Nations are not mentioned in Bible prophecy unless they stand in opposition to the people of God. In ancient times, Jerusalem was the center for God’s people. The great empire of Babylon lay to the northeast of Jerusalem with a desert between. The armies of Babylon traveled around the desert and attacked Jerusalem from the north. Hence, throughout the Old Testament, the term the "king of the north" is applied to Babylon (Jer. 25:9; Jer. 46:6, 10; Eze. 26:7).

Unlike the king of the north, the king of the south remains constant. It represents the atheistic power of Egypt that lay to the south of Jerusalem. This chapter shows God’s people being attacked by false religion from the north and atheistic beliefs from the south.

The vision of Daniel 11 occurred during the first year of the Medo-Persian Empire. Hence, the king of the north first mentioned is not Babylon. However, like Babylon, it is a power from the north standing in opposition to God’s covenant people.

Daniel’s petition in Daniel 7:19 to "know the truth of the fourth beast" was granted in the visions of chapters 8 and 11. Herein are given exact details that trace the beast through history to its final movements and its ultimate defeat by Jesus Christ.

The main focus of this study is on events that have unfolded in the 1990’s as outlined in Daniel 11:40-45. In order to understand the fulfillment of Bible prophecy in the last days, we must first understand the sequence of events leading up to these verses.

Verses 30 and onward begin the final delineation of the church phase of the Roman power. Daniel 7 and 8 have introduced the little horn as the final power. Each prophecy builds upon the foundation of previous prophecies and in no case removes established truth. Daniel 11 is no exception. It records the breakup and fall of the Roman Empire (Imperial Rome) as this new religio-political system (Papal Rome) pushes its way to world power. A most fascinating and intriguing study of history and Bible prophecy is the decline and fall of the Roman Empire.

DECLINE OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

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.

TRANSITION TO PAPAL ROME (AD 476 – AD 538)

A change of direction in the thrust of the Roman power begins to be detected as Daniel says, "he shall . . . return and have indignation against the holy covenant." The power of Papal Rome would set itself "against the holy covenant." Daniel 7:25 says this power would "speak great words against the Most High" and would also set itself against the saints and God’s law (Dan. 8:10, 24).

Furthermore, the text says, "he shall even return and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant." The barbarian tribes that overran Rome brought their false beliefs with them. As the religio-political phase of the Roman power became more defined, it incorporated the false teachings of those that "forsake the holy covenant" into its own religious system in an effort to create a unified kingdom. From this blending of paganism and Christianity, a false religion was created that was embraced by both the barbarians and Christians.

By AD 476, Rome had been overrun by the barbarian tribes. Once the powerful Roman Empire had fragmented (Dan. 2:41), the way was cleared for the church phase of the Roman power to fully develop. This surging new phase of power was characterized by great aggression with its goal being world dominion. In the struggle for supremacy, three of the original divisions opposed this power and were subsequently destroyed, "plucked up by the roots" (Dan. 7:8). These were the Heruli in AD 473, the Vandals in AD 534, and the Ostrogoths in AD 538. This establishes AD 538 as the beginning point for the undisputed rule of Papal Rome.

CHURCH PHASE OF THE ROMAN POWER (AD 538 – AD 1798)

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.

With its last serious opposition eliminated (Ostrogoths, AD 538), the papacy set out with crushing power, "and arms shall stand on his part," reminiscent of the iron kingdom to "pollute the sanctuary of strength," to "take away the daily sacrifice," and to "place the abomination that maketh desolate." This is a parallel text to Daniel 8:12 and refers to the work of the papacy as it substituted a human priesthood in place of Jesus as High Priest. (See comment on "take away the daily" in Daniel 8:12.)

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.

In the Garden of Eden, Eve was overcome by the flatteries and smooth talk of the serpent (Gen. 3: 4-5). Likewise, throughout history most of the world has fallen under the influence of this deceitful speaking power. The power spoken of in Daniel 11 used the same method of deception to "corrupt by flatteries." However, Daniel gives a note of hope with the words "but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." Throughout the darkest ages, God has always had faithful followers who would stand firmly for the truth.

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.

Those who stood faithful to God during the Dark Ages were a powerful witness for truth. Because of their steadfastness, many others were convicted of truth and stood firm with them.

"Yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil many days." This period of frightful persecution was first brought to view in Dan. 7:25 and is also graphically depicted in Rev. 12:6, 14. It was a time when the fires of persecution burned hot and millions of God’s faithful saints went to martyrs’ deaths by "flame," "captivity," "and by spoil" for "many days," specifically 1260 days (years).

Verse 34: Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help:

Though God allowed His faithful people to pass through this dark period of history, it was by Divine Providence that His suffering saints and truth itself were not completely extinguished. This was a time of great physical and spiritual testing (Rev. 12: 6, 14, 16).

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.

The fires of trial refine and perfect God’s people, preparing them to live with Him. Rather than being destroyed, Satan found that God’s church was purified. Today Satan uses the opposite approach, lulling men and women with ease and good times, hoping to deceive them into believing that all is well as the final showdown between God and Satan approaches (Rev.3:14-21).

According to this text, many of God’s saints would be "purge(d)" and made "white" by persecution "even to the time of the end." This verse establishes "the time of the end" as beginning in 1798 when the persecuting power of Papal Rome was broken. The striking fulfillment of this event took place when French General Louis Alexandre Berthier removed the pope from his throne, thus breaking the church’s hold on civil power.

Daniel says "it is yet for a time appointed." To have a clear understanding of the following verses and the details of prophecy for the last days, 1798 must be remembered as the "time appointed" by God and referred to in the Bible as the beginning of the "time of the end." Earth’s inhabitants have been living in the "time of the end" since 1798. It must now be nearing the "end of time."

Note the similarities between this text and Daniel 7:25. This text says this power would "exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods." Daniel 7:25 says the little horn would "speak great words against the most High." This text says this power will "prosper till the indignation be accomplished." Daniel 7:25 says the saints would be given into this power’s hand for a "time times and the dividing of time."

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.

Paul said that some would "depart from the truth" and "forbid to marry" (1 Tim. 5:14). The Papal system forbids the priesthood to marry. Nor does it "regard any god." This power actually places itself as God and sets itself in place of Christ as it "shall magnify himself above all." This is evidenced in Pope Leo XII’s declaration in his Encyclical Letter dated June 20, 1894, that says, "We hold upon this earth the place of God Almighty." (See also 2 Thess. 2:4.)

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.

This power "shall . . . honor the God of forces." (Compare Dan. 7:8, 20, 21, 24, 25; Dan. 8:9, 10, 12, 24; Dan. 11:31, 40, 41, 43, 44.) Throughout the prophecies of Daniel, this power as portrayed by various symbols is without exception pictured as accomplishing its objectives through an overwhelming display of religious, civil, and military force. This will also be seen to be the case in the prophecies of Revelation.

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.

This power has exalted many saints and the Virgin Mary. Over the centuries, Mary has been elevated step by step and "increased with glory" through church dogmas concerning her.

1. The first Marian dogma was issued in AD 431 when Mary was declared to be the mother of God.
1. The second was issued in AD 649 when Mary was made a perpetual virgin.
2. In AD 1854 the third Marian dogma said Mary herself had an Immaculate Conception with no original sin.
3. Mary’s assumption into heaven, both body and soul, was declared as the fourth Marian dogma in AD 1950.
4. The pope is now being urged by many bishops and religious leaders to make the fifth and final dogma concerning Mary. This dogma will elevate Mary to Co-Redemptrix (Co-Redeemer), Mediatrix (Mediator), and Advocate with Christ. (See comments on Dan. 8:25.)

"Thus shall he do . . . with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory" (verse 39).

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."

To understand this passage, the following must first be identified:

• King of the north – A careful study of Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 shows that the final king of the north of Daniel 11:30-39 is the apostate church of the Dark Ages, the medieval papacy. (See the Introduction to Daniel 11.)

• King of the south – The original Greek translation has "king of Egypt" for "king of the south." Egypt is spiritually and figuratively a symbol for atheism.

• Chariots, horsemen and many ships – The array of chariots, horsemen and many ships represents an overwhelming display of military and commercial might brought against the king of the south (Ex. 14: 21-30, 1 Kings 9: 26-28, 2 Chron. 9: 21, 22, Rev. 9:9). Ships are also sometimes depicted as instruments of war (Dan. 11:30, Deut. 28:68, Numbers 24:24).

• The time of the end – The end of the 1260 years, the year 1798, marked the beginning of the time of the end. (See comments on Daniel 11:35.)

• Prophetic interpretation – In Old Testament times, a literal application was made when interpreting Bible prophecy. In New Testament times, Bible prophecy is given a spiritual application. For example, in ancient times literal Babylon stood in opposition to God and was the seat of false religion. In modern times literal Babylon doesn’t exist. Therefore, references to Babylon in the New Testament symbolize Babylon of old and represent false religion.

Since Daniel 11 spans the history of the world from Daniel’s day until the Second Coming of Christ, it presents a literal interpretation of this prophecy up until the death of Christ. When the prophecy extends into the New Testament period, a symbolic interpretation must be applied. Since verse 40 deals with the "time of the end," its symbolism must be in keeping with New Testament interpretation.

Verse 40 can then be read and interpreted: "At the time of the end, (1798) shall the king of the south (atheism) push at him: and the king of the north (the papacy) shall come against him (the king of the south, atheism) like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships (depicting military and economic trade or pressure); and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over."

A paraphrase of this verse could say: In 1798 atheism will attack the papacy, and the papacy will come against atheism with a military and economic force. According to this passage, atheism will continue as a world-dominating influence until the revived papacy destroys it. Any other interpretation fails to meet the specifications of this prophecy. It should also be noted that this verse says the papacy will come "with" chariots and horsemen and "with" many ships, but it doesn’t say they belong to him. Daniel 8:24 says, "his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power."

This prophecy was fulfilled in 1798 at the culmination of the French Revolution when atheistic France broke the papacy and then nearly 200 years later when the papacy, working with the economic and military might of the United States, broke the back of atheism as a world-dominating power. Nearly the whole world has recognized Pope John Paul II as the key player in the demise of the modern atheistic movement (communism). "The great story of our time is the fall of communism and the central player who hastened the demise of the fall of communism is this pope from Poland" (Commentary by Carl Bernstein in "The Pope: Holy Alliance" on Dateline NBC, 22 Sept., 1996. See also "Holy Alliance: How Reagan and the Pope Conspired to Assist Poland’s Solidarity Movement and Hasten the Demise of Communism," Time, 24 Feb. 1992.)

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.

These nations, the Edomites, Moabites, and the people of Ammon were once Israelites but became Israel’s fiercest opponents.

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

Not one country (atheistic or Christian) will escape the domination of this king of the north (the papacy) as it combines the powers of church and state.

Verse 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.

With the downfall of godless communism in 1992, the last obstacle to an unopposed papacy was removed. As he stretches "forth his hand . . . upon the countries" (verse 42), every nation on the planet will follow in his train – even the "Libyans and the Ethiopians." In ancient times, the Libyans and the Ethiopians were considered to be the furthermost reaches of the then known world. Near the end of time "all nations" will follow him (Rev. 14:8; Rev. 13:30).

Verse 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.

This text says that some important news or event will come from the east. Throughout Scripture, truth is pictured as coming from the east. God’s sealing angel comes from the east (Rev. 7:2). Jesus is pictured as coming from the east (Matt. 24:27). (For a similar scenario, read about Jesus’ first coming in Matt. 2:1, 2, 3, 9, 16.)

In response to the "tidings out of the east," this power "shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many." Some Bible translations use the term "annihilate." The details of this verse are yet future and they picture a sudden turn of events. When the papacy once again enjoys the support of the nations, the final proclamation of the gospel with the blazing power and glory described in the loud cry message of Rev. 18:1-4 will take place. The final call to separate from this great world confederation of apostate religion will be given. This final message will expose the true nature of modern Babylon and will result in an all-out effort to destroy those involved in giving the final warning (Rev. 12:17).

Verse 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.

2 Thess. 2:1-12 and Isa. 14:12-15 add meaning to the words in this verse depicting the final movements. These events are yet future and obviously represent the final stand of the king of the north (the papacy) "between the seas in the glorious holy mountain." (Compare Daniel 9:16.)