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The World to Come. The Restored Church of God presents David C. Pack. Answering life’s
greatest questions straight from the Bible, and announcing the wonderful good news of
the World to Come.
This is Part 3 in a series examining the Middle East in prophecy. We have covered the current
state of this violent and tumultuous region, along with the incredible prophecy in Daniel
11. We have seen history come alive---confirming the authority of the Bible. We saw that verse
after verse was substantiated by the provable facts of history, leaving no doubt in the
viewer's mind that what God recorded in His Word has happened---and that the rest of Daniel's
prophecy will also be fulfilled. There is more to understand in Daniel 11,
and also chapter 12. You will be fascinated by more facts of history!
We left off last time examining the first fulfillment of the abomination of desolation,
outlined in Daniel 11:31. We saw that Antiochus Epiphanes placed the "abomination that makes
desolate" in the Temple in 167 BC---just as God foretold. We also saw history records
this was a statue of Zeus, Jupiter Olympus, placed in the Holy of Holies, the most holy
part of the Temple. Antiochus' fulfillment of this passage is
a crucial type of a latter day fulfillment to occur in our time. Luke 21:20 reveals Jerusalem
will be left in desolation by armies that will surround and destroy it---with this occurring
in the next few years. The enormous gravity of this prophecy will be explained later.
(I will cover in detail the abomination of desolation after this series.)
It is very important for the viewer to recognize that God often uses the principle of duality
to show the world, thru prior similar events---as types---what He intends to do again---to repeat---invariably
in a much greater way in the future! This is an absolutely vital key to understanding
the meaning of many Bible prophecies! We return to the storyline. Let's examine
the first part of VERSE 32. It describes Antiochus' attempt to destroy the Jewish religion. Let's
read: "And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries…"
Antiochus outlawed both the daily sacrifice and the daily ministration of the Temple thru
a system of flattering (with favors) any Jews who would renounce their beliefs.
The following comes from the book of 1st Maccabees. While some Bibles incorrectly include this
book as Scripture---it is not---it is helpful in regard to history, and in picturing the
utter depravity of Antiochus Epiphanes. Let's read: "King Antiochus wrote to all his kingdom,
that all the people should be one: and every one should leave his own law. And should prohibit
the sabbath, and the festival [or holy] days to be celebrated…he commanded the holy places
to be profaned…he commanded altars to be built, and temples, and idols, and swine's
flesh to be immolated, and unclean beasts, and that whosoever would not do according
to the word of king Antiochus, should be put to death. Then many of the people were gathered
to them that had forsaken the law of the Lord: and they committed evils…and every one with
whom the books of the testament of the Lord were found, and whosoever observed the law
of the Lord, they put to death…the women that circumcised their children were slain
according to the commandment of king Antiochus, and they hanged the children about their neck
in all their houses: and those that had circumcised them, they put to death…many of the people
of Israel determined with themselves…they would not break the holy law of God and they
were put to death…" This horrible picture is but the tiniest type---a mere fraction---of
what will occur when this prophecy is fulfilled again. The next time will be infinitely worse---and
will involve many more people than the Jews of Palestine.
It is critical to understand that, from the middle of VERSE 32, the prophecy shifts forward
to the time of Christ and the New Testament Church. Notice: "But the people that do know
their God shall be strong, and do exploits." So far, we have watched each step of this
prophecy unfold over almost 2 centuries. The time setting now fast-forwards approximately
200 more years to depict true Christians. "Even to the time of the end: because it is
yet for a time appointed." Notice again that verse 32 speaks of "people that do know their
God shall be strong and do exploits [or great works]." VERSE 33 continues, "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." This describes the period of 2,000 years spanning
the entire New Testament era all the way to Christ's Return---a time that would certainly
be many days. At this point in the prophecy, many theologians
and commentaries note that the highly detailed, precisely fulfilled, verse-by-verse story
appears to come to an abrupt end. But in fact it does not!
These two portions of verses picture two entirely different time settings---the first being
a type of the latter. Certainly Antiochus did "corrupt by flatteries" a great many Jews.
The latter part of verse 32 speaks of the time of the Maccabees, who resisted Antiochus'
pattern of corruption and slaughter. They represented a type of what Jesus and His apostles
would begin to do when Jesus built His Church (foretold in Matt. 16:18). Obviously, Christ
and the apostles knew God, were strong, and did do great works.
Christians are always to be "strong" and should always be prepared to "instruct many"---because
they "understand" what God is doing at all steps in His Plan! Obviously, of course, Jesus
and the apostles did "instruct many." We saw Daniel 12 specifically records that
at the time of the end, "None of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand."
The entirety of chapter 12 continues the end-time setting.
The latter part of verse 33 is a picture of the martyrdom of Christ and all the apostles
except John. Persecution and martyrdom continued into the Middle Ages for God's people. The
Church of God, Jesus' "little flock," little-known to the world, has suffered tremendous persecution
thru the centuries at the hands of the great, false universal church system. One final greatest
persecution---to occur just before Jesus returns---still lies ahead for those true Christians who have
grown lukewarm at the end of the age. VERSES 34 and 35 are a powerful description
of God's people from the time the New Testament Church was founded all the way to the present.
Notice: "Now when they shall fall, they shall be [helped] with a little help: but many shall
cleave to them with flatteries [yes, some even get into God's own Church who are not
sincere]. And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and
to make them white [a type of being righteous], even to the time of the end: because it is
yet for a time appointed." All of this is appointed as part of God's Plan for His people.
Now 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 [that’s God's final wrath] be accomplished:
for that that is determined shall be done." This describes the king of the north just
before and during the early centuries of the New Testament Church. From approximately 63
BC forward, the Roman emperor (king of the north) controlled the Holy Land (Judea). Each
Roman emperor certainly did "exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god," by requiring
all his subjects to worship him---and he required sacrifices to be offered to him, like he was
a god! Roman emperors did act as though they were gods. They did speak against the true
God, and persecuted His servants---for many hundreds of years.
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." This shows how Roman kings, prior
to AD 476, had worshipped idols. History records that these Roman emperors did "magnify [themselves]
above all"! VERSE 38 describes focus on the military might
of the Roman Empire: "But in his estate shall he honor the god of forces [the margin is
"munitions"]: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold…silver…precious
stones, and pleasant things." The Roman army did develop into the most powerful
war machine in history---and in amount of munitions to use force to that time. And the
empire did amass gold, silver, jewelry, and other treasures. From Justinian's reign, in
AD 554, when the "deadly wound" of Revelation 13 "was healed" (after 78 years from AD 476,
when 3 northern barbarian tribes had swept into and temporarily controlled Rome), the
civil emperors in Rome did begin to honor (with power, gold and silver) a god that had
been unknown to their ancestors---or "fathers." This "god" held a high and very powerful religious
office in Rome and received great deference from Roman emperors.
(More about this is covered in other broadcasts, such as those on the Beast of Revelation and
on the whole Book of Revelation. These are also covered in my two extensive free booklets
Revelation Explained at Last! and Who or What Is the Beast of Revelation?) All our literature
on prophecy can be found thruout our websites. For those who may want what is virtually all
of what we offer on prophecy in one book, The Bible's Greatest Prophecies Unlocked!
-- A Voice Cries Out may be ordered. Most students of Bible prophecy remain in
near total ignorance of its meaning, unable to recognize the speed, sequence, seriousness---and
AWESOME MAGNITUDE!---of onrushing events. They just cannot untangle the maze of what
happens when, as well as where and to whom---and why. This book removes the veil of mystery
shrouding God's Plan and makes prophecy come alive---and reveals what lies ahead for all
nations before Christ's Return. You can order it at Amazon.com and other online booksellers.
Now back to VERSE 39 in Daniel's prophecy: "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."
Thru these emperors, this high religious office did control or "rule over many"---hundreds
of millions and in fact today over one billion---and had great power and wealth given to it. Carefully
compare this portion of the prophecy with Revelation 17:1, 4-5, chapter 18:3 and 16,
and 19:2 where this religious power is described as babylon, a great *** and the mother of
harlots who fornicates with the kings and merchants of the earth! (This and related
prophecies are also covered in other broadcasts---but in great detail, and from every possible angle,
in the previously-described book.) Daniel 11, VERSE 40 states this: "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…horsemen, and…many ships; and he shall
enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over."
Daniel 11:40 plainly speaks of "the time of the end." It then says "the king of the south
shall push at him," and adds that "the king of the north shall come against him like a
whirlwind…" What does this mean? Who are these two kings? Who is this end-time king
of the south? Some review of history is now necessary.
Anciently, this was Egypt. But Rome seized Egypt and made it a province. During the intervening
centuries, there has been no great king of the south. However, Ptolemy III Euergetes
did seize part of Ethiopia, as the king of the south in Egypt, in 247 to 222 BC.
Both Rawlinson and the Encyclopaedia Britannica (11th edition) explain that Egypt and Ethiopia
were governed together several different times. Ethiopia was the only part of the territory
controlled by the king of the south that remained independent until the 20th century. (I will
in another entire broadcast explain the modern identity of the king of the south, soon to
rise on the world scene in shocking fashion---and to come into conflict one last time with the
final modern king of the north.) Once again, only Ethiopia continued and remained
independent in East Africa from the time of the Roman Empire. Therefore, no other country
or government could fit as the king of the south---at that time having been part of the
ancient land controlled by the "king of the south." Remember, verse 40 explains that the
king of the south "push[es]" toward the north---or Rome. This occurred in 1895 and into 1896.
At that time, about 100,000 soldiers, under Ethiopian King Menelik, came against the Italian
army led by General Oreste Baratieri. It should be noted that Eritrea (north of Ethiopia)
belonged to Italy, while southeast of Ethiopia was Italian Somaliland.
General Baratieri attempted to defend Eritrea against the Ethiopian attack. Over 10,000
people were either killed or taken prisoner. The greatly outnumbered and inexperienced
Italian army was almost completely destroyed in a battle fought over rugged, mountainous
terrain. Italy never forgot this defeat and vowed revenge.
It took almost 40 years, but the opportunity finally came.
In 1927, Benito Mussolini determined that he would attack Ethiopia in 8 years (1935),
at a point 39 years after the defeat. He followed thru, and this did occur in 1935! Again notice
verse 40, in its reference to Mussolini's attack: "And the king of the north shall come
against him [the southern king] 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."
A whirlwind compares to a tornado, a powerful storm that drops from the sky. Mussolini did
in fact bring a large air force to attack Ethiopia. Of course, his chariots were modern
tanks and other armaments. The many ships were part of an armada carrying over 100,000
soldiers to the battle. But verse 40 ends with an amazing statement---it describes this
large force as "pass[ing] over." Just as God foretold, Mussolini withdrew and did not finish
his attack. This is because God has reserved one final influential and very powerful leader
who will arise in Europe and complete the prophecy!
We have now arrived at our point in time---today---when the verses that follow verse 40 are those
that are yet to be fulfilled. All verses preceding and thru verse 40 are already fulfilled, and
have become established facts of history! May all who read the next 5 verses come to
understand their message for our time! (My booklet Are These the Last Days? proves this
time has come.) Many Bible prophecies reveal that there is
yet coming one final resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire---when a final king of the north
will seize the world stage for a short period prior to the Return of Christ. The world is
now moving toward this last period of terrible trouble. This dictator will gather 10 other
kings (read Rev. 17:12-13), who will give their power and allegiance to him in this
last revival of the Holy Roman Empire. VERSE 41 says of this last king of the north
that "He shall enter also into the glorious land." This entrance into Palestine---the
glorious land, or Holy Land---has not yet happened! The prophecy continues, "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." (Incidentally, Moab and Ammon constitute the modern Middle
Eastern nation of Jordan---Ammon the northern half and Moab the southern half. Many prophecies
indicate God will spare this region because it is the likely place He will protect His
servants thru all of what is coming. My unique booklet Promised Protection -- Secret Rapture
or Place of Safety? tells the fascinating story of what God promises for those who obey
Him. Other broadcasts on this website do the same.)
Let's read VERSE 42: "He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the
land of Egypt shall not escape." Then, VERSE 43 adds this: "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." Turmoil in Libya today is merely setting
the stage for events that will dwarf current conditions like an atomic bomb a firecracker.
The king of the north will, once again, control countries Italy lost control over at the end
of WWII. Note that after Mussolini's invasion, Ethiopia is no longer referenced.
Now VERSES 44 and 45: "But tidings [or news] 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 [or kill] many. And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace
between the seas [that’s the Mediteranean Sea and the Dead Sea] in the glorious holy
mountain [in Jerusalem]; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him."
What could all of this mean? The Orient and Russia lie east and north,
respectively, from where the revived Holy Roman Empire will be established in the Middle
East. Remember that, prophetically, God uses Jerusalem as the geographic point from which
to reference any direction. The king of the north, who will at the time be south of Jerusalem
in Egypt, will hear troubling news out of the north and east. Russia, to the north,
coupled with many nations from the east, will join the war, centered in the Middle East.
Verse 45 summarizes the end of this longest of all Bible prophecies. The king of the north
(the final civil ruler over the last revival of the Holy Roman Empire) will have, with
a religious partner the book of Revelation calls the False Prophet, swept into the modern
land of Israel, "the holy mountain," to establish a civil and religious headquarters. Another
prophecy, in Zechariah 14:2, declares that "the city [Jerusalem] shall be taken." The
rest of this verse must be read to fully understand the horror that occurs when Jerusalem is conquered.
Luke 21:20 reveals that Jerusalem's future destruction comes from armies that for a time
merely surround it. Revelation 11:2 confirms this. This will be covered later in the series.
Looking ahead, Zechariah 14:3 continues, explaining what ultimately happens: "Then shall the Lord
go forth, and fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle. And
His feet shall stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem
on the east." In the end, the all-powerful, returning Jesus Christ destroys the armies
that destroyed Jerusalem! More about Armageddon follows in Part 4.
When speaking of the Beast and False Prophet, Daniel 11:45 concludes, "Yet he [the Beast]
shall come to his end, and none shall help him." Zechariah 14:3 explains how Christ deals
with him and his army---as well as with the False Prophet. Rev 19:19-20 and Zech 14:12
give more explanation to the terrible end ahead for these two infamous figures!
Recall that Daniel 12 concludes the chapter 11 prophecy. Let's briefly examine it: "At
that time [it says] shall Michael [the archangel] stand up, the great prince which stands for
the children of your 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 your people shall be delivered,
every one that shall be found written in the book [that's the book of life].
This is describing the worst time of trouble in the history of man. Jesus described this
period in Matthew 24: "Then shall be Great Tribulation such as was not since the beginning
of the world to this time, no nor ever shall be." So did the prophet Jeremiah: "…that
day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble." Christ,
Daniel and Jeremiah all describe this worst time ever. Think. There cannot be several
times that are all the worst time of all time! Continuing in Dan 12:4: "But you, O Daniel,
shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end…And I [Daniel] heard,
but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And
he said, Go your way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of
the end." Daniel desperately wanted to understand what he recorded. But it was not for his time.
Only those in the modern age---today!---are privileged to understand what even Daniel,
one of the most righteous men who ever lived, and who recorded the prophecy, was not permitted
to understand. This series has made plain what vast millions could never know from God's
Word until the end of the age. So says God! Daniel 12:10 reveals specifics of God's Plan
for His people: "Many shall be purified, and made white [again, that is, made righteous],
and tried [by difficult circumstances and hard times in the last days]; but the wicked
shall do wickedly: and [remember this] none of the wicked [those who will not obey God]
shall understand; but the wise shall understand." You can be among the wise---and know what
lies ahead! There are two groups to be tried. One is already
taking place and the other is future. The first involves God's people, who are being
spiritually "purified, made white, and tried" now! Their conversion is being purified NOW.
This process continues for some, those who are lukewarm, into the second trial---the
Tribulation---which "shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth,"
and the nations of modern Israel in particular---which we saw in Jeremiah experience "the time of
Jacob's trouble." You have seen but one, albeit a very big one,
of the many undeniable proofs of the Bible's authority---fulfilled prophecy! We saw in
Part 1 that Daniel 10:1 declares, "The thing [this whole prophecy] was true," and verse
21 ties it to "the scripture of truth." Each one foretold by God, specific event after
specific event---spanning centuries---has come to pass---and exactly as prophesied!
God's Word has been shown to be true! This includes the final 5 verses of Daniel 11 yet
to be fulfilled! But what will you do about all that you have
learned? Your future turns on understanding these prophecies and applying all of God's
other truths. We are out of time. The final segment---Part
4---expands on crucial matters merely touched on in the series so far. This includes the
awesome good news ahead for the Middle East. Until next time, this is David C. Pack saying,
"Goodbye, friends."
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