The King of the north
Daniel 11:21-25
Da 11:21 ¶ “And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably (quietly), and seize the kingdom by intrigue.
22 “With the force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. (NKJV)
23 “And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. (NKJV)
24 “He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time.
25 And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army. And the king of the south shall wage war with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he shall not stand, for plots shall be devised against him. (ESV)
(World Map)
The few short years prior to the coming Millennial Reign of Jesus on this earth have been compared to the labor pains experienced by a woman about to give birth to a child (I Thess 5.3)1 We will certainly witness a series of painful events in this chapter. The conflicts become increasingly greater throughout this period, culminating in 'The Great Day of God's wrath'.
Jews are awaiting a Messiah. Muslims are awaiting a messiah. Two different messiahs?
From our reading in Daniel, only one messiah is coming. He is a false messiah.
The nations surrounding Israel are almost totally Muslim. At present the Muslims see Israel's presence as a problem. Both groups claim Jerusalem as their holy city.
But as we read Daniel 11:21 (and onward) we see Israel completely situated in her homeland, and apparently in total control of Jerusalem.
As of this present time … that seems impossible. The Palestinians want Israel to be gone.
When president Trump helped to establish and recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital city it caused a massive disturbance in the Islamic world.
However: “Despite the uproar Trump’s decision caused throughout the Arab world, Muslim scholars have recently come out with religious interpretations that favor Israel; indeed, support its existence”. The Jersualem post March 18, 20192
This is huge. For Muslim scholars to say anything in support of Israel' existence a very large step. No doubt the majority of the world will say … Yes, its about time! But from a biblical standpoint it is a step closer for those in the middle east to accept a messiah that will pull it all together.
By the time Daniel 11:21 becomes reality, Israel is functioning in its homeland with no mention of Palestinian conflict or interference.
As we noted in the previous study, A contemptible (vile) person takes control over the Jewish kingdom, quietly by the use of intrigue (flattery). In particular we noted that the controllers of the kingdom (Israel's armed forces?) and the prince of the covenant are overpowered by this man. His weapon will be flattery/intrigue. The word intrigue carries with it the idea of plotting. In the Hebrew is carries the idea of 'slipperiness', fine promises, and smoothness.
The question may come up, Why would Israel let anyone in … at all? If everything seems to be working, why fix it?
I think the answer would be that, Israel has waited for a very long time to get to this place. But they are vulnerable. They are a relatively small country, and in spite of having armed forces that are 'state of the art', they are not alone in the world. The 'big three' world powers still exist. At present, and apparently into the future, Israel needs to be allied with one of them for their own future protection.
Right now it is the US who stands behind Israel. What does the US get out of it? Maybe nothing … maybe the US just sees Israel as good people, and they are protecting God's holy nation. Or maybe there is some financial gain?
The following quote is from the Institute For Policy Studies:
“In short, the growing U.S. support for the Israeli government, like U.S. support for allies elsewhere in the world, is not motivated primarily by objective security needs or a strong moral commitment to the country. Rather, as elsewhere, U.S. foreign policy is motivated primarily to advance its own perceived strategic interests.
Strategic Reasons for Continuing U.S. Support3There is a broad bipartisan consensus among policymakers that Israel has advanced U.S. interest in the Middle East and beyond. (for example:)
This gives a bit of an indicator as to why the US stays close to Israel. But according to our scripture, this is going to change. What we will see is a series of 'battles' between superpowers to achieve and maintain a connection with Israel.
This man, who has been called a 'contemptible' person in the ESV and the NIV, a 'vile' person in the NKJV, is called by Paul in II Thessalonians 2:3, 'the man of sin' and 'the son of perdition' (or destruction).4
In Daniel 8:25 He (the Antichrist) is referred to as a 'fierce looking king'. In this section of chapter 8 we are given a descriptive list or overview .
Da 8:23 “And in the latter time of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes. 24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. 25 “Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means.
Daniel 9:27 in the NIV states it quite clearly: He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” This passage is referring to the antichrist.5
In order for this man to put an end to sacrificing, the religious sacrificial system must first have been in operation.
The New Sanhedrin is working on that at the present.6 The altar to be used in the daily sacrifice has already been constructed. Practice ceremonies have been happening. A search for a 'high priest' is underway.
… for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. (NKJV)
If the US is still in close co-operation with Israel when these verses begin to be fulfilled, this all changes when this vile, conniving individual approaches Israel. If the US is still there at the time, he cunningly convinces Israel that they need what he has to offer, and he replaces whoever Israel has been partnering with. We are about to discover in a few verses, that Israel's partner is referred to as 'The King of the South'. More on this later.
For now we notice that this evil person becomes strong with a 'small people'. I believe this small people refers to Israel.
24 “He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches;
What is Israel getting out of this new relationship, this new seven year agreement with this 'slippery', silver tongued, evil person? They are getting his powerful protective partnership … but what is it costing them? He plunders them. He disperses their rich resources with his home country.
24b … and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time.
As militarily strong as this man is, Daniel's vision points out that there are other strongholds. This man is plotting. There is a stronghold whom he has just replaced. If this is the US … they will not be happy about it. They may do something to become 're-partnered' with Israel.
We have mention of a 'time-frame' here. He makes his plans (schemes) … but only for a 'time'. We could use the word 'time' loosely, but we are not really permitted to in this book. This word is not a term that means for an undermined period. Here is how Daniel uses the word 'time' elsewhere:
Da 7:25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time.
The above scripture passage is referring to Anti-christ.
John refers to this same period as 42 months (Rev 11:2, 13:5), and as 1260 days - ( Rev 12:6) and also as time, times and half a time (Rev 12:14)
It is easy to see that Daniel 11:24, but only for a time, means that this man devises plans against the strongholds for one year.
In verse 25 we get to see who this stronghold is.
25 And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army.
This evil man has decided to make his position with Israel more secure. To do that, it means striking down the competition.
This is the first time that the competition is named. He is called 'the King of the South. After this the evil one, the Antichrist, will be referred to as the King of the North.
Daniel was told that his writings were to be sealed up until the end of the age. At that time they would be revealed. But, before his writings could be 'opened' and revealed, another book was written and it was called The Revelation. For the last two thousand years or so, the Revelation also remained a sealed 'un-revealed' book.
As we read about two kings fighting over the Holy Land, we become curious as to who they might be. Are we nearing the time when this information might actually be uncovered and revealed?
Possibly we are. Let's compare what we are reading with what already exists in our world.
We see Israel as a Jewel to be grasped. We see two of the worlds largest powers grappling for possession of the Jewel. And at the end of all the conflicts we read about another superpower in the East which moves into the picture.
The King of the North is identified in Ezekiel.
Eze 39:1 ¶ “And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal;:2 “and I will turn you around and lead you on, bringing you up from the far north, and bring you against the mountains of Israel. 3 “Then I will knock the bow out of your left hand, and cause the arrows to fall out of your right hand. 4 “You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you; I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.The names, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal can be read this way: the prince of Russia, Moscow, and Tubolsk
At this present time the Hebrew word that is used for Russia is Rosh. The other two names refer to principal cities, Tubolsk being the second oldest Russian settlement east of the Ural mountains in Asian Russia. Wikipedia says:The Tobolsk Kremlin (Russian: Тобольский кремль) is the sole stone kremlin in Siberia. It is located in Tobolsk, Tyumen Oblast, Russia.
Tubolsk is referred to as The Forgotten Capital of Siberia.1
The King of the North comes from the far North. This area is Russia. The 'king' of Russia replaces the US as an 'ally' of Israel. Seems impossible and unlikely, right?
The reference that we just read from Ezekiel is referring to the end of the seven years, so before we go back to our Daniel 11 scripture, let's jump to the New Testament and see what Jesus said about this same time.
Mt 24:23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25“See, I have told you beforehand. 26“Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27“For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 “For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Getting back to Daniel 11, here is the second part of verse 25.
"And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army. And the king of the south shall wage war with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he shall not stand, for plots shall be devised against him".
The King of the south is seen as a threat to the king of the North. The evil one has taken a year to lay his plans. He attacks the south. The south is ready with an enormous army … but it is not enough. Why not? Because plots have been devised against him.
This huge battle no doubt leaves many soldiers and innocent civilians dead. This battle is one year into the seven year final countdown to the end. The Revelation depicts these events like this:
At the beginning of the seven years John describes a White Horse and a rider who has a bow, but no mention of arrows.
Re 6:2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.
The horse is white. White usually represents the 'good guys'. And this is how the rider hopes to come across. He is a nice peace making, smooth talking conqueror.
But the very next thing that John sees is:
Re 6:4 … Another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.
All of the prophecies agree perfectly. Daniel says that after one year of the seven year agreement, peace is taken from the earth as two world powers duke it out over a connection with Israel.
So what are we to do with this information so far?
“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” -1 Thess 5:6-9
1 1Th 5:3 While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
2 https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Islam-and-Zionism-519603
3 https://ips-dc.org/why_the_us_supports_israel/
4 2Th 2:3 ¶ Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
5 Note: Daniel 7:25, 8:25, 9:27 and 11:21 all speak of the Antichrist. This means that this final evil ruler is mentioned 4 times. This shows a marked similarity between Daniel and the Revelation. Both books deal with the end-time in layers or cycles.
6 https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/74772/sanhedrin-appoints-high-priest-preparation-third-temple/
22 “With the force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. (NKJV)
23 “And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. (NKJV)
24 “He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time.
25 And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army. And the king of the south shall wage war with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he shall not stand, for plots shall be devised against him. (ESV)
(World Map)
The few short years prior to the coming Millennial Reign of Jesus on this earth have been compared to the labor pains experienced by a woman about to give birth to a child (I Thess 5.3)1 We will certainly witness a series of painful events in this chapter. The conflicts become increasingly greater throughout this period, culminating in 'The Great Day of God's wrath'.
Jews are awaiting a Messiah. Muslims are awaiting a messiah. Two different messiahs?
From our reading in Daniel, only one messiah is coming. He is a false messiah.
The nations surrounding Israel are almost totally Muslim. At present the Muslims see Israel's presence as a problem. Both groups claim Jerusalem as their holy city.
But as we read Daniel 11:21 (and onward) we see Israel completely situated in her homeland, and apparently in total control of Jerusalem.
As of this present time … that seems impossible. The Palestinians want Israel to be gone.
When president Trump helped to establish and recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital city it caused a massive disturbance in the Islamic world.
However: “Despite the uproar Trump’s decision caused throughout the Arab world, Muslim scholars have recently come out with religious interpretations that favor Israel; indeed, support its existence”. The Jersualem post March 18, 20192
This is huge. For Muslim scholars to say anything in support of Israel' existence a very large step. No doubt the majority of the world will say … Yes, its about time! But from a biblical standpoint it is a step closer for those in the middle east to accept a messiah that will pull it all together.
By the time Daniel 11:21 becomes reality, Israel is functioning in its homeland with no mention of Palestinian conflict or interference.
As we noted in the previous study, A contemptible (vile) person takes control over the Jewish kingdom, quietly by the use of intrigue (flattery). In particular we noted that the controllers of the kingdom (Israel's armed forces?) and the prince of the covenant are overpowered by this man. His weapon will be flattery/intrigue. The word intrigue carries with it the idea of plotting. In the Hebrew is carries the idea of 'slipperiness', fine promises, and smoothness.
The question may come up, Why would Israel let anyone in … at all? If everything seems to be working, why fix it?
I think the answer would be that, Israel has waited for a very long time to get to this place. But they are vulnerable. They are a relatively small country, and in spite of having armed forces that are 'state of the art', they are not alone in the world. The 'big three' world powers still exist. At present, and apparently into the future, Israel needs to be allied with one of them for their own future protection.
Right now it is the US who stands behind Israel. What does the US get out of it? Maybe nothing … maybe the US just sees Israel as good people, and they are protecting God's holy nation. Or maybe there is some financial gain?
The following quote is from the Institute For Policy Studies:
“In short, the growing U.S. support for the Israeli government, like U.S. support for allies elsewhere in the world, is not motivated primarily by objective security needs or a strong moral commitment to the country. Rather, as elsewhere, U.S. foreign policy is motivated primarily to advance its own perceived strategic interests.
Strategic Reasons for Continuing U.S. Support3There is a broad bipartisan consensus among policymakers that Israel has advanced U.S. interest in the Middle East and beyond. (for example:)
- Israel has successfully prevented victories by radical nationalist movements in Lebanon and Jordan, as well as in Palestine.
- Israel has kept Syria, for many years an ally of the Soviet Union, in check.
- Israel’s air force is predominant throughout the region.
- Israel’s frequent wars have provided battlefield testing for American arms, often against Soviet weapons.
- It has served as a conduit for U.S. arms to regimes and movements too unpopular in the United States for openly granting direct military assistance, such as apartheid South Africa, the Islamic Republic in Iran, the military junta in Guatemala, and the Nicaraguan Contras. Israeli military advisers have assisted the Contras, the Salvadoran junta, and foreign occupation forces in Namibia and Western Sahara.
- Israel’s intelligence service has assisted the U.S. in intelligence gathering and covert operations.
- Israel has missiles capable of reaching as far as the former Soviet Union, it possesses a nuclear arsenal of hundreds of weapons, and it has cooperated with the U.S. military-industrial complex with research and development for new jet fighters and anti-missile defense systems.”
This gives a bit of an indicator as to why the US stays close to Israel. But according to our scripture, this is going to change. What we will see is a series of 'battles' between superpowers to achieve and maintain a connection with Israel.
This man, who has been called a 'contemptible' person in the ESV and the NIV, a 'vile' person in the NKJV, is called by Paul in II Thessalonians 2:3, 'the man of sin' and 'the son of perdition' (or destruction).4
In Daniel 8:25 He (the Antichrist) is referred to as a 'fierce looking king'. In this section of chapter 8 we are given a descriptive list or overview .
Da 8:23 “And in the latter time of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes. 24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. 25 “Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means.
- He understands sinister schemes.
- He is incredibly powerful
- His power is 'not his own'.
- He is amazingly and successfully destructive
- He will destroy 'the mighty' and also the holy people
- He will cause 'deceit to prosper'. (create great prosperity via deceit?)
- In his own mind 'he becomes great'. (2 Thess 2:4 – He calls himself God)
- Without warning 'he destroys many'.
- He attempts to take on Jesus at the very end.
Daniel 9:27 in the NIV states it quite clearly: He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” This passage is referring to the antichrist.5
In order for this man to put an end to sacrificing, the religious sacrificial system must first have been in operation.
The New Sanhedrin is working on that at the present.6 The altar to be used in the daily sacrifice has already been constructed. Practice ceremonies have been happening. A search for a 'high priest' is underway.
… for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. (NKJV)
If the US is still in close co-operation with Israel when these verses begin to be fulfilled, this all changes when this vile, conniving individual approaches Israel. If the US is still there at the time, he cunningly convinces Israel that they need what he has to offer, and he replaces whoever Israel has been partnering with. We are about to discover in a few verses, that Israel's partner is referred to as 'The King of the South'. More on this later.
For now we notice that this evil person becomes strong with a 'small people'. I believe this small people refers to Israel.
24 “He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches;
What is Israel getting out of this new relationship, this new seven year agreement with this 'slippery', silver tongued, evil person? They are getting his powerful protective partnership … but what is it costing them? He plunders them. He disperses their rich resources with his home country.
24b … and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time.
As militarily strong as this man is, Daniel's vision points out that there are other strongholds. This man is plotting. There is a stronghold whom he has just replaced. If this is the US … they will not be happy about it. They may do something to become 're-partnered' with Israel.
We have mention of a 'time-frame' here. He makes his plans (schemes) … but only for a 'time'. We could use the word 'time' loosely, but we are not really permitted to in this book. This word is not a term that means for an undermined period. Here is how Daniel uses the word 'time' elsewhere:
Da 7:25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time.
The above scripture passage is referring to Anti-christ.
John refers to this same period as 42 months (Rev 11:2, 13:5), and as 1260 days - ( Rev 12:6) and also as time, times and half a time (Rev 12:14)
It is easy to see that Daniel 11:24, but only for a time, means that this man devises plans against the strongholds for one year.
In verse 25 we get to see who this stronghold is.
25 And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army.
This evil man has decided to make his position with Israel more secure. To do that, it means striking down the competition.
This is the first time that the competition is named. He is called 'the King of the South. After this the evil one, the Antichrist, will be referred to as the King of the North.
Daniel was told that his writings were to be sealed up until the end of the age. At that time they would be revealed. But, before his writings could be 'opened' and revealed, another book was written and it was called The Revelation. For the last two thousand years or so, the Revelation also remained a sealed 'un-revealed' book.
As we read about two kings fighting over the Holy Land, we become curious as to who they might be. Are we nearing the time when this information might actually be uncovered and revealed?
Possibly we are. Let's compare what we are reading with what already exists in our world.
We see Israel as a Jewel to be grasped. We see two of the worlds largest powers grappling for possession of the Jewel. And at the end of all the conflicts we read about another superpower in the East which moves into the picture.
The King of the North is identified in Ezekiel.
Eze 39:1 ¶ “And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal;:2 “and I will turn you around and lead you on, bringing you up from the far north, and bring you against the mountains of Israel. 3 “Then I will knock the bow out of your left hand, and cause the arrows to fall out of your right hand. 4 “You shall fall upon the mountains of Israel, you and all your troops and the peoples who are with you; I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.The names, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal can be read this way: the prince of Russia, Moscow, and Tubolsk
At this present time the Hebrew word that is used for Russia is Rosh. The other two names refer to principal cities, Tubolsk being the second oldest Russian settlement east of the Ural mountains in Asian Russia. Wikipedia says:The Tobolsk Kremlin (Russian: Тобольский кремль) is the sole stone kremlin in Siberia. It is located in Tobolsk, Tyumen Oblast, Russia.
Tubolsk is referred to as The Forgotten Capital of Siberia.1
The King of the North comes from the far North. This area is Russia. The 'king' of Russia replaces the US as an 'ally' of Israel. Seems impossible and unlikely, right?
The reference that we just read from Ezekiel is referring to the end of the seven years, so before we go back to our Daniel 11 scripture, let's jump to the New Testament and see what Jesus said about this same time.
Mt 24:23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25“See, I have told you beforehand. 26“Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27“For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 “For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 “And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Getting back to Daniel 11, here is the second part of verse 25.
"And he shall stir up his power and his heart against the king of the south with a great army. And the king of the south shall wage war with an exceedingly great and mighty army, but he shall not stand, for plots shall be devised against him".
The King of the south is seen as a threat to the king of the North. The evil one has taken a year to lay his plans. He attacks the south. The south is ready with an enormous army … but it is not enough. Why not? Because plots have been devised against him.
This huge battle no doubt leaves many soldiers and innocent civilians dead. This battle is one year into the seven year final countdown to the end. The Revelation depicts these events like this:
At the beginning of the seven years John describes a White Horse and a rider who has a bow, but no mention of arrows.
Re 6:2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.
The horse is white. White usually represents the 'good guys'. And this is how the rider hopes to come across. He is a nice peace making, smooth talking conqueror.
But the very next thing that John sees is:
Re 6:4 … Another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.
All of the prophecies agree perfectly. Daniel says that after one year of the seven year agreement, peace is taken from the earth as two world powers duke it out over a connection with Israel.
So what are we to do with this information so far?
“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” -1 Thess 5:6-9
1 1Th 5:3 While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
2 https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Islam-and-Zionism-519603
3 https://ips-dc.org/why_the_us_supports_israel/
4 2Th 2:3 ¶ Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition,
5 Note: Daniel 7:25, 8:25, 9:27 and 11:21 all speak of the Antichrist. This means that this final evil ruler is mentioned 4 times. This shows a marked similarity between Daniel and the Revelation. Both books deal with the end-time in layers or cycles.
6 https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/74772/sanhedrin-appoints-high-priest-preparation-third-temple/