635Babel
Chywah ~ Beast
…Leaving Babylon
11
Bazah | Despised
Epiphanes…
We entered the 10th chapter of Daniel with renewed interest because of what Dowd had revealed regarding the fulfillment of the Miqra’ey at the conclusion of the 9th chapter. But our enthusiasm soon changed. An errant portrayal of current events was followed by a long bout of disturbing religious rhetoric.
This led to the appearance of Satan as he would present himself to Sha’uwl | Paul on the way to murder Jews in Damascus. The scene was prophetic of how Christians would rob Dowd of his relevance to create the myth that there was a person named “Jesus” who claimed he was the Messiah and Son of God. It was the ultimate turning point for God’s people, with Rabbinic Judaism emerging to fight the Roman religion, resulting in both leading everyone astray.
‘ElYah, who was not named but was easily identified by his comments and timing, arrived in hopes of slapping some sense into a rapidly disintegrating Dany’el. It was to no avail.
The natural inclination is, therefore, to assume that, since he had the last word in the 10th chapter, ‘ElYah is still speaking at the beginning of the 11th chapter. The problem with that assumption is that, in the second to last statement in chapter 10, ‘ElYah told us that he was returning to his duties. Also working against the idea that Yahowah’s great prophet and witness is addressing us is that the 11th chapter 636opens with a reference to Dany’el’s mythological king – “Darius the Mede.” Further, the individual addressing us speaks of “three more kings arising in Persia” and “then a fourth,” starting with the mythical Darius while omitting Cyrus.
After this inauspicious beginning, the voice Dany’el is recording provides a detailed and accurate presentation of what would occur in and around Yahuwdah | Judea as a result of Greeks acting badly, with the “king of the south” and “king of the north” serving to describe the infighting between the Ptolemaic and Seleucid empires. While it was prophetic at the time, much of it is now ancient history – at least up to the 20th verse, where past and future are commingled. Then, beginning with the 35th verse, the revelation is entirely future history through the conclusion of the book in the 12th chapter.
Even today, the ancient history is interesting because of the way it affected and shaped Yahuwdym, sending many away from God while preparing others for the final reunion. It also serves to foreclose the myth that the Greeks were bastions of virtue. And by developing a correct assessment of them, we will understand how an exceptionally appalling Greek will reprise an ancient role as the Devil’s Advocate.
Since the opening line sounds like something Dany’el would say, and recognizing that he had made a habit of interrupting ‘ElYah, it is likely Daniel who boasted this of himself and his imaginary friend…
“And as for me (wa ‘any), in the first year (ba shanah ‘echad) of Darius the Mede (la Daryowesh ha Mady), present, appointed, and in charge (‘amad – still standing even if propped up (qal infinitive)), I was powerful and strong (‘any la chazaq – I was tough, firm, and resolute, even harsh and intent) to protect and elevate 637him (wa la ma’owz la huw’ – to be a refuge and stronghold for him).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:1)
We have been over this before, but it bears repeating. Cyrus was the noted descendant of the Medians, although he was never called “Darius” or “the Mede.” As the son of King Cambyses I, he was three-quarters Persian and only one-quarter Median as a result of his grandfather, a Median king. But since Cyrus defeated the Medes early in his ascendency, there were no Persian kings referred to as Median. The only other Mede of record was the Magi, Gaumata, who didn’t last long.
If you recall, Cambyses II, Cyrus’ son, claimed the throne in 530 BCE, nine years after the Persian conquest of Babylon, when his father was killed by the Queen of the Nomads. Cambyses’ celebration for having conquered Egypt was cut short when, rushing back to squelch a rebellion at home in 522 BCE, he fell off his horse and died of the resulting injuries. His brother, Bardiva, would have replaced him as King of Persia if Cambyses hadn’t had him assassinated. The Magi Gaumata seized upon the opportunity to fill the resulting vacuum, but he met his end at the prompting of the seven Persian social climbers, Darius I being among them. The first of four Dariuses, “The Great” claimed his prize when his horse was first to whinny, or so the legend goes. As either the third or fourth king of Persia following Cyrus, depending on whether one counts the Magi, Darius I was son of Hystaspes, the satrap of Bactria. His rise up the ranks began as Cambyses II’s spear bearer.
Assuming that Dany’el’s initial tales are true, he would have been a teenager among a group of Judaean nobility taken to Babylon in 605 BCE. This would have made him 108 at the time Darius I became king and at a time when the most fortunate lived half that long.
638Darius the Great claimed the throne in 522 BCE, the same year that Cambyses, Bardiva, and Gaumata died. He is noted for having brought Zoroastrianism to the Persian Empire. His most acclaimed accomplishment was his conquest of Macedonia.
His son, Xerxes I, ruled for 20 years upon his father’s death, beginning in 485 BCE – siphoning off the wealth of the world around him. He wasn’t well-loved in Greece either, especially after torching Athens. He was the most notoriously vicious Persian king, despised for the way he suppressed revolts in both Babylon and Egypt before leveling Greece.
Xerxes’ son, Darius the Unknown, was assassinated before he could be crowned, allowing Artaxerxes I to become King of Persia. He ruled for four decades, from 464 to 424 BCE.
The path from Artaxerxes I to Darius II was bloody, with multiple kings and murders. But Darius II stemmed the royal bloodshed, ruling Persia from 424 to 404 BCE. Then over the next seven decades, Artaxerxes II, III, and IV followed before giving way to Darius III, the last king of Persia from 336 to 330 BCE. He would spend much of his reign fleeing the relentless pursuit of Alexander.
I share this with you so that we might properly identify which kings the prophet is now addressing. Also, keep in mind, the prophet, while not named, is not Dany’el. In fact, after hearing Daniel misspeak yet again, he said…
“So now (wa ‘atah), the truth (‘emeth – that which is reliable and trustworthy, honest and dependable) I will report to you (nagad la ‘atah – I will tell you).
Note, three more kings (hineh ‘owd shalowsh melek) will be present and appointed (‘amad) for Persia (la Paras). And then the fourth (wa ha rabyi’y) will become considerably richer (‘ashar ‘ashar gadowl – he will 639obtain far more possessions and status) than everyone (min kol – than all).
When comparatively powerful and authoritarian (wa ka chezqah – when relatively strong militarily and politically), he through his riches (huw’ ba ‘ashar huw’) will rouse (‘uwr – will alert and stir up, awakening) all against (ha kol ‘eth) the empire of Greece (malkuwth Yawan).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:2)
It is interesting to note that we will not hear of or from Dany’el again until the 4th verse of the 12th chapter, when he is told to seal up what has been conveyed to him. I can almost hear the condescending tone of what I presume is ‘ElYah’s voice as he delays his departure to set Daniel straight.
Of the Persian kings, Cyrus was the most magnanimous and Xerxes was the most ruthless. And while they were all covetous, Xerxes set a new standard for greed. So, in order of their appearance, the first three Kings of Persia would have been Cyrus, Cambyses II, and Darius I. Xerxes was the fourth. And as we have shared, after suppressing short-lived rebellions in Egypt and Babylon, he is noted for having turned his empire against the Greeks. Moreover, following Xerxes I, it was all downhill, a steady decline through Artaxerxes I, Darius II, Artaxerxes II, III, and IV, en route to the especially ill-fated Darius III.
Xerxes is deemed particularly relevant by Jews because, according to Esther, who claimed to be the Jewish wife of the Persian king, she and her cousin, Mordecai, persuaded Xerxes to retract an order calling for the annihilation of all Jews within the empire. The extermination of the Jewish slaves had allegedly been plotted by the king’s chief religious minister, Haman. And while this date is commemorated by Jews as Purim, it is likely legendary, including the entire episode chronicled in the book. I share this because, not only is Yahowah never 640mentioned in the book bearing Esther’s name, affirming that God did not inspire it, the patriotic story has no basis in history.
That said, there is a bit of political intrigue chronicled in Ezra. In the 4th chapter, we find that Xerxes received a letter from some disgruntled individuals who wanted him to throttle a remnant of Jews who, in conjunction with others, were prematurely attempting to rebuild the city’s fortifications and Temple. And while it appears that Xerxes received the letter and verified the account, since the eager builders had already ceased construction by that time, there were no repercussions.
This is already a breath of fresh air. After Daniel had misrepresented his own history, ‘ElYah began with a precisely accurate depiction of Persia’s future and fate. And it only gets better…
“Then there will be the presence (wa ‘amad) of a king who is a phenomenal warrior (melek gibowr – a powerful leader and astute military tactician, seen as heroic and great).
And he will rule, being exceptionally witty, with pithy quotes and memorable ridicule, while exerting his authority, control, and government (wa mashal mashal rab – he will expand his dominion while leaving a legacy of unforgettable quotes).
He will do (wa ‘asah – he will act and engage) whatever he deems acceptable, which is anything that pleases him (ka ratsown huw’ – whatever he wants). (Dany’el 11:3)
But consistent with his stance and in the manner of his presence (wa ka ‘amad huw’), his empire (malkuwth huw) will be broken into pieces (shabar), divided and parceled out (wa chatsah) to the four winds (la ‘arba’ ruwach) of the sky (ha shamaym). Although, this will not 641be to his descendants (wa lo’ la ‘acharyth huw’ – and yet not to those who come after him in the future), nor even in accordance with a memorable statement or his authorization (wa lo’ ka mashal huw’) based upon how he spoke or ruled (‘asher mashal). For indeed (ky), his empire will be torn apart (nathash malkuwth huw’ – his kingdom will be plucked up) and go to others besides these (wa la ‘acher min la bad ‘eleh).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:4)
The phenomenal warrior and king who was also known for his witty repartee was, of course, Alexander. He listened to only one voice, his own, and did as he pleased. And as we know, since he perceived that he was a god, at just 32 years old, he hadn’t bothered with succession. His conquests were divided among his four generals.
Therefore, this prophecy is completely accurate, interesting, and precise. And it is consistent with what we learned in the 7th and 8th chapters. Also, even though Alexander razed Tyre, leveled Gaza, and claimed Egypt as his own, he did not attack Jews or Jerusalem. And while very little of what Josephus wrote is likely true, this is what Jews have been led to believe about Alexander…
“Now Alexander, when he had taken Gaza, made haste to go up to Jerusalem; and Jaddua the high priest, when he heard that, was in an agony,…not knowing how he should meet the Macedonians, since the king was displeased at his forgoing disobedience. He therefore ordained that the people should make supplications, and should join with him in offering sacrifices to God, whom he besought to protect that nation,…whereupon God warned him…that he should take courage, and adorn the city, and open the gates; that the rest appear in white garments, but that he and the priests should meet the king in the habits proper to their order, without the dread of any ill consequences, which the providence of God would prevent.
642And when he understood that he was not far from the city, he went out in procession, with the priests and the multitude of the citizens…. Alexander, when he saw the multitude at a distance, in white garments, while the priests stood clothed with fine linen, and the high-priest in purple and scarlet clothing, with his mitre on his head having the golden plate on which the name of God was engraved, he approached by himself, and adored that name, and first saluted the high-priest.
The Jews also did all together, with one voice, salute Alexander, and encompass him about: whereupon the kings of Syria and the rest were surprised at what Alexander had done, and supposed him disordered in his mind. However, Parmenio alone went up to him, and asked him how it came to pass, that when all others adored him, he should adore the high-priest of the Jews? To whom he replied, “I did not adore him, but that God who hath honored him with that high-priesthood, for I saw this very person in a dream, in this very habit, when I was at Dios, in Macedonia, who, when I was considering with myself how I might obtain the dominion of Asia, exhorted me to make no delay, but boldly to pass over the sea thither, for that he would conduct my army, and would give me the dominion over the Persians; whence it is, that having seen no other in that habit, and now seeing this person in it, and remembering that vision and the exhortation which I had in my dream, I believe that I bring this army under the divine conduct, and shall therewith conquer Darius, and destroy the power of the Persians, and that all things will succeed according to what is in my own mind.”
And when he had said this to Parmenio, and had given the high-priest his right hand, the priests ran along by him, and he came into the city; and when he went up into the temple, he offered sacrifice to God, according to the high-priest’s direction, and magnificently treated both the high priest and the priests. And when the book of Daniel was 643showed him, wherein Daniel declared that one of the Greeks should destroy the empire of the Persians, he supposed that himself was the person intended; and as he was then glad, he dismissed the multitude for the present, but the next day he called them to him, and bade them ask what favors they pleased of him: whereupon the high-priest desired that they might enjoy the laws of their forefathers, and might pay no tribute on the seventh year. He granted all they desired: and when they entreated him that he would permit the Jews in Babylon and Media to enjoy their own laws also, he willingly promised to do hereafter what they desired.” (Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, book XI, chapter 8)
Believe what you will of that, there is no question Alexander was in the neighborhood, he was in a foul and destructive mood, and yet Judea and Jerusalem were spared. Therefore, ‘ElYah would ignore the ongoing exploits of Alexander and zero in on the two generals who would fight over and influence Yahuwdah.
“Then the king of the south (wa melek ha negeb) will be fierce, strong and powerful (chazaq – well established and overpowering), however, one among the king’s leaders and his representative (wa min sar huw’) will become even stronger and more powerful than he (wa chazaq ‘al huw’ – will be tougher and bolder, overwhelming him). He will be eloquent and exercise dominion (wa mashal mashal – he will rule authoritatively). His realm will be large and his constituents numerous (rab memshalah huw’).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:5)
The fierce, strong, and powerful king of the south was Ptolemy. The leader who served under him who became more powerful was Seleucus. He would amass the largest of the post-Alexandrian empires. And while that’s true, it is insufficient to fully affirm the prophecy. So, let’s go back in time and dig a little deeper.
644Drawing his last breath while dying from either typhoid fever or malaria on June 11, 323 BCE, the innovative general left his empire “to the strongest.” And of course, the only way to prove one’s mettle among warriors was to fight, which is what his Diadochi | Successors did from 323 to 281 BCE.
Initially, they supported the idea that the empire should be led by Alexander and Roxana’s unborn child, should he be male. They even considered his step-brother, Phillip III – even knowing that he wasn’t playing with a full deck. Fewer than six years after Alexander’s death, Phillip was captured and murdered by Olympias, Alexander’s mother, who then forced his wife, Eurydice, to commit suicide.
So when Alexander IV was born, Perdiccas, the highest-ranking general, ruled in his stead as a regent. Perdiccas would also claim that, just prior to his death, Alexander handed him his ring, designating him his heir. But no one believed him. With Ptolemy, Antigonus, Antipater, Seleucus, and Lysimachus vying for power, they decided to kill Perdiccas in 321 BCE – with Seleucus wielding the weapon.
However, even before that time, not only had Ptolemy claimed Egypt for himself, he carted Alexander’s carcass along with him to Alexandria where his body was worshiped as a god. That same year, the Diadochi gathered in Triparadisus to partition the empire. Antipater, who was 81, replaced Perdiccas, only to die of old age shortly thereafter.
All the while, Ptolemy I, formerly Alexander’s bodyguard, was now referring to himself as a Pharaoh. He expanded his realm to include Cyprus and Judea. His descendants would control his empire until 30 BCE when his last successor, Cleopatra, died and the kingdom was absorbed by Rome.
645The next to rise after Ptolemy was Antigonus, who strove to unite what had been divided. But it wasn’t to be. By 311 BCE, Cassander assassinated the adolescent Alexander IV, ending any chance of a blood relative of Alexander inheriting the empire – consistent with the prophecy. Thereupon, the four strongest Diadochi signed an agreement rewarding Ptolemy with Egypt, Antigonus with Asia, Cassander with Macedonia and Thessaly, and Lysimachus with Thrace. They would not, however, honor it.
Cassander became the head of the Macedonian mob, their hit man. He murdered Alexander’s wife, Roxana, his son, Alexander IV as a child, and his illegitimate son, Heracles. Then for good measure, he ordered the death of Alexander’s mother, Olympias.
Seleucus I, who had been commander of the Hypaspistai, Alexander’s most elite military unit, was left out of the land grab and relegated to being satrap of Babylon. That did not sit well with him, and the natives were restless. Although he was able to impose his will over Babel through 316 BCE, he outlived his welcome when he punished one of Antigonus’ soldiers without asking permission. Antigonus demanded monetary retribution which Seleucus declined, prompting Seleucus to flee to Egypt where he sought and received Ptolemy’s protection – also in keeping with the prophecy.
In Egypt, Seleucus rallied the other Diadochi | Successors against Antigonus – his antagonist. He would fight under Ptolemy as an admiral, affording him the power to reestablish his dominion over Babylon, thereby launching the Seleucid Empire.
The great battle between the aging Diadochi took place 22 years after Alexander’s death, in 301 BCE. The allied forces of Cassander, Lysimachus, and Ptolemy fought against Antigonus and his son, Demetrius, in Ipsos 646of Phrygia with Seleucus serving alongside Ptolemy. Antigonus was killed and his son fled, allowing Lysimachus to expand his realm into Asia Minor while Ptolemy solidified his hold on Judea, Southern Syria, and Cyprus. Seleucus claimed northern Syria and western Anatolia. He would go on to add India to his realm. Thereafter, in his battles against the Mauryan Empire, he solidified his eastern border.
Cassander died of dropsy four years after Ipsos and Demetrious, who attempted a comeback, were captured by Seleucus. So, with Lysimachus controlling what he coveted, he became Seleucus’ next target. In an alliance with Ptolemy, and as the prophecy portends, they prevailed at the battle of Kouropedion (also spelled Corupedium) in February 281 BCE. However, the intermarriages and betrayals along the way were considerable. Not only did Ptolemy pimp out his daughters to the sons of his former comrades, Seleucus used disputes between them to weasel his way into Lysandra’s territory in Thrace. Crickety shadows of their former glory, the generals (Seleucus was 77 and Lysimachus was 80) faced off in the final battle between former Alexandrian generals with Seleucus prevailing and Lysandra dying. The victor proceeded west, adding Thrace and Macedonia to his collection of people and places.
This too was short-lived. Seleucus was murdered by his most formidable ally, Ptolemy Keraunos, the wayward son of the famous father. Within two years, all of the Diadochi were dead: Demetrius in 283, Ptolemy in 282, Lysimachus and Seleucus in 281. The Successors’ successors would continue to rule, with the Antigonids over Macedonia, the Ptolemies in Egypt, and the Seleucids over Syria and Mesopotamia.
“After a significant number of years and toward the end (wa la qets shanah), they would join together and form an alliance (chabar) whereby the daughter 647(wa bath) of the king of the south (melek ha negeb) will come to the king of the north (bow’ ‘el melek ha tsaphown) to enact some agreements (la ‘asah mysharym – to smooth some things over).
However, she will not restrain (wa lo’ ‘atsar – she will not hold back or stop) the strong arm (koach ha zarowa’ – the force of the army). His outreach (zarowa’ huw’) will not endure (wa lo’ ‘amad – will not stand).
She will be offered (wa nathan), she and those who come with her (hy’ wa bow’ hy’), along with the one who fathered her (wa ha yalad hy’) and the one who abused her, harshly overpowering her (wa chazaq hy’ – who controlled her) at that time (ba ha ‘eth).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:6)
As we know, Ptolemy offered his daughters to Lysimachus’ sons in a failed alliance. Seleucus, sensing it as an opportunity, entered Thrace at the first hint of domestic disputes and routed Lysimachus, stealing his territory. But that isn’t the principal fulfillment of the prophecy. For that, we move into the next century and turn to Berenice, Ptolemy II’s daughter. She was a prize of sorts, a genuine blue blood because she was a descendant of Lysimachus and Cassander. Her father was the final ruler of the Ptolemaich / Lysimachid dynasty in Lycia. At the time, Ptolemy’s influence in the region was waning and that of Antiochus III was waxing. So, in the first act of realignment, Berenice was named Chief Priestess of the Carian Satrapy of the Seleucid Royal Cult of Laodice.
Thereafter, an “agreement” was reached for Antiochus II to marry Berenice. However, Antiochus was married to Laodice, who did not take kindly to being replaced. So once Ptolemy II died, and the allegiance was rendered moot, Berenice was tossed to the curb. Then the ever-charming Laodice arranged to have Berenice and her infant son assassinated. Not yet satisfied, she poisoned her former 648husband and king. Laodice’s coup d’etat enabled her to rule as queen regent while her son, Seleucus II, matured. Therefore, instead of producing the desired coalition, the plan backfired, consistent with the prophecy.
“Then from a branch of her roots (wa min netser soresh hy’) one will be appointed (‘amad) in his place (ken huw’). And he will come against the military strength (wa bow’ ‘el ha chayl) and enter into the fortress (wa bow’ ba ma’owz) of the king of the north (melek tsaphown). He will deal with them and prevail by being more powerful (wa ‘asah ba hem wa chazaq).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:7)
This occurred when Ptolemy III, Berenice’s brother, avenged his sister’s execution. He invaded Syria and routed Seleucus II. It is likely that he would have come to control all of Syria had unrest back home not precipitated his return. Nonetheless, the victor carried considerable plunder back to Egypt where he ruled the southern kingdom for 46 years. Moreover, this war, which raged from 246 BCE to 241, allowed Ptolemy III to secure Cyrenaica and regain the coasts of Asia Minor, even some of Thrace.
All of this is encapsulated in the related prophecy…
“In addition (wa gam), their gods (‘elohym hem) along with their metal images (‘im nasyk hem), their treasured vessels (‘im kaly chemdah hem) of silver and gold (keseph wa zahab), along with the captives (ba ha shaby), he will bring to (bow’) Egypt (Mitsraym – the crucibles of religious and political oppression).
And for years (wa huw’ shanahym), he will refrain from (‘amad min) the king of the north (melek ha tsaphown) (Dany’el 11:8) and will come back (wa bow’) into the realm of the king of the south (ba malkuwth melek ha negeb), returning (wa shuwb) to his own land 649(‘el ‘adamah huw’).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:9)
There may have been an ulterior motive for ‘ElYah to provide such specificity beyond the realization that Yahuwdah | Judea was a pawn bounced between southern and northern despots. Greeks are typically portrayed favorably in history, when in reality, they were as despicable and vicious as the beasts before and after them. And ultimately, Greeks would pummel God’s people, initially during the Maccabean period and later through their Church.
“His sons (wa ben huw’) will initiate strife and provoke a war (garah). And he will assemble a vast multitude of uproarious troops (wa ‘asaph hamown), a great and powerful army (chayl rab) which will come to invade (wa bow’ bow’), overwhelming and overpowering, as if a flood passing through (wa shataph wa ‘abar). Then returning (wa shuwb), he will wage war (wa garah) as far as the fortified places (‘ad ma’owz hy’). (Dany’el 11:10)
Then the king of the south (wa melek negeb) will be infuriated (wa marar – will be enraged and become embittered). He will come out and fight (wa yatsa’ wa lacham) against the king of the north (‘im huw’ ‘im melek ha tsaphown). And he will take a stand (wa ‘amad) with a massive and well-armed, albeit largely confused and disorderly, army (hamown rab).
Even so, the abundantly agitated multitudes (wa ha hamown) will be given over (nathan) into his hand (ba yad huw’). (Dany’el 11:11) When the hordes of troops making this commotion are removed and taken away (wa nasa’ ha hamown), his judgment and inclinations (lebab huw’) will be exalted (ruwm).
And so, he will bring down (wa naphal – he will attack, conquer, oppress, and fell) tens of thousands 650(ribowa’ – innumerable individuals) but he will not prevail (wa lo’ ‘azaz – he will not have the ability to achieve the brazen victory).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:12)
The prophet was speaking of Antiochus III and Seleucus III, both sons of Seleucus II. The reason for such specificity is that, upon Seleucus’ demise (he was deemed weak militarily and was poisoned by his friends), Antiochus III became so powerful that he was known as Antiochus the Great. And during his 37 years on the throne, he prioritized trying to take Yisra’el from the Ptolemies. As the prophecy portends, Antiochus would lose the first round at the Battle of Raphia, even though he had a superior force.
But he would return in 203 BCE, now battling Ptolemaeus Epiphanes, who was Ptolemaeus Philopater’s son. In addition to having a larger army, and it being better equipped, Antiochus was accompanied by some powerful allies. These included Philip of Macedon and Scopas, his general. Just a boy at the time, Antiochus routed the young Ptolemaic king, and destroyed much of his army.
So at this time, the Jews who had been allied with the Ptolemies changed sides, and yielding to Antiochus, they went on to bludgeon Ptolemaeus’ garrisons.
“However (wa), the king of the north (melek ha tsaphown) will return (shuwb – will recover and come back) in the presence of (wa ‘amad) a massive and well-armed army, even greater, louder, and more numerous than the previous one (hamown rab min ha ri’shown).
And after considerable time, even years, in the end (wa la qets ha ‘eth shanahym), his returning invasion (bow’ bow’ ba) will be with a tremendous force (chayl gadowl – a powerful and large military) which is abundantly supplied and well-equipped (rakuwsh rab). (Dany’el 11:13)
651And in those times (wa ba ha ‘ets ha hem), many will be positioned against (rab ‘amad ‘al) the king of the south (melek ha negeb). However (wa), with the children’s violence (ben parysh – ruthlessness and brutality of the sons) toward your people (‘am ‘atah), they will rise up (nasa’ – they will be carried away) in order to resist, standing up to (la ‘amad) this revelation (chazown – this action and prominent appearance, perceiving what they were witnessing), but they will waver and fail (wa kashal – they will stumble and fall and end up overthrown). (Dany’el 11:14)
Then the king of the north (wa melek ha tsaphown) will begin to throw up (bow’ wa shaphak – he will come and build) a siege ramp (solalah – elevated embankments for siege warfare) and he will take (wa la lakad – he will capture) the fortified city (mibtsar ‘iyr).
The armed forces (wa zarowa’ – the strong arm) of the south (ha negeb) will not survive its presence (lo’ ‘amad – will not resist or persist), even his most select and valued troops (wa ‘am mibchar huw’), for there will be no ability to stand (wa ‘ayn koach la ‘amad). (Dany’el 11:15)
So, he will do (wa ‘asah) to those who come against him (ha bow’ ‘el huw’) whatever he wants and is acceptable to him (ka ratsown huw’ – whatever he approves) and there are none who can withstand his presence (wa ‘ayin ‘amad la paneh huw’).
He will stand, his presence established (wa ‘amad) in the beautiful and glorious land (ba ‘erets ha tsaby) with complete destruction (wa kalah – with a yearning for annihilation) in his hand (ba yad huw’).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:16)
The result of Jewish complicity would be to give Yahuwdah to a psychopath. Often, the Devil who is not known is worse than the one being deposed. Yisra’el would 652learn this the hard way, while America still hasn’t learned the lesson as is evident by the overthrow of Saddam Hussein and Moammar Khaddaffi. The supposed liberator of Yisra’el turned out to be a murderous and destructive tyrant – far worse than the Ptolemies.
‘ElYah would go on to explain…
“He will set his face (wa sym paneh huw’) to come with (bow’ ba) the governing authority and control (toqeph) of his entire kingdom (malkuwth huw’), including one standing tall in accord with him (wa yashar) and will execute with them (wa ‘asah hem – and engage, making do with them).
And he will offer (nathan) the daughter of a woman (wa bath ha ‘isah) to him (la huw’) to corrupt and destroy the kingdom (la shachath hy’), but it will not prevail (wa lo’ ‘amad) nor be to his advantage (wa lo’ la huw’ hayah). (Dany’el 11:17)
And he will turn his face (wa shuwb paneh huw’) toward the coastline and associated islands (la ‘iy) and will capture many (wa lakad rab), but a senior minister (qatsyn – a governmental and religious leader) shall put an end to (shabath) his disgraceful contemptuous insults (cherpah huw’ la huw’ – his dishonorable behavior, taunts, and slander).
Indeed (ky), his abusive and shameful behavior (cherpah huw’ – his contempt and taunts) will be turned back upon him (shuwb la huw’). (Dany’el 11:18)
Then he will turn his presence back (wa shuwb paneh huw’) toward the protection of the strongholds (la ma’owz) his own realm (‘erets huw’), but he will stumble (wa kashal – he will falter and be overthrown) and fall (wa naphal) and not be effective (matsa’ – and not attain what he seeks to possess).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:19)
653Hoping to fool Ptolemy V into believing that they were no longer enemies, the bastion of morality that Antiochus the Great had become, he gave his daughter, Cleopatra, to the Egyptian pharaoh in 195 BCE. However, Cleopatra (a century before the famous one) sided with the man she was gifted to rather than the father who had betrayed her, so nothing was gained.
As a result, he turned his attention toward the Aegean and Greece, where he was assisted by the famed Carthaginian general, Hannibal. He would capture and control Rhodes, Samos, and Delos.
But it would be to no avail. With all of the infighting among the Greeks and distractions, he fell prey to emerging Roman forces under the command of Lucious Cornelius Scipio. And so, in trying to subjugate Greece, the Greek was disgraced instead. Hannibal had advised him to take the battle to the Romans and invade Italy as he had done, but his counsel was rejected in favor of pitting his superior force of 70,000 troops against the 30,000 in the Legions heading his way. His would be a humiliating defeat.
The Romans extracted a heavy toll, forcing Antiochus to surrender his war elephants, his entire navy, and a score of chosen Greeks – Antiochus’ second son included – who would become Roman slaves. He would also be required to pay an indemnity of 20,000 talents per year. It was too much for the king to bear so, after defaulting, he was killed when trying to rob a Babylonian temple in Elymais honoring Jupiter. His life, and that of the Greeks, had come full circle.
The most egregious consequence of the Greek defeat was the Romanization of Antiochus Epiphanes, Antiochus the Great’s son. He would become a hated persecutor of Jews. And also, during Seleucus IV’s 12-year reign following his father’s death, the eldest son taxed Jews into despair – even attempting to rob the Temple in Jerusalem. 654The only good news was that his minister, Heliodorus, poisoned and killed him.
‘ElYah struck every chord with great precision. The future history of the Greeks would play out exactly as he had foretold – especially in their interactions with Jews.
Since I have already mentioned the brief and taxing life of Seleucus IV, this will sound familiar…
“Then one will arise in his place (wa ‘amad ‘al ken huw’) who will pass through with (‘abar) exploitation and oppression, exacting tribute, taxes, and submission (nagash – to control by confiscating other people’s money) for the majesty and aura of the glorification (heder) of the empire (malkuwth).
But within a short time (ba yowmym ‘echad – in a matter of days), he will cease to exist (shabar), although not in the heat of battle (wa lo’ ba ‘aph wa lo’ ba milchamah).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:20)
This is prophetic of the Time of Trouble when the final Beast will exploit and oppress the world. His rise to power, while short-lived, will be aided by controlling the new economy, enabling the Great Reset by confiscating the wealth of the world. It will all be to burnish his majesty, creating an aura of glory such that he is worshiped as if he were God. And while he will be an advocate for war, the final Horn will not die in battle.
This exceptionally villainous fellow with the forked tongue is Antiochus IV. He, and the one modeled after him during the Last Days, will remain the subject of ‘ElYah’s prophetic report from this point through the conclusion of the chapter.
655The prophetic picture between Daniel 11:20 and 11:35 is historic while also serving as a harbinger of things to come. The last ten statements within the 11th chapter, between 11:36 and 11:45, address our immediate future. Therefore, from this point forward, we are going to pay especially close attention to everything ‘ElYah has to say about the interactions between Antiochus IV Epiphanes | the Manifestation of God’s Illustriousness and Yisra’el because history will repeat itself.
The Towrahless One will do likewise…
“The next to assume his position in this place (wa ‘amad ‘al ken huw’ – in succession, the next to rise to the office by claiming authority) will be a despised and despicable person (bazah – a contemptible and disdainful individual) who will not have been given the authority to rule (wa lo’ nathan ‘al howd malkuwth).
He will arrive (wa bow’) during thoughtless complacency (ba shalwah) and will gain absolute control of (wa chazaq – will be empowered by resolutely establishing) an empire (malkuwth) through flattery, hypocrisy, and unfulfilled promises (ba chalaqlaq – with slippery and slick words which are treacherous because they are not genuine).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:21)
By explaining what has now happened in our past to forecast the future, ‘ElYah has reached the point in his prophetic narrative where our understanding of the despised and despicable Beast who will soon come is predicted by these revelations. Therefore, we can surmise that the final Horn will be a contemptible person whom Yahowah despises. He will connive his way to global attention by being disingenuous, making promises he has no intention of honoring. His authority will not come from the governed or from God.
656Most importantly, just as Dany’el admitted in the previous chapter that his neshamah | conscience had been rendered ineffective, the Towrahless One’s rise to power will be possible because we have entered a time of thoughtless complacency. The world at large allowed governments to usurp the people’s liberty and livelihoods to save them from a virus – accomplishing nothing other than to destroy currencies and economies while the sheeple applauded and yawned. The next World War has already begun, with the United States giving Iraq to the Shiites, pitting a soon-to-be-nuclear Iran, Russia, and China against Saudi Arabia, Europe, and the United States. The certainty that this would lead to nuclear war was solidified when, after a decade of planning, the U.S. got the proxy war against Russia it wanted by arming Ukraine. Turning the cradle of modern anti-Semitism and Judaism into a warzone will end far worse than it began.
For the past 22 years, I have repeated the same message. Politicians and their accomplices in the pulpit, media, and academia have rendered almost everyone irrational – unable to exercise good judgment by being discerning and discriminating. The world is awash in unfounded opinions, political platitudes, and religious myths. Or how else could the United Nations pass a resolution claiming the Jewish occupation of their homeland was illegal and that it belonged to Palestinians – a warmongering people who were pummeled into oblivion by the Assyrians and then the Greeks more than 2,000 years ago? And they are so traumatized by these Islamic terrorists, and unthinking in this regard, that Jews are incapable of announcing that there is no such thing as a Palestinian or a place called Palestine. The ignorant idiocy of the “Two-State Solution” will create a second Gaza, albeit one without a buffer zone.
Between the damage done during the Covid-19 lockdowns and the sanctions imposed as part of the 657Ukrainian war, the list of failed states continues to grow, making the rise of the future Antiochus Epiphanes | the Manifestation of God’s Illustriousness a relatively simple affair. All he has to do is promise a bankrupt world economic recovery and they will hail him as their savior. It will be too late once they figure out that what little they had, including their meager lives, he intends to confiscate.
In this regard, Antiochus Epiphanes was a tax-and-spend Progressive. He considered himself compassionate and charitable when he threw the money he had confiscated in the streets and at strangers. It is yet another example of how history will continue to repeat itself.
Antiochus Epiphanes was also a paradigm of the reincarnation of Babylon with his public integration of politics, patriotism, the military, and religion. He lavished money on the Temple of Zeus, while orchestrating extravagant military parades, and conducting opulent state dinners. His army was comprised of mercenaries, men recruited and paid to fight, not unlike America’s military.
Since history is written by the survivors and not those they killed, we do not have affirmation, but it is assumed that Antiochus IV murdered his older brother, Seleucus IV, in Athens in 175 BCE. And while it is intriguing, we do not know what scheme Antiochus, then known as Mithridates, deployed to earn his release from Roman captivity, but we do know that Seleucus’ son, Demetrius, ended up there in his stead as a result of an exchange. And I suppose that there is the possibility that the Towrahless Once will have spent some time in jail, as was the case with Hitler, before his rise to power.
The Illustrious Manifestation of God is known to have conned the king of Pergamon, Eumenes II, who was Rome’s leading ally in the region, into supporting his ascension, doing so after rallying the Greek ruling class in Antioch to support his claim over the young and 658imprisoned Demetrius. Then, there is no doubt that he flattered Rome, sending ambassadors laden with tribute to garner their favor. He is even said to have made copious unfulfilled promises to the Syrians. Evidently proud of his hypocrisy, it was then that Mithridates changed his name to Antiochus IV and lavished upon himself the title, Epiphanes | Manifesting God’s Illustriousness – announcing to all with open eyes that he is the prototype of the incarnation of Satan during the Last Days.
The realization that Epiphanes negotiated his rise to power with neighboring nations is also consistent with what we know about the final Horn emerging as part of a small, local confederation which will grow to encompass the world. Further, as a Greek, the Towrahless One will seek the support of Rome, inducing the Roman Catholic Church to support his quest for world domination and the subjugation of Jews. With the given name of Mithridates, the god of the Roman Legions, he would have been well-received.
Also, in days to come, the world will be enveloped in war…
“The most influential leaders and their force of arms (wa zarowa’) will be overwhelmed and swept away (ha sheteph sheteph – will be engulfed, completely inundated) by his presence (min la paneh huw’ – upon his appearance), then crushed (wa shabar – such that they are broken and destroyed, grievously mauled), including (wa gam – also, but potentially in contrast to) the leader who values (nagyd – the government ruler in support of) the Agreement (beryth – the Treaty).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:22)
Prior to our excursion into Dany’el, when used as a title, zarowa’ has been reserved for three men, the most important of whom are Moseh and Dowd. However, in our initial exposé of the word, we acknowledged that it could 659be used to describe a formidable leader as well as his armed forces. And that is how zarowa’ is being used here, revealing that the Towrahless One will inundate world leaders with a torrent of propaganda and then overwhelm them militarily – crushing all opposition. This will even be true of those who supported his advocacy and imposition of the Two-State Solution.
Since gam is typically rendered “also,” this nagyd beryth will include the first to negotiate this treaty with tomorrow’s Epiphanes. Otherwise, unless rendered as “in contrast to,” we’d be led to believe that the incarnation of the Devil will be capable of overwhelming ‘ElYah or even Dowd as the leading representative of the Covenant. And yet, since there were no nagyd beryth | leaders of the Covenant circa 175 BCE, the only way for this to be historically accurate is to render nagyd beryth | as political allies in support of his treaty. And that being so, it would be consistent with the earlier prophecy whereby the nations which initially league with the Horn will be crushed by him.
In this specific case, Antiochus made a covenant with his cousin, Demetrius, who he had imprisoned in Rome, to earn his freedom. In that arrangement, he promised to relinquish the throne to him upon his release, which never occurred. I’m sure he will offer Israel his assurance of independence and protection – a promise that will not last as long as the ink takes to dry.
Affirming our assessment, we learn that it is a bad idea to trust a narcissistic psychopath who thinks he is better than God…
“As a result of that alliance with him (wa min chabar ‘el huw’ – from the agreement, out of becoming allies, and because of joining with him), he will act deceitfully (‘asah mirmah – he will engage deceptively, carrying out that which is dishonest and treacherous, 660deliberately misleading through false and fraudulent testimony, disappointing and betraying while feigning otherwise).
He will ascend, being lifted up (‘alah – he will rise and be exalted), and will amass enormous power and innumerous people under his control (‘atsam – he will be empowered over a great multitude) while trifling with the gowy (ba ma’at gowy – with lowly gentiles, through a small nation, or by subduing and diminishing people).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:23)
Antiochus Epiphanes actively toyed with his subjects, taxing them with one hand and then throwing money at them with the other. He claimed to be God and yet financed the temples of gods. He was an authoritarian dictator who applied to run menial projects. He lived in posh palaces, and yet frequented public baths. Therefore, just as the gentiles comprising the Roman Church were, themselves, led astray and oppressed, even as they persecuted Jews, the incarnation of Satan will do likewise.
This is the second time God has asked His prophet to address apathy and ignorance, indicating that this will be the most impenetrable obstacle to reconciliation during the Last Days. Very few people are observant and judgmental today, precluding both Progressives and Haredi from knowing Yahowah.
“In a time of thoughtless complacency, increased security, and unresponsiveness (ba shalwah – with relative ease as people become more dependent, seemingly unconcerned, careless and clueless), he will enter (bow’ – he will arrive) into the richest and most fertile provinces, the most heavily armed and contentious districts (mashman madynah).
Then he will accomplish (wa ‘asah – he will engage in and act upon, doing) what (‘asher) his fathers could not achieve (lo’ ‘asah ‘ab huw’), nor his father’s fathers 661(wa ‘ab ‘aby huw’), plundering the civilian population and spoiling them by confiscating their property (bizah wa shalal – pillaging and robbing them through force of arms), taking their possessions (rakuwsh la hem – acquiring what they own and taking it for himself) while scattering and dispersing them, even flinging them (bazar) against the walls, fences, and places where people gather (wa ‘al mibtsar).
He will consider plans (chashab – he will determine the value and devise a plot), musing his potential schemes (machashabah huw’ – creating his proposals), but only for a time (wa ‘ad ‘eth – to a certain point and not beyond).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:24)
This man who would be seen as a god is known for abusing his own people before reaching out and doing the same to Jews. Needing money to pay off Rome and to fund his mercenary force, he had everyone pay their fair share – beginning the process by preying upon Syrians. After all, being a megalomaniac and despot isn’t cheap – nor is subduing the world.
“He will gloat about (‘uwr – he will arouse and uncover, stirring up) his resources, authority, and power (koach huw’ – his ability and qualifications) as well as his motivations and inclinations (wa lebab huw’) against the king of the south (‘al melek ha negeb) with a considerable force (ba chayl gadowl – with an able and large military).
The king of the south (melek ha negeb) will initiate strife, provoking the war (garah la ha milchamah) with a large army (ba chayl gadowl), exceedingly powerful (wa ‘atsuwm ‘ad ma’od), but he will not prevail (wa lo’ ‘amad) because (ky) plots will be devised against him (chashab ‘al huw’) with a specific purpose (machashabah). (Dany’el 11:25)
662Those who eat his finest provisions (wa ‘akal pathbag huw’) will break him (shabar huw’) and his army (wa chayl huw’) will be swept away (shataph) and fall (wa naphal) with many slain (chalal rabbym).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:26)
With Antiochus Epiphanes having robbed and plundered Syria, the young Ptolemaic king, Ptolemaeus Philometer, demanded its return to the Ptolemies. The Seleucid king responded with peace overtures, but they were insincere. At the same time, he gloated about his intention to add Egypt and Judea to his empire. All the while, Ptolemaeus Philometer amassed an even larger force than his rival and attempted a preemptive strike. However, apprised of his intentions, Antiochus stopped Ptolemaeus while still in Egypt. The young king had received very poor advice from his closest advisors – those dining with him.
As a result of Rome being distracted by the Third Macedonian War, they were unable to defend Egypt, giving Antiochus the opportunity to plunder the resources of the Nile basin and take Alexandria. Having captured the young Ptolemaeus, Antiochus made him his puppet, allowing him to live in Memphis, ostensibly to keep from angering Rome.
Then in 168 BCE, Antiochus led a second assault on Egypt, using his fleet to capture Cyprus en route. But on his way to Alexandria, his path was interrupted by a message from the Roman Senate, ordering Epiphanes to withdraw. Gaius Popillius Laenas, a lone and elderly Roman ambassador, drew a line in the sand surrounding Antiochus and said, “Before you leave this circle, give me a reply that I can take back to the Roman Senate.” If the Greek king stepped outside the circle without first accepting Rome’s conditions, he would be at war with the empire. With his life hanging in the balance, the Manifestation of God backed down which, while enormously humiliating, was assuaged by the plunder he 663had taken. However, as a result of this crushing blow to his fragile ego, Antiochus found a rather devastating way to vent his frustrations – antagonizing Jews.
Projecting this into the future, we should be prepared for the Devil’s Advocate, this Greek Epiphanes | Manifestation of God, to follow in Antiochus’ footsteps. This Progressive politician will emerge from Macedonia by forming alliances with the Greeks, Turks, Cypriots, and Syrians, while seeking the support of Rome and Egypt to pursue his assault upon Israel.
I am projecting this epiphany of Epiphanes into the future because…
“And as for leaders on both sides (wa shanaym hem ha melek), their intent (lebab hem) will be to mislead and corrupt through their advisors and counselors (mera’ – to commit atrocities and advance objectionable behavior as confidants) at the same table (wa ‘al shulchan ‘echad – in one accord).
They will speak lies, promoting all manner of delusions (kazab dabar – they will deliberately deceive, vainly encouraging that which is contrary to evidence and reason, particularly when fraudulently conveying errant opinions regarding false gods and worshiping them). However, it will be to no avail (wa lo’ tsalach – without benefit, accomplishing nothing), because (ky) in the end, the restoring witness (‘owd qets – the testimony at the conclusion, during the Last Days) will advocate for the Mow’ed | Appointed Meeting Time (la ha Mow’ed – will advance and approach the scheduled appointment designated in the eternal testimony to gather together to enable everlasting restoration which is arranged to facilitate our appearance based upon the enduring evidence provided by the renewing witness).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:27)
664As it was in the past, it will be again in the future. The Knights of Evil will convene a meeting and sit at their round table. They will lie to one another and to their constituents as they plot to destroy Israel. Believing that they can outmaneuver Yahowah and Yahuwdym with their weapons, wealth, and worship of false gods, they will fail, because in the end, the restoring witness will point the way to the Mow’ed | Appointed Meeting Time designated for the restoration of God’s People.
Using the past, as ‘ElYah has portrayed our future, to project ahead to this meeting, we should expect some if not all of the following participants to have a place at the table – all of whom will be lying through their teeth: the Devil’s Advocate from Macedonia, along with the presidents of Greece, Turkey, Cypress, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and the Pope of the Roman Church. Positioned around them, we will likely find the Russians and Bulgarians, and perhaps some Hungarians, Romanians, and Ukrainians, along with the leaders of the Eastern Orthodox Churches. And since they will be deceptive regarding their intentions, the stated agenda will be about the extraction and delivery of energy, particularly natural gas to and from the region, while the hidden agenda will be the destruction of Israel.
The opposing force will be comprised of the two witnesses, ‘ElYah included, the returning Mashyach, and our God, Yahowah. The battle plans will be devised, with yet another line drawn in the sand, in early 2027, with the final showdown between Good and Evil playing out beginning in the spring of 2030 and ending during the Mow’ed of Kipurym in 2033.
The assault on Israel will come in phases. First, the nation and people will have land and resources confiscated. Second, Jews will lose their lives. So, while enough of this occurred yesterday to make the comparison plausible, every word is indicative of tomorrow…
665“And he will return to his country (wa shuwb ‘erets huw’) with a great many possessions, both goods and land (ba rakuwsh gadowl – having gathered all he could collect), and yet, still, his inclinations and ambitions (wa lebab huw’ – but his passions and heart) will be over and against the Set-Apart Covenant (‘al beryth qodesh – toward the uniquely special and distinctly uncommon family relationship agreement).
And so, he will endeavor to return (wa ‘asah wa shuwb – therefore, he will act and engage so that he can come back) to what he considers his land (la ‘erets huw’). (Dany’el 11:28)
As the Mow’ed | Appointed Meeting Time draws near (la ha Mow’ed – approaching the scheduled appointment designated in the eternal testimony to gather together to enable everlasting restoration which is arranged to facilitate our appearance based upon the enduring evidence provided by the renewing witness), he will return to pursue the south (shuwb wa bow’ ba ha negeb).
However, in making this comparison to the end (wa ka ha ‘acharown – but during the Last Days by comparison), it will not be as it was previously (wa lo’ hayah ka ha ri’shown).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:29)
There is but one Set-Apart Covenant, and we can be assured that Epiphanes knew nothing of it. And therefore, while Antiochus was ruthless in his dealings with Judea, ‘ElYah is using that dark episode to alert us to the realization that, after confiscating Israel’s land and wealth through the Two-State Solution, the Devil’s Advocate will focus on the larger prize – which is the Covenant.
The Towrahless One, in striving to be seen as God, will not only covet Israel, he will view it as his own. And so, no matter what events arise in the world to garner his 666attention, he will continue to return to Israel until someone finally stands up to stop him.
And as we have previously discovered, while this abominable fellow will tie his quest to the Mow’ed, even outlaw them, it is the Mow’ed of Kipurym that will be his undoing. He will not survive Dowd’s return on Reconciliations.
As an interesting aside, the armada that ruined Antiochus’ plans sailed from Crete, but it was entirely Roman, coming in support of their client, Ptolemaeus Philometer of Egypt. In the future, it will likely be American, as the nation will continue trying to police the world’s oceans. Currently, the Turks are working to establish a naval base in the self-proclaimed Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. They don’t much like the idea of the Greeks and Israelis capitalizing upon the enormous natural gas fields located nearby. In response, the Cypriot Defense Minister signed a lease with the French government to allow a permanent base for their warships on the island, becoming home to the aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle.
I share this because, other than to suggest that the planet will be engulfed in war, it is less about what has been and, instead, what will be. Alerting us to consider what follows from that perspective, the prophet’s statement reads: wa ka ha ‘acharown wa lo’ hayah ka ha ri’shown | in making this comparison to the Last Days, it will not be as it was previously.
While there will be many allying with and opposing his quest for world domination, the only obstacle standing in the way of the future Epiphanes achieving his goals relative to Covenant and Mow’ed will be the two witnesses. At times, he will find their relentless testimony disheartening because some will listen. And so, in response, he will denounce them and curse the Covenant. 667But even in this, there is good news. The witnesses will have been rejected by better and will not care what is said about them. Their joy will be in knowing that Yahuwdym are beginning to pay attention at long last.
“The ships (tsy – the ocean-going vessels) of Kityym | Cyprus (Kityym – of the Cypriots) will come with him or arrive against him (wa bow’ ba huw’), and he will be disheartened and cowed (wa ka’ah – so he will be discouraged, despondent, and dejected) and will retreat (wa shuwb – he will turn back) but, now enraged, openly expressing his fury, angrily denouncing and cursing (wa za’am – now unable to control himself, indignant and vindictive) over and against the Set-Apart Covenant (‘al beryth qodesh – toward the uniquely special and distinctly uncommon family relationship agreement).
Then he will act (wa ‘asah – he will engage) returning yet again (wa shuwb – turning around and coming back) to give his full attention to and understand (wa byn – and closely scrutinize and comprehend) those who forsake (‘al ‘azab – those who reject and disavow, abandoning and leaving) the Set-Apart Covenant (beryth qodesh – the uniquely special and distinctly uncommon family relationship agreement).” (Dany’el 11:30)
Back during the time of the initial interactions between Antiochus and the various religious factions in the besieged Ptolemaic province, there was no shortage of militants. Epiphanes, however, as the prophecy portends, was focused on the Temple and Jerusalem’s defenses. He would desecrate one and control the other. He would also do everything in his considerable power to convince Jews to worship him and his gods – many of whom agreed as is chronicled in Maccabees.
Diodorus Siculus, the 1st century BCE Greek historian noted for his blending of myth and reality, wrote that Antiochus sacrificed swine in the image of Moseh upon the 668altar in the outer court. He insisted that the Towrah be doused with a broth comprised of swine’s flesh. He snuffed out the Menorah and then fed pork to the priests. (Diodorus 34:1(4)) While it is unlikely that the king would have bothered with any of this, nonetheless, something triggered the Maccabean Revolt.
As a consequence, 80,000 Jews were killed and 80,000 more were enslaved by the Greeks, with half of that number sold by them. The Temple’s treasury was plundered, enriching the Greek tyrant by approximately $1 billion by modern calculations.
Lore from the era also suggests that, while campaigning in Egypt, the deposed High Priest gathered 1,000 men and attacked occupied Jerusalem, causing Menelaus, the High Priest appointed by Antiochus, to flee because of subsequent riots. Then, when Epiphanes returned to Jerusalem in 168 BCE, he restored Menelaus and executed a considerable number of Jews to demonstrate his resolve.
While Maccabees is a religious and political text, and not inspired by Yahowah, it does provide some interesting claims relative to this period…“When these happenings were reported to the king, he thought that Judea was in revolt. Raging like a wild animal, he set out from Egypt and took Jerusalem by storm. He ordered his soldiers to cut down without mercy those whom they met and to slay those who took refuge in their houses. There was a massacre of young and old, a killing of women and children, and a slaughter of virgins and infants. In the space of three days, eighty thousand were lost, forty thousand meeting a violent death, and the same number being sold into slavery.” (2 Maccabees 5:11-14)
At the time, there were many Jews enamored with Greek ideals – as there are today. They were labeled “Hellenizers” by the traditionalists. Antiochus likely 669empowered them over the most overtly religious and then it is also likely that he would have outlawed many religious rites and traditions. It is said that he attempted to syncretize religions, creating a Greek and Jewish cult to worship Zeus.
With Jews divided, Antiochus built the Acra Citadel near the Temple Mount – which has recently been rediscovered. This known, and the Maccabees account aside, rather than projecting Antiochus as a heathen invader fighting against a heroic and unified front of devout Jews, the reality is that he intervened in the middle of a civil war between ultra-religious and Hellenized Jews.
Moving forward to our time, and now trying to avoid the consequence of finding so many fulfilled prophecies in one book, some scholars have opined the theory that the book of Daniel was composed at this time, with the intent of making the Greeks in general, and Antiochus in particular, appear particularly villainous. However, with the oldest manuscript of Daniel found in the caves above Qumran dating to 60 BCE, and noting that the duration between copies averages 100 years, this hypothesis is unlikely.
And why? History is already sufficiently condemning of Greeks as we have discovered. When they are empowered, they seek world conquest and to be worshiped as gods. They are egotistical and brutal. The reason the Devil’s Advocate will be Greek is that they are best suited to represent him. The reason Paul wrote his New Testament to Greeks in Greek is that he knew that his delusions would appeal to them. Affirming this point, Greece remains the most anti-Semitic nation in Europe.
While there are echoes of the past in these words, the concluding statement of the 30th verse is only understood when projected into our future. It is only the Devil’s Advocate who will be “openly enraged, expressing his 670fury, while angrily denouncing and cursing (wa za’am) against the Set-Apart Covenant (‘al beryth qodesh).” There were hundreds of divisive issues between the Maccabean religious zealots, indeed, terrorists, and the more liberal Hellenistic Jews, but beyond circumcision, the Covenant wasn’t among them. They fought for control, to do things their way, to maintain their dietary laws, and to avoid the incorporation of Greek gods and philosophy into the culture.
And if we may consider this epiphany, Greek influence is pervasive in Judaism. Jews ditched the Lowy priests and sought the enlightenment of the rabbis because, at the time of Epiphanes, the Jewish ruling class, including the priests, were advocating abandoning the Towrah and Jerusalem. Even the most prevalent outward demarcation of a Jew today, the Kippah, is of Greek origin. Synagogue is a Greek word, not Hebrew. The defining moment in Jewish history is seen as the Exodus from Egypt, using Greek terminology rather than Yatsa’ Mitsraym. Genesis, Exodus, and Deuteronomy are Greek, not Hebrew names. The Talmud is written in the Greek style of rhetoric. In rabbinic literature, the heroism of Abraham, Moses, David, and Solomon is embellished with the incorporation of Greek mythology. Kabbalah is Neo-Platonism and Gnosticism. And the ultimate syntheses of Greek and Jewish thought is found in Maimonides’ Guide to the Perplexed and Mishneh Torah.
The Rabbinic Seder and Haggadah are Graeco-Roman, borrowed from Hellenistic banquets and symposiums. The inclusion of entrails is from the Banquet of Philoxenus of Cythera. The rabbinic insistence that one must recline at the table is from Homer. The Mishnah’s edict on drinking four cups of wine at the Seder is from Antiphanes in the 4th century BCE when he insisted that it was the best way to honor the gods. Pouring water on the hands is from a Greek idiom. The dipping of hazeret | 671lettuce in salt water was a Greek custom. Haroset, a sticky granular mixture of fruit and nuts, is served to recall the mortar that Jews used to build the pharaohs’ buildings, but there was no mortar, and the origins of the dish are dated to the Greek physician, Tarentum, in the 1st century BCE. Hillel’s Talmud sandwich of lamb, matzah, and marrow was a Greek custom. The Mishnah’s insistence that one may not add afikomen after the lamb is based upon the Greek word, epikomon – which addresses the climax of a Greek symposium where the merrymakers barge into a neighboring home and force the family to join in the frivolity.
Truth be known, rather than win Jewish independence from Greek culture, the Maccabees ushered in the despotic Hasmonean dynasty, opening the floodgates to Hellenism. From this point forward, they would even adopt Greek names, calling themselves Alexander, Diodorus, Apollonius, Aristobulus, and Hyrcanius. Lest we forget, the first Roman invasion of Judea was not in 66 CE but, instead, in 63 BCE. It was in response to a dispute between Hyrcanius and Aristobulus over who would become chief priest and who would inherit the throne following the death of the Hasmonean queen, Alexandra. Were they Jews or Greeks?
Had it not been for the Hellenization of Judaism in the 1st century CE, Paul would not have been able to recast the Passover Lamb, Dowd, as Jesus Christ in the model of Dionysus and Odysseus nor use Gnosticism to advance Replacement Theology, such that the Chosen People became Greeks.
Therefore, it was not Antiochus Epiphanes who influenced Judaism but the Jews themselves. And it will be something that the Towrahless One will capitalize upon, giving his undivided attention to Jews who openly forsake and disavow the Covenant. From the perspective of the Devil’s Advocate, the more the better. Because without the 672Covenant, there is nothing of value left for Yahowah, nothing to return to, and no one to reconcile.
Antiochus had a reasonable army for his day, but nothing compared with what the future Epiphanes will bring to bear against Jerusalem.
“The influential reach of his armed forces (wa zarowa’ min huw’) will be appointed and present (‘amad – will be assigned and take a stand) to profane and defile (chalal – to treat with contempt, making common and popular, thereby dishonoring and sullying by making political and religious) the Most Special Place (ha miqdash – the set-apart sanctuary and temple, the most uncommon and distinctly unsullied location; from mah – to ponder and question the implications of qadash – being set apart, distinguished, special, uncommon, unpopular and, thus, unreligious and apolitical). The protection (ha ma’owz – the place of refuge and means to keep out of harm’s reach) of that which is unceasing continuity (ha tamyd – of that which is everlasting continuance, uninterruptible and reoccurring) will be taken away and abolished (suwr – will be rejected and removed, avoided and forsaken, retracted and withdrawn).
And then, they will present and appoint, setting up (wa nathan – they will put in place, offer, allow, and permit) the abhorrent and appalling abomination (ha shiquwts – the repulsive and detestable, monstrous and disgusting act) which will be devastating, destructive, and deadly (shamem – which is desolating and estranging, especially wasteful and hideous).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:31)
Once again, a variation of this occurred during Antiochus’ control over the city. However, this is prophetic of Satan’s desire to be worshiped as God while contradicting everything Yahowah has instructed.
673Furthermore, the Covenant would have been meaningless to Antiochus, while it is the ultimate prize for the future Epiphanes | Manifestation of God. It is by defiling the Covenant, and profaning it by making it religious, that Satan most effectively thwarts Yahowah’s intent. This is largely because Yahowah wants to be experienced as our Father, and Satan wants to lord over a religious institution.
“He will further desecrate and defile the religious (chaneph – he will provoke the polluted and profane), those who are wrong about (rasha’ – those who are incorrect and irrational regarding) the Covenant (beryth – the family-oriented relationship agreement), with flattery (ba chalaqah – with insincere and illegitimate praise, even cutting them in on a share so that they remain divisive and derisive).
However (wa), the family members (‘am – the people who are related) who know (yada’ – are familiar with and acknowledge, who are aware of and respect, who are shown and understand) their God (‘elohym huw’) will be strengthened and remain resolute (chazaq – will be firm and overpowering, established and strong, intense and unforgiving, and thus victorious), remaining active and engaged (wa ‘asah – they will act and engage, doing what must be done).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:32)
There were no Covenant members 2,200 years ago. We know this because Yahowah told His prophets that He looked for them without finding any. There are, however, Covenant members today who know Yahowah. We are strengthened and will remain resolute, actively engaged in support of the Towrah, Mow’ed, Beryth, and God’s ‘am | people – Yahuwdym | Jews.
We are devoted to this purpose…
674“So then (wa), the people (‘am – the family members) who are observant and perceptive and have demonstrated the capacity to deduce insights (shakal – who have paid attention, experienced the truth, and who, as a result of effective teaching, comprehend) will encourage understanding by making the proper connections (byn – will enlighten, increasing comprehension by conveying reasoned conclusions).
As for the rabbis, however (la ha rabym wa – as for many, especially the exalted and esteemed), for days (yowmym), they will stumble and fall (kashal – they will falter and be brought down) by the sword (ba chereb – by wastefully cutting away at Choreb and the Towrah) and by being engulfed in flames (wa ba lehabah – by being set ablaze in gleaming and brilliant light), in captivity (ba shaby – by being captured and controlled, incarcerated as prisoners), by being taken away from the civilian population they plundered (wa ba bizah – as a disreputable and contemptible spoil). (Dany’el 11:33)
And while stumbling (wa ba kashal hem – and with their faltering and falling, being brought down), they will have supporters, insistent in coming to assist them (‘azar ‘ezer – there will be an outpouring of support and succoring), although relatively few and without merit, benefit, or reason (ma’at).
They will receive money to associate with them (wa lawah ‘al hem) by flattering the rabbis (rabym ba chalaqaq – with insincere and illegitimate praise of the esteemed elitists, using empty words, false hope, and invalid promises). (Dany’el 11:34)
And so then, away from (wa min – apart from) the observant and perceptive who have demonstrated the capacity to ascertain insights (shakal – those who have paid attention, experienced the truth, and who, as a result of effective teaching, comprehend), they will stumble and 675fall (kashal – they will waver and fail), then be tested and purged (tsaraph – examined and refined) with them (ba hem), so that they can be chosen and cleansed (la barar – thereby purified and perfected once selected), whitened and spotless (wa la laban – with the purity of spotless innocence), by the restoring witness (‘ad – with the eternal testimony) at the end of time (‘eth qets).
Indeed (ky), the admonishing and sustaining testimony (‘owd – the restoring witness who is testifying) is for the Mow’ed | Appointed Meeting Time (la ha Mow’ed – is concerning the approach of the scheduled appointment designated in the eternal testimony to gather together to enable everlasting restoration which is arranged to facilitate our appearance based upon the enduring evidence provided by the renewing witness).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:35)
It is the story of people at cross purposes. Yahowah’s Covenant Family is observant and perceptive. Having experienced the truth from His Teaching, those with understanding are eager to share what they have learned. As beneficiaries of the Covenant, we are committed to helping anyone willing to listen and walk away from religion come to know Yahowah so that they can engage in a relationship with Him. The rabbis, however, have a different agenda which is to deny Yahowah’s name, to superimpose their Talmud over His Towrah, and to alter the Covenant such that it suits their religion. They are living in a different year. As a result, the rabbis will continue to stumble and fall, some cut away because they are wrong about Choreb, while others will be incinerated, engulfed in the flames upon Yahowah’s return. Many, if not most, will be incarcerated in She’owl for having plundered God’s people.
And yet, even as the rabbis are being rebuked and cast down, their loyalists, the Haredim, will be supporting them. 676Although, fortunately, their supporters will be few and completely ineffective.
This will be such a cathartic time, even those who aren’t flattering the rabbis on their way to hell are going to falter, especially, if they are not yet ready to trust Yahowah’s witnesses. And yet, that is the benefit of the Time of Trouble. Up to their necks in trouble, confined as a result of the Two-State Solution, and now besieged from all sides, failed by their rabbis and politicians, some Yahuwdym will finally give God a chance.
Those who finally open their eyes, ears, and minds during this time of testing, and who listen to Yahowah, will be cleansed, purged of politics and religion by the restoring witness in the end. They will be among those who greet Yahowah and their Messiah, Dowd, upon their return to the Mow’ed of Kipurym.
This brings us to the purely prophetic portion of ‘ElYah’s soliloquy. Through it, we will learn a great deal more about the Devil’s Advocate and what is about to befall Israel, Jews, and humanity at large.
“And so, the authoritarian leader (wa ha melek – the dictatorial ruler) will act and do (‘asah – he will engage and perform) as he finds acceptable, fulfilling his desires (ka ratsown huw’ – he will favor and indulge himself, seeking his own approval).
He will exalt himself (wa ruwm – he will lift himself on high, rising in rebellion, conceited, haughty, and proud), boasting of his glorious honor and high status (wa gadal – he will lift himself up in a great show of riches and victories) over every god (‘al kol ‘el). And he will continually speak (wa dabar – he will constantly make 677declarations) astounding things (pala’ – to appear extraordinarily amazing and incomprehensible) against God Almighty (‘al ‘el ‘el).
He will succeed, rapidly accomplishing his goals by being demanding and overpowering (tsalach – he will rush to power by being bold, forceful, and aggressive, advancing prosperity while never hesitating).
He will be determined and indignant until the end (‘ad kalah za’am – he will be intent on fulfilling his cursed and wrathful ambition as long as possible) for what is decided upon and spoken about (ky charats –because what has been communicated) will happen (‘asah – will be done).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:36)
The Epiphanes of the Last Days will be an authoritarian leader, acting like a king over his subjects as if he has a divine right to rule. As was the case with Antiochus, he will only care about himself, saying and doing what he finds acceptable and pleasing.
Just as the Greek king lauded the arrogant and implausible title of Epiphanes | the Illustrious Manifestation of God upon himself, his future incarnation will be conceited beyond reason, making self-exaltation his full-time profession. He will be like Hadrian and Hitler in this regard, erecting statues of himself while staging grand public spectacles such as seen in Triumph of the Will.
While we haven’t read this explicitly, implicitly it appears likely that tomorrow’s Epiphanes will be a Greek Progressive with a Muslim Father and Orthodox Christian Mother. Therefore, by elevating himself over every god, he will position himself above the most highly regarded men, Jesus Christ, and Allah. The man who evolved from the land of the King of Kings will declare that he is the God of Gods.
678Knowing that there is but one God, and realizing that he isn’t Him, the Devil’s Advocate will do what he does best – lie. And on this occasion, they will be whoppers – the Mother of All Deceptions. Considering what most have been led to believe up to this point, that will take some doing. It is hard to imagine perpetrating a fraud greater than Paul’s preposterous positions of men killing God and of Greeks replacing Jews. A lie bigger than calling Muhammad a prophet, claiming the Quran was inspired, that Allah is God, or that Jerusalem is an Islamic holy site will have to be astounding. After all men have done to cut humankind off at the knees, it will take an Orwellian conspiracy to promote a man as God.
According to ‘ElYah, Satan incarnate will prevail for a time by posturing the most absurd and incomprehensible charges against Yahowah. That is to say that he will be religious.
We also know that his rise will be rapid. With time in short supply, his will be a rush to power. He will be forceful, aggressive, and bold, overpowering the opposition. He will not equivocate or hesitate. Satan’s determination to be worshiped above the Almighty will be all-consuming. And it will be driven by his indignation – his overt hatred of God and humankind.
Recognizing that Paul was a rabbinical student in Jerusalem at 33 years of age in 33 CE and died in Rome at 66 years of age in 66 CE, he had 33 years to write his letters, tour Greece and Rome, inspire the Gospels, and hone his craft. Six centuries thereafter, Muhammad would be tormented by Satan in a Petra cave at 30 years of age, 33 years before his death in Yathrib in 632 CE. Hitler became chairman of the Nazi Party in 1921 when he was 32 years old. After engulfing the world in war and exterminating six million Jews, der Führer killed himself 24 years thereafter in 1945. And while these are the most infamous men Satan possessed, they had decades to 679accomplish what Satan incarnate will achieve in seven years. And so, even in this, Antiochus IV Epiphanes is a closer analog. He used all manner of guile to claim authority over the Seleucid Empire in 175 BCE and was toes-up eleven years later in 164 BCE.
In his concluding comment, ‘ElYah is affirming that Satan will do exactly what Yahowah predicted of him in the 14th chapter of Yasha’yah. The Devil’s decrees will continue to materialize as they were revealed. Hylel ben Shachar has long been and remains the god of religion.
This next line has caused those whose religious ideals are predicated upon Daniel, such as the Seventh Day Adventists, to claim that the “Antichrist” will be a Jew, when all evidence points to the realization that he will be Greek.
“And as for the gods (wa ‘al ‘elohym) of his forefathers (‘aby huw’), he will not consider or make a distinction (lo’ byn – he will not consider associating, looking closely at, perceiving, or imparting information, even understanding).
He will not make the connection between (lo’ byn – he will not understand or apprehend the association) regarding a desire for (wa ‘al chemdah – a longing to value, finding beautiful and attractive) women (‘ishahym) or regarding any other god (wa ‘al kol ‘elowah). For above all else (ky ‘al kol), he will be magnified and exalted (gadal – he will be honored and glorified, boasted about and seen as great).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:37)
The negated and repeated verb in the initial sentences is byn. It speaks of “making the connections to understand.” To byn is “to perceive the associations between the things which can be known to comprehend the implications.” Therefore, when it comes to the gods his people (Socialists, Christians, and Muslims) have 680worshiped, he will not associate with them, will make no distinction between them, and he will not consider them. It is apparent that even the Towrahless One will not fully understand how Satan came to be worshiped as the Lord God of religion. With all evidence to the contrary, how is it that the Devil fooled most of the people most of the time? Considering their relative merits, it is incomprehensible that humans by a margin of a million or more to one have chosen Satan as their god instead of Yahowah.
This is an important insight into the approach the new Epiphanes will take to fulfill Satan’s desire to be perceived above the Most High. He will not compare himself to other men, not even to Jesus or Allah. He will make no attempt at differentiating himself from these gods either. It will be the first time that Hylel ben Shachar will present himself as God, doing so without an alias.
This known, while paganism was Satan’s sandbox, Judaism his scholastic dissertation, Christianity his magnum opus, Islam is as overt as the Devil has ever been. He is Allah. Therefore, recognizing his disdain for ha Satan | the Adversary title, will the Towrahless One parade around under his birth name, given name, Hylel ben Shachar, revert to Epiphanes, or claim to be Allah?
It has been assumed that the “Antichrist” will be a homosexual (like Paul and Hadrian), but while that conclusion is possible, it’s not exactly what ‘ElYah said. It is byn | making connections and understanding which has been negated, not chemdah which is a noun addressing “desire.” So, he may not understand or appreciate women, or he may not see the connection between women and all other gods.
If the latter, while the most revered false gods have been male, there have been many goddesses. But without priests convincing women to worship these gods and goddesses, most men would have paid them no heed. Also 681interesting, while Muslim men and women have unequal rights, they are equally religious, whereas in the West, Christian women are overwhelmingly more religious than men. Therefore, since the preponderance of Greeks are Christian, the Towrahless One is not going to show an affinity for the Christian Christ or patronize his alleged mother, Mary. This is yet another affirmation that Satan will not be using a religious alias in his final pursuit of divinity.
In this regard, Paul was a homosexual who denounced other homosexuals, which is pretty twisted. Hadrian deified his lover, the young homosexual Greek boy, Antinous, who was taken by the Roman emperor at 12 and died at 19 years of age in 130 CE when the emperor was 54. Associating Antinous with Osiris, and thus Dionysus, then later Hermes, Hadrian founded one of Rome’s most enduring cults. And it was with Antinous at his side that Hadrian entered Judea and decided to build temples to himself and Zeus/Jupiter upon the Temple Mount. They would tour Egypt from there, man and boy worshiping at the sarcophagus of Alexander the Great. Not long thereafter, the beautiful Antinous was found dead in the Nile during the Festival of Osiris. In the writings of Dio Cassius, we are told that there was such belief in rejuvenating death, with Hadrian’s health failing, Antinous may have been sacrificed for the emperor who died seven years later.
Muhammad was also a sexual pervert, engaging in sex with a nine-year-old child when he was 53 years old. He was a serial rapist and pedophile. His heaven is filled with homosexual men while the Islamic hell is filled with women. And so, we should expect the Devil’s advocate to be similarly twisted.
While he may not favor women or other gods, he will not be nearly as confident as he appears…
682“He will value (kabad – he will distinguish and honor) the god (wa la ‘elowah) of fortification and protection, of what empowers and prevails (ma’owz – of fortresses and strongholds, of the highest heights and elevated ground, of safety and refuge; from mah – to question ‘azaz – what empowers and prevails), over and instead of these (‘al ken huw’).
And also, a god (wa la ‘elowah) whom (‘asher) his fathers (‘aby huw’) did not know, failing to recognize him (lo’ yada’ huw’ – were unfamiliar with him and did not acknowledge him), he will honor and glorify (kabed – he will distinguish and make significant) with gold and silver (wa ba zahab wa ba keseph) and with precious stones (wa ba ‘eben yaqar), in addition to the most valuable and coveted things (wa ba chamuwdowth).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:38)
This does not say that he will love war but, instead, value protection. The modern Epiphanes will know that he’s on a short leash and that the one holding it is going to yank it and him off to She’owl. So, the one seeking to rise above God will be seeking refuge from God. The best he can hope for is that the demons and weapons at his command will hold off his termination date – which isn’t going to happen.
Once again, the Devil’s Advocate’s rise to power and acclaim will be under the name of a “god” his fathers did not recognize or acknowledge. So, unless he is speaking of Christians disavowing Allah, Muslims rejecting Jesus, rabbis dismissing Yahowah, or ancient Greeks being disinterested in Persian Zoroastrianism, we are looking for a name not acknowledged by Greeks, ruling out Zeus, Apollo, Dionysus, or Adonis.
While twisted sex, an appetite for power, and a personal protection detail will be valued, the Towrahless One will crave fame and fortune. It is as if he perceives 683himself as a pharaoh and thinks he can take it with him – perhaps even bribe his way out of She’owl.
No matter how I tried to render this negatively, as if the Devil’s Advocate was working with a foreign god and rewarding those who joined him, the dual instances of nakar defeated this approach because defining the same word negatively and then positively in the same sentence is uncomfortable. Therefore, I concluded that this next statement is being presented as the first glimmer of light in this prognostication. It, therefore, represents the final, purely prophetic passage regarding our future, offering a ray of hope.
“He will act, directing his attention toward (wa ‘asah – he will deal with and engage regarding) the most well-defended positions (mibtsar ma’owz – the strongest fortifications) of the Nakar ‘Elowah | of the observant one who identifies and acknowledges God, making God known and respected (‘im ‘elowah nakar), because, for the benefit of the relationship (‘asher), those who recognize and acknowledge this (nakar – those who realize this and make it known, consider and regard this, correlating this information perceiving what is being shared) He will empower and enrich, honor and respect by rearing as His offspring (rabah kabowd – He will cause to thrive, increasing in every way possible by abundantly magnifying and rewarding).
He will make it possible for them to communicate in a vivid and memorable way (mashal hem – He will cause them to share proverbs which enlighten, parables which teach by association and comparison, and then lead as He empowers them (hifil perfect)) with many (ba ha rabym – with numerous individuals).
And the Earth (wa ‘adamah – the realm of ‘Adam) He will apportion and share (chalaq – He will assign and distribute (piel imperfect)) in compensation (ba machyr – 684as a reward for having performed and as the wage for this valued task).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:39)
There is now the appearance that we are returning to the beginning of this long prophecy with references to the kings of the north and south. However, since there is no longer a meaningful expression of a powerful southern nation relative to Israel, it is obvious that ‘ElYah is completing his historic portrait with a nod to what would come next. Every formidable foe, from Iran, Russia, and China, Europe and America are either east, north, or west of the Promised Land. And of the two potential villains south of Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, neither would be a plausible threat to a leader proven capable of subduing the rest of the world.
By the time we have reached the preceding statement, the only influence capable of rescuing Yahuwdym from the Devil’s Advocate is composed of those willing to speak out against him and in favor of Yahowah, His Towrah, Mow’ed, and Beryth. And that is why Yahowah is committed to raising them as His children, enriching and empowering them for having communicated in this memorable way. He is even going to allocate the Earth to them, giving those who stood up for the truth a share of the world as compensation.
With this in mind, as the prophet turns back the clock to pick up the historic portrayal where he had left off, what follows is not prophetic of the final struggles between the Seleucid and Ptolemaic empires. It is no longer a depiction of Greeks behaving badly or of the demise of Antiochus Epiphanes. Therefore, ‘ElYah has leaped back and then forward in time, but this time, not to our time.
There would be Beasts far more belligerent and enduring, oppressive and deadly, resolutely anti-Semitic, and viciously militant than the departed Greek Epiphanes – 685Rome, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Third Reich. And they would seek to annihilate and exterminate Jews.
Antiochus Epiphanes’ life ended with a whimper, as will that of the incarnation of Satan – the appalling life which will reflect that of his predecessor. But between the deaths of Antiochus Epiphanes and the Devil’s Advocate, God’s people will have to deal with the Beast that evolved from Greece into the most horrific of monsters. And by using these Beasts – the Roman Republic, Imperial Rome, the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Church, the Holy Roman Empire, the Third Reich, and the European Union – Satan has been able to oppress and murder Jews at an astounding rate for a prolonged period of time.
So what follows is about the new Beast in town. The king of the north is now a divided Rome teetering between Republic and Empire. If you recall, after crossing the Rubicon and marching on Rome, Julius Caesar chased his rival, Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, out of Italy into Greece. The first round of their civil war was won by Pompey near Dyrrachium in what is now Albania in June of 48 BCE. After confiscating Pompey’s supplies, Caesar strategically retreated into Thessaly. With the full support of the Senate, Pompey pursued him. However, when they faced off again at Pharsalus in central Greece in August of 48 BCE, the second round of the war between the Republic and Empire was won decisively by the emerging dictator. Thereupon, Pompey fled to the Ptolemies in Egypt – where, to Caesar’s great consternation, he was gored upon his arrival by King Ptolemy XIII. In an attempt to appease Caesar, he, instead, annoyed him.
From September of 48 BCE until January 47 BCE, in his attempt to avenge the assassination of his rival, and to intervene in a civil war, Caesar entered Egypt and was besieged in Alexandria. With his 4,000 troops, he initially sided with Cleopatra, Ptolemy’s sister, whom he captured then released hoping for a ceasefire. But the plan backfired 686as the overpowering Egyptian forces cut the Romans off, isolating them.
It should have been the end of Caesar and of the Empire because Ptolemy clearly had the upper hand. But then as the following prophecy portends, Caesar was reinforced when his ally, Mithridates II of Pergamon, arrived from Crimea with 13,000 soldiers trained in the Roman style. They marched overland from Asia Minor, arriving from the northeast.
Mithridates successfully stormed the garrison at Pelusium at the eastern edge of the Nile Delta. It had been the location of the first major battle between the Persians and Cambyses II – Cyrus’ son. Marching through the Delta, Mithridates and his Crimeans defeated a second Ptolemaic detachment en route to Alexandria to rescue Julius Caesar.
But what before Mithridates’ wandering eyes should appear but Jews, lots of them and well-armed. The Crimeans would join forces with Antipater the Idumaean, the founder of the Herodian Dynasty and father of Herod the Great, to rescue the fate of Imperial Rome.
Antipater had been a client of General Pompey after the Roman conquered Judea on behalf of the Republic during a squabble between Jews vying for positions. Able to deduce which way the wind was about to blow, Antipater allied with Julius Caesar upon the Republic’s defeat and Pompey’s subsequent goring in Egypt. So, the future king of the Judean Province of Imperial Rome came to Caesar’s rescue in Alexandria at the command of a Jewish army that had survived the Maccabean revolt against Antiochus Epiphanes and the resulting civil war.
The combined force of Romans, Crimeans, and Jews, now totaling 20,000 warriors and under Caesar’s command, took the fight to the Egyptians in February 47 BCE. Although the Ptolemaic army was larger, equipped 687in the Greek manner, and supported by their fleet, fighting along the Nile on familiar ground, Caesar prevailed. His Gallic and Germanic cavalry forded a tributary ahead of the combined army and caught Ptolemy by surprise, entering his flank and rear. This caused them to flee. Backs up against the Nile, and in the midst of a chaotic retreat, the frightened soldiers capsized their boats, killing Ptolemy the unlucky XIII in the process.
As a sign of his appreciation, Caesar appointed Antipater the chief minister of Judea, as Yahuwdah was known to the Romans. Afforded with the right to collect taxes, Antipater settled in, appointing his sons, Phasaelus and Herod, as the governors of Jerusalem and Galilee. A student of politics and practitioner of war, Antipater would side with Gaius Cassius Longinus against Mark Antony. This in turn led to his increasingly unpopular stance among the devoutly religious, non-Hellenized Jews. It had been out with the Greeks and in with the Romans as the prophecies recorded in Daniel foretold.
But that was just the beginning of the next phase in this story – the most horrific of all. With Egypt now in his hands, Caesar lifted the Siege of Alexandria and placed Cleopatra on the throne as co-regent with her twelve-year-old brother, Ptolemy XIV. Comfortable in the land of the pharaohs, and enjoying Cleopatra’s company, Caesar luxuriated in the embrace of the Greek queen through April before resuming his Civil War to determine the fate of the world.
While there, Cleopatra became pregnant with Caesarion. And so, with her legacy intact, she arranged for Arsinoe IV, the previous queen, to be paraded through Rome as a slave and then banished to the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus where she served as a high-priced temple prostitute. She would subsequently be executed on the orders of Cleopatra’s most acclaimed lover, Mark Antony.
688The future of Rome had yet to be decided, however, since a residue of the Roman Republic’s legions, called the Optimates, had regrouped in northern Africa under the command of Scipio. And while still in a foul mood for having been labeled an enemy of the Roman Republic by the Senate, Caesar’s Populares pursued them.
After gathering six legions in Sicily, Caesar sailed his mighty armada south in stormy seas, reaching the African coast with just 3,000 infantry and 150 cavalry. Too weak to successfully attack the Republic’s remaining legions head-on, the first Emperor waited for the arrival of the additional troops, increasing his force to 9,000 soldiers. All the while, after a number of bloody engagements, the Optimates were able to assemble an army of eight legions comprised of 50,000 infantry and a substantial cavalry. But Caesar captured their grain supply, starving them. So, when the XIII and XIV legions arrived to support him, and with the IX and X on their heels, Caesar attacked, winning a number of battles, ultimately exterminating the Republic’s Gallic and Germanic cavalries.
In response, the Republic leagued with Juba, the king of Numidia. Thereupon, they began torturing the captured Populares troops, including the commander of the IVX legion such that their foe could hear his screams. Under this dark shadow, the VII and VIII legions arrived to bolster Caesar’s force to twelve legions. Then as they built catapults and scorpions to bombard Uzitta, the Optimates IV and VI legions switched sides.
Emboldened, Caesar sent his fleet to blockade Thapsus in modern Tunisia, the Optimate stronghold. His siege began in February 46 BCE. He had many Legio at his disposal, including the XXV, XXVI, XXVIII, XXIX, and XXX which had joined the veteran Legio V, VII, VIII, IX, X, and XIV – with more Roman numerals than he could count on both hands. Imperial Rome’s first authoritarian dictator would also deploy thousands of slingers and 689archers in addition to 5,000 cavalry – some 66,000 armed men, give or take a few thousand souls. They would be up against Scipio’s 90,000 warriors comprised of 55,000 legionaries and Numidians, with 15,000 additional cavalry, 20,000 infantry, and 60 elephants – which were sufficiently harassed to trample their own troops. Caesar’s cavalry overwhelmed the Republic’s encampment, causing Juba’s troops to abandon the battle.
At this point, it is said that Caesar lost control of his 21 legions, because they started slaughtering fellow Romans at a prodigious rate, annihilating them. The bloody rampage is now blamed on Caesar suffering from an epileptic seizure. And with the Roman world bludgeoning itself, as a forge hardens the sword, Julius Caesar returned to Rome where he was killed as the Republic became the Imperial Empire. While Jews had thought that they had seen the worst of the Gentiles, and that they could fight alongside the Romans, the Empire would be more brutal than anyone could imagine. And so now are you ready to listen to how life as we have known it comes to an end?
“By the time it is over (wa ‘eth qets – at the completion of this period of time), the king of the south (melek ha negeb) will gore him (nagach ‘im huw’), but the king of the north (melek ha tsaphown) will blow him away, rushing at him (wa sa’ar ‘al huw’) with chariots (ba rekeb – troop transports) and with horsemen (wa ba parash – a calvary), in addition to (wa) many ships (ba ‘onyah rab – a large naval fleet). He will enter (wa bow’) into countries (ba ‘erets), overwhelming them while passing through (wa shataph wa ‘abar). (Dany’el 11:40)
Then he will come (wa bow’) into the beautiful and desirable land (ba ‘erets ha tsaby – into a burgeoning and growing region). Many will stumble and fall (wa rab kashal – numerous will waver and falter), albeit some will be delivered (wa ‘eleh malat – will be rescued and escape) from his influence (min yad huw’): ‘Edowm and 690Mow’ab (‘Edowm wa Mow’ab – south and east of the Dead Sea), beginning with the ‘Amown descendants (wa re’shyth ben ‘Amown – starting with those living in what is now Jordan). (Dany’el 11:41)
He will stretch out his hand (wa shalach yad huw’ – he will extend his influence) against the region (ba ‘erets) and even the land of Mitsraym (wa ‘erets Mitsraym – the realm of the religious and political oppressors) will not escape (lo’ hayah la pelytah). (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:42)
He will serve as a parable, the byword and leader symbolic (mashal) of the treasure troves of silver and gold (mikman ha zahab wa ha keseph), and every other thing of value (wa ba kol chamuwth) of Crucibles of Oppression (Mitsraym), as well as the Libyans (Luwb – Libyans) and the Kuwshy (wa Kuwshy) in his stride (ba mitsa’d huw’). (Dany’el 11:43)
However, a report (wa shamuwa’ah – news, an announcement) from the east (min mizrach) will alarm him (bahal huw’ – will bewilder and terrify him) as well as from the north (wa min tsaphown).
And so, he will withdraw (wa yatsa’ – he will come out and go forth) with venomous fury and tremendous rage (ba chemah gadowl – with toxic wrath), completely devoted (wa la charam – totally dedicated) to decimating and overthrowing (la shamad – to exterminating and destroying, annihilating and eradicating) many (rabym – numerous). (Dany’el 11:44)
He will pitch his palatial tents (wa nata’ ‘ohel ‘aphden huw’) between the Sea (bayn yam) and toward the glorious Set-Apart Mountain (la har tsaby qodesh – the beautiful and valuable, separate and distinguished, mount). Then he will come to (wa bow’) approach his end (‘ad qets huw’) with no one to help him (wa ‘ayn 691‘azar la huw’).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:45)
In coming to Caesar’s rescue when his demise was virtually certain, the Jews, who had rid themselves of the Greeks at a terrible cost, would endure a legacy of Romans beyond the pale. Pompey would be a cupcake compared to Nero, Vespasian, Titus, and Hadrian, leading up to Constantine and Theodosius, followed by a long line of anti-Semitic popes. It would all lead to the destruction of the Temple, to the renaming and paganization of the land, and to the extermination of Jews through the torturous experience of the Diaspora and Holocaust.
Out of the ashes of Hell, Israel would be born anew. A remnant would return. One last round of horrible battles would be fought as Satan’s last hurrah. And out of this Time of Trouble, God’s people would finally listen and come home. This is how that story ends…
“While I was continuing to (wa ‘owd ‘any) converse, (dabar), pleading for intercession with the intent of being distinct and different (‘el taphilah), then (wa) the individual, this man (ha ‘iysh), Gabry’el | God’s Most Confident and Capable, Courageous and Combative Individual (wa Gabry’el), whom, to reveal the proper path (‘asher), I had seen (ra’ah) during the initial prophetic revelation (ba ha chazown ba ha tachilah) offering advice while preoccupied with the destruction of existing militaries, maneuvering quickly between battles (ya’aph ba ya’aph), reached out to make contact with me (naga’ ‘el ‘any) around the time of the evening (ka ‘eth ‘ereb) offering, the apportionment which is bestowed as a gift (minchah). (Dany’el 9:21)
692So (wa) he made the connections to encourage understanding (byn). He spoke with me (wa dabar ‘im ‘any), and he said (wa ‘amar), ‘Dany’el (Dany’el), now at this time in this sequence of events (‘atah), I have come forth (yatsa’) to provide insights and instruction which, if you are circumspect and considerate, will promote (la sakal ‘atah) understanding through discernment (bynah). (Dany’el 9:22)
In the beginning, the sickening and wearisome (ba tachilah) matter (dabar) of your desire for favors and your pleading for mercy (tachanuwn ‘atah) was brought up (yatsa’). So, I, myself, have come (wa ‘any) to conspicuously report an informative announcement, making this known (la nagad), because (ky) you are overly needy (chamadowth ‘atah). Therefore (wa), you will want to consider and understand after a diligent and systematic evaluation (byn) of this message (ba ha dabar), choosing to make the connections needed to comprehend (wa byn) what is being revealed (ba ha mar’eh). (Dany’el 9:23)
The many promises associated with Shabuw’ah and the Shabat, along with the vows pertaining to the things Seven represents (shabuwa’ym shib’iym) are determined and decreed, divided out and planned (chathak) on behalf of your people, the extended family (‘al ‘am ‘atah), and upon your set-apart city and its distinctly uncommon inhabitants (wa ‘al ‘iyr qodesh ‘atah) to bring an end to the religious rebellion, eliminating the revolting communal defiance and contrarian views (la kalah ha pesha’), to affix the signature which seals up the guilt associated with having missed the way, precluding ever being wrong again (wa la chatham chata’owth), to provide reconciliation for religious error, purging the perverse corruptions and twisted perversions (wa la kaphar ‘awon), to arrive with and bring that which is eternally 693right, always correct, forever accurate and honest, thereby attaining everlasting deliverance and vindication (wa la bow’ tsedeq ‘owlam), to provide a personal seal and signature to revelation, confirming and completing these communications (wa la chatham chazown wa naby’), and to prophecy (wa naby’ – to the prophet), while also anointing the Most Set Apart (wa la mashach qodesh qodesh). (Dany’el 9:24)
Therefore (wa), know, because it is beneficial for you to be aware by coming to possess the information required to recognize reality (yada’) and gain the insights needed to understand, realizing that the best option is for you to be prudent after learning, succeeding by being attentive, properly educated, intelligent, and perceiving (wa sakal) that from (min) the going forth of the word (mowtsa’ dabar) to return to restore (shuwb), reestablishing (wa la banah), Yaruwshalaim | the Source of Teaching and Guidance on Reconciliation (Yaruwshalaim) until the restoring testimony and eternal witness (‘ad) of the son of the Sovereign who is conspicuously making this known, and who will provide the leadership and counsel (nagyd) of the Mashyach | the anointed Messiah (mashyach) are seven sevens and, thus, seven promises and fulfilled vows (shabuwa’ym shiba’ah).
Furthermore (wa), in sixty-two weeks (shabuwa’ym sheshym wa shanaym), she will be restored (shuwb) and rebuilt to reestablish and fortify (wa banah) the way to grow and expand (rachob) by being diligent and decisive (wa charuwts) in a troubled time of oppression (wa ba tsowq ha ‘ets). (Daniel 9:25)
And after (wa ‘achar) the sixty-two weeks (ha shabuwa’ym sheshym wa shanaym), the Anointed Messiah (mashyach) will be cut down and uprooted to establish a covenant, removed and exchanged in the new agreement (karath), but not for himself and such 694that he is negated and replaced, his life for naught (wa ‘ayn la huw’).
Then (wa) the people and nation, even the army (‘am) of the commanding officer and supreme leader who is making copious announcements and prolific declarations (nagyd) who is to come (ha bow’), will attempt to corrupt and destroy (shachath) the city (ha ‘iyr) and the Set Apart (wa ha qodesh).
And (wa) in the end, his (qets huw’) outrageousness will be wiped away by an overpowering force (ha sheteph). And yet, to the very last moment (wa ‘ad qets), it is certain (charats) that there will be devastating and desolating (shamem) war (milchamah). (Dany’el 9:26)
Thereupon (wa), he will confirm the prevailing (gabar) covenant, this agreement and arrangement (beryth) with a great many, including plenty of rabbis, the preponderance of the populous, and with numerous among the elite (la ha rabym), for one week and based upon a single promise (‘echad shabuwa’). But halfway through the week (wa chatsy shabuwa’), he will stop the observance of the Shabat (shabath), the sacrifice (zebach), and the gift of an allocation (minchah).
The most extreme aspect (wa ‘al kanaph) of the repulsive abomination and monstrous religious idolatry (shiquwtsym) will astonish and desolate, incapacitate and mortify (shamem), such that there is an inability to be perceptive, a great longing, and all-encompassing anxiety, even complete and utter destruction when most will perish (wa ‘ad kalah).
It will occur quickly and decisively, with determination and decrees (wa charats) profusely poured out (natak) upon the astonished and stupefied who will perish because they are too stunned to respond (‘al shamem).’” (Dany’el / Daniel 9:27)
695The prelude to this eventuality was previously presented…
“I approached (qareb ‘al) a particular individual from (chad min) those standing by (quwm), requesting (ba’ah) a true and accurate assessment (wa yatsyb) from him (min huw’) regarding all of this (‘al kol danah). And he explained it to me (wa ‘amar la ‘anah), providing an interpretation (wa pashar) of these things (milah), making them known to me so that I would understand (yada’ ‘anah). (Dany’el 7:16)
‘These powerful beasts (‘ilyn chywah rab), which are four in number, represent four (dy ‘inuwn ‘arba’ ‘arba’) governments and their leaders (melekyn), which will arise (quwm) from the Earth (min ‘ara’). (Dany’el 7:17)
However (wa), the Set-Apart Ones (qadysh) of the Most High (‘elyown) will receive the honor and distinction, even the gift (qabal) of the kingdom and of sovereign power (malkuw). And they will inherit and possess (wa chasan) the kingdom and reign as kings and queens (malkuw) throughout eternity, advancing as a result of the restoring witness forevermore (‘ad ‘alam wa ‘ad ‘alam ‘alam).’ (Dany’el 7:18)
Then, therefore (‘adayn), I wanted (tsabah) to be certain (la yatsab) regarding (‘al) the fourth (raby’ay) monstrous beast (chywah) which was different in the way it changed (dy hawah shanah) from all of the others (min kol kol). It was awesomely formidable and exceedingly terrifying (yatyr dachal).
Its teeth (shen hy’) were akin to iron (dy parzel) and its claws (wa taphar hy’) were of bronze (dy nachash) as it devoured (‘akal) and crushed (daqaq) the rest (sha’ar) by violently trampling (raphas) with its feet (ba ragal). (Dany’el 7:19)
696And also (wa), concerning (‘al) were the ten horns (‘ashar qeren) which were on its head (dy ba re’sh hy’). And then there was another in the end (wa ‘achoran) which grew such that it was lifted up (dy salaq).
Three (talath) would submit and then fall (naphal) before it (min qadam hy’), to this horn that had eyes and a mouth (wa qeren diken wa’ayn la hy’ wa pum). He spoke profusely (malal rab).
And (wa) by appearances (chazuw), it was greater (hy’ rab) than those in league with it and the others of its kind (min chabrah hy’). (Dany’el 7:20)
I continued looking (hawah chazah), and this particular horn (wa qeren diken) was engaged in war (‘abad qarab) against (‘im) the Set-Apart Ones (qadysh). And he prevailed over them (wa yakil la himow) (Dany’el 7:21) until the restoring witness (‘ad) of the Ancient of Days (dy ‘athyq yowmym) arrived (‘athah).
Then judgment and justice (wa dyn) He offered and delivered by entrusting it (yahab) to the Set-Apart Ones (la qadysh) of the Most High (‘elyown). And so, at the specific appointed time (wa zaman), He approached and reached out (matsa’) so that (wa) the Set-Apart Ones (qadysh) could inherit (chasan) sovereignty and kingship (malkuw). (Dany’el 7:22)
Therefore (ken), he said (‘amar), ‘the fourth (raby’ay) beast (chywah) represents the fourth empire (raby’ay malkuw hawah) to arise (hawah) in the world (ba ‘ara’). It will be different, especially in its evolution and transformation as it changes from (dy shanah min) all the other sovereign powers (kol malkuw). It will devour and devastate (wa ‘akal) the entire world (kol ‘ara’), trampling it down and destroying it (wa duwsh hy’) while crushing it (daqaq hy’). (Dany’el 7:23)
697Regarding the ten horns (wa qeren ‘asar), out of this empire (min hy’ malkuw), the leaders of ten governments (‘asar melek) will arise (quwm). And then much later, another (wa ‘achoran) will rise up and take its stand (quwm) at the end after them (‘achary hown). And he (wa huw’) will be different (shanah) from the previous ones (min qadmay).
So then (wa), three leaders and their nations (tahath melek) will be humbled, losing status by being subdued (shaphal). (Dany’el 7:24)
And he will speak, issuing decisions, decrees, and commands (wa milah) in conflict with and in opposition to (la tsad) the Most High (‘ilay).
His way of speaking and proclamations (malal) will wear down and torment, even oppress and persecute (balah) the Set Apart (wa la qadysh) of the Almighty (‘elyown). Then he will aspire to change, attempting to alter (wa sabar la shanah) the set times for the meetings (zaman) along with the written and codified prescriptions (wa dath).
They will be influenced by him, as they are claimed under his authority (wa yahab ba yad huw’) for up to 3½ years (‘ad ‘idan wa ‘idanyn wa palag ‘idan). (Dany’el 7:25)
However (wa), he will sit in judgment (dyn yatib) with his authorization and ability to rule (wa shalatan huw’) taken away, repealed and annulled (‘adah), eradicated (la shamad) and perishing (wa la ‘abad) to the end of time (‘ad sowpha’). (Dany’el 7:26)
The sovereignty (wa malkuw) and empowerment along with a plethora of rights (wa shalatan), including the highest status and an increase in magnitude (wa rabuw) will be for those who will reign (dy malkuw) under the entirety (tachath kol) of the heavens 698(shamayn). This will be given (yahab) to a family (‘am) Set Apart (qadysh) unto the Most High (‘elyown).
His kingdom and sovereign power (malkuw) will be an everlasting and eternal right to lead (malkuw ‘alam). And all (wa kol) of those who are empowered and authorized (shalatan) will approach and serve with him (la huw’ palach) by listening (wa shama’).’ (Dany’el 7:27)
Here, at this time, along with the eternal and restoring witness (‘ad kah), was the conclusion (sowph) of this communication (dy milah).” (Dany’el / Daniel 7:28)
“Pursuant to the Ram (wa ba ha ‘ayl), there was insufficient capability, a lack of power and resources (lo’ hayah koach), to withstand his presence (la ‘amad la paneh huw’). So (wa), he was overthrown and humbled as he brought him down (wa shalak huw’) to earth (‘erets). He trampled and trod upon him as the aggressor (wa ramas huw’) so there was no way to spare or rescue (wa lo’ hayah natsal) the Ram (la ha ‘ayil ha ‘ayl) from his influence or ability (min yad huw’). (Dany’el 8:7)
The great young and stubborn crowned Goat seeking adventure, supremacy, and glory (wa tsaphyr ha ‘ez) was empowered, exalted, and enriched as he glorified himself and became exceptionally boastful (gadal) beyond the greatest extent thought possible (‘ad me’od).
But when he was the strongest and at the time when his empire was the vastest (wa ka ‘atsam huw’), the great Horn (ha gadowl ha qeren) was broken, and the membranes of his body ruptured (shabar).
Then four (wa ‘arba’) conspicuously appeared (chasuwth), rising up (‘alah – ascending) in its place 699(tachath hy’), extending toward (la) the four winds (‘arba’ ruwach) of the sky (shamaym). (Dany’el 8:8)
Then out of one of them (wa min ha ‘echad min hem), he came forth (yatsa’) as one Horn / a solitary individual ruler (qeren ‘echad) from the least significant, the youngest and smallest (min tsa’yr).
And it grew great, magnifying itself (wa gadal) with arrogant and braggadocious speeches to those who remain (yeter) toward the south (‘el ha negeb), to the east (wa ‘el ha mizrach), and toward the most desirable and beautiful (wa ‘el ha tsaby). (Dany’el 8:9)
And it boasted as it grew insolent (wa gadal), well beyond (‘ad) the host of spiritual envoys coming forth from (tsaba’) the heavenly realm (ha shamaym).
Then it brought down (wa naphal) to the Earth (‘erets) some of the host of the spiritual realm (min ha tsaba’) in addition to some of the brightest and most powerful (wa min ha kowkab). It was the aggressor among them (wa ramas hem). (Dany’el 8:10)
And up until the eternal and restoring witness of (wa ‘ad) the empowered leader who will govern and reign (sar), he will be exalted and glorified, honored and considered great, growing ever more arrogant as he seeks status and acclaim over (gadal) the spiritual implements (ha tsaba’).
Then because of him (wa min huw’), the unceasing continuity and uninterrupted succession (ha tamyd) will be irrevocably and demonstrably lifted up and exalted (ruwm). (Dany’el 8:11)
However, a host of spiritual implements (wa tsaba’) will be given away (nathan) over (‘al) having revolted against (ba pesha’) that which is perpetual and continuous, everlasting and unceasing (ha tamyd).
700Therefore, this will direct Her to come forth with (wa shalak) that which is trustworthy and reliable (‘emeth) to the Land (‘erets). And She will act, engage (wa ‘asah), and succeed, accomplishing what She strives to achieve (wa tsalach). (Dany’el 8:12)
Then I chose to listen to (wa shama’) someone who was Set Apart (‘echad qadowsh) speaking (dabar). The Set-Apart one (‘echad qadowsh) said (‘amar) to the Palmowny | Distinguished One who is illustrious and who will intercede (la ha Palmowny) by demonstrably bringing this about through his words (ha dabar), ‘How long (matay) is the restoring witness (‘ad) of the prophetic revelation (chazown), regarding that which is perpetual and continuous (ha tamyd), and also (wa) the revolting defiance of authority (ha pesha’), which is devastating and desolating (shamem) to that which has been given to (nathan) the Set Apart (wa qodesh), which the cadre of spiritual implements (wa tsaba’) has trampled (mirmas)?’ (Dany’el 8:13)
And he said to me (wa ‘amar ‘el ‘any), ‘For the duration of (‘ad) 2,300 (‘eleph wa shalosh me’ah) ensuing periods of darkness in the evening (‘ereb) with the dawn of a new day, the time of enlightenment to reflect and be contemplative in the morning (boqer). Then the Set Apart (wa qodesh) will be vindicated as right (tsadaq).’ (Dany’el 8:14)
While I, Dany’el, was seeing and considering (wa hayah ba ra’ah ‘any Dany’el) the revelation (‘eth ha chazown), I desired and sought (wa baqas) insights and understanding (bynah).
Then, behold (wa hineh), present and standing before me (‘amad la neged ‘any) was someone who appeared like (ka mara’ah) a confident and courageous man (geber). (Dany’el 8:15)
701I heard the voice (wa shama’ qowl) of this man (‘adam) providing understanding by making connections associated with (bayn) ‘Uwlay | My Enriching Adventure (‘Uwlay).
He called out to and invited (wa qara’) Gabry’el | I Am God’s Most Confident and Capable, Courageous and Combative Man (wa Gabry’el).
Then he said (wa ‘amar), ‘Explain the relationships which lead to understanding this revelation (byn la halaz ‘eth ha mar’eh).’ (Dany’el 8:16)
So, he arrived (wa bow’), positioning himself right beside me (‘omed ‘etsel ‘any). But when he approached (wa ba bow’ huw’), I was overwhelmed (ba’ath). And so, I chose to fall on my face (wa naphal ‘al panah ‘any).
Then he said to me (wa ‘amar ‘el ‘any), ‘Descendant of ‘Adam (ben ‘adam), you should choose to use your ability to make the necessary connections to understand, learning how to closely examine and carefully consider the evidence while being discerning (byn) because, indeed (ky), the prophetic revelation (ha chazown) is for the end of time (la ‘eth qets).’ (Dany’el 8:17)
He said (wa ‘amar), ‘Pay close attention to me (hineh ‘any). Yada’, as the final witness to the eternal testimony regarding the restoring appointments of the final Mow’ed (ky la Mow’ed qets), will make this known so that you will be understood (yada’ ‘atah). He will literally and consistently convey (hayah) the way to receive the benefits of the relationship (‘eth ‘asher), doing so in the distant future, during the last days, on behalf of the indignant remnant (ba ‘acharyth ha za’am). (Dany’el 8:19)
The Ram (ha ayl) which you saw (‘asher ra’ah) acting like a Lord while possessing (ba’al) the two horns 702(ha qerenym) are the kings (melek) of Maday | Media (Maday) and (wa) Paras | Persia (wa Paras). (Dany’el 8:20) And the young and independent crowned Goat (wa ha tsaphyr), the shaggy-haired, tempestuous, and devilish male (ha sa’yr), is the king (melek) of Yowan | Ionian Greece (Yowan). (Dany’el 8:21)
The great horn (wa ha qeren ha gadowl), which is positioned between (‘asher byn) its eyes (‘ayn huw’), was the initial and foremost (huw’ ha ri’shown) king (ha melek) (Dany’el 8:21) who suffered and died by the rupturing of internal membranes (wa ha shabar).
And then four arose and appointed themselves (wa ‘amad ‘arba’) in his place (tachath huw’). Four (‘arba’) empires (malkuwth) will be appointed (‘amad) from this gowy (min gowy) but not with (wa lo’ ba) his authorization or power (koach huw’). (Dany’el 8:22)
Then in the end (wa ba ‘acharyth), as their empire (malkuwth hem) is concluded (ka tamam), the Rebellious and Defiant Ones (ha pasha’) will arise and present themselves (‘amad) as the authorized embodiment of political, religious, and military control (melek) with a fortified and empowered (‘az) presence (paneh).
In addition, there will be one who understands by making the proper connections to thoughtfully resolve (wa byn) riddles and enigmas, asking the hard questions needed to solve the most challenging mysteries and intriguing analogies (chydah). (Dany’el 8:23)
And so, this controlling authoritarian will become exceedingly powerful (wa ‘atsam koach huw’) but not through his own ability or authority, his accomplishments or power (wa lo’ ba koach huw’). He will be astonishingly corrupt and awesomely destructive while appearing miraculous, well beyond his own power (wa pala’ shachath).
703He will succeed for a while, claiming to be victorious at this time by granting prosperity and pushing his agenda forward (wa tsalach). But his actions (wa ‘asah) will corrupt and destroy, even annihilate and exterminate (wa shachath) great multitudes, including the strongest, most accomplished, and powerful (‘atsuwm) in addition to (wa) the set-apart people (‘am qadowsh). (Dany’el 8:24)
And by way of his cunning interpretations and explanations (wa ‘al sekel huw’), he will become a powerful and influential force for deceit and deception, deliberately and successfully misleading and betraying (wa tsalach mirmah).
With his actions (ba yad huw’) and in his judgment (wa ba lebab huw’), he will be exalted, considered important and praiseworthy (gadal).
And yet, dissatisfied and careless, without thought or compassion (shalwah), he will manipulate, corrupt, and destroy countless individuals (shachath rabym).
He will present himself as superior to and take a stand against (wa ‘al ‘amad) the Leader of Leaders and the King’s representatives (sar sarym). But in the end (wa ba ‘epesh) his hand will be broken, and his influence will cease (yad shabar). (Dany’el 8:25)
And the vision (wa mare’ah) of the ensuing period of darkness in the evening of noxious foreigners (ha ‘ereb) and of the dawn of a new day, a time of enlightenment to reflect and be contemplative (wa ha boqer) which, for the benefit of the relationship (‘asher), he has declared and promised (‘amar) is reliable and true about him and you and it will be fulfilled (‘emeth huw’ wa ‘atah).
704Seal by disguising (satham) the revelation (ha chazown) for a long time (ky la yowmym rabym).’” (Dany’el / Daniel 8:26)
“However, then the authoritarian leader (wa ha melek) will act and do (‘asah) as he finds acceptable, fulfilling his desires (ka ratsown huw’). He will exalt himself (wa ruwm), boasting of his glorious honor and high status (wa gadal) over every god (‘al kol ‘el). And he will continually speak (wa dabar) astounding things (pala’) against God Almighty (‘al ‘el ‘el).
He will succeed, rapidly accomplishing his goals by being demanding and overpowering (tsalach). He will be determined and indignant until the end (‘ad kalah za’am) for what is decided upon and spoken about (ky charats) will happen (‘asah). (Dany’el 11:36)
And as for the gods (wa ‘al ‘elohym) of his forefathers (‘aby huw’), he will not consider or make a distinction (lo’ byn). He will not make the connection between (lo’ byn) regarding a desire for (wa ‘al chemdah) women (‘ishahym), or regarding any other god (wa ‘al kol ‘elowah). For above all else (ky ‘al kol), he will be magnified and exalted (gadal).” (Dany’el / God is Judgmental / Daniel 11:37)
He will value (kabad) the god (wa la ‘elowah) of what empowers and prevails, of fortification and protection (ma’owz), over and instead of these (‘al ken huw’). And also, a god (wa la ‘elowah) whom (‘asher) his fathers (‘aby huw’) did not know, failing to recognize him (lo’ yada’ huw’), he will honor and glorify (kabed) with gold and silver (wa ba zahab wa ba keseph) and with precious stones (wa ba ‘eben yaqar), in addition to the most valuable and coveted things (wa ba chamuwdowth). (Dany’el 11:38)
He will act, responding to (wa ‘asah) the most well-defended positions (mibtsar ma’owz) of the Nakar 705‘Elowah | of the observant one who identifies and acknowledges God, making God known and respected (‘im ‘elowah nakar), because, for the benefit of the relationship (‘asher), those who recognize and acknowledge this (nakar), He will empower and enrich, honor and respect by rearing as His offspring (rabah kabowd).
He will make it possible for them to communicate in a vivid and memorable way (mashal hem) with many (ba ha rabym). And the Earth, this realm of ‘Adam (wa ‘adamah), He will apportion and share (chalaq) as compensation, a reward for having performed this valued task (ba machyr).” (Dany’el / Daniel 11:39)
“And so at that time (wa ba ha ‘eth ha hy’), Myka’el | the one who validates this association with God, verifying these connections to the Almighty (Myka’el), who is the representative of the Anointed King while serving the leader’s family (sar), will have an important role in nourishing the growth while promoting through amplification to empower (ha gadowl) your family’s children (‘al ben ‘am ‘atah), taking a stand, present and accountable, appointed and supported (‘amad).
Then there will be (wa hayah) a Time (‘eth) of Trouble (tsarah), beyond which has ever existed (‘asher lo’ hayah) from a gentile nation (min hayah gowy) prior to this time (‘ad ha ‘eth ha hy’). But (wa) during this period (ba ha ‘eth ha hy’), your people (‘am ‘atah) will be saved, everyone rescued from harm’s way and delivered (malat kol) who is found (ha matsa’) written (kathab) in the book (ba ha sepher). (Dany’el 12:1)
And many important and infamous individuals (wa rab) of those who are asleep in an altered state of consciousness (min yashen) in the dust of the earth (‘adamah ‘aphar) will be awakened (qyts), some of these (‘eleh) to the restoration of life everlasting, growing 706forevermore (la chay ‘owlam) and others (wa ‘eleh) to eternal (‘owlam) scorn and shame, insults and reproach, accusations and censure (cherpah) for having been abhorrent and appalling in goading others in a repulsive and loathsome manner (dera’own). (Dany’el 12:2)
Therefore, the circumspect with insight, those who are intelligent and properly instructed, discerning and discriminating, demonstrating the capacity to understand (wa ha sakal) will become prominent, obtaining a high status, being respected among heavenly beings, shining brightly while enlightening and admonishing (zahar), similar to the light (ka zohar) of the expansive universe (ha raqya’). For this, they will be greatly valued because numerous worthy individuals will be vindicated for being right (wa tsadaq ha rab), becoming like stars (ka ha kowkab) as eternal and restoring witnesses forevermore (la ‘owlam wa ‘ad). (Dany’el 12:3)
As for you, Dany’el (wa ‘atah Dany’el), seal up this testimony, making the message secure while precluding access to the meaning hidden within the words (satam ha dabarym). And place a stamp and signature on the book (wa chatam ha sepher) until just before the time of the restoring witnesses runs out (‘ad ‘eth qets).
Many, and notably rabbis and others who are infamous and exalted (rab), will wander about aimlessly, rowing upstream, accomplishing nothing and getting nowhere (shuwth), even with access to the information which leads to understanding (wa ha da’ath) becoming more prevalent (rabah). (Dany’el 12:4)
Then I, Dany’el | knowing that my God is judgmental (wa ‘any Dany’el), looked (ra’ah), and behold (wa hineh), the two others at the end (shanaym 707‘acher) were present, appointed and accounted for, supported while taking a stand (‘amad). One individual (‘echad) was now present here (henah) as the means to convey the message (la saphah ha ya’or). And the other person (wa ‘echad) was simultaneously present close by (henah) with verbally expressive lips flowing with language (la saphah ha ya’or). (Dany’el 12:5)
Then (wa) he said (‘amar) to the individual (la ha ‘iysh) in linen garments (ha bad) who, for the benefit of the relationship (‘asher), was from the dimension above and beyond (min ma’al) the source of the streaming waters (la maym ha ya’or), ‘How long will this restoring witness be until (‘ad matay) the end (qets) of these explanations of things that would otherwise be difficult to understand (ha pele’)?’ (Dany’el 12:6)
Then I listened to (wa shama’) the individual (‘eth ha ‘iysh) clothed in linen (lebuwsh ha bad) who, for the benefit of the relationship (‘asher), was from the dimension above and beyond (min ma’al) the source of the flowing waters (la maym ha ya’or).
He raised (wa ruwm) his right hand (yamyn huw’) and then his left (samo’l huw’) toward the heavens (‘el ha shamaym). And he made a solemn promise, swearing an oath based upon seven (wa shaba’) in conjunction with the One who lives forever and restores life forevermore (ba chay ha ‘owlam) that there will be (ky’ la) Mow’ed Mow’edym | Three Years of Restoring Witnesses to the Appointments (Mow’ed Mow’edym) and, in the midst of another (wa chatsy), then (wa ka), the separating (naphats) of the hand and outreach (yad) of the set-apart people (‘am qodesh) will be over (kalah). All of these things (kol ‘eleh) will come to fruition (kalah). (Dany’el 12:7)
And I listened (wa ‘any shama’), but I did not understand (wa lo’ byn). So, I said (wa ‘amar), ‘Dear sir 708(‘adown ‘any), what is the end result of these things (mah ‘acharyth ‘eleh)?’ (Dany’el 12:8)
He said (wa ‘amar), ‘Go, choosing to continue to conduct your life (halak), Dany’el | because My God is Judgmental (Dany’el). These words (ha dabarym) are sealed up (satam), enclosed, signed, and stamped (wa chatham) until the time of the final witness (‘ad ‘eth) at the very end during the last days (qets).’ (Dany’el 12:9)
Many (rab) will be purged of prevailing influences and cleansed as a result of choosing to examine religious and political constraints (barar), independently purified as a result of avoiding societal pressures (wa laban) and, thus, they will be refined, benefiting from having been tested and proven right (wa tsaraph).
However (wa), of those who will be condemned for acting inappropriately, perpetrating religious and political crimes (rasa’ rasa’), none of them will understand, remaining clueless, unable to make the connections needed to comprehend much of anything (wa lo’ byn kol).
And yet (wa), the ones with insight who are discerning, demonstrating the capacity to be observant and circumspect (ha sakal) will understand (byn). (Dany’el 12:10)
And from the time (wa min ‘eth) the continuity, the unceasing continuance (ha tamyd) is abolished by overwhelming ferocity and force (suwr) and the devastating and appalling, even damning (wa la shamem) abomination (shiquwts) is appointed (nathan), there will be 1,290 days (yowmym ‘eleph me’ahym wa thesha’). (Dany’el 12:11)
Blessed and delighted (‘ashry) are those who continue in this state and who remain confident and certain (ha chakah), continuing in close contact through 709the arrival (wa naga’) of 1,335 days (la yowmym ‘eleph shalosh me’owah shalosh wa chamesh). (Dany’el 12:12)
Of your own freewill, choose to journey through life, traveling (wa ‘atah halak) to the final destination, to the finish line, right to the very end, pushing the boundaries and the limits (la ha qets).
Then you will find spiritual rest, settling down and relaxing during your retirement (wa nuwach), allowed to be present and always remain (wa ‘amad) in your allotted place with your inheritance (la gowral ‘atah) at the End of Days (la qets ha yowmym).” (Dany’el / My God is Judgmental / Daniel 12:13)
And now you know the rest of the story.
