June 19: IN THE INTERVAL (part 1)
At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with many chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. Daniel 11:40
The first phrase above serves as another reminder that the time of the end is marked by a distinct event: the king of the South shall attack [the king of the North]. In the King James Version of Scripture, it is stated: shall push at him. This wording is an effective reminder that, though it seemed like a deadly wound (Revelation 13:3,12), the attack was only a push, signifying that after the event of 1798 a full recovery is to come in the future. To be clear, this event was the removal of the pope from his throne in Rome by Napoleon Bonaparte’s military, led by his General Berthier. This occurred precisely at the end of the previous period (often called the Middle Ages or Dark Ages): 1260 years of papal supremacy which had a distinct beginning in 538AD when the last of the three nations (Heruli, Vandals, and Ostrogoths) who had opposed the rising papal power* was plucked up by the roots (Daniel 7:8).
Today’s opening verse ‘houses’ the interval between the last two of Rome’s three phases. Rome is the fourth power prophetically shown to Daniel (see 2:33; 7:7-8, 19-25; 8:9-12). This power will remain in existence until Jesus returns (Daniel 7:11, Malachi 4:1; Revelation 19:20; 20:10). Its first phase ran from 168BC to 476AD. These 644 years comprised pagan Rome. After its implosion in 476, it divided into ten tribes, seven of which are major European nations today. Though repeated attempts have been made to reunite divided Rome, God’s word tell’s us that it will never happen: they shall not cleave one to another (Daniel 2:43).
After pagan Rome fell, the aftermath was filled with strife and turmoil. During this time, Rome reemerged onto the world stage in a different form. This time it was not only a political power but also a religious one – with a man at its head. This religio-political state sprang up as a little horn (7:8), but it incrementally gained power. He eventually became more stout than his fellows (v.20). This little horn is also described as exceedingly great (8:9). These things describe the second phase of Rome that lasted from 538 to 1798: the rise and dominance of the papacy.
Chapter 11 of Daniel builds upon the prophecies (history in advance) of earlier chapters. Satan has dominant influence over both groups (north and south) cited in this chapter (v.27). The king (and kingdom) of the North would be the papacy and all who support it, which we will later see includes multiple millions of non-Catholics. The king (and kingdom) of the South is made up of atheism and all pagan religions, including Islam.
The third and final phase of Rome is taking shape before our eyes. Healed papal Rome will fully emerge onto the world stage; even now we see this taking shape. Though both sides are speaking lies at the same table (11:27), neither side will prosper in the end. Though both sides are markedly different, events are soon to come that will unify them. But they will be unified in error.
And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. Revelation 13:3
*Key players in this momentous power shift were Byzantine General Belisarius, Pope Vigilius, and Emperor Justinian I.