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The King of the North December 25, 2004, Revised March 7, 2016

By Tony Dugo tdugo@att.net

There is a saying that goes “you can give a man a theory, but the facts will come trooping in afterwards.”

History and prophecy go hand-in-hand, and are inseparable, but the sad situation within our denomination

today is that many of our brothers and sisters misunderstand how history proves prophecy and how it

charts the way for future events that will be fulfilled. And because of our condition as a people God sends

us strong admonition to wake us up. “Hear the word of the LORD, ye children of Israel: for the LORD hath

a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of

God in the land. My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge,

I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God,

I will also forget thy children.” Hosea 4:1, 6

How do I know this?

It is because the pen of Inspiration says, “As the storm approaches, a large class who have professed

faith in the third angel's message, but have not been sanctified through obedience to the truth, abandon

their position and join the ranks of the opposition. By uniting with the world and partaking of its spirit,

they have come to view matters in nearly the same light; and when the test is brought, they are prepared

to choose the easy, popular side. Men of talent and pleasing address, who once rejoiced in the truth,

employ their powers to deceive and mislead souls. They become the most bitter enemies of their former

brethren. When Sabbathkeepers are brought before the courts to answer for their faith, these apostates

are the most efficient agents of Satan to misrepresent and accuse them, and by false reports and

insinuations to stir up the rulers against them.” GC 608.2

In other words, the unconverted in the church will join with the Sunday-keepers when the Image of the

Beast System is being setup, and also when the Time of Trouble begins. Then comes the Loud Cry to be

proclaimed by the 144,000 that are delivered (Dan. 12:1), who will be given the Pentecostal power to

gather in the Great Multitude.

Probation closes for the church first (Dan.12:1; 1 Peter 4:17), and then the Great Multitude’s probation

will close after the harvest of the Great Multitude is complete. Hence, two probations, one for the church,

and one for the Great Multitude, then the seven last plagues are poured out and Jesus comes after the

seventh plague.

EW 85.2, 3 “On page 33 is given the following: ‘I saw that the holy Sabbath is, and will be, the separating

wall between the true Israel of God and unbelievers; and that the Sabbath is the great question to unite

the hearts of God's dear, waiting saints. I saw that God had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath.

They have not rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we were

filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more fully.’ This view was given

in 1847 when there were but very few of the Advent brethren observing the Sabbath, and of these but

few supposed that its observance was of sufficient importance to draw a line between the people of God

and unbelievers. Now the fulfilment of that view is beginning to be seen. ‘The commencement of that

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time of trouble,’ here mentioned does not refer to the time when the plagues shall begin to be poured

out, but to a short period just before they are poured out, while Christ is in the sanctuary. At that time,

while the work of salvation is closing, trouble will be coming on the earth, and the nations will be angry,

yet held in check so as not to prevent the work of the third angel. At that time the ‘latter rain,’ or

refreshing from the presence of the Lord, will come, to give power to the loud voice of the third angel,

and prepare the saints to stand in the period when the seven last plagues shall be poured out.”

The book of Daniel reveals historically and prophetically God’s dealing with all nations. Each successive

world power in the prophetic chain had an opportunity to know the divine will of God. Each nation’s rise

and fall is based upon their adherence to, or the rejecting of God’s law. The entire chain of events foretold

in Daniel eleven is devoted to the king of the south and to the king of the north. The acts of the king of

the north are especially emphasized showing that the whole prophetic account is given predominantly to

expose his meddling with holy things of God.

“The history of nations that one after another have occupied their allotted time and place, unconsciously

witnessing to the truth of which they themselves knew not the meaning, speaks to us. To every nation

and to every individual of today God has assigned a place in His great plan. Today men and nations are

being measured by the plummet in the hand of Him who makes no mistake. All are by their own choice

deciding their destiny, and God is overruling all for the accomplishment of His purposes. The history which

the great I AM has marked out in His word, uniting link after link in the prophetic chain, from eternity in

the past to eternity in the future, tells us where we are today in the procession of the ages, and what may

be expected in the time to come.” Ed. p. 178.

Most Bible students know that Sister White was given but limited knowledge regarding Daniel eleven,

therefore, I would like to share a few notes of interest from the Spirit of Prophecy along with proven

historical facts that you will find to be true. The world at large is well aware of the present turmoil now

existing in the Middle East region. And as believers, we need to examine closely both the Biblical proof

and History’s record in applying the information to the scene now unfolding before us. When the weight

of prophetic evidence is considered, one cannot deny the already proven facts of History, as clearly

revealed. For this reason, the intent of this publication is to alert the reader to these conclusive facts,

which undeniably hold authority over any former theories.

Daniel eleven verse one begins with Darius the Mede, and verse two is about the conflict of Persia and

Greece. Verse three is about “a mighty king,” which is Alexander the Great who conquered Persia. Verse

four is the death of Alexander the Great and his kingdom divided to his four generals. Verse five begins

the introduction of the “first king of the south.”

The question that arises out of chapter eleven is who controls the “glorious land” (Palestine) and Egypt?

Most Seventh-day Adventists agree that Ptolemy was the first “king of the south” of verse 5, and Pagan

Rome was the first “king of the north” of verse 15. Palestine and Egypt is the main point consistent all

through Daniel 11, it is the key.

When you look closely at the “king of the south” and “king of the north,” these two powers alternately

occupy these territories. Then why not follow history? Rome lost Palestine and Egypt sometime in history,

and then another power followed and so on, until you get to the last “king of the north.”

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Spirit of Prophecy does say that the faithful people of God will be “convinced by the weight of evidence.-

-God is presenting to the minds of men divinely appointed precious gems of truth, appropriate for our

time. God has rescued these truths from the companionship of error, and has placed them in their proper

frame-work. When these truths are given their rightful position in God’s great plan, when they are

presented intelligently and earnestly, and with reverential awe, by the Lord’s servants, many will

conscientiously believe because of the weight of evidence, without waiting for every supposed difficulty

which may suggest itself to their minds, to be removed.--Manuscript 8a, 1888.” Ev. p. 122.

Therefore, we must look closely at Daniel eleven and find what the “king of the south” and “king of the

north” have in common. The Bible tells us, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” 1 Thess. 5:21.

The Glorious Land, and Egypt

First, let us begin by looking at what the “king of the north” does in Daniel 11:40-42, “And at the time of

the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a

whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries,

and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be

overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children

of Ammon. He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.”

From these verses it is shown that the “king of the north” takes the “glorious land”–Palestine and “Egypt”

from the “king of the south.”

The Bible tells us to compare scripture with scripture. “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon

precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.” Isaiah 28:10.

Then let us compare verses: 40, 41 with 15, 16. Daniel 11:15, 16 says, “So the king of the north shall come,

and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand,

neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand. But he that cometh against

him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious

land, which by his hand shall be consumed.”

What does the king of the north take away from the king of the south? The “glorious land.” The Bible

reveals this transition between the kings for control in that region. When “the king of the north” takes

possession of the “glorious land” twice according to verses 15, 16 and 40, 41, then it proves that “the king

of the south” had the glorious land and Egypt, and lost it twice.

What and where is the “glorious land” that the “king of the north” takes away from the “king of the

south”? Here is what the Seventh-day Adventists Bible Commentary Vol. 4, page 869 says – “Glorious land.

That is, Palestine (see on ch. 8:9). According to the view that the Romans are introduced in Dan. 11:14,

the conquest of Palestine here described is believed to be that of Pompey…”

The Lord Himself calls this the “glory of all lands.” “And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; In the

day when I chose Israel, and lifted up mine hand unto the seed of the house of Jacob, and made myself

known unto them in the land of Egypt, when I lifted up mine hand unto them, saying, I am the LORD your

God; In the day that I lifted up mine hand unto them, to bring them forth of the land of Egypt into a land

that I had espied for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands.” Ezek. 20: 5, 6.

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Ptolemy and Pagan Rome

The control of both Palestine and Egypt begins with the Ptolemy Dynasty. This is what Daniel 11:5 says,

“And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and

have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.”

The Seventh-day Adventists Bible Commentary Vol. 4, page 866 says – “The king of the south from this

point on through much of the chapter, the prophecy focuses on two kingdoms emerging from Alexander’s

empire with which God’s people, the Jews, had most to do. These were Syria, ruled by Seleucids, and

Egypt, ruled by the Ptolemies. From the geographical standpoint of Palestine, the former was north

[Seleucids], and the latter, south [Ptolemies]. The original Greek translation, in fact, has ‘king of Egypt’ for

‘king of the south;’ also verse 8 points to Egypt as king of the south.”

Note, in verses 41, 42, “the king of the north” takes Palestine and Egypt. It is during the reign of these

successive kings that they alternately control both Palestine and Egypt. The Bible and history reveals that

the first “king of the south” in verse 5 is the Ptolemy Dynasty. The first “king of the north” according to

verses 15 and 16 is the Roman Empire, which conquered Palestine in 63 BC and Egypt in 31 BC.

The “king of the north” in verses 15 and 16, the Roman Empire, takes possession of the “glorious land.”

And again, the “king of the north” in verse 40, 41, had to take the “glorious land” away a second time. The

Roman Empire lost reign sometime after verses 15 and 16, to the “king of the south.”

In other words, the “king of the north,” the Roman Empire, lost Palestine and Egypt somewhere between

verses 22-39. This is where most people begin to try and guess the identity of the next king, but as you

follow history it will reveal the identity of the next “king of the south.”

S.D.A. Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, pp. 824, 825

Ptolemy Empire

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The Rise of the Ottoman Empire

It should be obvious that the “glorious land”–Palestine, and Egypt is the key in hand. Then let the pen of

prophecy (Dan. 11) be traced on the map of history to know who the successive rulers were of Palestine

and Egypt.

Here is what history recorded: “In A.D. 395 the Roman Empire split into eastern and western halves, with

the west under severe pressure from the Barbarians. Rome was sacked in 410 by the Visigoths, and

western empire fell to German invaders in 476; the east continued as the Christian Byzantine Roman

Empire until 1453.” Britannica Encyclopedia 2004 CD-ROM.

Though Rome was split in two halves, the Eastern half still continued to occupy Palestine and Egypt during

the Christianized Byzantine period from about 313-636 A.D.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Byzantium550.png

Byzantine Empire around 550 A.D.

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History explains further what begins to happen: “From 637 A.D. it (Jerusalem) was ruled by various Muslim

dynasties, except for short periods during the Crusades. Rule by the Ottoman Empire ended in 1917, and

the city (Jerusalem) became the capital of the British mandate of Palestine.” Britannica Encyclopedia 2004

CD-ROM.

The Roman grip on Palestine and Egypt fell to Muslims that controlled that region up to about 1919. From

637 to 1095 various Muslim dynasties conquered the Middle East, but it was the Ottoman Empire from

1095-1917 that controlled BOTH Palestine and Egypt when they were attacked by the “king of the north”–

Papal Rome through the Crusaders.

The Ottoman Empire was the next ruling power that controlled both Palestine and Egypt, which came

after the Roman Empire. There is no misconstruing the Historical facts.

Daniel 11:25 says, “And he [king of the north] 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.”

Daniel says in the verse 25, “he” will attempt to take it back. Pagan Rome lost the title “king of the north”

and the title passed to the Papacy because the papacy instigated the crusades. “And he shall stir up his

power and his courage against the king of the south?”

The Crusades instigated by Papal Rome

The “he” is the “king of the north” because he is coming against the “king of the south.” This is what the

Bible says about this “king of the north.” The diverse beast of Daniel 7: 7, 8; 8:9-12 is Rome in three phases:

pagan, papal and Rome in the present unstable world. The reason for the three phases is that the dream

of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue, which reveals the feet as part iron and clay, “partly strong, and partly broken”

(the present unstable world). The metal iron, symbolizes Rome, just like the Gold symbolizes Babylon, the

silver–Medo-Persia, the brass– Grecia.

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When pagan Rome collapsed, her title as “king of the north” was passed to the second phase–Papal Rome.

History records that the Papal system was in power by 538 A.D. It was years later, 1095 A.D. that the first

crusade began. “He (the king of the north) shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the

south…. but he shall not stand.” History corroborates with prophecy because the Ottoman Empire was in

power and controlled both Palestine and Egypt at the time of the Crusades.

Here is what history records; “The Crusades were seen by many of their participants as a means of

redemption and expiation for sins. Between 1095, when the First Crusade was launched by Pope Urban II

at the Council of Clermont, and 1291, when the Latin Christians were finally expelled from their kingdom

in Syria, there were numerous expeditions to the Holy Land, to Spain, and even to the Baltic; the Crusades

continued for several centuries after 1291, usually as military campaigns intended to halt or slow the

advance of Muslim power or to conquer pagan areas. The Crusaders initially enjoyed success, founding a

Christian state in Palestine and Syria, but the continued growth of Islamic states ultimately reversed those

gains. By the 14th century the Ottoman Turks had established themselves in the Balkans and would

penetrate deeper into Europe despite repeated efforts to repulse them.” Britannica Encyclopedia 2004

CD-ROM.

Verse 25 refers to the Ottoman Empire and the Crusaders. The papacy used the civil arm to try to conquer

Palestine, but only captured Jerusalem for a short time. Other crusades to Palestine were unsuccessful.

Babylon

Medo-Persia

Grecia

Pagan Rome Papal Rome

Present Unstable

World

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Verse 25 “… but he” (king of the north) “shall not stand.” The Muslim Dynasties reigned for about 1300

years throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa.

History records the truth with the key–“the glorious land” (Palestine), and Egypt. With this key in our hand

we can now unlock Heaven’s storehouse of truth. We can trace the pen of prophecy on the map of history,

and know without a doubt who these successive kings are.

From this point forward we have learned that the first “king of the south” in verse 5 is the Ptolemy

Dynasty. The first “king of the north” in verse 15 is the Roman Empire. The second “king of the south,”

in verse 25, is the Ottoman Empire.

Through Inspiration Daniel made no mistake in writing the course of history of these kings. To disagree

with Daniel or history will lead to a losing argument because prophecy and history go hand–in–hand.

Here is what Inspiration says about history and prophecy: “…All that prophecy has foretold as coming to

pass, until the present time, has been traced on the pages of history, and we may be assured that all

which is yet to come will be fulfilled in its order. The final overthrow of all earthly dominions is plainly

foretold in the word of truth. In the prophecy uttered when sentence from God was pronounced upon

the last king of Israel is given the message: ‘Thus saith the Lord God; Remove the diadem, and take off

the crown: . . . exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and

it shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him.’ Ezekiel 21:26, 27. The crown

removed from Israel passed successively to the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.

God says, ‘It shall be no more, until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him.’ That time is at hand.

Today the signs of the times declare that we are standing on the threshold of great and solemn events.

“Everything in our world is in agitation. Before our eyes is fulfilling the Saviour’s prophecy of the events

to precede His coming: ‘Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. . . . Nation shall rise against nation, and

kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.’

Matthew 24:6, 7. The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men

who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention

fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the strained, restless relations that exist

among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they

recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place--that the world is on the verge of a

stupendous crisis.” Education, pp. 178,179.

Sister White makes it very clear that the pen of inspiration is traced on the map of history. When we

apply this simple rule, then we will have a correct understanding of this prophecy of Daniel 11. The same

is true with Daniel 2, 7, 8 and 9. History cannot be changed.

Note, the Papacy could not gain control of Palestine through the crusaders, and never controlled Egypt,

but the Papacy did do “mischief and speaks lies” (verse 27) against its own people and persecuted many

Christians, and the Papacy was against the “holy covenant” (verses 28-30, 32), and “they shall pollute the

sanctuary” and took away the daily (verse 31).

What is the key? “glorious land” (Palestine) and Egypt.

Sometime in history the Ottoman Empire declined and another Empire acquired Palestine and Egypt.

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This brings us down to verse 40, concerning the “king of the north,” which takes away the “glorious land”

in verse 41, from the “king of the south.”

Here is what took place in history. “The Ottoman power began to decline in the late 16th century after

the imperial fleet was destroyed at the Battle of Lepanto (1571). Ottoman forces repeatedly besieged

Vienna. Their final effort at taking the Austrian capital in 1683 failed. That failure and subsequent losses

led them to relinquish Hungary in 1699. Corruption and decadence gradually undermined the

government. In the 18th century the Russo-Turkish Wars and wars with Austria and Poland further

weakened the empire, which in the 19th century came to be called the ‘sick man of Europe.’ Most of its

remaining European territory was lost in the Balkan Wars (1912–13). It sided with Germany in World War

I (1914–18); postwar treaties dissolved the empire, and in 1922 the sultanate was abolished by Mustafa

Kemal Atatürk, who proclaimed the Republic of Turkey the following year.” Britannica Encyclopedia 2004

CD-ROM.

The British Empire

History goes on to explain further what became of the Ottoman Empire. “… In the 19th-century European

partition of Africa, Britain acquired Nigeria, Egypt, the territories that would become British East Africa,

and part of what would become the Union (later Republic) of South Africa. After World War I, Britain

secured mandates to German East Africa, part of the Cameroons, part of Togo, German South-West

Africa, Mesopotamia, Palestine, and part of the German Pacific islands.” Britannica Encyclopedia 2004

CD-ROM.

Passing from the “king of the south,” the Ottoman Empire to the “king of the north,” the British Empire

by the British Mandates, Britain secured most of the Middle East–in particular Palestine and Egypt. In

fact, Britain and France redrew the boundary lines for the Middle East to divide up the countries into their

current states.

The Bible and history reveal that these four Empires–Ptolemy, Rome, Ottoman and Britain are the

successive empires that controlled both Palestine and Egypt during their reign. The book of Daniel gives

us the key that unlocks the prophecy. The key is “glorious land” (Palestine) and Egypt. It is these kings of

the south and the north that alternately controlled Palestine and Egypt.

The last verse of Daniel 11:45 is yet to be fulfilled because it says “he shall plant the tabernacles of his

palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help

him.”

Historical evidence proves that the “king of the north” in verse 41, had lost the title after England

terminated its Mandates with what is known today as Palestine, Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. “But

these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.”

When Britain terminated the British Mandates Israel became a state, then the title was given to another

power. The title “king of the north” is passed on similar to the time when Pagan Rome passed the title to

Papal Rome from the mother to daughter.

Who is the daughter of Great Britain today?

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The United States

James White wrote the following, “…Michael is to stand up at the time that the last power in chapter 11,

comes to his end, and none to help him. This power is the last that treads down the true church of God:

and as the true church is still trodden down, cast out by all Christendom, it follows that the last oppressive

power has not ‘come to his end;’ and Michael has not stood up. This last power that treads down the

saints is brought to view in Revelation 13: 11-18. His number is 666.”A Word to the Little Flock, pp. 8, 9.

Note that Brother White wrote that the last power of Daniel 11:45 and the two horn beast of Rev. 13:11-

18 bears the number “666.” All three are one and the same power.

Here is what the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary Vol. 7, p. 823 says about the number “666,”

“…The principle exponent of this interpretation was Andrew Helwig (c. 1572-1643; see L. E. Froom, The

Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 2, pp. 605-608). Many since his day have adopted this interpretation.

Inasmuch as this commentary identifies the beast as the papacy, it also accepts this view as being the best

thus far presented, though recognizing that there may be more implied in the cryptogram than this

interpretation provides.”

Note that the interpretation by Andrew Helwig concerning the papacy bearing the number “666” did not

originate with the Seventh-day Adventists Denomination because this application was given back in 1572-

1643. The SDA Church had its beginnings in 1844.

What does inspiration say?

“The Bible must not be interpreted to suit the ideas of men, however long they may have held these ideas

to be true. We are not to accept the opinion of commentators as the voice of God; they were erring

mortals like ourselves. God has given reasoning powers to us as well as to them. We should make the Bible

its own expositor.” TM, 106.

Is the SDA Bible commentary inspired?

No, Inspiration puts it on the “two horn beast” of Revelation 13:11-18. Brother White is writing about the

“king of the north” in Daniel 11:45. He also applies the two horn beast of Revelation 13:11-18, and his

number “666” as one and the same power. Spirit of Prophecy says that the two horn beast power is the

United States.

History reveals the successive powers that controlled Palestine and Egypt. The Scriptures show that the

United States is the last power to control not only Palestine and Egypt, but most of the Middle East.

Nevertheless, “he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.”

“It is necessary that our unity today be of a character that will bear the test of trial. . . . We have many

lessons to learn, and many, many to unlearn. God and Heaven alone are infallible. Those who think that

they will never have to give up a cherished view, never have occasion to change an opinion, will be

disappointed. As long as we hold to our own ideas and opinions with determined persistency, we cannot

have the unity for which Christ prayed. When a brother receives new light upon the Scriptures, he should

frankly explain his position, and every minister should search the Scriptures with the spirit of candor to

see if the points presented can be substantiated by the inspired word. ‘The servant of the Lord must not

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strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose

themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.’ 2 Timothy

2:24, 25.” CET 203.

Sister White substantiated James White’s statements out of “A Word to the Little Flock.” If not, she would

have corrected him on his mistakes. Therefore, what he wrote is correct. Note the following quotations

where Sister White identifies this last power.

“But the beast with lamblike horns was seen ‘coming up out of the earth.’ Instead of overthrowing other

powers to establish itself, the nation thus represented must arise in territory preciously unoccupied and

grow up gradually and peacefully. It could not, then, arise among the crowded and struggling nationalities

of the Old World--that turbulent sea of ‘peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.’ It must be

sought in the Western Continent.

“What nation of the New World was in 1798 rising into power, giving promise of strength and greatness,

and attracting the attention of the world? The application of the symbol admits of no question. One

nation, and only one, meets the specifications of this prophecy; it points unmistakably to the United States

of America.

“‘And he had two horns like a lamb.’ The lamblike horns indicate youth, innocence, and gentleness, fitly

representing the character of the United States when presented to the prophet as ‘coming up’ in 1798….

“…Republicanism and Protestantism became the fundamental principles of the nation. These principles

are the secret of its power and prosperity. The oppressed and downtrodden throughout Christendom

have turned to this land with interest and hope. Millions have sought its shores, and the United States has

risen to a place among the most powerful nations of the earth.

“But the beast with lamblike horns ‘spake as a dragon. And he [United States] exerciseth all the power of

the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast,

whose deadly wound was healed; . . . saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an

image to the beast, [set up a system just like what the papacy had] which had the wound by a sword, and

did live.’ Revelation 13:11-14.

“The lamblike horns and dragon voice of the symbol point to a striking contradiction between the

professions and the practice of the nation thus represented. The ‘speaking’ of the nation is the action of

its legislative and judicial authorities. [The United States through the legislative and judicial system

enforces a Sunday law, not the Papacy.] By such action it will give the lie to those liberal and peaceful

principles which it has put forth as the foundation of its policy. The prediction that it will speak ‘as a

dragon’ and exercise ‘all the power of the first beast’ plainly foretells a development of the spirit of

intolerance and persecution that was manifested by the nations represented by the dragon and the

leopardlike beast. And the statement that the beast with two horns ‘causeth the earth and them which

dwell therein to worship the first beast’ indicates that the authority of this nation is to be exercised in

enforcing some observance which shall be an act of homage to the papacy.” GC, 440-442.

“The prophecy of Revelation 13 declares that the power represented by the beast with lamblike horns

shall cause ‘the earth and them which dwell therein’ to worship the papacy --there symbolized by the

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beast ‘like unto a leopard.’ The beast with two horns is also to say ‘to them that dwell on the earth, that

they should make an image to the beast;’ and, furthermore, it is to command all, ‘both small and great,

rich and poor, free and bond,’ to receive the mark of the beast [Revelation 13:11-16]. It has been shown

that the United States is the power represented by the beast with lamblike horns, and that this prophecy

will be fulfilled when the United States shall enforce Sunday observance, which Rome claims as the

special acknowledgment of her supremacy. But in this homage to the papacy the United States will not be

alone.” GC, 578, 579.

Inspiration says that it is the United States that enforces the mark, which is Sunday observance. This is an

act of worshiping the papacy, giving tribute or homage. When the United States enforces the Sunday law

then Apostate Protestantism, Catholicism and Spiritualism reign as a three-fold power for a short period

of time.

Inspiration says, “by the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God, our

nation [the United States] will disconnect herself fully from righteousness. When Protestantism shall

stretch her hand across the gulf to grasp the hand of the Roman power, when she shall reach over the

abyss to clasp hands with spiritualism, when, under the influence of this threefold union, our country shall

repudiate every principle of its Constitution as a Protestant and republican government, and shall make

provision for the propagation of papal falsehoods and delusions, then we may know that the time has

come for the marvelous working of Satan and that the end is near. Through the two great errors, the

immortality of the soul and Sunday sacredness, Satan will bring the people under his deceptions. While

the former lays the foundation of spiritualism, the latter creates a bond of sympathy with Rome. The

Protestants of the United States will be foremost in stretching their hands across the gulf to grasp the

hand of spiritualism; they will reach over the abyss to clasp hands with the Roman power; and under the

influence of this threefold union, this country will follow in the steps of Rome in trampling on the rights

of conscience. . . . Papists, Protestants, and worldling will alike accept the form of godliness without the

power, and they will see in this union a grand movement for the conversion of the world and the ushering

in of the long-expected millennium. When our nation [the United States] shall so abjure the principles

of its government as to enact a Sunday law, Protestantism will in this act join hands with popery; it will

be nothing else than giving life to the tyranny which has long been eagerly watching its opportunity to

spring again into active despotism.” Maranatha 190.

“God has revealed what is to take place in the last days, that His people may be prepared to stand against

the tempest of opposition and wrath. Those who have been warned of the events before them are not to

sit in calm expectation of the coming storm, comforting themselves that the Lord will shelter His faithful

ones in the day of trouble. We are to be as men waiting for their Lord, not in idle expectancy, but in earnest

work, with unwavering faith. It is no time now to allow our minds to be engrossed with things of minor

importance. While men are sleeping, Satan is actively arranging matters so that the Lord’s people may not

have mercy or justice. The Sunday movement is now making its way in darkness. The leaders are

concealing the true issue, and many who unite in the movement do not themselves see whither the

undercurrent is tending. Its professions are mild and apparently Christian, but when it shall speak it will

reveal the spirit of the dragon. It is our duty to do all in our power to avert the threatened danger. We

should endeavor to disarm prejudice by placing ourselves in a proper light before the people. We should

bring before them the real question at issue, thus interposing the most effectual protest against measures

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to restrict liberty of conscience. We should search the Scriptures and be able to give the reason for our

faith. Says the prophet: ‘The wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the

wise shall understand.’” 5T 452.

Sister White wrote in 7BC, 977, that the “mark of the beast not yet applied. Sundaykeeping is not yet the

mark of the beast, and will not be until the decree goes forth causing men to worship this idol sabbath.

The time will come when this day will be the test, but that time has not come yet.”

The Spirit of Prophecy has many more quotations proving that it is through the Protestants of the United

States that the Sunday law will be enforced. It is this last power, the United States that inherits the title

“king of the north” and the number “666.” This reference is worth emphasizing twice because it is

important what James White wrote, “…Michael is to stand up at the time that the last power in chapter

11, comes to his end, and none to help him.” He is referring to Daniel 11:45.

“This power is the last that treads down the true church of God: and as the true church is still trodden

down, cast out by all Christendom, it follows that the last oppressive power has not ‘come to his end;’ and

Michael has not stood up. This last power that treads down the saints is brought to view in Revelation 13:

11-18. His number is 666.”A Word to the Little Flock, pp. 8, 9.

This “beast with two horns,” the United States and his “mark”, Sunday, bear the number “666.” Since the

“number of a man,” means “the beast represents a human organization.” Seventh-day Adventists Bible

Commentary Vol. 7, p. 824.

Another interesting fact to remember is that man was created on the sixth day of creation. And since six

is not a complete number, then the number six must apply to man.

Then, “count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man.” In other words, the United States

represents a man made institution, led by a man whose influence goes far and wide throughout the earth.

It is through this institution that a man enforces his mark, Sunday keeping.

It cannot be said of the leopard-like beast of Rev. 13:1-10, that he is represented by a man because the

leopard-like beast represents many nations, the entire world in their time, both civil and religious.

Inspiration states that by the “law of the land” the Law of God will be made void. “…In exalting an

institution of man above the institution ordained of God, they show contempt for the great Lawgiver, and

refuse His sign or seal (RH Nov. 5, 1889).” 7BC 977.

The Bible says, “and he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark

in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or

the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count

the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.”

Revelation13:16-18.

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Since prophecy reveals that the beast with “two horns like a lamb” is the United States, which is already

in existence and “his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” The word “and” is significant in the fact

that it means “in addition to,” or “added later.” And since “Sundaykeeping is not yet the mark of the

beast,” then the number “666” is not made up until Sunday keeping is enforced.

Therefore the number “666” cannot apply to the papacy because inspiration puts it on the United States,

not on the thoughts of Andrew Helwig, Uriah Smith or any other theory.

Spirit of Prophecy states the following, “in chapter 13 (verses 1-10) is described another beast, ‘like unto

a leopard,’ to which the dragon gave ‘his power, and his seat, and great authority.’ This symbol, as most

Protestants have believed, represents the papacy, which succeeded to the power and seat and authority

once held by the ancient Roman Empire.” GC, 439.

Here Inspiration says that most Protestants identify the “leopard like beast” as the papacy. She further

explains that the leopard like beast was to be in power for a period of time. “The forty and two months

are the same as the ‘time and times and the dividing of time,’ three years and a half, or 1260 days, of

Daniel 7-- the time during which the papal power was to oppress God’s people. This period, as stated in

preceding chapters, [the Great Controversy] began with the supremacy of the papacy, A.D. 538, and

terminated in 1798. At that time the pope was made captive by the French army, the papal power

received its deadly wound, and the prediction was fulfilled, ‘He that leadeth into captivity shall go into

captivity.’” GC, 439.

From 1798 to 1929 the papacy was not in power. The papacy had “power for a period of time.” It was not

until 1929 that the papacy was restored through the “Lateran Treaty,” which states, “the Vatican agreed

to recognize the state of Italy, with Rome as its capital, in exchange for formal establishment of Roman

Catholicism as the state religion of Italy, institution of religious instruction in the public schools, the

banning of divorce, and recognition of papal sovereignty over Vatican City and the complete

independence of the pope. A second concordat in 1985 ended Catholicism’s status as the state religion

and discontinued compulsory religious education.” Encyclopedia Britannica 2004 CD-ROM.

U S S

N T U

The two I A and his N

horn beast T T mark D

E E A

D S Y

6 6 6 equals “666”

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Even though the papacy was recognized as a papal sovereignty, the papacy has never regained her full

power that was lost in 1798. Inspiration says we should have “less to say in regards to the papacy.”

“God’s Spirit has illuminated every page of Holy Writ, but there are those upon whom it makes little

impression, because it is imperfectly understood. When the shaking comes, by the introduction of false

theories, these surface readers, anchored nowhere, are like shifting sand. They slide into any position to

suit the tenor of their feelings of bitterness. . . . Daniel and Revelation must be studied, as well as the other

prophecies of the Old and New Testaments. Let there be light, yes, light, in your dwellings. For this we

need to pray. The Holy Spirit, shining upon the sacred page, will open our understanding, that we may

know what is truth. . . . There is need of a much closer study of the word of God; especially should Daniel

and the Revelation have attention as never before in the history of our work. We may have less to say in

some lines, in regard to the Roman power and the papacy; but we should call attention to what the

prophets and apostles have written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit has so

shaped matters, both in the giving of the prophecy and in the events portrayed, as to teach that the human

agent is to be kept out of sight, hid in Christ, and that the Lord God of heaven and His law are to be exalted.

Read the book of Daniel. Call up, point by point, the history of the kingdoms there represented. Behold

statesmen, councils, powerful armies, and see how God wrought to abase the pride of men, and lay human

glory in the dust. . . . The light that Daniel received from God was given especially for these last days.” TM,

112, 113.

Does this mean that we should pay no attention to the papacy?

By no means! The papacy will instruct the Protestants how to rule with an iron hand.

“Marvelous in her shrewdness and cunning is the Roman Church. She can read what is to be. She bides

her time, seeing that the Protestant churches are paying her homage in their acceptance of the false

sabbath and that they are preparing to enforce it by the very means which she herself employed in bygone

days. Those who reject the light of truth will yet seek the aid of this self-styled infallible power to exalt an

institution that originated with her. How readily she [the papacy] will come to the help of Protestants in

this work it is not difficult to conjecture. Who understands better than the papal leaders how to deal with

those who are disobedient to the church?” GC, 580.

The time is near that the United States will bring to the forefront the issue of enforcing the Sunday

observance and that the law of God will be trampled upon.

“The conflict is between the requirements of God and the requirements of the beast. The first day, a Papal

institution which directly contradicts the fourth commandment, is yet to be made a test by the two-

horned beast. And then the fearful warning from God declares the penalty of bowing to the beast and his

image. They shall drink the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of

his indignation.” 4bSG, 54.

“The time is coming when we cannot sell at any price. The decree will soon go forth prohibiting men to

buy or sell of any man save him that hath the mark of the beast. We came near having this realized in

California a short time since; but this was only the threatening of the blowing of the four winds. As yet

they are held by the four angels. We are not just ready. There is a work yet to be done, and then the angels

will be bidden to let go, that the four winds may blow upon the earth. That will be a decisive time for

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God’s children, a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. Now is our opportunity to

work.” 5T, 152.

“The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of the eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly

reached its complete fulfillment. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place.”

9T, 14.

The British relinquished its mandates of the Middle East territories because of the continual fighting

between Israelis and Arabs. Since the termination of the mandates the United States has committed to

support and protect Israel by becoming her protectorate. When the British Empire gave up these

territories the title “king of the north” was passed on to the United States.

Teaching with Documents Lesson Plan: The U.S. Recognition of the State of Israel https://www.archives.gov/education/lessons/us-israel/

“In 1917 Chaim Weizmann, scientist, statesperson, and Zionist, persuaded the British government to issue a statement favoring the establishment of a Jewish national home in Palestine. The statement, which became known as the Balfour Declaration, was, in part, payment to the Jews for their support of the British against the Turks during World War I. After the war, the League of Nations ratified the declaration and in 1922 appointed Britain to rule Palestine. This course of events caused Jews to be optimistic about the eventual establishment of a homeland. Their optimism inspired the immigration to Palestine of Jews from many countries, particularly from Germany when Nazi persecution of Jews began. The arrival of many Jewish immigrants in the 1930s awakened Arab fears that Palestine would become a national homeland for the Jews. By 1936 guerrilla fighting had broken out between the Jews and the Arabs. Unable to maintain peace, Britain issued a white paper in 1939 that restricted Jewish immigration into Palestine. The Jews, feeling betrayed, bitterly opposed the policy and looked to the United States for support.

“While President Franklin D. Roosevelt appeared to be sympathetic to the Jewish cause, his assurances to the Arabs that the United States would not intervene without consulting both parties caused public uncertainty about his position. When Harry S. Truman took office, he made clear that his sympathies were with the Jews and accepted the Balfour Declaration, explaining that it was in keeping with former President Woodrow Wilson's principle of ‘self-determination.’ Truman initiated several studies of the Palestine situation that supported his belief that, as a result of the Holocaust, Jews were oppressed and also in need of a homeland. Throughout the Roosevelt and Truman administrations, the Departments of War and State, recognizing the possibility of a Soviet-Arab connection and the potential Arab restriction on oil supplies to this country, advised against U.S. intervention on behalf of the Jews. Britain and the United States, in a joint effort to examine the dilemma, established the ‘Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry.’ In April 1946, the committee submitted ten recommendations covering topics such as ‘The European Problem,’ ‘Refugee Immigration Into Palestine,’ ‘Principals of Government,’ ‘United Nations Trusteeship,’ ‘Equality of Standards,’ ‘Land Policy,’ ‘Economic Development,’ ‘Education,’ and ‘The Need for Peace in Palestine.’ [For the complete text, see The Avalon Project at Yale Law School, http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/anglo/angtoc.htm]

“British, Arab, and Jewish reactions to the recommendations were not favorable. Jewish terrorism in Palestine antagonized the British, and by February 1947 Arab-Jewish communications had collapsed. Britain, anxious to rid itself of the problem, set the United Nations in motion, formally requesting on April

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2, 1947, that the U.N. General Assembly set up the Special Committee on Palestine (UNSCOP). This committee recommended that the British mandate over Palestine be ended and that the territory be partitioned into two states. Jewish reaction was mixed--some wanted control of all of Palestine; others realized that partition spelled hope for their dream of a homeland. The Arabs were not at all agreeable to the UNSCOP plan. In October the Arab League Council directed the governments of its member states to move troops to the Palestine border. Meanwhile, President Truman instructed the State Department to support the U.N. plan, and, reluctantly it did so. On November 29, 1947, the partition plan was passed by the U.N. General Assembly. At midnight on May 14, 1948, the Provisional Government of Israel proclaimed a new State of Israel. On that same date, the United States, in the person of President Truman, recognized the provisional Jewish government as de facto authority of the Jewish state (de jure recognition was extended on January 31, 1949). The U.S. delegates to the U.N. and top-ranking State Department officials were angered that Truman released his recognition statement to the press without notifying them first. On May 15, 1948, the first day of Israeli Independence and exactly one year after UNSCOP was established, Arab armies invaded Israel and the first Arab-Israeli war began.

“The telegram reproduced here is from decimal file 867n.01/5-1448, Records of the Department of State, Record Group 59, National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC. The press release is from the records of Charles G. Ross, Alphabetical File, Handwriting of the President at the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library, Independence, MO. The Library is part of the Presidential Libraries system of the National Archives and Records Administration.”

(See U.S. Relations with Israel ; U.S.-Israel Relations:Roots of the U.S.-Israel Relationship)

History and Inspiration has revealed these successive powers that have controlled the Middle East,

primarily Palestine and Egypt. The media as well as officials in our government provides a wealth of

information of U.S. policy in that region and the interest we have there. There should be no doubt from

the weight of evidence produced from Inspiration, history and current events that the last “king of the

north,” of Daniel 11:45 is the United States and that he, not the Pope of Rome, bears the number “666.”