THE KING OF THE NORTH - PART 2

THE BATTLE OF ACTIUM – OCTAVIUS (ROME, KING OF THE NORTH) VERSES MARK ANTONY (EGYPT, KING OF THE SOUTH)

Verse 25

"And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him."

THE BATTLE OF ACTIUM 31BC

Verses 24-25 reach from 161BC, to the time when Rome had acquired universal dominion. Verse 25 describes a notable campaign against Egypt. Such was the battle of Actium involving Octavius (Augustus of verse 20) and Mark Antony. Antony took the South (Egypt) and Octavius took the North. They pretended friendship (“speak lies at one table” verse 27) but each wanted to conquer the other (“both these kings hearts shall be to do mischief.”). In the Battle of Actium in 31BC, Octavius won and took the title Augustus, becoming undisputed ruler of the Roman world. After defeating Antony and Cleopatra, Octavius brought vast riches from Egypt to Rome. Under various leaders, Rome warred against the plan of salvation and in AD70 the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.

11:25 And he [Octavius in 32 B.C.] shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south [against Mark Antony] with a great army [80,000 soldiers & 200 ships]; and the king of the south [Mark Antony] shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army [125,000 soldiers & 500 ships]; but he [Mark Antony of the south] shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him. [The battle of Actium took place in 31 BC.]

11:26 Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat [the forces in the employ of Mark Antony] shall destroy him [When Cleopatra, Mark Antony’s mistress, fled the battle with 60 ships, Mark Antony followed. Upon seeing the fleet of Antony flee, Antony’s land army went over to Octavius], and his army shall overflow [“be washed” (Vulgate, Syriac) or “swept away” (RSV)]: and many shall fall down slain [In 32 B.C. Mark Antony committed suicide. Cleopatra, finding that she could not ingratiate herself with Octavius, also committed suicide].

11:27 And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table [Referring to their previous faked reconciliation]; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.

11:28 Then shall he [Octavius who became Augustus Caesar] return into his land  [after defeating Antony] with great riches [Octavius brought vast riches from Egypt to Rome. See Prideaux II, 380]; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant [Under various leaders Rome warred against the plan of salvation];  and he shall do exploits [Roman arms destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70], and return to his own land.

Verse 29

"At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.

11:29 At the time appointed [A.D. 330, at the end of the 360 years] he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter  [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 Sea Coasts 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  [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].

Verses 31-45 describe the rise and fall of Papal Rome, the King of the North following the transition from Imperial Rome.

[Verse 31 repeats that which was described in Daniel 8:11-12. See notes there ]

For various reasons, including the Barbarian attacks (“ships of Chittim”), the Roman emperor Constantine shifted the capital from Rome to Byzantium (renamed Constantinople and today Istanbul) in AD330. Many take this as the signal for the downfall of the empire.  Shortly afterwards the Western Roman Empire began to collapse, dividing into the nations of Europe. The bishop of Rome (Pope), being the only powerful figure remaining in the city of Rome, took the power, seat, and authority formerly possessed by the Roman Emperor (cf. Rev 13:2). 

[Apostate church leaders had entered into an alliance with the State. This began with the so-called conversion of Emperor Constantine (~AD312). This Church-State union resulted in Papal Rome, which continued on in the seat of the Caesars, and therefore, assumes the symbolic title of the “King of the North.”]

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PAGAN ROME TRANSITIONS TO PAPAL ROME AND WITH IT THE MANTLE OF THE KING OF THE NORTH PASSES TO PAPAL ROME

The spiritual transition is complete. Literal Rome, the literal King of the NORTH BY CONQUEST transitions to spiritual Rome, the Papacy, the spiritual King of the North.

cf The legs of iron transitioning to the feet of iron & clay in Daniel 2

cf The fourth beast transitioning to the Little horn in Daniel 7

cf The Little horn (Pagan Rome) transitioning to the Little Horn (Papal Rome) - Daniel 8. One symbol to represent both pagan and papal Rome

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."  ...see study on the taking away of  "THE DAILY" 

11:31 And arms [military forces of 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 Dan 8:11's rum which means to take up, lift up, or exalt] the daily sacrifice  [take away the pagan 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...” Military forces removed the Daily TO SET UP the Papacy

“Arms” [Heb. zeroah, military forces] took away “the daily” [literally “the continual”]. (cf. Dan 12:11). In this verse the term “take away” is from the Hebrew suwr and means “remove” while the thing removed still exists (cf. Gen 38:14; 8:13; Deut 17:20). 

The removal of the daily was necessary to set up the Papacy. “Arms” took away “the daily” (the continual) in order “to set up” the “abomination that maketh desolate” - Papal Rome (Daniel 12:11 margin). 

In 2Thess Paul guardedly referred to “the daily” as the “withholder,” that existed in his day and said that it would be “TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY” to reveal the “man of sin,” that is Papal Rome.  What power existing in Paul’s day withheld the development of Papal Rome and had to be TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY by military force of “arms” in order to reveal Papal Rome? The answer is the continual spirit of self-exaltation / paganism in its Imperial Roman form. 

The “daily” thus represented the “continual” pagan spirit of self-exaltation which in the time of Paul was headed by Pagan Rome. This power was taken away by military arms in order to set up the same disguised pagan spirit in its Papal form. Forces fighting on behalf of the Papacy took away or removed ("suwr") all anti-papal self exalting opposition while the Papacy took up (Heb. “ruwm” Daniel 8:11) the same pagan spirit of Imperial Rome.

The Franks (French), under their king Clovis, were the first barbarian nation of Europe to pledge their support to defend and establish the Catholic faith. Their military “arms” overthrew competing forms of self-exaltation, primarily Pagan and Arian and helped “place” (“set up” Daniel 12:11 margin) the “abomination that maketh desolate” - the self-exalting church/state power known as the Papacy which exterminates those when it can whom it perceives as a threat. 

Military forces help set up the Papacy

In AD 496 Clovis, leader of the Franks, became “the first barbarian king to become a Roman Catholic” and was called the Eldest Son of the Church.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1989, Vol. 3, p401.

“By his conversion he [Clovis] had led the triumph of Catholicism; he had saved the Roman Catholic Church from heresy and paganism...” The Franks, from their First Appearance in History to the Death of King Pepin, W. C. Perry, p85-97).

His army helped expand the power of the Papacy. Between A.D. 496 and A.D.508, by alliances, capitulations and conquests, the Arborici, the Roman garrisons in the West, Brittany, the Burgundians, and the Visigoths, were brought into subjection.

From the time when these successes were fully accomplished, namely 508, the papacy was triumphant so far as paganism was concerned.

Arms shall stand on his part = Arms (Heb. zeroah) - Military forces.

Zeroah is used to refer to military forces in Dan 11:15, 22. 

The barbarians, that had established kingdoms in the territory of Western Rome, converted to the Catholic faith. Clovis, king of the Franks (French) was the first to convert in AD496 and he give his military arms to support the Papacy, against their former pagan religion.  Papal Rome received this military host as a result of transgression (Daniel 8:12), by uniting the church with the State. By this act of spiritual fornication, the church became a spiritual harlot. (compare Rev 17:1-2).

Pollute (Heb. chalal) the sanctuary of strength = The city of Pagan Rome was polluted or defiled by Papal Rome. Pagan places can be profaned. 

Of the king of Tyre (who symbolises Satan) we read, "Thou hast DEFILED (Heb. chalal) thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities…" Eze 28:18. Note: These are HIS sanctuaries plural, not God's sanctuary, and they were defiled or polluted. This was not merely attempted.

Chalal is used in Scripture as meaning "wounded" Isa. 53:5; "slain" Ezek. 32:26); Begin; Profane or defile.  See Strongs Concordance.

Sanctuary of strength

verse 31 Arms polluted the sanctuary of strength

The word “sanctuary” is from the Hebrew “miqdash,” which can also refer to pagan temples (Isa 16:12; Eze 28:18.)

The word “strength” is from the Hebrew maowz, which is repeatedly used to refer to the forts and fortresses, the leading cities, of pagan powers. (See Dan 11:7, 10, 19, 38, 39). The temple of Pagan Rome was polluted by the arms of Papal Rome. “Rome” in the Greek New Testament is from the Greek “Rhome” and means “STRENGTH.”  Rome was symbolised by iron in the image of Daniel chapter 2. Daniel speaks of "the STRENGTH of the iron." Daniel 2:41. Nowhere in the Old Testament is the heavenly sanctuary associated with ma’oz (a fortress).

The sanctuary (miqdash) in 11:31 is clearly used in the context of a military setting along with ma’oz pertaining to pagan military activity. It has been shown that miqdash applies only to earthly sanctuaries of either a pagan or holy variety. Since its use in Daniel 8 is in a counterfeit cultic setting and in 11:31 miqdash is used in a military context along with ma’oz, we may conclude that the sanctuary in 11:31 is a counterfeit pagan sanctuary fortress – the sanctuary of pagan Rome.

Shall take away the daily = The daily was taken away by "arms" that is, military forces. 

Take away the daily = Heb. suwr, "turn aside, take away" the thing still exists but not in its original setting or form.

The words "taken away" in Dan 8:11 are from the Hebrew "ruwm" which means "lift up, take

up, take away." Arms took away the continual desolation in its pagan form while the spirit was taken up and continued in the the papal form.

Abomination that maketh desolate = The Papal power (Papal Rome).

In AD508 the turning aside of the daily was finally complete. Now the Papacy would surpass, supercede and transcend that same spirit as manifested by the pagan forces. Between AD508 and AD538 the setting up of the Papacy commenced. The joint action of the union of church and state, first with Clovis (AD496-AD508) and again with emperor Justinian in AD533-AD538 brought the Papal Rome to full power.

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]. ​

11:32 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] shall be strong [morally & spiritually] and do exploits [evangelize even under threat of death]. ​

God's faithful witness under terrible persecution for many centuries. Apostate Papal leaders corrupted many, but the faithful, who knew God, witnessed at great peril to their lives; people such as the Waldenses, the Hugenots, the Albigenses and some Reformers like Wycliffe, Huss, Jerome, and Luther. Many of those whom Papal Rome could not corrupt she slew, burned, or imprisoned during the “many days” she held power (1260 “days” which symbolize 1260 years, “each day for a year.” (Eze 4:6; Num 14:34). The 1260 days, 42 months or 3 1/2 times is mentioned in Dan 7:25; 12:7; Rev 2:6, 14; 13:5). ​

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.

The faithful receive a little help

For centuries the faithful found refuge in the wilderness (cf. Rev 12:16). Later on, German States which accepted Protestantism, provided a little help to the faithful.

11:33 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 year papal supremacy. This was the great tribulation which was “cut short” by the reformation. cf. Rev 12:6, 14; Matt 24:21-22].

The faithful witness under terrible persecution for many centuries

Apostate Papal leaders corrupted many, but the faithful, who knew God, witnessed at great peril to their lives; people such as the Waldenses, the Hugenots, the Albigenses and some Reformers like Wycliffe, Huss, Jerome, and Luther. Many of those whom Papal Rome could not corrupt she slew, burned, or imprisoned during the “many days” she held power (1260 “days which symbolize 1260 years, “each day for a year.” (Eze 4:6; Num 14:34).  The 1260 days, 42 months or 3 1/2 times is mentioned in Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Rev 2:6, 14; 13:5).

verse 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.

11:34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help [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]: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.

The Time of the End

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.

11:35 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. God had appointed the papacy a period of 1260 years (cf. Dan 7:25; Rev 12:6, 14; 13:5). Those years ended in 1798 which marks the beginning of the time of the end. Note, it is not the end of time but the time of the end - i.e., an end-time period. We have been and are living in “the time of the end” for more than 200 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 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 Papal Rome its “deadly wound”, stripping it of its 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 led into captivity so was it led into captivity and as it killed with the sword so was it killed with the sword.

“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 p.356]: “because it is yet for a time appointed” [God had appointed Papal Rome 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].

Having brought us to “the time of the end” in verse 35 the prophecy goes back in time in verse 36 to add further identifying points, bringing us back to the “time of the end” in verse 40.

Fall, to try them = Many were tried in the furnace of affliction and maintained their faith unto death, clothed in the white garments of Christ’s righteousness.

Even to the time of the end - 1798

The “many days” (verse 33) of Papal supremacy, (1260 years. See on Daniel 7:25) were to reach to “the time of the end.” As the Papal supremacy ended in 1798 “the time of the end” began in 1798. 

“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 recognising 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

Having brought us to “the time of the end” in verse 35 the prophecy goes back in time in verse 36 to add further identifying points, bringing us back to the “time of the end” in verse 40. (See chart).

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. 

"The king" of verse 36 refers to the Papacy

In the Hebrew the definite article “THE”  precedes the word “king.” This implies that the king here brought to view is the power referred to in the preceding verses - namely the Papacy, there called the “abomination that maketh desolate.”

Note: Daniel uses “king” and “kingdom” interchangeably.

According to his will

The phrase “according to his will,” is only applied to powers which had total control over God’s people: (See Medo-Persia Dan 8:4; Greece 11:3; Pagan Rome 11:16). Following Pagan Rome, Papal Rome alone had such power during its 1260 year supremacy.

He shall exalt himself...above every god

Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to refer to this power as the “man of sin”... “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God.” 2Thess 2:4. This power is also the Little Horn of Dan 8:11, 25 which did “magnify [himself] in his heart.”  

Papal Rome exalts itself above God by transgressing the first four precepts of the Ten Commandments which apply to the only true God:

1.  Exodus 20:1-3 And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. - The Papacy claims to be God on Earth and takes on the prerogatives of God.

2. Exodus 20:4-6  Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. The Papacy has images of Mary, Joseph, Angels and Jesus which the Catholic laity pray to and bow down to. In some instances they are required to kiss the feet of the statue of Jesus during the "Stations of the Cross" mass.

3. Exodus 20:7  Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Papal Rome takes the name of God in vain in speaking great words against the most high (Daniel 7:11,25, Daniel 11:36) and Blasphemies against God (Rev 13:5).

4. Exodus 20:8  Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: Papal Rome claims to have changed the Sabbath Day from Saturday the seventh day to Sunday, the first day of the week.

The power of verse 30 (the abomination that maketh desolate) is the power described in verses 31-36 - namely the Papacy.

Note: "The King" of verse 36, the verse of contention which the literal Turkey view of the King of the North claims is France is included in the following quote describing "A Power ... [verses 31-36 quoted]" which is Papal Rome and not France.

“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.]” E.G. White, Manuscript Release Vol. 13, p394. 

What does it mean to EXALT or MAGNIFY oneself above God?  It is to change the Sabbath day, pointing to Papal Rome & not France as the power spoken of in Daniel 11:36.

“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} ​ “I want to keep God's law and live. But that man of sin has taken it upon himself to change the fourth commandment, and shove in a spurious Sabbath, to show his greatness and power to exalt himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped.” {1SAT 111.2}

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 see Revelation 13:3.

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.

INSERTION OF IDENTIFYING POINTS

Verses 36-39 give additional points which clearly identify the papal power.

Dan 11:36 describes Papal Rome 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 great 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.

11:36  And the king [THE PAPACY - “THE king...” THE Pope/Papal Rome 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 power spoken of previously 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 v 36 is France but France was not mentioned in verse 30. It is a private interpretation in an attempt to formulate a triangular war in verse 40]

shall do according to his will [exercise total control.  A WORLD POWER – the phrase “According to his will” is only used in reference to successive world powers which had the power of life & death over God’s people. cf. Medo Persia Dan 8:4; Grecia Dan 11:3; Pagan Rome Dan 11:16.

After Pagan Rome the next power to have such supremacy was Papal Rome.

“... 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" GC 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 Dan 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 Dan 11:14 but his doing according to his will was not mentioned until verse 16. As these do not present a problem neither does Dan 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.  Dan 7:25],

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “EXALT” ONESELF ABOVE GOD?

Inspiration tells us, it is to change the Sabbath of God. The change of the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first day of the week is therefore the manifestation of what it means to EXALT oneself or in this case HIMSELF above God. Papal Rome alone has fulfilled this stipulation of the prophecy in changing God’s Law regarding the Sabbath Day.  Therefore, the King of Daniel 11:36 is Papal Rome and NOT France or Napoleon.

“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}

“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}   

PAPAL ROME SPEAKS BLASPHEMIES AGAINST GOD

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; Revelation 13:5, 6],

“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. Dan 7:25

“And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months. Rev 13:5

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CONFESSIONAL IS A VERY IMPORTANT IDENTIFYING MARK OF THIS POWER

The Bible defines blasphemy as claiming to be God and or claiming to be able to forgive sin (See John 10:32-33; Mark 2:7). By the priest forgiving sinners the Roman Catholic Confessional shows itself to be blasphemous. Papal Rome claims both attributes and is the King of Daniel 11:36.

Mark 2:7 “Why doth this [man] thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?”

John 10:32,33 “Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?  The Jews answered him, saying,  For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.”  

Matt 23:9 “And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” 

Lucius Ferraris, in his Prompta Bibliotheca which the Catholic Encyclopedia refers to as “a veritable encyclopedia of religious knowledge” and “a precious mine of information,” declares, in its article on the pope, that,  “the pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man, but as it were God, and the vicar of God. . . . The pope is of such lofty and supreme dignity that, properly speaking, he has not been established in any rank of dignity, but rather has been placed upon the very summit of all ranks of dignities. . . . The pope is called most holy because he is rightfully presumed to be such...

“The pope alone is deservedly called by the name ‘most holy,’ because he alone is the vicar of Christ, who is the fountain and source and fullness of all holiness. . . . ‘He is likewise the divine monarch and supreme emperor, and king of kings.’ . . . Hence the pope is crowned with a triple crown, as king of heaven and of earth and of the lower regions. . . . Moreover the superiority and the power of the Roman Pontiff by no means pertain only to heavenly things, to earthly things, and to things under the earth, but are even over angels, than whom he is greater. . . . So that if it were possible that the angels might err in the faith, or might think contrary to the faith, they could be judged and excommunicated by the pope. . . . For he is of so great dignity and power that he forms one and the same tribunal with Christ. . . .

“The pope is as it were God on earth, sole sovereign of the faithful of Christ, chief king of kings, having plenitude of power, to whom has been intrusted by the omnipotent God direction not only of the earthly but also of the heavenly kingdom. . . . The pope is of so great authority and power that he can modify, explain, or interpret even divine laws.” Translated from Lucius Ferraris, Prompta Bibliotheca, art. “Papa,” II, Vol. VI, pp. 26-29.

“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 crowned with a triple crown as king of heaven, and earth, and purgatory.” Ferraris’ Promptta Bibliotheca, Vol. VI, p 26, article “Papa.”

“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.

“Seek where you will, through heaven and earth, and you will find one created being who can forgive the sinner, who can free him from the chains of hell. That extraordinary being is the priest, the Roman Catholic Priest.” The Catholic Priest, p. 78.

“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., A Complete Catechism of the Catholic  Religion, p275.

“God Himself is obliged to abide by the judgment of His priests, and either not to pardon or to pardon according as they refuse or give absolution...The sentence of the priest precedes, and God subscribes to it.” Dignities and Duties of the Priest, Vol. 12, p. 27.

“This judicial authority will even include the power to pardon sin.” Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 12, art. Pope, p. 265.

“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.

“Given in Rome from our palace, the 10th of February, 1817, the XIV Jurisdiction of the most holy Pontiff and Father in Christ, and our Lord our God the Pope, Leo XII...” Rome as It Is, p. 180.

“All names which in Scripture are applied to Christ, by virtue of which it is established that he is over the church, all the same names are applied to the Pope.” Cardinal Bellarmine, On the Authority of the Councils, Vol. 2, p. 266.

“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.

Papal Rome claims to be able to change the teachings and laws of God.

Papal Rome claims to be able to forgive sins against God, which is blasphemy (See Mark 2:7; Matt 23:9).

As noted above Papists have claimed that the Pope is Lord of lords and king of kings, a title reserved only for Christ and no mortal.     

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.” Dan 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]

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].” Dan 9:27. (margin)

verse 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.

The Papacy did not regard the God of his fathers - the God of 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.’ Papal Rome prefers its priests to be called “FATHER”, the priests are called “father such and such” and even the Pope is referred to as the holy father contrary to the scriptures. It demonstrates that Papal Rome does not regard the God of his fathers (the apostles). And who did the apostles believe was God? The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Papal Rome styles itself as Father, thereby denying the true Father and God of us all.

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 Isaiah 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 and not what Christ desires for them. 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, (Gen 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 (Jesus, the Son of God), by doing contrary to His teachings.

3. Any God, by claiming to be the Vicar (representative) of Christ and the only infallible interpreter of Scripture, whereas the Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit is Christ’s Spirit and infallible Interpreter.

The Papacy magnifies itself above all

Papal quotes show their self exaltation:

“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 crowned with a triple crown as king of heaven, and earth, and purgatory.” Ferraris’ Promptta Bibliotheca, Vol. VI, p 26, article “Papa.”

“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.

verse 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.

Verse 37 said he regards no God except himself. The God of forces must therefore be himself. The word “forces” in this verse is from the Hebrew “mauwz” which means STRENGTH. The word “Rome‚“ in the New Testament is from the Greek “Rhome” and means “STRENGTH.” In the place of God, the Papacy worships the GOD OF FORCES - the GOD OF ROME. Christ draws by love. Rome compels by force.

The marginal reading of v 38 says, “...as for the Almighty God, IN HIS SEAT he shall honour yea, he shall honour A GOD, whom his fathers knew not.”

Paul called this power the “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.” 

The temple (Gr. naos) in which he would sit is the Christian church. See Eph 2:21-22. 

Paul’s words in 2Thess 2 are clearly linked to Daniel 11. Paul speaks of a withholder that had to be taken out of the way to reveal the man of sin.

Daniel spoke of the daily which had to be taken away in order to set up the abomination that maketh desolate.

Paul spoke of the Man of sin sitting in the temple of God (evidently in God’s seat).

Daniel spoke of this power sitting in God’s seat. 

Paul spoke of this self exalting power

Daniel spoke of this self exalting power.

Gold, silver, precious stones etc.

Rev 17 speaks of the whore of Babylon who fornicates with the kings of the earth and is decked in GOLD, PRECIOUS STONES etc. Claiming that she holds the keys to heaven or hell, Rome has had a captivating control over kings and nations. 

verse 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. 

MARIOLATRY – A god whom his fathers knew not.  The worship of Mary, a strange god.

The papacy has gradually increased the place of Mary glorifying her to the level of a god.

She is venerated and bowed before which is sinful (Exo 20:5).

She is prayed to and called the mediatrix between God & man which is error (1Tim 2:5).

She has become the dispenser of the graces of Christ which is error (1Cor 12:11).

Papal Rome claims she was free from sin which is error (see Luke 1:47).

She has even been called the co-redeemer. 

Cause them to rule over many

Exerting their influence through the places of power among the nations the Popes have increased in glory and ruled over many. 

Divide the land for gain

Wealthy dioceses and archdioceses offered opportunity for personal gain and self-aggrandizement. These were obtained by those who promised to pay their Church superiors the most. The Papacy also helped settle territorial disputes between nations in such a way that the church benefitted.  The merchandizing spirit in the church is mentioned in the 3rd seal of Rev 6:5-6. cf. Mic 3:11; Eze 34.

verse 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 - 1798

In Daniel 11:30-35 the period of Papal supremacy is described as lasting “even to the time of the end.” As the Papal supremacy ended in 1798, the time of the end began in 1798. 

The Hebrew expression is ube'et and can mean "in, at, on, into, with, from when," etc. Ube'et can mean "and in the time of." e.g. "And in the time of their trouble." Neh 9:27. }"in those days." Jer 50:20. All these are applicable to the text before us.

To “PUSH” is to attack and conquer just as the Ram (Medo-Persia) pushing in Daniel 8:4 represented a kingdom conquering others. Therefore, according to the prophecy, in 1798 the King of the South would attack the power we have been identifying - the Papacy. According to our study the time of the end began in 1798.  

As foretold, France attacked and abolished the Papacy in 1798.

“The ULTIMATE HUMILIATION of the  Church came when Pius VI was driven from Rome by the French armies in 1798.” Enc’ Britannica, 1989, Vol. 26, p938.

“In 1798 he [Berthier]...made his entrance into Rome, ABOLISHED the PAPAL GOVERNMENT and established a secular one.” The Enc’ Americana, 1941 ed.

“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

verse 40  "And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: ....."

At the time of the end - 1798

The prophecy said that the power which would “push” or attack the Papacy was “the king of the south.” In what way can France be called “the King of the South?”

The literal & local typifies the global & spiritual

Literal local powers that affected literal Israel represent spiritual global powers that affect spiritual Israel - God’s church. Israel was a miniature world in which God illustrated His way of dealing with sin. What happened to Israel are types, or figures, illustrating world-wide events in the experience of the church. (1Cor 10:6, 11; Rom 15:4).

While there is a change from literal to spiritual Israel, there is NO CHANGE IN the LANGUAGE. The Old Testament terms are kept but they refer to the Church worldwide and her enemies. (Matt 21:43; 1Pet 2:9; Rom 11:17-21; Gal 3:28-29. See Dan 9). 

In the same way the enemies of literal Israel, such as Babylon to the north and Egypt to the South, are used to represent end-time global spiritual powers that threaten God’s "glorious land" - His Church.

What spiritual / global power does the King of the South represent in the end-time?

In the first part of this chapter the literal king of the South was Egypt (Daniel 11:8-9). However, there is a prophetic principle that literal Old Testament things represent global spiritual things in the end times. What was the spirit of Egypt, the literal king of the south?

The spirit of Egypt was ATHEISM

Pharaoh, the original “king of the SOUTH,” defied and denied God’s existence, saying, “Who is Jehovah, that I should hearken unto His voice to let Israel go? I know not Jehovah, and moreover I will not let Israel go.” Exo 5:2, A.R.V.

"This is ATHEISM, and the nation represented by Egypt would give voice to a similar denial of the claims of the living God and would manifest a like spirit of unbelief and defiance.” E.G. White, Great Controversy, 1911 ed., p269.

In the 1790s this God-denying spirit arose in France.

During the Revolution, in 1793, “The world for the first time heard an assembly of men, born and educated in civilization, and assuming the right to govern one of the finest of the European nations, uplift their united voice to deny the most solemn truth which man’s soul receives, and RENOUNCE UNANIMOUSLY THE BELIEF AND WORSHIP OF DEITY.”  Sir Walter Scott, Life of Napoleon, Vol. I, ch. 17.

“France stands apart in the world’s history as the single state which, by the decree of her Legislative Assembly, pronounced THERE WAS NO GOD, and of which the entire population of the capital, and a vast majority elsewhere, women as well as men, danced and sang with joy in accepting the announcement.” Blackwood’s Magazine, Nov, 1870.

In France the Bible was banned and France plunged into the most bloody and licentious scenes ever seen in Europe, known as the Reign of Terror. The rise of atheism in France was the fruit of years of Papal influence. By following Papal policy and crushing out the Reformation, France destroyed liberty and reforms that would have blessed the nation. Rome had misrepresented the character of God, and the people of France, thinking that Roman Catholicism was Christianity, rejected Christianity, the Bible and its Author. Men like Voltaire spread their infidelity everywhere. The masses, long trampled on by Rome, rose up against the oppressor with fury. The guillotine was set up on the very spot where Rome had set up the first stake for the Reformers. The church that had shed blood had its blood shed. In rejecting Roman Catholicism as a deception, the French were led by Satan to regard all religion as a deception. 

The God-defying and denying spirit of Pharaoh was manifest in the atheistic Revolution of France.

Verse 40 - In 1798 the King of the South, [Atheistic France] attacked the KON, Papal Rome.

In 1798, as predicted at the very beginning of the time of the end, the atheistic French, seeing the Pope as an obstacle in their efforts to rule Europe, attacked (“pushed” cf. Daniel 8:4) the Papal State, abolishing it; giving it a deadly wound (cf. Rev 13).

“Berthier [French general] entered Rome on 10th February 1798, and proclaimed a Republic...No wonder that half Europe thought... that with the Pope the papacy was DEAD” Lectures on the History of Religions, Vol. 3, lec. 24, p1. J. Rickaby or The Modern papacy, J. Rickaby (a Jesuit) p9.

“The PAPACY was EXTINCT: not a vestige of its existence remained; and among all the Roman Catholic powers not a finger was stirred in its defense. The Eternal City had no longer prince or pontiff; its bishop was dying in foreign lands; and the decree was already announced that no successor would be allowed in his place.” C. Trevor, Rome and Its Papal Rulers, p440.

The “king of the south” is hereafter used to refer to the God-defying Atheistic power. Following France, the Communist state became atheism’s most powerful supporter. The French Revolution was the birthplace of atheistic Communism (See on Rev 11). Conflicts have continued as atheistic states and ideologies have continued to press back Roman Catholicism. 

“The COMMUNIST movement would never have taken form as it did except for the prior occurrence of the FRENCH REVOLUTION.” Palmer, Revolution, p11-12

“The connection between the absolutist REVOLUTION OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY and the MARXIST MOVEMENT of the next century presses for recognition... [It] is THE DIRECT OFFSPRING and heir...A RELIGION OF ATHEISM… coupling scientific ideas with the greatest political hopes that man has ever entertained, the absolute hopes that animated the FRENCH REVOLUTION.”  The Dignity of Man, R. W. Davenport, p163-9.

Note: There has been an attempt to introduce a third power, France, in verses 36-39  resulting in a "triangular war" in verse 40 but there is no evidence whatsoever in the text itself to sustain such an interpretation. Whenever the King of the North or South are spoken of it is in connection with each other and not a third party. In this case the King of the South is said to "push" at him. The "him" correctly interpreted means "the king of the North" and later in the verse, "the king of the South" as they resume their battles in verse 40 except in this instance, both kings have taken on new identities, Papalism and Atheism.

Here is the interpretation which is in keeping with the rest of Daniel 11 when it speaks of the battles between these two powers which continue to this day. 

Daniel 11:40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: (the King of the North) and the king of the north shall come against him (the King of the South) 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.

When Rome conquered the northern kingdom, it became the king of the north and when Rome transitioned to Papal Rome, the latter assumed the same title. The literal king of the South was Egypt but we are told that the king of the South in verse 40 attacks, the king of the North, Papal Rome, in the time of the end (1798). "Egypt" represented the Atheism of Pharaoh. Pharaoh was noted for his defiance of God and rejection of His existence. The spirit of Atheism (the new spiritual King of the South) was manifested in revolutionary France which attacked the Papacy in "the time of the end", 1798.  John in the book of Revelation 11:7,8 describes revolutionary France as "spiritually Egypt" [beast of Atheism] - "And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified."

Therefore around 1798, at the beginning of the time of the end,  we see the spiritual king of the north (Papal Rome) being pushed at (attacked) by the spiritual king of the south, Atheism, manifested in revolutionary France, abolishing the Papal government and taking the Pope prisoner.

This event in Daniel 11:40 was a remarkable prediction of events described in Revelation 13:3 when the Papal head of the beast of Revelation 13:1-10 received its deadly wound. This was accurately fulfilled in 1798 as prophesied by Daniel when the King of the South, Atheistic France, delivered the deadly blow to the Papacy. See The Beast

Atheistic France pushes at Papal Rome, the King of the North  in the "Time of the End"

Atheism falls in Europe

verse 40  ...and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind.

Who is the King of the North?

The king of the north is the last power in Daniel 11. Based on the principle that the prophecies in Daniel repeat and enlarge on the earlier prophecies and as demonstrated above, the last earthly power in Daniel 11 is Rome:

Last earthly power in Daniel 2 - Rome, the feet of Iron & clay

Last earthly power in Daniel 7 - Rome, the little horn

Last earthly power in Daniel 8-9 - Rome, the little horn

Last earthly power in Daniel 10-12 - Rome, the King of the North.

Just as the “king of the SOUTH” refers to the Atheistic State, the “king of the NORTH” refers to the Apostate Christian State. This same power is called Babylon in the book of Revelation. Literal Babylon was literal Israel’s NORTHERN enemy. (Jeremiah 1:14; 4:5-7; 6:1; 10:22; 13:20; 16:15; 23:8; 25:9, 12). 

As literal Israel suffered at the hands of Babylon in the NORTH and Egypt in the SOUTH, so today the true church suffers at the hands of Apostate Christianity (which spiritually is Babylon in the NORTH) and Atheism (which spiritually is Egypt in the SOUTH).

These two systems are quite similar:

One is anti-christ (in place of true Christ) the other is anti-god. 

Catholicism breeds Atheism. (eg. the French Revolution. See on Revelation 11 - to be posted). 

Atheism breeds Catholicism. 

Many countries where Catholicism is strong become atheistic communists. Today as a backlash to atheism, Christians are attempting to gain political power. The papal system is on the rise. 

The deadly wound the Papacy suffered in 1798 is slowly healing. The Lateran Treaty in 1929 restored to the Papacy the Vatican State.

Headlines read: “Mussolini and Gaspari Sign Historic Pact...HEAL WOUND of Many Years...” San Francisco Chronicle, Feb. 12, 1929.  

The last part of verse 40 describes how the “king of the NORTH,” the Christian State, counter-attacks the king of the SOUTH, the Atheistic State.  Papal Rome's counterattack occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s. By this time the most powerful supporter of Atheism was Soviet Communism - a party pledged to Atheism. The rest is prophetic history in the process of being fulfilled - the Soviet union and its satellite states are gone. Atheistic Communist Poland and others have fallen. The King of the North (Papal Rome) has certainly taken out a large block of the King of the South (Atheism) and it hasn't finished yet. China and North Korea will also fall in one way or another so that Revelation 13:3 might be fulfilled "and all the world wondered after the Beast". 

verse 40 The Christian State attacks the Atheistic State

like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships...

Ships = ECONOMIC or TRADING power (Ps 107:23; Rev 18:17, 19; Eze 27:24, 25)

Chariots & horsemen = MILITARY power.

Whirlwind = FAST (Amos 1:14; Jer 4:13). This language is borrowed from a description of literal Babylon, “his chariots shall be as a whirlwind: his horses are swifter than eagles...” (Jer 4:13). Literal Babylon was a type of the end-time king of the north.

Atheistic Russia’s collapse was so fast that it stunned the world. It was as prophecy had foretold, “like a whirlwind.” Newsweek magazine unconsciously used the very words of prophecy when it entitled its article on the collapse of Atheistic Communism: “DAYS OF THE WHIRLWIND.” Newsweek, Dec. 25, 1989.

“Nobody believed the collapse of communism would happen this FAST.” Time, Feb. 24, 1992.

The Papacy formed an alliance with the USA and is using ECONOMIC and MILITARY pressure to overthrow the atheistic Communist State.

Time magazine, 1992, describing the collapse of the Soviet Union, was entitled: “HOLY ALLIANCE: How Reagan and the Pope conspired to assist Poland’s Solidarity movement and hasten the demise of Communism.”

The Bible prophesied that the ships (ECONOMICS) and chariots and horsemen (MILITARY FORCE) would be used to overthrow the king of the south. Time magazine described how these exact things (ECONOMIC and MILITARY POWER) were used to overthrow the atheistic State:

“This was one of the great secret alliances of all time...he [Reagan] saw the collapse [of Communism] coming and he PUSHED it - hard.’

During the first half of 1982, a five part strategy emerged that was aimed  at bringing about the collapse of the Soviet ECONOMY...

1. The U.S. defense buildup already under way, aimed at making it too costly for the Soviets to compete MILITARILY with the U.S.  Reagan’s Strategic Defense Initiative - Star Wars - became a centerpiece of the strategy...

2. FINANCIAL AID to Warsaw Pact nations calibrated to their willingness to protect human rights and undertake free-market reforms. 

3. ECONOMIC isolation of the Soviet Union and withholding of Western and Japanese technology from Moscow. The Administration focused on denying the U.S.S.R. what it had hoped would be its principle source of hard currency in the 21st century: profits from a transcontinental pipeline to supply natural gas to Western Europe.” Time, Feb. 24, 1992.

Time magazine called this event “...the 20th century’s most dramatic SPIRITUAL WAR, a conflict in which the seemingly irresistible force of COMMUNISM battered against the immovable object of CHRISTIANITY.”Time, Dec. 4, 1989.

The language of the reporter is so similar to the language of the prophet, we stand amazed!

“Gorby’s bow to the Roman legions.” Title in the U.S. News & World Report.

The Sunday Oregonian ran an article entitled, “The Power of a Prophet: Pope John Paul II, with extraordinary insight into the present, has become more influential than any world leader.” 

A subheading read: “Bringing down Communism.” and went on to say:  “This is a man with an aura. He shapes history. His words and prayers cut like knives into the heart of Karl Marx’s GODLESS philosophy. With no army he did what tanks could not, destroy the Evil Empire. Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Soviet leader, said as much when he wrote, ‘Everything that has happened in Eastern Europe in these last few years would have been impossible without the presence of the pope and without the important role that he played on the world stage.”  The Sunday Oregonian, October 15, 1995. 

Verse 40 he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.

The language of “overflowing and passing over,” appears to be borrowed from the Assyrian army marching south to overflow Egypt. 

“Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks: And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over...” (Isa 8:7-8). 

This overflowing and passing over speaks of invasion and domination. The Apostate Christian State is to dominate world affairs. The countries he would overflow may be thought of as ideologies, just as the countries of the north and south represent ideologies not literal geographic areas.

In a literal sense we read of:

“The Triumph Of John Paul II-The TIDE of freedom WASHING OVER EASTERN EUROPE answers his most fervent prayer.” Life, Dec. 1989.

“While Gorbachev’s hands-off policy was the immediate cause of the chain reaction of liberty that has SWEPT THROUGH EASTERN EUROPE in the past few months, John Paul deserves much of the longer range credit.” Time, Dec. 4, 1989.

“...In the spacious ceremonial library of the 16th century Apostolic Palace, the CZAR of WORLD ATHEISM, Mikhail Gorbachev, will visit the Vicar of Christ, Pope John Paul II...The moment will be electric, not only because John Paul helped inflame the fervor for freedom in his Polish homeland that SWEPT like bush fire across Eastern Europe. Beyond that, the meeting of the two men symbolizes the end of the 20th century’s most dramatic SPIRITUAL WAR, a conflict in which the seemingly irresistible force of COMMUNISM battered against the immovable object of CHRISTIANITY.” Time, Dec. 4, 1989.

Verse 41 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.

Context

Continuing the thought of the king of the north overflowing and passing over as an invasion and domination of ideologies he will also enter into the glorious land.

Papalism enters God’s Church

Besides the US / Papal alliance in verse 40 he would ALSO enter into the Glorious land.

The language of this chapter is taken from the literal geographic world of God's Old Testament people -

King of the North (Babylon)

King of the South (Egypt)

Edom

Moab

Ammon

Ethiopia

Land of Egypt

Glorious land.

As the land of the north and the land south are ideologies so consistency indicates that the Glorious land is an ideology. It  would be inconsistent to make the Glorious land a literal place while the other lands mentioned are taken to be ideologies.

The places and names are borrowed from the geographic world of literal Israel but refer symbolically to global entities. 

As the The glorious land, mentioned earlier in the chapter, was the home of literal Israel, so the end-time glorious land would be the church - the home of spiritual Israel. This land is no single geographic location, continent or literal country but a global entity in the same way that the King of the North and South are global entities.

Similarities in the book of Revelation

In a similar way Babylon, a literal city of the Old Testament and enemy of Israel, represents a GLOBAL system and main enemy of the end time Israel (the true Christian Church) - Revelation 13,14,17,18.

Context

The USA figures in Daniel 11:40

"…and the King of the North (the Papacy) shall come against him (the King of the South - atheistic state) like a whirlwind, (rapidly) with chariots and horsemen (military power), and with many ships (economic power)…"

The military and economic power were made available to the Papacy through an alliance with the USA. Here in verse 40 is described the alliance of the Papacy and the USA. As Clovis had given his military host to the Papacy to take away all contending opposition for the first Papal ascendancy, so the USA is giving it's support to the Papacy to take away all contending opposition to the second Papal ascendancy (here, the atheistic contenders).

verse 41 however speaks of something else. It says, "He shall ALSO (that is besides what has been described, beside the US / Papal alliance of v 40), He shall ALSO enter into the glorious land, and many shall be overthrown.

Call out of Babylon into God's church

The call today is for God’s people to come out of Babylon - the King of the North). Where are the to go? To the Glorious land (the Home of God’s people). Atheists in the Kingdom of the South, may also come. God’s remnant church (the seventh day Adventist church) is not in North America, and there is no call for Adventists to come out of Babylon (Kingdom of the North) and come into AMERICA (the glorious land)! The call is to come out of Babylon (the land of the north) into the Glorious land (God's remnant church).

New Testament Similarity

1. In the New Testament we read of Babylon (Rev 14:8 - the King of the North),

2. Atheistic State (Rev 11: 8 - Egypt, the King of the South),

3. The Jews (Rev 2:9 - God's faithful Christian church),

4. The Holy city (Rev 11:2 - God's holy people),

5. A call to come out of Babylon (Rev 14 - evidently to return to "Israel", God's true people),

6. Israel (Rom 9:6 - God's faithful Christian people).

These references to Israel, the Jews, the holy city etc. refer to God's church not to the USA or any other literal local area.

Prophetic Parallel

“Glorious,”  Hebrew, tsebee is translated “pleasant” in Daniel 8:9 where it referred to literal Israel which Pagan Rome captured. To what does literal Israel answer today? God’s remnant Church. 

PAGAN Rome entered the LITERAL “glorious land” of Palestine (Daniel 11:16).

PAPAL Rome enters the global / SPIRITUAL “glorious land” - the true end-time church.

“Land” need not refer to physical territory. It often represents peoples (See Lev 18:3; Hos 1:2; Joel 2:18-21; Amos 8:8). 

This idea may be unpalatable, and there may be a desire on the part of those faithful to the remnant church to deny this, but where does the evidence, consistency, and context, point? 

What erroneous aspects of Papal Rome are entering into God’s church?

The list includes:

1. Erroneous views of God.

2. The erroneous definitions of sin as being more than the transgression of God’s law.

3. The idea that Christ took a human nature that was not identical to our own.

4. An unbiblical view of salvation in which Christ cannot keep us from sinning.

5. A hierarchical system of church governance.

6. Erroneous futuristic interpretations of prophecy.

7. The reinterpretation of the historical time prophecies as literal days and views which are beginning to cloud the identify of the true antichrist of Bible prophecy.

The truth is still being proclaimed by faithful members within God’s remnant church but the devil is wrath because he knows that he has a short time and is working hard to deceive, sow error, discontent, uncertainty and an un-Christlike spirit.

Many shall be ovethrown

The word “countries” is not in the Hebrew text. Through Catholic influence and theology MANY in God’s church are, and will be, overthrown. Prophecy foretells that Papal Rome will head all end-time global religions.

“As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed faith in the third angel’s message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon their position and join the ranks of the opposition.” E.G. White, Great Controversy, 1911 ed., p608.

Glorious land and Glorious Holy mountain

Just prior to Christ’s return, because of the purification which results from persecution, the sinners in Zion will be shaken out and the church will change from the “GLORIOUS LAND” (v 41) into the “GLORIOUS HOLY MOUNTAIN”(v 45). 

Christ will present the church to Himself as “a GLORIOUS church...HOLY and without blemish.” Eph 5:23. cf. Isa 66:20; Joel 2:1; Zech 8:3; Isa 11:9.

Verse 41 ...but these shall escape out of his hand, [even] Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.

These peoples were not in the glorious land but escape from the control of the king of the north INTO the glorious land. ​

As literal Edom, Moab & Ammon no longer exist, this confirms that the countries and lands in the latter parts of Daniel 11 have a spiritual application. These three peoples were related to Israel. Edom were the descendants of Esau. The whoredoms Israel committed with the Moabites (Num 25:1-3) typifies the ecumenical apostasy that some in God’s end-time church are entering into with the fallen churches of Babylon. ​

Moab and Ammon were Lot’s sons through his daughters incestuous relations with their father (Gen 19:36-38). Moab and Ammon escaped the destruction of Sodom in their Father, so to speak (cf. Heb 7:9-10). These of Moab and Ammon represent the remnant of God’s people in the various denominations who escape the end-time destruction by coming out and joining the true people of God. (cf. Rev 18:4).

“The Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people...they shall lay their hand upon EDOM and MOAB; and the chief of the children of AMMON shall obey them.” Isa 11:11-16.

This is being fulfilled in the call to come out of Babylon:

“September 23, the Lord showed me that He had stretched out His hand the second time to recover the remnant of His people [this is drawn from Isa 11:11-16 quoted above], and that efforts must be doubled in this gathering time.” E.G. White, Early Writings, p74. (Bracketed comment supplied).

“Company after company from the Lord’s army joined the foe and tribe after tribe [Edom, Moab and Ammon?] from the ranks of the enemy united with the commandment keeping people of God.” E.G. White, Testimonies to the Church, Vol. 8, p41. (Bracketed comment supplied).

Amos 9:11-12 compared with Acts 15:16, 17 shows that Edom and the heathen which follow God, represent “the residue of men.”

When enlightened with the truth and the call to “come out of her my people,” multitudes of God’s people presently in Babylon will separate from the fallen churches and unite themselves with the remnant. (Amos 9:9-13; Isa 56:6-8; Jer 40:11-12). 

“I saw that this message will close with power and strength far exceeding the midnight cry. Servants of God, endowed with power from on high with their faces lighted up, and shining with holy consecration, went forth to proclaim the message from heaven. Souls that were scattered all through the religious bodies answered to the call, and the precious were hurried out of the doomed churches, as Lot [Moab & Ammon being yet in Lot’s loins] was hurried out of Sodom before her destruction.” E.G. White, Early Writings, p278-279. Bracketed comment supplied.

Verse 42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

 "He", the King of the North, shall stretch forth his hand i.e. have power over (see 1Samuel 26:8,9) Egypt, the literal local King of the South which as noted above is symbolic of Atheism on a more global scale with Communism its champion. 

ATHEISM EMBEDDED IN COMMUNISM IS THE MODERN DAY KING OF THE SOUTH.

Global Communism (Atheism) will come under control.

Atheistic states worldwide will yield to the religious requirements of the Christian nations. All the world is to worship the beast (Rev 13:8). Forms of religion will continue but all except those who keep the commandments of God (Rev 14:12) will receive the mark of the beast. We can expect communist China to open its borders to ‘Christianity’ either through economic and or military influences.

The cover of Time magazine, June 19, 1989, said, “Revolt against Communism - China, Poland, USSR.”

The article caption said: “Defiance rocks the Communist world. China resists while Moscow and Warsaw struggle to reform.” The article itself said, “It has been a given among experts for some time that part of the challenge to the U.S. and its allies is to bring GLOBAL COMMUNISM in its decline to a soft landing rather than let it crash and burn....Ronald Reagan spoke of Marxism as ʻinherently unstableʼ and doomed. But in the policies that went with this confident rhetoric, he, like his predecessors, concentrated on the task of matching Communismʼs strength and deterring its expansion, not on the more subtle and relevant dilemma of coping with the consequences of its weakness, decay and retrenchment. George Bush seems to see the problem clearly. He has said that the industrialized democracies, led by the U.S., should move ʻbeyond containmentʼ and ʻintegrate the Soviet Union into the world order.ʼ” In the New York Post Jackson Martindell, the president of the American Institute of Management, was quoted as saying: “Either Communism will rule the world or

the Catholics will prevent it.” New York Post, Aug. 22, 1962.

The Catholics, allied with the apostate Protestant US, will prevent it! Catholicism in the old world (Europe) and Protestantism in the new (USA) will bring Communism with its Atheistic King of the South under its control.

ECONOMIC BOYCOTT - CONTROLING BUYING & SELLING

43. 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.

Here is a prophesied that the King of the North will gain ECONOMIC CONTROL, i.e. “power over the treasures of gold and of silver” so that no one will be able to buy or sell without the mark of the beast. See Rev 13:16-17. World financial control will be in the hands of the Papal headed one world government.

Who will give the Papacy financial power over the nations?

“And he had POWER to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 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: And that no man might BUY SELL, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” Rev 13:15-17.

The Apostate Protestant United States will have the power to enforce the Papal laws.

The Papal power united to the 'Protestant' U.S. will control the peoples right to buy and sell.

The 3rd angel's message shows that the two major powers in the last moments of earth's history will be the image of the beast and the beast existing together. (Rev 14:9-11)

“Those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off.” Desire of Ages, p121

Ques. Could the treasures of gold & silver represent God’s people?

Ans. At times gold & silver treasures represent the people of God but this is not the case here because:

(a) In the latter part of Dan 11 kingdoms & places represent peoples. Inanimate objects possessed by the peoples do not.

(b) In Daniel 11:42 peoples who escape the clutches of the king of the north represent God’s people who come out of their erroneous systems of belief. It is unlikely that the next verse (Dan 11:43) would repreent the people of God under the symbol of inanimate objects.

and over all the precious things of Egypt [Literal Egypt was spoiled by the literal King of the North in the past as seen in Ezekiel 29-30...

"Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will give the land of EGYPT unto Nebuchadrezzar king of BABYLON; and he shall take her multitude, and TAKE HER SPOIL, and take her prey; and it shall be the wages for his army." Eze 29:19.

Notice how Scripture describes Egypt’s fall:

“And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and put my sword in his hand: but I will break Pharaoh's arms, and he shall groan before him with THE GROANINGS OF A DEADLY WOUNDED MAN.” Eze 30:24

Atheism (EGYPT), the symbolic King of the South in the form of France inflicted the papacy a deadly wound in 1798. Atheism will however be defeated and receive a DEADLY WOUND itself from the hands of the Papal forces. In other words, COMMUNISM with its embedded Atheism will fall to the Papal forces.

“...the Libyans and the Ethiopians [shall be] at his steps.”

To be at someoneʼs steps is to be a follower of that person (Ps 37:23; Job 23:11; Exo 11:8 margin; 1Kings 20:10 margin; 1Pet 2:21-22). These peoples are symbolic of those who support the King of the North (Papal Rome).

“The steps of a [good] man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.” Ps 37:23

“My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.” Job 23:11

“Get thee out and all the people that follow thee (margin that is at thy feet).” Exo 11:8

“all the people that follow me. (margin are at my feet)” 1Kings 20:10

Christ's people “follow His steps, who did no sin” 1 Pet 2:21, 22

Conclusion: To be at someones steps means to be a follower of theirs, either obeying them or imitating them. The libyans & Ethiopians are symbolically the deceived followers of Papal Rome.

MESSAGES FROM GOD SYMBOLICALLY COME FROM THE EAST AND THE NORTH.

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

The gospel tidings come out of the east.

God's people who have been giving the three angels messages of Revelation 14 will arise to give the Loud Cry of Revelation 18:1-4, the gospel “TIDINGS.” (Isa 52:7; Isa 61:1). Read Isaiah 59:19-60:3.

Out of the East and North.

That these tidings symbolically come from the East and North shows them to be messages from God:

(a) The heralds of Christʼs first Advent came from the East (Matt 2:1).

(b) The angel having the seal of God is said to come from the East Rev 7:2.

As the seal of God does not come from the literal east, the points of the compass are not to be understood literally.

(c) God came from the North in Eze 1:4.

(d) Cyrus, who was a type or forerunner of Christ came from the East & the North (Isa 41:2, 25; 46:11; Jer 50:3, 9). He dried up the literal Euphrates River, conquered literal Babylon, and delivered Godʼs people. What Cyrus did to literal Babylon, Christ will do to spiritual Babylon.

(e) One day men will seek Godʼs Word but it will be too late. They are presented as looking for the WORD in the north & east, the very places from which it is represented as having

come. (Amos 8:11-12). See also Matt 24:27.

Tidings trouble the King of the North and therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.

The faithful will give the gospel, calling souls out of Babylon, and calling men to keep Godʼs commandments instead of the mark of the beast (Rev 14:6-12). This will infuriate the King of the North (alias the beast, Papal Rome) who will go forth with great fury to destroy the faithful (cf. Matt 2:1-13). “

“The two armies will stand distinct and separate, and this distinction will be so marked that many who shall be convinced of the truth will come on the side of Godʼs

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 Christʼs sake in standing in defense of the truth...You will not be tempted above what you are able to bear. Jesus bore all this and far more. . . .” E.G. White, Selected Messages, Vol. 3, p397-398.

Finally a universal Death Decree will be passed on all those who keep the commandments of God instead of the mark of the beast. (Revelation 7:2; 13:15).

CHURCH & STATE UNITE TO PERSECUTE

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.

Tabernacles suggest worship and a palace is the headquarters of a kingdom. This, therefore, speaks of worship defined by a kingdom, a union of church and state, enforcing worship as defined by the state.

THE IMAGE OF THE BEAST - CHURCH & STATE UNITED

A tabernacle is a tent and suggests transience.

The Tabernacle of God was a mobile place of worship.

A palace is the seat of a kingdom or state.

As the tabernacle of Moses made was “after the pattern” or in the image of God’s temple in heaven (Exo 28:8-9; Heb 9:1-3), so the tabernacles of the papal system are copies or images of the papal system - unions of church & state - images of the beast spoken of collectively as the image of the beast. This image of the beast (Rev 13:15) having taken up the same antichrist spirit as papal Rome will enforce the papal law including Sunday worship in place of God’s Sabbath.

THE FORMS OF WORSHIP WILL EXIST BEYOND PROBATION’S CLOSE

Note that “Tabernacles” is plural.

“So when the irrevocable decision of the sanctuary has been pronounced and the destiny of the world has been forever fixed, the inhabitants of the earth will know it not. The FORMS [plural] of religion will be continued by a people from whom the Spirit of God has been finally withdrawn...As the Sabbath has become the special point of controversy throughout Christendom, and religious and secular authorities have combined to enforce the observance of the Sunday, the persistent refusal of a small minority to yield to the popular demand will make them objects of universal execration. It will be urged that the few who stand in opposition to an institution of the church and a law of the state ought not to be tolerated; that it is better for them to suffer than for whole nations to be thrown into confusion and lawlessness. The same argument eighteen hundred years ago was brought against Christ by the "rulers of the people." "It is expedient for us," said the wily Caiaphas, "that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not." John 11:50. This argument will appear conclusive; and a decree will finally be issued against those who hallow the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, denouncing them as deserving of the severest punishment and giving the people liberty, after a certain time, to put them to death. Romanism in the Old World and apostate Protestantism in the New will pursue a similar course toward those who honor all the divine precepts. The people of God will then be plunged into those scenes of affliction and distress described by the prophet as the time of Jacob's trouble.” Great Controversy, p615-616.

Note that Dan 11:45 is followed directly by Daniel 12:1 which states, “At that time...there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation...” This is the time of Jacob’s trouble.

between the seas

Waters represent peoples (Rev 17:15). Israel’s territory was to be between two rivers & two seas (Gen 15:18). Between the Euphrates in the North, the river of Egypt in the south, the Mediterranean Sea to the West and the Dead Sea to the East. "Between the seas" thus represents the place of God’s people, the glorious land.

in the glorious holy mountain

THE GLORIOUS HOLY CHURCH

“Holy mountain” refers to the dwelling place of God (Ps 87:1; Isa 11:9; 56:7; Joel 3:17; Eph 2:21).

The holy mountain is called Jerusalem in Dan 9:16,“...thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain...”

God’s presence alone makes a thing holy. At the end of the 70 weeks literal Israel was cut off. (See Dan 9 study). Literal Jerusalem is no longer holy and cannot be the glorious holy mountain:

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people AND upon thy holy city...” Dan 9:24. Through the failure to comply with the conditions God gave the Jews and Jerusalem were rejected as the people and the city of God at the expiration of that period.

God now dwells in his church (1Cor 3:17; 2Cor 6:16; Eph 2:21) which are an “holy priesthood...an holy nation.” (1Pet 2:5-9) God’s holy mountain.

A clear principle in Bible prophecy is that things which were LOCAL tyified things which are GLOBAL. The names remain but that which they refer to is of GLOBAL extent:

LOCAL Babylon GLOBAL Babylon (false religion world-wide)

LOCAL Israel GLOBAL Israel (the church)

LOCAL Jews GLOBAL Jews (the faithful)

LOCAL sanctuary GLOBAL Sanctuary (Christ’s heavenly sanctuary is for all mankind)

The glorious holy mountain represents God’s purified church worldwide, (Zech 8:3; Eph 5:27).

Jesus said that the “abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet” would “stand in the holy place.” Matt 24:15. In its first application this verse in Matt referred to the Roman Armies surrounding Jerusalem in A.D. 66. In its second application it refers to the Papal forces threatening God’s people with death.

“In the fate of Jerusalem He beheld the destruction of the world.” COL 302.

THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON

The glorious holy mountain into which God’s people are said to be gathered and around which the wicked are presented as gathering is, "Armageddon"

Strong's Concordance tells us “Armageddon” is made up of two Hebrew words.

“Har” a shortened form of the Hebrew word for “MOUNTAIN,” and “Meggido” “A PLACE OF CROWDS [ASSEMBLY, CONGREGATION].”

The word “Megiddo” comes from the Hebrew word “gaw-dad'” which means to cut, gather together, assemble by troop, gather.

Therefore Armageddon means "THE MOUNTAIN OF ASSEMBLY," or “THE MOUNTAIN OF THE CONGREGATION.”

Read Isa 11:11-14. Satan wished to sit in the mountain of the congregation as the god of the congregation (Isa 14:13-15).

The word “mountain” in “The Glorious holy mountain” of Dan 11:45 is from the exact same word "Har" which makes up the first part of the word “Armageddon.” The wicked will come to destroy the saints but God will deliver them (Dan 12:1).

A mountain is a symbol for a kingdom. cf. Dan 2:35, 44; Jer 51:25. The glorious holy mountain can be no other than the glorious holy kingdom of Christ];

yet he [the king of the north] shall come to his end, and none shall help him

FALSE RELIGION DESTROYED

cf. Isa 47:15. As literal Babylon’s life giving river, the Euphrates, was “dried up” (Jer 50:38; 51:36; Isa 44:27) to prepare the way for her destroyer, (King Cyrus) so spiritual Babylon’s Euphrates [its life giving supporters] will be “dried up” (Rev 16:12; 17:1, 15-16) to prepare the way of the kings of the east (Christ and those of Rev 5:10). See notes on verse 44 for the significance of East. The waters (peoples, nations, etc) upon which Babylon sits will cease to support her.

All ten “horns (who will give her their support for one hour)...shall hate the whore...and burn her with fire.” Rev 17:16. Thus none shall help.

Read Eze 38 & 39. In Eze 39:4 Gog, the king of the north (Eze 38 & 39) is to perish on the mountains of Israel.

As Pharaoh and all his host perished between the sea on the left and the sea on the right so the northern army is to perish between the seas

“But I will remove far off from you the northern [army], and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things.” Joel 2:20.

A GLOBAL SPIRITUAL BATTLE NOT A LITERAL MIDDLE EASTERN CONFLICT

“Very soon will be fought the last great battle between good and evil. The earth is to be the battlefield.” R&H, May 13, 1902.

“The slain of the Lord shall be from one end of the earth even unto the other...” Jer 25:33.

Those who are “without the city (church)” Rev 14:20 will be destroyed. See Joel 2 esp. v 20. cf. Eze 38:15, 18-23 & Rev 19:11-21.

A time of trouble such as never was follows the abomination entering the holy place (cf. Dan 12:1 & Matt 24:22). As the crowning act of deception Satan will personate Christ in this time of trouble (Matt 24:23).

Matthew 24 compliments Daniel 11:31-12:2:

Matt 24 & Dan 11-12 both describe the same events, of the same period, in the same order. The power described in the second application of Matt 24 is the last power in Daniel 11.

COMMENTS ON THE MATTHEW 24 / DANIEL 11 COMPARISON

Christ Himself said plainly:

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand...”

The context makes clear that Christ was most directly referring to Daniel 11. The most striking proof of this is that the events and their order in Matt 24 follow exactly the events and order of Dan 11.

Without doubt both passages are dealing with end time events. Matt 24 was Christ's answer to His disciples question, “When shall these things be ? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” Matt 24:3

There is no better parallel in Scripture than Matt 24 and Dan 11:40 -45.

Was not Christ referring to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in Matt 24?

While it is true that Matt 24 had an application to the disciples' days and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple (See Matt 24:1-3), it has a broader meaning.

In its application to the destruction of Jerusalem Christ’s words, “spoken of by Daniel the prophet...” referred to the abomination of Pagan Rome, “the people of the Prince that shall come [from Daniel's point of view]” which would “destroy the city [Jerusalem] and the sanctuary.” Dan 9:26. The Romans' idolatrous standards or banners, would be seen “upon the battlements” of Jerusalem (Dan 9:27 margin) that is, compassing Jerusalem (Luke 21:20), and at that time God's people were to flee to the mountains (Matt 24:16).

However Christ’s prophecy was twofold: The ruin of Jerusalem was a symbol of the final ruin that shall overwhelm the world. The prophecies that received a partial fulfillment in the overthrow of Jerusalem HAVE A MORE DIRECT APPLICATION TO THE LAST DAYS.” E.G. White, Thoughts on the Mount of Blessing, p120.

While it can be seen that in its first application Jesus was referring to Dan 9, His words HAVE A MORE DIRECT parallel to the last portion of Dan 11-12, which are without doubt referring to THE LAST DAYS.

The significance of this parallel is that if one identifies the abomination of desolation in Matt 24 then they have identified tha abomnaton of desolation in Dan 11.

In the first application of Matt 24 the Abomination of desolation standing in the holy place was the Pagan Roman Roman armies surrounding literal Jerusalem. In its second applicaton the abomination of desolation will be the PAPAL Roman ‘armies’ surrounding spiritual Israel intent on its destruction.

verse 45 He shall plant the tabernacles of his palace...

Tabernacles can refer to military tents.

Daniel 11:45 borrows from Psalm 83:1-18, which describes the TABERNACLES of a confederacy of Evil, the ENEMIES of Israel coming to overthrow Godʼs people who will be HIDING in the wilderness at that time. God will rise up and destroy them.

“For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy HIDDEN ONES They have said, Come, and let us CUT THEM OFF from [being] a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with ONE CONSENT [one mind]: they are confederate against thee: The TABERNACLES of Edom...Moab... Ammon...etc...Who said, Let us take to ourselves the houses of God in possession... Let them be confounded and TROUBLED for ever; yea, let them be put to shame, and perish.”

"Satanic agencies have been moved from beneath, and they have inspired men to unite in A CONFEDERACY OF EVIL that they may perplex, harass, and cause the people of God GREAT DISTRESS. The WHOLE WORLD is to be stirred with enmity against Seventh-day Adventists, because they will not yield homage to the PAPACY, by honoring Sunday, the institution of this anti-Christian power. It is the purpose of Satan to cause them to be BLOTTED FROM THE EARTH, in order that his supremacy of the world may not be disputed.” Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 08-22-93.

verse 45 "between the seas in the glorious holy mountain..."

Those (seas) who have refused to join those who keep the commandments of God will gather in purpose under Papalism for the last great battle against the people of God (glorious holy mountain). They will ʻsurroundʼ (Luke 21:20; Matt 24:15) the purified “glorious” and “holy” church worldwide (Eph 5:27), intending to destroy her. The same will happen again at the end of the Millennium (Rev 20:7-9).

verse 45 "yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him..."

However, just when the apostate church looks set to destroy the saints, its supporters will turn upon it and it shall come to its end, and none shall help it. (See Isa 47:15; Rev 17:16-17).

Daniel 12:1 Deliverance

“And at that time [Heb. eth. Period of time] shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a TIME OF TROUBLE such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be DELIVERED, every one that shall be found written in the book.” cf. Matt 24.

SUMMARY OF DANIEL 11:40-45

KOTN = King of the North

KOTS = King of the South

• verse 40: the KOTS (Atheism) attacks the KOTN (Papal Rome's deadly wound)

• verse 40: the KOTN attacks the KOTS with Chariots, horsemen & ships.

• Chariots & horsemen symbolically = MILITARY POWER.

• Ships symbolically = TRADE or ECONOMIC POWER, ECONOMIC SANCTIONS

• verse 41: KOTN enters the church through its false doctrines. Many succumb to it.

• verse 41: Edom, Moab & Ammon escape KOTN by accepting the 3 angel's messages.

• verse 42: "Egypt" or Atheism in Communism will not escape the KOTN.

• verse 42: Communism will succumb to the KOTN

• verse 43: The KOTN will have have ECONOMIC control of the world.

• verse 43: Libyans & Ethiopians represent the followers of Papal Rome & are at his feet.

• verse 44: Messages from God out of the East & North trouble the KOTN.

• verse 44: These messages warn the people about the KOTN.

• verse 44: The 3 angels' messages of Rev 14 & that of Rev 18 infuriates Papal Rome.

• verse 44: The KOTN goes all out to destroy those who warn the world about her.

• verse 45: KOTN's final attack on God's people but comes to his end & none helps him

• Daniel 12:1: Michael delivers his people in the time of trouble.

MATTHEW 24 AND DANIEL 11-12

The end-time understanding of Matthew 24 describes the same end-time events of Daniel 11. In giving the signs to precede His coming, Jesus spoke of the abomination of desolation, and a time of trouble spoken of by Daniel. (Matt 24:15, 21) In Dan 11-12 we find the exact same things described in Matthew 24 in the exact same order. The last persecuting power of Matthew 24 is the last persecuting power of Daniel 11. And that power is ROME.

THE KING OF THE NORTH IS PAPAL ROME - THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION OF MATTHEW 24:15