Book of Daniel

Unlike other Old Testament books that were written in Hebrew, Aramaic is used from Daniel 2:4b through the end of chapter 7. The main reason seems to be that Aramaic was the main international language at the time Daniel wrote (later Greek became the international language--which is what the New Testament was written in (see also Was the New Testament Written in Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic?).

This article contains each of the verses of the Book of Daniel --NKJV (used by permission from Thomas Nelson)--as well as comments from me as well as the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong given at a Bible study on November 8, 1980 (https://www.hwalibrary.com/cgi-bin/get/hwa.cgi?action=getbstudyav&InfoID=1337169772)

The anti-biblical scholars basically claim Daniel was too accurate to have been written then, because they do not believe in God's prophecies.

A Roman Catholic book I own, Kurz, W. What Does the Bible Say About the End Times? A Catholic View. Servant Books, Cincinnati. Nihil Obstat: Kistner H., Schehr T.P. Imprimi Potest: Link F., Paul J.M. Imprimatur: Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004, states while the early chapters may have been written when the Bible suggests, it states that the latter chapters were not written until the 2nd century--this is false.

It is not just some Roman Catholic who push such nonsense. In it article on the Book of Daniel, Wikipedia starts out with:

The consensus of modern scholars on the date is false. The Bible warns of those who are:

Yes, in our time, in these last days, many scholars love themselves and blaspheme the word of God.

Now, notice that a fragment of it in the Dead Sea scrolls, which is not the original, looks to be dated from the 3rd century BC. The Smithsonian Magazine reported:

Understand that the Dead Sea Scrolls were NOT the original manuscripts. While most of the Dead Sea Scrolls were written in Hebrew, a portion related to Daniel was written in Greek--specifically Scroll 4Q114. Anyway the Dead Sea Scrolls are translations and/or otherwise based on the original manuscripts. Them being later documents points to Daniel being much older and is consistent with the biblical assertion that it was written when it was. And note that even the Smithsonian is somewhat admitting that. It should also be noted that the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament into Greek is believed to have occurred between 285-287 BC--if the Dead Sea Scroll section 4Q114 was mainly a copy from that, it also points to an earlier date for the original writing of Daniel. While some may assert that the portion of Daniel in the Septuagint was translated later, it would seem to make little sense, particularly with 4Q114 possibly being from the 3rd century BC.

Notice that the above relates to the 11th chapter--a chapter that many falsely assert was not written until about 165. Yet, a fragment that exists supports the view it was originally written before that.

Do not believe the "consensus of scholars" when they disagree with the word of God.

Let me add that "young men" were likely in their teens. Notice that the Babylonians wanted advisors who were not only wise, but good looking and without blemish. This might be part of why later, they found that the other advisors were worthless--they likely relied a lot more on appearance than wisdom for picking their advisors.

They were given not only education, but food and drink. While that is taken for granted by many people in this age, back then having assured daily provisions was not a given for most people. Hence, just that part of being a potential advisor was probably considered to be a very good job.

The last three are mainly known by their eunich assigned names of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Daniel is mainly known as Daniel--but not the name Belteshazzar.

The meaning of Belteshazzar is commonly understood as "Bel protect the king" or "May Bel protect his life".

That name was given to Daniel apparently as part of an effort to assimilate him into Babylonian culture, replacing his Hebrew identity (Daniel = "God is my judge") with a name honoring a Babylonian deity.

That said, despite having daily provisions, there were problems with the provisions that the Hebrews were provided with.

This would be because there would have been biblically-unclean items in the king's delicacies. Notice the following:

Furthermore, Daniel apparently had been respected by the chief of the eunichs, and that chief wondered what to do:

The chief of the eunichs realized he would be killed if the king thought he was not feeding those advisors in training enough food.

Yes, it is better to be a vegetarian for your health than to eat biblically unclean creatures. This also brought to mind the following:

Christians are better off avoiding unclean meat than to eat it and strive with the word of God. The first time my wife Joyce and I were in the Netherlands, we were to go out to a restaurant to eat dinner with a friend of hers. But the husband had to be on standby by their telephone because of his job (this is before the days of cellular phones), so instead they served us dinner. However, there were only two items: a pork roast and cauliflower. We only ate the cauliflower.

According to the Book of Acts, God was going to provide dreams in the last days, yet most end time Christians will not really accept that--but we of the Continuing Church of God do--see Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?

King Nebuchadnezzar did not have much (if any) prior experience with people who read, believed, and obeyed the Bible. That is apparently one of the reasons they were more valuable/impressive to him than others. As it turned out, many podcast hosts, almost none of which had a Church of God leader on their programs before have basically said positive things to me in 2025 as in the CCOG we have a lot of knowledge that others do not.

The truth is more than "ten times better than" what others who do not know it can offer.

Now, this was not just any dream, this was a dream from God to Nebuchadnezzar. That said, Nebuchadnezzar did not trust his advisors and threatened them with death.

Instead of going into fear and panic, the prophet Daniel gave a calm and reasoned response.

Notice that Daniel did not immediately know. Instead, when he understood what was behind the terrifying news, he asked for time, prayed, and had his companions pray as well. Would you have prayed?

Well, Daniel did. Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision, which most likely was a dream--which is what Herbert Armstrong said Daniel's night visions were.

The king probably assumed that Daniel would want to take credit personally for being so great--but Daniel did not.

Daniel pointed out that he did not have any special powers. But that the true God did.

Daniel was not unique in that way--as we see what the New Testament said about the prophet Elijah:

Now, Elijah did not stop the rain nor restart it--God did. But God heard his prayers and God can hear yours.

Do not think that Daniel and Elijah were so much better than you and that God cannot hear your prayers.

So, again Daniel points out that he has no special power, but that God revealed this.

Yes, the rock was Jesus, consistent with "they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:4)--this was NOT a small stone as it ended up filling the earth, like the Kingdom of God will do.

Although some Protestants believe Jesus' first coming had to do with that stone, that makes no sense as all the Gentile kingdoms have not been struck down with Jesus' first coming and God's kingdom does not yet fill the whole earth. Some Protestants do, however, agree with the CCOG on this, and realize this is a prophecy of the second coming of Jesus.

It should be noted that there are two legs. Many in the West do not realize that the Roman Empire had to parts--the one of the West that ruled for 5 or so centuries and the one of the East, also known as the Byzantium Empire, which last nearly a 1,000 years longer.

The fact of two feet and two leags also points to a Western and Eastern portion. Actually, it is because of that the the late WCG evangelist Herman Hoeh announced that the Feast of Tabernacles in Tuscon, Arizona in 1979 that the WCG finally realized that it was not just Germany that would unite--which at the fime there was an East and West Germany, but that many of the other European nations then behind the Iron Curtain, would also unite with the coming Beast power.

And since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, most of the nations of eastern Europe have joined the European Union, and many others are on the waiting list hoping to join.

When Herbert W. Armstrong stated in the 20th century that the seventh was forming, what formed was the sixth resurrection--the seventh will come AFTER Europe reorganizes under the Beast which we see in the following:

Revelation 17:12-14 tell of the rise of an end-time power with ten horns that God will destroy. Daniel 2:41-44 tell of the rise of ten-toed end-time power that God will destroy.

In Daniel 2, we see that the toes of the feet are composed of mixed peoples. Some are iron and some are clay in some of the same toes. This would tend to prove the view that the ten horns in Revelation 17:12 is a reference to an artificial government as opposed to only being inclusive of existing individual nations. Although probably no nation is 100% ethnically consistent, many are quite consistent that way and tend to adhere to themselves.

The passages in Daniel 2 are not really teaching about a 'core Europe' like some Laodicean COG groups have claimed--they are teaching that Europe will adhere for a while despite unity issues.

Just like the ancient Roman Empire was composed on many peoples, so will the one warned about as the Beast power of Revelation 13,17, & 18.

Furthermore, since on human feet, eight of the ten toes seem to be similar in size, the analogy of toes also indicates that the ten kingdoms in the end will be somewhat similar in size--but since there are two great toes on human feet, this is also pointing to two being more influential powers.

While we will get to Daniel 7 later in this article, yes, the kingdoms of this world will be replaced by the return of Jesus and the establishment of the Kingdom of God:

So, Nebucchadnezzar acknowledged that the God of the Bible was the true God. However, like many who do this at various points of their lives, he did not fully repent nor change his way of life as he should have.

Christians often have a similar problem as do many who claim Christianity. Notice also that Daniel received a promotion to be "ruler over the whole province of Babylon,," which likely would have involved him needing to travel.

Notice that Daniel did NOT just think of himself, but also had Philadelphian love, love for the brethren, as he helped arrange positions for his companions.

So, we see that despite admitting that Daniel's God was "is the God of gods, the Lord of kings," Nebuchadnezzar went the wrong way by making a huge idol. Now he might have reasoned that since God said he was the head of gold that this would be good to make--which it was not.

And, some in the government leadership took this as an opportunity to speak against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego --perhaps they wanted their positions or somehow wanted them out of their way.

Scipture does not state why Daniel was not included. Presumably he was traveling outside of the City of Babylon at the time and was elsewhere in the province.

That said, Nebuchadnezzar was furious that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego would not obey him and worhship his image 3:13-16

Nebuchadnezzar was not used to people disobeying him and forgot that there was a real God. Furthermore, he probably thought he was being nice by offering Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego a way out. This also brings to mind that the ancient Roman Empire would often offer Christians a way out if they would renounce Jesus and participate in some pagan offering.

However, being faithful, like many Christian martyrs later were, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego refused the way out, despite not knowing what God might do as we read in 3:16-18:

Now, Nebuchadnezzar had to have know that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego had a connection to Daniel and his God. Nebuchadnezzar should have snapped out of his vanity and hate and let them go. But he did not.

Understand that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were young men and did not know what was going to happen, and that the furnance was made hotter than normal and then tossed in--that would have been frightening, particularly when they noticed that the men that threw them in died from the heat. But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were unharmed.

They had been in a literal fiery trial. As Christians, we should realize that we are subject to them as well as the Apostle Peter wrote:

While you probably have not faced a fiery trial like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did, you may have faced a life filled with health problems, economic struggles, and various disappointments.

Enduring suggests long term trials. Daniel and others had them--we are to have them too per Jesus.

That said, since Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were unharmed, this shocked the king.

Not only was Nebuchadnezzar astonished, God looks to have allowed him to see Jesus--who in Daniel 7:13 is called "like the Son of man." Jesus did not become the Son of God/Man until His incarnation, hence the use of the word like in both places.

One wonders what the one like the Son of Man might have said--but we have no information about this in scripture.

Anyway, what a miracle for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. What a blessing for Nebuchadnezzar.

While the "mighty men of valor" were burned up for throwing them in, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego did not even smell like they had been near fire. God cab do more than we humans think.

So after this Nebuchadnezzar points out that God saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego because they trusted in Him.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego trusted to what looked like certain death--and it likely later strengthened their bones.

Anyway, that said, because of this miracle, Nebuchadnezzar again realized that there is a real God.

So, in his way to attempt to make some amends, Nebuchadnezzar promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego.

So, like he did in the 2nd chapter of Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar once again is acknowledging "the Most High God." By stating this, he also was being a witness to those in his area.

So, despite publicly acknowledging "the Most High God," Nebuchadnezzar again calls on pagan counselors and sorcerers to assist, but they were unable to do so.

That is something he should not have done. Notice the following condemnation of the uselessness of astrology:

In our own lives, even though many of us have been converted, baptized, etc., while we do not consult astrologers, how often do we not rely on "the Most High God"?

Daniel's arrival was reassuring to Nebuchadnezzar, who then proceeds to tell Daniel his dream 4:10-17:

Before going further, we see a watcher that came down from heaven and learn that the decree was decided by the watchers and is called a decision by the "holy ones."

Angels are called holy in the NT (e.g. Revelation 14:10). Some COG groups--like UCG--think that this is a reference to angels--and perhaps it may be. However, angels are not referred to as holy in the OT. Plus, I am not convinced that God allows angels to make these decisions.

Yes, angels are "ministering spirits," yet that reference does not seem to be in the same category as making decrees over human leaders. It looks like UCG seems to be contradicting itself and the scriptures here. Furthermore, UCG wrote that "watchers" plural cried out, but Daniel 4:13-14 only points to one as they teach, "a holy one ... He cried aloud."

Daniel 4:14 may be a reference to Jesus being the one who "cried aloud" and that He and the Father are the watchers who made the decree.

And that certainly goes along with verse 17 which states, "And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men." It also goes along with verse 24 which states, "this is the decree of the Most High."

Another reason to consider that the Godhead are the watchers is because Job stated that God was the "watcher of men" (Job 7:20). This was not stated about angels.

Now, getting back to Daniel 4:17, note that it includes the words, "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men" -- that verse is one of the reasons that those in the Continuing Church of God do not vote (unless legally required to) in carnal elections. Also consdier that verse 25 states that, "the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." More on voting is in the article Should a Christian Vote?).

Well, Daniel was troubled and hesistant to explain what God revealed about it, but then did so.

Nebuchadnezzar may have temporarily repented, but his pride was still a problem.

We all have the word of God which has numerous warnings. The Apostle Peter warned:

While to be Christian, we must have repented, we are not to go back to the world.

Of course, King Nebuchadnezzar, himself, did probably almost nothing personally to build the royal dwelling, but he claimed that anyway.

Nebuchadnezzar was apparently the most powerful leader of the most powerful empire on the planet when this affected him.

Do not think that you are invincible to, or not subject to, God's correction and judgment. And if you are a real Christian, the time for your judgment is now as the Apostle Peter wrote:

Furthermore, those who trust in the power of the United States and the prosperity of its British-descended allies will find that was misplaced as they will be conquered by the coming European King of the North Beast power per Daniel 8:25, 11:24, and 11:39.

Anyway, for seven years, the great King Nebuchadnezzar lived like an animal and lacked basic human understanding. People looked down on him, and some likely pitied him.

Nebuchadnezzar put too much confidence in himself. Many these days overly trust wealth, their government's power, etc. Caution is advised as biblical prophesies will come to pass.

Nebuchadnezzar never thought, despite the warning, that something like what happened to him would happen.

In time, however, the prophetic "seven times"--seven years-- ended. This example in Daniel is one reason we understand that expressions used in th Bible like time, times, and 1/2 a time refer to 3 1/2 years--and expression that is used elsewhere in Daniel 7:25 and 12:7.

So, Nebuchadnezzar praised God when this ended. This is similar to what Jonah did at the end of his three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish:

Yes, salvation is from God. Anyway, Jonah, after this trial, went out in obedience to God and did the proclamation work he was given.

Do not think that because God did not give you a direct message like was done to Jonah, that God will excuse you for not supporting the Philadelphian work. Jesus clearly chastises the bulk of end time Christians in Revelation 3:14-22 for being, not initially cold like Jonah was, but for being lukewarn.

In 4:36 we see that Nebuchadnezzar was given back his physical kingdom after his long trial:

Nebuchadnezzar learned that pride and arrogance were no match for God--and that is something that Satan and his demons will learn as well--and the demons already tremble (James 2:19) and know that, at least to a degree (Matthew 8:28-29).

That said, we Christians are given an eternal kingdom beyond the temporal one Nebuchadnezzar was granted.

Yes, Christians will be able to reign in the coming Kingdom of God. That is very good news.

The Bible declares that Jesus will return and He will win, yet many will fight against Him (Revelation 19:19). Many will claim (based upon misunderstanding of Bible prophecy, but partially because of false prophets and mystics) that the returning Jesus is the final Antichrist!

The pride of human leaders did not die with Lucifer or Nebuchadnezzar--and that is one of the lessons of Daniel.

In chapter 5 we learn of Belshazzar who was the son of King Nabonidus, and born to be crown prince. He who ruled as co-regent with his father in Babylon. Belshazzar was the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar.

In one respect King Nabonidus did not function as king as he liked to spend his time hunting and had Belshazzar reign.

Despite there being a military threat, the arrogant Belshazzar through a party. Instead of preparing to deal with an enemy, he began to drink and then came up with a bad idea.

Not only was Belshazzar and his festival goers drinking from vessels that had been taken from the temple of the house of God, they also praised pagan idols.

Like his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar goes and calls for "the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers." He also offered them a lot.

The king saw the handwriting, but did not understand it. Nor could his "experts" figure this out. Nowadays, even most Americans see that the USA is in decline and do not understand it.

Now although Belshazzar's wives and concubines were there, the queen had not attended the party, but heard about this.

So, the queen knew where Belshazzar should go to find out what was happening and reminded him what happened during his grandfather's, Nebuchadnezzar, day. And Daniel was summoned.

So Belshazzar made his offer to Daniel. He perhaps offered him the third ruler as his father King Nabonidus was perhaps still alive.

After the offer, Daniel reminded him some of the details of what had happened to his grandfather.

Then Daniel gets bold and says things that normally could have gotten him killed--even though he was telling the truth.

It would seem that Daniel had not been pleased with Belshazzar and, before this, probably wondered how long his arrogant ways would last.

We who have read the Bible should realize some of how God works and should be careful about pride and lifting ourselves up.

Before going further, understand that the basic Babylonian unit of weight was the gold shekel (tekel in this verse). One mene equalled 50 shekels; a upharsin (half a mena) equalled 25. The four words, therefore, stood for: mene, 50 shekels; mene, 50 shekels; tekel, a shekel; a upharsin, 25 shekels. The total equalled 126 shekels.

Do you think that this may be alarmist? Even when he was US President, Barack Obama stated the the deficits of the USA are unsustainable. And he was right about that. Something that is unsustainable cannot be continued forever. Yet, the debt for the USA continue to increase--according to Habakkuk that will end in disaster (cf. Habakkuk 2:6-8).

Getting back to Daniel, he says what the handwriting on the wall meant for that time.

Interestingly, Daniel only mentioned the word "Mene" once and did not mention its second time, indicating that this prophecy could have a second fulfillment. The old Radio Church of God felt that this prophecy would have a second fulfillment as well:

Before going further, let me state that various churches (including the old Worldwide Church of God) have taught that the 'value' of the four words of the handwriting added up to 126 shekels, which equals 2520 gerahs. That could be seven 360 day prophetic years, 2520 days (one way the old WCG once taught it could be 2520 years from Belshazzar's demise, but prophetically, that does not seem to be the case when we look at history in the year 1981, which is 539 BC plus 2520 years). It may be, that being the seven year period that Nebuchadnezzar had been removed, that was a reminder to Belshazzar he had overlooked that.

The old Radio/Worldwide Church of God calculated that the time of the Gentiles for Israel was from roughly 721-718 B.C. to A.D. 1800-1803. And that this coincides with the rise of the Anglo-American world order.

It also speculated that the time of the Gentiles dominating Jerusalem was from to 604 B.C. to A.D. 1917. Because these dates fit with 2,520 years, it was taught in the WCG that this confirmed that interpretation of Leviticus 26, which in four verses refers to a period of "seven times" in relationship to punishments.

Jerusalem has, at least partially, been under British and then Jewish control since December 9, 1917.

So we see two 2,520 year periods that were in the past. One of which involved the British and Americans and the other of which looked to have involved the British and Jerusalem.

Both of these blessings of the Anglo-American-Judah times will end and be replaced by the final time of the Gentiles.

There is prophesied time that Gentiles will control Jerusalem (Revelation 11:2) and that will end (cf. Zechariah 14:1-4; Revelation 19). This is the time that the faithful Philadelphian Christians are to be protected (Revelation 3:7-13; 12:14-16).

Once a particular deal has a confirmation by a 'prince 'for a prophetic week (Daniel 9:26-27), in a very real sense, we will see the "handwriting on the wall" for the USA and its British-descended allies.

The final approximately 2520 days until Jesus establishes the millennial Kingdom of God will include the final time of the Gentiles.

Getting back to Daniel 5, after Daniel explained what happened, Belshazzar gave Daniel what he had originally promised.

Notice that Daniel 5:30–31 mentions Belshazzar as the final king of Babylon, a detail that was not widely known in later periods until cuneiform records like the Nabonidus Chronicle were rediscovered in 1879. But the writer in the Book of Daniel knew that. This, therefore, is additional evidence that Daniel was written in the 6th century BCE. as no one in the 2nd century A.D. would have likely had access to that.

Do not believe that Republican Donald Trump or any Democratic party leader will fix enough of what is wrong in the USA.

Notice that the word of God states it will tarry, take a while, but the results will surely come. And that the result is that people should run (flee) because of it.

Please pay attention to the fact that that above is a prophecy for the appointed time of the end–essentially the time of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21). The USA has been accumulating pledges in the form of US Treasury bonds and notes, and is the most indebted nation of all time. It is descendants of Israel, like the USA, that are prophesied to have debt issues with foreigners if they turn from God’s laws (cf. Deuteronomy 28:43-44)–that is consistent with Habakkuk 2:6-8. The above prophecy is NOT a reference to the nation calling itself Israel as it has nothing compared to USA debt.

Consider that the prophecy in Habakkuk says what will happen is so bad, that people should run who read it. That is, they should seriously consider what this means and take the appropriate steps.

The Bible clearly warns that an indebted people will be destroyed by people whose language that they do not understand, and that the destruction will be fairly total:

The above prophecy in Habakkuk will be fulfilled at the time of the end (cf. “The message was true, but the appointed time was long…in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come”, Daniel 10:1,14). Daniel 8:19, 11:27, 29,35 uses the same Hebrew term for “appointed time” as Habakkuk 2:3, while Daniel 10, using a different term, ties the latter days to the time in Daniel 8:19. Habakkuk 2 was not fulfilled in its entirety anciently. Also, it makes little sense that Habakkuk would be directed towards the modern nation of Israel as it does not have enemy creditors. It must be a nation or group of nations with some prominence at the appointed time of the end. As far as “violence of the land” as a contributing factor, this would seem to include crime, military missions, and perhaps riots/civil unrest, but might it also include promotion of violent sports? Is the USA government not giving shameful counsel regarding matters such as homosexuality and abortion?

While some have claimed that Habakkuk 2 is really only a prophecy for the Babylonian Beast (or ancient Chaldea), that is in error for several reasons. The fact that the prophecy will tarry (seems like it takes a long time to fulfill) shows that this cannot be a prophecy for “the end time Babylonian Beast” as some have asserted because the end time Beast will not be accumulating debt for many years before it is taken over, whereas the USA has been doing so for decades–the Babylonian Beast will not have power for but a fraction of that time. Furthermore, God in chapter one points to the Chaldeans as the ones who will implement punishment to the descendants of Israel--they are not prophesied to be destroyed by Israel.

The Bible shows that the Babylonian Beast power will be taken over by Russia and nations all around the world and it will not be because of monetary reasons:

Thus, end time daughter of Babylon will not be taken over because of debt from creditors as the attack will not be related to wanting money!

But, debt will be a factor in taking over the USA per Habakkuk 2 and Deuteronomy 28!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

But the handwriting is on the wall for the USA. And since Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK primarily rely on the USA for military protection, the handwritings is on the wall for them as well.

In chapter 5 we were introduced to one called Darius the Mede. Places like Wikipedia essentially assert there is no evidence of him, thus he did not exist as Darius supposedly was only a fictional "literary figure," which is biblically absurd.

The Greek historian Xenophon, in his work Cyropaedia (4th century BCE), describes a Median king named Cyaxares II, son of Astyages, who was a contemporary of Cyrus the Great. While Xenophon does not explicitly call him "Darius," some scholars, such as Steven Anderson (21st century) and early writers like Josephus (1st century AD) and Jerome (5th cenutyr AD), propose that Cyaxares II could be Darius the Mede, possibly under a throne name or alternate title. Xenophon’s account suggests a close alliance between Cyaxares II and Cyrus, with Cyaxares as a senior figure, which aligns with the Book of Daniel’s depiction of Darius the Mede ruling Babylon before or alongside Cyrus https://www.stegozoeterno.org/aa-darius-the-mede accessed 06/19/25).

The Behistun Inscription by Darius Hystaspes was created between 522 and 520 BCE. It mentions rebellions by Medians claiming relation to Cyaxares, hence supporting Xenophon's account of Cyaxares II.

The Harran Stele mentions a "king of the land of the Medes" looks to have been made after Cyrus deposed Astyages. This is important because the anti-biblical scholars falsely assert that Astyages was the last Median king, hence there could be now other king of the Medes as Astyages was deposed over a decade before we read of Darius in the Bible--thus an inscription showing that there was a King of the Medes after Astyages basically eliminates the anti-biblical argument. (https://truthonlybible.com/2016/01/08/darius-the-mede-a-solution-to-his-identity/)

Furthermore, Berossus, a 3rd-century BCE Babylonian historian, in his work titled Babyloniaca, refers to the actions of an unspecified "King Darius" shortly after the fall of Babylon in 539 BCE.

So, despite the view of anti-biblical scholars, there is evidence that Darius existed outside of the Book of Daniel.

A linguistic fact is that different languages sometimes use different names for the same person. And that looks to be what happened in the case of Darius the Mede.

So, a bureaucracy was set up--satraps were provincial governors in the Persian Empire.

Daniel heeded a principle from Ecclesiastes, which the Apostle Paul wrote for Christians:

But jealously and covetousness quickly became an issue as the others did not have Daniel's views or ethics:

So, they plotted against Daniel. People plotted against Jesus. People have long plotted against God's people and His true church.

Now the government officials were bearing false witness. Neither Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, nor Abed-Nego would have wanted nor approved this. But the politicians wanted to imply that Darius was so loved by everyone that they all wanted to be able to worship him--which of course was nonsense.

Anyway, Darius should not have let this happen, but sadly his own ego got in the way. Flattery works this way at times--and Satan knows that.

Despite Darius signing the decree, this did not change Daniel's praying practices.

Anyway, Daniel still prayed. And there is an artist's representation of him praying on the front cover of our free book: Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach?

That said, the jealous haters of Daniel seized upon this and then further set King Darius up:

King Darius had been tricked into his decision, yet he tried to give reassurance to Daniel before casting him into the lions' den:

But the king did not simply wash his hands of the matter--which is literally what Pontius Pilate did regarding the death of Jesus (Matthew 27:24):

Prayer and fasting is something that Jesus pointed to for difficult situations (cf. Matthew 17:19-21) and is also discuused as one of the 28 tips on improving the effectiveness of your prayers in our free ebook: Prayer: What Does the Bible Teach?

But he apparently went early in case Daniel perhaps survived the expected attack from the lions.

Now, the next big thing that seemed to go through Darius' mind is those that flattered him to get the decree and then pressured him to toss Daniel in the lion's den.

With that in mind, consider that after seeing Daniel alive, Darius then decided to rid his kingdom of those jealous complainers:

We see that the lions would have been hungry enough to eat Daniel--but God prevented that. That said, Darius was too extreme in his actions. According to the Bible, he should not have put children to death because of actions of their parents per Ezekiel 18:20. But Darius did it anyway.

Daniel obeyed, God allowed him to undergo another severe trial, but he endured and was blessed.

Now to chapter 7, which obviously took place BEFORE chapter 5 as chapter 5 was the last day/night of Belshazzar.

Well, Daniel refers to it Great Sea. The "Great Sea" that bordered the ancient lands of Israel (Numbers 34:6-7; Joshua 1:4; 9:1; 23:4; Ezekiel 47:13-16) is the Mediterranean Sea--and that is the sea that Daniel was referring to. Europe borders the Mediterranean Sea and will be the power that will once again control the "Great Sea." And while the southern border of the Mediterranean Sea is currently under Arab control, that will change. Like basically the entirety of the Meditarranean Sea was under control of the ancient Roman Empire, the Bible shows that the European King of the North will take over the nations that control the eastern and southern borders of that sea (Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:1-9).

Despite some false claims by some, the Beast power is not a nation like Russia, which does not border the Mediterranean Sea. This tie to the Great Sea is one of the reasons that we know that the Beast of Revelation 13:1-10 is a European power.

So, these power look a bit different from each other as they are represented by four different animals. Regarding the three ribs, that may mean that at the time when by of the conquest of Babylon it came into the apocalyptic succession, the bear-empire had laid waste three territories--some have suggested Babylonia, Lydia, and Egypt--others have other views..

Anyway, those four beast look to be combined into the final Beast of Revelation as one composite Beast:

You could say that there were three "barbarian" groups that took over Rome--the Visogoths, ruled by Alaric (410, Rome sacked)--the Vandals, ruled by Genseric (455, Rome sacked)--the Heruli, ruled by Odoacer (476, Roman emperor killed). The Roman pontiffs arose and essentially filled the power vacuum there.

Notice that one LIKE the Son of Man. Jesus did not actually become the son of a human until He was conceived in Mary. We know that this is not about an angel as angels are ministering spirits to humans (Hebrews 1:14), but in Daniel 7:13 we see humans serving the one like the Son of Man.

The fourth beast with the ten horns is also shown in Revelation 17. This is the final Beast ridden by Mystery Babylon the Great:

Let me note that the Church of Rome will get destroyed by supporters of the Beast:

The old WCG did not, and most other COGs do not, understand this. While the harlot Church of Rome is destroyed, the false prophet is not until Revelation 19. This is one of the reasons I have long contended that the last pope would be an anti-pope. Also, from Revelation 13:11-17, you can see that he gets people to worship the Beast that rises from the Sea--promoting emperor worship like that is not something a pontiff who believes the modern Roman Catholic faith would do.

That said, let me state that we have been living in abnormally peaceful times for the true Church. And while we have seen various forms of persecution, it will get worse.

The Book of Daniel shows a two-part persecution coming (I added the a and b below for emphasis).

First of all (a), he shall persecute certain of the saints, which is consistent with what Jesus said was coming:

Part of why the Philadelphians will be persecuted is for proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and probably also for identifying the coming King of the North, who will not wish to be identified that way. This will likely result in internet and other restrictions on getting the truth of God out to the world (cf. Amos 8:11-12).

Second of all as Daniel 7:25 b and Revelation 12:17 both show, the remaining saints will be given into the King of the North Beast's hand for a time, times, and half a time. This is the portion of the COG, the non-Philadelphians, who are NOT protested in the wilderness as Revelation 12:17 shows.

While many in the Church of God have experienced economic and social persecution in their walk with Christ, future severe persecution, beginning first with the Philadelphia remnant of Christians, is expected.

Persecution is a fact of history. It has happened before and we should be prepared for the fact that it will happen again. And during the time of the final persecutions, the Bible records:

Thus, though the Philadelphian Christians will be subject to intense persecution first before this, even the Laodiceans (The Laodicean Church Era) and other Christians will receive some praise if they endure the persecutions that will then come during the time of “the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world” (Revelation 3:10).

While many seem to not wish to pay attention to this subject, the reality is that persecution has existed throughout history against those with Church of God doctrines. Jesus predicted that as well as more persecution to come. Some may be shocked by certain doctrines that Christians have been persecuted for (and often by those who profess to be Christian).

Those in the true Church of God have always been the side being persecuted and has never been on the side of the persecutors. And this will be true again in the future.

Getting back to Daniel 7:25, we saw the statement "And shall intend to change times and law."

Dallas Theological Seminary pointed to perhaps changing the seven day week by a beast in its course on Daniel (which I took) related to this verse.

It appears that the Beast will modify the calendar and change the days of the week somehow. If we consider that Emperor Constantine was a type of the Beast, his imperial Council of Nicea of 325 A.D. asserted that Passver was not on the biblical date, but on a Sunday. Later, Emperor Theodosius declared the death penalty for Christians who held to the biblical date of the 14th of Nisan/Abib.

Various Sabbath-keepers have felt that Sunday-keeping was the ‘mark of the beast.’ Christians will enter God’s rest (Hebrews 4:9-11), the Beast’s followers will not. However, the ‘mark of the beast’ involves commandment breaking--not just Sabbath breaking (see Mark of the Beast)--how the King of the North Beast and Antichrist will violate each of them is discussed in our free ebook: The Ten Commandments: The Decalogue, Christianity, and the Beast. Anyway, somehow the Beast will try to change times.

Daniel was wise, God's prophet, had the dream from God, but did not understand it, though he did see it was about a greatly troubled time.

This male goat is believed to be Alexander the Great. His empire broke into four parts after his death: the Ptolemaic Kingdom (centered in Egypt), the Seleucid Empire (in Persia and Mesopotamia), the Antigonid Kingdom (in Macedonia and Greece), and the Attalid Kingdom (in Pergamon, Asia Minor). These kingdoms were ruled by Alexander's generals or their descendants.

Now the only one of the four horns of Alexander's empire that was north and west of Jerusalem was the Antigonid Kingdom. It ended up being conquered and included as part of the Roman Empire.

A horn is sometimes used in the Bible related to kings (cf. Revelation 17:12). Now, let me add that this little horn is not the papacy, but now looks to be the horn that has grown into the European Union--which will grow into the final Beast power. And while the above has had a past fulfillment anciently, this prophecy seems to be dual.

The European Union has mainly expanded south and east of the Benelux nations. Now, approximately 450 million people are under a new, single (though not completed united) government, called the European Union, headquartered in Brussels. The prophecy in Daniel 8:9 looks to be pointing the EEU and EU because of the amount and timing of that expansion--but that will later lead per Daniel 8:10-12 to the rise of the final Beast of the sea who is also the final King of the North of Daniel 11.

While the expansion has mainly occurred with what looks to be the EEU/EU, the final rising up pertains to the final King of the North who is also the seventh king of Revelation 17:10 (see The European Union and the Seven Kings of Revelation 17). And he will also end up going south, not just towards, but into and past the glorious land per Daniel 11:40-43. He then may have control of much of the east and south side of the Mediterranean Sea like the ancient Roman Empire did.

Let me add that while some Protestants have been starting to wake up to the reality of an emerging European superpower being the revival of the old Roman Empire to represent the Beast of Revelation. And that is consistent with the following which is consistent with the Beast of the Sea of Revelation 13:1-10 and the final King of the North of Daniel 11:29-38:

Regarding that horn, here is something that the last evangelist Dr. Herman Hoeh wrote:

Note that before these sacrifices can be objected to, they must start. That starting is something to watch for. When we see it stopped, Jesus said His followers should flee per Matthew 24:15.

Another explanation might allow that approximately 110 days before the 1260 days is over (1260 minus 1150; there are also 3 days that the two witnesses are dead and the 1290 days that needs to be considered, etc., thus 110 is in that sense an approximate number) that the European Church/State power will be stopped from holding its idolatrous sacrifices (“mass” is considered a sacrifice by Eastern and Roman Catholics).

So, we see that Daniel was not sure what this meant. God decided to have Gabriel, the angel, give him some information:

So, in the verses above we see that the Medo-Persian empire and then the Greek empire were prophesied. This is one reason that the anti-biblical scholars do not accept that Daniel was written until the 2nd century BC. But they are in error.

Yes, God can make prophecies, or inspire His prophets to make and/or record them, and then make them come to pass.

Yes, he will exalt himself in his heart. He is also the same one who is called the 'man of sin" in 2 Thessalonians (see also Who is the Man of Sin of 2 Thessalonians 2?). Related to this in a class I took on Daniel at Dallas Theological Seminary, interestingly, the instructor, Dr. Bramer, added, "I think that many things in our university are completely false, they're against the word of God, but they're being spoken with great enthusiasm and authority and people are buying into them." And let me add that is true in regards to trinitarianism, salvation, prophecy, and other issues taught there, as well as other theological seminaries.

So, the fulfillment of the 2300 evenings and mornings was NOT for Daniel's day, over 2500 years ago! But it expected to be fulfilled in the 21st century.

Apparently Daniel explained the vision to some, but none understood. The closer we get to the end, the more we likely will understand about it.

In the Decemer 1965 Good News magazine, the old Radio Church of God published an article titled Daniel Nine Proves Jesus Is The Christ.

That had to do with what is known as the 70 weeks prophecy, which we will get to.

And many people, in an outside the Church of God, see that prophecy as pointing to Jesus. Specifically the first 69 weeks of it.

Secular sources, like Wikipedia to cite one example, downplay the significance of that prophecy as it would undermine the anti-biblical view that many scholars hold.

That said, the seventy weeks prophecy is included in the 9th chapter of the Book of Daniel.

Notice that desolations is part of that prophecy. As far as a period for its fulfillment, the Study Bible commentary states:

If the years shown above are correct, that only adds up to 67 years--and possibly 66 1/2 since this captivity, according to one in the old WCG, did not start until the Summer of 605 or the Spring of 606 (Wardrop G. Introduction to Bible Chronology. 1986)--hence that suggests another 3 1/2 years of desolation for Jerusalem, which is consistent with Daniel 9:27.

Jeremiah referred to the deportation of Jews from the Kingdom of Judah (Jeremiah 52:29), which began in c. 605-606 BC, but did not list an amount of years.

As far as seventy years goes, Dr. Bramer of Dallas Theological Seminary pointed to Jeremiah 25:11-12 and 29:10, but that points to something else--Babylon being captive, and not desolations of Jerusalem. He also pointed to Zechariah 1:2; 7:5; 2 Chronicles 36:21, which looks to be applicable--but not in direct relationship to Jeremiah.

Now Daniel did not say that Jeremiah wrote about those 70 years, but since the verse says words, it looks like this 70 years was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah.

The above relates to 490 years. The events in verse 24 above may or may not be sequential chronologically.

Jesus came "when the fullness of time had come" (Galatians 4:4). If the anointing of the Most Holy is not a place (and while some translation suggest that is so, details from numerous commentators suggest a person), it would perhaps seem that the anointing of the Most Holy could have been when Jesus was baptized--and that is an event recorded in all four of the Gospel accounts (Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22; John 1:32). Consider:

So, we see the fulfillment of the time in Daniel 9:24 to anoint the Most Holy could have been completed by Mark 1:15--with the other option (presuming this is a reference to Jesus) would seem to be when Jesus returns--because He will be King then (Revelation 19:16), and not a Prince like we see in Daniel 9:25.

69 weeks from the time of the decree to rebuild Jerusalem to the Messiah. 69 times 7 days in a week equals 483, seeming years. And that looks like it points to the year Jesus was baptised and started His ministry. Notice here the Messiah is a Prince, not the King of King and Lord of Lords.

The passages in Daniel 9:24-26a have been pointed to as proof of Jesus being the Messiah. How so?

Well, for one reason, that prophecy shows that the Messiah was to come before the Temple was destroyed.

Furthermore, the prophecy in Daniel 9:24 ties the timing of the “anointed one/Mashiach” in verse 26, to a decree. This is the decree of Ezra 7:12-26. Daniel also mentions that Jerusalem will be rebuilt and that happened as we can see in the Book of Nehemiah.

Daniel 9:25-26 says that after the cutting off of the “anointed one” the city (Jerusalem) will be destroyed and the sanctuary (the Temple) will be destroyed as well. The sanctuary/temple was destroyed by General Titus in 70 A.D.

In the Continuing Church of God, we have taught that Jesus was resurrected in 31 A.D. or possibly 34 or 35 A.D. (this is also partially based upon the date on the Hebrew calendar Jesus took His last Passover, plus outside confirmation related to darkness that happened per Matthew 27:45, Mark 15:33, and Luke 23:45). Hence the Temple was destroyed after the Messiah came.

Now, let’s look at an explanation from the old Radio Church of God about the Daniel 9 prophecy:

Adding 483 to the year 457 B.C. brings the year 27 A.D. (there was no year “zero” between B.C. and A.D.). That brings us to the time that Jesus began His ministry (apparently in the Fall of the year). His ministry is believed to have lasted 3 ½ years or possibly longer, hence the veil would have seemingly been torn in the Spring of 31 A.D. The Greco-Roman Catholic historian Sextus Julius Africanus also pointed to the decree being from Artaxerxes (see Jerome's Commentary on Daniel).

Thus, the ministry of Jesus, as well as the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem is consistent with that prophecy in Daniel 9.

Based on that timing, one would think that the Jews would accept Jesus, but that is generally not the case.

The two issues with the above are that while some Protestants may have used 444 B.C. as their starting point, the ascension year for King Artaxerxes began in 464 B.C.E., which placed his seventh year as 458-457. So, if you use 365¼ day years, you arrive at 26-27 A.D.--essentially with the start of Jesus' ministry in the Fall of 27 A.D.

Let’s look at what Ezra recorded (some verses not included for space) using a Jewish translation of the Book of Ezra:

Now, the two main Jewish arguments against the timing seem to be 1) which decree, by whom, and when and 2) the anointed one does not have to be the Messiah (per Jews for Judaism; other Jewish sources were also consulted to conclude this).

Yet, if one accepts the decree in Ezra 7 and that Daniel 9 was referring to the Messiah as the Anointed One (as the Complete Jewish Bible and other sources confirm), all should accept that Jesus fulfilled the timing of that.

Now, what about Jesus being cut off after the 62 weeks? Well, when does that 62 week period start? Well, it has to start later than when the 69 weeks began as the Messiah could not be cut off before He was born. Presuming it starts when Jerusalem was fully rebuilt, we are looking at probably somewhere between 405-400 BC. The reality is that archeologists are not sure when Jerusalem's rebuilding was complete (Borschel-Dan. 2,500-year-old seals may show Jews rebuilding Jerusalem after 1st Temple exile. Times of Israel, June 30, 2020), thus, to reach a 31 A.D. cutting off execution of Jesus, that would point to c. 404 BC.

According to Jewish writer, Abba Hillel Silver, many Jews did expect the Messiah during the first century:

So, there was a lot of Messianic expectation in the first century, based upon calculations from writings such as Daniel.
Shlomo Yitzchaki, also known as Rashi (RAbbi SHlomo ben Isaac), of the 11th century, wrote about Daniel 9:24,26:

So, Rashi correctly admitted Daniel 9 was a messianic prophecy that was fulfilled about the time of Jesus.

“Herod” Marcus Julius Agrippa was king of Judah from around A.D. 27--basically the same time Jesus looks to have started His ministry. So, if the timing of Agrippa is right like Rashi wrote, then obviously the timing of Jesus was in accordance with Daniel 9:24-26.

As far as Agrippa goes, the Jews revolted against him in 66. Later, he helped the Romans and their general Titus conquer Jerusalem. Agrippa was rewarded for his efforts in helping Rome and lived and reigned decades after the fall of Jerusalem. King Agrippa II was not the anointed “King Messiah.”

As far as Rashi goes, apparently the reason for the messiahship going to Agrippa was because of Israel’s sins. Rashi also declared:

But Jesus did come at the right time and the Temple was afterwards destroyed as was prophesied in Daniel 9:24-26.

Consider further that Abraham ibn Ezra (1092-1167), who is considered one of the most distinguished Jewish biblical commentators in the Middle Ages, also taught “Daniel … (chap. 9) leads up to Titus and the destruction” (Silver, pp. 212,213).

So, even Jewish authorities have agreed that Daniel 9 was pointing to the time of Jesus.

Of course, the Messiah comes in accordance with scripture and God’s plan. Yet it may be that the above came out because Daniel 9 pointed to Jesus and as well as the disappointment associated trying to time Daniel 9 with Simon Bar Kokhba.

Jews should accept the “chronology” of Daniel 9 which clearly pointed to the time of Jesus and the subsequent Temple destruction.

Furthermore, would you like know prior to the start of the Great Tribulation and WWIII approximately when it will begin?

Is there any event in prophecy that seems to give a multi-year (like 3 1/2 year) advance notification?

Many believe that they will know the fulfillment and sequence of certain end time prophecies. Yet, relatively few truly will. One such end time prophecy, that is part of the key sequence, will not be understood when it happens.

While some teach that it is Jesus that is the one who will confirm a covenant with many for one week, He never mention a one week covenant according to the scriptures. Furthermore, while various ones point to Jesus being killed after a 3 1/2 year ministry, His ministry may have been longer than that. Let's look at another translation:

The covenant treaty deal is considered to be some to be a peace deal. The same Hebrew word is used in the following:

Such treaties are normally called peace deals. And, in most cases, such deals come from wars or threats of war. I have long written that we would likely not see the deal of Daniel 9:27 until after a regional conflict--and we have seen the Hamas-Israel War and the Israel-Iran attacks. While that may be enough, I suspect more conflict will happen before the deal of Daniel 9:27 is confirmed by a European prince--but that is not strictly necessary as it is possible that Isaiah 22:6-9 could come after the deal and around when Jerusalem is being surrounded by armies per Luke 21:20.

That said, we see in the 27th verse that sacrifices will be stopped. In order to be stopped, they first must be started. This is NOT referring to what Jesus did as can be determined from Daniel 11:31 and 12:11--which relate to future events. Even LCG, teaches that the stopping of sacrifices in Daniel 12:11 is a prophesied event--and while I was there, its Dr. Meredith taught that Daniel 9:27 related to the "prince" who becomes the King of the North Beast power, and NOT Jesus, confirming the covenant (that is also consistent with what Herbert W. Armstrong wrote in 1972--see below Daniel 11:22). However, that group has been moving more to the wrong view that Jesus is being discussed in verse 27.

It is the King of the North that stops the sacrifices per Daniel 11:31, which is the same stopping referred to in Daniel 9:27. The one that was the prince who confirmed the deal is going to violate it per Daniel 9:27 and Daniel 11:31.

It begins when a "prince" of the Roman Empire peoples confirms a covenant with many for a seven year period. The Bible shows that the deal is broken in the middle, yet, it will still end seven years after it has been confirmed. At the end of that time Jesus will return. He will rule when He brings in righteousness in the millennial Kingdom of God per Jeremiah 23:5. That also is what is supposed to happen after the 70 weeks are fulfilled, consistent with Daniel 9:24.

He is clearly pointing this to be a seven year period as the 70th week. Notice his writing has that last week end when the Antichrist is deposed, which is when Jesus returns.

The focus of this verse has mainly been the first half of Daniel 9:27. But what about the last half? Here is what it says:

The last half is 3 1/2 years and could also relate to what looks to be the remaining 3 1/2 years of the desolationS for Jerusalem prophesied in Daniel 9:2.

Furthermore, ten times in the Book of Revelation (NKJV) it speaks of God's wrath--many of those times speak of His wrath being poured out (e.g. Revelation 16:1).

The consummation in Daniel 9:27b seems to be related to the final "Day of the Lord." When it happens (and it starts 2 1/2 years after the start of the Great Tribulation), the world will basically be desolate spiritually--and it is on the desolate it will be poured out on. Information on the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord is found in the article When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?

The fulfillment of Daniel 9:27 will begin the countdown to the start of the Great Tribulation and what could be called World War Three.

The reason that most Christians will not see the deal is that most will think that they are fine, will not believe the confirmation is the correct one, and will NOT do ALL that Jesus wants His people to do in the end time.

One is not only to pray to be accounted worthy, one is to be A DOER OF THE WORK. Many falsely believe that they simply be a "watcher" and not a supporter of the work to fulfill Matthew 24:14--those who feel that way are deceiving themselves.

You do not need to be among those that will not see. Gather together (Zephaniah 2:1). It is the highly dedicated Philadelphians in the real Church of God that will finish the final phase of the work before (Matthew 24:14; Daniel 11:32-33) and during (Revelation 11:3-14) the Great Tribulation and Day of the Lord.

So, Daniel was so concerned about this vision that, even though it was for the appointed time, which was not his time, he mourned for three weeks and apparently did a fast of only drinking water.

Daniel saw an angel of some sort. This would not have been Gabriel as Daniel had not described him that way before--some suspect that this was Jesus--who may have been the one who instructed Gabriel to communicate with David in Daniel 8:15-16.

Only Daniel got to see it, but those with him must have been affected somehow as the fled and hid. The Apostle Paul had a similar experience in the Book of Acts, in that while the others could see nothing, he alone beheld the vision (Acts 22:6-9).

So, we see that this vision was also a type of dream as Daniel was in a deep sleep.

The prince of Persia, in this case, appears to be a fallen angel, a demon. And apparently one with a fair amount of power. This is possibly Satan, the god of this world/age (2 Corinthians 4:4), which at that time had Persia as the leading empire. One of the reason I pointed to Satan is because he is shown as resisting/opposing one of God's human leaders:

Notice in Daniel 9:13 that the resisting looks to have happened during the entire time of Daniel's three week water fast. Hence, it may be that if Daniel stopped it sooner, he would not have gotten his answer.

But after 21 day, the archangel Michael interceded. He is called an archangel in Jude 9 and one of the chief princes here in Daniel 10:13.

The fact that twice the one speaking to Daniel in these verses has "the likeness of a man" suggests this could be Jesus. The New Testament teaches "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10)--and that would be consistent with Jesus giving important prophecies to Daniel.

Now, while one may conclude that Jesus did not need to help of Michael the archangel or anyone else, the reality is that the Bible shows that the returning Jesus will (cf. Jude 1:14-15; Revelation 19:13-14,19).

Verse 1 of chapter 11 starts out with something that should have been part of chapter 10. This was not due to divine inspiration, but probably a misunderstanding by someone who helped finalize the chapter and verse breaks--which were not in the Bible, but added by men later.

Dr. Bramer of Dallas Theological Seminary said there are 135 fulfilled prophecies in Daniel, and that is why the anti-biblical scholars do not believe it was written by Daniel when the book says it was written. I do not know the exact number of fulfilled prophecies or unfullfilled ones in Daniel, the fact is that because of many of the clearly fulfilled prophecies, many will not believe it--many do not realize believe God.

Daniel chapter 11 is one of the reasons anti-God scholars do not accept that Daniel himself could have written this chapter.

Jesus verified that Daniel spoke words in the book named after him (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14). So, all scholars who deny that Daniel could have said/written them in the 6th/7th century BC are clearly also denying that Jesus told the truth.

That said, many prophecies in this chapter, including many associated with the King of the North, have had a type of fulfillment. They also correctly show that the individuals who fulfilled the role of the King of the North were Greco-Romans, whose base of power for most (if not all) of them was in Europe.

The late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, long taught that much in Bible prophecy is dual. Here is a statement from him related to this chapter of the Book of Daniel:

One of the reasons this section on chapter 11 is including comments from Herbert W. Armstrong is that he mentioned how many of the prophesies in this chapter have been fulfilled.

And that will be the focus of many of the verses in the first half of this chapter.

13 For the king of the North will return and muster a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come at the end of some years with a great army and much equipment.

As far as the future prophetic sequence of Daniel 11 goes, notice that Herbert W. Armstrong wrote the following:

Thus, Herbert W. Armstrong clearly taught that starting at least from verse 21, that Daniel 11 had a dual/future fulfillment. We are getting very close to the fulfillment of Daniel 11:21.

The “vile person” is the final King of the North (who is also the final Beast of the Sea of Revelation 13:1-10).

That Hapsburg comment was added by Priest Culleton. An imperial title could possibly include something like duke or baron.

The following Greco-Roman Catholic private prophecies show that in the latter days some expect a future emperor of Europe, who with a major pope (possibly an antipope), will control the earth:

Thus, some writers and mystics were foretelling of the rise of a future European emperor. Perhaps it should be added that then Pope Francis once publicly stated that he dreamed of a humane European utopia that his church would assist in bringing about. (Pope’s Address at Being Awarded Charlemagne Prize. Zenit, May 6, 2016)

History shows that European emperors who attempt to establish dominion upon the earth tend to do that through conquering.

Because of scriptural warnings, Greco-Roman Catholics (and all others) would do well not to wish to follow the one known as the Great Monarch. Some, of course, do realize this as the following shows:

Did you notice the similarities of the Great Monarch being warned against in scripture? A disgraced politician, such as a former German Defense Minister who was passed over from being Chancellor, could fill that role.

Notice two other translations of Daniel 11:22, one Protestant, the other Roman Catholic:

As it turns out, while certain descendants of the Habsburg family in Austria go through an investiture ceremony declaring them royals with various titles, such does not happen with Habsburg descendants in Germany—they are NOT given the honor of royalty.

This same vile leader of Daniel 11, who appears at the "appointed time" of "the end" is described without that King of the North title in Daniel 8:

This King is also the "Beast" that rises from the sea that ten future kings will give their power to per Revelation 17:12-13 (see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?). He is also the seventh king of Revelation 17:10, and becomes so with the fulfillment of Revelation 17:13.

But notice the portion of Daniel 8:23 that I bolded above. This King rises up when the transgressors have reached their fullness, which suggests that this is about when God has had enough of the increasing immorality in nations like the U.S.A. as well as in Europe. Immorality is increasing in the Western lands, and will get to the point that the King will rise up.

Perhaps it may be of historical interest to note that even though some modern Protestant (see The Dangerous Rise of Preterists) and Roman Catholic scholars believe that all of Daniel 11 was fulfilled (e.g. Kurz, W. What Does the Bible Say About the End Times? A Catholic View. Servant Books, Cincinnati. Nihil Obstat: Kistner H., Schehr T.P. Imprimi Potest: Link F., Paul J.M. Imprimatur: Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004, p. 68), that this is not consistent with the teachings of many earlier Greco-Roman Catholic teachers.

For one example, even though he confused the Antichrist as being the King of the North (as many others do), the late 4th century Roman Catholic Jerome felt that from at least verse 22 on, that a future fulfillment involving a King of the North would occur as Jerome wrote:

The future fulfillment view of the Continuing Church of God is consistent with what Herbert W. Armstrong and Jerome both taught.

That is also true for "the prince ... who will confirm a covenant" mentioned in Daniel 9:26b-27. Furthermore, realize that Herbert Armstrong taught a DUAL FULFILMENT from at least Daniel 11:21 on--hence he is clearly teaching that Jesus is NOT the prince of the covenant, and the one who is coming will be a conquerer who will bring abomination to Jerusalem. Yet, many once part of the old Worldwide Church of God do not understand that.

As far as a small number of people, one such small number appears to be those of Revelation 17:12. Notice:

Other translations of Daniel 11:23-24 refer to him being involved in a ceasefire (The Message), alliances (DRB, NJB, NLT), or a treaty (CEV, GNT, WEB), which is consistent with Daniel 9:26-27.

So this leader gives people the impression that there will be "peace" and is involved with peace. This is the same leader who makes some type of deal in verse 23 and that confirms the covenant in Daniel 9:27. The term is translated as "peace" in Daniel 8:25 is from the Hebrew term shalvah and essentially means security. In other words, this leader will destroy "many" who are under the impression that they are secure because of some type of security and/or trade arrangement. Such arrangements are now commonly referred to as peace deals or treaties. Land swaps or changes to territories are likely.

As far as verse 24 goes, allow me to mention some speculation as well as a scriptural connections to its future fulfillment.

Notice that the Beast will enter peaceably. I have long speculated that this may because he may invade under the guise of a NATO or similar exercise.

Well, the Book of Lamentations warns that the one who was great will be betrayed by friends who became enemies:

The United States has been considered great among the nations, as was the United Kingdom when it had the British Empire (which was the largest land empire in human history).

The reality is that without the USA, NATO really has been not much of a military power. US President Donald Trump has threatened to NOT defend European nations that do not contribute more to military spending. This has caused not only anti-American sentiments, it has also gotten more and more in Europe to call for Europe to be a military power of its own right, independent of the United States. Pressures from the Trump Administration have caused the NATO members to pledge to increase military spending to 5% their GDP by 2035 (see NATO meeing–Europeans want a military independent of the United States).

Since the bulk of the NATO nations are in the EU, yes, the time will come when they will turn against the USA militarily (cf. Daniel 11:39), whether or not they do this under the guise of a NATO exercise.

Now, also in verse 24, we read that the Beast will extend "even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers." Well, neither in WWI or WWII did Germany enter much into the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, and other than military bomber planes, really much in the UK. But that will change.

Notice also that "he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time." This also ties in with Daniel 11:39--which is covered later. The verses of Daniel 11:22-26 look to parallel Daniel 11:39-43 as after the strongest fortresses of Daniel 11:39 are conquered, he conquers the King of the South. Which we see in the next verse.

Notice also that for the future, we see in Daniel 11:25 that the final King of the North will have a great army.

We also see that the coming King of the South will have a very great and powerful army. While we currently do not see this, the Arabs have had large joint military exercises and many Arab nations do have fairly modern weapons--but more will cooperation, etc. will come. For more on the King of the South, check out the article: Is the Future King of the South Rising Up?

This part of the Bible is considered to have been written around 160 BCE or later by anti-biblical scholars.

Yes, in our time, in these last days, many scholars love themselves and blaspheme the word of God.

Now, notice that a fragment of it in the Dead Sea scrolls, which is not the original, looks to be dated from the 3rd century BC. The Smithsonian Magazine reported:

It should also be noted that the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament into Greek is believed to have occurred between 285-287 BC--if the Dead Sea Scroll section 4Q114 was mainly a copy from that, it also points to an earlier date for the original writing of Daniel. While some may assert that the portion of Daniel in the Septuagint was translated later, it would seem to make little sense, particularly with 4Q114 possibly being from the 3rd century BC.

Notice that the above relates to the 11th chapter of Daniel--a chapter that many falsely assert was not written until about 165 BC. Yet, a fragment that exists supports the view it was originally written before that.

Do not believe the "consensus of scholars" when they disagree with the word of God.

Perhaps it should be mentioned that there are many Roman Catholic prophecies that indicate that the Turks will become Roman Catholic and betray an Arab leader. And that although they will probably for a while support Muslim interest, notice the following one about betrayal:

Some in Islam have taught several things about the Mahdi that suggest that he is the King of the South of the Bible. Notice the following:

The above sounds similar to the seven year (one week in biblical language) agreement discussed in Daniel 9:27 that involves a "prince" who appears to be the one the Bible warns will become the King of the North and apparently the nation of Israel. It certainly would make sense that there would be Muslim representation in a peace deal.

However, the Bible shows that this deal will be broken (Daniel 9:27) and the King of the North will invade Jerusalem (Daniel 11:31) and ultimately the King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43). Notice that this too, however, seems to be consistent with some Islamic prophecy:

One is, according to a Muslim my wife and I spent several days with in Turkey, "Turks aren't very good Muslims."

Another is that Turkey is not only more geographically connected to Europe than the Islamic Arabic countries, it also has more travel and economic ties. Furthermore, Turkey has applied to be a part of the European Union. Turkey is the most Islamic of any nation that has attained candidate status to be part of the European Union.

Additionally, the Turks, themselves, want to rule the Arabs. The Ottoman Empire did for centuries -- and many Turks want that still (as they have told me that). Since the King of the South will not be a Turk, while I believe that Turkey will temporarily support him, Turkey will turn against that leader. That is also consistent with something that the Book of Daniel prophesies.

Notice that Edom escapes the wrath of the King of the North. It is logical that if Edom was allied with the King of the South, that the reason that it escapes the King of the North's conquering is because Edom somehow switched sides--which is consistent with something the old WCG taught--see later discussion of verse 41). Betraying the King of the South, which we see in verse 26, points to Turkish involvement.

The Turks themselves say that they were a nomadic people who ended up in Turkey when they pushed the Greeks out of that territory.

Notice that these two kings make a deal together, but both sides are lying to each other. Thus, whatever agreement they make is not destined to be permanent. But that this deal will be at the appointed time of the end.

Verse 27 suggests that some type of bad agreement is made between the two—this would seem to be the deal that leads to the fulfillment of Psalm 83. It is highly likely that this deal will be portrayed publicly as a type of peace deal, but in fact will unleash terror.

Psalm 83 shows that an Arab-Turkish confederation will arise and want to eliminate the descendants of Israel, perhaps through terrorism and warfare, and that the Assyrian (apparently European based on other prophecies) power decides to join them in order for this to succeed.

Daniel 11:27 likely sets the stage for proposing that the Antichrist supporters come to Jerusalem to eliminate Israeli control of that city, as well as to fulfill Daniel 11:31 and probably Daniel 11:39.

Notice that this deal in Daniel 11:27 will be based upon deceit but will result in the end coming at the appointed time. Thus, this deal apparently pertains to the appointed time of the end.

Because of that, the Bible clearly supports the idea that there must be a future fulfillment of verse 27 onwards. Yet, most details of the deal will likely not be made public.

In his commentary related to this verse, the Greco-Roman Catholic saint Jerome stated his belief "that all these things refer to the Antichrist and to the king of Egypt." Which he is pointing to the biblical King of the North (who is in league with final Antichrist) and the King of the South.

Before going farther, let me add that some, including the Jehovah’s Witnesses, have correctly taught, "The designations ‘the king of the north’ and ‘the king of the south’ refer to kings north and south of Daniel’s people …{in} to the land of Judah" (Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy! Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Brooklyn, 1999; 2006 printing, p. 218 ). Yet, despite the correct understanding of geography, the Jehovah’s Witnesses incorrectly concluded that in the 20th century the United States and the United Kingdom became the King of the South (Ibid, p. 247). More on that group can be found in the article: Similarities and Differences Between the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Continuing Church of God.

Beginning in verse 28, we see that the King of the North made a prosperous financial deal, but that he also wants to, and later will, persecute God's people.

Somewhat oddly, something upsets the King of the North even though he feels that he made a very good deal.

This comment about his heart being "moved against the holy covenant" may be referring to the fact that some of God's people are warning against what the deal in verse 27 means.

What causes the northern king’s heart to be against the holy covenant of the most faithful in God’s Church and what he does then is not specified in Daniel’s writings. It should perhaps be noted that the word “damage” is not in the original Hebrew, so perhaps something else may be going on.

In addition to setting the stage for a prosperous King of the North (see also verse 36 below), the above specifically indicates that something will upset the King of the North, apparently related to a visit to the Palestine/Israel area, and he will return to his land (Europe) upset with the holy covenant, which are probably the most faithful of spiritual Israel (Romans 9:6).

During the end times, true Christians would seem to have to be the people of the holy covenant (see Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 8:6–13; Daniel 12:7). Baptism, obedience, and receiving God’s Holy Spirit is what makes one an heir of the “holy covenant” in the New Testament, (cf. Luke 1:72–73; Acts 2:38-39,5:32; Galatians 3:26–29; Romans 8:9-11).

The reason that the King of the North may be moved against the most faithful Christians is that they may be somewhat effectively reporting/broadcasting what this deal in verse 27 of chapter 11 may mean--as well as that he is the Beast of Revelation and is or will be working with the final Antichrist. The faithful may also have tried to expose the deal in Daniel 9:26–27, presuming that he confirmed it earlier, as well.

Furthermore, the King of the North may simply say something publicly, such as threatening to affect the true Philadelphia Christians’ (Revelation 3:7-13) ability to continue to broadcast messages such as the gospel of the kingdom of God, a message that is not popular with many. He could call the CCOG and its messages hate speech, a conspiracy theory, extremist, fake news, dangerous, misinformation, and/or whatever he thinks may get his point across.

As far as Philadelphian Christians go, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops explains:

The true end-time Philadelphia Christians are those who go through the open door of Revelation 3:7-8 to proclaim the Gospel (cf. Colossians 4:3) and have truly held fast to biblical teachings (Revelation 13:7-13; 14:12). See also Why is there a Philadelphian remnant of the true Christian Church of God?

These genuine and most faithful Church of God Christians (Acts 20:28) apparently have upset the King of the North by telling the world in general, and the North Americans in particular, that he is apparently the prophesied King of the North, seemingly the The Great Monarch of Greco-Roman Catholic prophecy, he is the one who will lead end time Babylon, and that he will soon invade and destroy Israel and the Anglo-American nations (Daniel 11:31,39) and then destroy an Arabic-Muslim confederation (Daniel 11:40-43).

Notice the following translation of verse 28 in the Contemporary English Version (CEV). It also supports the view that the holy covenant could be the true Christians at the end, as Christianity, and not Judaism, has been the "religion of God’s people" for nearly two thousand years:

The Douay-Rheims Bible also seems to point to that faith when it uses the term "holy testament":

The Good News Translation (GNT) states the king becomes "determined to destroy the religion of God’s people." Hence, Daniel 11:28 supports the notion that the true church is the holy covenant/holy testament. Jerome also pointed out that the holy covenant dealt with people related to "our Lord" (Jerome. Commentary on Daniel, Chapter 11).

Notice also the following rendering of this verse from The Message (MSG) translation:

It suggests that by the end of this verse, the King of the North has made up his mind that it is time to destroy the holy covenant, or at least part of the Christian message. He may have decided to begin persecution, interfere with broadcasting/internet abilities (cf. Amos 8:11-12), and/or at least began to think of plans to affect those Christians. If one or more of these actions do not begin in or by 11:28, they are likely to begin no later than Daniel 11:30, (both of which are shortly before the start of the Great Tribulation).

Regardless of the verse that shows when this persecution precisely begins, it is clear that a specific persecution will happen through verse 35, and it may include all of the forty-five-day period (1335 days-1290 days), and part of the thirty-day-period (1290 days-1260 days), in Daniel 12:11–12.

This looks to be the time when Satan is cast to the earth. Let us notice what Revelation 12:13–14 shows:

This persecution appears to mainly be a persecution against the Philadelphian Christians (Revelation 3:8), as they are given protection shortly thereafter (Revelation 3:10). Yet it needs to be understood that the woman is apparently still persecuted until verse 16 of Revelation 12, therefore, the persecutions of the Philadelphians apparently occur until Daniel 11:35—when the archangel Michael may stand up (Daniel 12:1), a decree is issued (Zephaniah 2:1-3), and the Philadelphians flee into the wilderness, for protection (Revelation 3:7-10).

Even the Book of Mormon speaks of a time when a great kingdom will arise with a great church and persecute:

It may be that prior to going to a place of protection (please see There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra), some Christians will flee out of the European lands dominated by the rising King of the North prior to him moving into Jerusalem--probably during verses 28-30 of Daniel 11 as this is when the King of the North begins his anger against God's most faithful (and I believe that since God's faithful will understand these passages in Daniel 11 by then, some will not wait until verses 30 or 31 to flee from the north--and will most likely go to Judea, though some possibly to Jordan).

Since it is the Church of God religion that historically is the "religion of God's people" (for many details, see Continuing History of the Church of God) and its members are the ones who fulfill aspects of the new covenant by having the law written into their hearts, it seems likely that the literal expression "holy covenant" refers to the most faithful of the true Christians (cf. Luke 1:72-75; Hebrews 8:8-12; Daniel 12:7). It appears that God's people are teaching something publicly that the King of the North does not want taught--otherwise he would have little reason to bother to attack such a "little flock" (Luke 12:32). This is about the time that the "one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days" days (1335 days) mentioned in Daniel 12:12 begin--although it may not be until the next verse or two.

The Book of Daniel shows that this king of the North will persecute God's people, have major power for 3 1/2 years, and intend to change times and laws (Daniel 7:24-25). Notice something about him in the New Testament:

Time, times, and half a time is 3 1/2 years as is 42 months--essentially 1260 days.

While I believe that the "religion of God's people" in Daniel 11:28 specifically includes the remnant of the Philadelphia portion of the Church of God, it may or may not include others like the Sardis remnant as it has a name that it is alive while it is dead, or the Laodiceans as their work will most likely be too lukewarm to wish to truly and powerfully warn against these events by the King of the North (or if the Laodiceans begin to do that, I believe that they will pull back). But, consistent with Daniel 12:7, Daniel 11:28 seems to be referring the beginning of the scattering of God's people. And as Daniel 7:25 states, there will be two persecutions, one that begins prior to the Great Tribulation and the other which lasts the 1260 days ("a time and times and half a time").

Now at "the appointed time," something will trigger the King of the North going towards the south:

The ‘he’ is still the King of the North. This verse suggests that the “appointed time“ is not only different than any before, but that this is the specific appointed time that leads to the final end of both the King of the North and the King of the South (cf. vs. 27).

Although he had other misunderstandings, even the 19th century Protestant commentator, Andrew Faucett, realized that the deal in Daniel 11:27 is related to the fulfillment of verse 29 as he wrote the following about Daniel 11:29:

The King of the North will be grieved, scared off. Note: the Hebrew term translated as "Cyprus" in the NKJV is a mistranslation as according to Vine’s Expository Reference, the Hebrew term translated as Cyprus in it, kittim, means "Western lands" (Holy Bible: Vine’s Expository Reference Edition., p. 788). The KJV uses the term Chittim,-but could include ships from the island of Cyprus--which is where the UK has ships and the USA often has its naval ships visit. Kittim originally referred to people from Cyprus, descended from Javan, but it later became a general term for Western maritime powers.

Anyway, the Bible is mainly showing that the King of the North will apparently be temporarily stopped by a Western naval power (see also Germany in Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecy). A similar passage is in Numbers 24:24, which according to Numbers 24:14, is for the latter times--and in it the Western naval power troubles descendants of Asshur/Assyria (many of whom now seem to be residing in Europe, see Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History).

(Note the the Aramaic Lamsa Bible says these ships come from China, which is not the case.)

Daniel 11:30 suggests that a major western naval power will put on a display of force and that will upset the south-heading King of the North, who will then decide to enter at least the area where Jews are making sacrifices, perhaps in retaliation for that action and/or to satisfy the complaints of his King of the South allies (vs. 27). A similar passage is in Numbers 24:24, which according to Numbers 24:14, is clearly for the latter times—and in it, the Western naval power troubles descendants of Asshur/Assyria, many of whom now are residing in Europe.

It is of interest to note that the USA and its ships, from a Judean or European Union perspective, are from western lands.

Here are several translations of the seemingly related event from Numbers 24:14 and 24:

So a naval power comes and troubles the Assyrians and some other peoples and that naval power will end up coming to nothing according to the Book of Numbers. The above is an important end time sign.

Let me also add that on February 7, 2024, Germany sent a warship to the Middle East for seemingly military purposes. So, yes, Asshur will do its part to fulfill Daniel 11:30 and Numbers 24:24.

We in the Continuing Church of God expect that we will be warning the world that the King of the North is fulfilling Bible prophecy when he does this and is confronted by American/British ships. This is likely to be part of the "short work" of Romans 9:28 that God will accomplish through His most faithful (see also Preparing for the 'Short Work' and The Famine of the Word).

No later than 2003 (which was also in a paper in 2004: Thiel R. Daniel 11’s End-Time Prophetic Sequence. Submitted to LCG evangelists. July 7, 2024), I first thought that Daniel 11:30 could be referring to United States and/or British -descended warships alarming the European King of the North. Then in 2008, I came across the following in a book written about Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies by Gerald Culleton:

Note: The comments ( ) in are from the Roman Catholic writer Gerald Culleton. And while he did not connect this Roman Catholic prophecy to Daniel 11:30 in that writing, that passage certainly may be related.

While priest Culleton did not connect this prediction to Daniel 11:30 in his writing, notice the following by Roman Catholic priest, Professor P. Huchedé, which connects that verse to Western naval forces:

When this event happens, all should realize that it is showing that Daniel 11:30, etc. is being fulfilled. The King of the North and his allies will not want people to believe this.

THIS WILL BE A MAJOR SIGN FOR PEOPLE WHO WILL PAY ATTENTION AND HEED THAT THE END (the start of the Great Tribulation) IS VERY NEAR--within weeks, which will be confirmed by verse 31.

The above psychic helped the German police find various criminals etc., and thus may have had some type of connection to the spirit (demonic) world.

Because the Bible shows that the spirit world has knowledge of scripture (Matthew 4:5–6), it would appear that some spirits inspired certain private prophets to make a variety of statements throughout history to try to confuse people at the end. The statement from the Countess may have been intended to tell the Europeans that they should not be too afraid of the coming “American” (which could include Canadian) ships.

Despite some claims, notice that a major battle is not shown to have occurred in verse 30; it may only involve a show of naval force. Thus, that verse may possibly indicate that this is when the European Beast power may temporarily make a deceptive deal with a major Western power (probably the United States) which will ultimately allow it to destroy the USA and its English-speaking allies (see also verse 39).

Why does the Western naval power seem to be the United States and perhaps also its British-descended allies?

Second, the United States is a major naval power, and often uses its naval power as a threat.

Third, although Latin America is also west of Jerusalem, it (even when all the nations that compose it are combined) would not seem to have enough of a naval force to stop the European king's approach (plus, since Latin America shares culture, languages, and religion with Europe, it will most likely be allied with the King of the North either at this time or shortly thereafter).

Fourth, while the UK is basically north of Jerusalem, it has long had a naval presence west of Jerusalem in places like Gibraltar and Cyprus (some ships could come from Gibraltar as well as farther west, like from the USA). Furthermore, Great Britain took possession of Cyprus in 1878 and was formally annexed by the U.K. in 1914. And while that status changed after Cyprus emerged as a sovereign state in 1960, the UK did not cede all territory to it. Currently, the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia is a British Overseas Territory on the island of Cyprus. So the UK actually has military territory in two places on the island of Cyprus. The Royal Navy has long had a presence there--and the UK has also allowed the USA to stage some military weaponry there.

Fifth, since the nation of Cyprus is actually part of the European Union, it makes no sense that it would attempt to stop the European Beast power--plus it does not have a massive enough navy to be a threat of itself against the coming King of the North.

Sixth, since the Bible shows that the problems from the kings that are north and east of the King of the North do not occur until verse 44 of Daniel 11, since they can be eliminated as possibilities, this pretty much only leaves that United States and its English-speaking allies as the only possible naval power that could deter the King of the North at this stage.

Also in a book I wrote in 2009, I identified the USA as the naval power in Daniel 11 that comes into conflict with the European power. Someone sent me a link to the following in 2019:

Yes, conflict between the USA and Europe is coming. Now, even though Daniel 11:40 shows that the King of the North will have "many ships"--at the time of verse 30 it simply will not have enough naval power to dissuade the USA from getting the King of the North to stop proceeding for a short time.

But getting back to verse 30 itself, notice that the King of the North will be even further enraged by the people of the "holy covenant" and most likely try to stop the supporters of it from proclaiming the truth about his intentions and the gospel of the kingdom (c.f. Matthew 24:14), which is something that we in the Continuing Church of God expect to be doing then. The King of the North will probably attempt to learn more about how to eliminate us and any who follow by trying to be nice to various apostates (those who "forsake the holy covenant")--apparently he attempts to get them to betray true Christians (Matthew 24:10). It strikes me as important that although a naval power stops the King of the North momentarily, the King of the North becomes apparently more enraged with the people of the holy covenant than the naval power (which he also will later take vengeance upon--see Daniel 11:39).

Most likely this occurs because the people of the holy covenant are proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 24:14, as that immediately precedes "the end") and teaching that the King of the North is fulfilling prophecies in Daniel 11.

It is my belief that after the peace deal in Daniel 9:27a/11:23a has been made and/or confirmed by “the prince to come,” that the group that best represents the “sect of the Nazarenes” (the remnant of the Philadelphia era of the church per Revelation 3:7–11, as led by the Continuing Church of God) in the 21st century will begin to publicly identify the person who confirmed the deal (“the prince”) as the one who fulfilled Daniel 9:27/11:23b-24. This apparently enrages the King of the North so much that he initially tries to eliminate these people through political pressure and selected persecution.

Our teachings on this, particularly after these prophecies are being fulfilled and we publicly point that out--as well as us then identifying the Beast of Revelation, who is also the final King of the North--looks to be something that will give us the “fifteen minutes of fame” that late Andy Warhol indicated individuals or phenomena would be able to experience. Because our booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom of God, is available in over 1500 languages (see Preaching the Gospel in Over 1500 Languages), many will get a witness as part of the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14.

Even the Roman Catholic Jerome indirectly understood some of this concerning these passages in Daniel 11 as he wrote:

Jesus clearly taught that persecution would affect His people just prior to the Great Tribulation beginning:

So notice that after "the beginning of sorrows," the true Christians will be delivered up and many killed and many will be betrayed by those pretending to be Christians. And then the Great Tribulation will come shortly thereafter. This clearly ties in with the events of Daniel 11.

Partially because the USA/UK led naval forces have stopped him AND the most faithful Christians are causing the modified ecumenical religion problems (as the media is likely to report much more of the Philadelphian Church’s message then), the King of the North will decide to do something to the members of the true Church (“damage” is not in the Hebrew) after he returns. This would be because he is "in rage against the holy covenant."

In the past several years, many in Europe and elsewhere have taken steps to be able to censor internet content, and some of that looks to be prophesied to happen with the King of the North's endorsement.

It continues to strike me as important that although a western naval power stops the King of the North momentarily, the King of the North becomes seemingly more enraged with the people of the holy covenant than with the naval power. He wants to eliminate the rising up of what some Greco-Roman prophecies call the "secret sect" (Birch, pp. 317,326; Dupont, pp.60,62,71).

First of all because he previously already decided that the USA, UK, etc. must go.

Secondly, this likely occurs because the people of the holy covenant (seemingly called the “secret sect” by certain Roman Catholic seers) are warning the world that the King of the North is fulfilling these prophecies in Daniel 11. This enrages the King of the North so much that he tries to eliminate these people. The King of the North simply does not want the small continuing faithful Church telling the world in general, or the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic-American nations in particular, what some of his plans really are. Perhaps he also thinks that his relationship with the then USA president is still close enough that he has enough influence to push his censorship.

Consider that some period of time after the sorrows have begun, faithful Christians will be delivered up. Many will be killed, and many will be betrayed by those pretending to be Christians. Christ‘s "gospel of the kingdom is preached to the world as a witness," then the GREAT tribulation will come shortly thereafter. This clearly ties in with the events of Daniel 11, as Jesus Himself seemed to tie Daniel 11:31 into Matthew 24:15.

This may be precisely when God has the work of His Philadelphia remnant church, in a more organized manner, stopped (Romans 9:28; Amos 8:11)—perhaps getting kicked off electronic media, probably including much (or all) of the internet. However, at least parts of the message will apparently continue to go out by scattered and fleeing individuals, as well as the two witnesses who will be rising up. It may be (and this is certainly speculative) that the Americans agree to stop (or pressure or suspend on some pretext) the faithful church’s ability to boldly proclaim the message as part of the negotiations that certainly will be needed because of the encounter between the King of the North (Europe) and the naval forces of the West (America).

Part b of verse 30 appears to parallel Matthew 24:9-10. This indicates that some type of persecution of true Christians will begin before the "gospel of the kingdom" will have gone to the world as a witness, as that is completed in Matthew 24:14. Notice that the end comes once the Christians have successfully proclaimed the "gospel of the kingdom." This success would have been attained with inadvertent assistance through media coverage of what the faithful continuing Philadelphian remnant is teaching.

It is possible that verse 30b is when the two witnesses of Revelation 11:3 officially appear with power (or perhaps in or between vss. 31–39), as they will undoubtedly enrage the King of the North--of course so will any of the other faithful Christians who do the work.

It is somewhat possible that “those who forsake the holy covenant” are former “Christians,” who in that sense have actually forsaken the biblical covenant. Matthew Poole's Commentary refers to them as "apostates." During the time of Antiocus (first fulfillment) these were "extended special favors to those Jews who would turn from their religion" (Armstrong HW. Middle East in Prophecy).

Perhaps those betraying the faithful includes those who would have been involved in the prophesied falling away (c.f. 2 Thessalonians 2:3; The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings). The reason that the King of the North might wish to show them some type of favor may be so the King can learn more about the Christians to better be able to identify, eliminate, and/or persecute the faithful. His plan is to get them to betray the faithful Christians (cf. Matthew 24:10).

Here is what the Greco-Roman saint Jerome taught about the fulfillment of this portion of the verse:

Notice that Jesus listed betrayal just before the abomination of Daniel is mentioned:

Thus, it appears that Daniel is referring to a betrayal—a deliverance to persecuting authorities--by supposed believers and/or the members of their physical family. In Matthew 24:10 Jesus also makes a similar warning.

Notice that after the King of the North returns home, he decides to come back to the Jerusalem area (see also Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future), but this time with a much stronger military presence--and this is when he violates the deal of Daniel 9:27, which is about 3 1/2 years after he confirmed it.

Antiochus Epiphanes put up some type of statute related to Zeus which was involved in the first fulfillment of this. The final Beast may put up a statue or crucifix or something--it may be of interest to note that some scholars have pointed that the frequest depictions of images supposedly being Jesus are actually a younger version of the pagan god Zeus.

The event of verse 31, which apparently will involve the King of the North sending in forces into Jerusalem, was spoken of by Jesus (Matthew 24:15) as a warning of the final end time. So after the gospel has been preached enough to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14), Jewish sacrifices are stopped (Daniel 9:27), the abomination is set up (Daniel 9:27; 11:31), and a decree is issued (Zephaniah 2:1), the most faithful Philadelphians (Revelation 3:7-10) will flee per Jesus' statements in Matthew 24:15-16 or 'fly' per Revelation 12:14-16.

Although some Greco-Roman Catholic, Protestant and Jewish sources say that this was all fufilled by Antiocus Epiphanes, in his commentary on Daniel titled Yafeh La-Ketz, the Jewish Malbim (Meïr Leibush ben Yehiel Michel Weiser, 1809-1879) claimed that starting in verse 31, Daniel 11 was referring to the Romans (Hoffman E. Chanukah, Daniel 11 and the Rabbis’ Limited Knowledge of Greek-Period Jewish History. http://thetorah.com/chanukah-daniel-11-and-history/ accessed 07/15/16).

Now for the daily sacrifices to stop in Daniel 11:31 and 12:11, it would be necessary that they start for a period of at least some days prior to the 1290 in order for them to be considered "daily." It may actually be that part of the justification that the King of the North will give himself (and possibly the United States) for this invasion is that it is necessary for him to go to Jerusalem to stop the "fanatics" in Israel from inciting world war by performing these sacrifices (see also Daniel 9:27). (Note: Although some teach that a physical temple must be built in Jerusalem to allow the daily sacrifices, it should be understood that only an altar is necessary per Ezra 3:6 and not a temple in that location--much more information is included in the article Why is a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem Not Required?)

This is likely the time that the following will be in the process of being fulfilled:

The Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) begins 30 days after Daniel 11:31 is fulfilled. Herbert W. Armstrong taught that the Church's efforts to proclaim the gospel would stop 45 days prior to the abomination in Daniel 11:31 (cf. Daniel 12:7 and 12:11 and Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General's Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2). Thus this is when the "one thousand two hundred and ninety days" (1290 days) of Daniel 12:11 begin:

Any true Church members in Jerusalem/Judea at the time the sacrifices are taken away would need to flee according to Jesus and Jeremiah:

These passages show that there will be a time that will come that those in Judea and Jerusalem will have to flee into a mountainous area of protection. Jesus told His followers to flee when they see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel. And Jeremiah is basically warning that disaster will come from the north--in this case, apparently the King of the North (he destroys nations, Daniel 11:41, cf. Isaiah 10:7)--in other writings Jerome (Jerome. Letter CXXIII to Ageruchia, Chapter 16) as well as the third century Roman Catholic theologian and bishop Hippolytus (Hippolytus. On the Antichrist, Chapters 16 & 57) tied in Assur/Assyria as apparently being the king (for more details, please see Germany in Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecy). The Bible itself also points to the final King of the North being Assyrian (Isaiah 10:12), hence possessing at least some Germanic ancestry.

Notice that Jesus' comments can only be directed to those that are keeping the Sabbath PRIOR to the Great Tribulation. And that they flee in certain areas. Perhaps the reason that there are true Christians in Jerusalem at this time is because some have come to get out of regions dominated by the King of the North prior to and after he begins persecutions (some of those who understand these prophesies will most likely realize that remaining in regions dominated by the Beast power will not be safe and may leave prior to the actual persecution beginning). (More information on persecutions can be found in the article Persecutions by Church and State).

The Bible is clear that it will be a northern power that will eliminate Judah, the nation now called Israel:

And during this time, the northern King will apparently corrupt the corruptible and continue to be responsible for persecuting the people of God.

Let me add that LCG has 11:31 happen after 11:40-43 (Meredith RC. Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ's Return LCG booklet, 2001, 2008, 2020, May 2022). While Dr. Meredith agreed with me that his booklet was in error on the sequence, it was not only not fixed, when it was edited years after his 2017 death, it still has the wrong sequence. That COG will NOT know when the Great Tribulation will start until after it is too late unless they change. LCG should have heeded the truth about that and God's governmental authority with a true prophet (see The Bible, Peter, Paul, John, Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, Roderick C. Meredith, and Bob Thiel on Church Government and Church of God Leaders on Prophets).

The King of the North, after getting upset by the people of the holy covenant comes up with a plan.

Earlier in the Book of Daniel, particularly the 6th chapter, we saw that opponents of the faithful Daniel used flattery towards King Darius to attempt to get rid of Daniel.

Well, here in chapter 11, we see that instead the King of the North employs flattery as part of the way he wants to get rid of the faithful Philadelphian Christians.

The King of the North's actions in verse 32 seem to parallel part of Daniel 11:23 which teaches "he shall act deceitfully."

This flattery, which likely will also include financial bribery, etc., looks to be people formerly part of the Church of God--like those who have fallen away, as well as perhaps others who long were opposed to the Church of God who are happy to see troubles come to its more faithful members.

But let's look at that verse and the following one from the Literal Standard Version as "great exploits" is in italics in the NKJV as those words are not in the orignal Hebrew for this chapter:

The 19th century Methodist theologian Adam Clarke, in his commentary on Daniel 11, identifies the faithful people as follows:

Yes, this is a reference to genuine Christians--and at this stage, it looks mainly to be end time Philadelphians.

The Philadelphian Christians are the ones who understand the best. Concerning the people of Daniel 11:33-35, the late Herbert W. Armstrong considered them to mainly be Philadelphian Christians and also stated, “These are the people of God” (Armstrong HW. Falling away, part 2. World Tomorrow radio broadcast, HA5406.rm).

Now while the ability to instruct many is needed in all ages, in verse 33 it is an end time prophecy. Let look at parts of verses 32 and 33 again:

Others, such as the late evangelist Dr. Roderick C. Meredith, have also taught it in the 21st century:

The "great false leader" that Dr. Meredith mentioned is the one that confirmed the covenant in Daniel 9:26-27.

Those who understand and instruct many are those who faithfully do the work of God. This would seem to mainly be the Philadelphia portion of the Church. Some will be killed and may also have their houses or other buildings burned down.

One of the reasons that our sermons in the CCOG are more scripture, historically, and prophetically focused than other churches is to help train you so that God may use YOU to instruct many.

But there will be persecution. Others are NOT being trained like this--other churches do not focus on preparing their congregants to instruct many--at least none that I know of.

Furthermore, the Roman Catholic Jerome also understood that this passage of Daniel 11 was referring to Christian persecution as he wrote:

Philadelphians will later flee. But they will also instruct many according to that verse, though Jerome did not quote that part of the verse.

Not only should be always speak with grace, we also need to have the knowledge of how to talk and answer questions.

The prophesied instruction may occur for a relatively short period of time. It needs to be understood that the expression “for many” in front of "days" in some translations of verse 33 is not in the original Hebrew. The MKJV (Modern King James Version), the LITV (Literal Translation of the Holy Bible), and also the DRB did a better job with this verse as shown below:

Thus, there will be some days where intense persecution of the Philadelphian Christians will occur before they all flee and later receive supernatural protection from God through His angels.

But the Philadelphian Christians will be a witness. A witness related to the kingdom of God, a witness when instructing many, a witness when being persecuted, a witness when fleeing, and a witness by being in the place of protection in the wilderness (Revelation 12:14-16).

Regarding falling by the flame, there is also a Roman Catholic (by nun Anne Emmerich) as well as a Byzantine (by Andrew Fool for Christ) prophecy that indicates members of a small sect will be burnt, possibly in at least partial fulfillment of this verse:

The Eastern Orthodox also have a prophecy that various Sabbath-keepers will be publicly executed and the time period is supposed to be when the "Great Monarch" (who seems to be, at least like, the final King of the North) rises up:

There are several points to make related to the above. Note “public executioner of the Sabbatians” is how that portion of the phrase is shown as a translation on page 240 and seems to make the most historical sense of the Greek being translated. Sabbatians means Sabbath-keepers. The fact that there is a "public executioner" for them, supports the idea that people like us in the genuine Church of God will be subject to execution and other likely forms of persecution. Notice that it is warning that someone who was part of a Sunday church (probably a one "born Roman Catholic" as he becomes an "apostate" according to the mystic because of the Sabbath) will believe in and teach the Sabbath as well as believe that it is the time of the end. The leader is, for at least some while, a citizen of the Pentapolis, which in English means "five cities." Black mourning apparel sounds like sackcloth as biblically, sackcloth is black (cf. Isaiah 50:3; Revelation 6:12). A major point to emphasize is that Agathaghelos is indicating that these men will seem pious and he does not want anyone to listen to him. Thus, the above Orthodox prediction is directed against Sabbath keepers.

Interestingly, the author of this book, Dr. Tzima Otto, made the following comments:

Note, while I did not change her words, since SHE (not the one who came up with the prophecy) came up with her own "five cities" regions, I left those locations out with "..." basically showing what some in the end time might think about faithful Church of God leaders who may be in or from the five cities region, for exampe, in California--which is where the CCOG headquarters has always been based out of. Which is also in end time "Israel" (see also the free ebook: Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?). As far as being a traitor from the Roman Church goes, because I was baptized and confirmed as a Roman Catholic, plus teach against it and in favor of the seventh-day Sabbath, I would think Dr. Tzima Otto and others would consider me to be a traitor to it.

That said, sadly, many Christians have forgotten this prophecy in Daniel 11:33--or at least what to do about it--even though it is to be fulfilled within the next decade or so.

Paul was disappointed that the Christians he was communicating with had not grown more in knowledge. The oracles of God come from God and His word, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and God's prophets. Many do not accept how God works in these end times, despite what His word teaches (see Does the CCOG have the confirmed signs of Acts 2:17-18?).

Notice also that Christians are supposed to be able to be teachers--yes that ability to instruct is also a New Testament concept. Those who learned as they should have are subject to being used by God to instruct many.

How can Philadelphian Christians be witnesses, take action, and instruct many if they are not prepared?

The Holy Spirit will bring to mind things you have studied, but will assist you with your wording as Jesus also said:

You need to be prepared as the Apostle Peter wrote to be able to give answers to those who ask.

The Bible is the word of truth. Christians need to study diligently, which includes not only reading the Bible and paying attention to sermons, but also to read church literature.

One of the reasons is that parts of the Bible are not always easy to understand, as the Apostle Peter pointed out:

Notice again one is to be 'diligent' so one will not be moved by untaught and unstable people.

One does not grow in grace and knowledge without gaining knowledge. Growing in grace and knowledge not only helps us spiritually, but helps us be able to better help others and give love to make things better. Which is actually why God put humans on the earth (see also The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?).

Christians are to add knowledge, at least partially so we will NOT be unfruitful.

The knowledge is to be used to be fruitful--not just for your own sake. That is, being fruitful, for you assist in reaching many--via the church--but also possibly yourself.

The above is part of why in sermons covering one book of the Bible, we cite passages from other books.

In addition to Christians studying the word of God on their own, this is part of why God has a ministry:

Now that books are more widely available than in New Testament times, books from ministers can also assist in teaching end time Christians.

While we have many, the following look to be particularly applicable to the 'instruct many' prophecy related to predominantly Philadelphian Christians:

Now that does not mean our other books and booklets are not important to know--and they can also be referred to--and all are found at the following link: CCOG Free Books and Booklets.

Non-Philadelphians, including 'independents,' will not know enough to instruct many in this age. Oh yes, they will teach people during the millennium. But, the lack of knowledge of church history, development of heresies, and proper prophetic understanding will prevent most non-Philadelphians from fulfilling the "instruct many" prophecy in Daniel 11:33.

Because some of what people in the world will be interested in will be a bit historical, and to them unique, the listed books were written. These books are part of the CCOG preparation for the short work.

In the end times, the end of the short work will be better than its beginning, and we in the CCOG are still preparing for that end now.

The Apostle John was inspired to record, "the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready" (Revelation 19:7). It is the Philadelphian portion of the Church that best represents the wife (cf. Revelation 3:7-13, 12:14-17), and we are working to help its members--and not JUST its ministry--to be made ready.

If YOU are willing to be used by God and will support the true Philadelphian remnant leader, God may well have YOU instruct many. Either directly, or at least, indirectly.

False Christians will betray the faithful. It is likely that the King of the North will encourage this. That looks to be consistent with Daniel 11:32.

Verse 34 further suggests that some Philadelphians will suffer and be betrayed, as it is the Philadelphians that should be those of high understanding.

It should be pointed out that those suffering at this time may be the Philadelphians (and/or other Christians) in areas controlled or influenced by the King of the North, specifically Europe, and possibly also include Latin America. It may be that there will be a religious resurgence (cf. Revelation 13:4,8) that leads to some of God’s people being killed in those lands, and even the USA, etc., by self-appointed vigilantes calling themselves “Catholic” (such as one who actually called for a real crusade to begin in the 21st century--In this Sign you will conquer with One Voice. Cyndi Cain's SYMPHONY OF SUFFERING column DailyCatholic.org September 3-5, 2001 volume 12, no. 148).

Those who join with the Philadelphian or other Christians by intrigue look to include those having fallen away or others pretending to assist the Christians, yet secretly really supporting the King of the North. Greek Orthodox scholar H. Tzima Otto believes that some claiming Philadelphia Christian practices (she does not use the term “Philadelphia Christians,” but instead calls them Sabbatians, meaning seventh-day Sabbath-keepers) are going to betray genuine Philadelphians in the future and support the Great Monarch.

Daniel 11:34, itself, is consistent with the following prophecy of Jesus related to the Philadelphian Christians:

Jesus loves the Philadelphians, and the Philadelphians (Philadelphia means brotherly love) will be further demonstrating their love for God and humanity during this time. It should be pointed out that the New Testament calls Christians 'Jews' in several places (Romans 2:28-29; Revelation 2:9,3:9). So, those who are joining by intrigue look to be the same ones warned against in Revelation 3:9. Hence, this is another connection to the Philadelphians and this persecution in Daniel.

Daniel 11:34 is a warning to the most faithful end-time Christians in that, while some will actually help them then, they will need to be quite cautious, as problems are likely with “many” who will seem to join them.

This would also be the time that the remaining Philadelphians (those who were not in Jerusalem during the prior verse) fly/flee to their place of protection (please see the article There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra) and thus, around vs. 35 is when the "time, times, and half a time; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered" as Daniel 12:7 refers to (also known as the 1260 days or the 3 1/2 years) begins.

Notice that the King of the North is mainly focused against God's people, and initially mainly (but likely not exclusively) the Philadelphians (for more about the persecutions, please see Persecutions by Church and State). This indicates that he is NOT mainly yet attacking Israel as some have suggested (as that would result in immediate retaliation by the United States). He seems to be focused on religion--probably setting the anti-Pope up in Jerusalem while eliminating those in the true Church who are reporting his real intentions (the persecutors are associated with the 'synagogue of Satan,' see also What is the Synagogue of Satan?).

Even the Roman Catholic Jerome also understood that this passage of Daniel 11 was referring to the end times and Christian persecution as he wrote:

It is critical to realize is that verse 35 specifically shows that its activities go “until the time of the end,” thus, there must be a future fulfillment of vs. 35.

Verse 35 further shows problems for many of the most faithful in the Church. Because not even the most faithful are perfect, some apparently will fall and/or be persecuted, so that they can be refined (spiritually improved).

But Daniel 12:1 shows that this specific persecution will probably end in, or shortly after, verse 35. Then, probably by the beginning of Daniel 11:39 at the latest, the great tribulation will begin.

The expression translated as “the appointed time“ in verse 35 is from the Hebrew word transliterated into English as `eth (OT:6256 `eth. Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright (c) 1994, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Inc. ). It is used in both Daniel 12:1 and 11:35.

The same Hebrew word (`eth) is translated as “the set time” in Psalm 102:13:

This seems to show that these verses (Daniel 11:35 and Psalm 102:13) are for the same time. If so, this is the time when God distinguishes between the truly faithful Church (called “Zion” above), and those outside the most faithful Church (cf. Revelation 12:13-17). Perhaps this is a parallel to when God no longer had the children of Israel experience the plagues in Egypt, while the Egyptians did (Exodus 8:22).

However, one thing that is critical to notice is that verse 35 specifically shows that its activities go “until the time of the end“—thus there must be a future fulfillment of vs. 35.

Verse 35 may be a key verse to tie in with Daniel 12:1, which discusses Michael the Archangel rising up, just prior to the Great Tribulation and protecting the faithful:

This is also the just prior to official start of the time of Jacob's troubles (Jeremiah 30:7)--though the Jacob descended nations will have "sorrows" first (Matthew 24:4-8).

The reason that I mention that related to verse 35, is that the above from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary seems to be off a little bit.

Because the same Hebrew expression for “at that time” (`eth) occurs in verse 35, not verse 36. This suggests that Michael will likely provide protection to God's people when they flee/fly to the palce. Therefore, it would appear that somewhere between verse 35 and 39 is apparently when Michael stands up and begins to protect the true and faithful in the Church. Probably while they are fleeing/traveling (see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra).

Much of the persecution in Daniel 11:30-35 (see Persecutions by Church and State) will be directed against Philadelphian Christians. This will likely result in the non-Philadelphian Christians further distancing themselves from the Philadelphians.

One of the reasons the Philadelphians will be targeted is because the Philadelphians are leading the final phase of the work and will identify the King of the North and reveal some of his plans.

This will result in much of the world temporarily shifting attention towards the church that is doing that.

Many people will wonder and Philadelphian Christians are to answer questions (cf. Daniel 11:33).

The Philadelphians apparently will flee during vs. 35, as Jesus said that His people would flee just prior to the great tribulation in Matthew 24:20–21. Jesus specified that they would escape in Luke 21:36. Jesus stated that it would be the Philadelphians who would be kept “from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world” in Revelation 3:10.

The Bible shows that persecution will accompany this fleeing (Revelation 12:13–15), but that those fleeing are helped (vs. 16). Because of the successful fleeing, the King of the North will stop his direct pursuit of them. The faithful will no longer be proclaiming the gospel through any major organized media effort (cf. Amos 8:11-12). The rising up of the “secret sect” some Greco-Roman writings allude to will have ended.

Greco-Roman prophecies seem to also foretell this time. It looks like the Philadelphian “sect” will be perceived to be the enemy of the Great Monarch and the antipope:

Thus, as far as most in the world will be concerned, the faithful Christians will have been “crushed” as heretics.

After Philadelphian Christians begin to face fierce (and sometimes deadly) persecution, the fifth seal signaling the start of the Great Tribulation will be opened with the rest of the Christians facing deadly persecutions for 3 ½ years.

Notice that both the Great Monarch and the Beast are prophesied to be warring persecutors. People will marvel. Some will believe God is on the side of this Great Monarch, because few ever expected the USA and its British-descended allies to be conquered in this century.

Roman Catholic and other theologians, consistent with Revelation 12:14-16, have considered that part of the true Church would flee into the wilderness during this time (Kramer H.B. L. The Book of Destiny. Nihil Obstat: J.S. Considine, O.P., Censor Deputatus. Imprimatur: +Joseph M. Mueller, Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, January 26, 1956. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), pp. 296-297); and others specifically believe that this place has caves (Graff, Ron and Dolphin, Lambert. Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done..., Chapter 11. Peninsula Bible Church, Palo Alto (CA), 1998).

The late Protestant Dr. Tim LaHaye referred to a mountainous cave-filled place in Jordan called Petra and the people who flee as "believing Jews" (LaHaye T, Hindson E. The Popular Bible Prophecy Commentary. Harvest House, Eugene (OR), 2006, pp. 523-524).

It would seem that those called "believing Jews" (historically, sometimes known as Nazarene Christians) represent the faithful sect that certain mystics have improperly warned about.

Philadelphians, like other faithful, Christians have some practices considered “Jewish” as Revelation 3:7-9 and 2:9 suggests. The fact that Jesus told His followers to, “pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath”, (Matthew 24:20) also confirms this. The Bible is clear that at the time of the fleeing, even those who do not flee, but are to be persecuted, “keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (Revelation 12:17).

However, at least one Roman Catholic mystic warned in the 12th century that while those in caves seemed to be good, she felt they really were not:
Hildegard of Bingen (12th century): And fly from those who linger in caves and are cloistered supporters of the Devil. Woe to them, woe to them who remain thus! They are the Devil’s very viscera, and the advance guard of the son of perdition.

It would appear that the mystic was demonically-influenced as she is actually warning against supporting the true Philadelphian pacifist Christians (something that may happen, as some not originally with them might try to join them per Isaiah 56:8). As far as “the Catholic faith” goes, check out our free book, online at ccog.org, titled Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?

It is the Philadelphian Christians who will be protected, yet Hildegard seems to be claiming that they are the “supporters of the Devil“ (probably because they will oppose the final, revised, ecumenical church and because that church will have persecuted them). Because she calls them “the advanced guard of the son of perdition,” she sequentially looks to be referring to a group of people who will be protected in caves just before Christ returns.

Notice also that she specifically warns against religious people in caves who are miraculously fed.

Yet, she must not have realized that the Bible indicates that those who receive God’s protection in the wilderness during the end time (Revelation 12:14–16), and are in caves (Jeremiah 48:28), are His people (Isaiah 16:1–4 possibly in Sela/Petra), and will be religious (Revelation 14:12), and will be miraculously fed (Isaiah 33:15-16).

Yes, as God provided the children of Israel what they needed in the wilderness, God will provide for the Philadelphian Christians who flee to the wilderness (Revelaton 12:14-16) during the coming "hour of trial" (cf. Revelation 3:7-10).

Hence, it is reasonable to conclude, that Hildegard's vision does support the view that even the demons have understood about a place of protection where some people will be miraculously fed, for quite some time.

However, those associated with the King of the North will then turn their attention to the rest of her seed, the non-Philadelphian Christians (who will be a kind of “secret sect” but will try to remain hidden, most likely to avoid this persecution).

Even a commentator’s note in the Rheims New Testament agrees that the Church goes to a wilderness desert location:

Early Greco-Roman “fathers” such as Irenaeus (Irenaeus. Adversus haereses, Book V, Chapter 34, Verse 3. From Ante-Nicene Fathers, Volume 1. Edited by Alexander Roberts & James Donaldson. 1885), Hippolytus (Hippolytus. On Christ and Antichrist, Chapter 61), and Cyril (Cyril of Jerusalem. Catechetical Lecture 15) also believed this. Hence, Hildegard is once again not even faithful to Greco-Roman Catholic positions on prophetic matters.

Thus, the idea of true Christians fleeing, being supported, and being away from the devil for 3 ½ years is consistent with both biblical and certain Roman Catholic teachings (Revelation, Chapter 3. United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. www.usccb.org/bible/revelation/3 viewed 08/25/2012).

The Greek Orthodox also tend to believe that the faithful will flee to caves in the desert/wilderness for 3 ½ years (Tzima Otto, pp.190, 274).

Now, it should be understood that the Bible shows that those who do not flee at that time will then be persecuted:

Thus, we see several parallels in Daniel 11:29–35 and Revelation 12:13–17. We specifically see that some will be persecuted, will flee to the wilderness, and will be helped, but that Satan is not yet through (as Daniel 11:36-44 also seem to show).

The Spanish-influenced 16th century Mayan Chilam Balam warns that those associated with a church will be in a cave:

The 1933 compiler of the above (J. José Hoíl) added a note stating, "Evidently a reference to a cave type of cenote" (José Hoíl, p. 233).

Thus, this Mayan writing is showing the church being in a cave and being drenched with water in a way seemingly consistent with the concept of fleeing to a wilderness and avoiding the flood as shown in Revelation 12:14-16.

The King of the North will prosper and honor his own god, but will honor himself the most. Although there have been partial fulfillments in the past, this would have to be at the time of the end.

The prospering in Daniel 11:36 may also be related to Ezekiel 27 (cf. Revelation 18). If so, this would suggest that the coming European power will start prospering through trading before it begins to prosper through military conquest. Notice something that the late evangelist John Ogwyn wrote:

Thus, a major trading power will prosper. Even today, the European Union is a major trading power.

It should be noted that the term translated as "Then" in vs. 36 (and the "Thus" in vs. 39) is the Hebrew word `asah which according to the Interlinear Transliterated Bible actually means "And shall do" (Interlinear Transliterated Bible. Dan 11:36, 6213. Copyright (c) 1994 by Biblesoft). Therefore, it may be that every act listed is not necessarily consecutive, as some (from vs. 31 to 38) may be fairly concurrent.

That said, there is an aspect that most in the Churches of God (COGs) do NOT understand these verses.

If they did, they would realize that the King of the North Beast power is the man of sin of 2 Thessalonians 2.

That is the same thing that the King of the North, who is also the Beast that rises from the sea, does in Daniel 11.

Many in the COGs oddly think that it is the two-horned Beast from the earth of Revelation 13 that is the man of sin.

Yet, notice that the two-horned beast of Revelation 13 gets people to worship the first beast and that it is the first beast that Satan has given great authority to:

Notice clearly that the two-horned beast (who is THE false prophet, cf. Revelation 19:20) gets people to worship THE FIRST beast, the ten-horned beast (with accompanying signs--that he does so in the presence of the FIRST BEAST--cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). Hence the two-horned beast is NOT putting himself above all gods or all worship as he has people worship the ten-horned beast--thus he does not meet the biblical criteria to be the man of sin. It also is the ten-horned beast who blasphemes, as he is also the blasphemous King of the North (Daniel 11:36-40).

Hence, the FACT is that the two-horned beast is NOT putting himself above all gods as he has people worship the ten-horned beast. And it is the ten-horned beast who is granted “great authority,” not the two-horned beast.

There is simply no verse that says that the second beast gets the worship that the first one does. The false prophet clearly promotes false worship, as opposed to being the primary object of it himself. While popes have long let people kneel down before them, I have found no scriptures that indicate that the false prophet himself tries to make himself the ultimate/top object of worship.

Notice that the King of the North, the ten-horned beast, will really worship himself, but will outwardly honor some type of god, perhaps including technology related to war.

Regarding “any god” in verse 37, it will probably be that the King of the North will pretend to be some type of “Catholic” until it is no longer convenient. The Beast will turn on an unfaithful church later as shown in Revelation 17:16–17.

Now let us look at the original KJV for Daniel 11:37-38, as it seems a bit truer to the Hebrew intent. The NKJV gives a different impression:

The word translated both times as “regard” in 11:37 is the Hebrew word biyn, which essentially means to have intellectual understanding/perception of (Gesenius HFW, Driver SR, Briggs CA, Brown F, Robinson E. A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament).

Essentially, the King of the North will probably consider that the changed ‘Catholic’ religion should not be taken seriously, although, he will at first honor many of its beliefs publicly. Like Emperor Constantine did, he will probably understand that religion may be useful for political purposes, including, at first, keeping the revised Holy Roman Empire united.

As far as women go, the King of the North will seemingly not be highly influenced by them. Jerome's comment ". . .and he shall worship a god whom his fathers did not know" is more appropriate to the Antichrist than to Antiochus shows that 1) he felt that this is a prophecy for the future and 2) while he confuses Antichrist as being the King of the North, the final Antichrist will promote worship of the King of the North, more than Antiochus did as he tended to get people to worship Jupiter/Zeus.

Verse 38 looks to be referring to two gods. The god that his fathers did not know (possibly called the foreign god of the next verse) and the god of fortresses.

The final King of the North will push warfare. The New Testament adds the following about him:

So, we see emperor worship, which is precisely what the worship of the beast is. And worship of the dragon--that is worship of Satan (Revelation 12:9, 20:2)!

It was Roman Emperor Constantine that pushed the idea that the Greco-Roman Catholics should be in the military and engage in war. Let me add that many scholars teach that Constantine created the main current form of what is called Christianity (Paget JC. Jews, Christians and Jewish Christians in Antiquity. Mohr Seibeck, 2010, p.5).

In the end times, it would seem that those who believe that those who profess Christ, but endorse Christians fighting in carnal warfare, are in a real sense honoring the "god of fortresses." Yet, this is something that the original Nazarene Christians (cf. Acts 24:5) and their true spiritual descendants have never done (see also our free ebook, online at ccog.org, titled Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?).

But, the split between original catholics and Greco-Roman Catholics on military matters also carried forward with Protestants as they condemned professors of Christ who would not endorse warfare.

It should be noted that some of those called Anabaptists were in the Church of God (please see the article The Sardis Church Era). Martin Luther would have also condemned groups like the Continuing Church of God which hold to beliefs that he condemned on these matters.

Martin Luther apparently considered killing Jews and others as just. Notice what Martin Luther specifically advised his followers:

Yet nearly all Protestant faiths have followed Martin Luther's lead, as sadly they, like the Romans, endorse carnal warfare.

That is one of the many ways which Protestanism boldly shows it is a daughter of the church of the mother of harlots in Revelation 17:5. The fact is that Protestantism did NOT protest non-biblical practices of the Church of Rome enough, nor did it really stand for sola Scriptura. We have a free ebook that also may be of assistance: Hope of Salvation: How the Continuing Church of God Differs from Protestantism.

The Church of Rome, by the way, does consider itself the 'mother church' at this time, though its scholars admit that the 'mother church' was really in Jerusalem. As far as now being the 'mother church' goes, notice the inscription, that is shown in numerous places, on the outside of St. John’s Lateran church:

The inscription from Latin above translated into English means, “Sacred Lateran Church Mother and Head of All Churches of the City and the World.” Notice the following warning against a worldly “mother” church associated with seven-hills:

Many Roman Catholic scholars admit that Revelation 17 is referring to Rome--but they tend to call this ancient Rome, despite this being a prophecy for the end of the church age.

One of the other ways true Christians are to be a witness is because we maintain the religion of peace, because we did not adopt militaristic ' Christianity.'

But we will also be a witness through instructing many, supporting the work of instructing many, going through the doors that Jesus opens for the Philadelphian remnant, enduring persecutions, as well as, for those who survive, going to and being in the place of protection in the wilderness (Revelation 12:14-16) that Jesus promised to protect Philadelphians from the coming "hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world' (Revelation 3:10).

As far as the "god his fathers did not know," more on that is covered under verse 39.

Verse 39 is a highly relevant prophecy that many people do not understand nor pay attention to.

The “he” is the King of the North. The two Hebrew words translated as “the strongest fortresses” in verse 39 do not appear together anywhere else in the Bible.

Something is, thus, unique here. As mentioned previously, Daniel 11:24 seems to parallel this as it teaches that the King of the North has plans against the strongholds and succeeds against the prosperous.

Isaiah warns that "The fortress also will cease from Ephraim" (Isaiah 17:3)--but unlike Manasseh (USA), Ephraim (UK, etc.) simply does not have the strongest fortresses in the 21st century. Yet, when you combine Isaiah 17:3 with Daniel 11:39 you see that the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies will lose their military might. The coming defeat of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies could be called World War III (WWIII; see also World War III: Steps in Progress).

This passage about the "strongest fortresses" in Daniel 11:39 cannot be referring to the continental Europeans as they are supporting the King of the North who is doing the conquering. Nor can it be referring to the Russians, Chinese, or other Asians as they do not get involved until verse 44 (see also The Eurasian Union, the Kings of the East, and Bible Prophecy).

Looking further down in this chapter in Daniel, we must eliminate the King of the South, because that King is not attacked until later (the next verse). We must also eliminate those in the North and East, as they do not get involved until later (verse 44).

Neither the rest of Africa nor Latin America has anything resembling "the strongest fortresses." The strongest fortresses belong to the United States, and to a much lesser degree, its English-speaking allies. Thus, in current times, Daniel 11:39 looks to be describing when the Anglo-English-American nations are being destroyed. Some might refer to this as WWIII.

Interestingly, there seem to be several Roman Catholic private prophecies that also foretell the destruction of the English-speaking peoples.

It should be noted, however, that many of the older Roman Catholic prophecies that mention the "English" were written before that area actually was called England, but was made up of territories of Anglo-Saxon-Celtic peoples. Of course, if any apply to the USA, Canada, Australia, and/or New Zealand, they were not formed as we now understand them until several centuries after some of the Roman Catholic prophecies were first written. Yet, although there are errors or distortions in translations, some do seem to somehow refer to the British-American descended peoples. It would seem that they basically were intended to refer to the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic-American nations in the twenty-first century as they were not fulfilled in previous centuries.

The following Roman Catholic "private prophecies" appear to predict the destruction of the English:

Notice that Zachary said there would be a battle against the strong of North America by the empire of the north. The "empire of the north" sounds like it is referring to the "king of the north" of biblical prophecies. Certain Roman Catholic prophecies appear to be foretelling the destruction of the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic-American powers, apparently by their Great Monarch. Places like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand could be considered as island empires--though he may mainly authorize others to take over the latter two.

Actually, if the Great Monarch is the King of the North, he will be in league with the final Antichrist, who looks to be the one referred to as "the Great Pope" as the Bible points to him performing great signs and other deceptive wonders per Revelation 13:13-15.

In a sense, the capital of the world is the United States. Hence it seems to be the USA that Werdin d’ Otrante was referring to as the King of the North, who sounds like the Great Monarch of Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies, will be around after the USA is conquered as he its conqueror.

Sadly, some may well point to several of these non-Divinely inspired writings as partial justification for destroying the United States and peoples of some of the other British-descended lands.

It is interesting to note that the Roman Catholic Saint Edward specifically states that demons will be used to punish the English peoples (whether the majority of Scots, etc., will be specifically involved or not can be debated). This would suggest that, presuming the Great Monarch attacks them, the Great Monarch is on the side of demons. And while this is consistent with scriptures that show that the final ten-horned beast leader is influenced by demons (Revelation 16:13–14), it should give all who call themselves Roman Catholic (and others) pause to NOT support someone who is on the side of demons.

A Greek Orthodox document known as the Anonymou Paraphrasis of 1053 also seems to foretell of a time that the Anglos will no longer be in the area of England, but that nation was not known by that name at that time so it is not clear what is meant by it.

There also was a prophecy from a famous Roman Catholic stigmatic (a mystic with blood wounds supposedly reflective of those that Jesus suffered when nailed to the stake):

Although the timing of that prophecy was wrong, it should be clear according to a variety of sources claiming Roman Catholicism, the United States and the other English-descended peoples are facing disaster--and apparently relatively soon.

While many evangelical Protestants (i.e. the late Hal Lindsey) correctly teach that the USA will be gone before Jesus‘ second coming, they generally do not seem to understand how that will happen nor what scripture most clearly refers to this.

As far as lands being divided by this leader goes, it is likely that Mexico will regain at least some of the lands it had ceded to the USA. It would seem like Russia would end up with at least part of Alaska and perhaps part of Canada. The Irish would be expected to control Northern Ireland (and perhaps other lands controlled by the United Kingdom). Some Mexicans, Russians, and Irish have called for this.

Because of USA debts, a Russian professor named Igor Panarin predicted that the Europeans, Russians, Mexicans, Japanese, and Chinese may end up dividing the land of the USA in the 21st century (Osborn A. As if Things Weren’t Bad Enough, Russian Professor Predicts End of U.S. Wall Street Journal, Dec 29, 2008). And a Roman Catholic prophecy (previously cited) shows that the UK will be divided.

In the Summer of 2022, Russia’s State Duma speaker, Vyacheslav Volodin, essentially said the USA owed it Alaska because of the cost of anti-Russian sanctions (Silsco A. 'Alaska Is Ours!' Billboards Appear in Russia After Threat to Reclaim State. Newsweek, July 7, 2022). Let me add that after 45th President Trump added sanctions against Russia in 2018, I warned of unintended consequences of that, including harm to the US dollar (watch US Sanctions and Tariffs leading to New World Order?). In 2024, a Russian broadcaster called it "Our Alaska," while its President Vladimir Putin called the sale of Alaska to the United States as illegal (see ‘Our Alaska’: Russia’s new talking point sparks U.S. alarm).

Furthermore related to Mexico, back in WWI days, understand that Germany promised Mexico it would give it the lands ceded to the USA if it helped Germany win. The Germanic European Beast power would be expected to do likewise again.

The Bible shows those of the USA and its British-descended allies who do not die related to the coming invasions will be scattered among the Gentiles:

So having Israelitish descendants going to the lands of the Gentiles, the final Babylon (which will be based in Europe) and the Chaldeans (the “daughter of the Chaldeans”, Isaiah 47:1–12, seems to be the false compromised end time harlot church--cf. Revelation 17:1-5; 18:23) is prophesied. This will happen during the final times of the Gentiles (cf. Ezekiel 30:3; Luke 21:24; Revelation 11:2)

Jeremiah 30:7 teaches that some will “be saved out of” “the time of Jacob’s trouble.” But looking at Ezekiel 5 shows most will not survive. Amos 5:15 tells of a remnant from Joseph that will be saved alive.

The USA has a high population of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) who live in the mountainous states such as Utah. Because the individual Mormons tend to store a large supply of food, it would seem that some of those who survive may head to those mountainous areas to search for food.

Similarly, the Bible shows that some few who will escape the coming captivity will go to the mountains:

The above indicates that some will be hiding in the mountains and other places in the USA (as well as its British-descended allies) while others will be taken out as captives.

Most of the Anglo-Americans that are not killed will be made slaves. Hiding in the mountains may protect a few for a time, but it will be relatively few that survive that way for long. Zechariah 10:6 says some of the house of Joseph will return to their land because of God’s mercy (see also Physical Preparation Scriptures for Christians).

China Prophecy, Australia, and New Zealand

Back in 2009, I came across some interesting Chinese prophecies from the Tang Dynasty (7-10th century). Notice one Chinese prophecy might hint that it involves dividing Australia and New Zealand with Europe. It states:

Population mouth takes territories south of the Yangtze river. The capital is moved again. The two divide up the territories, of which each maintains and defends.

This could be related to a deal that perhaps the Chinese will make in the future with Europe (there are some ancient Chinese prophecies that discuss arrangements with some from the West), as opposed to military conquest.

The Chinese, in reaction to a deal made by then Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Barack Obama, indicated that this and the expanded military cooperation between Australia and the USA is putting Australia at risk of attack by China.

China is now heavily invested in Australia and may argue that it has rights to the land. Furthermore, in recent years, the Chinese have been buying a lot of real estate in Australia, beyond purchases of mineral assets. China and Japan also have interests in New Zealand.

China may be granted lands like Australia in partial repayment for the debts that the USA owes it, as well as in full or partial payment for any debts Europe itself may incur with China (it is likely that China will loan money and/or increase investments in Europe).

It is also possible that a country like Japan may get some Anglo-Saxon-Celtic dominated land (New Zealand comes to mind) in partial repayment for the debts that the USA owes it (and also possibly Europe) since the King of the North will divide the land for gain.

Perhaps it should also be mentioned that the dividing of the conquered lands also seems to be foretold in the Bible in Lamentations 4:16 and Joel 3:2.

The following Bible prophecies from Ezekiel and Isaiah seem to suggest that the Asians will also end up with peoples, which would probably include Anglo-Saxon-Celtic descended ones--like Australia and New Zealand:

13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech were your traders. They bartered human lives and vessels of bronze for your merchandise. (Ezekiel 27:13)

9 That You may say to the prisoners, ‘Go forth,’ … 12 Surely these shall come from afar; Look! Those from the north and the west, And these from the land of Sinim. (Isaiah 49:9,12)

Tubal and Meshech are related to Russia (Meshech with Moscow and Tubal possibly with Siberia). Javan was the son of Japheth, from whom the Mongoloid/Asian race developed. Some believe that Sinim means China, and/or others in Asia. However, Yair Davidiy has written that Sinim is an ancient Phoenician and Hebrew word for Australia referring to an unknown “land of the south” as the sage Rashi interpreted the word (which in this context could also include New Zealand).

Having prisoners from the north and west, is consistent with them coming from the USA, Canada, and United Kingdom, whereas the Sinim reference looks to be referring to those of Australia and New Zealand.

The dividing of the Anglo-American lands for gain will prosper the European Babylonian power, which in turn, will increase prosperity to the Asians, Africans, Latin Americans, and others consistent with the following prophecy:

2 … Babylon the great … 3 … all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her luxury. (Revelation 18:3)

Yes, much of the world will prosper through trade for a time after the USA and its British-descended allies are conquered.

Why America and its Anglo-Saxon-Celtic Allies?

Why would Europe ultimately destroy the USA and its Anglo-Saxon-Celtic allies?

There are several reasons.

One would seem to be because it is the nominally Protestant and religiously diverse/independent USA that most stands in the way of the goals of a future single ecumenical religion in Europe to dominate the world. The UK for its Protestantism, as well as its departure from the EU (Brexit), will also be something that the Beast will want to punish.

Only by eliminating the vast bastions of Protestantism, independence, and other “heresies” (which several other Greco-Roman prophecies seem to show is a goal) that are present in the USA and its Anglo-Saxon-Celtic allies, can such an ecumenical domination be attained in those lands.

Notice what one Roman Catholic priest has written:

Priest G. Rossi (19th century): But boastful pride and presumption always go before a fall. With her large share of guilt, America cannot avoid her due share of punishment … If the world is not yet entirely converted to Christianity, the blame is not on the head nor in the conscience of the Catholic Church … Ah! wretched Protestantism shall have to answer for the loss of faith … English schism and heresy have squandered their treasures and abused their great temporal power, not only in persecuting-the faith in Great Britain and Ireland, but also in banishing the true religion of Jesus Christ from their vast American possessions … Their long-deserved punishment, however, is approaching from the North!

So, at least one respected Roman priest published that a northern power (the King of the North?) will punish Britain, and its descendants, including the USA and Canada, for their “pride” and Protestantism.

But why would God allow some of these nations to be destroyed, given that the Anglo-Americans have been in the forefront of distributing Bibles, helping in humanitarian matters, assisting with international disasters, etc.?

Because of their rebellion against Him (Hosea 13:16), their deep corruption (Hosea 9:9), increased sins (Jeremiah 30:14-15), their governments despising the word of God (Isaiah 30:12), and their refusal to repent (Hosea 11:5).

Notice that lack of repentance is listed as a reason that the King of Assyria (the final King of the North) will become Israel and Ephraim’s king:

1 When Israel was a child, I loved him, … 3 I taught Ephraim to walk … 4 I drew them with gentle cords, With bands of love, And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped and fed them … 5…But the Assyrian shall be his king, Because they refused to repent. 6 And the sword shall slash in his cities, Devour his districts, And consume them, Because of their own counsels. 7 My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they call to the Most High, None at all exalt Him. (Hosea 11:1a, 3a, 4b, 5b-7)

“Israel” include the USA and its British-descended allies. The Assyrian king is also prophesied to eliminate the USA and many of its British-descended allies in Isaiah 10:5-12.

Related to increased sins, God states:

14 All your lovers have forgotten you; They do not seek you; For I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy, With the chastisement of a cruel one, For the multitude of your iniquities, Because your sins have increased. 15 Why do you cry about your affliction? Your sorrow is incurable. Because of the multitude of your iniquities, Because your sins have increased, I have done these things to you. (Jeremiah 30:14-15)

As far as being apparently the first to be hit with the great tribulation, note that the Old Testament talks of “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7), and the New Testament clearly teaches:

48 For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required (Luke 12:48).

The USA and its British-descended allies have been given much—and were given Jacob’s name (Genesis 48:16). With Britain’s progenitor (Ephraim) promised to be “multitude of nations” and the USA’s progenitor (Manasseh) promised to have a great nation for his descendants (Genesis 48:19). And such happened (see also the free book, online at ccog.org, titled Lost Tribes and Prophecies: What will happen to Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Europe, New Zealand and the United States of America?).

Yet, the three “most sinful nations” according to a 2010 BBC report based on the classic ‘seven deadly sins’—lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride’— were Australia, the United States, and Canada. The United Kingdom was 6th on that list. And while one can argue if other nations should be ahead of them on a sin-list, the reality is that the Anglo-nations promote a lot of sin. And they accept more and more sin. As far as New Zealand goes, one study found it had the highest promiscuity rate for women in the entire world. The USA has also been claimed to be leading the world in gender mutilations of children--though that looks to be reduced because of actions by the Trump Administration.

Consider the following about American society in 2021:

Never before in our lifetime have we seen such an abundance of widespread corruption, treacherous behavior, and blatant hypocrisy within our government. Its ruling mandate has now become, “Do as I say, not as I do”. (Gendon M. God's Prophetic Word Encourages Believers. PTG Newsletter, January 1, 2021)

More and more hypocrisy is being demonstrated by government and media leaders in the USA

The Bible, itself, teaches that the Assyrians will be used to punish “an hypocritical nation” (or hypocritical people, as the Hebrew can be translated as is done in Bishops’ Bible of 1568) that refuses to repent:

5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. 6 I will send him against an hypocritical nation (Isaiah 10:5–6, KJV).

1 … Israel … 3 … Ephraim 5 … the Assyrian shall be his king, Because they refused to repent. (Hosea 11:1,3,5)

Christians all need to recall that when Jesus came, He clearly condemned the hypocritical religious leaders of His day (e.g. Luke 11:44), more directly than he condemned the physically more obvious sinners (Matthew 9:10–13).

This is not to say that non-Anglo-Saxon-Celtic nations do not have sin or that they will not be punished. The European Assyrians will clearly also be punished, per Isaiah 10:12-19, but the punishment will begin first on those who should have known better. That is, the punishment will begin on those who have claimed to live rightly, but have repeatedly failed to do so. Those who were the people of the covenant with Israel should have striven to be faithful. Those who receive biblical blessings should not be surprised when they receive biblical curses for disobedience (cf. Deuteronomy 28:1-68).

While the gospel warning message will be made fairly clear to the English-speaking peoples by the “Philadelphia Christians,” prior to Daniel 11:39, because the British-American nations are not likely to heed that warning, they will have to answer for their relative lack of response (cf. Ezekiel 33:7-9) and their survivors will be taken captive (cf. Habakkuk 2:7).

Notice something from the Sibylline oracle, followed by a comment by one who translated the passages:

But then as time rolled around there rose the Egyptian kingdom, then … Assyria and Babylon …

For he who rules in heaven completed earth To be a common property for all, And in all bosoms placed he noblest thought. To them alone the bounteous field yields fruit, A hundred-fold from one, and thus completes God’s measure. But to them shall also come misfortune, nor will they escape all plague.

And even thou, forsaking thy fair shrine, Shalt flee away when it becomes thy lot to leave the holy ground, and thou shalt be carried to the Assyrians, and shalt see Wives and young children serving hostile men.

Comment by Milton Spenser Terry (19th century): Assyrians.—Assyria and Babylon seem to have been often confounded together by the Sibylline authors.

Thus, even that Sibyl seems to be warning that some who received God’s blessings will be taken away and held captive by the Assyrians, who have a relationship with Babylon. This seems to be consistent with biblical prophecies, such as several in Revelation 17 and Isaiah 10. Although some may feel this has been fulfilled (and perhaps in ante-type it partially was), according to the Bible, something like that will happen in the future.

More about Verse 39

If the Great Monarch is the King of the North, then the many ruled over in Daniel 11:39 would seem to include those in the U.S., United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and/or New Zealand.

Furthermore, the dividing of the land of the United States, etc., for gain, will in no small way help prosper the King of the North’s empire. Many others may assist in this attack outside of those in Psalm 83. Mexico, China, and Russia, come to mind.

Destruction is Coming

Yet, instead of being worried about this coming Beast power, the USA and some of the other British-descended powers, seem to be encouraging the development of a major power in Europe and pushing 5% military spending by 2035 (e.g. see NATO meeting–Europeans want a military independent of the United States).

This is something that the British-American peoples will come to later regret.

Unless the English-speaking peoples soon repent of their sins, which is very unlikely, the Bible indicates that their nations will be destroyed relatively soon (see also Hosea 8:1-13, 11:5).

The Roman Catholics also have this prophecy:

Balthassar Mas (17th century): I saw a land swallowed up by the sea and covered with water. But afterwards, I saw that the sea receded little by little and the land could be seen again. The tops of the towers in the city rose again above the water and appeared more beautiful than before, and I was told that this land was England.

The above may have several interpretations. Figuratively, it may mean that Protestant England is to be destroyed and will become “Catholic.” Or it may simply mean some type of tsunami will affect England (it probably is not related to the prophecy in Revelation about islands, as Revelation 16:20 discusses all islands, whereas this prophecy is specific to England).

Also notice this Roman Catholic prophecy:

Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser(died 1658): England shall suffer much. The king shall be killed. After desolation has reached its peak in England peace will be restored and England will return to the Catholic faith with greater fervor than before. The Great Monarch will have the special help from God and be unconquerable.

The Bible shows that the Beast will have special help from “unclean spirits” (Revelation 16:13), NOT God, and will basically be considered to be unconquerable:

3... And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” (Revelation 13:3-4)

Notice that the military power of the Beast was something that the world will marvel at, be astonished about.

Why?

Because despite fascination with war (Daniel 11:38), no one truly thought that the European Beast power had the military ability to defeat the USA with its Anglo-allies (Daniel 11:39), and then the Islamic King of the South (Daniel 11:40-43). Revelation 13:3-4 also supports the idea that the Beast may rise up because of violent civil unrest in Europe.

Europe to Rise

How can Europe rise up?

Technology appears to be the key to a powerful European military. One aspect could include particle collider research. The number of colliders in the USA dwindled down to one under the Obama and Bush Administrations and the one that is left reportedly, "pales next to Europe’s Large Hadron Collider."

The Large Hadron collider has been producing antimatter for years and in 2024 discovered the antimatter particle, antihyperhelium-4, which is the heaviest form of antimatter thus far found. Antimatter has destructive properties, and the Europeans look to be the leaders in working with it.

Europe has the leading collider in the world, CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and Germany is working on a possibly even more advanced one called FAIR (F.A.I.R. stands for the Facility for Antiproton and Ion Research) which expects to start operations in 2027/2028. 3000 scientists are reportedly involved with FAIR. PESCO is involved in numerous military technological projects.

It looks like Germany’s FAIR, along with the LHC and other technology like the stellarator, will help the Europeans produce military weaponry to fulfill certain end-time prophecies. Since Revelation 13:4 is discussing what seems to be a unique type of warfare, this warfare likely includes certain high-tech weapons (such as electromagnetic pulse, neutron bombs, unique delivery systems, etc.) that will be effective for a while. The FAIR and the LHC projects are also likely to spin-off economic benefits that may help propel Europe to be (for a short while) the economic leader of the world (cf. Revelation 18). Ultimately, the Europeans will be overcome by what appears to be a Russian-led, mainly Asian, confederation, cf. Jeremiah 50:41-43 & Daniel 11:44, possibly by exploiting some technological flaw, like creating a software virus, etc., while also amassing troops, etc.

The European Space Agency and other European programs related to technology like Horizon Europe are expected to bear fruit to the economic and military power of Europe shortly. Many projects are ongoing that will assist Europe.

Germany’s stellarator nuclear fusion project and Europe’s Galileo satellite system are two such projects that are starting to show a lot of potential to aid the rise of Europe in the next several years (see European Technology and the Beast of Revelation).

While the USA, Australia, and others are currently worried mostly about China, the European developments will end up not being good for the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic descended lands, including England.

Here is one of Nostradamus‘ prophecies involving Germany and England:

Nostradamus (died 1566) Although nations talk peace, troubles brew everywhere. Militaristic parties rise in Germany and pagan cults revive. Opinions are not free and the people are not enriched. The heir to the London government is overthrown for having made too many peace protests.

While many may believe that World War II fulfilled the above, if that prediction is valid, it looks a bit more likely to be related to the next war as "opinions" are less free now than they were several decades ago—and "the heir to the London government" was not truly overthrown during WWII. And now, parties like the AfD are rising in Germany.

Thus, both biblical and certain Roman Catholic prophecies seem to point to the destruction of the English-speaking peoples by a King of the North/Great Monarch. As well as the fact that end time leaders will falsely proclaim peace (Jeremiah 6:14,8:11; Ezekiel 13:10,16; 1 Thessalonians 5:3).

Because of Donald Trump’s reemergence, Europeans have specifically indicated that they are looking to have their own significant nuclear capability (Vela J, Camut N. As Trump looms, top EU politician calls for European nuclear deterrent. Politico, January 25, 2024; After Trump’s latest moves, is Russia about to nuke the USA to start WWIII? Are Germans looking to get nuclear bombs?). Plus, while the USA spends about 3.4% of its GDP on military matters, after pressure from Donald Trump, the European nations of NATO agreed to raise their spending to 5% by 2035--and even if the USA were to match that, since the European GDP exceeds that of the USA, Europeans are actually looking to possibly be spending more than the USA on military matters--and one day they will use their military in a big way.

As far as when this is to occur, the late Pastor General of the old Worldwide Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong, wrote the following in 1979:

What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15...That will be a time when the UNITED Europe shall appear--the revival of the medieval "Holy Roman Empire." We shall then be warned, and readied to be taken to a place of refuge and safety from the Great Tribulation. Forty-five days later "the beasts armies" will surround Jerusalem. Thirty days later the Great Tribulation will probably start with a nuclear attack on London and Britain--and possibly the same day or immediately after, on the United States and Canadian cities. The GREAT TRIBULATION, we shall fully then realize, is the time of "Jacob's Trouble," spoken of in Jeremiah 30:7. And Jacob's name was named on Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh (Gen. 48:16). At that time a third of the people in our nations will die, or shall have died, by famine and disease epidemics; another third will dies of the war--our cities being destroyed (Ezek. 6:6), and the remaining third will be carried to the land of our enemies as slaves (Ezek. 5:12). ...

But while this most terrible TRIBULATION IS happening to our people, shall we of God's Church be protected? My son Garner Ted is now scoffing in derision at our being taken to a place of safety during the great tribulation. Does Revelation 3:10 mean what it says? The Unger's Bible dictionary, under article on the great tribulation, refers to Revelation 3:10, showing the great tribulation covers the whole earth. No other such time of worldwide trial and trouble is prophesied. A Bible I formerly used had in the marginal reference of Revelation 3:10 "or, the great tribulation." Also Revelation 12:14 shows the Church being FLOWN into a place of safety in the wilderness. After this (Rev. 12:17), Satan will make war with the remnant or Laodicean Church. That leads up to Christ's coming. (Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General's Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2).

So, this is tied in to happen after Daniel 11:31 is fulfilled.

Regarding those Anglo-Americans who who are not protected Philadelphian Christians the Bible states:

33 I will scatter you among the nations and draw out a sword after you; your land shall be desolate and your cities waste (Leviticus 26:33).

As far as nuclear weapons being prophesied to be used, doesn’t the following sound like nuclear-type destruction?

23 ‘The whole land is brimstone, salt, and burning; it is not sown, nor does it bear, nor does any grass grow there, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in His anger and His wrath.’ 24 All nations would say, ‘Why has the Lord done so to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean?’ 25 Then people would say: ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord God of their fathers … (Deuteronomy 29:23-25)

God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah for their pride and sexual immorality (Ezekiel 16:49-50; 2 Peter 2:6).

God’s word points out what will happen to the Anglo-lands will actually be worse than what happened to Sodom:

6 The punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people Is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, Which was overthrown in a moment, With no hand to help her! (Lamentations 4:6)

The USA and its British-descended allies have endorsed/ condoned aspects of sexual immorality that the Bible condemns.

Notice also:

19 Through the wrath of the LORD of hosts
The land is burned up,
And the people shall be as fuel for the fire; No man shall spare his brother.
20 And he shall snatch on the right hand
And be hungry;
He shall devour on the left hand
And not be satisfied; Every man shall eat the flesh of his own arm. 21 Manasseh shall devour Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasseh; Together they shall be against Judah (Isaiah 9:19-21).
6 In all your dwelling places the cities shall be laid waste (Ezekiel 6:6).

Nuclear and certain other modern attacks tend to burn land up and make waste cities.

The time will come when the USA and NATO will be no more. NATO or other arrangements could give the Europeans cover for publicly preparing for a military event, while giving it the ability to publicly state that such preparations are only parts of an exercise. The Germans have historically used the element of surprise to gain military advantage—remember WWII and blitzkrieg? Europe one day will turn on the USA (Lamentations 1:1-2, Daniel 11:39; Isaiah 10:5-12). Weapons of mass destruction, and not necessarily just nuclear, will be employed.

If you are in the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic-American countries (because you did not flee with "the secret sect" of the "Nazarene" Philadelphian Christians), and you see them destroyed, will you repent then? If not, what will it take for you to do that? If you are in the Arabic lands, will you repent then, or will you wait until your great leader is destroyed shortly thereafter (Daniel 11:40-43)?

If you are elsewhere in the world, will you repent then? If not, how much will it take for you to understand these events are truly coming to pass?

Who is the Foreign God?

Notice that verse 39 also mentions a “foreign god“ that the King of the North will acknowledge, and advance its glory. What god might that be?

It is remotely possible that the “foreign god“ in Daniel 11:39 could be some new-age god that he, the King of the North, believes in—such as one in which demons provide him with certain direct assistance. But more likely, this “god” will simply be something acceptable to the new ecumenical “Catholicism“ that the King of the North will publicly promote and acknowledge.

This “new religion” will have some type of image associated with it that people will be told to worship:

15 He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed (Revelation 13:15).

It looks like the final King of the North will establish some type of religious order while also claiming Roman Catholicism. That is actually quite similar to Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies about a coming Great Monarch.

Notice the following from a book written by a Roman Catholic (D. Birch) who claims that he only cited Roman Catholic-approved prophecies:

St. Francis of Paula (15th Century) ... Great Monarch ... will be a Roman Emperor ... He is described as founding a new religious order. To the reader this may sound like he also become a priest. That is not the case. What happens is that he founds a religious order, part of which contains military men who take religious vows. ... He shall be the founder of a new religious order different from all others. He will divide it into three strata, namely military knights, solitary priests, and most pious hospitalliers. This shall be the last religious order in the Church, and it will do more good for our holy religion than all other religious institutions. ... These devout men will wear on their breasts ... the cross. (Birch DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996, pp.267-270)

This “Great Monarch” is, according to various Greco-Roman writings, prophesied to work with an end-time Pope to make the world nominally “Catholic.” But since he will actually change the religion, it is likely that he will take the name “Catholic” to pretend that he is faithful to that religion. And since this monarch is a warrior, obviously he will somehow honor the “god of fortresses.” And he is expected to “convert the world” according to various Greco-Roman Catholics.

Now, setting up a new order within Roman Catholicism is not that difficult to do--my great-aunt Mary, who was a nun, did that last century. But because Revelation 13:4 adds that people were worshipping the dragon, who is Satan (Revelation 12:9, 20:2), there will be even more Satanic elements in the worship that the King of the North will promote.

Greco-Roman writings teach that this Great Monarch is also expected to upset people, including parts of the clergy:

Sister Marianne Gaultier (18th century): “… the Prince shall reign, whom people did not esteem before, but whom they shall then seek.

Gameleo (possibly 16th century): The Great Lion will arise when the Holy See has been moved to Mentz, and a Sabinian elected Pope. There will have been much dissension among the cardinals.

L’ abbe Souffrand (1821): After the crises, there will be a General Council, despite opposition by the clergy itself.

Cyril the Hermit (14th century): A German ruler will persecute priests and monks and do much harm to the Church.

D. Birch (commenting after the above in his book), "Many of the prophecies speak of the fact that the Great King at first will not be well-liked, especially by the French clergy."

This leader is probably disliked by the clergy for changes he is trying to implement. He will outwardly feign the Roman Catholic religion (cf. Daniel 11:37; Revelation 13:1-10), but will not really believe it and will work to change it.

The idea of this being a new religious order claiming to be within Roman Catholicism fits verses 38 & 39 by allowing two "gods" in a manner that would not be totally alien to some Roman Catholic practice (there have historically been many religious orders, as well as many different types of statues/icons, within Roman Catholicism).

Some Type of a Cross?

Various Greco-Roman Catholic writers have suggested some type of cross might be associated with this religion, its leader, and/or its image. For example, even though the Bible warns against one coming with signs and wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:8-9), an Eastern Orthodox prophecy teaches about the “Great Monarch”:

Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): The one true King … is destined to become manifest [be revealed] … by means … of signs … The King will hear the voice and instructions by an Angel appearing to him ... he has foresight and is cognizant of the text of the prophecies ... the name of the King is hidden [concealed] among the nations … And the particular manner of the king’s manifestation to the public [to the world] will take place as follows: A star will appear for three days ... And a herald speaking with a very loud voice in the course of the three days will summon and unveil the hoped for one ... There will become visible in the sky a ‘nebulous firmament of the sun’ ... under that image will be suspended a cross ... And the invisible herald from Heaven with his thunderous voice will say to the people: Is this man agreeable to you? At that moment everybody will be taken by fear and terror.

This is interesting, particularly since versions of crosses have long been used in other religious traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Here is one related reference:

[W]e find, in India, the cross bearing the same meaning as in Egypt. When with four equal arms it signifies the four elements, which cross the Hindoos consider as eternal, and the component parts with a cross upon his breast. The cross is also found in the hands of Siva, Brahma, Vishnu, and Tvashtri ... To this day, in Northern India, the cross is used to mark the jars of sacred water taken from the Indus and Ganges, as in the northeastern parts of Africa the women impress this sign as a mark of possession upon their vessels of grain, etc. In Southern India the cross is used as an emblem of disembodied Jaina saints. The worshippers of Brahma and Buddha outnumber those of Christ; and the symbol, identified as that of our Master, was revered by the East Indians—their Lao Tse, centuries before our Lord appeared upon earth. (Seymour W.W. The cross in tradition, history, and art. G.P. Putnams̕ sons, 1898, p. 910)

I personally have seen Hindu and Buddhist temples with crosses of various types, and have noticed that large crosses are sometimes built within them. The Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia, to cite one specific example, has several. An ecumenical cross has been promoted in recent years.

Hence, Islam and original Christianity notwithstanding, the cross seems to be an international religious symbol. Furthermore, a symbol with a cross and crescent was used for an interfaith conference between the Vatican and certain Muslims (Vatican releases program for Apostolic Journey to Morocco. Vatican News, January 7, 2019).

Thus, because the bulk of the world will tend to accept this religion (Revelation 13:3–4,8), some type of ecumenical religious order, possibly using some type of a cross as a symbol, would seem to appeal to "foreigners" of all types. Thus, this may be what the "foreign god" will represent.

As Islam is opposed to icons, and especially any type of cross as a symbol (the Crusaders, "cross bearers" invaded them centuries ago), Muslims will likely strongly question where all of this is leading.

Once the USA and the other 'Five Eyes' are out of the way, the King of the North will likely declare that a new world order of peace has been ushered in. That is consistent with Jeremiah 6:14–15a, which is a warning about peace statements from one associated with abomination.

The World Worships the Beast

It has been asserted that because of his reelection, "President Trump can break globalism" (Steinhauer L. Reagan Broke Communism, Trump Can End GlobalismNewsMax, December 12, 2024 )

But is that possible?

No.

The Book of Revelation states:

8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8)

The “him” above is the Babylonian European Beast.

The “prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2) has worked to set the stage for this Beast to have secular and religious supporters of various types.

Secular organizations such as the World Economic Forum (WEF), United Nations, and the Bilderberg Group all support a type of an ecumenical-interfaith-merged religion, allowing for certain differences, yet possibly writing their own holy book with artificial intelligence! They all promote what could be called a ‘globalist’ agenda, consistent with biblical prophecies (e.g. Revelation 17:1-5).

The European Union does as well, however, its view is that Europe should lead a coming "new world order" (Balázs P. ed. Europe's Position in the New World Order. Center for EU Enlargement Studies, 2013).

An unintended consequence of Donald Trump is that his presence has tended to push various globalist groups closer together. This will not stop with him as 47th President of the USA.

In May of 2022, World Economic Forum’s founder Klaus Schwab, who is German, said he wanted to make it "clear" -- "the future is built by us." And the WEF will work with others, like European politicians, to make that happen. WEF Chief Executive Philippe Donnet wrote related to global governance, "The world needs a leader. Europe should step up … Global leadership, especially in socioeconomic terms, could become the shared goal of European citizens" (Donnet P. The world needs a leader. Europe should step up. WEF, January 17, 2018).

Furthermore, the WEF has wanted Roman Catholic involvement and Pope Francis did, at least twice, send Klaus Schwab pro-WEF letters.

In 2020 Prince Charles, now king Charles III, endorsed the WEF’s globalist ‘Great Reset” agenda. There are prophecies about some of the UK (Ephraim) calling out to Germany (Assyria) after the start of the Great Tribulation (cf. Hosea 5:13). It is likely that at least one or more members of the British royal family will do this, though it will not turn out as they would have hoped (cf. Hosea 5:13b, 11:5).

Former German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, who has pushed for more European integration, has personally spoken at a WEF meeting a decade ago and was still listed as part of the WEF on its website in 2023. Herr Guttenberg also has directly called for Europe to reorganize.

The WEF has called its version of a reorganized world The Great Reset. Many aspects of The Great Reset align with a future the Bible warns against. In 2021, the WEF announced it would work with Big Tech and governments to be able to control and censor the internet—such control would seem to contribute to the coming “famine of the word” (Amos 8:11-12).

In 2022, Klaus Schwab told the G20 (a group of the most influential/powerful government leaders of the world) that he believed that "a deep systemic and structural restructuring of our world" was needed. While a deep European restructuring will occur (cf. Revelation 17:12-13), it is scripturally warned against.

In 2023 in a keynote speech at the World Government Summit, Klaus Schwab stated, "I agree, artificial intelligence, but not only artificial intelligence, but also the metaverse, neospace technologies, and I could go on and on … And, who masters those technologies, in some way, will be the master of the world" –and that is basically what he called for. Bible prophecy points to computer technologies to be used by the coming Beast power:

16 He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.

18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. (Revelation 13:16-18).

While Donald Trump has stated that he opposes a CBDC for the USA, and the majority of Canadians, Australians, and New Zealanders against them as well, the “European Central Bank (ECB) is moving forward with the digital euro project. … The next phase involving an actual development and rollout of the digital euro could start in November 2025 at the earliest” Europe will end up with a CBDC and/or other form of digital currency. That is how the 666 power will be able to control the ability to buy and sell.

On the opening day of the WEF meeting in Davos, Switzerland in 2023, Klaus Schwab called for his supporters to "master the future," which looks to be directed towards globalist totalitarianism. On the closing day of that conference "Tanja Fajon, Slovenia’s minister of foreign affairs, complained about countries placing their own sovereignty over the interests of the 'world order,'" (the loss of national sovereignty will happen at least in Europe according to prophecies such as Revelation 17:12-13).

It needs to be pointed out that this book is not asserting that the United Nations, the Vatican, World Economic Forum, Freemasons, Bilderberg Group, etc. cannot do anything good. They do have many positive goals, yet also some goals that are opposed by scripture. Despite the good, the Bible warns:

1 Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; (Psalm 127:1)

And, since these groups do not promote the supremacy of the God of the Bible, they, in that sense, labor in vain.

Related to goals of the New Age movement, consider the following:

A number of fundamental beliefs are held by many New Age followers…

Universal Religion: Since all is God, then only one reality exists, and all religions are simply different paths to that ultimate reality. …
New World Order As the Age of Aquarius unfolds, a New Age will develop. This will be a utopia in which there is world government, and end to wars, disease, hunger, pollution, and poverty. People’s allegiance to their tribe or nation will be replaced by a concern for the entire world and its people.

This also sounds consistent with what the Freemasons say they want:

What is the Mission of Freemasonry? To promote a way of life that binds like-minded men in a worldwide brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences; by teaching the great principles of brotherly love, relief and truth; and, by the outward expression of these through its fellowship, to find ways in which to serve God, family, country, neighbors and self. (Reading Lodge No. 254 Free and Accepted Masons of the State of California. https://reddinglodge.org/mission-and-vision-of-freemasonry/ accessed 08/01/22)

There has, historically, been friction between the Freemasons and the Vatican, though this lessened under Pope Francis. However, Freemasons, and others without strong ties to the Church of the City of Seven Hills (Rome), are likely to be among those that will one day betray it after the Beast is more fully in power and an antipope is in place consistent with Revelation 17:16-18.

China and the Beast

An ancient Chinese prophecy states:

Beautiful people come from the West. Korea, China and Japan are gradually at peace.

This prophecy seems to indicate that many Asians will accept a type of peace that will be related to a Western (European) power. The “Beautiful people … from the West” align with the Beast and Antichrist/False Prophet that the Bible condemns.

In the 19th century, someone claimed,"if you tell a lie often enough, the people will ultimately believe it." Many will believe that it is a time of peace around then, but some will correctly doubt it.

Furthermore, notice another ancient Chinese prophecy:

All negative forces are subservient ... China now has a saint. Even if he is not that great a hero.

The conquering of the USA, UK, and Australia in WWIII will make them subservient. As far as China having a saint that is not that great of a hero, this looks to be talking about the Beast.

According to a Byzantine prophet, the final (the Eastern Orthodox recognize seven previous ones) ecumenical synod council satisfies what “heretics” want:

Saint Neilos the Myrrh-Gusher (died 1592): During that time the Eighth and last Ecumenical Synod will take place, which will satisfy the contentions of the heretics…

By satisfying “heretics,” clearly this council compromises and changes the religion, which will be at least partially called “Catholic.” If heretics are truly heretics, should their complaints be satisfied?

The Hindus have some prophecies that also seem relevant here:

For the society to climb back to its pristine glory of the golden era... even the meek would handle metal (pick arms). Whatever the poor and the downtrodden lay their hands upon would become their weapon. In the last phase of the Kali Yuga we are passing through ... Bhagwan Kalki would be a spiritual master of the highest order with the deadly combination of a wise dictator …

Kalki, who is considered the last Avtar or incarnation of Vishnu or the Supreme Being, who will establish the Age of Truth or Age of Purity on Earth.… As agreed by all the religious prophecies, the Awaited One will not be a man of peace like Jesus Christ or Buddha, but a man of war who will destroy evil and establish righteousness on the earth.

Hindus believe that human civilization degenerates spiritually during the Kali Yuga, … which is the current epoch in which we are living, will end in 2025 CE.

So, even the Hindus have prophecies pointing to supporting a militaristic “savior” c.2025/2026, which is around the time the Beast may rise up.

Additionally, some Hindus asserted that Donald Trump could be this Kalki, claimed to be the "savior of humanity." And while that is NOT Donald Trump, the idea that the Kalki could be of European heritage and not a Hindu is not out-of-line with all Hindu thought. It should be noted that the Roman Catholic Ecstatic of Tours referred to the "Great Monarch" as the "saviour" as well, hence another reference that seems to point to the same person.

Notice the following from the Encyclopedia Britannica: related to Buddhism:

Buddhist literature contains predictions of a certain Buddha Maitreya, who will come as a kind of saviour-messiah to inaugurate a paradisaical age on earth. Gautama the Buddha himself, the 6th-century-bc founder of Buddhism, mentioned this prediction.

It is possible that when the final Beast rises up promising peace, that some Buddhists will feel he could be the "saviour" that Buddhism has predicted, or an ante-type predecessor to him.

Yet, no one should believe any "savior" claim prior to Jesus' return.

The Bible teaches that nearly all will be deceived by this warring leader who will be accompanied by signs and lying wonders (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10), be promising peace (Daniel 8:25; 11:24), and who will actually be temporarily involved in international prosperity (cf. Revelation 18:3).

Yet, the acceptance and worship of the Beast by the world will not last.

An early major rebellion to the Beast that the Bible discusses will come from many of the Arabs and North Africans. The distrust of the proclamations by the 'crusaders,' combined with the prevalence of crosses being displayed, plus Islamic understandings related to the Antichrist, may be part of what triggers the prophesied attack from an ‘Islamic Mahdi’ who looks to be the biblical King of the South.

The King of the South, himself, looks to arise after the horsemen of famine/food-inflation and pestilences begin their rides (Revelation 6:5-8). Likely, he will promise food and prosperity as well as support for Islam.

Although not highly united, currently there is a confederation of 34 Islamic countries that have pledged to support “the Islamic nation.” A version of that, which will be some type of confederation of nations in the Middle East and North Africa is prophesied to arise. It is expected that the two witnesses will warn what will happen to the supporters of the King of the South (cf. Ezekiel 32:15,29).

The one called the King of the South in the above passage may be one with the title “Mahdi“ and/or “Caliph.” While Shi’ites (and some other Muslims) consider that he will be “a saviour” and establish an Islamic world, the Bible clearly shows that the King of the North will defeat him (see also Daniel 11:41-43). Hence, all Muslims need to be on their guard and not accept any pan-Islamic militaristic leader—especially one who looks to rise up in this decade. He will not be God’s representative, and he will eventually lose.

Presuming that the nations of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon-Celtic allies are taken over in verse 39, there are several reasons why the King of the South may decide to launch his major attack shortly thereafter:

1) The fact that "the Great Satan," a term that certain Muslims call the USA, has been eliminated, the King of the South will realize that the deals made (Daniel 11:27; Psalm 83) with the Assyrian King of the North are of little or no value anymore.

2) Next, without the nominally Protestant USA in its way, the King of the North will try to impose its non-Muslim religion on more and more of the world. As many Arabs tend to be more devoutly religious than the Chinese and Russians, they would be more likely to get upset with this before the Kings of the East and North-East get upset (which occurs in Daniel 11:44).

3) Because major parts of the Arab confederation wanted to eliminate Israel (Psalm 83 most likely refers to the nation of Israel as well as the USA and its British-descended allies), it probably will think that its actions greatly helped the Europeans accomplish this. Because of this thinking, the King of the South may become emboldened.

4) While the Bible shows that Europe will get a "great army," it also shows that the King of the South will be in charge of “a very great and mighty army” (Daniel 11:25). This will likely give the King of the South misplaced confidence to attack. Yet, it seems likely that it will be European military technology that will allow it to defeat the “mighty army” that the King of the South leads.

5) It is also likely that the King of the South will feel that the conquest of the USA and its final allies will have put a strain on the military of the King of the North. The King of the South may believe it is an ideal time to strike. This is likely, as one of the reasons that the USA may be so easy to take over is because its own military has been strained, given that the USA has been spreading its military strength quite thin in the 21st century (and several defense cuts have been proposed, some implemented, along with a focus on China/Russia being a threat and not Europe being a threat).

6) Increasing displays of crosses, combined with people following wonders, perhaps including apparitions claiming to be Mary (see also the book Fatima Shock!), will get many in the Arab lands to remember the crusades. Enough will apparently hold to some version of Islam that they will fear an attack must be made or Islam will be defeated.

7) Finally, as many of the Arab economies are dependent upon oil revenues, and many oil fields may have passed their halfway point of production by that stage (and many of the King of the South’s weapons will be of Anglo-American origins) while the West pushes “green” and other energy sources, the King of the South may decide that there is no better time to attack.

Also note that verse 40 says this attack against the King of the South occurs “at the time of the end.” Thus, even if this had some fulfillment with Benito Mussolini or previous leaders, as some have taught, it also has a future final fulfillment at the end.

Although the King of the North is also not “a savior” for “Catholics,” notice what a Roman Catholic prophecy states:

If the above has a lot of accuracy (and it has certain biblical consistency with Daniel 11:40-43), it seems to also show that all (or at least some) republics are to be uprooted before the Muslim King of the South is invaded. That is consistent with the European reorganization prophecies in Revelation 17:12-13.

Furthermore, here are three similar, possibly related, private prophecies (the first is from a Syriac document) related to a leader defeating Islam:

* Note: The term Ishmaelites is a term that has been used by the Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox to describe Arabs, but also has been used by them to mean all Muslims.

Many “Catholics” will apparently be so misled by these and similar prophecies that they will not recognize that the “great prince of the North” seems to fulfill Daniel 11:40.

Those who profess Greco-Roman Catholicism may wish to consider what their saint Jerome taught about Daniel 11:40–43:

… those of our viewpoint refer these details also to the Antichrist, asserting that he shall first fight against the king of the South, or Egypt, and shall afterwards conquer Libya and Ethiopia.

Hence, the idea that it is an evil power that will invade the Middle East is an older tradition than the private prophecies that some may become misled into believing.

The “he” is the King of the North. Most scholars seem to have concluded that the Glorious Land is physical Israel.

All the nations specifically mentioned in these verses are in Africa or the Middle East. Thus, other than Israel, this appears to be a taking over of Islamic lands.

Those spared look to be associated with Turkey (Edom), Jordan (Moab), and perhaps the United Arab Emirates and possibly Saudi Arabia (Moab and the prominent people of Ammon).

The “Great Arab” looks to represent the Mahdi/Caliph, the final King of the South. The Turks currently control ‘Byzantium’, and have for many centuries. Hence, Roman Catholic prophecy indicates that Turkey will betray the Islamic Arabic power.

In the Bible, Daniel 11:25-26 is quite clear that close allies of the King of the South will betray the King of the South:

Presuming that Daniel 11:25-26 has a future fulfillment (and as it seems to parallel Daniel 11:40-43 so it appears to), there will be close allies (like Turkey, possibly the U.A.E., etc.) that will betray the King of the South according to scripture as well. Many events will not turn out well in the Arab World for a time (cf. Ezekiel 30:2-9; 32:2-16); Jeremiah 46:14-24.

Perhaps some of the Arabic peoples who are spared by the King of the North, are spared to run oil production or other activities that the Europeans believe will benefit them. And Turkey is probably spared as it will be one that will betray the King of the South.

This response from the King of the North against the King of the South will effectively eliminate much of what is called Islam.

* Note: The Hebrew word is כשׁים kushı̂ym, meaning Cushites, like from Sudan, and is not specifically a reference to the land of Ethiopia.

The “he” is the King of the North. This is the same King of the North that valued gold and silver in Daniel 11:38. Although other scriptures also show that gold and silver will have value around this time (like Revelation 9:20; 18:12,16), the Bible is clear that gold and silver will be worthless for a short time before Jesus returns (e.g. Ezekiel 7:19).

The fact that the King of the North himself will accumulate gold (and some silver) is consistent with several Byzantine (“Greek” Orthodox) prophecies of their predicted Great Monarch:

One side note is that, in Egypt, major gold deposits were found in 2006 and the government announced increasing investment in gold mining in 2022. This is relevant as it does suggest that Egypt seemingly has enough gold that a foreign power could be interested in taking/using it as Bible prophecy teaches.

It may be of interest to note that back in the 1970s Europe was looking for a gold-backed currency. European central banks have, overall (there have been sales too by the European central banks), been accumulating gold since, and some in 2024 believe that the Europeans are still planning on having some type of gold-backing (or at least implied) of a European currency.

Since many are now questioning the role of the USA dollar as the world’s reserve currency, more are looking into other currencies as well as gold.

In 2017, I also published that last statement in my book related to Donald Trump, and it did hit records in July and August in 2020. Now, despite having ups and downs, as well as records hit in 2025, gold will set further records in U.S. dollar terms in the relatively near future.

Although the above can be debated, the reality is after the elimination of the USA and the crash of its dollar, the world will want something more stable than unbacked currency. Thus, it is likely that some type of gold-backed currency will emerge as the preferred reserve currency in the world.

It has long been reported that various nations around the world are already in the process of accumulating gold to one day overthrow the U.S. dollar—and that the "U.S. is unprepared for this strategic alternative to dollar dominance" (Rickards J. Axis of Gold. The Daily Reckoning, December 20, 2016).

When the U.S. dollar totally collapses people all around the world will consider that even if the euro (or something similar) is strong, having a more gold-backed currency would be safer.

The collapse of the USA dollar will shake a lot of the world’s confidence in non-gold backed currencies. The Europeans do not have to have a perfect currency, only one that is perceived to be in better shape than the USA dollar or various other currencies.

Having the European power acquiring more gold to back the Euro or possibly another future European currency (that might potentially replace the Euro or even a basket of currencies) may greatly increase European credibility, prosperity, and influence around the globe, even if the backing is only implied.

The debt accumulation policies of the Obama-Biden and the Trump-Pence Administrations, which were a massive acceleration of the previous policies of the Bush Administration, have to a large degree been continued and expanded by the Biden-Harris Administration.

The increases in America’s debt are heading the world into the time when something other than the U.S. dollar will be valued as its reserve currency.

Greco-Roman Catholic prophecy tells of the rise of an Islamic/Arabic power, who sounds like the King of the South, that that a Roman Catholic leader will put an end to.

And while the Church of God and the Bible warn against this leader of the North (Daniel 11:36-38), Roman Catholics apparently will embrace him (see also The Great Monarch: Biblical and Catholic Prophecies).

Also notice that the Bible shows that a time is coming when the confederation with Egypt will be destroyed and it is in the FUTURE as it is near the day of the LORD:

And this seems to be the destruction of the King of the South by the King of the North in Daniel 11:40-43 as Ezekiel 30:4-5 sound very much like Daniel 11:42-43. Notice a different translation of verse 3:

The above is an end time prophecy as it ties in with the final time of the Gentiles, which also ties in with the Great Tribulation (see also When Will the Great Tribulation Begin?) and the Day of the Lord.

Note that the destruction of Egypt by the King of Babylon mentioned in Ezekiel 30:25-26 may also be an ante-type. (Perhaps it should be pointed out that Libya is mentioned specifically above in Ezekiel 30:5 as well as Daniel 11:43--though the Hebrew word in Ezekiel 30:5 for Libya seems to be the word the NIV translators translated as Lydia (see also Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in Prophecy). The word translated above as Libya, Puwt, may be referring to some of the peoples of Iran as Puwt was a Persian tribe or possibly the branch that made it to Pakistan.)

Ezekiel 32:2-16, and especially verses 11 & 12, also tells of the destruction of Egypt when it is apparently allied with multitudes, by the King of Babylon:

The above seems to have two fulfillments, and presuming a second one, it would seem to relate to the final King of the South.

If Jeremiah 46:14-24 has future application, this is another set of verses showing problems will hit that King of the South coalition:

Notice that verse 17 refers to the appointed time and verse 20 and 24 talk about the takeover from a power from the north--this is similar to Daniel 11:40-43.

But even if Ezekiel 32 and Jeremiah 46 have no future fulfillment, the Bible shows that the nations, like the Arab ones, should NOT support the coming confederation. It is doomed to be destroyed per Daniel 11:40-43 and Ezekiel 30:1-9.

We have covered the rise of the European King of the North Beast power, his attack against the strongest fortresses of the USA, and his coming destruction of the King of the South in this 11th chapter of Daniel.

It will not only be the Middle East and North Africa that will turn against the King of the North, Asia will as well. This could possibly be called WWIV.

In the last verse of Revelation 8 (verse 13) the word woe is repeated three times and is later connected to three angels and three trumpet blasts which correspond to the blowing of the 5th, 6th, and 7th trumpets.

The first woe (5th trumpet) is described in Revelation 9:1-11. It involves a demonically-led force which causes torment (perhaps involving a plague of germ or chemical warfare) for those not having the seal of God (Revelation 9:4)—thus those of the 144,000 who were sealed in Revelation 7:4 are not tormented by this.

This woe looks to involve at least some of the European King of the North’s military and is consistent with something from Daniel:

Looking at this verse, what could be north and east of the European Beast power?

Russia, for one, which is both in Europe and Asia. Daniel suggests that it, and some of its allies, will face some of the fury of the King of the North as part of the first woe.

Despite some erroneous claims, Russia, itself, is NOT the prophesied “King of the North,” but it is prophetically pointed to as the power of “the far north” (cf. Ezekiel 38:6, 39:1-2).

Such a massively large army was not possible to be put together when Jesus had John pen the Book of Revelation in the 1st century. In the 21st century, however, it is possible, and that army would be expected to include Chinese, Indian, Russian, and other Asian peoples.

During the second woe, the 200,000,000 man army looks to tie in with Joel 2:2 which discusses some of that army’s expected actions.

Before going further, understand that current projects like China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Europe’s Global Gateway are looking to connect Asia, Europe, and the Middle East in ways that look to be building infrastructure that a 200 million man army would use in order to get to Europe and the Middle East.

Peoples prophetically called Medes are also shown to destroy the final Babylon according to both Isaiah and Jeremiah:

The fact that there are multiple kings of the Medes indicates that powers involved in this end time confederation represent multiple governments. This would seem to include Russia, Belarus, and likely Crimea, Donbas, and some others in Ukraine, some in Moldova, perhaps some from the nation of Georgia, and some in Iran, etc.
Anciently, “Darius the Mede” (Daniel 5:31) conquered old Babylon—modern "Medes" will help do the same to the end-time daughter of Babylon.

Notice some of what will happen to the coming European Babylonian Beast power led by a power from the farthest parts of the earth (Russia is the nation that is the farthest east and close to being the farthest north nation):

The "great nation" from the "farthest parts of the earth" includes Russia. There are also nations that will be confederate with it. Those would also include China and other nations in Asia, and particularly in the Far East. The "Daughter of Babylon" Jeremiah referred to is not ancient Babylon, but the end-time European power. The "kings … from the ends of the earth" seem to include South Africa and India, which are BRICS nations which have also conducted military drills with Russia and China.

Some nations in South America may also be involved as they seem to be part of the "ends of the earth." Consider that Brazil and Russia already have a variety of military agreements. When the "daughter of Babylon" is in the process of falling, many will abandon supporting it. Jeremiah 50 is part of the second woe.

The second woe, according to scripture, ends 3 ½ days after the two witnesses are killed per Revelation 11:7-14. That is quickly followed by the third woe and the blowing of the 7th trumpet (Revelation 11:14-15).

Jesus returns with this trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:16) which is also the last trumpet when Christians rise up (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). While that is comforting for Christians (1 Thessalonians 4:18), this angers the nations (Revelation 11:15-18).

So, the nations that gathered in Armageddon to fight the forces of the Beast, despite issues between them, will unite to fight Jesus, Himself! This is also described in Zechariah 14 and Joel 3.

The third woe releases the seven last plagues (Revelation 15:1), with victorious Christians then pictured on the sea of glass (Revelation 15:2).

During the third woe, when God sends corrective punishments, because the non-Christians refused to repent:

Forces from Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean would be expected to gather related to ‘Armageddon’ as “the whole world” (Revelation 16:13-16) will be involved.

Furthermore, note that Armageddon is the gathering place, but is not shown to be where a major battle is about to take place.

This world's two great military powers -- ready to fight each other for world domination -- will be suddenly confronted by what they conceive to be, in their deceived minds, a common "enemy" -- the returning Jesus Christ!

"And the nations were angry..." declares Revelation 11:18. Men will not want to submit to God's rule! Instead, they will seek to destroy Jesus Christ — whom they will regard, falsely, as the Antichrist — and his angelic armies from heaven who accompany him to Jerusalem.

Instead of fighting each other, the Beast and the kings of the east will join forces — to "make war with the Lamb" (Rev. 17:14).

From the staging ground or mustering area of Armageddon the world's armies will move to confront Jesus Christ himself.

As it turns out, Jehoshaphat means "Yahweh judged.” Anyway, the unrepentant nations of this world will be judged there by God for their rebellion and disobedience!

That said, why would various ones wrongly think that the returning Jesus is the final Antichrist? There are basically two reasons. The first is that the world, in general, does not know the beliefs of the original Christian church (details are in our free book, online at ccog.org, titled Beliefs of the Original Catholic Church: Could a remnant group have continuing apostolic succession?). Why would that matter? Well, there are numerous Greco-Roman Catholic writings that teach that the Antichrist will hold to those original beliefs (see also Do Certain Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus and the Church of God?).

The second is that there are Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies that teach that the Antichrist wins the battle associated with Armageddon. Notice two:

Going back to Revelation 16, we see that God will also issue corrective punishment to nearly all of humanity after Babylon (the European Empire) falls:

Notice that the islands are moved and mountains are basically gone sometime after God allows a massive earthquake. Islands and coastal regions will be filled with fearful people as the seas and the waves will roar per Jesus (Luke 21:25-26), before the islands fled (Isaiah 11:11 refers to remnants of people being on islands after this event, but likely most on them will die).

Sadly, the nations will be angry and fight against Jesus when He returns to set up the glorious kingdom of God:

The Bible says Jesus will save the world when He establishes the Kingdom of God (2 Timothy 4:1; 1 Corinthians 15:24, 50). Otherwise, all flesh would be destroyed (Matthew 24:22).

God wants all humans, everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30), but the bulk of the tribes of Israel have been unwilling to do so.

Those nations who gathered at Armageddon, will fight against Jesus and be defeated (Revelation 19:11-21).

Towards the end of that battle, the following happens to the King of the North Beast and the Antichrist False Prophet:

God’s plan of salvation includes people of all races and ethnicities (Luke 13:29; cf. Revelation 7:9). It is not limited to descendants of Israel or any other ethnicity (cf. Colossians 3:11).

At that time--At the same time as the events of 11:35. This looks like the time the faithful Christians are fleeing (cf. Revelation 12:14-16).

The wise are the faithful ones from this age and the converts in the age to come. Those who rise to eternal life will each give love in their own unique way to make eternity better for themselves and everyone else. See also the free ebook: The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why Did God Make You?

And that is what we in the Continuing Church of God strive to do--which is part of why we also send a large amount of our income to support brethren in poorer regions of the world.

The above is certainly a prophecy that has fulfilled in modern times with automobiles, airplanes, and even space ships related to travel.

The last days did NOT end in the 20th century, but will in the 21st century--computers and artificial intelligence (when used properly) assist with that..

Notice Herbert Armstrong believed that knowledge of church history and spiritual knowledge (which would included, for example, dreams and prophecies from God) would need to be increased in the last days--this has happened in the CCOG in the 21st century!

Consider that restoration of truth was a reason that the old WCG taught that Philadelphia was raised up to do:

While in the 20th century, the old Worldwide Church of God tied Daniel 12:4 to restored doctrines (This is the Worldwide Church of God. Worldwide Church of God, booklet, 1972), we are further in the last days and more was to be restored in the 21st century--and we have been doing that. For details, check out the article: Continuing Church of God, Elijah, and Restoring All Things.

Notice that the power of the holy people will be shattered. That is related to the persecutions of the Philadelphians in Daniel 11:29-35 and 7:25a. It also ties in with the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14-15:

It is the Philadelphian Christians that lead the fulfillment of Matthew 24:14 and will know when to flee per verse 15. The prophetic reality is that while many non-Philadelphians think they will know when to flee--they will not. Jesus warns that most think they are fine when they are not per Revelation 3:14-21. For specific prophetic reasons that most will wrongly rely on--which is part of why they will not flee--is found in the article: Do You Hold to Any of These Laodicean Prophetic Errors?

Furthermore, the non-fleeing Christians will be "shattered" shortly thereafter per Daniel 7:25b and Revelation 13:

Later, the Apostle Paul made it clear that there were things he did not understand:

Yes, we need to abide in faith, hope, and love. So, while we in the Continuing Church of God have more understanding (cf. Psalm 119:99), there are still many things we do not fully understand, and many that we will not understand until after the first resurrection.

Note that 42 months, 1260 days, and a time, times, and half a time all point to the same amount of time.

Here is some of what Herbert W. Armstrong taught about the beginning of the 1260, 1290, and 1335 days:

The organized work of proclamation has not stopped. The abomination of desolation has not been set up. The 1335 days have not begun--but that is expected to start relatively soon!

As his writing above shows, Herbert W. Armstrong clearly wrote that there would be a future fulfillment of Daniel 11:31 and other verses in Daniel. And as the above shows, he taught that something would afflict the Church/work forty-five days prior to Daniel 11:31. And that around when the revival of the “Holy Roman Empire”–which scripture shows will be led by the King of the North–will occur and the 1335 days will begin (which is apparently 75 days prior to the start of the Great Tribulation). Hence those writings support the idea of looking at the few verses prior to Daniel 11:31 to see what might stop the work, and that is consistent with the intent of what he wrote. In addition, Matthew 24:14, which comes just before Matthew 24:15, states that the gospel will be preached and then the end will come, thus this is another reason why confirmation for the organized work ending should be found prior to Daniel 11:31 or perhaps Daniel 11:33 as many will be reached then. The formation of that revival of the ‘Holy Roman Empire’ will occur once Europe reorganizes and gives power to the Beast (Revelation 17:12-13)–that has not happened yet (see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? and The European Union and the Seven Kings of Revelation 17).

Because the 1290 days starts with Daniel 11:31, the 1335 days must begin prior to that, such as in Daniel 11:28 or 11:30–a time of persecution for the Philadelphians. The basic understanding that the old WCG had was that the Philadelphian Christians may have up to 75 days notice that the Great Tribulation would start, and that they would need to flee per Revelation 12:14-16. The idea is/was that one would wait 1335 days, as Daniel 12 states, that being 1260 days in a place of safety plus the 75 days prior (1260 + 75 = 1335). And essentially a famine of the word would occur.

So, we see that the last verse in Daniel points to him resting until what the Book of Revelation refers to as the first resurrection, which essentially starts the millennium.

Because of this, anti-biblical critics do not want to accept that it was written in the 6th century B.C.--they claim it was written in the 2nd or 1st century BCE.

Yet, the fact that Daniel 5:30–31 mentions Belshazzar as the final king of Babylon, a detail that was not widely known in later periods until cuneiform records like the Nabonidus Chronicle were rediscovered in 1879. But the writer in the Book of Daniel knew that. This, therefore, is additional evidence that Daniel was written in the 6th century BCE. as no one in the 2nd century A.D. would have likely had access to that.

Consider that the Dead Sea Scrolls were NOT the original manuscripts. While most of the Dead Sea Scrolls were written in Hebrew, a portion related to Daniel was written in Greek--specifically Scroll 4Q114. Anyway the Dead Sea Scrolls are translations and/or otherwise based on the original manuscripts. Scroll 4Q114 may have come from the 3rd century BCE--well before the arrival of Antiochus Epiphanes.

The Book of Daniel teaches us that we are to have faith when persecuted, practice our faith even when government officials forbid it, that we should pray and fast, that God loves us and intervenes, that God sets up rulers, that biblical prophecies have been confirmed, that other biblical prophecies will come to pass, and that the faithful have a glorious eternal life ahead of them if we endure to the end.

Commentary on the Book of Daniel

The Debt Spiral