PAPAL ROME, TURKEY OR ISLAM? - DANIEL 11:30-40
Daniel 11:30 to 40
11:30 For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.
11:31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.
11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
11:34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
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.
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 marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
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.
11:38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
11:39 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.
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.
As noted previously the identity of the King of the North (KON) and the King of the South (KOS) of Daniel 11 have been a contentious subject. The two main contenders are Turkey / Islam and Papal Rome. There has been another view, that the USA is the King of the North which scripturally is not sound and not worth considering.
Hence the two players are Papal Rome and Turkey or as some would have it, Islam centred in Turkey. The Turkey view focuses on a literal interpretation of Daniel chapter 11 and a literal triangular war in Daniel 11:40 between three powers - France, Egypt and Turkey. In order for this to happen an attempt is made to interpret the King of verse 36 as France's Napoleon Bonaparte. There is no scriptural support for this but a reliance on history and the statements Napoleon made concerning God and religion which are used to justify the claim that Daniel 11:36 is referring to Napoleon.
One of the most fundamental principles in interpreting the prophecies is that scripture must be compared with scripture in order to arrive at the correct understanding of any subject including unravelling the prophecies. (Isaiah 28:13, 1 Peter 1:20) Any symbols used in prophecy can be deciphered by other scriptures e.g. the Ram and the He-Goat of Daniel 8 are said to represent the Kingdoms of Medo-Persia and Grecia (Daniel 8:20-21). The Ram and He-Goat, therefore, cannot be interpreted as representing any other kingdoms or powers.
BROAD SUMMARY OF DANIEL 11:1-36
Verses 1-2 : Medo-Persia and its four Kings
Verses 3-4 : Grecia and its mighty king, Alexander the Great
Verses 5-13: Literal Kings / Kingdoms of the North and South
Verse 14: Imperial Rome introduced - robbers of thy people
Verses 16-24: Rome conquers Northern kingdom => new KON
Verse 22: Rome crucifies Christ, the Prince of the Covenant
Verses 25-30: Rome: Octavius (KON) & Mark Antony (KOS - Egypt).
Verses 30-36: Transition from Imperial Rome to Papal Rome
Verses 30 to 36: Imperial Rome which first entered the prophecy in Daniel 11:14 transitions to Papal Rome in verse 30 with verses 31 to 36 describing the same power and its persecution of God's people.
Verses 36 to 39 provide us with further details of Papal Rome with the Papacy receiving the "deadly wound" in verse 40 at the hands of the King of the South at the commencement of "the time of the end" in 1798.
The following is a key statement from the Spirit of Prophecy which quotes Daniel 11:30 to 36:
“We have no time to lose. Troublous times are before us. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place. The prophecy in the eleventh of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfilment. Much of the history that has taken place in fulfilment of this prophecy will be repeated. In the thirtieth verse a power is spoken of that “shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
“And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 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. “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.”
“Scenes similar to those described in these words will take place. We see evidence that Satan is fast obtaining the control of human minds, who have not the fear of God before them. ……: “ Lt103-1904.17-20
UNPACKING LETTER 103 OF 1904
What can we learn from the above statement.
1. Daniel chapter 11 has nearly reached its complete fulfilment.
2. Much of the history in fulfilment of this prophecy will be repeated.
3. In the 30th verse a power is spoken of, described in the words of verses 30 to 36
4. This power had intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.
5. Arms (military forces) shall stand on his part, or support this power
6. and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength,
7. and shall take away the daily sacrifice,
8. and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.
9. And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries:
10. This power shall do according to his will;
11. This power shall exalt himself,
12. This power shall magnify himself above every god,
13. This power shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods,
14. It shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: ....”
15. “Scenes similar to those described in the words of verses 30-36 will take place.
THE KING OF VERSE 36 IS THE POWER OF VERSE 30 - ROME
In A.D. 330 Constantine shifted the capital from Rome to Constantinople in an effort to find a safer seat of government. Many take this as the signal for the downfall of the empire. With no strong ruler in the city of Rome the bishop of Rome (the pope) rose in power.
VERSE 30 For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.
For the ships of Chittim [“A general term for all islanders of the Mediterranean SeaCoasts and Isles of the Mediterranean Sea” Strongs. cf. Num 24:24; Jer 2:10. Chittim was a source of ivory. See Eze 27:6] shall come against him (Rome) [The Vandals from Carthage on the Mediterranean coast of Africa attacked the Roman empire]: therefore he [Rome]shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant [Rome was weakening so it made overtures with the apostates in the church who were in the majority. The subtle change from Pagan Rome to Christian Rome here takes place. There is no change in the pronouns but this is in keeping with Daniel 8, where one horn represents both Pagan & papal Rome].
Rome was transitioning to Papal Rome and this is the power spoken of in Letter 103 which includes verses 30 to 36 - "In the thirtieth verse a power is spoken of that “shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant. : ...."
VERSE 31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.
Verse 31 repeats that which was described in Daniel 8:11-12.
And arms [military forces such as the Franks (French)] shall stand on his part [Shall give their strength and support to Papal Rome], and they [the armed forces] shall pollute [Heb. chalal- may be translated “wound, slay, pierce”] the sanctuary of strength [Heb. maoz. - strength. The city of Rome], and shall take away [Heb. ‘suwr’ literally take away unlike Daniel 8:11 where "ruwm" means to lift up, exalt, take up] the daily sacrifice [Take away the self exalting spirit of antichrist in its paganism & Arian forms.
Daniel 8:12 “And an host was given [him] against the daily [sacrifice] by reason of transgression...”
THE RISE OF THE PAPAL POWER
Clovis, king of the Franks, converted to papalism and gave the support of his army to the church. See on Daniel 8:12. “The thing that hath been, it [is that] which shall be; and that which is done [is] that which shall be done: and [there is] no new [thing] under the sun..” Ecc 1:9
“We have no time to lose. Troublous times are before us. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place. The prophecy in the eleventh of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Much of the history that has taken place in fulfillment of this prophecy will be repeated. In the thirtieth verse a power is spoken of that "shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant." [Verses 31-36, quoted. Scenes similar to those described in these words will take place. We see evidence that Satan is fast obtaining the control of human minds who have not the fear of God before them. Let all read and understand the prophecies of this book, for we are now entering upon the time of trouble spoken of: [Dan. 12:1-4, quoted].” 13MR, p394.
Note that as scenes similar to those described in verses 31-36 will take place it is clear that the events of verses 31-36 have taken place.
SUMMARY OF VERSES 30-40
VERSE 30 - IMPERIAL ROME TRANSITIONING TO PAPAL ROME.
VERSE 31 - PAPAL ROME SET UP.
VERSE 32 - 34 - PAPAL ROME'S PERSECUTION OF GOD'S PEOPLE
VERSE 35 - PAPAL ROME'S PERSECUTION EXTENDS TO THE TIME OF THE END
VERSE 36 - 39 - PAPAL ROME PRIOR TO THE TIME OF THE END
VERSE 40 - PAPAL ROME'S DEADLY WOUND BY THE KING OF THE SOUTH - 1798
In the thirtieth verse a power is spoken of that "shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant." [Verses 31-36, quoted. Scenes similar to those described in these words will take place. 13MR, p394. We are told that scenes similar to those described in verses 30-36 will take place again, meaning Papal Rome Rome will be restored as it's deadly wound is healed, there will be renewed persecution of God's people as in time past and finally Papal Rome will receive another deadly which this time will prove fatal as she is destroyed by Christ.
THE PAGAN FORM OF ANTICHRIST TAKEN AWAY
Paul, when with the Thessalonians, reasoned “out of the Scriptures” (Acts 17:1-3) about the taking away of the daily and the setting up of the “man of sin, the son of perdition.” We know this for when he later wrote to the Thessalonians about these things (2 Thess 2:3-8) he said, “Remember ye not, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth that he [the man of sin] might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [Gr. ‘katecho,’ withholds] will let [hold], until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that wicked be revealed.” “He” who in Paul’s day withheld papal Rome from being “revealed” “placed” or “set up” was the antichrist Pagan Roman government. So at the time of the Papacy’s rise to power the daily was then the spirit of antichrist primarily in its Pagan Roman form, which “arms” fighting for the papacy took away.
Paul cautiously referred to the Pagan Roman government of his day as the “withholder” lest his epistle fall into the wrong hands and he, and his Christian bretheren, be accused of sedition in speaking of Rome’s overthrow.
Paul’s caution in not clearly naming the withholder suggests that the withholder was a danger to Christians. The withholder was not the Person of the Holy Spirit, as some claim, but Paganism supported by the Roman Empire.
Note that the term “the man of sin” need not refer to only one individual but may refer to all those who fulfill the characteristics just as the term “the man of god” in 2 Tim 3:17 refers to all those who fulfil the characteristics.
Paul’s “man of sin,” the head of the little horn power with the “eyes of a man,” which thought to change God’s law and commands all to sin. The man of sin is also the mouth or leader of the beast which has a “mouth” speaking great things and “the number of a man.”
“The Imperial power, or Roman Empire, availed for keeping back the power of the papacy.” The Roman Catholic, Cardinal Newman in Development, The Papacy, p151.
“The withholding power, mentioned in 2 Thess. ii. 6, was the Roman Empire. I grant this for ALL the ancient writers so speak of it.” The Roman Catholic, Cardinal Newman, Discussions, p49], and they [the arms] shall place [set up, bring to power] the abomination that maketh desolate [The military forces help to remove all oppossers and set up the Papal system.
THE PAPAL FORM OF ANTICHRIST SET UP
The papal antichrist system was fully set up in AD. 538. cf. Dan 12:11. Paul had said he would be “revealed IN HIS TIME.”
“In course of time the power of the Pope displayed itself.” Roman Catholic Cardinal Manning, Development, The Papacy, p149
NOT ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES
Some claim that the “abomination of desolation” here in Dan 11 was either Antiochus Epiphanes, a Syrian king, who lived about 160 years before Christ, or an idol he set up in the temple. Jesus explicit words to his disciples, “when ye therefore SHALL see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet” show that the real abomination was to arise AFTER Christ’s time (Matt 24:15; Luke 21:20). Christ words prove conclusivelly that the abomination of desolation cannot be Antiochus Epiphanes].
VERSE 32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.
32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he [papal Rome] corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God [the true church knows her God, the God of the Bible] shall be strong [morally & spiritually] and do exploits [evangelise even under threat of death. Papal Rome corrupted the true religion of the Bible and PROFESSED christians of the day were drawn to her religion, her version of christianity.
VERSE 33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.
33 And they that understand [the wise understand the truth] among the people [the true church including the Waldenses, Albigenses, Hugenot, faithful Protestant missionaries and even faithful Catholic people] shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil [a prey], many days
[THE DAYS OF PAPAL PERSECUTION
"Days" stand for years (Eze 4:6; Num 14:34).
The “many days” are the years of persecution during the 1260 years of papal supremacy. This was the great tribulation which was “cut short” by the reformation. cf. Rev 12:6, 14; Matt 24:21-22].
VERSE 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
[THE PERIOD OF THE REFORMATION
Some European powers, enlightened by the truth, gave protection to the faithfull Bible based christians. Throughout the papal persecutions there were always faithful leaders who kept the light of truth burning during the spiritual darkness. The Waldensesian ministers in the 12th century onward. John Wycliffe in the 14th century. John Huss and Jerome of Prague in the 15th. Luther and the Reformation in the 16th and onward]
JANUARY 25, 2016 / 11:19 PM / 2 YEARS AGO
ROME (Reuters) - Pope Francis asked Protestants and other Christian Churches for forgiveness for past persecution by Catholics as the Vatican announced on Monday he would visit Sweden later in the year to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
Pope Francis' apology for the persecution of Bible believing Christians by the Roman Catholic church.
World News
Rory Carroll in Rome
Mon 13 Mar 2000 22.37 AEDT
Pope says sorry for sins of church
Sweeping apology for attacks on Jews, women and minorities defies theologians' warnings
Saving one of his most audacious initiatives for the twilight of his papacy, John Paul II yesterday attempted to purify the soul of the Roman Catholic church by making a sweeping apology for 2,000 years of violence, persecution and blunders.
From the altar of St Peter's Basilica in Rome he led Catholicism into unchartered territory by seeking forgiveness for sins committed against Jews, heretics, women, Gypsies and native peoples.
VERSE 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.
And some [the word “some” was added by the translators and is not in the manuscripts. “Many” may be a better choice] of them of understanding [those who understood the truth] shall fall [Many faithful Christians were killed], to try them [prove them faithful], and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end.
[TIME OF THE END BEGAN IN 1798
The period of papal supremacy described in verses 31-34 lasted until 1798 when the papacy suffered a deadly wound at the hands of the King of the South - Daniel 11:40.
God had appointed the papacy a period of 1260 years (cf. Daniel 7:25; Revelation 12:6, 14; 13:5). Those years ended in 1798. At that time, the time of the end began. Note: it is not the end of time but the time of the end - i.e., an end-time period. We have been in the time of the end for 200 plus years, which, in the whole span of history, is not long.
Daniel 11:31-35 describes the “many days” of persecution under the papal power. Papal supremacy lasted from (538 - 1798). As papal supremacy ended in 1798, the time of the end began in 1798.
The papacy, while supreme, caused the death of many millions who understood and taught the gospel. They fell “by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days...even to the time of the end...a time appointed.” At the time of the end, 1798, Atheistic France inflicted papalism its “deadly wound”, stripping it of all political power, fulfilling Rev 13:3, 10: “He [the papacy] that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.” As the papacy had done unto others, so it was done unto it.
The prophecy said the persecution by Papal Rome was to continue even to the time of the end. It is logical to reason that something would happen to Papal Rome which would cease the persecution of Christians at the time of the end. The year 1798 marks the beginning of the "time of the end". It was in 1798 that Papal Rome received its deadly wound from the King of the South in Daniel 11:40. This marks the commencement of the time period known as the "time of the end".
This deadly wound is further depicted in Revelation chapter 11 in which the Beast from the bottomless pit wages war against the Scriptures (the two witnesses) This beast is a symbol of Atheism which reared its ugly head firstly in Egypt in the time of Moses and now in the time of the end in the nation of France. Atheistic France in waging war against the Bible was in effect attacking Papal Rome, the so called representative of christianity.
France was making a statement that if Roman Catholicism was Christianity then France did not want to have any of it preferring Atheism instead. In denying the scriptures France was denying the christianity of Papal Rome, hence the attack on the scriptures was an attack on Papal Rome. In 1798, France's General Berthier arrested the Pope and took him prisoner fulfilling the prophecy. The pope died in exile. But France's atheism only lasted a short period of three and a half years, reinstating the scriptures. Hence Roman Catholicism breeds Atheism which in turn will breed Catholicism .
“Berthier [The French general] entered Rome on the 10th of February 1798, and proclaimed a Republic...The aged Pontiff [pope] refused to violate his oath by recognizing it, and was hurried from prison to prison in France...he died...No wonder that half of Europe thought that with the Pope the papacy was dead.” J. Rickaby,The Modern papacy, p1
Daniel’s book was sealed to understanding until the time of the end: “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:4.
“...since 1798 the book of Daniel has been unsealed, knowledge of the prophecies has increased, and many have proclaimed the solemn message of the judgment near.” Great Controversy p356]: because it is yet for a time appointed [God had appointed the papacy a period of 1260 years (cf. Dan 7:25; Rev 12:6, 14; 13:5), that period ended when the time of the end began in 1798].
INSERTION OF IDENTIFYING POINTS
Verses 36-39 give additional points which clearly identify the papal power.
Daniel 11:36 describes the papacy prior to “time of the end” mentioned in verse 35. The passage brings us back to “the time of the end” in verse 40. Verses 36-39 are one linked chain of thought describing Papal Rome in detail prior to the time of the end. After describing the Papacy in detail the narrative returns to “the time of the end in verse 40.
Note the connecting words used:
verse 36 And the king...
verse 37 Neither shall he...
verse 38 But in his estate...
verse 39 Thus shall he...
verse 40 At the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him]
VERSE 36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
36 And the king [THE PAPACY “THE king...” THE Pope/papacy spoken of in the preceding verses.
“...in the original Hebrew the definite article precedes the word ‘king.’ This would seem to imply that the ruler brought to view has already been referred to.” SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, p875.
The previous power spoken of was Rome.
The power described in verses 30-35 is also the power here described in verse 36: “The prophecy in the eleventh of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Much of the history that has taken place in fulfillment of this prophecy will be repeated. In the thirtieth verse A POWER is spoken of that "shall be grieved...And the king shall do according to his will. [verses 31-36, quoted.]” 13MR 394.
What power is spoken of in verses 30-36 inclusive? The papal power. Thus the king in verse 36 is Papal Rome. Some contend that the king of verse 36 is France but France was not mentioned in verse 30]
shall do according to his will [exercise total control. A WORLD POWER. "According to his will” is only used in reference to the successive world powers which had the power of life & death over God’s people. cf. Medo Persia Daniel 8:4; Grecia Daniel 11:3; Pagan Rome Daniel 11:16. After Pagan Rome the next power in Bible prophecy to have such supremacy was Papal Rome not France or Turkey or Islam.
“... compromise between Paganism and Christianity resulted in the development of the "man of sin" foretold in prophecy as opposing and exalting himself above God. That gigantic system of false religion is a masterpiece of Satan's power - a monument of his efforts to seat himself upon the throne to rule the earth ACCORDING TO HIS WILL...Satan worked ACCORDING TO HIS WILL" Great Controversy p 50, 51
Ques. Papal Rome was first introduced in Daniel 11:31. Why was it not then said to have done according to his will?
Ans. The rise and actions of Greece under Alexander is described in the first part of Daniel 11:3, but his doing according to his will is mentioned in the latter part of verse 3.
Pagan Rome, the robber of God's people, was introduced in Daniel 11:14 but his doing according to his will was not mentioned until verse 16. As these do not present a problem neither does Daniel 11:31-36];
and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god [The man of sin “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God...shewing himself that he is God.” 2Thess 2:3-5; 7 BC 910. This power exalts itself above God by claiming to have changed God’s law. cf. Daniel 7:25],
and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods [SPEAKS BLASPHEMY - Claiming to be God, and claiming to be able to forgive sin. Daniel 7:11, 25; Rev 13:5, 6],
and shall prosper [PROSPERITY- The papacy prospered and became influential “...it [the little horn] cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.” Daniel 8:12, 24. Compare the harlot of Rev 17:4 dripping with gold & jewels. “How much she [the whore of Rev 17] hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously.” Rev 18:7] One need only google the Vatican / Pope and its worth to see how she has prospered.
till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined [in the investigative judgment]shall be done [“until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolator [Rome].” Daniel 9:27. (margin)
After quoting verse 36 William Miller wrote:
“The king here spoken of is the same as Daniel’s little horn, which came up among the ten horns. It is the same that blasphemed the God of heaven. It is mystical Babylon (Isa 14:2-15; Rev 13:5-6). The same Paul described in his epistle, 2Thess 2:19,” William Miller, Evidence from Scripture & Prophecy, p 97-98].
Continue on verse 11:37 below..
HOW DOES A POWER EXALT AND MAGNIFY ITSELF ABOVE GOD?
“The prophet Daniel declared that the Roman Church, symbolized by the little horn, was to think to change times and laws, [Daniel 7:25.] while Paul styled it the man of sin, [2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4.] who was to exalt himself above God. Only by changing God's law could the papacy exalt itself above God; whoever should understandingly keep the law as thus changed would be giving supreme honor to that power by which the change was made. Such an act of obedience to papal laws would be a mark of allegiance to the pope in the place of God.” {4SP 279.1}
“The prophetic declaration that the papacy was to oppose and exalt itself "above all that is called God, or that is worshipped," was strikingly fulfilled in the change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week. Wherever the papal Sabbath is honored in preference to the Sabbath of the Lord, there is the man of sin exalted above the Creator of the heavens and the earth. {BTS, February 1, 1913 par. 1}
Needless to say neither France, Napoleon, Turkey or Islam changed the law of God [relating to idol worship and the seventh day Sabbath], papal Rome did and, therefore, is the King of verse 36. The power spoken of in Daniel 11:30-36 is Papal Rome and inspiration foretells a repetition of her rise to power and her persecutions.
“What only God can do by his omnipotence, the priest can also do...Indeed it is not too much to say that in view of the sublimity of their office the priests are so many Gods.” Dignity and Duties of the Priest, Alphonsus De Liguori, p35.
“The Pope is of so great authority and power that he can modify, explain, or interpret even Divine laws...THE POPE CAN MODIFY DIVINE LAW, since his power is not of man, but of God, and he acts in the place of God upon earth.” Lucius Ferraris, “Papa,” art. 2, in Prompta Bibliotheca
“The pope has power to change times, to abrogate [change] laws, and to dispense [do away] with all things, even the precepts of Christ.” Decretal, De Translantic Episcop.
“The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ Himself, hidden under veil of the flesh.” The Catholic National, July, 1895.“
"The Pope is supreme judge of the law of the land...He is the viceregent of Christ, and is not only a priest forever, but is King of kings and Lord of lords.” La Civilta Cattolica, March 18, 1871.
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.
Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, The Papacy did not regard the Apostles. The apostles likened themselves to fathers of their converts (1 Cor 4:15; 3 John 4; Phil 1:10) Note: Though the apostles were in a way spiritual fathers of those converted through them, we are not to call any man our spiritual Father. Matt 23:9. By commanding unbiblical doctrines the Papacy shows that it does not regard the God of its ‘fathers.’
nor the desire of women, The Papacy did not regard Christ, the desire of women! Women represent churches and Christ is the desire of the churches. They all claim His name "Christian," but few do as He asks...
In Isa 4:1 Christ is represented as the desire of women. Women symbolize churches (Jer 6:2; 2Cor 11:2). In the end-times many churches desire to be called by Christ’s name while doing what they want, contrary to Christ's will.
The Papacy has not regarded Christ, the desire of churches, in that the Papacy has done contrary to Christ’s word - the Bible.
Incidentally marriage might also be called the desire of women, (Genesis 3:16) and this is also forbidden the Catholic clergy and the Nuns.
“Although celibacy is not expressly enforced by the Saviour...the [Catholic] Church felt it her duty to lay it down as a law.” The Faith of Our Fathers, James Cardinal Gibbons, (Roman Catholic) 1917 ed., p401.
The Papacy thus disregards:
1. God (God the Father), by altering His Law.
2. The Desire of women (the Son of God), by doing contrary to His teachings.
3. the Holy Spirit, by claiming to be the Vicar (representative) of Christ and the only infallible interpreter of Scripture, whereas the Holy Spirit is Christ’s presence in intangible form and infallible Interpreter.
The Papacy magnifies itself above all
Papal quotes show their self exaltation:
nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
“The pope is crowned with a triple crown as king of heaven, and earth, and purgatory.” Ferraris’ Promptta Bibliotheca, Vol. VI, p 26, article “Papa.”
“Does the Priest truly remit [forgive] sins, or does he only declare they are remitted? The priest does really and truly remit the sin in virtue of the power given him by Christ.”Joseph Deharbe, S.J.,
By showing himself that he is God, the king of the north magnifies himself above all. “...that man of sin...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, shewing himself that he is God.” 2 Thess 2:3-4.
The “temple” in which the man of sin would sit as God is the Christian church. The word temple in 2Thess 2:3-4 is “naos” and according to Strong’s means “metaph. the spiritual temple consisting of the saints of all ages joined together by and in Christ.” This definition is in harmony with Scripture: 1Cor 3:16 “Know ye not that ye are the TEMPLE [naos] of God, and [that] the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?”]
The King of the North is Papal Rome and not Turkey or Islam.