Daniel chapter 11 tells us the geographic location of the Antichrist’s rise to power. This was the same area ruled by the Seleucids (the King of the North) in Daniel Chapter 11 after the break-up of the Greek Empire upon the death of Alexander the Great. It is present-day Turkey/Syria/Lebanon. The Antichrist is referred to as the King of the North in this chapter around verse 36 until the end. This, among a myriad of other biblical clues, suggests that that the Antichrist will arise from a revived Islamic Caliphate and not a revived Roman Empire.
If this is true, and considering the forceful flourishing of Islam around the globe at this time, eventually we would expect to find some confirmation of this from world events and, in fact, we do.
It has recently been reported that plans to invade Syria are being considered by NATO and that Turkey would be the one to lead the invasion. Why is this important? Because, before the Antichrist rises to power as King of the North, Turkey, Syria and Lebanon must again be joined together.
Interestingly, there would appear to be further biblical confirmation of the future destruction of Damascus, the capitol of Syria, in Isaiah 17. Though it may be referring to the Assyrian invasion in 732 B.C., verses from the same chapter seem to be referencing a future invasion as well. We know that often times prophecy has a near-far fulfillment meaning that God may choose to partially fulfill it for His purposes only to fully fulfill it later.
Let’s examine the text.
Isaiah 17:1 NASB The oracle concerning Damascus. “Behold, Damascus is about to be removed from being a city And will become a fallen ruin.
It then goes on to describe the destruction.
Then, in verse 7 it says,
In that day man will have regard for his Maker And his eyes will look to the Holy One of Israel.
[Isaiah 17:7 NASB]
Isaiah is telling us that, as a result of the destruction, the people of Syria will look to God for salvation. I don’t know that Syria turned to God after the Assyrian invasion in 732 B.C., but they certainly are not looking to Him now. This suggests a future fulfillment that has yet to come.
I encourage you to read the entire chapter.
This, by the way… what we are witnessing in the Middle East with the kingdom of the Antichrist being formed as an Islamic Caliphate… is the next event on the prophetic calendar and not a Pre-Trib Rapture.
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