By COGwriter
In the Book of Daniel there is a chapter about someone identified as the "King of the North". Nearly all Bible scholars recognize that certain prophecies associated with the King of the North have been fulfilled historically.
The question is, will there be a future King of the North? And if so, who is he?
This article will look at many of the verses in the 11th chapter of the Book of Daniel, commentary by Herbert W. Armstrong, Roman Catholic prophecies, and the Bible to attempt to determine who any future King of the North may be.
Here are many quotes to Daniel chapter 11 from the booklet, "The Middle East in Prophecy", 1972 edition by Herbert W. Armstrong that basically agree with many non-Church of God theologians and commentators:
The "King of the North" and the "King of the South"
The first verse of the 11th chapter is a continuation from the last verse of the 10th chapter. The angel says to Daniel, "Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia. And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will" (Dan. 11:2-3).
Actually there were 12 more kings in the Persian Empire, but only the first four following Cyrus were of importance for the purpose of this prophecy. They were Cambyses, pseudo-Smerdis, Darius and Xerxes. It was the last, or Xerxes, who was the richest of all and stirred up war with Greece.
Then King Philip of Macedonia planned a great war to conquer the Persian Empire, with an army made up mostly of Grecians. He died before the plans were completed. But his son, Alexander the Great, took over his plans, and invaded Persia. He met the Persian army at the Battle of Issus, 333 B.C. (Dan. 8:2, 5-6). Then he swept down into Egypt, and then to a final crushing defeat of the Persian Empire at the Battle of Arbella, 331 B.C., after which Alexander marched on a conquest clear to India, sweeping all before him.
Notice now verse 4 of the prophecy: "And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those."
How marvelously — how accurately — that came to pass. We quote from one of the authoritative English-language histories published in the last century, A Manual of Ancient History (Student Series) by Rawlinson: "Cut off unexpectedly in the vigor of early manhood [the 33rd year of his age, June, 323 B.C.], he [Alexander] left no inheritor, either of his power or of his projects" (p. 237). The Empire was left leaderless and in confusion, but out of this emerged, by the year 301 B.C., four divisions, just as prophesied, as a result of a division of the Empire into four divisions by Alexander's generals. They were:
1. Ptolemy (Soter), ruling Egypt, part of Syria and Judea.
2. Seleucus (Nicator), ruling Syria, Babylonia and territory east to India.
3. Lysimachus, ruling Asia Minor.
4. Cassander, ruling Greece and Macedonia.
Thus was the prophecy of verse 4 fulfilled to the letter.
Now notice what follows. From here the prophecy foretells the activities only of two of these four divisions: Egypt, called "king of the south," because it is south of Jerusalem; and the Syrian kingdom, the king of the north, just north of Judea. It is because the Holy Land passed back and forth between those two divisions, and because their different wars were principally over possession of Judea, that the prophecy is concerned with them. Here is verse 5:
"And the king of the south [Egypt] shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion." In history, we learn that the original Ptolemy I, called Soter, became strong and powerful, developing Egypt beyond the greatest dreams of Alexander. One of his princes, or generals, Seleucus Nicator, also became strong and powerful. And, in 312 B.C., taking advantage of Ptolemy's being tied up in a war, he established himself in Syria, and assumed the diadem as king.
Verse 6 says, "And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement [margin, "rights" or "equitable conditions," or "marriage union"]: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times."
Fulfilled to the Letter!
At the end of 50 years, this occurred exactly as described!
Syria's ruler, the king of the north, at this time was Antiochus II, called Theos. His wife was named Laodice. And, says Rawlinson's Ancient History, page 251, "Her influence ... engaged him in a war with Ptolemy Philadelphus [king of the south], B.C. 260, which is terminated, B.C. 252, by a marriage between Antiochus and Bernice, Ptolemy's daughter."
The prophecy says "he that begat her" shall be given up. Also that she shall not retain the power of the arm, neither shall the king of the north, whom she married, stand. All three are to come to their end. Notice how accurately this came to pass.
Says Rawlinson's History, pages 251 and 252: "On the death of Philadelphus [he that begat her], B.C. 247, Antiochus repudiated Bernice, and took back his former wife, Laodice, who, however, doubtful of his constancy, murdered him to secure the throne for her son Seleucus (II) B.C. 246 ... Bernice ... had been put to death by Laodice."
Nowhere in all the Bible is there so literal a prophecy, giving so many details of future history. And to read an ancient history of these kingdoms is simply to see unfolded before your eyes, step by step, verse by verse, this marvelous prophecy. There can be no doubt of its right application!
The Holy Land Changes Hands
Next let us notice verse 7: "But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate [margin, "in his office"], which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail."
"Out of a branch," or "shoot," of her roots. Her parents were her roots. Hence, this must be her brother, who next should occupy the throne of king of the south and fulfill this prophecy. Now listen to this accurate fulfillment, quoted word for word from the same page of Rawlinson's work (p. 252):
"Ptolemy Euergetes [the III, eldest son of Philadelphus (p. 272) and therefore Bernice's brother, a branch of her roots] invaded Syria, B.C. 245, to avenge the murder of his sister, Bernice ... .In the war which followed, he carried everything before him."
The eighth verse of Daniel 11 says this king of the south would carry captives and vessels of silver and gold into Egypt, and continue to reign more years than the king of the north, who at that time was Seleucus II, and verse 9 says he shall return into Egypt. As verse 7 said he should "enter into the fortress of the king of the north," Ptolemy III did seize the fortress of Syria, Seleucia, the port of Antioch, capital of the kingdom! Then he carried back to Egypt immense booty and 2,500 molten images and idolatrous vessels which, in 526 B.C. Cambyses had carried away from Egypt. He continued to rule until 222 B.C., while the king of the north, Seleucus II, died in 226 B.C.
When he died, his two sons took over the kingdom of the north; first Seleucus III, 226-223 B.C., who ruled only three years, and then his brother Antiochus III, called "the Great," 223-187 B.C. Both of these two sons of Seleucus II assembled immense forces to war against Egypt, avenge their father, and recover their port and fortress, Seleucia.
And this was accurately prophesied in verse 10: "But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return and be stirred up [margin, "be stirred up again"], even to his fortress."
"And," continues verse 11, "the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand."
In fulfillment of the latter part of verse 10, Antiochus the Great, after 27 years, recovered his fortress, Seleucia, and he also conquered the territory of Syria, as far as Gaza, including Judea. But the young Egyptian king, now Ptolemy IV (Philopater), was roused, and with an army of 20,000 inflicted severe defeat on Antiochus the Great; and fulfilling verse 12, he killed tens of thousands and again annexed Judea to Egypt. But he was not strengthened, for he made a rash and speedy peace with Antiochus, and returned to dissipation, throwing away the fruits of victory. Says verse 12, "And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it."
"For," as verse 13 continues, "the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches." It was "after certain years," or 12 years later, 205 B.C., that Ptolemy Philopator died, leaving his throne to an infant son, Ptolemy Epiphanes. Then Antiochus assembled a greater army, and won great victories.
He then made a treaty allying Philip of Macedonia with him, and others, against Egypt, and they wrested Phoenicia and southern Syria from the king of the south. In this they were assisted by some of the Jews. Josephus' Jewish history says many Jews helped Antiochus. But notice how accurately Almighty God had foretold this, hundreds of years before it happened! —
"And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall" (v. 14).
Read It in Your Own Bible!
To save space, the reader is asked from this point to read each verse of the prophecy from his own Bible, thus saving us reprinting the prophecy in full here. We give here only the facts in history.
Verses 15-16 — "the glorious land," of course, refers to Judea, the Holy Land. Antiochus the Great besieged and took Sidon from Egypt, ruined the interests of Egypt in Judea at the Battle of Mount Panium, 198 B.C., and then Antiochus took possession of Judea.
Verse 17 — "upright ones" (see margin) in Hebrew means "equal conditions, or marriage," but the one he marries will not stand on his side. In 198 B.C., Antiochus arranged a marriage between his daughter, Cleopatra (not the Cleopatra of 31 B.C. in Egypt) and young Ptolemy Epiphanes, king of the south, by which he hoped subtly to gain complete possession of Egypt; but the plan failed.
Says Rawlinson, page 254, "Coele-Syria and Palestine promised as a dowry, but not delivered." Cleopatra did not truly stand on the side of Antiochus, for it was only a trick to gain possession of Egypt.
Verse 18 — and so Antiochus turned his attention in another direction and tried to conquer, 197 to 196 B.C., the islands and coasts of Asia Minor. But the Roman general, Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus, utterly defeated him at the Battle of Magnesia, 190 B.C.
Verse 19 — Antiochus next turned his attention to the fortresses of his own land, in the east and west. But, attempting to recruit his dissipated wealth by the plunder of the Oriental Temple of Belus, in Elymais, he was killed, 187 B.C.
Verse 20 — Seleucus IV Philopator (187-176), his son, in an effort to raise money, sent a tax collector, Heliodorus, through Judea. But he reigned only 11 years, when Heliodorus poisoned him.
Verse 21 — he left no heir. But his brother, a younger son of Antiochus the Great, named Epiphanes (Antiochus IV), a contemptible reprobate, came by surprise and through flattery took the kingdom. To his aid came his assistant, Eumenes. Rawlinson says, page 255, "Antiochus [Epiphanes], assisted by Eumenes, drives out Heliodorus, and obtains the throne, B.C. 176. He astonishes his subjects by an affectation of Roman manners" and "good-natured profuseness [flattery]."
Antiochus Epiphanes
Verse 22 — "the prince of the covenant" does not refer to Christ. This was the attempt of Antiochus to replace the Jewish high priest by another who would be subservient to him.
Verses 23-24 — although only a few were with him at first, yet by this "Roman manner," by deceit and flattery, he crept into power and prospered. He also invaded Galilee and Lower Egypt. His fathers, the former kings of Syria, had favored the Jews, but says Rawlinson, page 255, they "were driven to desperation by the mad project of this self-willed monarch."
Verse 25 — Rawlinson, pages 255-256, says, "Threatened with war by the ministers of Ptolemy Philometor [now king of the south], who claim Coele-Syria and Palestine as the dowry of Cleopatra, the late queen-mother, Antiochus marches against Egypt ... B.C. 171" (pp. 277-278). But he was met by his nephew, Ptolemy Philometor, king of the south, with another immense army. But the Egyptian king was defeated through the treachery of his own officers and was outwitted by Antiochus.
Verses 26-27 — continuing in Rawlinson, page 278: "After his victory at Pelusium, Antiochus advanced to Memphis, and having obtained possession of the young king's person [Ptolemy Philometor, king of the south], endeavored to use him as a tool for effecting the entire reduction of the country." In 174 B.C., the uncle of the king of the south sat at a banquet. Antiochus pretended to ally himself with the young Ptolemy, against his brother, Euergetes II, but each was trying to deceive the other.
The Abomination of Desolation
Verse 28 — in 168 B.C., returning from Egypt with great plunder, Antiochus set himself against the Jews, massacred many, and then returned to Antioch with golden vessels from the Temple at Jerusalem.
Verse 29 — the same year, he again invaded Egypt, but with none of his former success, because Philometor, king of the south, got help from Rome.
Verse 30 — the Roman fleet came against Antiochus, he was forced to surrender to the terms of Popillius, commander of the Roman fleet, and retire from Egypt and restore Cyprus to Egypt. Returning through Judea, smarting under the defeat, he vented his exasperation against the Jews, and extended special favors to those Jews who would turn from their religion.
Verse 31 — then, 167 B.C., the next year, came the climax of the horror. Antiochus sent troops to the Holy Land, who desecrated the Temple and sanctuary, abolished the daily sacrifice (see also Daniel 8:11, 24) and (Kislev 15, Hebrew calendar) placed the abomination — an image — on the altar in the Temple precincts, making it desolate (Rawlinson, p. 255). Many who claim to teach the Bible try to apply the prophecy of this verse to Moslems in the 7th century A.D., building the Dome of the Rock on the supposed site of the ancient Temple at Jerusalem! But every verse of this prophecy, step by step, verse by verse, unfolded in actual history, just as here recounted, so there can be not the slightest shadow of doubt as to this abomination that "maketh desolate" — it was an idol set up in 167 B.C., by Antiochus Epiphanes.
Now the above quotes do show that many prophecies associated with the King of the North have had a type of fulfillment. And that is correct.
I should also add that in other literature, Herbert W. Armstrong also taught that much in Bible prophecy is dual. Thus, even though there were historical fulfillments, he also taught that there would be future fulfillments of many verses of Daniel 11 beginning with vs. 31 and apparently a little earlier. And under his direction, his church taught that the King of the North would unite the people of Europe:
The indication is the armies of the "beast" of Revelation 17, entering Jerusalem (...Zech. 14:2), will stop this "daily sacrifice"...And the abomination that maketh desolate set up." What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15...From this time (Daniel 12:11) to Christ's coming will be 1290 days (Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General's Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2).
The Hitler-Mussolini kingdom was the sixth head of the beast. The next leader to unite the peoples of Europe will constitute the "beast" mentioned in Daniel and Revelation. He will also be the "king of the north" mentioned in Daniel 11...The king of the north is going to move to Mount Zion, and he will be joined there by a false prophet who will work great miracles (McNair, Raymond. Watch the Middle East. The Good News, August, 1974, pp. 10-15).
And the abomination that maketh desolate set up." What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15...From this time (Daniel 12:11) to Christ's coming will be 1290 days. Now, verse 12, "Blessed is he that waiteth, and comes to the 1335 days." Never before have we understood these periods of 1260, 1290. and 1335 days. But it seems evident, now, a blessing is pronounced on us--GOD"S CHURCH--who wait and endure until the 1335 days--approximately 1335 days prior to Christ's coming. But since no one can know the day or hour of His coming, we probably shall not be able to know the exact day this 1335 days begins. But apparently that is the time when OUR WORK SHALL END. That will be a time when the UNITED Europe shall appear--the revival of the medieval "Holy Roman Empire." (Armstrong HW. Personal. Good News magazine January 1980).
As the 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 stop the work forty-five days prior to Daniel 11:31--and that is 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. Hence his writings support the idea looking at the few verses prior to Daniel 11:31 to see what might stop the work 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 work ending should be found prior to Daniel 11:31.
Why is there a future King of the North and where does this King clearly appear in the sequence of Daniel 11?
While it is possible that verses 22-26 of Daniel 11 may parallel later portions of that chapter, it is clear that the future and final King of the North is the king mentioned who will come to his end at the "appointed time". This "appointed time" (Strong’s word #7150) is first mentioned in Daniel 11:27 which suggest it is in the future and as well in vss. 29 and 35 which appear to be the specific time.
The specific word translated as ‘the end’ (Strong’s 4150) in vs. 27 is the same as in vs. 45 where the king of the North comes to his final end. It is also in vs. 40 when the king of the North invades the king of the South (which is the last time the term 'king of the South' is mentioned as this leads to his end). Thus there is a future King of the North as these scriptures have not been fulfilled in their entirety.
However, prior to being referred to as "the King of the North" he initially appears to be referred to as a "prince" in Daniel 9:26-27. Hence while he is a "prince", he apparently will have some role in making some type of treaty with Israel (and probably including the United States as the covenant is "with many") approximately 3 1/2 years before the great tribulation begins (one is normally a "prince" before one becomes a "king"). As this deal has still not been made, this would suggest that contrary to claims of various false prophets (Ronald Weinland of CGPFK comes to mind) the great tribulation will not begin prior to 2012 (more details on this are included in the article End of Mayan Calendar 2012-Might 2012 Mean Something?).
The Great Tribulation will also not start before there is an actual King of the South and an actual King of the North--and while the "prince" will apparently help make a deal with Israel, Daniel 11:27 requires two kings, which suggests that the "prince" will gain more and more importance after the deal in Daniel 9:27.
The Book of Daniel specifically shows that the King of the South (a Muslim confederation) will make a deal with the King of the North, but that neither side is trustworthy:
Both these kings' hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time (Daniel 11:27, NKJV for remaining verses unless otherwise specified).
Various events in Europe and the Middle East show that the stage is set to fulfill these and other Bible prophecies.
However, something upsets the King of the North even though he feels that he made a very good deal:
28 While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land (Daniel 11:28).
This verse 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. Notice verse 28 from a different translation:
Then the king of the north will return to his country with great treasures. But on the way, he will attack the religion of God's people and do whatever else he pleases (Daniel 11:28, CEV--Contemporary English Version).
Since it is the Church of God religion that historically is the "religion of God's people" and its members are the ones who fulfill 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). 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.
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 (currently the Living 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, nor the Laodiceans as their work will most 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).
Also, notice that the Bible states:
"Flee from the land of the north", says the LORD...Up Zion! Escape you that dwell with the daughter of Babylon (Zechariah 2:6,7).
Hence, 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 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).
Now at "the appointed time", something will trigger the King of the North going towards the south:
29 At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. 30 For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage. So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant (Daniel 11:29-30).
Note: the Hebrew term translated as "Cyprus" in the NKJV is a mistranslation. The KJV uses the term Chittim which means "Western lands". Hence the King of the North will apparently be temporarily stopped by a Western naval power.
Notice that a battle is not shown to have occurred in verse 30. 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?
First, the United States is west of Jerusalem.
Second, the United States is a major naval power.
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 is primarily Roman Catholic, it will most likely be allied with the King of the North either at this time or shortly thereafter).
Fourth, 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, hence once they are 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.
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). The King of the North will probably attempt to learn more about how to eliminate them by being nice to apostate members (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.
Why would this be?
Most likely this occurs because the people of the holy covenant are warning the world that the King of the North is fulfilling these prophecies in Daniel 11 and this enrages the King of the North so much that he tries to eliminate these people!
Jesus clearly taught that persecution would affect His people just prior to the Great Tribulation beginning:
7 And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name's sake. 10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another (Matthew 24:7-10).
For then there will be great tribulation (Matthew 24:21).
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.
Notice that after the King of the North returns home, he decides to come back to the Jerusalem area, but this time with a much stronger military presence:
31 And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation (Daniel 11:31).
The above event, 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.
Now for the daily sacrifices to stop in Daniel 11:31, 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 and not a temple in that location--more information is included in the article The Temple and the Work.)
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 Church members in Jerusalem/Judea at this time would need to flee according to Jesus and Jeremiah:
15 Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be (Matthew 24:15-21).
5 Declare in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem, and say:
"Blow the trumpet in the land;
Cry, 'Gather together,'
And say, 'Assemble yourselves,
And let us go into the fortified cities.'
6 Set up the standard toward Zion.
Take refuge! Do not delay!
For I will bring disaster from the north,
And great destruction." (Jeremiah 4:5-6)
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.
Notice that Jesus' comments can only be directed to those that are keeping the Sabbath PRIOR to the Great Tribulation. And that they flee. Perhaps the reason that their 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).
And during this time, the northern King will apparently corrupt the corruptible and continue to be responsible for persecuting the people of God:
32 Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. 33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. 34 Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. 35 And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time (Daniel 11:32-35).
This would also be the time that the remaining Philadelphians (those who were not in Jerusalem during the prior verse) 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) begins.
Notice that the King of the North is mainly focused against God's people. This indicates that he is NOT mainly attacking Israel (as that would result in immediate retaliation by the United States). He seems to be focused on religion--probably setting the Pope up in Jerusalem while eliminating those in the true Church who are reporting his real intentions.
While there have been various ones throughout history, the final King of the North appears to be the leader of a, Vatican-influenced, European superstate (more on this European power can be found in the article Europa, the Beast, and Revelation).
Notice what the Living Church of God has published:
The Bible teaches that this King of the North will magnify himself above all gods, but will publicly honor the god of fortresses and endorse a new type of religion:There will be a revival of an evil empire in the same spirit as the pagan Roman Empire...The Bible does give us some information about this coming "great" leader who will assume political and military control of "Babylon the Great." Notice the time setting of this prophecy: "And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purge them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time" (Daniel 11:35). The context of this prophecy is the end-time. Also, it is important to point out that the nature of many prophecies is dual. That is to say, there was one preliminary fulfillment of a prophecy in antiquity, and there is to be a yet future fulfillment of that scripture.
We learn in this chapter in Daniel that a powerful leader is yet to come on the world scene. This "king," who will rise up in Europe, "shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god; shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods…" (Daniel 11:36).
Some Bible students assume this is talking about the great, end-time false prophet, who will be contemporaneous with the rising political-military leader. But there are to be two different individuals involved. Verse 36 is about the secular-power leader—the coming dictator—who will be a charming flatterer, cunning, egotistical and ruthless. This leader is destined to exalt himself above any other religious entity. He will be "full of himself." "Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done" (Daniel 11:36).
God uses vicious leaders like the coming "king of the North" to punish His hypocritical people, who say they worship Him and print His name on their money (the Americans), but do not do the things He commands. This future "Hitler" will execute God’s wrath, especially upon the peoples of America and the British countries, because as nations they have rejected God’s values and chosen sinful pleasures and conveniences...
This powerful individual will dedicate tremendous amounts of international resources to building up his military machine. And he will worship his power and that military machine. "He shall deal with the strongest fortresses by the help of a foreign god. Those who acknowledge him he shall make more wealthy, and shall appoint them as rulers over many, and shall distribute the land for a price" (Daniel 11:39, NRSV) (Meredith R.C. Fourteen Signs Announcing's Christ's Return. LCG Booklet).Daniel 9:27 talks about a “prince” confirming a covenant with many—a covenant that will lead to the establishing of sacrifices on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. A King of the North will defile the “sanctuary fortress” and remove the daily sacrifices, eventually magnifying himself above the gods (Daniel 11:29-37). This King of the North will emerge from a powerful political-religious union involving European nations. It is important to watch the continuing involvement of European nations and the Vatican in Israel (Winnail D., ed. World Ahead Weekly Update. Living Church of God. March 20, 2008).
36 Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. 37 He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. 38 But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things (Daniel 11:36-38).
Who is the god of fortresses? Apparently this is the Roman god that Catholics (generally unwittingly) still honor. Why do I state that? Because in imperial Rome, the Emperor was responsible for military and religious matters (hence that is part of why he for a while held the title Ponifex Maximus, a title now claimed by Roman Catholic Pontiffs). Furthermore, an official Vatican pronouncement years ago confirmed that the Catholic Church should be responsible for the use of the sword--warfare. Notice the following:
Both, therefore, are in the power of the Church, that is to say, the spiritual and the material sword, but the former is to be administered for the Church but the latter by the Church; the former in the hands of the priest; the latter by the hands of kings and soldiers, but at the will and sufferance of the priest. However, one sword ought to be subordinated to the other and temporal authority, subjected to spiritual power...Furthermore, we declare, we proclaim, we define that it is absolutely necessary for salvation that every human creature be subject to the Roman Pontiff (THE BULL UNAM SANCTAM , 1302. English translation taken from a doctoral dissertation written in the Dept. of Philosophy at the Catholic University of America, and published by CUA Press in 1927. In Medieval Sourcebook, http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/source/b8-unam.html 01/16/06).
Thus, Roman Catholic leaders do endorse killing and the use of the military under the authority of church leadership (the Crusades and the Inquistions are simply two of many examples). Hence they do, to a degree, worship a god of fortresses.
What about the god which his fathers did not know? This portion of Daniel 11:38 about a different god is actually similar to a Catholic prophecy about a coming Great Monarch. Notice the following from a book written by a Catholic (D. Birch) who claims that he only cited Catholic-approved prophecies:
St. Francis of Paula (15th Century)…Francis also speaks in a series of letters to Simeon de Limena, Count of Montalto in great detail of a future Great Monarch who 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 will be the head of the military arm of this order. In this sense it will be like the Knights Templar of the Middle Ages.
“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” [It becomes clear from other prophecies that it is from this that they will receive their popular name “the cross bearers.”]…
“He shall…destroy all tyrants and heresies. There will be one fold and one shepherd. He shall reign until the end of time. On the whole earth there will be twelve Kings, one Emperor and one Pope. (Birch DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996, pp.267-270)
Notice that Francis prophesied that there will be a new essentially Roman Catholic religious order that will do more good for the Roman Catholic Church than all other religious institutions. This is because this “Great Monarch” (the first Beast of Revelation) will work with the Pope to make the world nominally Catholic. And since this monarch is a warrior, obviously he will somehow honor the "god of fortresses".
Furthermore, I specifically believe that the Great Monarch that Roman Catholics are looking forward to is the "King of the North" and his new religious order is specifically warned against in the Book of Daniel.
Perhaps it should be mentioned here that throughout history, those in the true Church have opposed the use of a cross as a symbol (please see The Pergamos Church Era).
In addition, it may be of interest to not that certain Catholic writings indicate that the one we in the Living Church of God call Jesus they call the Antichrist (please see the article Do Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? ).
The King of the North will realize by this time that the United States and its British-descended allies are not supportive of its Middle East actions. Thus, apparently some type of pre-emptive strike will be launched to eliminate them. This "surprise attack" approach has been used by German and other armies throughout history.
Specifically notice that the Bible shows that this King of the North will destroy those who are perceived to have the strongest military might and apparently divide up their land:
39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain (Daniel 11:39).
The strongest fortresses in the world belong to the USA and its English-speaking allies.
This cannot be referring to the Europeans as they support the King of the North, nor can it be referring to the Russians, Chinese, or other Asians as they do not get involved until verse 44 (see below).
Unless the English-speaking peoples repent of their sins the Bible teaches that their nations will be destroyed (see also Hosea 8:1-13). These English-speaking peoples are becoming the most indebted nations of all time and the Bible shows that those who load themselves with pledges will have their creditors rise up against them suddenly and destroyed them (see Habakkuk 2:6-7). For those who disbelieve that the Europeans can do this, I will simply add that the Bible states that the Assyrians (whose descendants are in Europe) will not intend to destroy, but will do it anyway (Isaiah 10:5-7) (see also Europa, the Beast, and Revelation).
It may be of interest to note that the famous "prophet" Nostradamus seems to teach that London and America will be put in discord by a false Antichrist (who may be the King of the North as he works with the final Antichrist) or the Antichrist (who will somewhat direct the King of the North)--the translations are a bit unclear.
And while many Catholics distance themselves from his writing, Nostradamus was a Catholic. One Catholic writer wrote:
Nostradamus...A member of the third order of St. Francis, he enjoyed the friendship of Pope Pius IV. He was a devout Catholic all his life...Nostradamus was an authentic seer (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p. 93).
Note: below are two translations of one of Nostradamus' writings following what I believe is the original French, hence that is why I have given two interpretations:
C10:Q66
Le chef de Londres par regne l'Americh,
L'Isle d'Escosse tempiera par gelee:
Roy Reb auront vn si faux Antechrist,
Que les mettra trestous dans la meslee.
The chief of London through the realm of America,
The Isle of Scotland will be tried by frost:
King and "Reb" will face an Antichrist so false,
That he will place them in the conflict all together.(Nostradamus. Les Propheties. 1840 Bareste edition. http://yowusa.com/nostradamus/c10/61.shtml visited 10/22/07).
X / 66
The chief of London by rule of America,
The Island of Scotland shall be tempered by frost,
Kings and Priests shall have one, who is a false Anti-Christ
Who will put them altogether in discord. (Yurchey, Doug. Nostradamus 2000. http://farshores.org/dy09.htm visited 10/22/07).
Nostradamus also wrote:
Under the sign of Libra, America shall reign, Shall hold power in the sky and on land, Shall never perish under Asian forces, Until seven Pontificates have passed. (Dupont, p.94)
Comment: As a great world power, the U.S.A. began its "reign" during the first World War--but it was not the greatest world power; in 1918, that was France. In 1945, however, the U.S.A. was, by and large, the greatest world power. I think it is from the reign of Pius XII that the seven Pontificates must be counted, and this brings us to the last Pope according to St. Malachy's list--when the world will end. (comment is from the Catholic writer Dupont personally, p.94)
Anyway, it appears that the above private Catholic prophecies suggests that the end of the USA will thus be in the 21st century and will involve an Anti-Christ. And as far as Asian forces go, this could be interpreted to include terrorists from places like Afghanistan and others parts of Asia.
In 1948, Herbert W. Armstrong taught:
Thus once this EMPIRE is revived in Europe...the new-born...military power will without warning DESTROY AMERICAN AND BRITISH CITIES OVERNIGHT WITH ATOMIC BOMBS, conquering our peoples, taking our survivors to Europe as THEIR SLAVES! (Armstrong HW. Now it Can Be Told. The Plain Truth magazine. December 1948, p. 6).
Thousands of years ago, notice what God had Habakkuk record:
For the vision is yet for an appointed time...
'Woe to him who increases
What is not his--how long?
And to him who loads himself with many pledges'?
Will not your creditors rise up suddenly?
Will they not awaken who oppress you?
And you will become their booty (Habakkuk 2:3,6,7).
Notice that Habakkuk wrote that at the appointed time (which is mentioned several times in Daniel 11, hence this appears to be for the same time) a those who are deep in debt (loaded with "many pledges") will become the "booty" (slaves) of creditors. The USA is the most indebted nation of all time and its English-speaking allies are all also deeply in debt.
Herbert W. Armstrong made it clear in his later years that he believed that the King of the North (the one mentioned in Daniel 11:40-41 which is the same one who places the abomination mentioned in Daniel 11:31) would destroy the British and American peoples. Notice some of what he wrote about that in 1979:
The indication is the armies of the "beast" of Revelation 17, entering Jerusalem (Dan 11:41, Zech. 14:2), will stop this "daily sacrifice"...And the abomination that maketh desolate set up." What is this abomination? This refers to Daniel 11:31 and Matthew 24:15...From this time (Daniel 12:11) to Christ's coming will be 1290 days. Now, verse 12, "Blessed is he that waiteth, and comes to the 1335 days." Never before have we understood these periods of 1260, 1290. and 1335 days. But it seems evident, now, a blessing is pronounced on us--GOD"S CHURCH--who wait and endure until the 1335 days--approximately 1335 days prior to Christ's coming. But since no one can know the day or hour of His coming, we probably shall not be able to know the exact day this 1335 days begins. But apparently that is the time when OUR WORK SHALL END. 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). Armstrong HW. The Time We Are In, Now. Pastor General's Report-Vol 1, No. 15, November 20, 1979, Page 2).
Additional Catholic Private Prophecies
It is not just Church of God leaders who expect a military leader to arise and rule a European revival of the "Holy Roman Empire" and destroy the English-speaking peoples. Catholic writers have as well, though they used seem to favor such a leader.
Here are additional private Catholic prophecies that are looking forward to the Great Monarch (who we in the Living Church of God consider to be the King of the North), who they teach is to arise after civil unrest in parts of Europe (note: it is possible that the "capital of the world" below being referred to is Washington D.C.--hence the United States of America may be discussed; also note that England was not known by that name in the 500s, hence the prophecy that mentions it would have used a different term in its original language that the Catholic translator apparently has concluded is modern England or those who are/speak English):
Bl. Anna-Maria Taigi (19th century). France shall fall into a frightful anarchy. The French shall have a desperate civil war in the course of which even old men will take up arms. The political parties, having exhausted their blood and their rage without being able to arrive at any satisfactory settlement, shall agree at the last extremity to have recourse to the Holy See. Then the Pope shall send to France a special legate...In consequence of the information received, His Holiness himself shall nominate a most Christian King for the government of France (Dupont, p.45).
Sister Marianne Gaultier (18th century): "...When all shall appear lost, all will be saved...It is then that the Prince shall reign, whom people did not esteem before, but whom they shall then seek. The triumph of religion shall be so great that no one has ever seen the equal (Dupont, p. 75).
Bernhardt Rembordt (18th century). "Cologne will be the site of a terrible battle...At that time France will be divided. The German Empire will choose a simple man as the Emperor, who will rule for a short time. His successor will be the man for whom the world has longed. He will be called a "Roman Emperor," and he will give peace to the world. A good and happy era will follow. God will be praised on earth, and war will be no more." (Dupont, pp.34-35)
Werdin d' Otrante (13th century): "The Great Monarch and the Great Pope will precede Antichrist...All the sects will vanish. The capital of the world will fall...The Great Monarch will come and restore peace and the Pope will share in the victory." (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 33).
Saint Cataldus of Tarentino (c. 500): "The Great Monarch will be in war till he is forty years of age....he will assemble great armies and expel tyrants from his empire. He will conquer England and other island empires" (Connor, p.30).
Telesphorus of Cozensa (16th century). "A powerful French Monarch and French Pope will regain the Holy Land after terrible wars in Europe. They will convert the world and bring universal peace...'' (Dupont, p. 31).
Father Laurence Ricci, S.J. (died 1775): "After the rule of Napoleon a time will come when the people will become poor and the world will be punished in three ways: wars, famines, and pestilences. At a time when the whole world seems doomed, God will intervene. With His aide a valiant duke will arise from the ancient German house which was humiliated by the French monarch. This great ruler will restore stolen Church property. Protestantism will cease and the Turkish empire will end. This duke will be the most powerful monarch on earth. At a gathering of men noted for piety and wisdom he will, with the aid of the Pope, introduce new rules, and ban the spirit of confusion. Everywhere there will be one fold and one shepherd." (Conner p.37)
Melanie Calvat (The Seeress of La Salette, 19th century). "After a frightful war a Great King will arise and his reign will be marked by a wonderful peace and a great religious revival." (Dupont, p.13).
Monk Adso (10th century). "Some of our Teachers say that a King of the Franks will possess the entire Roman Empire. He will be the greatest and the last of all Monarchs. After having wisely governed his kingdom, he will go in the end to Jerusalem and will lay down his sceptre and his crown upon the Mount of Olives..." (Dupont, p.18).
Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser (died 1658):..."Are we not to fear, during this period, that the Mohammedans will come again, working out their sinister schemes against the Latin Church? (Dupont, p.39).
Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser (died 1658):..."When everything has been ruined by war; when Catholics are hard pressed by traitorous co-religionists and heretics; when the Church and her servants are denied their rights, the monarchies have been abolished and their rulers murdered...then the hand of Almighty God will work a marvelous change, something apparently impossible according to human understanding. There will rise a valiant monarch anointed by God. He will be a Catholic, a descendant of Louis IX, (yet) a descendant of an ancient imperial German family, born in exile. He will rule supreme in temporal matters. The Pope will rule supreme in spiritual matters at the same time. Persecution will cease and justice shall reign. Religion seems to be oppressed, but by the changes of entire kingdoms it will be made more firm.
"He will root out false doctrines and destroy the rule of the Moslemism. His dominion will extend from the East to the West. All nations will adore God their Lord according to Catholic teaching. There will be many wise and just men. The people will love justice, and peace will reign over the whole earth, for divine power will bind Satan for many years until the coming of the Son of Perdition.
"The reign of the Great Ruler may be compared with that of Caesar Augustus, who became Emperor after his victory over his enemies, thereby giving peace to the world--also with the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great, who was sent by God, after severe persecutions, to deliver both the Church and State. By his victories on water and land he brought the Roman empire under subjection, which he then ruled in peace...
"The Great Monarch will have the special help of God and be unconquerable.
"The Fifth Epoch of time dates from the reign of Charles V until the reign of the Great Monarch.
"The Sixth Epoch from the Great Monarch until Antichrist. This Sixth Epoch of the Church--'the time of consolation'--begins with the Holy Pope and the Powerful Emperor, and terminates with the reign of Antichrist. This will be an age of solace, wherein God will console His church after the many mortifications and afflictions she had endured in the Fifth period, for all nations will be brought to the unity of the true Catholic Faith." (Connor, pp.35-36).
Recall that the Bible warns that followers of the Beast will teach he cannot be beaten:
Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him? (Revelation 13:4).
The Bible itself teaches that the King of the North will act against the strongest fortresses and later the King of the South. When the final contest between the King of the North vs. the King of the South occurs, the King of the South will lose. However, the Bible shows that this King of the North will eventually be destroyed by those from the north and east (probably Russia, China, and India):
40 "At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.
44 But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. 45 And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him (Daniel 11:40-45).
The Bible clearly is condemning the King of the North for his false religious as well as militaristic practices. And verse 45 is when the final end will come to the remaining Europeans who supported this King.
Yet, the one the Bible refers to as the King of the North, Catholic prophecy seems to identify as their Great Monarch or even the "great prince of the north". Catholics do not seem to understand that the Bible condemns him. Notice this astounding prophecy where one Catholic prophet praises the "prince of the north" who destroys a coming Moslem empire:
Rudolph Gekner (died 1675). "A great prince of the North with a most powerful army will traverse all Europe, uproot all republics, and exterminate all rebels. His sword moved by Divine power will most valiantly defend the Church of Jesus Christ. He will combat on behalf of the true orthodox faith, and shall subdue to his dominion the Mahometan Empire. A new pastor of the universal church will come from the shore (of Dalmatia) through a celestial prodigy, and in simplicity of heart adorned with the doctrines of Jesus Christ. Peace will come to the world." (Connor, p.36).
The Roman Catholics call this a time of peace, but the Bible shows that it will not be a time of peace. Also notice what Jeremiah was inspired to write:
14 They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, Saying, 'Peace, peace!' When there is no peace. 15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD (Jeremiah 6:14-15).
Notice that at least one Catholic prophet considers this to be a great time for Babylon as it will apparently then dominate the Eastern Orthodox:
Abbott Joachim (died 1202)...A remarkable Pope will be seated on the pontifical throne, under special protection of the angels. Holy and full of gentleness, he shall undo all wrong, he shall recover the states of the Church, and reunite the exiled temporal powers. As the only Pastor, he shall reunite the Eastern to the Western Church...This holy Pope shall be both pastor and reformer. Through him the East and West shall be in ever lasting concord. The city of Babylon shall then be the head and guide of the world. Rome, weakened in temporal power, shall forever preserve her spiritual dominion, and shall enjoy great peace...At the beginning, in order to bring these happy results, having need of a powerful assistance, this holy Pontiff will ask the cooperation of the generous monarch of France (Great Monarch). (Cited in Connor, pp. 31-32).
The Bible, in Revelation and Jeremiah clearly condemns Babylon for its false religion, financial emphasis, and militaristic ways.
Here is one comment from Revelation:
21 "Thus with violence the great city Babylon shall be thrown down, and shall not be found anymore. 22 The sound of harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters shall not be heard in you anymore. No craftsman of any craft shall be found in you anymore, and the sound of a millstone shall not be heard in you anymore. 23 The light of a lamp shall not shine in you anymore, and the voice of bridegroom and bride shall not be heard in you anymore. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorcery all the nations were deceived. 24 And in her was found the blood of prophets and saints, and of all who were slain on the earth" (Revelation 18:21-24).
Jeremiah was inspired to write that God will punish end-time Babylon, who is led by the European King of the North, for He will remember Babylon did to Israel (which includes the USA and many of its major English-speaking allies) and Judah, even though God did raise Babylon to punish them:
1 Thus says the LORD:
"Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, Against those who dwell in Leb Kamai, A destroying wind. 2 And I will send winnowers to Babylon, Who shall winnow her and empty her land. For in the day of doom they shall be against her all around. 3 Against her let the archer bend his bow, And lift himself up against her in his armor. Do not spare her young men; Utterly destroy all her army. 4 Thus the slain shall fall in the land of the Chaldeans, And those thrust through in her streets. 5 For Israel is not forsaken, nor Judah, By his God, the LORD of hosts, Though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel."
6 Flee from the midst of Babylon, And every one save his life! Do not be cut off in her iniquity, For this is the time of the LORD's vengeance; He shall recompense her...
49 As Babylon has caused the slain of Israel to fall, So at Babylon the slain of all the earth shall fall (Jeremiah 51:1-6, 49).
The End of the King of the North
Here is some of more of what the Living Church of God teaches about the future King of the North:
Bible prophecy shows that by the time of the end, the king of the North will be identified with the revived Roman Empire...Notice that the king of the North enters into the "Glorious Land"—the location of the modern state of Israel. The fact that Ammon (which Bible scholars identify as modern-day Jordan) escapes out of his hand, along with Edom and Moab, leads many to believe that Jordan will be allied with the European power...
The developing European religio-political power will eventually exert controlling influence over the Holy Land. As we have seen, the leader of that union, the "king of the North," will ultimately dominate Jerusalem and the Middle East. The book of Revelation also predicts a conflict between Asian forces and the European "Beast power," the king of the North (cf. Daniel 11:44; Revelation 9:13–19).
Shockingly, after Christ’s return, these armies will combine as they are "gathered together to make war against Him" (Revelation 19:19). God Almighty says: "For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem" (Zechariah 14:2). Then "the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as He fights in the day of battle. And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east" (Zechariah 14:3–4). Jesus Christ will intervene! He will stop World War III and bring lasting peace to the world! (Ames R. The Middle East in Prophecy. LCG Booklet).
So thus, the time of lasting peace does not come during the time of the warring King of the North, but right after he comes to his end and Jesus Christ returns (additionally information on the destruction of the King of the North can be found in the articles e Europa, the Beast, and Revelation and Russia: Its Origins and Prophesied Future).
Why Do Roman Catholics Not Understand This?
As one baptized as a Roman Catholic, I have long wondered why Catholics do not understand various aspects of biblical prophecy (Protestants have their own problems which I will not address at this time--though some information on them is included in the article Is There A Secret Rapture for the Church? When and Where is the Church Protected?).
In the case of Daniel 11 and the King of the North, although several Catholic writers believe it has future application, various modern Catholic scholars either profess ignorance or simply ignore the fact that the latter part of the vision is clearly for the appointed time of the end.
In addition, some apparently do not believe that Daniel himself wrote these prophecies and even believe that it was all fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes IV prior to Christ's birth). Notice:
The First six chapters of the Book of Daniel contain older stories about a wise man, Daniel, from an earlier era. The stories are set during the Babylonian exile in the sixth century B.C. (see Ezekiel 14:14; 28:3), whereas Daniel 7 through 12 present visions received during the later Hellenistic period of writing (second century B.C.). As most apocalypses did, the visions in Daniel are presented as if namely, the hero of Daniel 1-6. This follows the Jewish practice of writing under the names of ancient authors. Internal historical references in the visions prompt scholars to ascribe their visions quite narrowly to a Jewish seer suffering under the persecution of the later Greek emperor, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, in 167-164 B.C., the same persecution that 1 and 2 Maccabees describe. (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 Auxillary Bishop, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 19, 2004. Servant Books, Cincinnati, 2004, p. 68).
Notice however what Jesus taught that Daniel 11/12 is NOT completely fulfilled and does have a future fulfillment:
15 "Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect's sake those days will be shortened..." (Matthew 24:15-22).
In addition, the Book of Daniel itself clearly states that it is intended to be understood at the end--which of course means that many of its prophecies are for a time after Jesus' first coming:
9 "Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand..." (Daniel 12:9-10)
Since the Bible shows that the end portion of Daniel 11 is for the end time (as well as pretty much all of Daniel 12), those who rely on faulty explanations like the one ascribing Daniel to Antiochus Epiphanes IV alone, simply will not understand biblical prophecies--you do not have to be among those who are deceived!
Another issue that Roman Catholics need to deal with is that many of their "private prophecies" seem to warn that the returning Jesus Christ is the Antichrist. Details for this are documented in the article Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus?
Conclusion
The Bible warns of a coming King of the North who will cause destruction and conquer peoples in the West, Middle East, and elsewhere. Private Catholic prophecies seem to look forward to this individual. Yet he is not one that true Christians should follow. And Bible prophecy shows that he will be destroyed.
Both biblical and Catholic prophecies indicate that there will be a future King of the North and that he will be the head of a powerful European Empire. An empire that even now is forming. One that the Bible warns that true Christians should not be part of or support.
This time is of the King of the North is soon approaching.
Will you support the King of the North or the true Church of God?
Thiel B. Who is the King of the North? www.cogwriter.com/kingofthenorth.htm (C) 2007/2008 0328
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Articles of possibly related interest include:
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about "the Beast"?
Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur.
Which Is Faithful: The Roman Catholic Church or the Church of God? Do you know that both groups shared a lot of the earliest teachings? Do you know which church changed? Do you know which group is most faithful to the teachings of the apostolic church? Which group best represents true Christianity? This documented article answers those questions.
The History of Early Christianity Are you aware that what most people believe is not what truly happened to the true Christian church?
The Churches of Revelation 2 & 3 Do they matter? Most say they must, but act like they do not. This article contains some history about the Church of God (sometimes referred to as the continuation of Primitive Christianity) over the past 2000 years.
What Do Roman Catholic Scholars Actually Teach About Early Church History? Although most believe that the Roman Catholic Church history teaches an unbroken line of succession of bishops beginning with Peter, with stories about most of them, Roman Catholic scholars know the truth of this matter. This eye-opening article is a must-read for any who really wants to know what Roman Catholic history actually admits about the early church.
Location of the Early Church: Another Look at Ephesus, Smyrna, and Rome What actually happened to the primitive Church? And did the Bible tell about this in advance?
Apostolic Succession What really happened? Did structure and beliefs change? Are many of the widely-held current understandings of this even possible?