In each blog, I often reference many different topics that I've already covered (or will soon cover), and maybe you've missed. Please review my blogs to read more...
CLICK HERE! for an index to previous blogs.
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I've mentioned before that I do not agree with all of Nelson's Theological beliefs (apart from his eschatological beliefs) which have become apparent in his book, however - this is still a handy reference to have and I recommend it highly.
If you'll recall from the Seven Seal blogs, the first horse is white representing deception and the introduction of Antichrist. It also represents the signing of the false covenant of peace with Israel.
Dan 11:21 In his place a despicable person will arise [Antichrist], on whom the honor of kingship has not been conferred, but he will come in a time of tranquility [peace and safety] and seize the kingdom by intrigue [H2519 - chalaqlaqqah, flattery, smoothness, fine promises, slipperiness].
Remember... Antichrist comes from the northern of the four provinces. Also note, that at this time he only expands toward the south, east, and west regions... he is expanding a bit at a time. Also note, that he does not invade Israel yet, but is expanding "toward the Beautiful Land".
As the Antichrist rises to power, he will gain control of the riches of those countries including control of the oil. This will obviously create huge problems concerning the rest of the world through inflation.
Antichrist "will take action" and begin his siege against Jerusalem.
I'll remind you again of:
Antichrist has taken several actions up to this point, but not all of them have been completely successful.
He has just returned with his "much plunder" to his "own land" and after a short time, he returns upon the king of the south again:
Dan 11:29-30 At the appointed time he will return and come into the South, but this last time it will not turn out the way it did before. For ships of Kittim will come against him; therefore he will be disheartened and will return and become enraged at the holy covenant and take action; so he will come back and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant.
"therefore he will be disheartened and will return and become enraged at the holy covenant and take action"
This is the point at which the covenant with Israel is dissolved and the abomination of desolation is setup.
Dan 11:30b-31 ... and will return and become enraged at the holy covenant and take action; so he will come back and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. Forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress [Temple], and do away with the regular sacrifice. And they will set up the abomination of desolation.
Antichrist has become enraged after being disheartened by the "ships of Kittim" and turns his rage towards Israel with full fury.
It's interesting that the ships stopped him from conquering Egypt (king of the south), but are not mentioned as preventing an attack on Israel. Israel has lost favor in the eyes of the world even moreso by this point in time.
Up to this point, the Antichrist has only been moderately successful. Something is about to change though... Satan and his minions are cast from Heaven to the earth and Satan delivers his power to the Antichrist. There will be no more moderation in Antichrist's success.
Briefly jumping ahead in Daniel:
Dan 11:39 He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god [Satan]...
At this point in time all of Islam will be at his disposal and allah [Satan], the god of Islam, will be worshiped. Not even the USA, Russia, China, or anyone else will be able to come against Antichrist at this point.
The Antichrist will be demonically assisted and there will be no such thing as a fair fight beyond this point in time.
FIVE - Martrydom and Apostasy
If you'll recall from the Seven Seal blogs, the fifth seal continues where the fourth left off... death. This also points to the midpoint of Daniel's 70th week. The "beginning of birth pangs" ends and "great tribulation" begins.
After the abomination is setup, Jews and Christians alike will be killed and persecuted.
Dan 11:32-35 By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days. Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy. Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time.
Scripture makes clear the purpose of persecution among the saints... it is used to purify believers.
It seems clear from above that many will recognize the Antichrist for what he is and will come to the aid of True believers. However, when faced with persecution themselves, they will eagerly return to their apostasy.
Mat 24:10-12 At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold.
After the abomination is setup, Daniels reveals to us the attitude of Antichrist:
Dan 11:36-39 Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done.
He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all. But instead he will honor a god of fortresses [H4581 - maoz], a god whom his fathers did not know; he will honor him with gold, silver, costly stones and treasures.
He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price.
Antichrist will honor a "god of fortresses". [H4581 - maoz] means strength or stronghold. The first use of this Hebrew word is found in Jdg 6:25-26 when Gideon pulls down the altar of Baal. We know from previous studies that Baal may very well be the exact same god of Islam... allah. Islam's god, allah, also values warfare and violence.
Notice above that the wars continue on...
Dan 11:40-44 At the end time the king of the South will collide with him, and the king of the North will storm against him with chariots, with horsemen and with many ships; and he will enter countries, overflow them and pass through. He will also enter the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall; but these will be rescued out of his hand: Edom, Moab and the foremost of the sons of Ammon.
Then he will stretch out his hand against other countries, and the land of Egypt will not escape. But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels.
But rumors from the East and from the North will disturb him, and he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many.
Again, Antichrist clashes with Egypt (king of the south) and this time Egypt is no match.
Isa 19:4 Moreover, I will deliver the Egyptians into the hand of a cruel master, And a mighty king will rule over them, declares the Lord GOD of hosts.
Many countries fall to Antichrist now and we see that he gains the full trust of those who follow him. Antichrist sets those up as rulers over the conquests.
"But rumors from the east and north will disturb him".
We're rapidly closing in on the end soon... notice above concerning the "rumors". It would appear those rumors are true.
Briefly jumping ahead we see that the Euphrates is dried up allowing a highway for the east to reach the battle at Armageddon:
Rev 16:12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.
Back to Daniel:
Dan 11:45a He will pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the seas and the beautiful Holy Mountain...
SIX - Celestial Disturbance
If you'll recall from the Seven Seal blogs, the sixth seal brings us to the catching up [harpazo] of believers before the wrath of God is introduced in the seventh seal:
Dan 12:1-2 Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise.
And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.
Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting [H5769 - olam] contempt.
SEVEN - Wrath
God pours out his wrath upon the earth and the reign of Antichrist ends.
Dan 11:45b ... yet he [Antichrist] will come to his end, and no one will help him.
Dan 12:7 ... it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.
CLICK HERE! for an index to previous blogs.
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The notes below have mostly come from Revelation Deciphered by Nelson Walters.
I've mentioned before that I do not agree with all of Nelson's Theological beliefs (apart from his eschatological beliefs) which have become apparent in his book, however - this is still a handy reference to have and I recommend it highly.
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I've mentioned this "pattern of seven" now in several of these apocalyptic blogs. It is a consistent theme found in the Revelation and in the Olivet Discourse, the seven Jewish feasts, as well as all throughout Scripture.
It is also found in Daniel's "great vision"... the final vision of Daniel in chapters 10-12.
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ONE - Deception
I've mentioned this "pattern of seven" now in several of these apocalyptic blogs. It is a consistent theme found in the Revelation and in the Olivet Discourse, the seven Jewish feasts, as well as all throughout Scripture.
It is also found in Daniel's "great vision"... the final vision of Daniel in chapters 10-12.
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ONE - Deception
If you'll recall from the Seven Seal blogs, the first horse is white representing deception and the introduction of Antichrist. It also represents the signing of the false covenant of peace with Israel.
Dan 11:21 In his place a despicable person will arise [Antichrist], on whom the honor of kingship has not been conferred, but he will come in a time of tranquility [peace and safety] and seize the kingdom by intrigue [H2519 - chalaqlaqqah, flattery, smoothness, fine promises, slipperiness].
As the Antichrist rises to power for Daniel's 70th week we find the "pattern of seven" begin to emerge once again.
Dan 11:23 After an alliance is made with him he will practice deception, and he will go up and gain power with a small force of people.
Dan 11:23 After an alliance is made with him he will practice deception, and he will go up and gain power with a small force of people.
The negotiation of a treaty with Israel will no doubt make world-wide news headlines.
This will be that covenant that we're looking for.
TWO - Fear
This will be that covenant that we're looking for.
TWO - Fear
If you'll recall from the Seven Seal blogs, the second horse is red representing war, bloodshed and chaos which installs much fear.
Islam will not immediately jump on board with this new leader (Antichrist). He will attempt to gain power by force:
Dan 11:24 In a time of tranquility he will enter the richest parts of the realm, and he will accomplish what his fathers never did, nor his ancestors; he will distribute plunder, booty and possessions among them, and he will devise his schemes against strongholds, but only for a time.
Islam will not immediately jump on board with this new leader (Antichrist). He will attempt to gain power by force:
Dan 11:24 In a time of tranquility he will enter the richest parts of the realm, and he will accomplish what his fathers never did, nor his ancestors; he will distribute plunder, booty and possessions among them, and he will devise his schemes against strongholds, but only for a time.
When peace and safety is beginning to be realized in the surrounding provinces, he will begin to strike. Antichrist will start his growth to power in those areas around him:
Dan 8:9 Out of one of them came forth a rather small horn [Antichrist] which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Beautiful Land [west - Israel].
Dan 8:9 Out of one of them came forth a rather small horn [Antichrist] which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Beautiful Land [west - Israel].
Remember... Antichrist comes from the northern of the four provinces. Also note, that at this time he only expands toward the south, east, and west regions... he is expanding a bit at a time. Also note, that he does not invade Israel yet, but is expanding "toward the Beautiful Land".
Dan 11:25a He will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South with a large army...
As we learned from Daniel 8, his largest foe will be the king of the south. Notice above how he needs to "stir up his strength and courage".
THREE - Famine
If you'll recall from the Seven Seal blogs, the third horse is black representing famine, inflation, and provisional need from the economic collapse.
As the Antichrist rises to power, he will gain control of the riches of those countries including control of the oil. This will obviously create huge problems concerning the rest of the world through inflation.
Dan 11:25b-28 ... so the king of the South will mobilize an extremely large and mighty army for war; but he will not stand, for schemes will be devised against him.
Those who eat his choice food will destroy him, and his army will overflow, but many will fall down slain.
As for both kings, their hearts will be intent on evil, and they will speak lies to each other at the same table; but it will not succeed, for the end is still to come at the appointed time. Then he will return to his land with much plunder; but his heart will be set against the holy covenant, and he will take action and then return to his own land.
Those who eat his choice food will destroy him, and his army will overflow, but many will fall down slain.
As for both kings, their hearts will be intent on evil, and they will speak lies to each other at the same table; but it will not succeed, for the end is still to come at the appointed time. Then he will return to his land with much plunder; but his heart will be set against the holy covenant, and he will take action and then return to his own land.
It is interesting that food is specifically mentioned in this passage.
It's also interesting to note that many muslims will no doubt begin to recognize the Antichrist as the long-awaited al-Mahdi. Notice that "schemes will be devised against" the king of the south.
It makes sense to me that those awaiting the Mahdi will seek to follow their "real king" (Mahdi) versus their current political ruler.
Antichrist cuts a deal with the king of the south and returns to his own land with "much plunder".
Also notice that now the Antichrist is beginning to reconsider the peace treaty he has signed with Israel... "his heart will be set against the holy covenant".
It's also interesting to note that many muslims will no doubt begin to recognize the Antichrist as the long-awaited al-Mahdi. Notice that "schemes will be devised against" the king of the south.
It makes sense to me that those awaiting the Mahdi will seek to follow their "real king" (Mahdi) versus their current political ruler.
Antichrist cuts a deal with the king of the south and returns to his own land with "much plunder".
Also notice that now the Antichrist is beginning to reconsider the peace treaty he has signed with Israel... "his heart will be set against the holy covenant".
Antichrist "will take action" and begin his siege against Jerusalem.
FOUR - Death
If you'll recall from the Seven Seal blogs, the fourth horse is green representing abomination and death. You'll also recall that this rider is presented as "death followed by hades".
I'll remind you again of:
Isa 28:15 ... We [Israel] have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol [hades] we have made a pact.
Antichrist has taken several actions up to this point, but not all of them have been completely successful.
He has just returned with his "much plunder" to his "own land" and after a short time, he returns upon the king of the south again:
Dan 11:29-30 At the appointed time he will return and come into the South, but this last time it will not turn out the way it did before. For ships of Kittim will come against him; therefore he will be disheartened and will return and become enraged at the holy covenant and take action; so he will come back and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant.
If you'll notice, there's a lot of warfare going on in a short amount of time. Keep in mind that from the signing of the treaty with Israel to the abomination of desolation there are only a short 3.5 years in which to accomplish all of this.
Notice the "ships of Kittim".
Num 24:24 But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim, And they shall afflict Asshur and will afflict Eber; So they also will come to destruction.
Most believe Kittim to be Cyprus which is in the Mediterranean Sea.
The next paragraph I will directly quote from Revelation Deciphered by Nelson Walters:
The next paragraph I will directly quote from Revelation Deciphered by Nelson Walters:
Ashur is father of the Assyrian people who are the people of the Antichrist. By this, Daniel is again signaling that the Antichrist will be Islamic. Eber is one of the great-great grandsons of Noah. Tradition says that Eber (Gk. HEBER) rebelled against Nimrod and refused to assist in building the Tower of Babel. As a reward, God did not confuse his language (Hebrew). Ancient sources claim the descendants of Eber were those who crossed the Euphrates (Abraham and Lot). Are the "ships from Kittim" western warchips? Most commentators think they are.
If these warships were from a USA led alliance, I could certainly see how the Antichrist would be discouraged at this point.
"therefore he will be disheartened and will return and become enraged at the holy covenant and take action"
This is the point at which the covenant with Israel is dissolved and the abomination of desolation is setup.
Dan 11:30b-31 ... and will return and become enraged at the holy covenant and take action; so he will come back and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. Forces from him will arise, desecrate the sanctuary fortress [Temple], and do away with the regular sacrifice. And they will set up the abomination of desolation.
Antichrist has become enraged after being disheartened by the "ships of Kittim" and turns his rage towards Israel with full fury.
It's interesting that the ships stopped him from conquering Egypt (king of the south), but are not mentioned as preventing an attack on Israel. Israel has lost favor in the eyes of the world even moreso by this point in time.
Up to this point, the Antichrist has only been moderately successful. Something is about to change though... Satan and his minions are cast from Heaven to the earth and Satan delivers his power to the Antichrist. There will be no more moderation in Antichrist's success.
Briefly jumping ahead in Daniel:
Dan 11:39 He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god [Satan]...
At this point in time all of Islam will be at his disposal and allah [Satan], the god of Islam, will be worshiped. Not even the USA, Russia, China, or anyone else will be able to come against Antichrist at this point.
The Antichrist will be demonically assisted and there will be no such thing as a fair fight beyond this point in time.
FIVE - Martrydom and Apostasy
If you'll recall from the Seven Seal blogs, the fifth seal continues where the fourth left off... death. This also points to the midpoint of Daniel's 70th week. The "beginning of birth pangs" ends and "great tribulation" begins.
After the abomination is setup, Jews and Christians alike will be killed and persecuted.
Dan 11:32-35 By smooth words he will turn to godlessness those who act wickedly toward the covenant, but the people who know their God will display strength and take action. Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to the many; yet they will fall by sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder for many days. Now when they fall they will be granted a little help, and many will join with them in hypocrisy. Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the appointed time.
Scripture makes clear the purpose of persecution among the saints... it is used to purify believers.
It seems clear from above that many will recognize the Antichrist for what he is and will come to the aid of True believers. However, when faced with persecution themselves, they will eagerly return to their apostasy.
Mat 24:10-12 At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many. Because lawlessness is increased, most people's love will grow cold.
After the abomination is setup, Daniels reveals to us the attitude of Antichrist:
Dan 11:36-39 Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done.
He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all. But instead he will honor a god of fortresses [H4581 - maoz], a god whom his fathers did not know; he will honor him with gold, silver, costly stones and treasures.
He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price.
Antichrist will honor a "god of fortresses". [H4581 - maoz] means strength or stronghold. The first use of this Hebrew word is found in Jdg 6:25-26 when Gideon pulls down the altar of Baal. We know from previous studies that Baal may very well be the exact same god of Islam... allah. Islam's god, allah, also values warfare and violence.
Notice above that the wars continue on...
Dan 11:40-44 At the end time the king of the South will collide with him, and the king of the North will storm against him with chariots, with horsemen and with many ships; and he will enter countries, overflow them and pass through. He will also enter the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall; but these will be rescued out of his hand: Edom, Moab and the foremost of the sons of Ammon.
Then he will stretch out his hand against other countries, and the land of Egypt will not escape. But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels.
But rumors from the East and from the North will disturb him, and he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many.
Again, Antichrist clashes with Egypt (king of the south) and this time Egypt is no match.
Isa 19:4 Moreover, I will deliver the Egyptians into the hand of a cruel master, And a mighty king will rule over them, declares the Lord GOD of hosts.
Many countries fall to Antichrist now and we see that he gains the full trust of those who follow him. Antichrist sets those up as rulers over the conquests.
"But rumors from the east and north will disturb him".
We're rapidly closing in on the end soon... notice above concerning the "rumors". It would appear those rumors are true.
Briefly jumping ahead we see that the Euphrates is dried up allowing a highway for the east to reach the battle at Armageddon:
Rev 16:12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates; and its water was dried up, so that the way would be prepared for the kings from the east.
Back to Daniel:
Dan 11:45a He will pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the seas and the beautiful Holy Mountain...
SIX - Celestial Disturbance
If you'll recall from the Seven Seal blogs, the sixth seal brings us to the catching up [harpazo] of believers before the wrath of God is introduced in the seventh seal:
Dan 12:1-2 Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise.
And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.
Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting [H5769 - olam] contempt.
SEVEN - Wrath
God pours out his wrath upon the earth and the reign of Antichrist ends.
Dan 11:45b ... yet he [Antichrist] will come to his end, and no one will help him.
Dan 12:7 ... it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.
Some of these excerpts are from my personal notes copied from 30+ years of studying... some of these notes are direct copies of various sources - I do not claim to have authored every word of this... it's just a mass collection I've tucked away over the years for my own personal studies... I didn't consider a bibliography at the time I directly copied small excerpts from various authors. Also, any emphasis (underlines, bold text, all CAPS, etc.) noted above was only meant to capture my personal attention as I studied...
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