Daniel Bible Prophecy

Daniel Chapter 11

Appendix B:

Verse 23-24:

After the league made with him - In 161 BC the Jews made a league with the rising power of Rome to be allies.

He shall work deceitfully - many of the leagues made with Rome such as the one made with the Jews eventually led to the absorption of that power into the Roman Empire. What often started out as an ally or a league of reciprocal assistance eventually developed into control by the Roman Senate.

Become strong with a small people - when Rome first came on the scene of history, she was only small and the powerful kingdoms of the near east, rejected their involvement in local conflicts. Eventually however, Rome was able to control every part of Alexanders Kingdom.

Enter peaceabley even upon the fattest places of the province - Rome was bequeathed many lands by dying rulers. In return for protection from their enemies many nations willingly placed themselves under the Roman Senate. Some of the very best provinces thus came under Rome’s Dominion without war.

Shall do that which his fathers have not done - this receiving lands through legacy rather than conquest was unheard of in the ancient world.

Scatter among them the prey and spoil - Also the sharing of the spoils amongst even the soldiers was also unheard of. It was not uncommon for soldiers to receive pieces of land in conquered areas. Also being a republic rather than a monarchy the power was placed in the hands of the people through their representatives rather than in a sole ruler. At least, in the beginning anyway.

Forcast his devices against the strongholds - that is this power of Rome will control all the strongholds in the entire region, none will be able to withstand her power.

For a time - a time is a prophetic year, 360 prophetic days or 360 literal years. This time period begins at the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C. when Octavius defeats Antony and Cleopatra and thus the last vestige of opposition to the Roman control of the Mediterranan and all of Alexander’s entire empire thus making Rome the Master of the world. The 360 years takes us through to AD 330 when Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Constantinople thus ending the “forcasting of devices” from the Roman capital.

Verse 25-27:

KON - Augustus Caesar

KON stir up his army against the KOS - Augustus Caesar brings his army to attack Egypt.

KOS - Mark Antony and Cleopatra

But KOS shall not stand - Mark Antony and his Egyptian forces, though larger, are defeated when Cleopatra flees at the noise of battle, and Antony follows her. In disgust the forces leave Antony and join with Octavius.

They that feed of the portion of his meat - his allies, soldiers and generals. Because of Antonys infatuation with Cleopatra, many of his generals who for many years had been thoroughly loyal to their noble and very able military leader, became disquieted and thus Antony did not know who was truly for him and who for Octavius. Eventually his entire land army changed sides.

Many shall fall down slain - when Octavius attacked Antony’s navy, he fled in a light vessel to follow Cleopatra who also had fled with her Egyptian ships away from the battle. Antony’s men fought bravely but eventually Octavius destroyed the entire fleet and most of the men.

Both kings hearts to do mischief and lies - Octavius and Antony were the two remaining members of the original Triumvirate. They were coming up to the end of the first appointed time of five years, and in discussion decided to continue this arrangement for an additional five years. However, Octavius was aware that Antony was under the regal thumb of the Queen of Egypt and was actually grasping power to increase her dominions rather than Rome’s. Some of his advisors had left Antony, and reported to Octavius that Antony desired to be buried alongside Cleopatra upon his death, thus revealing more of his infatuation with this queen.

But it shall not prosper - eventually quarrelling broke out between the two triumvirs.

For yet the end shall be at the time appointed - the end here mentioned is the end of Alexanders kingdom, it was prophesied that Rome would be master of the world for 360 years, and no amount of deceit or cunning on the part of Antony in behalf of the KOS (Cleopatra) would change the inevitable. When war broke out as has already been shown, Antony and Cleopatra were defeated, they both eventually commit suicide, and the entire kingdom comes under the Roman dominion. This took place in 31 B.C.

Verse 28

Then shall he return into his land with great riches - After the conquest of Egypt, the last remaining opposition to Rome’s complete control of Alexander’s kingdom Octavius returned to Rome, with much spoil and treasure for the triumphant entry he was to make.

His heart shall be against the holy covenant - Here we are brought down to the time when Rome shall endeavour to quell rebellion amongst the Jews who were seeking to shake off the Roman yoke.

He shall do exploits and return to his own land - eventually it ended in the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of Vespasian in 66 AD and then ultimately by Titus in 70 AD. Over 1 million Jews Perished, and Israel as a nation was destroyed. Those who were not slain were scattered amongst the nations of the earth. They have since been found as far spread as India, Persia and Russia.

NOTE: As is consistent with this second section of this chapter we are seeing the characteristics of Rome and her direct involvement with the people of God. The emphasis is on characteristics rather than secular events. Notice how the time period given is to enable us to more accurately determine the upcoming change of power and the real focus which is the rise of the antichrist.

Verse 29:

At the time appointed - 330 AD

Not as the former - Rome’s attack on Egypt – conquest of territory.

Nor as the latter - Rome’s attack on Judea and Jerusalem – quashing of rebellion.

Come toward the south - The Roman world was divided between two rulers, Constantine and Licinius. As has been the case with Roman History this situation did not last and eventually in 324 AD Constantine became the sole ruler of the kingdom. Byzanitum, which had been Licinius capital in the east, fell into the hands of Constantine and he decided to rebuild it and make it his capital. Thus in the year 330 AD it was finally dedicated as Constantinople. This fulfilled the “time” of verse 24 and also revealed the end of the western power of the empire. This attack against Licinius was not as previous attacks in as much as that it was a quarrel among equals. Also whereas the other two mentioned battles ended in conquest and glory for the Roman capital, this one led to demoralisation and ruin for the great city.

Verse 30:

Ships of Chittim - Vandals of North Africa, under Genseric, who besieged the southern parts of the empire from the seat of their kingdom in Carthage.

Therefore he shall be grieved and return - during the period when Genseric was attacking Rome from the south, came various Barbarian tribes from the north which also slowly took territory and power away from what remained of the Western Roman Empire. Different rulers attempted to stop these attacks but eventually even the city of Rome itself was overtaken.

Have indignation against the holy covenant...have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant - The Roman power, no longer able to maintain their sovereignty over the empire, unite with the church in order to gain the support of this growing power within the empire itself. Up until this time, the church has been very separate from the state; however, they now come into an alliance.

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

Verse 31:

Arms shall stand on his part - In 496 AD Clovis, King of the Franks converts to Catholicism, recognising the Bishop of Rome as head over all the church, corrector of heretics and vicar of God on earth. Thus he places his armies at the disposal of the Pope to defend the faith, expand her borders and correct the heresies currently so popular in the Western Empire.

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

Take away the daily - Clovis and his armies “converted” the empire to Catholicism, thus removing the last vestiges of Paganism from the empire. This endeavour was completed in 508 AD.

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

Verse 32:

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

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

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

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

The people that do know their God - obviously in contrast to the papal sympathisers, these are the faithful who are true to the covenant.

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

Verse 33-35:

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

Fall by the sword, flame, captivity and spoil many days - persecution was kindled in horrendous amounts to stop the spread of the true gospel and the exposure of the falsity of the professed church that sat in the city of Rome. The many days is a reference to the much repeated 1260 years of Papal Supremacy over Europe.

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

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

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

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

NOTE: there is some opposing discussion regarding this passage however, I have chosen to continue this passage as applicable to the Papacy for the following reasons.

- No change is outlined in the text itself, the definite article, relates this passage to the previous without adding a new participant.
- The Bible substantiates (as will be shown in the next section where verses in parentheses will show substantiating Bible passages) the interpretation as that of the Papacy rather than revolutionary France.
- Parallel passages in Daniel and Revelation do not here add two new powers but continue the Roman Apostasy until the second advent/judgment.
- As Daniel when discussing the issue of Pagan Rome, outlined secular events involved in the rise of this power and then retraced the time and outlined specific characteristics of Pagan Rome, so in discussing Papal Rome here he outlined the rise of the power in verses 30-35 and then retraces his steps and outlines the characteristics of the Papacy in verses 36-39.

Verse 36-39:

The King - the king of the north as has been discussed in the previous verses, that is the Papacy.

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

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

Magnify himself above every God - this is true where at point of death, no other god or power could be acknowledged but the Pope of Rome. (Daniel 8:11, 25)

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

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

Till the Indignation be accomplished - this power is an affront or indignity against the God of Heaven. The great indignation is in fact the idol Sabbath that is instituted to draw the people away from God the creator to the false god. The prophecy states that it will succeed in its endeavour until the indignation be accomplished or fulfilled. When it has fulfilled its allotted time, and opportunity then the end will come. (Revelation 14:9-10, Daniel 7:11)

That that is determined shall be done - What God has foretold shall be accomplished, the saints shall receive the kingdom and the wicked shall be destroyed regardless of how powerful or invincible they might seem to be at any point in history.

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

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

Nor regard any God for he shall magnify himself above all - this is often referred to the French Atheistic revolution, however, in context it is applied to the fact that he “magnify’s himself above all gods, including the God of heaven who he supposedly represents. In the documents of the Catholic Church itself, they claim the prerogative to make laws and decrees that God himself is bound to obey. Thus placing themselves inclusively above all gods whatever and wherever. (2 Thessalonians 2:4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verse 40:

At the time of the end - that is at or after 1798

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

Push - The word push means to war against, if we look at Daniel 8:4 where the Ram was pushing westward, and northward etc., and none could deliver out of his hand.

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

KON - Here we see a revived papacy who retaliates against the KOS.

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

Come against him like a whirlwind - we look for an attack which is like a mighty storm, tornado even, sweeping away all within in its path. Definitely gaining an ascendancy over all that it comes in contact with. We look for a revival of the power of the papacy, seeing that it had lost it in 1798. This ties in with Revelation 13 and the healing of the deadly wound and the new papacy gaining ascendancy over the entire world.

With chariots, horsemen and many ships - chariots and horsemen represent military strength. Ships symbolize economic strength.

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

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

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

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

Shall enter into the countries:- this denotes that there is more than one country under the control of the KOS or communism.

Shall overflow and pass over - a combination of military and economic strength shall be used to totally sweep away the KOS.

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

Verse 41:

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

(This could also be applied to the inculcating of the false doctrines of Catholicism into Protestantism.)

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

These shall escape out of his hand - that is out of the hand of the KON – the modern Papacy.

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

Verse 42:

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

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

Verse 43:

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

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

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

Verse 44:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Verse 45:

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

Seas - water represents people.

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

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

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

Daniel Chapter 12...