Fundamental Prophecies of Christ’s Return
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LOGOS BIBLE MARKING SERVICE - TAPE 29
Title: THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF THE MIDDLE EAST
These events will have taken place as the Judgment of the Household proceeded.
All nations are to be drawn to Jerusalem to battle - Zechariah 14:1; Joel 3:2.
Armageddon is at Jerusalem, not at Megiddo, as we shall see when we consider
Revelation 16:15.
The process is outlined in Daniel 11:40-45.
The peace and safety cry will precede this time (1 Thess. 5:3-5; Dan. 7:23-25).
Exposition
Verse 22 shows that the eastern leg of the Roman Image power is here referred to.
The capital was Constantinople. Constantine transferred the capital of the Empire from
Rome to Constantinople, and when the Empire was ultimately
divided into two, the latter city became the capital of Eastern Rome.-
The prophecy of Daniel 7:23-25 relates to the "last end of the indignation" (v.19).
VERSE 23
"Latter time of their kingdom" - Daniel was shown four kingdoms developing out of the
power of Grecia. These four kingdoms were Syria, Egypt, Pergamum and Macedonia, and
they arose after the death of Alexander the Great through the rivalry of his four generals.
The "latter time" of their kingdom was when they were absorbed by the rising power of
Rome. Rome was drawn into the Middle East by the power of Pergamum, and from that
centre gradually absorbed all four kingdoms by BC 65.
"A king of fierce countenance" - This implies a warlike aspect, and relates to Rome.
"The transgressors" - Rotherham renders this as "transgressions," and they relate to the
Jewish transgressions. Rome was permitted to dominate by God to punish the Jews for
their folly.
"A king of fierce countenance" - A warlike aspect, which was a characteristic of Rome.
Drawn into the east by Pergamum, Rome ultimately made Constantinople (in the territory
of Pergamum) her capital.
"Understanding dark sentences" - Rotherham renders this "skilful in dissimulation" or
hypocrisy. Others render it "talking riddles." This latter would relate to the harsh foreign
latin tongue of the Romans, a language that is completely foreign to Hebrew in structure
and idiom. See Deut. 28:50.
VERSE 24
"Not by his own power" - His power will stem from God. See: Deut. 28:49; Matt. 22:7;
Luke 20:16,19; John 19:11.
"Practise" - The word means to "establish". The RSV renders: "He shall succeed in what
he does."
"Shall destroy the mighty and the holy people" - The Jewish people. It is important to
note that the prophecy is not dealing with Rome, but with the power that occupies
Constantinople, or ancient Pergamum. Rome continued to do so until 1453 when it was
Fundamental Prophecies of Christ’s Return
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taken over by the Turks. Since then, the Turks have been inveterate enemies of the Jews.
Ultimately, Russia will take over Turkey as Revelation 16:12 indicates. This prophecy
therefore merges into a prophecy of the latter-day possessor of Constantinople, even
Russia.
VERSE 25
"He shall cause craft to prosper" - The Roman power in occupation of Constantinople
supported, the pretensions of the Roman Catholic church, and, thus caused "craft" to
prosper. The latter-day possessor of Constantinople (Russia) will ultimately do likewise.
The word craft is translated from Mirmah, signifying deceit, fraud. The RSV renders it
"deceit." In Jer. 9:6 it is used of religion. See also Dan. 8:12. The policy of the Roman
Emperors ruling from Constantinople was to support Roman Catholicism, and thus uphold,
its religious deceit. Russia must ultimately do likewise.
"By peace" - The word in the original (shalyah) signifies "security", or "success."
Rotherham renders; "By their careless security." The peace referred to is that of
1 Thess. 5:3, by which the world will be taken off its guard.
"He shall also" - This is an additional work, such as is indicated in Dan. 11:40. In that
Scripture the King of the North reappears after a long break of time when he no longer
appears on the scene. That is indicated also in this prophecy. There is a long break
between V.24 and V.25.
"Against the Prince of princes" - Sar-sarim: "The Commander of Commanders" - Christ
and the saints. Cp V.11. Isa.55:3.
"Broken without hand" - Without human agency. See Isa. 17:12-14; 31:8; Zech. 4:6;
Dan. 11:45.
DANIEL 11
This is an amplification and explanation of Daniel 8.
Compare Daniel 8:8 with Daniel 11:4.
Exposition of Daniel 11:40-45
VERSE 40
"The time of the end" - Cp with Dan. 8:19. This is defined as the time of Christ's return
(Dan. 12:1), the time of national trouble (Dan. 12:1), the time of resurrection and
deliverance (Dan. 12:2), the time of judgment (Dan. 11:35), the time of the complete
unravelling of the Divine secret and purpose (Dan. 12:4,6,9), the time when Daniel shall
stand, in his lot (Dan. 12:13). There is a beginning and ending to this "time" which
defines an epoch rather than a day,
"The king of the south" - Consistently throughout this chapter this title defines a foreign
power in occupation of Egypt. In this case it relates to Britain who occupied Egypt in
1882. Note that after the incident referred to in this verse, the "king of the south"
disappears from the narrative, and instead, it refers to Egypt (v.42), thus indicating that
after the event here recorded, Egypt will obtain its independence, as it has today.
"Push at him" - This is the "king" of v.36. Notice the use of the personal pronoun "he"
(vv.37,38,39) all aligned with the "King." This King was originally the Roman Emperor who
established his capital in Constantinople. It therefore relates to the ruling power in
Constantinople. In 1453, the Ottomans drove the Romans from Constantinople, and
occupied it themselves, laying the foundation of the Turkish Empire. Turkey thence
Fundamental Prophecies of Christ’s Return
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became the power referred to. It completed the prophecy of v.39 in that it "divided the
land (of Israel) for gain."
The prophecy demands that at the time of the end a foreign power in occupation of
Egypt should push at Turkey. This came to pass in World War 1, when under Allenby the
British forces drove the Turks from Palestine, and made possible the return of the Jews.
This was in 1917.
"The king of the north" - The Russian power.
"Shall come against him" - The same power occupying Constantinople. This Turkish power
will be completely "dried, up" (2,sv. 16:12). Russia will suddenly drive against
Constantinople, and occupy it. There to consolidate the forces of Europe, so that a
peace and safety cry will emanate from those who witness the power of Russia.
Meanwhile Christ will have returned, and. the resurrection and judgment will take place.
VERSE 41
"Also" - This implies an additional drive. After consolidating his power in Constantinople,
and forming the image of Dan. 2, Russia will move south.
"Glorious Land" - Or, the "pleasant land." See Dan.8:9.
"Overthrown" - Kashal, to "totter, waver, faint or fall." The countries shall be overthrown
through very weakness.
"Edom, Moab, Amnion" - These countries on the east of Jordan shall escape because
Russia will drive swiftly down the western plains of Palestine in a lightning attack on
Egypt. The term "escape" implies a change in policy between Russia and the Arab powers,
in that the latter will then be antagonistic to the former.
VERSE 42
"Egypt shall not escape" - Egypt shall be occupied by Russia.
VERSE 43
"Power over the treasures of Egypt" - See Isaiah 19.
"Ethiopians and Libyans at his steps" - Following his army. See Ezek. 38:5.
VERSE 44
"Tidings out of the east and north" - To be expounded next tape.
Page 1 of 3
LOGOS BIBLE MARKING SERVICE - TAPE 29
Title: THE RUSSIAN INVASION OF THE MIDDLE EAST
These events will have taken place as the Judgment of the Household proceeded.
All nations are to be drawn to Jerusalem to battle - Zechariah 14:1; Joel 3:2.
Armageddon is at Jerusalem, not at Megiddo, as we shall see when we consider
Revelation 16:15.
The process is outlined in Daniel 11:40-45.
The peace and safety cry will precede this time (1 Thess. 5:3-5; Dan. 7:23-25).
Exposition
Verse 22 shows that the eastern leg of the Roman Image power is here referred to.
The capital was Constantinople. Constantine transferred the capital of the Empire from
Rome to Constantinople, and when the Empire was ultimately
divided into two, the latter city became the capital of Eastern Rome.-
The prophecy of Daniel 7:23-25 relates to the "last end of the indignation" (v.19).
VERSE 23
"Latter time of their kingdom" - Daniel was shown four kingdoms developing out of the
power of Grecia. These four kingdoms were Syria, Egypt, Pergamum and Macedonia, and
they arose after the death of Alexander the Great through the rivalry of his four generals.
The "latter time" of their kingdom was when they were absorbed by the rising power of
Rome. Rome was drawn into the Middle East by the power of Pergamum, and from that
centre gradually absorbed all four kingdoms by BC 65.
"A king of fierce countenance" - This implies a warlike aspect, and relates to Rome.
"The transgressors" - Rotherham renders this as "transgressions," and they relate to the
Jewish transgressions. Rome was permitted to dominate by God to punish the Jews for
their folly.
"A king of fierce countenance" - A warlike aspect, which was a characteristic of Rome.
Drawn into the east by Pergamum, Rome ultimately made Constantinople (in the territory
of Pergamum) her capital.
"Understanding dark sentences" - Rotherham renders this "skilful in dissimulation" or
hypocrisy. Others render it "talking riddles." This latter would relate to the harsh foreign
latin tongue of the Romans, a language that is completely foreign to Hebrew in structure
and idiom. See Deut. 28:50.
VERSE 24
"Not by his own power" - His power will stem from God. See: Deut. 28:49; Matt. 22:7;
Luke 20:16,19; John 19:11.
"Practise" - The word means to "establish". The RSV renders: "He shall succeed in what
he does."
"Shall destroy the mighty and the holy people" - The Jewish people. It is important to
note that the prophecy is not dealing with Rome, but with the power that occupies
Constantinople, or ancient Pergamum. Rome continued to do so until 1453 when it was
Fundamental Prophecies of Christ’s Return
Page 2 of 3
taken over by the Turks. Since then, the Turks have been inveterate enemies of the Jews.
Ultimately, Russia will take over Turkey as Revelation 16:12 indicates. This prophecy
therefore merges into a prophecy of the latter-day possessor of Constantinople, even
Russia.
VERSE 25
"He shall cause craft to prosper" - The Roman power in occupation of Constantinople
supported, the pretensions of the Roman Catholic church, and, thus caused "craft" to
prosper. The latter-day possessor of Constantinople (Russia) will ultimately do likewise.
The word craft is translated from Mirmah, signifying deceit, fraud. The RSV renders it
"deceit." In Jer. 9:6 it is used of religion. See also Dan. 8:12. The policy of the Roman
Emperors ruling from Constantinople was to support Roman Catholicism, and thus uphold,
its religious deceit. Russia must ultimately do likewise.
"By peace" - The word in the original (shalyah) signifies "security", or "success."
Rotherham renders; "By their careless security." The peace referred to is that of
1 Thess. 5:3, by which the world will be taken off its guard.
"He shall also" - This is an additional work, such as is indicated in Dan. 11:40. In that
Scripture the King of the North reappears after a long break of time when he no longer
appears on the scene. That is indicated also in this prophecy. There is a long break
between V.24 and V.25.
"Against the Prince of princes" - Sar-sarim: "The Commander of Commanders" - Christ
and the saints. Cp V.11. Isa.55:3.
"Broken without hand" - Without human agency. See Isa. 17:12-14; 31:8; Zech. 4:6;
Dan. 11:45.
DANIEL 11
This is an amplification and explanation of Daniel 8.
Compare Daniel 8:8 with Daniel 11:4.
Exposition of Daniel 11:40-45
VERSE 40
"The time of the end" - Cp with Dan. 8:19. This is defined as the time of Christ's return
(Dan. 12:1), the time of national trouble (Dan. 12:1), the time of resurrection and
deliverance (Dan. 12:2), the time of judgment (Dan. 11:35), the time of the complete
unravelling of the Divine secret and purpose (Dan. 12:4,6,9), the time when Daniel shall
stand, in his lot (Dan. 12:13). There is a beginning and ending to this "time" which
defines an epoch rather than a day,
"The king of the south" - Consistently throughout this chapter this title defines a foreign
power in occupation of Egypt. In this case it relates to Britain who occupied Egypt in
1882. Note that after the incident referred to in this verse, the "king of the south"
disappears from the narrative, and instead, it refers to Egypt (v.42), thus indicating that
after the event here recorded, Egypt will obtain its independence, as it has today.
"Push at him" - This is the "king" of v.36. Notice the use of the personal pronoun "he"
(vv.37,38,39) all aligned with the "King." This King was originally the Roman Emperor who
established his capital in Constantinople. It therefore relates to the ruling power in
Constantinople. In 1453, the Ottomans drove the Romans from Constantinople, and
occupied it themselves, laying the foundation of the Turkish Empire. Turkey thence
Fundamental Prophecies of Christ’s Return
Page 3 of 3
became the power referred to. It completed the prophecy of v.39 in that it "divided the
land (of Israel) for gain."
The prophecy demands that at the time of the end a foreign power in occupation of
Egypt should push at Turkey. This came to pass in World War 1, when under Allenby the
British forces drove the Turks from Palestine, and made possible the return of the Jews.
This was in 1917.
"The king of the north" - The Russian power.
"Shall come against him" - The same power occupying Constantinople. This Turkish power
will be completely "dried, up" (2,sv. 16:12). Russia will suddenly drive against
Constantinople, and occupy it. There to consolidate the forces of Europe, so that a
peace and safety cry will emanate from those who witness the power of Russia.
Meanwhile Christ will have returned, and. the resurrection and judgment will take place.
VERSE 41
"Also" - This implies an additional drive. After consolidating his power in Constantinople,
and forming the image of Dan. 2, Russia will move south.
"Glorious Land" - Or, the "pleasant land." See Dan.8:9.
"Overthrown" - Kashal, to "totter, waver, faint or fall." The countries shall be overthrown
through very weakness.
"Edom, Moab, Amnion" - These countries on the east of Jordan shall escape because
Russia will drive swiftly down the western plains of Palestine in a lightning attack on
Egypt. The term "escape" implies a change in policy between Russia and the Arab powers,
in that the latter will then be antagonistic to the former.
VERSE 42
"Egypt shall not escape" - Egypt shall be occupied by Russia.
VERSE 43
"Power over the treasures of Egypt" - See Isaiah 19.
"Ethiopians and Libyans at his steps" - Following his army. See Ezek. 38:5.
VERSE 44
"Tidings out of the east and north" - To be expounded next tape.
