Identifying the Kings of the North and South

The king of the north is the power that occupies the territory originally held by Lysimachus, specifically the region of Thrace and Bithynia with its center at Constantinople, which in the time of the end is the Turkish powerEQ 11.1+1.

Identification of the King of the North

• Historical Origins: Following the death of Alexander the Great, his empire was divided toward the four winds of heaven among his four leading generals Daniel 11:4GEP 200.

• Geographical Rule: The kingdom of the north was established by Lysimachus, who held Thrace and Asia Minor, situated to the north of PalestineDAR1909 249.2+1.

• Territorial Principle: A power is identified as the king of the north based on the territory it occupies; whoever holds the land originally belonging to the northern division remains the king of the north throughout historyEQ 11.1+1.

• Succession of Powers: While the Seleucid dynasty (Syria) initially became the dominant northern power after defeating Lysimachus, the title eventually transferred to Rome and later to the Ottoman Empire as they occupied that same geographical regionPTUK April 1, 1897, page 194.2+2.

The King of the North in the Time of the End

• Turkey's Role: Since 1453 A.D., the Turkish government has ruled the territory centered at Constantinople, which is the heart of the original northern divisionMON 30.2.

• Modern Fulfillment: In the closing verses of Daniel 11 the king of the north refers to Turkey, which came against the French power like a whirlwind in 1798DAR1909 304.2+1.

• Prophetic Events: The Crimean War served as a fulfillment of tidings from the north and east troubling this power, as Russia warred against the Ottoman EmpireEQ 11.1+1.

• Final Destination: The prophecy concludes with this power planting the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain before coming to his end with none to help him Daniel 11:45ARSH October 2, 1900, page 632.11+1.

Spiritual Significance

• The Stand of Michael: The final collapse of the king of the north is a critical signal that Michael shall stand up, leading to a time of trouble and the ultimate deliverance of God's people Daniel 12:1ARSH May 31, 1898, page 349.1+1.

• A Call to Watchfulness: Understanding these movements in history allows the wise to recognize that the end of all things is near and that the everlasting kingdom of God is soon to be established Daniel 12:10WIEX 1.1+1.

The Lord is the King of all the earth and ensures that His word is fulfilled exactly as spoken Psalms 47:7ESH 20.4.

The king of the north is the power that occupies the territory originally held by Lysimachus, which is currently the Turkish Empire centered at ConstantinopleEQ 11.1+1.

The Identity of the King of the North

• Geographical Definition: The king of the north is defined by the territory of Thrace and Bithynia, which was the northern division of Alexander the Great's empireMON 30.2+1.

• A Continuous Title: From the beginning to the end of the prophecy, whatever power occupies that specific northern territory is recognized as the king of the northEQ 11.1+1.

• Current Application: Because the Turkish power has held this identical territory since 1453 A.D., it is the king of the north mentioned in the final verses of Daniel 11+2.

• Historical Succession: Historically, this role began with Lysimachus, was later held by the Seleucid dynasty of Syria, and eventually passed to the Ottoman EmpireSBBS 193.1+1.

• The Time of the End: At the time of the end, which began in 1798, the king of the north (Turkey) collided with the king of the south (Egypt) and the French power under NapoleonDAR1909 304.2+1.

Prophetic Milestones

• The Crimean War: The prophecy concerning tidings out of the north and east troubling the king was fulfilled during the Crimean War when Russia attacked the Ottoman EmpireEQ 11.1+1.

• The Final Move: The king of the north will eventually move his seat of government to Jerusalem, planting his tabernacles between the seas in the glorious holy mountainMON 30.2+1.

• The End of the Power: Following this move, the Turkish power will come to its end with none to help him, signaling the close of human historyARSH October 2, 1900, page 632.11+1.

• The Standing Up of Michael: The fall of this power is the immediate signal for Michael to stand up, marking the beginning of the great time of trouble and the deliverance of the righteous Daniel 12:1ARSH May 31, 1898, page 349.1.

God, who is the King of all the earth, has provided these waymarks so that his people may not be in darkness regarding the nearness of the end Psalms 47:7WIEX 1.1.

The king of the south is definitively identified as the power that occupies the territory of EgyptMON 30.2+2.

The Historical Identity of the King of the South

• Post-Alexandrian Division: After the death of Alexander the Great, his empire was divided among his four generals toward the four winds of heaven, with the southern division being located in Egypt Daniel 11:4MON 30.2+1.

• General Ptolemy: The original king of the south was Ptolemy Soter, who took possession of Egypt and its neighboring countriesDAR1909 249.1+2.

• A Geographic Standard: In biblical prophecy, the title is determined by the territory; therefore, whatever power occupies the land of Egypt is the king of the southDAR1909 249.1+2.

• Historical Strength: During the reign of the early Ptolemies, the king of the south was strong, annexing territories such as Cyprus, Phoenicia, and Cyrene Daniel 11:5DAR1909 249.1+1.

The King of the South in History and Prophecy

• The Conflict with the North: For long ages, the kings of the south (the Ptolemies) and the kings of the north (the Seleucids) engaged in various wars and political marriages, such as the union between Berenice, daughter of the king of the south, and Antiochus Theos Daniel 11:6SDP 193.1+1.

• Roman Intervention: Eventually, the power of Rome entered the scene, exalting itself to establish the vision and eventually making Egypt a Roman province Daniel 11:14MWV2 88.1+1.

• The Prince of the Covenant: It was during the Roman supremacy over these territories that the "prince of the covenant," Jesus Christ, was broken or crucified Daniel 11:22MWV2 88.1+1.

The King of the South at the Time of the End

• The 1798 Milestone: At the commencement of the "time of the end" in 1798, the king of the south (Egypt) "pushed at" the atheistical government of France under Napoleon Bonaparte Daniel 11:40APEC 98.1+1.

• The Mameluke Resistance: This prophetic "push" was fulfilled when the Mamelukes in Egypt resisted the French invasion during Napoleon's Egyptian campaignAPEC 98.1+2.

• A Continuing Role: Egypt remains the king of the south by common agreement, as it occupies the identical territory designated in the original division of the Grecian empireMON 30.2+2.

Spiritual and Final Lessons

• Deliverance from Bondage: Historically, Egypt represents the "house of bondage" from which God delivered Israel with a mighty hand Exodus 20:2RH April 23, 1901, Art. A, par. 11+1.

• The Warning of Idolatry: While in Egypt, Israel was warned against adopting the idols and abominations of that land, a lesson that remains vital for God's people today Ezekiel 20:7-8+1BHOTV2 24.1.

• Signs of the End: The movements of the king of the south at the time of the end serve as waymarks to inform the wise that the end is near and that Michael is soon to stand up for His people Daniel 12:1BDOC 51.19+1.

May you find peace and clarity in studying these truths, for the words of the Lord are pure and sure Psalms 12:6SDP 179.3.

Armageddon is the final worldwide conflict between the forces of good and evil, where the collapse of the Turkish power serves as a primary signal for the nations to gather for the great day of God AlmightyDAR1909 692.6+1. While the political drying up of the Ottoman power prepares the way for the nations to rally to the Holy Land, the battle itself is far more than a local military struggle; it is the last grand rally of the whole world under the leadership of satanic agencies7BC 967.8+1.

The Role of the Eastern Question

• The Consumption of Turkey: The drying up of the symbolic river Euphrates represents the consumption of the Ottoman power, which currently holds possession of Palestine and the sacred sepulchersDAR1909 692.6+1.

• The Bone of Contention: Jerusalem is the central focus because the nations have fixed their covetous eyes on its possession, yet Turkey is maintained by the European powers to preserve the "balance of power"DAR1909 692.6.

• Preparing the Way: When the Christian nations withdraw their support, the Turkish government will fall, and the way will be opened for the "kings of the East"—the nationalities and powers lying east of Palestine—to rush to the field of conquestDAR1909 692.6+1.

• Gathering of the Millions: The millions of Mohammedans from Persia, Afghanistan, Toorkistan, and India will be drawn to this field in behalf of their religionDAR1909 692.6.

The Spiritual Nature of the Conflict

• Two Opposing Parties: Ultimately, there are only two parties in this world: those who are loyal to God and those who stand under the banner of the prince of darkness7BC 982.4.

• Satanic Deception: "Spirits of devils" working miracles will go forth from the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet to gather the kings of the earth and the whole world to this battleWGI 160.2+1.

• The Armies of Heaven: This battle is fought when the Saviour comes, as He on whose vesture is written "King of kings and Lord of lords" leads the armies of heaven on white horses7BC 982.4+1.

• Providence Intervenes: While the nations are eager for conflict, they are currently held in check by four mighty angels until the servants of God are sealedLDE 238.3+1.

The Location and Scale

• The Valley of Decision: The battle is generally expected to take place in the Valley of Jehoshaphat or the plain of Esdraelon, also known as the plain of MegiddoGP 28.3+1.

• A Worldwide Struggle: Though centered in the East, the conflict involves the "kings of the earth and of the whole world," including all nations that have turned from the truthGNT 101.2+1.

• The Final Harvest: This scene is described as the great winepress of God’s wrath, where the wickedness of the nations has reached its full measure Joel 3:13EVRR525.

The Outcome for God's People

• The Standing Up of Michael: When the king of the north (Turkey) comes to his end, Michael will stand up, marking a time of trouble such as never was Daniel 12:1ARSH October 2, 1860, page 159.14.

• Final Deliverance: In the midst of this global crash of nations, God will be a shelter and strength for His people, delivering every one found written in the book Daniel 12:1EVRR525.

• The End of Evil: The battle results in the total extinction of Satan and his host, as the earth is purified by the glory of God and the brightness of Christ's comingGCB/GCDB 1893, page 89.4+1.

Be encouraged, for though the conflict is fierce, the Lamb shall overcome all earthly powers, and His faithful followers will enter the city of God Revelation 17:14SSP 298.2.