This chart is comparing several different interpretations on Daniel 11:21-31 given by different writers in Adventism. For concise information on each one’s interpretation please read their own literature as they explain everything in much greater detail.
Daniel 11 Josiah Litch:Prophetic Expositions Vol. 2, 1842 Uriah Smith: Thoughts on Daniel 1897 Stephen Haskell; The Story of Daniel the Prophet, 1901 George McCready Price, Greatest of the Prophets, 1955 Mervyn Maxwell:God Cares Vol. 1, 1981 Louis Were: The king of the North at Jerusalem 2002 William Shea: Daniel, A Readers Guide, 2005 Tim Roosenberg: Islam and Christianity2011
11:23And after the league [made] with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.
Jumps back to 161BC The Jews made a league with Rome for protection.
Rome still small but grew rapidly thereafter
Jumps back to 161 BC Jews made a league with Rome for protection.
Rome still small but grew rapidly thereafter
312 A.D.
Constantine makes a league with Christians.
The mystery of iniquity began to blossom in the church.
Jumps back to 161 BC League the Jews made with Rome
Rome still small but grew rapidly thereafter
The medieval papacy grows to strength from an early position of smallness
Jumps back to League made by the Jews with Rome in 161 B.C
These verses begin to describe the papacy’s military campaigns.
Rising from smallness they later became a military force.
As soon as Christianity became acceptable in the Roman Empire errors rushed in.
The seat of Rome, the empire’s focal center,became the center of papal influence
11:24He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do [that] which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches:
Several small kingdoms willingly willed their kingdoms to the Romans.
Rome rewarded them with leniency.
Kings willed their kingdoms to Rome,
These countries were protected from their enemies and enjoyed leniency and kindness.
Constantine changed Rome’s religion. The mystery of iniquity was being enthroned and entered the church with little resistance, apparently bringing peace and goodwill.
By promising peace and friendship Rome capitalized on the fears of people who turned their kingdoms over to Rome.
The Pax Romana for a time brought a peace which had never been known before.
Papacy makes(and breaks) treaties and plunders the rich in order to reward others
Growth of literal Rome
Pope Urban initiates the first crusade.
The “fattest place” – Jerusalem.
No ruler had ever done crusades such as these before.
The crusaders were also motivated by the plunder they hoped to receive.
The Vatican took control of Western Europe without an army of its own.It filled the vacuum left when there was no western Emperor.
and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time
Rome would, from its strong hold, devise means ofholding their tributaries in obedience and subjection. This would continue for “a time”
360 years from 31 AD to 330 AD when the capital was moved to Constantinople.
"From the strong holds."
From the seven hilled city of Rome they would control their territories for 360 years.
31-330
The strongholds of truth were invaded by Greek philosophies and paganism.
Rome acted like so many international policemen.
The time “360 years” begins with the successful Egyptian conquest in 31 AD and ends in 330 with the transfer of the capital to Constantinople.
Generally about the papacy growing into a hostile power that will reveal itself more fully in the crusades..
The span of literal Rome.
(agreeing with Smith in these verses)
The crusaders built literal fortresses that still dot the middle east.
But their military victories (when achieved) did not last long.
The King of the North now enters its papal phase for the allotted time prophecy gives it.
So to summerize -- Who is the king of the south and the king of the north in Dan. 11:23-30 according to these writers?
According to Litch, Smith, McCready and Were: the passage (Daniel 11:23-29) basically covers time from 161 BC to 329 A.D The king of the North being literal Rome The king of the South being Egypt The main dates -- 161 BC when the Jews made an agreement with Rome -- 31 BC when Rome conquered Egypt -- 329 AD when Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Constantinople.
Then in verse 30 they see the fall of the literal western Roman Empire. From this point onward, Were parts company from the other three writers.
According to Stephen Haskell, Verses 23-30 begin with Constantine in 312 AD and covers history till 538 AD For Haskell the king of the North is literal Rome which morphs into Papal Rome. He connects these verses with Daniel 7 and the three horns being uprooted for the Papal horn to acheive dominance. The king of the South in these verses are the Vandals in Northern Africa.
According to Maxwell, Shea, and Roosenberg (they have slight variations one from another) these verses (24-29) mainly cover the papal crusades. The king of the north is the papacy and his crusaders The king of the south is Egypt with it's Muslim headquarters (for Roosenberg it is the Muslims)
11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do [exploits].
A brief view of the whole course of papal pomp and ceremony.
But there will be some true, humble followers of the Savior who stand firm for God.
Those who forsake the covenant are honored by papacy.
A people still exist who know their God and stand strong for Him
A period of great darkness and persecution. Compromises to win the pagans were made.
But a people still exist who know their God and stand strong for Him.
Covenant is said to refer to God’s Word, which is gradually being replaced by tradition.
But problem not universal there were those who stood firm.
The papacy broke into God’s spiritual temple and altered the centre of the ten commandments – the Sabbath
The king of the North obscures Christ’s sanctuary work, raising an army of priests to dispense merits.
Pre-reformation and reformation period still during the 1260 years.
Bible knowledge is increasing.
11:33 And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, [many] days.
Waldenses, the Albigenses, and the Huguenots and others,will keep truth alive, but the papacy will wage fierce persecution against them for 1260 years.
(Dan. 12:7)
Papal persecution against God’s people for 1260 years.
(Dan. 7:25; 12:7; Rev. 12:6,14; 13:5)
The Waldenses from their retreat in the mountains sent out missionaries, but many were killed.
There were always some who obeyed God rather than man.
During the 1260 years the Vaudois, (Waldenses) travelled as peddlers sharing the gospel to honest people.But many lost their lives in cruel ways.
Stood for God though they were burned at the stake, or drowned, or tortured, and killed,orimprisoned for their faith.
These verse deal with papal Rome’s attack on the spiritual holy city (God’s people)
Severe persecution falls upon those whoteach and practice a different religion.
The time duration 1260 years, 538-1798
Truth is being taught once again.But the papal reaction is brutal!. Whole cities were at times destroyed.
11:34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
A partial deliverance of the church from papal handstakes place during the reformation under Martin Luther; when the German states espouse the protestantcause.
Many join Protestantism for the wrong reasons – Like Henry VIII of England.
Restraint on papal persecution came during Reformation under Luther when German states espouse Protestant cause.
As Protestantism became more popular many join Protestantism for the wrong reasons
A little help came from unexpected sources.
The early reformershelped break some of the bondage.
Finally the reformation offered full liberty of conscience, but many rejected it.
Parallel with Rev. 12:13-16“The earth helped the woman.”The new world was discovered.
Also the
reformation helped
Evidence that God cares enough to alert us to the danger and direct us to Himself.
Like Daniel’s three friends, facing the fiery furnace they trusted God
After it became safer people joined Protestantism for wrong reasons.
11:35And [some] of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make [them] white, [even] to the time of the end: because [it is] yet for a time appointed.
Some still fell, despite the protection of protestant princes and kings.The papacy still had power where rulers were mortal enemies of Protestantism.
The 1260 years had not yet come to an end.
Though restrained persecution still broke out whenever there was opportunity.
It would not end till the 1260 were completed in 1798
Though restrained, persecution still broke out whenever there was opportunity.
The 1260 years were not yet over.
God was offering deliverance to the nations
Persecution continues till the close of the 1260 years
Persecution continues
till the "time of the end"
This takes us to "the time of the end".
Based on the amount of text dealing with the persecution predicts it will be long and severe.
--Until the appointed time –
1260 years.
The martyrs have the hope of resurrection. White robes will be given them (See Rev. 6)
11:39Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge [and] increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.
Napoleon ends revolution andnow stands at the head of the French government, to give direction, open churches, though not a believer himself,.
He ends feudal system, gives land to common people.
He turns the situation to his own account, and raises himself, upon the ruins of the revolution, to the throne of an empire,
The heathen pagan religion continued in France until Napoleon.
Large estates were confiscated and sold in parcels at auctions.
Napoleon puts an end to the revolution.
Opens church doors.
Gains huge power
Complete disaster faced France until Napoleon assumed control. Re-established order.Conquered other nations,
Andmade himself ruler over the people.
Ceremonies done to honor strange Gods.
Like the Eucharist and elaborate ceremony.
Positions within the church bought --simony
Again the use of force and the devotion to Mary.
The king of the North is the papacy. With strange wafer "god" consistently leading the world to war against God’s spiritual Israel (the remnant) and against God Himself.
Papacy believes that countries are subject to its disposal. The Papacy alone, among all the powers of earth, has claimed the right to divide the world among nations. Even the Americas, the pope presumed to divide between Portugal and Spain.
This self exaltation and blasphemy culminates and brings together all of its other activities.
Fornicating with the political leaders.Seeking to control the political field and their kings, subjecting them to Papal demands.
11:40 "And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over."
At thetime of end 1798 the pope's power was destroyed, he was carried into captivity.
King of the South is still Egypt, and king of the north is Syria. Napoleon fought and conquered Egyptian territory and aimed to conquer more but
Syria (king of the north) fought against him to drive him out of Egypt.
King of south still Egypt.King of the north Syria. (Turks)
Napoleon goes down to conquer Egypt.
Syrians attack Napoleon’s army.
The power that won was “Turkey”-- the king of the North according to Smith
Mohammedanismhad become a huge power.Syria had fallen under its power but Egypt became the center of its influence.
The ambition of Napoleon to establish the authority of Europe in Egypt might have been the beginning of the last struggle between north and south.
King of North remains the papacy.
Verses 40-45 the last great battle which deal with more abstract and more religious or spiritual ideas concerning the whole world.
The last of these verses apparently parallel the career and demise of Roman Christianity.
Daniel 11:40-45 presents the wounding of the king of the north, giving God’s church a time to proclaim the three angels’ messages.
The wound is healedand the final war against God’s remnant commences
At the time of the end, 1798.
The king of the North has become a “spiritual identity” –the papacy.
The king of the south is also a spiritual identity:
At the end of the 1260 years humanistic reasoning, atheism or agnosticism erupted .
Verses 40-45 deal with the healing of the wound.
The Papacy with its allies (Rev. 13 & 17) renew persecution for the last conflict.
So to summerize -- Who is the king of the south and the king of the north in Dan. 11:31-39 according to these writers?
According to Litch and Smith the passage (Daniel 11:30-39) basically covers time from the fall of Western Rome to Napoleon Verses 30-31 dealing with the fall of Rome (the sanctuary and the daily both being interpretated in connection to paganism rather than to Christ's sanctuary and ministry) The "he" in verses 32-35 is papal Rome The "he" in verses 36-39 being Revolutionary France, ending with Napoleon.
The king of the north being Syria. The king of the South being Egypt
According to Stephen Haskell, Verse 30 ends with the wars of Justinian both paganism AND rival Christian faiths laid low. He then primarily follows same outline as Smith
According to Maxwell, Were, Shea, and Roosenberg (they have slight variations one from another) All see these verses dealing with the papacy who has taken the position as "king of the North".
11:25And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.
This and the next few verses detail the
Roman conquest of Egypt around 31 B.C.
This and the next few verses detail the Roman conquest of Egypt around 31 B.C.
Enlargement of Daniel seven.
Rome plucking up of one of the ten horns.
Justinian wages a battle against the Vandals in the South.
(Northern Africa)
Follows U.Smith’s notes.
1095-1250 These verses deal with the era of Crusades which were initiated by the papacy.Papal religion shows itself as hostile.
Jerusalem controlled by Muslims from Egypt. (King of the South)
Rome as the king of the north destroying the king of the south. (Egypt)
The crusades brought the wrath of Egypt (king of south)upon themselves.
The last battle of the last crusade involved an attempted invasion of Egypt.
Papalled crusades against Islam
initiated by Pope Urban II in 1095
(the king of the South now being Islam)
Nine major crusades and many smaller ones took place for many centuries.
First woe
11:26Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.
The treachery of the troops of Antony and Cleopatra in the battle between Rome and Egypt in 31 BC
Continuation of the battle between Rome and Egypt in 31 BC.Involving Cleopatra and Antony.
Vandal king Hilderis (grandson of Genseric)favored Catholic faith and was dethroned by Gelimer.
Justinian used this as an excuse to attack the Vandals.
Follows U. Smith’s notes
Crusaders killed not only Muslims, but also Jews.
(The fourth crusade even conquered Constantinople!)
Forces came out of Egypt against the (papal) crusaders, but while camped the army from Egyptwas taken by surprise and defeated.The victorious army returned to Jerusalem
Casualties were high.
There was no unity among Christians who often turned on each other.
11:27 And both these kings' hearts [shall be] to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end [shall be] at the time appointed
Antony (governor in Egypt)and Caesar were supposedly allies, Antony was married to Caesar’s sister,but they lied to each other.
Antony and Cleopatra lost to Caesar.
Antony and Caesar were formerly in alliance.Yet under the garb of friendship they were both aspiring and intriguing for universal dominion.
Victory came to the Romans
Partially due to lack of unity in the Vandal kingdom.
Follows U. Smith’s notes
There was muchperfidy and hypocrisy that conspicuously characterized the crusade experience.
Promises would be made to gain an end, but then savagely broken
Literal Rome bridges the history between two false systems of worship – one centred in literal Babylon on the Euphrates, the other centred in spiritual Babylon on spiritual Euphrates.
After the crusaders conquered Jerusalem two candidates fought over who would be “king”Raymond and Godfrey.Godfrey won by trickery.
Intrigue within.
Broken agreements and lies were pretty much the order of things.
11:28 Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart [shall be] against the holy covenant; and he shall do [exploits], and return to his own land.
Cæsar became master of the world, and "returned to his own land with great riches."
Later emperors persecuted and killed God’s people –first Jews and later Christians.
Victorious Caesar returned with great riches.
Rome’s next great exploit was the destruction of Jerusalem
General Belisarius returned in a triumph march displaying great wealth looted, as well as many captives.
The Arians who survived were forced to have their children baptized and engage in all religious worship as decreed
First return refers to Caesar returning as conqueror of Egypt.
The Second return is another Roman leader returning after destroying Jerusalem.
The first crusade was a success (of sorts) as they conquered Jerusalem.
And did bring back riches.
The Papacy also initiated crusades against Christian “heretics” many of whom were sincere believers in God’s covenant.
Literal Babylon literally invades and destroys the literal temple and literal nation o f Israel.
A type of what spiritual Babylon would do to spiritual Israel.
3/4 of the crusaders returned to Europe with considerable booty.Papal control in Jerusalem was established.
This was also the time when the pope sent crusades after the “heretics” Albigenses in southern France.
When the papal armies were successful they returned with relics.People would be encouraged to worship these relics.
The booty brought backand knowledge and ideas learned in the East greatly enriched Europe.
11:29At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.
360 years later A D 329
Capital moved from Rome to Constantinople Constantine embraced the Christian faith, and established the Christian religion by law
360 years later AD 330 he returns but not like the victorious conquest of Egypt or Jerusalem.
The move to Constantinople marked the beginning of the end for the west.
the wars between the Catholic empire and the Vandals illustrate the extermination of the other two kingdoms-that of the Heruli and the Ostrogoths
Mr. Price is notsure how Smith’s interpretation fits “come toward the south.” in 330 AD.
But knows no better interpretation
Later crusades were not as successful.
A lot of barbarous pillaging and destruction occurred.
9th crusade
At this time the Mamelukes are in power in Egypt.
Crusade Involved an actual attempted invasion of Egypt by sea, but they were driven back
Second woe This time against the Ottoman Empire.
Latter time, pointing forward to a future conquest, possibly the third woe.
11:30For the ships of Chittim shall come against him:
The barbarian invasions.
The Vandals gained supremacy of the sea and eventually sacked Rome.
The last contest with paganism was in 508 when the Britons accepted Christianity;
The maritime power (Vandels) that would rise against Rome.
Muslims hired Greek naval vessels to assist them in opposing the crusaders.
Papacy initiates crusades against supposed “heretics” who were sincere believers in God’s holy covenant.
Literal Rome is invaded
The ships of Chittim came WITH (not against) the king of the North asFrench king Louis IX came from Cyprus against Egypt
Pope Pius V organized the “Holy League” 1571, a European navy that defeated the Ottomans and effected a temporary end to their naval superiority.
therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.
These barbarians were “heretics” (Arian)Therefore Justinian made by law the papacy the corrector of heretics & interpreter of scripture.
The Vandals and Goths were destroyed to put down heresy and exalt Catholicism
Desperate efforts to dispossess Genseric (Vandal) Arian heretics led Justinian to make the papacy by law the corrector of heretics & interpreter of scripture.
The Vandals and Goths were destroyed to put down heresy and exalt Catholicism
The laws of Justinian form the basis of national laws to-day; likewise the religion of Justinian is the recognized religion of most countries to-day
The Vandals, along with other barbarian onslaughts brought western Rome to an end.
Upon these ruins rose the Papacy – who forsook and cased others to forsake the covenant.
God’s covenant was not being honored in these wars.No wonder Muslims (and others) who know the history are not drawn to Christianity.
The breakup of the literal westernRome
Rome gives its seat to spiritual Rome.
Literal Rome ends in verse 30 spiritual Rome takes over in verse 31
Suffering a major defeat, Louis was taken prisoner, and later returned to Europewith the remaining troops..
This marked the end of the Crusades in the Middle East.
All of this crusade activity was under the direction of the papacy that promised spiritual rewards to participants.
Due to the league Pius V gained considerable power and used it to ramp up the Inquisition and enforce Papal polices in Europe.
For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.
Chittim can mean Europe, but especially the Islands and coast of the Mediterranean.
This refers to Barbarians who conquered Rome, the Goths, Huns and Vandals.
They were “Arians” soJustinian makes pope “corrector of all heretics”.
Chittimare the Islands and coast of the Mediterranean.
Carthage
The Vandals from Carthage gained supremacy of the sea and eventually sacked Rome.
Goths, Heruli, and Vandals.
were “Arians” soJustinian makes pope “corrector of all heretics”.
The wars of Justinian established the supremacy of the Catholic Creed.
Paganism and rival Christian nations laid low or exterminated.
The Vandals, along with other barbarian onslaughts brought western Rome to an end.
Upon these ruins rose the Papacy – who forsook and cased others to forsake the covenant.
Muslims hired Greek naval vessels to assist them in opposing the crusaders.
Papacy emboldened by crusades to initiate similarly frightful European crusades against supposed “heretics” who were sincere believers in God’s holy covenant.
Literal Rome is invaded.
The breakup of the literal westernRome Empire.
Rome gives its seat to spiritual Rome. (The Papacy)
Literal Rome ends in verse 30 spiritual Rome takes over in verse 31
The ships of Chittim WITH (not against) the king of the North.
French king Louis IX sailed from Cyprus against Egypt, but suffered a major defeat.
This marked the end of the Crusades in the Middle East.
Crusade activity was under the direction of the papacy who promised spiritual rewards to participants.
Pope Pius V organized the “Holy League” 1571, a European navy that defeated the Ottomans and effected a temporary end to their naval superiority.
Due to the league Pius V gained considerable power and used it to ramp up the Inquisition and enforce Papal polices in Europe.
11:31 And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily [sacrifice], and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.
Sanctuary interpreted as ROME!The sanctuary of paganism.
The barbarians destruction of Rome helps destroy paganism, and another barbarian rebellion against the eastern Emperor Anastasius helps papacy gainpower.
Sanctuary of strength for paganism was Rome.
With the conversion of Clovis in 508, marked the eradication of paganism.
From 508 to 538 papal power grows rapidly gaining Roman seat when Goths destroyed 538
The beginning of the 1260 years –538 AD
Justinian supported it by arms and laws.
Christians interpreted Bible according t pagan thought, the teachings of the Word were changed and suppressed. The pope had civil power and was exalted more and more.
Roman bishops gather agencies of power to themselves.They profane the “sanctuary” or true churchwith false doctrines and began offeringblasphemous sacrifice of the mass.
The Papacy raised arms to achieve their political ends,
polluting the truth of Christianity.
.
Christ’s daily ministryas our high priest in the heavenly sanctuary obscured.
God’s law was changed.
Spiritual Rome --beginning in 508 B.C Compare 12:11 8:12-14
The daily (mediation of Christ) removed leads to the abomination (papal system of mediation with its idolatry and cruelty) set up 30 years later,and finally ending in 1798
From papal military exploits prophecynow focuses on the spiritual exploits.
The heavenly temple ministry is attacked.
This papal power profanes Christ’s
daily ministry.
Union of state and church enabled its wars and persecution bringing people under its power.
Same theme as Daniel 8:11-13 and Daniel 12:11 depicting the 1290 years of papal spiritual power and 1260 years of persecution
11:36And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.
French Revolution
founded in Atheism,
all traditional forms of religion were prohibited.
-Liberty and the country were the objects of adoration.
Reason was their goddess.
A system of rank paganism
A new “king”. an atheistic power near the end of the 1260 years.
The French Revolution.
Dethroned earthly king, and denied the existence of the heavenly king.
France reaped the result of rejecting the gospel.
In fact they renounced the very existence of God.
The French Revolution.
Characterizes the character of the Roman Papal power. With the blasphemous massthey set themselves up above God.(Creators of God?)
They will continue their abominations until Christ come.
When popes claimed the right to kill people whom God loved, and to change God’s ten Commandment law which He delivered on Mt. Sinai they exulted themselves above God.
Compare with
2 Thess. 2
Paul applies these verses tothe papacy invading Gods’ temple (God’speople)showing himself that he is God. Same as the horn in
Daniel 8:11 – “He magnified himself even to the prince of the host."
Same as horn in Dan. 7:25 "He shall speak great words against the Most High"
Next the prophecy deals with papal self exaltation and their blasphemy.
Daniel 7, 8 attribute these same characteristics to the “horn” or Papacy.
The counter reformation.
The papacy claims infallibility.
11:37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.
The existence of God was denied. Marriage laws made marriage a temporary arrangement easily dissolved.
Liberty and the country were the objects of adoration.
Reason was their goddess.
A system of rank paganism
Atheism and licentiousness.
Marriage laws made marriage a temporary arrangement easily dissolved.
Liberty and the country were the objects of adoration.
Exalted reason above God. The week was changed to ten days, The law of marriage repealed.
Goddess of Reason enthroned.
The Roman Church has always taken over the temples of other belief systems. Forced celibacy on their clergy.
And magnified self above God and his commands.
Greatest fault of Roman Christianityhas been to obstruct the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary.
Exalts himself above God.
Forbids marriage enforcing celibacy of the papal priestsand nuns
It sets itself up as a rival to the true God Himself.
Enforced celibacy for clergy and nuns.
Ultramontanism
(ultimate control) claims
11:38But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.
Churches were robbed of their silver and gold.
The silver and gold used to the celebration of their own impious orgies
A godless nation produced such anarchy that France was ready to accept a “god”.
Reason was brought in astheir goddess.Set up to cause people to renew their vows for the prosperity of the armies of France.
The monarchy was tyrannicalunbearable oppression.
Rich nobles and royalty, taxing poor peasants. Monarchy supported papacy.This led to the revolution and rejection of God . A reign of terror.
Other gods –Mary and other “saints”.
The way to position in the church is by “payment”.
Rome used force of arms to compel people to their form of worship. The new god honored with gold etc. is thevirgin mother, Queen of heaven, who occupies a prominent place in Catholic devotion.
Papacy seeks by all its mighty force to break through the walls of spiritual Jerusalem (the true believers) and spoil the spiritual temple and citizens of God’s city.
Rev. 17 :4 shows this "church power" decked out in gold and precious stones and pearls
We need to remember the Josiah Litch wrote his explanation in 1842. He firmly believed that Jesus would come in 1844 and thus didn't look into the future for the fulfilment of these verses.
For Litch, these verses represented the CAREER OF NAPOLEON BONAPARTE especially his wars in Egypt and surrounding areas. The Papacy, having lost his power in 1798 he regarded as no longer a key player "in the time of the end". This "time of the end" being the years 1798 to 1844 when he believed Christ would come.
It appears that the king of the South is Egypt, and the king of the North is Syria, in his interpretation. Napoleon Bonaparte seems to be a third identy which took center stage as the "he" in the verses just previous in Litch's interpretation as well, and is the "he" throughout Daniel 11:40-45.
However, as time has passed, a lot of light has shone on these last verses.
THESE VERSES DEAL WITH TIME in our day.
As we look at the comparison chart we see the interpretation move from a rather limited view of a purely political scene, into a realization that these verses are describing the spiritual battle that takes place just before Christ comes.
Like Daniel 2, 7, 8 it is an expansion of the visions that came before it, not a departure into totally different political powers.
First we see a complete "shaking off" of the old interpretation of these verses, replacing it with a purely spiritual interpretation. Then we see a return to a literal "base" but which sees the continuation of the last power brought to view in each of Daniel's visions taking the field as the last power in Daniel 11 as well. It integrates the spiritual with the literal, and thus fills out the logical flow of the events in a way that brings all the verses together .
40. And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him:
Time of end = 1798 when papacy loses power.
Napoleon goes to Egypt with army.
Egypt feebly “pushes” against him to no avail.
In 1798 conflict between France, Egypt and Turkey.
Napoleon invades Egypt who feebly “pushes” against him to no avail.
1798, Napoleon broke power of monarchy & papacy in Europe. Turns on Egypt, (king of south) who “pushes” or resists in vain.
NOTE:
Haskell writes: “Moham-medanism is but another form of Egyptian darkness” p.246
Price does not give a definition of the “king of the south”but notes that Daniel makes a distinction between Egypt vs 42 and 43 and the king of the south vs. 40.
Doesn’t go into detail on these verses.
The spiritual “Egypt” who pushes at the papacy is found in Rev. 11.
It is revolu-tionary, atheistic France.
After recovering from an attack by the king of the south, the king of the
north embarks upon a campaign with almost overwhelming success.
King of south embodies the spirit of
rationalismhumanism, atheism
which seems to be taking over the world as people become more secular.
Battle, sometime after 1844, during the time of the end as Papacy’s wound is healed.
The Islamic powers mount an aggressive assault on the Papal alliance – Europe and United States.
Against the so called “Christian”
or western nations.
And the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.
To stop Napoleon’s conquest in the middle east, Syria came with a huge army against Napoleon, and caused his defeat.
King of North, (Turks inSyria) came with a huge army against Napoleon and caused his defeat.
Smith now leaves Litch’s interpretation and says it’s the Turks which overflow and pass over.
England took the part of Egypt against the arms of Napoleon, thus aiding the Turks to control not only Egypt but Syria and Turkey in Europe.
The final struggle between the papal confed-eration and God’s people.
Price is not definite on his interpretations, but leans to symbolic suggest-ions
The little horn and the king of the north
Are the same power.
He fights against the saints until he comes to ruin in the last verse.
Not a military conflict, but a
Spiritual battle
Israel is now spiritual Israel (all who are in Christ)
The land also spiritual – the church.
King of the North is papacy who will gain some type of victory over the secular, atheistic world.
The papal alliance counter-attacks with over-whelming and rapid force.
1-And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people:
“At that time” refers back to 1798
Jesus stands up to exercise His kingly domain.
The time when the king of the north shall plant the tabernacles in Jerusalem and come to his end.Then Christ stands up to exercise His kingly domain.
Probation closed.
At that time Probation closes. Christ removes priestly garments, His mediatorial work is done.
At time of last move by anti-Christ power.
Preceding the end of that power.
Christ stands up from priestly work and takes up kingly work
Priestly judgment work completed.
Second coming imminent.
Vision begins with Michael (chp. 10) assisting His angels in opposing the satanic forces and delivering His people.And now we see the great final deliver-ance when Michael again stands up to deliver His people.
To stand means to arise and claim kingship.
The name Michael is used when Jesus, the leader of the heavenly hosts, fights against the powers of evil.
Michael is Jesus, commander of heavenly hosts, the prince who saves His people.
The pre-Advent judgment is finished when Jesus stands up.
The Lamb’s book of Life is finalized. Probation closes.
and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation [even] to that same time:
the vials will be poured out, and the great battle will be fought;
national calamity,
Seven plagues
Christ comes in clouds of glory
Time of “Jacob’s trouble” for the sealed.
Plagues fall on unsealed.
Great distress –
Seven plagues
The reverse of the“time of trouble” during the 1260 years.
Probation has closed.
Death decree against God’s people issued.
Satan
will exert all possible force to destroy the people of God but he will not succeed
The seven last plagues fall.No one changes sides.Time of Jacob’s trouble.
and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.
God’s people gathered before plagues poured out
every one shall be delivered who shall be found written in the book
Importance to have our names in the book while Christ’s hands still outstretched in mercy.
A short time before Jesus comes, those sealed and written in book of life are delivered from their enemies.
Delivered from death,
It seems they must die, but God’s people are delivered.
The book of life compiled during pre-Advent judgment. Everyone in that book is delivered
Everyone whose names are in the book of Life are delivered. Christ’s coming.
