DANIEL 11 AND KING OF THE NORTH

The 'king of the north' is soon to fulfill his end time role as confirmed in Daniel 11:45. But do we know who the king of the north is and what he is going to do? This is connected with the close of probation, so it's important to understand.

When Alexander's Grecian empire was divided, the different portions of the kingdom lay 'towards the four winds of heaven.' (Daniel 11:4). That is, north, east, south and west of Palestine. So when the 'king of the north' or 'king of the south' are mentioned, it is referring to the king that occupies the territory of Alexander's divided empire to the north and to the south of Palestine.

We will deal mainly with the final verses of Daniel 11, but just to give a brief account of what Daniel 11 deals with - "Beginning with the first year of Darius the Mede, it passes through the remainder of Persian history (verse 3), the brief reign of Alexander the Great (verses 3,4), followed by the long contests between the kings of Syria and Egypt, the former called "the king of the North," and the latter, "the king of the South," these countries being respectively north and south from Jerusalem (verses 5-15); then passes into Roman history (verses 16-29), notices the crucifixion of Christ (verse 22), touches upon the work of the papacy (verses 30-33), the great Reformation (verse 34), the end of papal supremacy in 1798 (verse 35)" (Bible Reading for the Home Circle, 1888)

So on this page, we will show the true meaning of the latter part of Daniel 11 and the importance of it for us living in the last days. We will show that the last portion of Daniel 11 is a 'guide post', a 'marker' to show us how close we are to 'Michael standing up' (Daniel 12:1), which is the close of probation.

NOTE: Many in our churches have turned away from plain Bible teaching and the beliefs of our pioneers and now embrace 'new' teachings. One of those new teachings is the belief that the king of the north is the Papacy. So first I will share a number of reasons below why the Papacy cannot be the king of the north.

REASON 1: In Daniel 11:45 we are told the king of the north "comes to his end" AT THE TIME OF the close of probation [Daniel 12:1]. Which means the king of the north comes to his end before Christ returns. And yet Paul revealed in 2 Thesslonians 2:8 that the Papacy [man of sin] is destroyed BY Christ at His return. Now some people say .. 'Oh it only says the king of the north SHALL come to his end, meaning it's not at that time but future.' But let us look at Daniel 12:1 ... 'And AT THAT TIME, shall Michael stand up.' At what time? This must be pointing to the last event to transpire, and the last event to transpire was the king of the north coming to his end. So 'that time' must be referring to the king of the north coming to his end. This is BEFORE Jesus returns.

REASON 2a: Daniel 11 is clearly a literal account of history with no symbols, which our pioneers believed as you will see further down the page. And yet to apply the Papacy to the king of the north, you have to employ much symbolism, which goes against the structure of Daniel 11. Verse 40 is interpreted the following way by modern preachers: "The king of the south (France) pushes at the Papacy by bringing the Papacy to and end in 1798, and then the Papacy (king of the north) comes against 'him' (atheism) like a whirlwind". Do you see a problem with this? It is literal France that pushes at the Papacy, and then the Papacy responds not to France, but to 'atheism'. In one verse they go from applying the king of the south to literal France, to applying the king of the south to 'symbolic' Egypt and atheism! This is what happens when you do not use the proper rules of interpretation that William Miller clearly set forward, where he says that 'if it makes good sense' and 'does no damage' then accept it. But as you can see from the above, the current interpretation of the Papacy being the king of the north does great damage to the context and makes no sense whatsoever!

REASON 2b: Not only that, how can you say the Papacy is the king of the north and France the king of the south in verse 40, when France is NORTH of the Papacy?! Look at a world map. The Papacy, which is based in Rome, is SOUTH of France! It's completely messed up and a confused teaching.

REASON 3: Rome is mentioned in numerous verses of Daniel 11, but not once is Rome spoken of as the 'king of the north.' And the reason for this is the fact that Rome ruled from the WEST, which shows again the LITERAL nature of Daniel 11. So if the Roman Empire itself was never spoken of as the 'king of the north', why would the Papacy, which took over from Imperial Rome be called by that title? It makes no sense.

PLEASE NOTE: This truth in no way deflects from the role of the Papacy in the end times. We all know that the Papacy will work through fallen 'Protestant' America and the 'kings of the earth' to enforce the mark of the beast. But the literal prophecy of Daniel 11 simply gives us a 'guidepost' to show us how close we are to the close of probation. And praise God for giving us such a marker so we may know!

Further down the page we will provide quotes from our pioneers to show that what we are teaching lines up with the pioneers. We will also show you through the news that what we are teaching is actually coming to pass.

It is from verse 35 that we take up this study to find out the meaning of the remaining verses of Daniel 11.

1. - What are the three prominent things brought to view in verse 35? [Which is connected to verses 33 and 34]

Daniel 11:33-35 ...'And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries. And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.'

We can see (1.) A period of persecution; (2.) This persecution is measured by a prophetic period - "a time appointed;" and (3.) This prophetic period brings us to a season called "the time of the end."

2. - Where else do we find in scripture a time of persecution set by a specific prophetic period?

There are two instances of persecution set by a specific prophetic time. The first is the persecution under Diocletian, from A.D. 302 to 312, "ten days", which are literal years, found in Revelation 2:10; but this is too far in the past to reach anywhere near to the "time of the end," and consequently cannot be the one here intended. The second is the great period during which the papacy was to make war upon, and wear out, the saints of the Most High (Dan. 7:25; Rev. 13:7), - a period which the prophets five times mention as containing 1260 days/years (Dan. 7:25; 12:7; Rev. 12:6,14 ; 13:5). Papal supremacy commenced in A.D. 538, and ended in 1798, during which time the Roman Church had millions of God's people persecuted and killed. This certainly matches the time period spoken of in Daniel 11:33-35. So these verses are speaking of the 1260 year period of Papal persecution and we find ourselves located by verse 35, in the year 1798, at the end of the 1260 years of Papal persecution, which is known as the 'time of the end'.

The great Reformation by Luther and his co-workers furnished the help here foretold ['holpen with a little help']. The German states supported the Protestant cause, protected the reformers, and restrained the work of persecution so furiously carried on by the papal church. But when the cause began to become popular, many would 'cleave unto them with flatteries', or embrace the cause from unworthy motives.

3. - What does the prophecy next bring to view?

Daniel 11:36-37 ...'And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.'

Now because the Bible says 'THE king', our church leaders today believe this is a contiuance of the last power, making this 'king' the Papacy. But if you look at the Hebrew meaning of 'and the king', you will see it can also be translated as 'A king', which would be introducing a NEW power. So are there any other attributes of this 'king' which would tell us a new power is being introduced, rather than a continuance of the Papal power?

What is a person known as if they do not regard any god? Such a person is clearly an atheist. So this "king," or nation, in its national capacity would take upon itself the profession of atheism. So we can see this cannot now be speaking of the Papacy, as the Papal Church of Rome cannot be regarded as having 'no regard for any god', as they have always professed faith in God and Jesus Christ, albeit a false God and a false Christ - the trinity. But the Papal power has always regarded and professed a god and has never professed atheism.

And remember, we are now at the END of Papal rule around 1798.

4. - What nation has ever taken such an 'atheist' position?

France! This 'king' [nation] alone of all nations can match the criteria; and this was during the great French Revolution, - the "reign of terror," - 1793 to 1798. Both the nature of the Revolution, it's rejection of God and the Bible, and the date, compel us to apply verses 36 and 37 to the French nation at that time, where it in fact 'did not regard any god'.

"At this juncture all religious worship was prohibited except that of liberty and the country. The gold and silver plate of the churches was seized upon and desecrated. The churches were closed. The bells were broken and cast into cannon. The Bible was publicly burned. The sacramental vessels were paraded through the streets on an ass, in token of contempt. A week of ten days instead of seven was established, and death was declared, in conspicuous letters posted over their burial places, to be an eternal sleep. But the crowning blasphemy, if these orgies of hell admit of degrees, remained to be performed by the comedian Monvel, who, as a priest of Illuminism, said; "God, if you exist, avenge your injured name. I bid you defiance! You remain silent. You dare not launch your thunders! Who, after this, will believe in your existence? The whole ecclesiastical establishment was destroyed. (Scott's Napoleon, Vol.I, p.173)" (Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, 1897, p.295)

5. - Having thus introduced France, how long does the prophecy dwell upon that power?

Down to, and including a portion of, verse 40.

6. - What change is noticed in verses 38-39?

Daniel 11:38-39 ...'But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.'

We have already been told that this 'king' [nation] would 'not regard any god', but then would introduce new worship and a strange god whom their fathers knew not. By the introduction of the "worship of Reason", the nation of France fulfills this. The attempt to make France a godless nation produced such anarchy that the rulers feared the power would pass entirely out of their hands, and therefore perceived that, as a political necessity, some kind of worship must be introduced. And as historians explain ... "There is one thing that one must not tire telling people," Momoro explained, "Liberty, reason, truth are only abstract beings. They are not gods, for properly speaking, they are part of ourselves." (Kennedy, p.343). So you can see that this new worship introduced by France [the goddess of reason] was ultimately a worship of SELF, disregarding any other god. But because it is still the worship of self and reason, which atheism is, then it can also be regarded as a 'strange god'.

INTERESTING NOTE: Some modern preachers today believe verses 38-39 to be speaking of the Papacy, and yet this verse, if it be true that it is speaking of the Papacy, says it worships a 'strange god'. And yet the various church leaders today worship the very same Trinity god as the Papacy! So by this, the church leaders are confessing to worship a 'strange god' themselves!

7. - What unique transaction is noticed in the last clause of verse 39?

Daniel 11:39 ...'Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.'

This king shall 'divide the land for gain'.

8. - How was this fulfilled?

As history confirms, it was literally fulfilled in the confiscation of the estates of the nobility by the revolutionists, and in the selling out of these estates in small lots, to a multitude of Frenchmen. The result was to place more than seven hundred million pounds sterling in the depleted French treasury. See Alison, vol. 4, p. 151.

"Previous to the Revolution, the landed property of France was owned by a few landlords in immense estates. These estates were required by the law to remain undivided, so that no heirs or creditors could partition them. But revolution knows no law; and in the anarchy that now reigned, as noted also in the eleventh of Revelation, the titles of the nobility were abolished, and their lands disposed of in small parcels for the benefit of the public exchequer. The government was in need of funds, and these large landed estates were confiscated, and sold at auction in parcels to suit purchasers." (Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, 1897, p.301)

9. - What time again is introduced in verse 40?

Daniel 11:40 ...'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.'

The time of the end, which is 1798, as noted earlier.

10. - Who is the 'king of the South,' and 'king of the north' spoken of?

This is where modern day preachers introduce France as the king of the south, pushing at the Papacy in 1798, bringing an end to Papal rule. But the problem with this view is that you are moving away from the literal interpretation of the rest of the chapter, and therefore removing the all important context of Daniel 11.

Verse 40 is interpreted this way by some modern preachers: "The king of the south (France) pushes at the Papacy by bringing the Papacy to and end in 1798, and then the Papacy (king of the north) comes against 'him' (atheism) like a whirlwind". Do you see a problem with this? It is literal France that pushes at the Papacy, and then the Papacy responds not to France, but to 'atheism'. In one verse they go from applying the king of the south to literal France, to applying the king of the south to 'symbolic' Egypt and atheism! This is what happens when you do not use the proper rules of interpretation that William Miller clearly set forward, where he says that 'if it makes good sense' and 'does no damage' then accept it. But as you can see from the above, the current interpretation of the Papacy being the king of the north does great damage to the context and makes no sense whatsoever!

NOTE: - If you read verses 36 to 40 properly, then you will see THREE powers come into play. In verses 36-39 we have 'a king' who disregards God. Then in verse 40 we have TWO other kings who 'come against HIM' - the king from verses 36-39. We have the king of the south AND the king of the north coming against 'HIM' - the king of verses 36-39. It is a triangular war that takes place, and the Papacy was never involved in a triangular war in 1798.

If we are to interpret scripture with scripture, then who is the 'king of the south' spoken of earlier in Daniel 11? Egypt! (verses 5-15). And who is the 'king of the north'? It is the northern division of Alexander's kingdom (verses 6-8), which in 1798 was ruled by the Ottoman empire, Turkey. France is not called the 'king of the south' in verses 36-39 - that atheistic nation which completely rejected God and the Bible. France is merely called 'a king'.

REMEMBER: Daniel 11 is a literal, historical prophecy, not a symbolic one. So we cannot introduce symbolism into this chapter, when it is clearly a literal historical record. The 'king of the north' throughout the chapter, occupies the territory north of Jerusalem, which was the northern division of Alexander's Grecian empire, which became the [ISLAMIC] Ottoman empire. The Papacy does not occupy this territory. And the 'king of the south' throughout the chapter, occupies the territory south of Jerusalem, which is Egypt. France does not occupy this territory.

11. - Against whom does this 'king of the south' and 'king of the north' "push," against?

Daniel 11:40 ...'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.'

You will notice that we leave verse 39 speaking of France, and then enter a new scene in verse 40 where BOTH the king of the north AND the king of the south come against 'him' - France. So Egypt (king of the south) would 'push' at France, and the Ottoman Empire - Turkey (king of the north) was to 'come against' France 'like a whirlwind', 'at the time of the end', around 1798.

12. - What is the testimony of history on this point?

It testifies that these very events did occur in that very year. After fancied Egyptian provocations against France ("push at him"), Napoleon entered upon his Egyptian campaign in the spring of 1798, and was making an easy conquest of the country, when Turkey, through jealousy of the French, and through opposition to their designs in Egypt, fostered by English diplomats, declared war against France on the 2nd of September of that year. England and Russia were in alliance with Turkey in this struggle, and their navies furnished the "many ships" of the prophecy, while their aid added to the "whirlwind" onset of the Turks.

13. - What is indicated by the closing declaration of verse 40, that "he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over"?

It indicates that one of the parties engaged in this conflict would emerge from it in great triumph. The prophecy does not tell by name which one it is, but, as in other similar cases, simply uses the pronoun, leaving the student to learn the answer by the events themselves. We have, therefore only to ascertain which one did triumph, and then we know which one is meant by the pronoun "he."

The victorious party in this struggle was the Turks. The French, under Napoleon, found the Turkish forces strongly intrenched at Acre, in Palestine, on the Mediterranean. After sixty days spent in fruitless efforts to dislodge them, Napoleon was obliged to sound the note of retreat, and lead his forces back to Egypt. Additional reverses soon compelled the French to retire to their own country, leaving Egypt in possession of the Turks. In light of these facts, it is impossible to apply the latter part of verse 40 to any nation but the Turks.

Egypt, twice prostrated, -by the French first, then by the Turks, -certainly did not "overflow and pass over." The French, ignominiously retracing their steps to their own land, did not fulfill this specification. But the Turks, victorious over the French, and lords of Egypt, certainly did. The Turks thus came to take the leading position in the occurrences of those times, and now the prophecy drops the French, transfers the burden of its testimony to the victorious Turk, and traces his [Turkish, Islamic] history from this point on to the very end.

14. - What do verses 41-43 relate to?

Daniel 11:41-43 ...'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. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.'

Notice that verse 41 says 'he shall enter also into the glorious land'. So this is clearly a continuation of the last victorious power of verse 40, which we learned was the Ottoman Empire (the Turks). The power that went forth 'like a whirlwind', entering into 'many countries' and 'overflowing'. This is none other than the Ottoman Empire and it's Islamic people.

Some church leaders today make this verse symbolic by saying that the 'glorious land' is either America or the church, and that the Papacy entered into these. But using scripture to interpret scripture, we can come to the truth, rather than making things fit that are not right. What is the 'glorious land' in Daniel 11?

Daniel 11:16 ...'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.'

Verse 16 is speaking of the Roman Empire, which entered into 'the glorious land'. Where did Rome enter? ISRAEL. So the 'glorious land' in verse 41 must also be taken literally as Israel.

These verses relate to the advantages and prestige gained by the Turkish empire in that war of 1798-1801. They recovered all the places taken by the French in the "glorious land," - Palestine ; they did not turn aside eastward to overrun Edom and Moab and Ammon ; but did enter Egypt, putting it under heavy tribute, and received embassies of friendship and congratulation from the Libyans and Ethiopians, located southward in the interior of Africa.

"Edom, Moab, and Ammon, lying outside the limits of Palestine, south and east of the Dead Sea and Jordan, were out of the line of March of the Turks from Syria to Egypt, and so escaped the ravages of that campaign." (Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, 1882, p.371)

15. - To what does the testimony of verse 44 point?

Daniel 11:44 ...'But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.'

This points to another war, excited by the threatening attitude of nations on the east and north of Turkey.

16. - In what way has this been fulfilled?

This was fulfilled in the Crimean war of 1853-56, which originated from the threatening attitude of Persia on the east of Turkey, and Russia on the north. Dr. Clarke, closing his commentary on the Old Testament in 1825, foreshadowed this movement when, commenting on this verse, he said, "It may mean that the Persians on the east, and the Russians on the north, will at some time greatly embarrass the Ottoman government." (Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary). Twenty-eight years elapsed, and the Crimean war sustained the application of Dr. Clarke, and fulfilled the prophecy.

"Tidings from these powers troubled him [Turkey]. Their attitude and movements incited the Sultan to anger and revenge. Russia being the more aggressive party was the object of attack. Turkey declared war on her powerful northern neighbor in 1853. The world looked on in amazement to see a government which had long been called "the Sick Man of the East," a government whose army was dispirited and demoralized, whose treasuries were empty, whose rulers were vile and imbecile, and whose subjects were rebellious, and threatening secession, rush with such impetuosity into the conflict. The prophecy said that they [the Turks] should go forth with "great fury", and when they thus went forth, the profane vernacular of an American writer described them as fighting "like devils." England and France, it is true, soon came to the help of Turkey; but she went forth in the manner described, and, as is reported, gained victory after victory, before receiving the assistance of these powers." (Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, 1882, p.375)

17. - What move on the part of the Turkish power does the prophecy next indicate?

Daniel 11:45 ...'And 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.'

The 'tabernacles of his palace' means the 'seat of government' of the Turkish kingdom. And where does this last verse say the 'seat of government' of the Turkish [Islamic] power will be moved to? "Between the seas, in the glorious holy mountain,". Now many in the church today believe the 'glorious land' to be America or the remnant church. But again, they are moving away from the literal interpretation of Daniel 11. And yet if we use the context of Daniel, using scripture to interpret scripture, we can find out exactly what the 'glorious land [mountain]' is:

Daniel 11:16 ...'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.'

Daniel 11:16 is talking about the Roman Empire, and where did Rome enter into? Israel, which here is called 'the glorious land'. And this is a literal interpretation, which everyone accepts. And yet when we get to Daniel 11:45, people today believe the glorious holy mountain suddenly becomes 'symbolic'. But taking the literal interpretation of Daniel 11, which fits with the context, if the glorious land is Israel, then what is the 'glorious holy mountain' going to be? Jerusalem!

Daniel 6:10 ...'Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.'

At this point in time, Israel had been captured by Babylon and Jerusalem had been destroyed. And yet! Daniel still prayed towards Jerusalem. Why? Because he understood Jerusalem to be the 'glorious holy mountain' within the 'glorious land'. And what place on earth will New Jerusalem rest upon? Jerusalem! We must therefore look for the Turks to move their seat of government to Jerusalem. And what did Gabriel say to Daniel concerning chapter 11?

Daniel 10:14 ...'Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.'

And what did Moses tell the Israelites regarding the 'latter days'? ... Deuteronomy 31:29 ...'For I know that after my death ye will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will befall you in the latter days; because ye will do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him to anger through the work of your hands.'

Another destruction is coming to the nation of Israel, from this move of Turkey and Islam. And the move of Turkey and Islam upon Israel, specifically Jerusalem, will be their last move, and when Turkey does this, they then come to their end, and none help them. Other nations have helped Turkey in past wars, but when the Turks make this final move, she will be on her own and the result will be the end of the Turkish, Islamic kingdom. Thus the prophecy of Daniel 11:45 points to a movement on the part of Turkey and Islam into Jerusalem.

The movement on the part of Turkey and Islam is the SIGNAL for the standing up of Michael and the end of probation (Daniel 12:1). It marks the order of events. Yes, the Papacy is the antichrist and will, through America cause the world to take it's mark. But when Turkey and Islam move into Jerusalem to take control, we will know that the next event will be the close of probation and the end is at the door! This is the whole purpose of Daniel 11.

"Turkey stands as a national guidepost to the world, that men may know what is going on in the sanctuary above." (Stephen Haskell, The Story of Daniel the Prophet, 1901, p.248)

BUT SYRIA IS NORTH OF ISRAEL TODAY

While it is true that the nation directly 'north' of Israel today is Syria, the simple fact is, the king of the north isn't simply the nation that is directly north of Israel. The king of the north and king of the south in Daniel 11 referred to the northern and southern divisions of the Grecian empire. Take a look at the following quote:

"When Alexander's empire was divided, the different portions lay toward the four winds of heaven, west, north, east, and south; these divisions of course to be reckoned from the standpoint of Palestine, the native land of the prophet. That division of the empire lying west of Palestine would thus constitute the kingdom of the west; that lying north, the kingdom of the north; that lying east, the kingdom of the east; and that lying south the kingdom of the south. The divisions of Alexander's kingdom with respect to Palestine were situated as follows: Cassander had Greece and the adjacent countries, which lay to the west; Lysimachus had Thrace, which then included Asia Minor, and the countries lying on the Hellespont and Bosphorus, which lay to the north of Palestine; Seleucus had Syria and Babylon, which lay principally to the east; and Ptolemy had Egypt and the neighboring countries, which lay to the south. During the wars and revolutions which for long ages succeeded, these geographical boundaries were frequently changed or obliterated; old ones were wiped out, and new ones instituted. But whatever changes might occur, these first divisions of the empire must determine the names which these portions of territory should ever afterward bear, or we have no standard by which to test the application of the prophecy: that is, whatever power at any time should occupy the territory which at first constituted the kingdom of the north, that power, so long as it occupied that territory, would be the king of the north; and whatever power should occupy that which at first constituted the kingdom of the south." (Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, 1897, p.249)

"The territories of the northern and the southern division of Alexander's dominion remain respectively the kingdoms of the north and the south unto the end, and from beginning to end, whatever powers might occupy these respective territories, would be the king of the north and of the south." (A.T.Jones, The Eastern Question - What it's Solution Means to all the World, 1896, p.8-9)

And which nation today has the most control over the northern division of the old Grecian Empire? Turkey. And which one nation has the power to unite the Muslims and wage any kind of attack against Israel? Look at the following:

Syria is ranked 49th in the world as a military power (as of March 2018) (source)

Turkey is ranked 9th in the world as a military power (as of March 2018) (source)

Turkey is the most powerful Muslim nation in the world. And Turkey's might has been growing for the past number of years. So if there was a nation that could create a powerful Islamic Caliphate to take Jerusalem, it would be Turkey.

So although Syria is directly north of Israel, Turkey as a nation still has the largest control of the old northern division of Alexander's empire, and is in a much stronger position to create the Caliphate to unite the radical Muslims to attack Israel and try to take Jerusalem.

WHAT OUR ADVENTIST PIONEERS BELIEVED

"We have seen no new interpretation which in our judgment is superior to the old. We believe that the conclusions held by us from the beginning of this movement, that Turkey is represented by the term 'king of the north' in the prophecy, is correct. And because just at this present juncture in the affairs of this world there seems to be no immediate prospect that Turkey will plant her palaces at Jerusalem, is no reason why we should change our view of the question. If we cannot see, then it is best to wait and bide God's time for fuller light, and watch him work things around as we believe his Word reveals that he will." (Review and Herald, 30th January, 1919)

URIAH SMITH - "But if Turkey, now occupying the territory which constituted the northern division of Alexander's empire, is not the king of the north of this prophecy, then we are left without any principle to guide us in the interpretation. And we presume all will be agreed that there is no room for the introduction of any other power here." (Uriah Smith, Daniel and the Revelation, 1882, p.370)

A.T.JONES - "So, when we come to the fortieth verse of the eleventh of Daniel, we are not reading of affairs away back in the days of the empire of Greece, nor of the affairs of Rome, but of affairs down here at 'the time of the end,' as mentioned in the thirty-fifth verse. Other verses also show the same thing. And bear in mind that the king of the South is always in Egypt, and the king of the North is always the power occupying the territory of which Constantinople is the center. And all the world knows that since 1453 A. D., the territory of which Constantinople is the center, has been held and ruled by the Turks. Then the king of the North at the time of the end is the Turkish dominion." (A.T.Jones, The Marshaling of the Nations, p.30-31)

A.T.JONES - "The last verses of Daniel 11 relate to Turkey, which, as 'the king of the north,' with its center at Constantinople, occupies, in direct decent, the place of the original 'king of the north' in the division of the empire of Alexander the Great, as in verses 4-15 of Daniel 11. And of this Power it is written: '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.' Dan. 11:45." (A.T.Jones, The Great Nations of To-day, 1901, p.98)

S.HASKELL - "Every eye is centered on that one spot, and has been for years. Turkey is known universally as the 'Sick Man of the East,' and the only reason he does not die is because intoxicants are administered, figuratively speaking, by first one nation then another. The time will come when he will remove from Constantinople, and take up his abode in Palestine; that is, plant his tabernacle between the Mediterranean and Red Seas. Time and again the world has been brought to realize that the end of all things is near at hand, for all know that when the Turk steps out of Constantinople, there will be a general breaking up of Europe. They may not name this impending conflict the battle of Armageddon, but God has so named it." (S.Haskell, Story of Daniel the Prophet, p.245-249)

J.N.LOUGHBOROUGH - "I have just completed a careful reading of Brother H. E. Robinson's book, "The Eastern Question". From its title, one would hardly form an idea of the various important questions which are treated in the book, but they all have a bearing on the final settlement of the Eastern question, which question really is, "What disposition is to be finally made of the Turkish power? and what is ultimately to be done with the territory which he now occupies?" The various theories on that subject are carefully examined in the book, and the Bible settlement of the case is clearly presented. Let all secure and read the book. They will be amply repaid for so doing." (J.N.Loughborough, Review and Herald, Jan.25, 1898, Vol.75, No.4)

H.E.ROBINSON - "For more complete information concerning the recent history of Turkey, we turn to Daniel 11. This is a literal prophecy of great interest, where, under the title 'king of the north,' the same power is represented ... the power called the 'king of the north' must be the one which occupies the northern portion of Alexander's empire ... Turkey now occupies the northern division of the Grecian Empire; therefore Turkey is the 'king of the north' when the prophecy comes down to modern times." (H.E.Robinson, The Eastern Question, p.157-159)

B.G.WILKINSON - "Furnished with this Bible interpretation, one can readily see that the waters of the Euphrates would be the peoples and nations filling the territories of that river. A glance on the map will fix the attention upon the Turk as occupying those territories now. But not much longer will he be tenant of those lands. The decree of God has gone forth. The Turk, with all others who bar the path, will be wiped away before the invading hosts as they draw toward the plains of Armageddon." (B.G.Wilkinson, THE EASTERN QUESTION AND THE SIXTH PLAGUE, Review and Herald, Jan.15, 1901, Vol.78, No.3)

And what did ELLEN WHITE say about Uriah's book Daniel and the Revelation and the Eastern Question?

"The interest in Daniel and the Revelation is to continue as long as probationary time shall last. God used the author of this book as a channel through which to communicate light to direct minds to the truth. Shall we not appreciate this light, which points us to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, our King?" (E.White, 1MR, p.63.1)

"Daniel and Revelation, Great Controversy, Patriarchs and Prophets, and Desire of Ages should now go to the world. The grand instruction contained in Daniel and Revelation has been eagerly perused by many in Australia. This book has been the means of bringing many precious souls to a knowledge of the truth. Everything that can be done should be done to circulate Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation. I know of no other book that can take the place of this one. It is God's helping hand." (E.White, Manuscript Releases, Vol.21, pgr.444)

"Those who are preparing to enter the ministry, who desire to become successful students of the prophecies, will find Daniel and the Revelation an invaluable help. They need to understand this book. It speaks of past, present, and future, laying out the path so plainly that none need err therein. Those who will diligently study this book will have no relish for the cheap sentiments presented by those who have a burning desire to get out something new and strange to present to the flock of God. The rebuke of God is upon all such teachers. They need that one teach them what is meant by godliness and truth. The great, essential questions which God would have presented to the people are found in Daniel and the Revelation. There is found solid, eternal truth for this time. Everyone needs the light and information it contains." (E.White, Manuscript Releases, Volume 1, p. 61)

Now pay careful attention to the following two quotes concering Uriah Smith and Elder Daniells speaking about the 'Eastern Question' [TURKEY as the Kind of the North] from Sister White:

"The evening meeting was largely attended. Elder Smith spoke with great clearness, and many listened with open eyes, ears, and mouths. The outsiders seemed to be intensely interested in the Eastern question. He closed with a very solemn address to those who had not been preparing for these great events in the near future." (E.White, Lt55, August 24, 1884)

"Elder Daniells speaks this evening upon the Eastern Question. May the Lord give His Holy Spirit to inspire the hearts to make the truth plain." (E.White, Ms189, December 25, 1898)

Now if Ellen White did NOT support Uriah Smith and our other pioneers in their view of Turkey being the king of the north [the Eastern Question], then she would not have said what she did in the above two quotes.

Many a Seventh-day Adventist today reject what we have shown above because of two simple reasons. One is that they would rather follow the current leaders of the SDA church, who have turned away from the beliefs of our pioneers. Another is because James White on a number of occasions said that the king of the north is 'Rome'. But he never called the king of the north 'the Papacy'. And James White called the king of the north Rome because he paralleled Daniel 11 with Daniel 2, 7 and 8, look:

"Let us take a brief view of the line of prophecy four times spanned in the book of Daniel. It will be admitted that the same ground is passed over in chapters two, seven, eight, and eleven, with this exception, that Babylon is left out of chapters eight and eleven. We first pass down the great image of chapter 2, where Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome are represented by the gold, the silver, the brass, and the iron. All agree that these feet are not Turkish but Roman. And as we pass down to the lion, the bear, the leopard, and the beast with ten horns, representing the same as the great image, again all will agree that it is not Turkey that is cast into the burning flame, but the Roman beast. So of chapter 8, all agree that the little horn that stood up against the Prince of princes is not Turkey but Rome. In all these lines thus far Rome is the last form of government mentioned." (James White, Review and Herald, November 29, 1877)

What is James White saying? He is simply saying that Rome would be the last power or 'form of government' on earth. Which is why he related the king of the north to Rome. And yes, this is correct. The last 'form of government' in the world before Jesus returns will be a 'Roman' one. But this does not take away from the fact that the last verses of Daniel 11 are a literal prophecy giving us a 'guidepost' to the nearness of the close of probation. And if you simply study this for yourself, you will see that the king of the north is the Turkish power (Islam), not the Papacy.

Now take a look at a Letter from James White's son to Le Roy Froom concerning this:

"During the few months preceding this meeting I had read Thoughts on Daniel and Thoughts on Revelation by Elder Uriah Smith I loved the writer; I admired his style; I loved his teaching; and I was shocked when Elder White presented another view regarding the king of the north. One day I said to him, 'Father, I have just read Elder Smith's books and his exposition seems clear to me. Do you really believe that Rome is the king of the north? His answer was, 'I think Elder Smith is going too fast in his ex- position, and I thought it was time to present something to check the current of belief that what is transpiring was the beginning of Armageddon." (W.C. White Letter to L. E. Froom, May 12, 1930 - link)

Did James White say ... "Yes, I REALLY BELIEVE the king of the north is Rome!"?? No! He simply said that he wanted to check this teaching which would make people think that Armageddon was upon them, which would stop James White being able to raise money to pay off the debts, which is what he laboured earnestly to do for the church. Now look at another letter from Willie White:

"In father's efforts to arouse our brethren to clear of the B. C. College debt, and to raise money for the B. C. San. and for the European Mission, and for the proposed British Mission, and other things, he had met the plea, 'It is too late, Eld. White to plan for all these things. TOO LATE, TOO LATE.' And when he heard Eld. Smith's presentation, fear seized his soul, and he threw in his exposition on Daniel 11, not so much that he really believed it, as that he thought it would check a movement that he thought was bordering into fanaticism, and might lead to the hindrance of the work to be done. He was reproved by the Lord for bringing in distrust as to the unity of the leaders, and sank down in discouragement, and thus the great financial campaign collapsed." (Letter from Willie White to Elder John Vuilleumier, March 6, 1919 - link)

Wow! So Willie White stated that his father didn't really believe that the king of the north was the Papacy, but that he just wanted to check any 'fanatical' thoughts that Armageddon was upon them, thus hindering his work of raising money to pay the debts of the church off. It is also interesting that those who like to quote James White on this issue, ignore what he says elsewhere:

"There is a line of historic prophecy in chapter eleven, where the symbols are thrown off, beginning with the kings of Persia, and reaching down past Grecia and Rome, to the time when that power shall come to his end, and none shall help him." (James White, Review and Herald, Oct. 3, 1878)

Did you notice what Brother White said in 1878? That the 'symbols are thrown off' from all of Daniel 11. But what do you need to do to come to the conclusion that the Papacy is the king of the north? You have to employ much symbolism! And yet James White confirms above that symbolism cannot be used in Daniel 11. So while James White focused on the fact that the 'Roman kingdom' would be the last form of world government, influencing his view of the king of the north, our other pioneers firmly believed the king of the north to be Turkey.

"There is danger that the spirit of unrest in the religious world will possess our hearts, and that in our study we shall mistake idle speculation and mere theorizing for divine revelation. Hence we should be very certain that our conclusions are well founded before we sweep aside positions which have stood the test of long years and the closest scrutiny of the enemies of this movement, and substitute in their place expositions which are but the result of comparatively short and superficial study. We see no reason at the present time for departing from the view we have held for years regarding the exposition of Daniel 11. We have seen no new interpretation which in our judgment is superior to the old. We believe that the conclusions held by us from the beginning of this movement, that Turkey is represented by the term "king of the north" in the prophecy, is correct. And because just at this present juncture in the affairs of this world there seems to be no immediate prospect that Turkey will plant her palaces at Jerusalem, is no reason why we should change our view of the question. If we cannot see, then it is best to wait and bide God's time for fuller light, and watch him work things around as we believe his Word reveals that he will." (Review and Herald, 30th January, 1919)

ANY MOVEMENTS REGARDING TURKEY TOWARDS ISRAEL?

Take a look at these recent news articles regarding a possible 'move' of Turkey and her desire to conquer Jerusalem and make it an Islamic capital:

Turkish Newspaper Close To President Erdogan Calls To Form Joint Islamic Army To Fight Israel

Turkey President Erdogan: 'Liberate Jerusalem' from the Jews

Turkish President Erdogan calls on all Muslims to 'protect' Jerusalem holy site

Turkish President Erdogan tells his citizens that Muslims need to assert dominance over Jerusalem

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu stressed that Jerusalem belongs to the Muslims and not to the Jews

Turkish Govenor declares that Turkey's forces would soon march into Jerusalem!

Erdogan is trying to make Jerusalem his own city and for that he will spare no money nor hardship

So as you can see, the 'eastern question' of Daniel 11:45 is very much stirring. There are signs that the leadership of Turkey are making plans to do the very thing Daniel 11:45 said they would. And that is to 'plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain' - JERUSALEM! And as we have said, this event is a guidepost to show how close we are to the close of probation. When the Islamic power moves it's base to Jerusalem to take control, then the battle of Armageddon (a literal battle of world powers) will take place. And the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ will then take place.

As we said above. This prophecy is not to take our focus off the role of the Papacy and America in the last days. Yes, the mark of the beast will be enforced by America and it's image to the Papacy. Yes, the 'kings of the earth' will give their power to the Papacy to enforce her dogmas upon the world. But Daniel 11:45 and the king of the north (Turkey - Islam) is simply a 'sign' that Jesus is about to 'stand up' and the close of probation has arrived. So what should our focus be, when we see signs that Islam is to take Jerusalem as it's own? BE READY in Christ.

Daniel 12:1 ...'And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.'

Will your name still be in the book of life when Christ stands up? Make sure it is by surrendering all to the Lord!