• “And it was given unto him to make war with the saints [the members of God’s true church], and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him” (Revelation 13:7-8a).
• But then, God has had enough!

“yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him” (vs 45 – KJV)

This echoes “they shall take away his dominion” (Daniel 7:26) and “he shall be broken without hand” (Daniel 8:25). What brings him to his end? II Thessalonians 2:8 says the “brightness of his coming.”

From this verse (as well as Ezekiel 39:2-29; Joel 3:2-16; and Zechariah 12:2-9, 14:1-21) literalists claim that the final conflict or battle will be fought in Palestine. Since the papacy has much land in Palestine and has sought to mediate the terrible conflict there between Jews and
Muslims, there may be events occurring there. The greater imagery, however, is spiritual.
“Israel,” at the end, refers to all of God’s people (Galatians 3:28-29).

The beautiful news comes in the next chapter (Daniel 12:1) – God’s people will be delivered. There – a great issue is clarified. “God’s people” includes all those who shall be found written in the Book (of Life) (Daniel 12:1).

This prophecy ends with 12:3 (an unfortunate chapter break is between 11:45 and 12:1).
Daniel 12:1 begins: “Now at that time” – this ties earth’s final events with Daniel 11:29-45.

“There is small doubt in the minds of any except a very few that the first portion of chapter 12 is prophecy concerning ‘last things’ – in the theological nomenclature, ‘eschatology.’ Events connected with the resurrection of the dead and final rewards and punishments can hardly be otherwise.

“If there were a clean break in thought between chapters 11 and 12 it might be possible to say that all of the previous section of the prophecy relates to events of now past history. But such a break does not exist. Rather, a chronological connection is clearly provided between the last of chapter 11 and the first of chapter 12 by the opening words of chapter 12. Referring to the destruction of a certain king whose career is predicted in the last part of chapter 11, chapter 12 opens thus: ‘And at that time shall Michael stand up,’ etc. Thus a clear connection with the eschatological prediction of chapter 12 is established for the last portion, at least, of chapter 11.”[18]

The antichrist has come to his end!

Franklin S. Fowler, Jr., M.D.

Prophecy Research Initiative – non-profit 501(c)3 © 2022

EndTime Issues…, Number 260, July 7, 2022