This section discusses the Papal rule during the Dark Ages, striking a clear parallel with Daniel 8's depiction of "the abomination that makes desolate" that robs the "daily" (verse 31). Verses 32 and 33 depict the persecuted and exploited "wise" groups, including the Waldenses, Lollards, Lutherans, Anabaptists, and Huguenots. Verses 34 and 35 depict the Reformation. We see the papacy clearly when he “exalts himself and magnifies himself above every god." (verse 36). To achieve its political goals, the papacy used armies and the state; it placed its trust in the "god of fortresses" (verse 38), with the Virgin Mary emerging as the new god, worshipped above Jesus.
Daniel Chapter 11 verse 31 to 39
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.
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.
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.
34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.
35 And 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.
36 And 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.
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.
38 But 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.
39 Thus 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.
🔷“Arms shall stand on his part”
Arms, force, or power were to stand on the part of those who had forsaken the covenant, the bishops, or the Church of Rome. Clovis, King of the Franks, converted to Catholicism in 496 A.D., recognizing the Bishop of Rome as head of all the church, corrector of heretics, and vicar of God on earth. Therefore, he placed his armies at the disposal of the Pope to defend the faith, expand her borders, and correct the heresies currently so popular in the Western Empire.
🔷“Pollute the sanctuary of Strength”
Rome itself was converted to the Catholic faith.
🔷“Take away the daily”
Clovis used his military forces to convert idolaters to Romanism between 496 and 508 A.D. Through alliances, capitulations, and conquests, he subjugated the Arborici, the Roman garrisons in the West, Brittany, the Burgundians, and the Visigoths. They gave up their pagan attachments, but only to perpetuate their abomination in another form called Christianity. The Christianity of the Catholic Church was, and still is, merely a baptized form of paganism.
🔷“Shall place the abomination that maketh desolate”
This is a separate event from the daily. Thus, although the pagan religion of the empire had now given way to the Christian religion, there was a difference in theology that prevented the Pope from assuming the title so recently bestowed upon him by Emperor Justinian. The Vandals, Ostrogoths, and Heruli, all avowed Arians, refused to recognize the Bishop of Rome as head of the churches and opposed the Catholic Emperor. Justinian sent his army, along with General Belisaris, to take care of the opposition. After defeating the Vandals and the Heruli, only the Ostrogoths remained. The Goths retreated and allowed Belisaris to enter Rome unopposed. They then, in a better season, laid siege to the city, which they held for over a year. However, the siege, which involved the entire nation, was a bitter failure, and the remaining Goths abandoned the city to Belisaris, disappearing from history. Thus, by the year 538 A.D., there was no opposition to the Pope of Rome taking the seat of the Empire to himself.
We see, in this verse, a clear link to Daniel 8:11-13, dealing with the transition between Pagan Rome and Papal Rome.
🔷“Such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries”
Those who forsake the truth of God and followed the papal apostasy did so because they gained wealth and position in the process.
🔷“But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits”
In contrast to the papal sympathizers, these are the faithful who are true to the covenant. During the dark ages of papal tyranny, there were Christians who kept the pure religion alive and performed marvellous acts of self-sacrifice and religious heroism on behalf of their faith. These included such groups as the Waldenses, Albigenses, and Hugenots.
🔷“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.”
The faithful witness of the self-sacrificing missionaries kept the light of truth alive during the ages of persecution and papal control. To stop the spread of the true gospel and expose the falsity of the professed church in Rome, the Papacy unleashed a torrent of persecution. Whether it was death of the sword, burning at the stake, imprisonment, or confiscation of goods, the Papacy would and did use all in an attempt to rule out so-called heresy. The many days is a reference to the much-repeated 1260 years of papal supremacy over Europe.
🔷“But many shall cleave to them with flatteries”
Even in the reformed churches, they tried again, with great success, to trust in the state to defend the faith rather than in the God of heaven. Therefore, battles began to arise between Protestant and Catholic governments. To escape from this continued apostasy, those who believed in the Biblical principle of separation of church and state fled to the United States of America, the stronghold of religious liberty for all. True Protestantism was to be nurtured.
🔷“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”
Many faithful men and women were martyred to purify the church from those who had joined it for the wrong reasons. A cursory study of church history reveals that only during times of persecution was the church actually pure. At all other times it was full of apostasy and corruption. The time of the end, would begin when the time of this persecution would cease. In 1798 the Pope was taken prisoner by Berthier of the French army, and to all intents and purposes the power that had fuelled the inquisition and the persecution of heretics was stopped. Although such persecution has existed and still does exist today in many places, the scope and control of such persecution is extremely limited in contrast to its jurisdiction under the Dark Ages. Thus we are now given the exact date of the beginning of the time of the end, 1798 A.D.
🔷“The King”
The king referred to here is the king of the north of the previous verses, which is the Papacy. When Daniel discussed the issue of Pagan Rome, he outlined the secular events that led to the rise of this power, then retraced his steps and outlined the specific characteristics of Pagan Rome. Similarly, in his discussion of Papal Rome, he outlined the rise of the power in verses 30-35, then retraced his steps and outlined the characteristics of the Papacy in verses 36-39.
🔷“Shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself”
As seen in previous passages of Daniel, the Papacy was able to rule over the Kings and Queens of Europe according to its own will and pleasure. The Papacy did in placing itself in the power to actually excommunicate kings and emperors who disagreed with her desires and laws. (2 Thessalonians 2:4 we read of the Man of Sin who also exalteth himself, this is recognized as the Papacy.)
🔷“Magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods”
This is true where, at the point of death, no other god or power could be acknowledged but the Pope of Rome. Also in Daniel 8:25–11, we see that the Papacy would magnify himself in his heart and also to Jesus Christ, the Prince of the host, for he claims to be the Vicar of Christ.
Blasphemy against God. Blasphemy is taking the attributes of divinity to oneself (John 10:30–31) and claiming to have the right to forgive sins. (Mark 2:5-7) These two things the Papacy did, but France did not. (Daniel 7:25, Revelation 13:5)
🔷“Shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done”
Shall succeed at this task of subjugating the entire world of its time and gaining material possessions. (Daniel 8:12, 24). This power is an affront or indignity against the God of Heaven. The great indignation is the substitute of Sunday sacredness, or the idol Sabbath, instead of the true Sabbath. In fact, the idol Sabbath is instituted to draw the people away from God the creator to the false god. The prophecy states that it will succeed in its endeavour until the indignation be accomplished or fulfilled. When it has fulfilled its allotted time and opportunity, then the end will come.
🔷“Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers”
His fathers worshipped the God of the scriptures, the God of heaven, however, the papacy regarded the gods of the pagans under a “Christian” garb. Also it claimed that the wafer was actually God and thus it is worshipped as though it is God, carried about as any pagan deity might be in celebrations and processions, and ultimately eaten that the devotee might possess it.
🔷“Nor the desire of women”
Celibacy in the priesthood. (1 Timothy 4:1-3 forbidding to marry).
🔷“Shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things”
These gods they honour with millions of pounds worth of jewellery. Costly shrines have been multiplied in every part of the world.
🔷“In the most strong holds”
Even in places where there seemed no desire to follow the pagan practices of Catholicism, has Mary worship begun to take hold. In fact, in the religion of the American Indians, the Tibetan Dalai Lama and even the Hindus are the prophecies and expectancies of a woman who is to come and bring peace to the world. Thus the world was being prepared in the most unexpected places to accept Catholicism as the world spiritual leaders.
🔷“Cause them to rule over many”
Millions of Rome’s devotees are held in bondage by this worship of saints and the Virgin Mary, by these idols and images.
The king of the North in this section parallels the Papacy. At the “time of the end” points to 1798 when the Pope was taken captive by Napoleon’s general, France, which is depicted here by the king of the South (Atheism). But the wound would heal and the King of the North, the Papacy, will come back with force and enter into many countries. The wound is healing. Depicting the fornication with the kings of the earth (Revelation 17).
Daniel Chapter 11 verse 40 to 45
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.
41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.
42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.
43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.
44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.
45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
🔷“At the time of the end”
The time of the end we have seen in verse 35 to be 1798. So we are looking at or after 1798.
🔷“King of the south”
At this point we see the re-entering of the king of the south into the field of conflict. For a long period the world has been dominated by one power, that is the king of the north alone. The king of the south, under Cleopatra, succumbing to become part of the Roman Empire. However, we have also seen a change in the king of the north from the controller of the literal territory originally occupied by Babylon to the Spiritual rulership of the Church of Rome, who while not taking the literal territory of Pagan Rome has succeeded in usurping power through the spiritual realm. Thus we need to find who is the spiritual progenitor of Egypt, which was the literal territory of the king of the south.
According to Revelation 11 there was a power that would rise which would “spiritually” be called “Egypt.” The attitude or characteristic of Egypt that is so important here is the principle of Atheism, not willing to recognize the God of heaven. (Exodus 5:2) Thus the first manifestation of this principle is none other than in Atheistic France under the French Revolution. From here the same principle developed into the Communist revolution in Russia. This same weapon-Revolution- has been used in all the former Papal dominated countries to overthrow the government and establish communist rulers. Thus communism has come to be seen as an enemy to the Papacy.
🔷“Shall push at him”
The word push means to war against. An example is found in Daniel 8:4 where the Ram was pushing westward, and northward etc., and none could deliver out of his hand. Thus at the time of the end, 1798, we look for a power to push or attack the king of the north, or the Papacy. This occurred when Napoleon’s General Berthier marched into Rome and took Pope Pius VI prisoner. The pope later died in captivity at Valance. Thus the unchecked power that had ruled for 1260 years came to an end, and the papacy has never regained the same control and power she once enjoyed.
🔷“King of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships”
We look for an attack which is like a mighty storm, tornado even, sweeping away all within in its path. Definitely gaining an ascendancy over all that it comes in contact with. We look for a revival of the power of the papacy, seeing that it had lost it in 1798. This ties in with Revelation13 and the healing of the deadly wound, and the new Papacy gaining ascendancy over the entire world. Chariots and horsemen represent military strength.
Ships represent economic strength as we see in Psalm 107:23.
Psalm 107:23 says,
“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters”
In 1798 the king of the south, France began an ongoing war against the king of the north, Catholicism. Atheism continued to develop its ideology and reached another stage of growth at the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. Communism continued the war against Catholicism attempting to bring the former empire of Papal Rome into its grasp, but in time, Catholicism mounted an overwhelming counterattack. The king of the north swept away the entire structure of the king of the south/communism, entering into all the countries of the former Soviet Union and her tributary states. This overwhelming attack came with the military and economic assistance of the United States of America. This alliance repeats the history of Clovis, when “arms shall stand on his part.” It points to Revelation 13, teaching that soon the United States of America will speak as a dragon, and then force the world to also form an image to the beast. Daniel 11:40 is the first historical manifestation of this end-time unholy alliance.
🔷“Shall enter into the glorious land”
The Papacy will enter into God’s church. This is done through the doctrines of Catholicism coming in and being accepted into the Remnant Church. That is, apostasy from the truth of God. Just as during the initial rise of the Papacy in the dark ages, those who were against the holy covenant united with the false church to promote its agenda. (This could also be applied to the inculcating of the false doctrines of Catholicism into Protestantism.)
🔷“Many shall be overthrown”
Many shall be taken in by the false doctrines that are coming in amongst us. These false doctrines including the False or idol Sabbath will be enforced by the alliance of the Papacy and the United States of America.
🔷“Edom, Moab and the children of Ammon”
These are the age old enemies of Israel. Thus as the final crisis develops many will see the light of truth, even in places where it seems people are hardened in sin, wickedness, and Catholicism, and they will “escape” from the Papal doctrines and will join with God’s faithful people (Psalms 137:8, Isaiah 11:11-16).
🔷“Egypt shall not escape”
Egypt is both a reference to Atheism, and also to symbolize the secular world. Thus this reference is to state that after a Sunday law is enforced all the religions of the world will unite to accept it. Even secular countries, or non-Christian countries will come under the Papal decree enforced through her alliance with the United States of America.
🔷“Power over silver and gold and precious things of Egypt”
This is referring to economic power. The Papacy will control all trade etc. in the world, through such laws as the prohibition to buy or sell without the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16-17).
🔷“Libyans”
The ancient Libyans lived on the fringe of the desert and always looked longingly towards Egypt with its fertile Nile valley etc. Thus Libya today symbolizes the Third World.
🔷“Ethiopians”
The Ethiopians were always wealthy due to their gold mines in their mountains, and their wealth in cattle, ivory, hides and ebony. Also traffic from central Africa entered Egypt through Ethiopia. Thus Ethiopia represents the Affluent Western World.
🔷“Tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him”
This is the Loud Cry of the fourth angel of Revelation 18, which comes against the Papacy’s attempt to control the entire world and bring it under its false teachings. This group who are giving the Loud Cry are the only ones who stand in the way of full control for the Papacy. Thus their strong Biblical message under the power of the Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit (See Revelation 18) causes much consternation and frustration for the Papacy. As seen before many will accept this message and “escape” from under its tyranny.
🔷“Go forth with great fury to destroy and utterly to take away many”
The final death decree against those who will not accept to worship the beast and his image – Sunday.
🔷“Glorious Holy Mountain”
Represents Jerusalem, which spiritually is God’s Remnant Church.
🔷“Represents Jerusalem, which spiritually is God’s Remnant Church.”
As outlined in Revelation 18 when the judgment of God falls upon modern Babylon, for her sins, there will be none to support or defend her then. Throughout her career she has always relied on others to wage her wars etc. for her, but this time there will be no one and she will be destroyed.
At this point, the angel Gabriel having outlined the history from the time of Persia to the time of the first coming of Christ, delineating all the secular events, he proceeds to go back to the initial Jewish interaction with Rome and brings down a direct line of events to the final triumph of the church and the second coming of Christ. The first section outlined the rise of Rome upon the scene of history until it reaches the zenith as the fourth world kingdom, and then as is common in this chapter, we are taken back over the same history but this time outlining the character of Rome and its direct relationship to God’s people.