THE KING OF THE NORTH - PART 2

Updated: Dec 10, 2022

THE BATTLE OF ACTIUM – OCTAVIUS (ROME, KING OF THE NORTH) VERSES MARK ANTONY (EGYPT, KING OF THE SOUTH)

Verse 25

"And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him."

The Battle of Actium 31BC

Verses 24-25 reach from 161BC, to the time when Rome had acquired universal dominion. Verse 25 describes a notable campaign against Egypt. Such was the battle of Actium involving Octavius (Augustus of verse 20) and Mark Antony. Antony took the South (Egypt) and Octavius took the North. They pretended friendship (“speak lies at one table” verse 27) but each wanted to conquer the other (“both these kings hearts shall be to do mischief.”). In the Battle of Actium in 31BC, Octavius won and took the title Augustus, becoming undisputed ruler of the Roman world. After defeating Antony, Octavius brought vast riches from Egypt to Rome. Under various leaders, Rome warred against the plan of salvation and in AD70 the Romans destroyed Jerusalem.

11:25 And he [Octavius in 32 B.C.] shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south [against Mark Antony] with a great army [80,000 soldiers & 200 ships]; and the king of the south [Mark Antony] shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army [125,000 soldiers & 500 ships]; but he [Mark Antony of the south] shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him. [The battle of Actium took place in 31 BC.]

11:26 Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat [the forces in the employ of Mark Antony] shall destroy him [When Cleopatra, Mark Antony’s mistress, fled the battle with 60 ships, Mark Antony followed. Upon seeing the fleet of Antony flee, Antony’s land army went over to Octavius], and his army shall overflow [“be washed” (Vulgate, Syriac) or “swept away” (RSV)]: and many shall fall down slain [In 32 B.C. Mark Antony committed suicide. Cleopatra, finding that she could not ingratiate herself with Octavius, also committed suicide].

11:27 And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table [Referring to their previous faked reconciliation]; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.

11:28 Then shall he [Octavius who became Augustus Caesar] return into his land [after defeating Antony] with great riches [Octavius brought vast riches from Egypt to Rome. See Prideaux II, 380]; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant [Under various leaders Rome warred against the plan of salvation]; and he shall do exploits [Roman arms destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70], and return to his own land.

Verse 29

"At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.

11:29 At the time appointed [A.D. 330, at the end of the 360 years] he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter [In A.D. 330 Constantine shifted the capital from Rome to Constantinople in an effort to find a safer seat of government. Many take this as the signal for the downfall of the empire. With no strong ruler in the city of Rome the bishop of Rome (the Pope) rose in power].

Verse 30 For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant."

For the ships of Chittim [“A general term for all islanders of the Mediterranean SeaCoasts and Isles of the Mediterranean Sea” Strongs. cf. Num 24:24; Jer 2:10. Chittim was a source of ivory. See Eze 27:6] shall come against him [The Vandals from Carthage on the Mediterranean coast of Africa attacked the Roman empire]: therefore he[Rome] shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant [Rome was weakening so it made overtures with the apostates in the church who were in the majority. The subtle change from Pagan Rome to Christian Rome here takes place. There is no change in the pronouns but this is in keeping with Daniel 8, where one horn represents both Pagan & Papal Rome].

Verses 31-45 describe the rise and fall of Papal Rome, the King of the North following the transition from Imperial Rome.

[Verse 31 repeats that which was described in Daniel 8:11-12. See notes there ]

For various reasons, including the Barbarian attacks (“ships of Chittim”), the Roman emperor Constantine shifted the capital from Rome to Byzantium (renamed Constantinople and today Istanbul) in AD330. Many take this as the signal for the downfall of the empire. Shortly afterwards the Western Roman Empire began to collapse, dividing into the nations of Europe. The bishop of Rome (Pope), being the only powerful figure remaining in the city of Rome, took the power, seat, and authority formerly possessed by the Roman Emperor (cf. Rev 13:2).

[Apostate church leaders had entered into an alliance with the State. This began with the so-called conversion of Emperor Constantine (~AD312). This Church-State union resulted in Papal Rome, which continued on in the seat of the Caesars, and therefore, assumes the symbolic title of the “King of the North.”]

PAGAN ROME TRANSITIONS TO PAPAL ROME AND WITH IT THE MANTLE OF THE KING OF THE NORTH PASSES TO PAPAL ROME

The spiritual transition is complete. Literal Rome, the literal King of the NORTH BY CONQUEST transitions to spiritual Rome, the Papacy, the spiritual King of the North.

cf The legs of iron transitioning to the feet of iron & clay in Daniel 2

cf The fourth beast transitioning to the Little horn in Daniel 7

cf The Little horn (Pagan Rome) transitioning to the Little Horn (Papal Rome) - Daniel 8. One symbol to represent both pagan and papal Rome

Verse 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." ...see study on the taking away of "THE DAILY"

11:31 And arms [military forces of the Franks (French)] shall stand on his part [Shall give their strength and support to Papal Rome], and they [the armed forces] shall pollute [Heb. chalal - may be translated “wound, slay, pierce”] the sanctuary of strength [Heb. maoz. - strength. The city of Rome], and shall take away [Heb. ‘suwr’ literally take away unlike Dan 8:11's rum which means to take up, lift up, or exalt] the daily sacrifice [take away the pagan self exalting spirit of antichrist in its paganism & Arian forms.

Daniel 8:12 “And an host was given [him] against the daily [sacrifice] by reason of transgression...” Military forces removed the Daily TO SET UP the Papacy

“Arms” [Heb. zeroah, military forces] took away “the daily” [literally “the continual”]. (cf. Dan 12:11). In this verse the term “take away” is from the Hebrew suwr and means “remove” while the thing removed still exists (cf. Gen 38:14; 8:13; Deut 17:20).

The removal of the daily was necessary to set up the Papacy. “Arms” took away “the daily” (the continual) in order “to set up” the “abomination that maketh desolate” - Papal Rome (Daniel 12:11 margin).

In 2Thess Paul guardedly referred to “the daily” as the “withholder,” that existed in his day and said that it would be “TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY” to reveal the “man of sin,” that is Papal Rome. What power existing in Paul’s day withheld the development of Papal Rome and had to be TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY by military force of “arms” in order to reveal Papal Rome? The answer is the continual spirit of self-exaltation / paganism in its Imperial Roman form.

The “daily” thus represented the “continual” pagan spirit of self-exaltation which in the time of Paul was headed by Pagan Rome. This power was taken away by military arms in order to set up the same disguised pagan spirit in its Papal form. Forces fighting on behalf of the Papacy took away or removed ("suwr") all anti-papal self exalting opposition while the Papacy took up (Heb. “ruwm” Daniel 8:11) the same pagan spirit of Imperial Rome.

The Franks (French), under their king Clovis, were the first barbarian nation of Europe to pledge their support to defend and establish the Catholic faith. Their military “arms” overthrew competing forms of self-exaltation, primarily Pagan and Arian and helped “place” (“set up” Daniel 12:11 margin) the “abomination that maketh desolate” - the self-exalting church/state power known as the Papacy which exterminates those when it can whom it perceives as a threat.

Military forces help set up the Papacy

In AD 496 Clovis, leader of the Franks, became “the first barbarian king to become a Roman Catholic” and was called the Eldest Son of the Church.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1989, Vol. 3, p401.

“By his conversion he [Clovis] had led the triumph of Catholicism; he had saved the Roman Catholic Church from heresy and paganism...” The Franks, from their First Appearance in History to the Death of King Pepin, W. C. Perry, p85-97).

His army helped expand the power of the Papacy. Between A.D. 496 and A.D.508, by alliances, capitulations and conquests, the Arborici, the Roman garrisons in the West, Brittany, the Burgundians, and the Visigoths, were brought into subjection.

From the time when these successes were fully accomplished, namely 508, the papacy was triumphant so far as paganism was concerned.

Arms shall stand on his part = Arms (Heb. zeroah) - Military forces.

Zeroah is used to refer to military forces in Dan 11:15, 22.

The barbarians, that had established kingdoms in the territory of Western Rome, converted to the Catholic faith. Clovis, king of the Franks (French) was the first to convert in AD496 and he give his military arms to support the Papacy, against their former pagan religion. Papal Rome received this military host as a result of transgression (Daniel 8:12), by uniting the church with the State. By this act of spiritual fornication, the church became a spiritual harlot. (compare Rev 17:1-2).

Pollute (Heb. chalal) the sanctuary of strength = The city of Pagan Rome was polluted or defiled by Papal Rome. Pagan places can be profaned.

Of the king of Tyre (who symbolises Satan) we read, "Thou hast DEFILED (Heb. chalal) thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities…" Eze 28:18. Note: These are HIS sanctuaries plural, not God's sanctuary, and they were defiled or polluted. This was not merely attempted.

Chalal is used in Scripture as meaning "wounded" Isa. 53:5; "slain" Ezek. 32:26); Begin; Profane or defile. See Strongs Concordance.

Sanctuary of strength

verse 31 Arms polluted the sanctuary of strength

The word “sanctuary” is from the Hebrew “miqdash,” which can also refer to pagan temples (Isa 16:12; Eze 28:18.)

The word “strength” is from the Hebrew maowz, which is repeatedly used to refer to the forts and fortresses, the leading cities, of pagan powers. (See Dan 11:7, 10, 19, 38, 39). The temple of Pagan Rome was polluted by the arms of Papal Rome. “Rome” in the Greek New Testament is from the Greek “Rhome” and means “STRENGTH.” Rome was symbolised by iron in the image of Daniel chapter 2. Daniel speaks of "the STRENGTH of the iron." Daniel 2:41. Nowhere in the Old Testament is the heavenly sanctuary associated with ma’oz (a fortress).

The sanctuary (miqdash) in 11:31 is clearly used in the context of a military setting along with ma’oz pertaining to pagan military activity. It has been shown that miqdash applies only to earthly sanctuaries of either a pagan or holy variety. Since its use in Daniel 8 is in a counterfeit cultic setting and in 11:31 miqdash is used in a military context along with ma’oz, we may conclude that the sanctuary in 11:31 is a counterfeit pagan sanctuary fortress – the sanctuary of pagan Rome.

Shall take away the daily = The daily was taken away by "arms" that is, military forces.

Take away the daily = Heb. suwr, "turn aside, take away" the thing still exists but not in its original setting or form.

The words "taken away" in Dan 8:11 are from the Hebrew "ruwm" which means "lift up, take

up, take away." Arms took away the continual desolation in its pagan form while the spirit was taken up and continued in the the papal form.

Abomination that maketh desolate = The Papal power (Papal Rome).

In AD508 the turning aside of the daily was finally complete. Now the Papacy would surpass, supercede and transcend that same spirit as manifested by the pagan forces. Between AD508 and AD538 the setting up of the Papacy commenced. The joint action of the union of church and state, first with Clovis (AD496-AD508) and again with emperor Justinian in AD533-AD538 brought the Papal Rome to full power.

verse 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].

11:32 And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he [Papal Rome] corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God [the true church] shall be strong [morally & spiritually] and do exploits [evangelize even under threat of death].

God's faithful witness under terrible persecution for many centuries. Apostate Papal leaders corrupted many, but the faithful, who knew God, witnessed at great peril to their lives; people such as the Waldenses, the Hugenots, the Albigenses and some Reformers like Wycliffe, Huss, Jerome, and Luther. Many of those whom Papal Rome could not corrupt she slew, burned, or imprisoned during the “many days” she held power (1260 “days” which symbolize 1260 years, “each day for a year.” (Eze 4:6; Num 14:34). The 1260 days, 42 months or 3 1/2 times is mentioned in Dan 7:25; 12:7; Rev 2:6, 14; 13:5).

verse 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.

The faithful receive a little help

For centuries the faithful found refuge in the wilderness (cf. Rev 12:16). Later on, German States which accepted Protestantism, provided a little help to the faithful.

11:33 And they that understand [the wise understand the truth] among the people [the true church including the Waldenses, Albigenses, Hugenot, faithful Protestant missionaries and even faithful Catholic people] shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil [a prey], many days [THE DAYS OF PAPAL PERSECUTION - Days stand for years (Eze 4:6; Num 14:34). The “many days” are the years of persecution during the 1260 year papal supremacy. This was the great tribulation which was “cut short” by the reformation. cf. Rev 12:6, 14; Matt 24:21-22].

The faithful witness under terrible persecution for many centuries

Apostate Papal leaders corrupted many, but the faithful, who knew God, witnessed at great peril to their lives; people such as the Waldenses, the Hugenots, the Albigenses and some Reformers like Wycliffe, Huss, Jerome, and Luther. Many of those whom Papal Rome could not corrupt she slew, burned, or imprisoned during the “many days” she held power (1260 “days which symbolize 1260 years, “each day for a year.” (Eze 4:6; Num 14:34). The 1260 days, 42 months or 3 1/2 times is mentioned in Daniel 7:25; 12:7; Rev 2:6, 14; 13:5).

verse 34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.

11:34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help [THE PERIOD OF THE REFORMATION - Some European powers, enlightened by the truth, gave protection to the faithfull Bible based christians. Throughout the papal persecutions there were always faithful leaders who kept the light of truth burning during the spiritual darkness. The Waldensesian ministers in the 12th century onward. John Wycliffe in the 14th century. John Huss and Jerome of Prague in the 15th. Luther and the Reformation in the 16th and onward]: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.

The Time of the End

verse 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.

11:35 And some [the word “some” was added by the translators and is not in the manuscripts. “Many” may be a better choice] of them of understanding [those who understood the truth] shall fall [Many faithful Christians were killed], to try them [prove them faithful], and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end [TIME OF THE END BEGAN IN 1798 - The period of papal supremacy described in verses 31-34 lasted until 1798 when the papacy suffered a deadly wound. God had appointed the papacy a period of 1260 years (cf. Dan 7:25; Rev 12:6, 14; 13:5). Those years ended in 1798 which marks the beginning of the time of the end. Note, it is not the end of time but the time of the end - i.e., an end-time period. We have been and are living in “the time of the end” for more than 200 years, which, in the whole span of history, is not long.

Daniel 11:31-35 describes the “many days” of persecution under the papal power. Papal supremacy lasted from (538 - 1798). As papal supremacy ended in 1798, the time of the end began in 1798. The papacy, while supreme, caused the death of many who understood and taught the gospel. They fell “by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days...even to the time of the end...a time appointed.” At “the time of the end”, 1798, Atheistic France inflicted Papal Rome its “deadly wound”, stripping it of its political power, fulfilling Rev 13:3,10: “He [the papacy] that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.” As the papacy led into captivity so was it led into captivity and as it killed with the sword so was it killed with the sword.

“Berthier [The French general] entered Rome on the 10th of February 1798, and proclaimed a Republic...The aged Pontiff [pope] refused to violate his oath by recognizing it, and was hurried from prison to prison in France...he died...No wonder that half of Europe thought that with the Pope the papacy was dead.” J. Rickaby, The Modern papacy, p1

Daniel’s book was sealed to understanding until the time of the end: “But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:4.

“...since 1798 the book of Daniel has been unsealed, knowledge of the prophecies has increased, and many have proclaimed the solemn message of the judgment near.” Great Controversy p.356]: “because it is yet for a time appointed” [God had appointed Papal Rome a period of 1260 years (cf. Dan 7:25; Rev 12:6, 14; 13:5), that period ended when the time of the end began in 1798].

Having brought us to “the time of the end” in verse 35 the prophecy goes back in time in verse 36 to add further identifying points, bringing us back to the “time of the end” in verse 40.

Fall, to try them = Many were tried in the furnace of affliction and maintained their faith unto death, clothed in the white garments of Christ’s righteousness.

Even to the time of the end - 1798

The “many days” (verse 33) of Papal supremacy, (1260 years. See on Daniel 7:25) were to reach to “the time of the end.” As the Papal supremacy ended in 1798 “the time of the end” began in 1798.

“Berthier [The French general] entered Rome on the 10th of February 1798, and proclaimed a Republic...The aged Pontiff [Pope] refused to violate his oath by recognising it, and was hurried from prison to prison in France...he died...No wonder that half of Europe thought that with the Pope the papacy was dead.”

J. Rickaby, The Modern Papacy, p1

Having brought us to “the time of the end” in verse 35 the prophecy goes back in time in verse 36 to add further identifying points, bringing us back to the “time of the end” in verse 40. (See chart).

Verse 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.

"The king" of verse 36 refers to the Papacy

In the Hebrew the definite article “THE” precedes the word “king.” This implies that the king here brought to view is the power referred to in the preceding verses - namely the Papacy, there called the “abomination that maketh desolate.”

Note: Daniel uses “king” and “kingdom” interchangeably.

According to his will

The phrase “according to his will,” is only applied to powers which had total control over God’s people: (See Medo-Persia Dan 8:4; Greece 11:3; Pagan Rome 11:16). Following Pagan Rome, Papal Rome alone had such power during its 1260 year supremacy.

He shall exalt himself...above every god

Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to refer to this power as the “man of sin”... “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God.” 2Thess 2:4. This power is also the Little Horn of Dan 8:11, 25 which did “magnify [himself] in his heart.”

Papal Rome exalts itself above God by transgressing the first four precepts of the Ten Commandments which apply to the only true God:

1. Exodus 20:1-3 And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. - The Papacy claims to be God on Earth and takes on the prerogatives of God.

2. Exodus 20:4-6 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. The Papacy has images of Mary, Joseph, Angels and Jesus which the Catholic laity pray to and bow down to. In some instances they are required to kiss the feet of the statue of Jesus during the "Stations of the Cross" mass.

3. Exodus 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Papal Rome takes the name of God in vain in speaking great words against the most high (Daniel 7:11,25, Daniel 11:36) and Blasphemies against God (Rev 13:5).

4. Exodus 20:8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: Papal Rome claims to have changed the Sabbath Day from Saturday the seventh day to Sunday, the first day of the week.

The power of verse 30 (the abomination that maketh desolate) is the power described in verses 31-36 - namely the Papacy.

Note: "The King" of verse 36, the verse of contention which the literal Turkey view of the King of the North claims is France is included in the following quote describing "A Power ... [verses 31-36 quoted]" which is Papal Rome and not France.

“The prophecy in the eleventh of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Much of the history that has taken place in fulfillment of this prophecy will be repeated. In the thirtieth verse A POWER is spoken of that “shall be grieved...And the king shall do according to his will. [verses 31-36, quoted.]” E.G. White, Manuscript Release Vol. 13, p394.

What does it mean to EXALT or MAGNIFY oneself above God? It is to change the Sabbath day, pointing to Papal Rome & not France as the power spoken of in Daniel 11:36.

“The prophetic declaration that the papacy was to oppose and exalt itself "above all that is called God, or that is worshipped," was strikingly fulfilled in the change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week. Wherever the papal Sabbath is honored in preference to the Sabbath of the Lord, there is the man of sin exalted above the Creator of the heavens and the earth.” {BTS, February 1, 1913 par. 1} “I want to keep God's law and live. But that man of sin has taken it upon himself to change the fourth commandment, and shove in a spurious Sabbath, to show his greatness and power to exalt himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped.” {1SAT 111.2}

The power spoken of in Daniel 11:30-36 is Papal Rome and inspiration foretells a repetition of her rise to power and her persecutions see Revelation 13:3.

INSERTION OF IDENTIFYING POINTS

Verses 36-39 give additional points which clearly identify the papal power.

Dan 11:36 describes Papal Rome prior to “time of the end” mentioned in verse 35. The passage brings us back to “the time of the end” in verse 40. Verses 36-39 are one linked chain of thought describing Papal Rome in great detail prior to the time of the end. After describing the Papacy in detail the narrative returns to “the time of the end in verse 40. Note the connecting words used:

Verse 36 And the king...

Verse 37 Neither shall he...

Verse 38 But in his estate...

Verse 39 Thus shall he...

Verse 40 At the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him.

11:36 And the king [THE PAPACY - “THE king...” THE Pope/Papal Rome spoken of in the preceding verses.

“...in the original Hebrew the definite article precedes the word ‘king.’ This would seem to imply that the ruler brought to view has already been referred to.” SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, p875. The power spoken of previously was Rome.

The power described in verses 30-35 is also the power here described in verse 36:

“The prophecy in the eleventh of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Much of the history that has taken place in fulfillment of this prophecy will be repeated. In the thirtieth verse A POWER is spoken of that "shall be grieved...And the king shall do according to his will. [verses 31-36, quoted.]” 13MR 394.

What power is spoken of in verses 30-36 inclusive? The papal power. Thus the king in verse 36 is Papal Rome. Some contend that the king of v 36 is France but France was not mentioned in verse 30. It is a private interpretation in an attempt to formulate a triangular war in verse 40]

shall do according to his will [exercise total control. A WORLD POWER – the phrase “According to his will” is only used in reference to successive world powers which had the power of life & death over God’s people. cf. Medo Persia Dan 8:4; Grecia Dan 11:3; Pagan Rome Dan 11:16.

After Pagan Rome the next power to have such supremacy was Papal Rome.

“... compromise between Paganism and Christianity resulted in the development of the "man of sin" foretold in prophecy as opposing and exalting himself above God. That gigantic system of false religion is a masterpiece of Satan's power - a monument of his efforts to seat himself upon the throne to rule the earth according to his will...Satan worked ACCORDING TO HIS WILL" GC 50, 51

Ques. Papal Rome was first introduced in Daniel 11:31. Why was it not then said to have done according to his will?

Ans. The rise and actions of Greece under Alexander is described in the first part of Dan 11:3, but his doing according to his will is mentioned in the latter part of verse 3.

Pagan Rome, the robber of God's people, was introduced in Dan 11:14 but his doing according to his will was not mentioned until verse 16. As these do not present a problem neither does Dan 11:31-36];

and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god [The man of sin “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God...shewing himself that he is God.” 2Thess 2:3-5; 7 BC 910. This power exalts itself above God by claiming to have changed God’s law. cf. Dan 7:25],

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “EXALT” ONESELF ABOVE GOD?

Inspiration tells us, it is to change the Sabbath of God. The change of the Sabbath from the seventh day to the first day of the week is therefore the manifestation of what it means to EXALT oneself or in this case HIMSELF above God. Papal Rome alone has fulfilled this stipulation of the prophecy in changing God’s Law regarding the Sabbath Day. Therefore, the King of Daniel 11:36 is Papal Rome and NOT France or Napoleon.

“The prophet Daniel declared that the Roman Church, symbolized by the little horn, was to think to change times and laws, [Daniel 7:25.] while Paul styled it the man of sin, [2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4.] who was to exalt himself above God. Only by changing God's law could the papacy exalt itself above God; whoever should understandingly keep the law as thus changed would be giving supreme honor to that power by which the change was made. Such an act of obedience to papal laws would be a mark of allegiance to the pope in the place of God.” {4SP 279.1}

PAPAL ROME SPEAKS BLASPHEMIES AGAINST GOD

and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods

[SPEAKS BLASPHEMY - Claiming to be God, and claiming to be able to forgive sin. Daniel 7:11, 25; Revelation 13:5, 6],

“And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. Dan 7:25

“And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty [and] two months. Rev 13:5

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CONFESSIONAL IS A VERY IMPORTANT IDENTIFYING MARK OF THIS POWER

The Bible defines blasphemy as claiming to be God and or claiming to be able to forgive sin (See John 10:32-33; Mark 2:7). By the priest forgiving sinners the Roman Catholic Confessional shows itself to be blasphemous. Papal Rome claims both attributes and is the King of Daniel 11:36.

Mark 2:7 “Why doth this [man] thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?”

John 10:32,33 “Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.”

Matt 23:9 “And call no [man] your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.”

Lucius Ferraris, in his Prompta Bibliotheca which the Catholic Encyclopedia refers to as “a veritable encyclopedia of religious knowledge” and “a precious mine of information,” declares, in its article on the pope, that, “the pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man, but as it were God, and the vicar of God. . . . The pope is of such lofty and supreme dignity that, properly speaking, he has not been established in any rank of dignity, but rather has been placed upon the very summit of all ranks of dignities. . . . The pope is called most holy because he is rightfully presumed to be such...

“The pope alone is deservedly called by the name ‘most holy,’ because he alone is the vicar of Christ, who is the fountain and source and fullness of all holiness. . . . ‘He is likewise the divine monarch and supreme emperor, and king of kings.’ . . . Hence the pope is crowned with a triple crown, as king of heaven and of earth and of the lower regions. . . . Moreover the superiority and the power of the Roman Pontiff by no means pertain only to heavenly things, to earthly things, and to things under the earth, but are even over angels, than whom he is greater. . . . So that if it were possible that the angels might err in the faith, or might think contrary to the faith, they could be judged and excommunicated by the pope. . . . For he is of so great dignity and power that he forms one and the same tribunal with Christ. . . .

“The pope is as it were God on earth, sole sovereign of the faithful of Christ, chief king of kings, having plenitude of power, to whom has been intrusted by the omnipotent God direction not only of the earthly but also of the heavenly kingdom. . . . The pope is of so great authority and power that he can modify, explain, or interpret even divine laws.” Translated from Lucius Ferraris, Prompta Bibliotheca, art. “Papa,” II, Vol. VI, pp. 26-29.

“The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ Himself, hidden under veil of the flesh.” The Catholic National, July, 1895.

“The pope is crowned with a triple crown as king of heaven, and earth, and purgatory.” Ferraris’ Promptta Bibliotheca, Vol. VI, p 26, article “Papa.”

“What only God can do by his omnipotence, the priest can also do...Indeed it is not too much to say that in view of the sublimity of their office the priests are so many Gods.” Dignity and Duties of the Priest, Alphonsus De Liguori, p35.

“Seek where you will, through heaven and earth, and you will find one created being who can forgive the sinner, who can free him from the chains of hell. That extraordinary being is the priest, the Roman Catholic Priest.” The Catholic Priest, p. 78.

“Does the Priest truly remit [forgive] sins, or does he only declare they are remitted? The priest does really and truly remit the sin in virtue of the power given him by Christ.” Joseph Deharbe, S.J., A Complete Catechism of the Catholic Religion, p275.

“God Himself is obliged to abide by the judgment of His priests, and either not to pardon or to pardon according as they refuse or give absolution...The sentence of the priest precedes, and God subscribes to it.” Dignities and Duties of the Priest, Vol. 12, p. 27.

“This judicial authority will even include the power to pardon sin.” Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 12, art. Pope, p. 265.

“The Pope is supreme judge of the law of the land...He is the viceregent of Christ, and is not only a priest forever, but is King of kings and Lord of lords.” La Civilta Cattolica, March 18, 1871.

“Given in Rome from our palace, the 10th of February, 1817, the XIV Jurisdiction of the most holy Pontiff and Father in Christ, and our Lord our God the Pope, Leo XII...” Rome as It Is, p. 180.

“All names which in Scripture are applied to Christ, by virtue of which it is established that he is over the church, all the same names are applied to the Pope.” Cardinal Bellarmine, On the Authority of the Councils, Vol. 2, p. 266.

“The Pope is of so great authority and power that he can modify, explain, or interpret even Divine laws...THE POPE CAN MODIFY DIVINE LAW, since his power is not of man, but of God, and he acts in the place of God upon earth.” Lucius Ferraris, “Papa,” art. 2, in Prompta Bibliotheca.

“The pope has power to change times, to abrogate [change] laws, and to dispense [do away] with all things, even the precepts of Christ.” Decretal, De Translantic Episcop.

Papal Rome claims to be able to change the teachings and laws of God.

Papal Rome claims to be able to forgive sins against God, which is blasphemy (See Mark 2:7; Matt 23:9).

As noted above Papists have claimed that the Pope is Lord of lords and king of kings, a title reserved only for Christ and no mortal.

and shall prosper [PROSPERITY - The papacy prospered and became influential “...it [the little horn] cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.” Dan 8:12, 24. Compare the harlot of Rev 17:4 dripping with gold & jewels.

“How much she [the whore of Rev 17] hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously.” Rev 18:7]

till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined [in the investigative judgment] shall be done [“until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolator [Rome].” Dan 9:27. (margin)

verse 37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.

The Papacy did not regard the God of his fathers - the God of the Apostles

The apostles likened themselves to fathers of their converts (1 Cor 4:15; 3 John 4; Phil 1:10) Note: Though the apostles were in a way spiritual fathers of those converted through them we are not to call any man our spiritual Father. Matt 23:9.

By commanding unbiblical doctrines the Papacy shows that it does not regard the God of its ‘fathers.’ Papal Rome prefers its priests to be called “FATHER”, the priests are called “father such and such” and even the Pope is referred to as the holy father contrary to the scriptures. It demonstrates that Papal Rome does not regard the God of his fathers (the apostles). And who did the apostles believe was God? The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Papal Rome styles itself as Father, thereby denying the true Father and God of us all.

The Papacy did not regard Christ, the desire of "women"

Women represent churches and Christ is the desire of the churches. They all claim His name "Christian," but few do as He asks... In Isaiah 4:1 Christ is represented as the desire of women. Women symbolize churches (Jer 6:2; 2Cor 11:2). In the end-times many churches desire to be called by Christ’s name while doing what they want and not what Christ desires for them. The Papacy has not regarded Christ, the desire of churches, in that the Papacy has done contrary to Christ’s word - the Bible.

Incidentally marriage might also be called the desire of women, (Gen 3:16) and this is also forbidden the Catholic clergy and the Nuns.

“Although celibacy is not expressly enforced by the Saviour...the [Catholic] Church felt it her duty to lay it down as a law.” The Faith of Our Fathers, James Cardinal Gibbons, (Roman Catholic) 1917 ed., p401.

The Papacy thus disregards:

1. God (God the Father), by altering His Law.

2. The Desire of women (Jesus, the Son of God), by doing contrary to His teachings.

3. Any God, by claiming to be the Vicar (representative) of Christ and the only infallible interpreter of Scripture, whereas the Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit is Christ’s Spirit and infallible Interpreter.

The Papacy magnifies itself above all

Papal quotes show their self exaltation:

“The Pope is not only the representative of Jesus Christ, but he is Jesus Christ Himself, hidden under veil of the flesh.” The Catholic National, July, 1895.

“The pope is crowned with a triple crown as king of heaven, and earth, and purgatory.” Ferraris’ Promptta Bibliotheca, Vol. VI, p 26, article “Papa.”

“What only God can do by his omnipotence, the priest can also do...Indeed it is not too much to say that in view of the sublimity of their office the priests are so many Gods.” Dignity and Duties of the Priest, Alphonsus De Liguori, p35.

“The Pope is of so great authority and power that he can modify, explain, or interpret even Divine laws...THE POPE CAN MODIFY DIVINE LAW, since his power is not of man, but of God, and he acts in the place of God upon earth.” Lucius Ferraris, “Papa,” art. 2, in Prompta Bibliotheca

“The pope has power to change times, to abrogate [change] laws, and to dispense [do away] with all things, even the precepts of Christ.” Decretal, De Translantic Episcop.

verse 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.

Verse 37 said he regards no God except himself. The God of forces must therefore be himself. The word “forces” in this verse is from the Hebrew “mauwz” which means STRENGTH. The word “Rome‚“ in the New Testament is from the Greek “Rhome” and means “STRENGTH.” In the place of God, the Papacy worships the GOD OF FORCES - the GOD OF ROME. Christ draws by love. Rome compels by force.

The marginal reading of v 38 says, “...as for the Almighty God, IN HIS SEAT he shall honour yea, he shall honour A GOD, whom his fathers knew not.”

Paul called this power the “man of sin” “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God SITTETH IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD, shewing himself that he is God.”

The temple (Gr. naos) in which he would sit is the Christian church. See Eph 2:21-22.

Paul’s words in 2Thess 2 are clearly linked to Daniel 11. Paul speaks of a withholder that had to be taken out of the way to reveal the man of sin.

Daniel spoke of the daily which had to be taken away in order to set up the abomination that maketh desolate.

Paul spoke of the Man of sin sitting in the temple of God (evidently in God’s seat).

Daniel spoke of this power sitting in God’s seat.

Paul spoke of this self exalting power

Daniel spoke of this self exalting power.

Gold, silver, precious stones etc.

Rev 17 speaks of the whore of Babylon who fornicates with the kings of the earth and is decked in GOLD, PRECIOUS STONES etc. Claiming that she holds the keys to heaven or hell, Rome has had a captivating control over kings and nations.

verse 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.

MARIOLATRY – A god whom his fathers knew not. The worship of Mary, a strange god.

The papacy has gradually increased the place of Mary glorifying her to the level of a god.

She is venerated and bowed before which is sinful (Exo 20:5).

She is prayed to and called the mediatrix between God & man which is error (1Tim 2:5).

She has become the dispenser of the graces of Christ which is error (1Cor 12:11).

Papal Rome claims she was free from sin which is error (see Luke 1:47).

She has even been called the co-redeemer.

Cause them to rule over many

Exerting their influence through the places of power among the nations the Popes have increased in glory and ruled over many.