Sunday Evening Bible Study

October 8, 1995

Daniel 11:40-43

Introduction

Several weeks ago we read of an incredible visit that Daniel had by an angelic visitor.

The visitor came to give Daniel an incredible prophecy detailing things that were to happen to Daniel's people, Israel.

We saw a glimpse of mid-eastern history in the making from the overthrow of the Medo-Persian empire by the Greeks under Alexander, to the division of the Grecian empire, right through to a madman named Antiochus Epiphanes.

The prophecy took a jump into the future last week, entering into the time of the antichrist.

We've looked at his character, and at some what lies behind him.

We ended last week with the phrase in Daniel 11:39, "he shall divide the land for gain", and talked about how the current mideast peace talks are being encouraged by the use of monetary gain of the countries involved.

:36-45 The Antichrist

:40 at the time of the end

We're talking about the end of modern history.

Soon.

In fact, this part of Daniel 11 is going to feel like we're reading tomorrow's newspaper.

We've just shared in communion, and who knows if it's our last?

»Matthew 26:29-AV But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.

:40 shall the king of the south push at him

Those of you who remember our study that started chapter 11, we covered a wide range of history, but basically around the Grecian empire, and in particular, two of the four parts.

The Seleucid empire, which was often called the "northern kingdom".

It was centered in Syria, and was called "northern" because it is geographically north of Israel.

It was this "northern kingdom" from which Antiochus Epiphanes came, who was a kind of precursor to the antichrist, and was the subject of the "king of the north" before the time gap in verses 35-36.

The Ptolemy empire was referred to as the "southern kingdom".

It was centered in Egypt, and called "southern" because it was to the south of Israel.

If the same geographical names apply, then this "king of the south" would refer to Egypt.

It's possible that the "north" and "south" could be references to countries that are north and south of the antichrist's country, instead of Israel.

:40 the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind

Here's where it can get a little confusing if you don't understand the time gap between vs.35-36.

Before the verse 36, the name of the big, bad person was Antiochus Epiphanes.

He was the guy who persecuted Israel, and caused an abomination of desolation (vs.31).

He was also the "king of the north" - it's a little tricky because the last time the word "north" was used, it was in verse 15, but it referred to a predecessor of Antiochus Epiphanes known as Antiochus III. As you follow the story, which is constantly a north versus south scenario, the guy we know as Antiochus Epiphanes is sitting in the place of the "king of the north".

If you hadn't been paying attention to the time warp at verse 36, you might still think we were talking about Antiochus Epiphanes, and hence talking about the "king of the north".

But now because we passed the time warp where "the king" starts to refer to the antichrist (in verse 36), suddenly this "king" has a "king of the north" attacking him.

Again, this just shows that somewhere along the road, the characters got switched on us.

So in summary...

The antichrist is not the "king of the north", and hence is not from Syria.

But the antichrist will be attacked by the "king of the north".

The king of the north has all along been Syria, currently ruled by Hafiz al-Assad who came to power in 1970.

Whirlwind - sa`ar - to storm; (Hithpael) to storm against, come as a storm.

Like "Desert Storm"?

:40 with chariots ... horsemen ... ships

It's possible that this could be talking about literal chariots and horsemen, etc., but it's more likely that Daniel is just receiving the description given to him by the angel in terms that he could understand.

It's more likely that the Syrian government will invade with tanks, armoured personel carriers, and a navy.

:40 he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over

If the antichrist is truly centered in a restored Roman empire (as we've established before), and if he's established this treaty, or covenant (Dan.9:27) with Israel, then attacking Israel is the same as attacking him.

So, it's very possible that Israel is the nation that is attacked by Egypt and Syria, and that in response from the antichrist, he moves his armies across several countries, coming to Israel's rescue.

:41 he shall enter also into the glorious land

The antichrist enters Israel to defend it against the attacks.

:41 many countries shall be overthrown

As he is sweeping into Israel, he conquers many countries along the way.

:41 these shall escape out of his hand ... Edom ... Moab ... Ammon

Three nations (or territories) will escape the wrath of the antichrist.

These three countries are in modern Jordan, the capital of which is Amman.

So, the north and the south attack, at which the antichrist comes barreling into Israel.

I believe that he doesn't come to really rescue Israel, but to take it over, and then persecute the Jews.

I think this could very well coincide with certain things happening in heaven.

»Revelation 12:13-16 AV And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man [child]. 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. 15 And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.

Where in the "wilderness" does Israel flee? This is thought to be a prophetic letter from the outcasts in Jordan.

»Isaiah 16:1-2 AV Send ye the lamb to the ruler of the land from Sela to the wilderness, unto the mount of the daughter of Zion. 2 For it shall be, [that], as a wandering bird cast out of the nest, [so] the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of Arnon.

»Isaiah 16:4-AV Let mine outcasts dwell with thee, Moab; be thou a covert to them from the face of the spoiler: for the extortioner is at an end, the spoiler ceaseth, the oppressors are consumed out of the land.

When Jesus comes back, He comes back to rescue Israel from the wrath of the antichrist.

»Revelation 19:11-13 AV And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes [were] as a flame of fire, and on his head [were] many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he [was] clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

»Isaiah 63:1-4 AV Who [is] this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this [that is] glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. 2 Wherefore [art thou] red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? 3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people [there was] none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. 4 For the day of vengeance [is] in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

Bozrah, and Petra are ancient cities in the southern part of modern Jordan.

:42 he shall stretch forth his hand upon the countries

He will exercise his military power.

:42 the land of Egypt shall not escape

Egypt is going to fall to the antichrist's armies.

:43 he shall have power over the treasures of gold ... silver ... precious things of Egypt

He'll take a lot of spoil from Egypt.

:43 the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps

»Daniel 11:43-NAS ... and Libyans and Ethiopians [will follow] at his heels.

»Daniel 11:43-NIV ... with the Libyans and Nubians in submission.

»Daniel 11:43-NRSV ... and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall follow in his train.

It appears that Libya and Ethiopia will kind of just fall under his control.