(1) Daniel 11-12

Daniel 11 presents a detailed account of the wars between two kings -- the King of the North (Syria) and the King of the South (Egypt). Verses 1 to 35 were fulfilled in history before the time of Christ. But from verse 36 to the end of the book everything is still to be fulfilled in the near future. The Church period, of approximately 2,000 years, was inserted between verses 35 and 36 of the chapter

1. This is not mentioned because the Church

is not recognized in prophecy. The Church is a mystery that was hidden in past ages. (Eph 3:2-7.)

Verses 36 to 39 give a brief description of the deeds of the stubborn king, the false Messiah of the Jews (the Antichrist) in the great tribulation. He will promote iniquity and idolatry, and will lead many to apostasy. He will continue his course of iniquity until the Indignation* (v. 36). As the Indignation begins (v. 40), the King of the South (Egypt and its allies, v. 43) will invade the land of Israel coming from the south. This is point no. 1 in this summary.

[ Note: *The Indignation is the period in which the hatred of the Gentile nations will be discharged in open war against Israel. This will cover a period of approximately two and a half months (75 days) at the end of the tribulation and before the Millennium is introduced. See diagram "The Seventieth Week of Daniel". ] The King of the North (we have already seen that there will be a confederation of Arab nations allied with him) will fall upon Israel coming from the north and will desolate it (vv. 40,41), as well as many other neighboring nations. He will continue his conquest toward Egypt, also defeating its armies. This is point no. 2.

While he is plundering Egypt, the King of the North will hear news coming from the north. This is a veiled reference to the Beast and his armies (the Western Confederation) entering the land of Israel (which lies geographically to the north of Egypt) in an attempt to defend it. This is point no. 3.

At the same time, the King of the North will also hear news coming from the east that probably refer to the coming of Christ with the heavenly armies to destroy the Western Confederation. The coming of Christ will apparently take place from the east. Matt 24:27. This is point no. 4.

After hearing this news, the King of the North will return from Egypt, going toward the land of Israel, and will be destroyed by the Lord (vv. 44,45). This is point no. 5.

After the Lord has dealt with the Western Confederation and with the King of the North, Daniel's people (his people were the Jews -- the two tribes -- who from then on will be identified as the faithful Jewish remnant) will be delivered and restored to the Lord (Dan 12:1). On that occasion the Lord will also bring about a resurrection of the nation and bring back the ten tribes that were scattered over all the face of the earth. In them there will be two classes of people: the true and the false. The rebels (the false) will be plucked out from among them before they enter the land. The legitimate ones will enter the land and enjoy the blessings of the Millennium (Dan 12:2-3). This explains the interval in this summary between points 5 and 6.

Points 6 and 7 of this summary are not included in this outline of Daniel, for Daniel's subject is the course of the times of the Gentiles which will end with the appearing of Christ (Luke 21:24-28). Gog will come down after the Lord has returned and established His Kingdom in Israel and, therefore, is not focused on in his prophecy.