Daniel Bible Prophecy

Daniel Chapter 11

Part 1:

Daniel 11:1 “Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.”

At the end of chapter 10 we find Gabriel talking with Daniel. Here in the first verse of chapter 11 we have the continuation of that conversation between Daniel and Gabriel. There is no break between these chapters, it simply continues on. So we are still at the junction of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Let us see what else Gabriel had to tell Daniel.

Even in the first year of Darius, when the Medes and Persians overtook Babylon, Gabriel was there by Darius’ side to confirm/help/establish him and strengthen him. This truly shows that God is ultimately in control of world events. As the writing on the wall sealed the probation of Babylon and God’s protection withdrew from them, He in turn strengthened Darius the Mede to overrun Babylon as we have already seen in chapter 5.

Daniel 11:2 “And now will I show you the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.”

Gabriel now proceeds to give Daniel the understanding of what he was diligently seeking for. What Gabriel is going to show Daniel is the truth, for remember in chapter 10 Gabriel and Michael have the truth.

Yet three kings in Persia - This does not include Cyrus as we find there shall stand up yet three kings. The word yet in Hebrew means besides, still, henceforth. So we see that there was to come another three kings after Cyrus. These were Cambyses the son of Cyrus (530-522 B.C.), False Smerdis an impostor who impersonated the real Smerdis to obtain the throne, the real Smerdis had been caused to be killed by his brother Cambyses, (522 B.C.), Darius Hystaspes or Darius 1 who married a daughter of Cyrus (522-486 B.C.)

Fourth shall be far richer - This was Xerxes, or the Ahasuerus of Queen Esther, the son of Darius Hystaspes. Xerxes was far richer than all before him. See Esther 1:4-7.

Strength through his riches...against the realm of Grecia - Because of his wealth, Xerxes was able to stir up an immense army against the warlike Greeks. According to Herodotus, who lived at that age, his army amassed to 5,283,220 from the East alone. But not content with this, he enlisted the Carthaginians of the West which added another 300,000 men. In total he had raised over five and three quarter million men to go against the Greeks. He defeated the Greeks at Thermopylea, lost the battle of Salamis in 480 B.C. he lost after this at Platea in 479 B.C. The war ended in 467 B.C.

We now skip over nine minor rulers as Xerxes was the last Persian king to invade Grecia.

Daniel 11:3-4 “And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. 4 And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.”

A mighty king - Alexander the Great is easily placed in the prophecy here as you will see from chapters 2, 7, and 8 also from the facts stated as we continue on.

Great dominion - Alexander finally defeated the Persians at the battle of Arbela in 331 B.C. He continued his campaign all the way to the borders of India and south through to Egypt. His dominion was far greater than that of the Persian empire. Map supplied.

When he shall stand up - When he is at his peak.

Kingdom broken, divided toward four winds - When Alexander was at the height of his power, a fever killed Hephaestion, at Ekbatana, who was a young man dear to him. On returning to Babylon a vast funeral was erected costing over ten million dollars. To drink to intoxication at a funeral was required as a token of respectful sympathy toward the deceased. Alexander spent two nights in *unmeasured indulgence, which so aggravated the germs of fever in his system that he continually grew worse and in a few days died. He was asked to who the kingdom would go, his reply was to the strongest. The Eleventh of Daniel by Justus Grant Lamson pgs 35, 36 1909.

*He was said to have drunk equal to the twenty one quests and then twice drank full the Herculean cup containing over one gallon. Daniel and the Revelation pg 56, by Uriah Smith.

Alexander died in 323 B.C. Immediately 36 generals scrambled for power and by 314 B.C. Seleucus, Ptolemy, Lysimachus, and Cassander formed a league against Antigonus who had the largest influence in the remains of Alexander’s realm. The contest ebbed and flowed. Seleucus gained Babylon in 312 B.C. and established a long line of kings. Lysimacus and Ptolemy assumed the title of kings in 305 B.C. and Cassander about the same year, so that three years later this league of four planned a campaign against Antigonus which brought on the battle of Ipsus 301 B.C. and definitely established the four division of Alexander’s former kingdom into north, south, east, and west, or the four winds. These four directions are according to Palestine, Daniel’s homeland.

Not to his posterity - Alexander’s sons and relatives were slain so that there was no interference to the ruling of any part of the kingdom. None of the kingdom went to Alexander’s family.

Nor according to his dominion - No one person was to rule with the dominion that Alexander had. This remarkably came true as prophesied.

Plucked up - Cassander took the west, Lysimachus took the north, Seleucus took the east, and Ptolemy took the south.

Others besides those - Others besides Alexander’s posterity/family.

Daniel 11:5 “And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.”

King of the south - Ptolemy Soter, who had Egypt, Palestine and part of Syria in the south, is the king of the south at this point of the prophecy. He was to be strong. Ruled from 323 B.C. to 285 B.C.

One of his princes - One of the mighty kings/Alexander’s princes.

Strong above him, have dominion, great dominion - Lysimacus took over Cassander’s territory and then Lysimacus lost all of it to Seleucus Nicator who now has three quarters of Alexander’s kingdom, leaving Ptolemy in the south with a quarter.

Daniel 11:6 “And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times.”

They shall join themselves - Ptolemy Philadelphus 285 - 247 B.C., the second king of the south, and Antiochus Theos 261 - 246 B.C., the third king of the north, were to join themselves together. How?

King’s daughter of the south - Ptolemy Philadelphus’ daughter was Berenice.

Come to...make an agreement - Berenice was to come to Antiochus Theos and become his wife, to try and join the kingdoms in this way. For the son to be born to this pair was to rule the kingdom. So Antiochus divorced Laodice his wife and married Berenice.

She shall not retain the power of the arm - Berenice was not to retain any power that Antiochus had, as we will see in a moment.

Neither shall he stand - Antiochus was not to stand either. This was true about the two of them. Berenice’s father died in 247 B.C., and when word carried to Antiochus he immediately threw Berenice out and took back his ex-wife Laodice, with her two sons Seleucus Callinicus, and Antiochus Hierax. Laodice then had Antiochus Theos poisoned, 246 B.C., and had Seleucus Callinicus pronounced as king in his stead.

Nor his arm - Antiochus’ son that he had with Berenice was not to retain the strength.

She shall be given up, they that brought her - Berenice was put to death by the orders of Laodice and also all of Berenice’s Egyptian attendants that she had with her.

He that begat her - Marginal reading says whom she brought forth. The son that Berenice had to Antiochus was also murdered at the same time. This completely cleared the path for Laodice’s son, Seleucus Callinicus, to rule.

He that strengthened her - Ptolemy was the one strengthening Berenice, for whilst ever he was alive Berenice was in safety.

Daniel 11:7-9 “But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail: 8 And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north. 9 So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land.”

Branch of her roots - Her roots refers to Berenice’s roots, which is her father Ptolemy Philadelphus.

One stand up in his estate - One was to stand up in Ptolemy’s estate/office. This was his son, Berenice’s brother, Ptolemy Euergetes. Euergetes means benefactor. He now is seated on the throne.

Come with an army - Euergetes, with his army, was marching to the aid of his sister but was too late.

Enter into fortress of king of north and prevail - Euergetes and his army continued to march northward, and with many of the cities opening their gates to him, because of their hatred toward Seleucus Callinicus, the king of the north, he was soon in possession of a large portion of land. Euergetes gained Seleucia, the capital of Syria, and a large part of Asia Minor and would have continued to gain more if it were not for a call to come back to Egypt because of trouble there.

A large portion of verse 8 simply deals with the booty that Euergetes collected whilst on his conquest. This conquest was in the year 246 B.C.

Continue more years than king of north - Euergetes reigned from 247 B.C. to 222 B.C., whereas Seleucus Callinicus reigned from 246 B.C. to 227 B.C.

Verse 9 reaffirms that Euergetes, king of the south, would come into Seleucus Callinicus’, king of the north, territory and then return to his own.

Daniel 11:10 “But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, even to his fortress.”

His sons - The king of the North’s sons or Seleucus Callinicus’ sons, Seleucus Ceraunus and Antiochus Magnus.

Shall be stirred up - These two sons, Seleucus being the older, were stirred up because of the land that had been taken from them.

Assemble a multitude of great forces - They gathered an army together to avenge what had happened.

One shall certainly come - Seleucus Ceraunus was a weak leader destitute of money and unable to keep his army in obedience to him. He only reigned for 3 years and was then poisoned by two of his generals. This left Antiochus Magnus to be proclaimed as king, and it was he who came to avenge.

Overflow and pass through - Antiochus took charge of the army and retook Seleucia, also recovering Syria. Some places were taken by force and others by treaty.

Stirred up - Talking of the ongoing revenge, as Antiochus overcame in battle Nicholaus, the Egyptian general, and had thoughts of invading Egypt itself. This revenge peaks in verse 11.

Daniel 11:11 “And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.”

King of the south - Euergetes had passed off the scene by now and Ptolemy Philopater had taken the throne of the south in Egypt.

Moved with choler - Philopater was moved with choler because Antiochus Magnus was getting to close.

Come forth and fight with him...king of north - Philopater, south, went out to meet Antiochus, north, at the battle of Raphia near Gaza in 217 B.C.

He shall set forth a great multitude - He is referring to the king of the north, which is Antiochus. The great multitude that Antiochus set forth consisted of the following; 62,000 foot, 6000 horse and 102 elephants.

But the multitude...given into his hand - Philopater met Antiochus with a larger army. Even though he had less elephants, only 73 elephants, his total army with foot and horse amounted to a greater amount than his opponent. Philopater defeated Antiochus by slaying 10,000 foot, 3000 horse, and taking captive over 4000 prisoners. Philopater suffered the loss of only 700 horse and 1400 infantry. So the multitude was given into the hand of the king of the south, Philopater.

Daniel 11:12 “And when he has taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it.”

When he hath taken away the multitude - After this fight previously mentioned when Philopater has defeated Antiochus.

Heart shall be lifted up - Philopaters heart was lifted up by his success.

He shall cast down many ten thousands - On his way back home, Philopater stopped at Jerusalem to sacrifice to the God of Israel. He also tried to enter within the temple itself, but was struck with terror and confusion of mind and had to be carried from the place as if he were half dead. He left Jerusalem filled with great wrath against the whole nation of the Jews because of what had happened. Philopater sought revenge upon the Jews many times but was unsuccessful, until in 213 B.C. there was an insurrection of the Egyptians, of which he made occasion to gain revenge upon the Jews, slaying 40,000 of them at Alexandria.

But...not be strengthened by it - This did nothing in gaining more power or strength, for it turned many of his own nation against him.

Daniel 11:13-15 “For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches. 14 And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of your people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall. 15 So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand.”

King of north...return...greater multitude than the former - Antiochus Magnus was to return with a greater army than before.

After certain years with a great army - After fourteen years peace between Philopater and Antiochus dissolved. Philopater died in 204 B.C. from intemperance and debauchery leaving his son, Ptolemy Epiphanes, to take the throne at the age of 4 or 5 years. Seeing this, Antiochus thought it an excellent opportunity to enlarge his kingdom by coming upon Egypt and upon such a young king.

With much riches - Antiochus had successful campaigns against the eastern parts of Iran and India, also he managed to snuff out rebellion in other parts of his kingdom. Through this he had acquired much wealth and military support.

Many stand up against the king of the south - Stand up against Ptolemy Epiphanes. During this time of Antiochus wanting to invade Egypt, he made a league with king Philip of Macedonia. The two of them agreed to divide the Egyptian empire by taking what was the closest and most convenient parts to them. Philip was to take Caria, Libya, Cyrenaica, and Egypt with Antiochus taking all the rest. Antiochus entered into Coele-Syria and Palestine and was soon the conqueror.

At the same time that this was going on, the provinces of Egypt were rebelling against Agathocles the prime minister of Egypt, who was conducting the affairs of the kingdom for the young king. The power that he could exercise was going to his head, with Egypt itself being disturbed by seditions. The Alexandrians rose up and caused him, his sister, mother, and their associates to be put to death.

Robbers of thy people - The word robbers, periyts in Hebrew, means destroyers. Gabriel is now introducing to Daniel who would be the ones to finally destroy his people, the Jews. We know from chapter 9 that the destroyers of the Jews was Rome.

Shall exalt themselves - Rome sent Scopas to lead the Egyptian forces to Palestine in 202 B.C. He took back Coele-Syria and Palestine and brought all of Judea into subjection to the authority of Egypt. This was done because Rome had accepted the guardianship of Epiphanes the young king of Egypt. This also shows that Rome did not rise out of Alexander’s kingdom, which was divided into two at this point, north and south. For Rome went on behalf of the south, against the north. See Daniel 8:8-9.
Establish the vision - With Rome coming onto the scene at this time, it establishes or demonstrates the truth of previous visions showing that Rome was going to be a world player.

But they shall fall - Scopas was finally defeated.

King of north shall come - This is a carry on from the previous verse. Antiochus Magnus was to come back at Scopas.

Take most fenced cities - Antiochus was quick to make steps in recovering Palestine and Coele-Syria from the hands of the Egyptians. He took back the lost territory including Sidon, which was, in situation and defences, one of the strongest cities of those times. We shall see how he did this now.

Arms of south not withstand - Ptolemy Epiphanes could not withstand him.

Neither his chosen people - Scopas was sent to meet Antiochus near the sources of the Jordan. Scopas was defeated and chased to Sidon where a siege was laid against it by Antiochus. Three of the ablest generals of Egypt went to aid against the siege, but without success. With famine and an opponent Scopas could not cope with, he had to surrender on the dishonourable terms of life only. Scopas and his 10,000 men were let go stripped and naked.

Neither...Any strength to withstand - No person could withstand the assault of Antiochus Magnus.

Daniel 11:16 “But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.”

But he - Even though Scopas, who came against the north on behalf of the south, could not stand against Antiochus Magnus, king of the north, we see that Rome will come back with power under the rulership of Pompey. Now we will see Rome start to show its power.

Cometh against him - Rome, under Pompey, was to come against the king of the north, who at that time was Antiochus Asiaticus 69 B.C.

According to his own will - This was true about Rome with Pompey at its head. Pompey conquered Syria and took it out of the hands of Asiaticus, the king of the north, in 65 B.C. making it a province of Rome.

None shall stand before him - None could stand in the way of Pompey.

He shall stand in the glorious land - In 161 B.C. the Jews made an alliance with the Romans. But in 63 B.C. two competitors, Hyrcanus and Aristobulus, were struggling for the crown of Judea. Pompey came up against Jerusalem, with Aristobulus’ people wanting to close the city up, and Hyrcanus’ wanting to open it to Pompey. The latter of the two being in the majority, opened the city up to Pompey. At this point the people of Aristobulus went to the temple on the mount, ready to defend it. Pompey finally broke through the wall of the temple and took, by force, the temple site. Thus Jerusalem became a province of Rome in 63 B.C.

By his hand shall be consumed - Never again did Judea or Jerusalem have its independence. The iron hand of Rome held it until they destroyed it by the hand of Titus in 70 A.D.

Previous to this, Rome had conquered Macedon and Thrace. Now with the overthrow of Syria and Judea the northern part of Alexander’s kingdom was now ruled by Rome. Rome now becomes the king of the north.

Daniel 11:17 “He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him.”

He - That is, Rome lead by Julius Caesar.

Set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom - The word with in this verse means against in Hebrew. So we would read this verse as such, set his face to enter against the strength of his whole kingdom. Julius Caesar set his face to enter the whole of Alexander’s kingdom and take it. At this time, the only portion left of Alexander’s kingdom unconquered by Rome was Egypt.

Upright ones with him - Ptolemy the 12th and his sister Cleopatra were to rule co-jointly in Egypt, until there was a dispute between them. Julius Caesar came down with 800 horse, and 3200 foot to settle the quarrel. The war started to rage with Achillas trying to drive Caesar out of Alexandria with 20,000 men. Caesar was able to repel this attack, but the Egyptians then tried to destroy Caesar’s fleet. In turn Caesar set their fleet to the flames, and some of those vessels came to close to the quay and set alight several buildings. One of these was the famous Alexandrian library containing nearly 400,000 volumes, this was destroyed by flames.

The attack became worse, and Caesar realized he had an insufficient amount of men. Caesar sent for help in the neighbouring countries. A large fleet came from Asia Minor, also Mithridates set out for Egypt with a large army raised from Syria and Cilicia. Antipater, the Idumean, joined him with 3000 Jews, or the upright ones. The Jews held the passes into Egypt, and permitted no interruption. Without this, Caesar would have failed. For the arrival of this army decided the contest.

Ptolemy, attempting to escape, drowned in the river Nile. Alexandria and all of Egypt submitted to the victor. Rome had now entered into and absorbed the whole of the original kingdom of Alexander by 47 B.C. Cleopatra remained ruler until 30 B.C. and it was at that time that Egypt was made a province of Rome.

The daughter of women, corrupting her - Caesar gained Cleopatra and had one son with her. It is said that his passion for her was the reason behind the campaign of the Egyptian war. This passion also kept him in Egypt for quite some time. Nights were spent in feasting and carousing with Cleopatra.

Not stand on his side, neither be for him - Cleopatra afterward joined herself to Antony, the enemy of Augustus Caesar, and exerted her whole power against Rome.

Daniel 11:18 “After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him.”

After this...turn his face unto the isles - After this, Julius conquered all the remaining coast lands, Spain, north Africa, and Pharnaces king of Cimmerian Bosporus.

But a prince - This prince was a man by the name of Brutus.

Reproach - We are jumping ahead in the verse a little, to look at this word so as to give better understanding to the previous parts of the verse. Rome was a republic, but after all the conquests of Julius Caesar the title of king was offered to him. This would be a big reproach to the republic, to now become a monarchy.

For his own behalf - Brutus showed friendship to Caesar and his desire to be king. Caesar desired in his heart to be king but knocked the offer back twice because of the disagreement of the populace.

Shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease - Brutus was the one who was going to cause the kingship offered to Julius to cease. So Brutus was the one behind the whole affair.

Without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him - Brutus had no desire to be king and caused the whole idea to fall back onto Julius Caesar. This comes to light in the next verse.

Daniel 11:19 “Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.”

He shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land - Julius turned his face back to Rome after his conquests.

But he shall stumble and fall, and not be found - When he arrived back at Rome, he finally accepted the offer of kingship. Julius came into the Senate and sat upon his golden throne to receive his title. It was now that he was murdered by Cassius, Brutus and others. He was pierced 23 times with a dagger, causing him to stumble and fall as the Bible states. He could not be found as he was dead. This took place in 44 B.C.

Daniel 11:20 “Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.”

Stand up in his estate - Augustus Caesar was the successor of his uncle Julius Caesar.

Raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom - Augustus Caesar was the raiser of taxes in the time of Christ Luke 2:1-3. This period was known as the Augustan age, where Rome was at peace, justice maintained, luxury curbed, discipline established, and learning encouraged. It was known as the golden age of Roman history.

Few days he shall be destroyed - Eighteen years after the raising of taxes Augustus died. This seemed only a few days to the prophet, who was looking down centuries of the world’s history.

Neither in anger, nor in battle - Augustus died peacefully in his bed, at Nola, where he had gone to seek repose and health. In August 19, 14 A.D. at the ninth hour of the day he died. 35 days before his 75th year of age. There is some implication that his fourth wife, Livia, poisoned him to have her son, Tiberius, rule in his stead.

Daniel 11:21 “And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.”

In his estate shall stand up a vile person - In the estate of Augustus, there was one who would stand up being a vile person. This rightly fits Tiberius Caesar. He was a vile, wicked, cruel, and licentious person. He was only intoxicated once in his life, this was a state of continual intoxication.

They shall not give the honour of the kingdom - The people of Rome did not respect Tiberius nor give him any honour.

Come in peaceably...obtain the kingdom by flatteries - Livia entreated Augustus to set Tiberius as his successor, but was unsuccessful the first time. The reason why is that the rulership was to go to Agrippa, a very virtuous and much respected Roman. Also Augustus said that Tiberius was too vile a person to wear the purple of Rome. But Agrippa died, forcing Augustus to choose again. Livia once again entreated Augustus. By now Augustus was weakened with age and ill health and consented.

Daniel 11:22 “And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yes, also the prince of the covenant.”

Tiberius went on to lead 7 successful military campaigns in Germany and in the east on the frontiers of Armenia and Parthia. But the overflower was to be overflown himself. Leaving his favourite island, Tiberius stopped at a country house near the promontory of Micenum. It was here on the 16th of March 37 A.D. he sunk into a lethargy, in which he appeared dead. Caligula was preparing an escort to take possession of the empire, when his sudden revival threw them into consternation. Marco, the praetorian perfect, caused him to be suffocated with pillows at this time. Tiberius died being 78 years of age.

Also the prince of the covenant - This can only refer to Messiah the Prince who was going to confirm the covenant with many for one week 9:25-27. So Jesus Christ was to be broken during the reign of Tiberius Caesar. According to Luke 3:1-3 Tiberius was reigning when John the Baptist was preaching, which he started in 26 A.D. Jesus was baptized in 27 A.D. and crucified in 31 A.D. So Jesus was crucified in the 17-18th year of Tiberius’ reign, before Tiberius died in 37 A.D.

This confirms the 70 week prophecy of Daniel 9.

Daniel 11:23-24 “And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people. 24 He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yes, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time.”

League made with him - We now flash back to the league made with the Jews in 161 B.C.

He shall work deceitfully - Rome worked deceitfully as they never kept the league, conquering the Jews in 63 B.C.

Shall become strong with a small people - Rome was only small at this stage when the league was made, but it was to rise to power even though it was small.

He shall enter peaceably...fattest places...fathers have not done... - Rome entered upon some of the land by alliances or request, as we have already seen that Ptolemy asked Rome to be guardian of Egypt. All other nations gained their power by conquest alone. This was not so with Rome. They entered upon the best of lands, securing them without war.

Among them the prey, and spoil, and riches - Rome protected all their provinces from their enemies and showed kindness and leniency toward them. All gained the advantage under the Roman rule.

Forecast his devices against the strongholds, even for a time - A time in the Bible is equal to a year, which is 360 days. So this being a prophetic time it is 360 years. This time period would have to start when Rome was complete ruler over all kingdoms. This was in 31 B.C. If you add 360 years to this date, you come to the year 330 A.D. It was in this year that Rome ceased to be the city from where all ruling was done and the base of the kingdom. It was at this time that Emperor Constantine moved the seat to Byzantium, later called Constantinople, in the west.

Daniel 11:25-27 “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. 26 Yes, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain. 27 And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.”

He shall stir up his power...against king of south - Octavian [Augustus Caesar], Mark Antony, and Lepidua formed the Triumvirate to avenge the death of Julius Caesar. Lepidus was finally pushed out of the triumvirate leaving Mark Antony and Octavian. Antony went down to Egypt on government business, but he fell victim to the arts and charms of Cleopatra. He started to bestow upon her province after province to please her. Octavian thus had no trouble declaring war upon Egypt and Cleopatra, even though the war was really against Antony as neither of them were satisfied with only half the kingdom.

King of south shall be stirred up...very great and mighty army - Antony assembled a fleet of 500 ships with 200,000 foot and 12,000 horse, at Samos.

But he shall not stand - Octavian assembled only half the amount of ships with 80,000 foot. Unlike Antony, all of Octavian’s troops were hand chosen and only experienced seamen were picked.

As soon as the season permitted, both armies were put in motion on both sea and land. The battle was fought Sept 2, B.C. 31, at the mouth of the gulf of Ambracia, near the city of Actium. Cleopatra became frightened by the din of battle, fled when there was no danger taking sixty ships with her. Antony, out of his infatuation for her, went after her.

Feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him - First Cleopatra deserted him with sixty ships. Then his army, being disgusted at his infatuation for her, went over to Octavian’s side who was more than happy to take them. Also when Antony came to Lybia, he found that the forces that were left there under Scarpus had declared to Octavian/Caesar. Antony committed suicide by stabbing himself.

His army shall overflow - Antony’s army went over to Octavian.

Many shall fall down slain - Before evening closed the whole fleet was destroyed. Most of the men and all of the treasure on board perished.

In verse 27 we see the final outcome of the conflict. Both Octavian and Antony were formally in alliance. Yet whilst professing friendship to each other, they were both striving for universal dominion. Their conversation to each other was lies spoken at one table, for they were hypocrites in professing friendship of one another. All councils did not prosper. Octavian eventually came out the victor, with Antony killing himself and also Cleopatra. But Rome’s end was still to be at the time appointed.

Daniel 11:28 “Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.”

Return into his land with great riches - Octavian/Augustus, with great success over Egypt, took its riches with him back to Rome.

Against the holy covenant and he shall do exploits - The holy covenant referred to here is the covenant that God made with His people in ages past. This deals with, in a broad sense, the Gospel, the plan of salvation, the promised seed, but also to the promised land which is Canaan. The only part that seems to fit is the land of Canaan which was included in God’s promise to Abraham. The reason for this is that we are dealing with the exploits or conquests of the Roman power, so we would be looking for exploits by Rome upon the promised land, which was a part of the covenant, after Rome’s conquest on Egypt. We will now see how it all fits together.

Under Vespasian, in 66 A.D., the Romans invaded Judea, and took the cities of Galilee, Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, where Christ had been rejected. They destroyed the inhabitants, and left nothing but ruin and desolation. Disorders at Rome caused the temporary withdrawal of the Roman armies, as foretold by Christ in Matthew 24:15 and Luke 21:20. The only reason why the righteous could flee was because Vespasian was called back to Rome. On his returning to Rome, he was made emperor and his son Titus took up the work of subjugating Jerusalem.

Titus came upon Jerusalem in 70 A.D. and in five months had destroyed it and the temple. 110,000 Jews perished, and 97,000 were taken captive. The city was later levelled by Tarentius Rufus with the foundations of the temple being ploughed up also. The duration of the entire war was 7 years, and 1,462,000 persons are said to have perished over this period. The survivors were banished, sold, and dispersed into all parts of the world. The Jews cry of His blood be on us and upon our children was definitely fulfilled.

Rome did do exploits upon the promised land/Palestine/Judea and Jerusalem, or Canaan as it was formally known as, and returned into its own land.

Daniel 11:29 “At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.”

At the time appointed - The time appointed, or the end of the 360 years which ended in 330 A.D.

He shall return - The he here is Constantine, as we will see more clearly as we go.

Come toward the south - Constantine came toward Licinius.

But it shall not be as the former, or as the latter - This war was not to be as the former wars against Egypt nor as the latter against Judea and Jerusalem. It was not, as it was an in house war between Constantine in the west and Licinius in the east, as the Roman empire was divide into east and west.

Licinius lost two battles and a truce was established lasting from 314 A.D. to 323 A.D., when war again broke out. Licinius was defeated and finally executed, 324 A.D. This left Constantine at the head of the Roman world. Byzantium, later called Constantinople, fell into Constantine’s hands and he decided to make it his capital instead of Rome. So he moved the seat of power from Rome to Byzantium in 330 A.D.

Rome ceased to be and was no longer the place where he ‘forecast his devices against the strongholds’ v24. The Roman empire was weakened by this move and now starts to disintegrate.

Daniel 11:30 “For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.”

Ships of Chittim shall come against him - The Vandals, from northern Africa, under Genseric, raged against the Roman empire with their naval forces. The Vandals repeatedly visited the coasts of Spain, Liguria, Tuscany, Campania, Lucania, Bruttium, Apulia, Calabria, Venetia, Dalmatia, Epirus, Greece, and Sicily. Italy itself was not spared from Genseric as well. Genseric’s career was from 428 A.D. to 468 A.D.

He shall be grieved and return - There were desperate efforts made to dispossess Genseric of the sovereignty of the seas, the first by Marjorian, the second by Leo, both of which proved to be utter failures; and Rome was obliged to submit to the humiliation of seeing its provinces ravaged, and its “eternal city” pillaged by the enemy.

Indignation against the holy covenant - Rome was to rise up and have indignation against the holy covenant, or the true Gospel or those who hold fast the true profession of faith. But how did they do this?

Intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant - The Emperors of Rome began to unite with the Bishops of Rome, **who had forsaken the true Gospel. This move, of uniting the church with the state, was done to increase the stability and power of the state. “Thus the state within the state was abolished; the strongest political force then existent, to wit, the church, was made the cornerstone of the state. Both parties, the emperor and bishops, were equally well pleased.” Historians History of the World pgs 639, 640, 642.

This process began under Constantine when he converted to the Christian faith and Christianity no longer was persecuted within the empire. It proceeded until in order to exterminate the heresy of Arianism held by the three powers that overran the “Eternal City” namely the Heruli, Goths and Vandals, Emperor Justinian decreed in 533 A.D., see appendix A for decree, that the Bishop of Rome was the head of the entire Church and the corrector of heresies. This aspect of church and state however, was not made up of the true and pure followers of Bible truth. This amalgamation of church and state was the product of years of compromise that had slowly begun to permeate more and more of the professed Christian world. Scattered amongst the provinces were faithful believers who refused to bow the knee to the newly established Bishop of Rome as head over the church of God.

** Note: They had forsaken the true Gospel by the dedication of Chapels to angels, saints, and martyrs. Superstitious ceremonies were woven into everyday life. Wakes and banquets for the dead were celebrated; the relics of the saints were collected and adored, and they pushed aside the council of Christ by uniting church and state Matthew 22:21.

As in chapter 8 we will now see the transition between Pagan Rome to Papal Rome.

Daniel 11:31 “And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.”

Arms shall stand on his part - Arms/force/power was to stand on the part of those who have forsaken the covenant, the bishops or Church of Rome. In 496 A.D. Clovis, King of the Franks converts to Catholicism, recognizing the Bishop of Rome as head over all the church, corrector of heretics and vicar of God on earth. Thus he places his armies at the disposal of the Pope to defend the faith, expand her borders and correct the heresies currently so popular in the Western Empire.

Pollute the sanctuary of Strength - Rome itself was converted to the Catholic faith.

Take away the daily - Between 496 and 508 A.D., Clovis used his military forces to convert idolaters to Romanism, through alliances, capitulations, and conquests, the Arborici, the Roman garrisons in the West, Brittany, the Burgundians, and the Visigoths, were brought into subjection. They gave up their pagan attachments, but only to perpetuate its abomination in another form called Christianity. The Christianity of the Catholic Church was and still is only baptized paganism.

The last vestiges of paganism were removed for the Church, by Clovis, by 508 A.D.

Shall place the abomination that maketh desolate - This is a separate event to the taking away of the daily. Thus although the pagan religion of the empire had now given way to the Christian religion, there was a difference in theology that prevented the Pope from assuming the title so recently bestowed upon him by Emperor Justinian. The Vandals, Ostrogoths and Heruli, all avowed Arians, refused to acknowledge the Bishop of Rome as head over the churches and opposed the Catholic Emperor. Justinian sent his army with General Belisaris to take care of the opposition. After defeating the Vandals, and the Heruli only the Ostrogoths remained. The Goths retreated and allowed Belisaris to enter Rome unopposed. They then in a better season laid siege to the city: which they held for over a year. However, the siege that included the entire nation in its attempt was a bitter failure and that remnant of Goths that remained abandoned the city to Belisaris and disappeared from history. Thus by the year 538 A.D. there remained no opposition to the Pope of Rome to take the seat of the Empire to himself.

We see, in this verse, a clear link to Daniel 8:11-13, dealing with the transition between Pagan Rome and Papal Rome.

Daniel 11:32 “And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”

Such as do wickedly against the covenant - Those who forsake the truth of God and follow the papal apostasy.

He - This is now a reference to the Papacy as the King of the North, Pagan Rome has given way to Papal Rome.

Corrupt by flatteries - Those who followed the Papacy, in forsaking the truth of the gospel, were often led on in their zeal by the bestowment of wealth, position and honours.

But - in contrast to the above mentioned ones, we now see an alternate group.

The people that do know their God - Obviously in contrast to the Papal sympathizers, these are the faithful who are true to the covenant.

Shall be strong and do exploits - During the dark ages of Papal tyranny, there were Christians who kept the pure religion alive and performed marvellous acts of self sacrifice and religious heroism in behalf of their faith. These included such groups as the Waldenses, Albigenses and Hugenots.

Daniel 11:33-35 “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. 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. 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.”

They that understand shall instruct many - The faithful witness of the self sacrificing missionaries kept the light of truth alive during the ages of persecution and Papal control.

Fall by the sword, flame, captivity and spoil many days - Persecution was kindled in horrendous amounts to stop the spread of the true gospel and the exposure of the falsity of the professed church that sat in the city of Rome. Whether it be by death of the sword, burnt at the stake, imprisonment, or by the confiscation of goods, the Papacy would and did use all in an attempt to rule out so called heresy. The many days is a reference to the much repeated 1260 years of Papal Supremacy over Europe.

They shall be helpen with a little help - The Protestant Reformation brought a shortening of the days of persecution in many areas. It provided relief from the absolute control heretofore swayed by the Papal armies.

But many shall cleave to them with flatteries - Even in the reformed churches, the flattery of trusting in the state to defend the faith rather than in the God of heaven, was tried with again great success. Thus the battles started to be between Protestant governments and Catholic Governments. To escape from this continued apostasy those who believed in the Biblical principle of separation of church and state fled to the United States of America, the stronghold of religious liberty for all. There true Protestantism was to be nurtured.

Shall fall to try them and to purge...them white - Many faithful men and women were martyred to purify the church from those who had joined it for the wrong reasons. A cursory study of church history reveals that only during times of persecution was the church actually pure. At all other times it was full of apostasy and corruption.

Even to the time of the end - The time of the end, would begin when the time of this persecution would cease. In 1798 the Pope was taken prisoner by Berthier of the French army, and to all intents and purposes the power that had fuelled the inquisition and the persecution of heretics was stopped. Although such persecution has existed and still does exist today in many places, the scope and control of such persecution is extremely limited in contrast to its jurisdiction under the Dark Ages. Thus we are now given the exact date of the beginning of the time of the end, 1798 A.D.

Daniel 11:36-39 “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. 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. 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. 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.”

The King - The king referred to here, is the king of the north of the previous verses, that is the Papacy. As Daniel, when discussing the issue of Pagan Rome, outlined secular events involved in the rise of this power and then retraced the time and outlined specific characteristics of Pagan Rome, so in discussing Papal Rome here he outlined the rise of the power in verses 30-35 and then retraces his steps and outlines the characteristics of the Papacy in verses 36-39. (see also Appendix B)

Shall do according to his will - As seen in previous passages of Daniel, the Papacy was able to rule over the Kings and Queens of Europe according to its own will and pleasure.

Shall exalt himself - This the Papacy did in placing itself in the power to actually excommunicate kings and emperors who disagreed with her desires and laws. (2 Thessalonians 2:4 we read of the Man of Sin who also exalteth himself, this is recognized as the Papacy.)

Magnify himself above every God - This is true where at point of death, no other god or power could be acknowledged but the Pope of Rome. Also in Daniel 8:25, 11, we see that the Papacy would magnify himself in his heart and also to Jesus Christ the Prince of the host, for he claims to be the Vicar of Christ.

Shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods - Blasphemy against God. Blasphemy is taking the attributes of divinity to oneself when a man (John 10:30-31) and claiming to have the right to forgive sins. (Mark 2:5-7) These two things the Papacy did, but France did not. (Daniel 7:25, Revelation 13:5)

Shall prosper - Shall succeed at this task of subjugating the entire world of its time and gaining material possessions. (Daniel 8:12, 24).

Till the Indignation be accomplished - This power is an affront or indignity against the God of Heaven. The great indignation is the substitute of Sunday sacredness, or the idol Sabbath, instead of the true Sabbath. In fact, the idol Sabbath is instituted to draw the people away from God the creator to the false god. The prophecy states that it will succeed in its endeavour until the indignation be accomplished or fulfilled. When it has fulfilled its allotted time and opportunity, then the end will come.

That that is determined shall be done - What God has foretold shall be accomplished, the saints shall receive the kingdom and the wicked shall be destroyed regardless of how powerful or invincible they might seem to be at any point in history. (Revelation 14:9-10, Daniel 7:11)

Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers - His fathers worshipped the God of the scriptures, the God of heaven, however, the papacy regarded the gods of the pagans under a “Christian” garb. Also it claimed that the wafer was actually God and thus it is worshipped as though it is God, carried about as any pagan deity might be in celebrations and processions, and ultimately eaten that the devotee might possess it.

Nor the desire of women - Celibacy in the priesthood. (1 Timothy 4:1-3 forbidding to marry).

Nor regard any God for he shall magnify himself above all - This is often referred to the French Atheistic revolution, however, in context it is applied to the fact that he “magnify’s himself above all gods, including the God of heaven who he supposedly represents 2 Thessalonians 2:4. In the documents of the Catholic Church itself, they claim the prerogative to make laws and decrees that God himself is bound to obey. Thus placing themselves inclusively above all gods whatever and wherever. In Daniel 7:25 he thinks to change God’s immutable law. In doing this you are magnifying yourself above God and disregarded His desires.

Honour the God of Forces - (Heb-mauzzim) this is translated by some as munitions and applies quite well to the Papacy’s continued support of those who will put military or governmental power at their disposal and to further their ends.

Another translation is to see it as God’s protectors, or mediators, thus indicating the worship of saints as mediators between man and God, again a god unknown to his fathers.

A god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour - Obviously a reference to the ultimate counterfeit to Christ, which is none other than the Virgin Mary who has been highly exalted in the Catholic Faith, and today we have seen the current Pope (John Paul II ) dedicate his entire pontificate to her.

With gold, and silver... - These gods they honour with millions of pounds worth of jewellery. Costly shrines have been multiplied in every part of the world.

In the most strong holds - Even in places where there seemed no desire to follow the pagan practices of Catholicism, has Mary worship begun to take hold. In fact, in the religion of the American Indians, the Tibetan Dalai Lama and even the Hindus are the prophecies and expectancies of a woman who is to come and bring peace to the world. Thus the world was being prepared in the most unexpected places to accept Catholicism as the world spiritual leaders.

Whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory - There is a large scale movement within the Catholic Church to establish the Virgin Mary in an exalted position of Co-mediatrix, co-redemptrix with Christ.

Cause them to rule over many - Millions of Rome’s devotees are held in bondage by this worship of saints and the Virgin Mary, by these idols and images.

Shall divide the land for gain - The papacy claims the right to divide the entire world among whom it pleases. Take for example the fact that when the Normans under Henry II took Ireland, it was Pope Adrian IV who “gave him permission” to do so. Also in regards to the new world discoveries, the entire new world was divided, by the pope, between the Spanish and the Portuguese.

For a price (margin) - This is very true in regards to the Papacy as everything they do is “for a price.” It can bring forgiveness “for a price,” it can help the dead who are supposed to be in purgatory “for a price”, and “for a price” it can sprinkle water on infants etc.

Daniel 11:40 “And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.”

At the time of the end - The time of the end we have seen in verse 35 to be 1798. So we are looking at or after 1798.

King of the south - At this point we see the re-entering of the king of the south into the field of conflict. For a long period the world has been dominated by one power, that is the king of the north alone. The king of the south, under Cleopatra, succumbing to become part of the Roman Empire. However, we have also seen a change in the king of the north from the controller of the literal territory originally occupied by Babylon to the Spiritual rulership of the Church of Rome, who while not taking the literal territory of Pagan Rome has succeeded in usurping power through the spiritual realm. Thus we need to find who is the spiritual progenitor of Egypt, which was the literal territory of the king of the south. According to Revelation 11 there was a power that would rise which would “spiritually” be called “Egypt.” The attitude or characteristic of Egypt that is so important here is the principle of Atheism, not willing to recognize the God of heaven. (Exodus 5:2) Thus the first manifestation of this principle is none other than in Atheistic France under the French Revolution. From here the same principle developed into the Communist revolution in Russia. This same weapon-Revolution- has been used in all the former Papal dominated countries to overthrow the government and establish communist rulers. Thus communism has come to be seen as an enemy to the Papacy.

Push - The word push means to war against. An example is found in Daniel 8:4 where the Ram was pushing westward, and northward etc., and none could deliver out of his hand.

Shall push at him - Thus at the time of the end, 1798, we look for a power to push or attack the king of the north, or the Papacy. This occurred when Napoleon’s General Berthier marched into Rome and took Pope Pius VI prisoner. The pope later died in captivity at Valance. Thus the unchecked power that had ruled for 1260 years came to an end, and the papacy has never regained the same control and power she once enjoyed.

King of the north - Here we see a revived papacy who retaliates against the king of the south.

King of the south - At this point, we see the papacy retaliating against modern Atheism which is found in modern Communism.

Come against him like a whirlwind - We look for an attack which is like a mighty storm, tornado even, sweeping away all within in its path. Definitely gaining an ascendancy over all that it comes in contact with. We look for a revival of the power of the papacy, seeing that it had lost it in 1798. This ties in with Revelation13 and the healing of the deadly wound, and the new Papacy gaining ascendancy over the entire world.

With chariots, horsemen and many ships - Chariots and horsemen represent military strength as we see in the following verses;

1 Kings 1:5 - Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king, and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.

1 Kings 20:1 - Ben-hadad, king of Syria gathered all his army and horses and chariots and went up and warred against Samaria.

Ships represent economic strength as we see in the following verses;

Psalms 107:23 - They that go down in ships, that do business in great waters.

Proverbs 31:14 - She is like the merchant’s ships, she bringeth her food from afar.

Shall enter into the countries - This denotes that there is more than one country under the control of the king of the south or communism.

Shall overflow and pass over - A combination of military and economic strength shall be used to totally sweep away the king of the south or communism. This was done with the uniting of Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II to bring in a five part plan to bring down communism and the collapse of the Soviet economy. More information supplied on inserts.

The Final Analysis - “In 1798 the king of the south, France began an ongoing war against the king of the north, Catholicism. Atheism continued to develop its ideology and reached another stage of growth at the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. Communism continued the war against Catholicism attempting to bring the former empire of Papal Rome into its grasp, but in time, Catholicism mounted an overwhelming counterattack. The king of the north swept away the entire structure of the king of the south/communism, entering into all the countries of the former Soviet Union and her tributary states. This overwhelming attack came with the military and economic assistance of the United States of America. This alliance repeats the history of Clovis, when “arms shall stand on his part.” It points to Revelation 13, teaching that soon the United States of America will speak as a dragon, and then force the world to also form an image to the beast. Daniel 11:40 is the first historical manifestation of this end-time unholy alliance.” (Taken from The Final Rise and Fall of the King of the North by Jeff Pippinger.)

Daniel 11:41 “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.”

Shall enter into the glorious land - The Papacy will enter into God’s church. This is done through the doctrines of Catholicism coming in and being accepted into the Remnant Church. That is, apostasy from the truth of God. Just as during the initial rise of the Papacy in the dark ages, those who were against the holy covenant united with the false church to promote its agenda. (This could also be applied to the inculcating of the false doctrines of Catholicism into Protestantism.)

Many shall be overthrown - Many shall be taken in by the false doctrines that are coming in amongst us. These false doctrines including the False or idol Sabbath will be enforced by the alliance of the Papacy and the United States of America.

These shall escape out of his hand - That is out of the hand of the king of the north – the modern Papacy.

Edom, Moab and the children of Ammon - These are the age old enemies of Israel. Thus as the final crisis develops many will see the light of truth, even in places where it seems people are hardened in sin, wickedness, and Catholicism, and they will “escape” from the Papal doctrines and will join with God’s faithful people. (Psalms 137:8, Isaiah 11:11-16)

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

Shall stretch forth his hand upon the countries - That is the countries of the world.

Egypt shall not escape - Egypt is both a reference to Atheism, and also to symbolize the secular world. Thus this reference is to state that after a Sunday law is enforced all the religions of the world will unite to accept it. Even secular countries, or non-Christian countries will come under the Papal decree enforced through her alliance with the United States of America.

Daniel 11:43 “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.”

Power over silver and gold and precious things of Egypt - This is referring to economic power. The Papacy will control all trade etc. in the world, through such laws as the prohibition to buy or sell without the mark of the beast. (Revelation 13:16-17)

Libyans - The ancient Libyans lived on the fringe of the desert and always looked longingly towards Egypt with its fertile Nile valley etc. Thus Libya today symbolizes the Third World.

Ethiopians - The Ethiopians were always wealthy due to their gold mines in their mountains, and their wealth in cattle, ivory, hides and ebony. Also traffic from central Africa entered Egypt through Ethiopia. Thus Ethiopia represents the Affluent Western World.

Daniel 11:44 “But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.”

Tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him - This is the Loud Cry of the fourth angel of Revelation 18, which comes against the Papacy’s attempt to control the entire world and bring it under its false teachings. This group who are giving the Loud Cry are the only ones who stand in the way of full control for the Papacy. Thus their strong Biblical message under the power of the Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit (See Revelation 18) causes much consternation and frustration for the Papacy. As seen before many will accept this message and “escape” from under its tyranny.

Ezekiel 43:1-2 - The message of the Lord shineth from the way of the east.

Revelation 7:2 - The sealing angel comes from the way of the east, thus the sealing message symbolized by this angel is seen to come from God by the way of the east.

Revelation 16:12 - The deliverance of God’s people will come from the kings of the east which symbolize the return of Christ.

Jeremiah 50:9 - God was going to cause an assembly of great nations from the north to come and destroy Babylon for their treatment of Israel. This was the Medes and the Persians who symbolized Christ.

Isaiah 14:13 - The throne of God is in the sides of the north.

Go forth with great fury to destroy and utterly to take away many - The final death decree against those who will not accept to worship the beast and his image – Sunday.

Daniel 11:45 “And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.”

Plant the tabernacles of his palace - That is the seat of his influence, his control.

Seas - Water represents people. (Revelation 17:15)

Glorious Holy Mountain - Represents Jerusalem, which spiritually is God’s Remnant Church.

Between - The papacy plants its influence between the people and the final message hoping to prevent any more people hearing the gospel and being saved.

Yet he shall come to his end and none shall help him - As outlined in Revelation 18 when the judgment of God falls upon modern Babylon, for her sins, there will be none to support or defend her then. Throughout her career she has always relied on others to wage her wars etc. for her, but this time there will be no one and she will be destroyed.

At this point, the angel Gabriel having outlined the history from the time of Persia to the time of the first coming of Christ, delineating all the secular events, he proceeds to go back to the initial Jewish interaction with Rome and brings down a direct line of events to the final triumph of the church and the second coming of Christ. The first section outlined the rise of Rome upon the scene of history until it reaches the zenith as the fourth world kingdom, and then as is common in this chapter, we are taken back over the same history but this time outlining the character of Rome and its direct relationship to God’s people.

Appendix A.

Justinian’s Decree

When Justinian was about to commence the Vandal war, A.D. 533, an enterprise of no small magnitude and difficulty, he wished to secure the influence of the bishop of Rome, who had then attained a position in which his opinion had great weight throughout a large portion of Christendom. Justinian therefore took it upon himself to decide the contest which had long existed between the sees of Rome and Constantinople as to which should have the precedency, by giving the preference to Rome, and declaring, in the fullest and most unequivocal terms, that the bishop of that city should be chief of the whole ecclesiastical body of the empire. A work on the Apocalypse, by Rev. George Croly, of England, published in 1827, presents a detailed account of the events by which the supremacy of the pope of Rome was secured. He gives the following as the terms in which the letter of Justinian was expressed:-

“Justinian, pious, fortunate, renowned, triumphant, emperor, consul, etc., to John, the most holy archbishop of our city of Rome, and patriarch.

“Rendering honour to the apostolic chair and to your holiness, as has been always, and is, our wish, and honouring your blessedness as a father, we have hastened to bring to the knowledge of your holiness all matters relating to the state of the churches; it having been at all times our great desire to preserve the unity of your apostolic chair, and the constitution of the holy churches of God, which has obtained hitherto, and still obtains.

“Therefore we have made no delay in subjecting and uniting to your holiness all the priests of the whole East.....We cannot suffer that anything which relates to the state of the church, however manifest and unquestionable, should be moved without the knowledge of your holiness, who is the Head of all the Holy Churches; for in all things, as we have already declared, we are anxious to increase the honour and authority of your apostolic chair.” – Croly, pp. 114, 115.

Daniel 11 Appendix B...