The pressure to compromise is part and parcel to a fallen world under Satan’s control. Nevertheless, the preservation of God’s remnant is a standing, divine promise. Those of the remnant are described as law-abiding citizens of heaven, who love Him and keep His commandments.
Read MoreThe removal of the seat of the empire from Rome to Constantinople signaled the downfall of the empire in the west. In addition to the loss of prestige, the west was left vulnerable to the incursions of foreign enemies.
Read MoreThe church was growing like wildfire. In the wake of imprisonment and death for Christians, many others were springing to life in their place.
Read MoreResistance to Roman rule was broken with the defeat of Antony and Cleopatra, a turning point in Roman history. The 3000-year Ptolemaic dynasty ended. Egypt lost independence and became a Roman province, and Rome itself changed from a republic to an empire.
Read MoreThrough “leagues of friendship” and political alliances, Rome’s foundation was laid . . .
Read MoreBut as soon as he was in full power, his suspicious, insecure nature took over. Thousands were executed at the slightest perception of a threat to his power.
Read MoreIt was during the reign of Augustus Caesar that Rome reached the pinnacle of its greatness.
Read MoreThe conspirators defended themselves, claiming they were acting on behalf of the Roman Republic. After the murder, the Senate changed the name of his birth month from Quintilis to July in his honor. Nevertheless, Julius Caesar’s assassination sparked a series of civil wars that paved the way for his adopted son Octavian, actually a great-nephew, to rise to power.
Read MoreIn those days, the Jews held the frontier gateways into Egypt. Influenced by Antipater the Idumaean (father of Herod the Great, ruler of Judea at the time of the birth of the Messiah), they had permitted the Roman army to pass into Egypt with no opposition.
Read MoreCleopatra’s devious career of illegitimate romance and intrigue foreshadows the rise of another “woman”. In Biblical prophecy, a woman is a symbol for a church.
Read More“Withdraw immediately, or consider yourself at war with Rome.” Antiochus initially responded that he would reply after consulting with his officers. With his cane, Popilius Laenas drew a circle in the sand around Antiochus Epiphanes and specified that he must give his answer before leaving the circle.
Read MoreThe news of Ptolemy IV’s death and his successor, Ptolemy V—a small child—inspired a spirit of exploitation of the weakened circumstances of Egypt, a spirit that spread all across the northern regions and even took root among the Jews.
Read MorePtolemy’s interactions with the Jews became even more tense when he declared his determination to see inside the Most Holy Place of the temple. With tremendous difficulty the Jews restrained him from doing so.
Read MoreThe kings of the North and of the South are showing a historical pattern of desiring dominance. But neither side is in alignment with God. Through these historical events, there is a symbolism for our time—in earth’s last days—being established.
Read MoreThese divisions from a single body show the futility of mankind’s strife against itself, all for the purpose of self-exaltation. The mindset of man’s glory over God will result in continuous strife until God Himself brings it to a close.
Read MoreThese heinous acts did not pass unnoticed in Egypt, as we will soon see how the revengeful “ancient soap opera” continues. And an ongoing negative influence pounded the tiny nation of Israel, who repeatedly allowed shallow and worldly influences to turn their attention away from God.
Read MoreIn the very middle of these divisions was Israel. Not only was the “traffic” of those traveling between the northern areas (Syria) and southern areas (Egypt), straight through Palestine, there was also the constant political push-and-pull of these upon the inhabitants of the Promised Land.
Read MoreThe parenthetical statement of Gabriel that began in the middle of the closing verse of chapter 10 is completed in the opening verse of chapter 11. It seems an unusual place to divide chapters, but it helps to cement the preparation of Daniel that occurred in chapter 10 to the revelation just ahead . . . .
Read MoreSpiritual battles, though we cannot see them with our eyes, are indescribably fierce. None of us would stand a chance of making it out alive if it were not for mighty angels who do battle on our behalf. But sometimes even they need help.
Read MoreThe root cause of this world’s constant battle for power is the rebellion of Lucifer in heaven before our world was created. It was a challenge to God’s authority, His law, His very character!
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