Daniel 11:43-45 Daniel 11:43-The Prophecy of Antichrist Gaining Control Over Egypt s Hidden Wealth and Libya, Sudan and Ethiopia Submitting to Him The Wicked King Will Gain Control of Egypt s Wealth Daniel 11:43 But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels. (NASB95) But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and (ו ) over all the precious things of Egypt is composed of the conjunction wa (waw), but which is followed by the third person masculine singular qal active perfect form of the verb mā šǎl (מ ש ל) (maw-shal ), he will gain control and then we have the preposition bĕ (ב ) (beh), over and its object is the masculine plural construct form of the noun miḵ mān (מ כמ ן) (mik-man ), the hidden treasures of and then we have the articular masculine singular noun zā hāḇ (ז ה ב) (zaw-hawb ), gold and then we have the conjunction wa (ו ) (waw), and which is followed by the articular masculine singular noun k s p (כ ס ף) (keh -sef), silver and then we have the conjunction wa (ו ) (waw), and which is followed by the preposition bĕ (ב ) (beh), over and then we have the collective singular construct form of the noun kōl ל) (כ (kole), all which is modifying the feminine plural form of the noun ḥ ǎ mǔ ḏôṯ (ח מ ד ות) (khaw-mad ), the precious things of and then we have the feminine singular proper noun miṣ rǎ yim י ם) (מ צר (mits-rah -yim), Egypt. wa The conjunction wa is ascensive meaning it introduces a prophetic statement which introduces an addition to the previous prophetic statement that Egypt will not escape defeat at the hands of the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39. It not only introduces an addition but what introduces is out of the ordinary or unexpected. What is out of the ordinary or unexpected is that within Egypt there will be hidden stores of gold and silver and many treasures. The word denotes that this discovery of great wealth in Egypt will be extraordinary and unexpected. mā šǎl The verb mā šǎl means to gain control, to procure, to take possession since it pertains to taking possession of something, to obtain by particular care and effort. Here it of course refers to the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39 gaining 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 1
control over the hidden stores of gold and silver in Egypt and in fact all the treasures of Egypt as a result of conquering Egypt militarily. The qal stem of the verb is stative expressing the state of this wicked king having control of the wealth of Egypt. The perfect conjugation of this verb is a future perfect expressing a future state resulting from actions that will have been completed by that time. Here it is expressing the future state of this wicked king having control of the wealth of Egypt as a result of his actions that will be completed by that time. zā hāḇ The noun zā hāḇ means gold which is a precious metal and is used of the hidden treasures of gold in Egypt. The articular construction of the word is functioning as a possessive pronoun indicating that this gold is Egypt s possession. The noun zā hāḇ appears often in the Word of God (385 times). Gold is the most valuable of all metals and in the ancient world was indicative of wealth and prosperity in biblical times. It had a wide variety of uses and was employed extensively in both the tabernacle and the temple. Gold was of great value (cf. Isaiah 60:17; See also Joshua 6:18-19,24; 1 Kings 20:1-6; 2 Kings 7:8; 14:14; 2 Chronicles 21:3; Job 28:12-19). The Scriptures teach that wisdom cannot be bought with gold (Psalm 45:9,13; 72:15; 105:37; Proverbs 20:15; Ezekiel 28:13; Daniel 11:8,38; Joel 3:4-5; 2 Timothy 2:20; Revelation 21:18, 21). The book of Revelation teaches that the streets of the new Jerusalem are to be paved with gold. Gold was indicative of wealth (Genesis 13:2; 24:35; Deuteronomy 8:12-14; 17:17; Joshua 22:8; 2 Kings 20:13; Isaiah 39:2; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 32:27; Job 3:15; 31:24-28; Ecclesiastes 2:8; Isaiah 2:7; Ezekiel 16:13; Ezekiel 28:4; Zephaniah 1:18; Zechariah 9:3; 14:14; James 2:2; Revelation 18:16). It was relatively rare (Isaiah 13:12) and was mined from the earth (Job 28:5-6; cf. Genesis 2:11-12). It was refined by fire (Revelation 3:18; cf. Numbers 31:21-23; Job 28:1; Proverbs 17:3; 27:21; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:3; 1 Peter 1:7). Gold was obtained through trade (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 9:21; 1 Kings 9:26-28; 2 Chronicles 8:17-18; 1 Kings 10:11; 2 Chronicles 9:9; 1 Kings 22:48; Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 10:9; Ezekiel 27:22; Revelation 18:11-13). Gold was worked by goldsmiths (Isaiah 46:6; 1 Chronicles 29:4-5; 2 Chronicles 2:7, 13-14; Jeremiah 10:9). Gold was presented as offerings to God (Exodus 35:22; 25:1-7; 35:5; Numbers 7:84-86; 31:50-54; 2 Samuel 8:11; Ezra 1:1-11; 2:69; 7:12-18; 8:24-34; Nehemiah 7:70-72). It was given to rulers as tribute and bribes (1 Kings 10:14-15; 2 Chronicles 9:13-14; cf. 1 Kings 10:24-25; 2 Chronicles 9:23-24; 2 Kings 12:18; 16:7-9; 18:13-16; 23:33-35; 2 Chronicles 36:3; 2 Chronicles 16:2-3). 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 2
Gold was given as gifts (Job 42:11; Genesis 24:53; 2 Samuel 8:9-10; 1 Chronicles 18:9-10; 1 Kings 10:10; 2 Chronicles 9:9; 2 Kings 5:5; Matthew 2:11). The use of gold in the tabernacle (Exodus 38:21-24; 25:11-13,17-18), the atonement cover and cherubim (Exodus 25:28-29, 31, 36, 38; 26:6, 29, 32, 37; 30:1-5), the altar (Exodus 39:37-38; 40:5; Leviticus 24:4; Numbers 8:4). The use of gold in priestly vestments (Exodus 28:4-5; cf. Exodus 28:11-15, 22-27, 33-38; 39:15-20, 25-26, 30-31). The use of gold in the temple (1 Chronicles 22:14; cf. 1 Kings 6:28, 30, 32, 35; 7:48-51; 2 Kings 18:16; 1 Chronicles 28:14-18; 29:1-7; 2 Chronicles 3:4-10; 4:7-8, 19-22). wa This time the conjunction wa is adjunctive meaning it is introducing a metal the wicked king will control which is in addition to the gold he will control after defeating Egypt in war. k s p The noun k s p means silver, which like gold, is another precious metal capable of being hammered or drawn out thin, and was known to the people of the Bible as early as 3000 B.C. Silver has a brilliant white color and is remarkably resistant to oxidation. The word is used here of Egypt s hidden treasures of silver. The articular construction of the word is functioning as a possessive pronoun indicating that this silver is Egypt s possession. Silver is often surpassed in value only by gold. It had a variety of uses and by New Testament times was common in coinage. It was mined (Job 28:1-4) and acquired through trade (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chronicles 9:20; cf. Jeremiah 10:9; Ezekiel 27:12; Revelation 18:11-12). Silver was refined (Psalm 66:10; Proverbs 17:3; 27:21; Isaiah 48:10; Ezekiel 22:20-22; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:3). Silver worked by silversmiths (Proverbs 25:4; 2 Chronicles 2:7, 13-14; Acts 19:24). Possession of silver was a sign of wealth (Genesis 13:2; 24:35; Numbers 22:18; Deuteronomy 8:13; 17:17; Joshua 22:8; 2 Chronicles 32:27; Job 3:13-15; 27:16; Psalm 105:37; Ecclesiastes 2:8; Isaiah 2:7; 60:17; Ezekiel 16:13; Ezekiel 28:4; Daniel 11:43; Hosea 2:8; Zechariah 9:3; 14:14). It given as offerings to God (Exodus 25:1-3; 35:5, 24; Numbers 7:84-85; 2 Samuel 8:11; 1 Chronicles 18:11; 1 Chronicles 29:7; Ezra 1:1-11; 2:68-69; 7:13-16; 8:24-30; Nehemiah 7:71-72). Silver in the tabernacle (Exodus 38:17; 26:18-25; 36:23-30; 26:31-32; 36:35-36; 27:9-11; 38:9-12; 27:17; 38:18-19, 25-28; Numbers 10:2). 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 3
There was silver in the temple (1 Chronicles 22:14; 1 Kings 7:51; 2 Chronicles 5:1; 1 Kings 15:15; 2 Chronicles 15:18; 2 Kings 25:15; Jeremiah 52:19; 1 Chronicles 28:14-17; 29:2-5; 2 Chronicles 24:14; Daniel 5:2). Silver was abundant in Jerusalem in Solomon s time (1 Kings 10:27; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 9:27; cf. 1 Kings 10:21; 2 Chronicles 9:20). It was used as currency (Genesis 37:28; 20:16; 23:15-16; 33:19; 42:35; Exodus 21:32; 38:25; Leviticus 5:15; 27:6,16; Numbers 3:50; 18:16; Deuteronomy 2:6,28; 14:22-26; 22:19,28-29; Joshua 24:32; Judges 9:4; 16:5; 17:10; 1 Samuel 9:8; 2 Samuel 18:11; 24:24; 1 Kings 10:29; 2 Chronicles 1:17; 1 Kings 16:24; 20:39; 2 Kings 6:25; 1 Chronicles 19:6; 2Ch 25:6; Ezra 7:21-22; Nehemiah 5:15; Esther 3:9; Job 42:11; Isaiah 7:23; Jeremiah 32:9-10,44; Hosea 3:1-2; Amos 2:6; 8:5-6; Zephaniah 1:11; Zechariah 11:12-13; Matthew 10:9; 26:15; 27:3-10; Luke 10:35; Acts 3:6). Silver was used as tribute (2 Kings 23:33-35; 2 Chronicles 36:3; 1 Kings 15:18-19; 2 Chronicles 16:2-3; 2 Kings 16:8; 18:14-15; 2 Chronicles 9:13-14, 23-24; 17:11; 27:5) as well as plunder (Judges 5:19; Exodus 3:22; Numbers 31:21-23; Joshua 6:18-19,24; 7:21; 2 Kings 14:14; 2 Chronicles 25:24; Ezekiel 38:13; Nahum 2:9). Idols or statues were composed of silver (Exodus 20:23; Deuteronomy 7:25; 29:17; Judges 17:1-4; Psalm 115:4; Isaiah 2:20; 30:22; 31:7; 40:19; 46:6; Jeremiah 10:3-4,8-9; Daniel 2:32; 5:4, 23; Hosea 8:4; 13:2; Habakkuk 2:19; Acts 17:29; 19:24; Revelation 9:20). miḵ mān The noun miḵ mān is in the plural and means hidden treasures since it pertains to a collection of valuables not normally in public view. The construct state of the word means it is governing the words which follow it and is expressing a genitive relation to these words, which are zā hāḇ, gold and k s p, silver. The genitive relation between these words is appositional meaning zā hāḇ, gold and k s p, silver are identifying specifically for the reader the nature of these hidden treasures. The noun miḵ mān is also the object of the preposition bĕ, which is a marker of a state or condition indicating that as a result of his military victory over Egypt, the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39 will exist in the state or condition of controlling Egypt s hidden treasures of gold and silver. wa This time the conjunction wa introduces a prepositional phrase which advances upon the previous one and intensifies upon this previous prepositional phrase. It introduces a prepositional phrase which indicates that this wicked king will be in control over all the treasures belonging to Egypt. Therefore, it indicates that not 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 4
only will this wicked king be in control over the hidden treasures of Egypt s gold and silver but also all of their valuable commodities. b ḵōlʹ ḥ ǎ mǔ ḏôṯʹ miṣ rāʹ yim The noun ḥ ǎ mǔ ḏôṯ means valuable commodities referring to things which are considered as the best, most costly or most valued. The construct state of the word means it is governing the word which follows it and is expressing a genitive relation with this word which is the proper noun miṣ rǎ yim, Egypt. The genitive relation is possession indicating that these valuable commodities are Egypt s possession. The noun ḥ ǎ mǔ ḏôṯ is also modified by the noun kōl which means all since it pertains to totality indicating that this wicked king will be in control over all of Egypt s valuable commodities. It is also the object of the preposition bĕ which is again functioning as a marker of a state or condition indicating that as a result of his military victory over Egypt, the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39 will exist in the state or condition of controlling all of Egypt s valuable commodities. The Libyans and Ethiopians Will Submit to the Wicked King Daniel 11:43 But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels. (NASB95) And Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels is composed of the conjunction wa (ו ) (waw), and which is followed by the masculine plural form of the noun lûḇ (ל וב) (loo-bee ), Libyans and then we have the conjunction wa (waw), and which is followed by the masculine plural form of the noun kû šî (ו ) (beh), (ב ) (koo-shee ), Ethiopians and then we have the preposition bĕ ) כ וש י ( at and its object this time is the masculine plural construct form of the noun miṣ ʿāḏ (מ צע ד) (mits-awd ), heels which is modified by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ) (ה וא) (who), his. wa This time the conjunction wa is adjunctive meaning it is introducing a prophetic statement which is in addition to the previous one that the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39 will conquer Egypt and control its wealth. It introduces a prophetic statement which reveals that the Libyans as well as the Ethiopians will submit to this wicked king. 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 5
lûḇ The noun lûḇ is in the plural and means Libyans and denotes the people and land immediately to the west of Egypt. From the nineteenth Dynasty on (ca. 1300 B.C.), this was the usual designation for Libyans as well as the whole of North Africa. This name is also employed in Late Punic. The root meaning of the term is thirsty and thus by extension, the Libyans were inhabitants of a dry region. wa Once again the conjunction wa is adjunctive meaning it is introducing a nation which will be conquered by the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39 which is in addition to Libya being conquered by him. kû šî The noun kû šî is also in the plural and literally means Cushites and is used here as a geographical name and generally refers to the region of the Upper Nile. Cush is equated with the region the Egyptians called Nubia, its name derived from the Egyptian word for gold. The name Cush first appears in the Bible in Genesis 10:6 refers to the son of Noah s son Ham and the father of Sheba, Raamah, Sabteca and Nimrod. The descendants of Cush were originally connected to Babylonia since it was equated with ancient city-kingdom of Kish in lower Babylonia where emperors of the third millennium B.C. to their title as kings of the world (W.F. Albright, Recent Discoveries in Bible Lands, in Young s Analytical Concordance, page 32, cited by Unger s Commentary on the Old Testament, page 48). The descendants of Cush include: Ethiopians, Sudanese, Africans, Bushmen, Pygmies, Australian Aborigines and New Guineans. The RSV, NRSV, NASB95, NLT and NET Bibles all translate the word Ethiopians whereas the ESV, LEB, NIV, and TNIV translate the word Cushites. More than likely both Ethiopia and Sudan are being referred to by this designation. Since the Ethiopians descended from Cush we will translate the word here in Daniel 11:43 as Cushites. b w miṣ ʿā ḏāyʹ The noun miṣ ʿāḏ is in the plural and means literally means steps but is used figuratively here of a procession meaning a victory march which is headed by the victor and has the conquered follow in a parade of victory. It speaks of a position 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 6
of submission. It is modified by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ) which means his referring to the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39 who will conquer Israel, Egypt, Libya and Sudan according to Daniel 11:41-43. The noun is also the object of the preposition bĕ, which is a marker of a state or condition indicating that the Libyans and Cushite or Ethiopians will exist in a state or condition of being in submission to this wicked king. This prepositional phrase literally means the Libyans and Cushites will be in his footsteps referring to being in this wicked king s victory procession as his conquered enemies. However, figuratively the idea is that the Libyans and the Cushites will be under his control. Ellipsis We have the figure of ellipsis being employed at this point in the verse meaning that the verb hā yā(h) is omitted but implied. Here it denotes existing in a state or condition. Here it indicates that both the Libyans and Cushite will be existing in the state of being in submission to this wicked king. The qal stem of the verb is stative indicating that both the Libyans and Cushite will be existing in the state of being in submission to this wicked king. The imperfect conjugation of the verb describes this as taking place in the future from the perspective of Daniel in the sixth century B.C. when he received this revelation from an elect angel in 536 B.C. Translation of Daniel 11:43 Daniel 11:43 He will even be in control over hidden treasures, namely their gold as well as their silver, indeed, over all Egypt s valuable commodities. Also, the Libyans as well as the Cushites will be under his control. Exposition of Daniel 11:43 Daniel 11:40 marked a transition from the angel s description of the character and actions of the king described in Daniel 11:36-39 to a description of this king s actions during the final three and a half years of the seventieth week. This wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39 is a reference to the Antichrist. In verse 40, the angel informed Daniel that during the end time the king ruling the south will go to war against this king. Also, he tells Daniel that the king ruling the north will attack him as well during the end time with a military chariot group, a cavalry as well as a large armada of ships. This prophecy will take place during 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 7
the last three and a half years of the seventieth week. This is indicated by the expression the end time which refers to the last three and a half years of the seventieth week. The Antichrist will be a world ruler at this time from the final stage of the Roman Empire according to a comparison of Daniel 7:23-25, Daniel 9:26-27, 2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 13. Since the king of the south throughout chapter eleven has been a reference to Egypt and the king of the north the Seleucid Empire in Syria, this two-pronged attack against Antichrist will come from both Egypt and Syria during the last three and a half years of the seventieth week. The angel informs Daniel that the Antichrist will wage attacks against countries and conquer them. These nations are identified later by the angel in Daniel 11:41-43. Then, in Daniel 11:41, the elect angel of God advances upon and intensifies the prophetic statement in Daniel 11:40 that despite being attacked by the kings of the north and south, the king described in Daniel 11:36-39 will wage attacks against countries so that he will overflow, yes, pass through like a flood. Although many countries will be conquered by this wicked king, Edom, Moab and the Ammonite leadership will not be captured by this king. Today, in the twenty-first century, the ancient nations of Edom, Moab and Ammon would all be included in the present kingdom of Jordan. Thus, the kingdom of Jordan will not be overthrown by the armies of the Antichrist during the last three and a half years of the seventieth week. Next, we read in Daniel 11:42, the angel issuing another prophetic statement, revealing to Daniel that this wicked king will exercise his power against countries with the Egyptian people by no means being able to escape this military might of this wicked king. The angel reiterates in Daniel 11:42 the prophecy in Daniel 11:40 that the king described in Daniel 11:36-39 will wage attacks against countries and conquer them. Therefore, Daniel 11:42 is a prophecy of the Antichrist conquering other nations with the exercise of his military power during the last three and a half years of the seventieth week after he desecrates the temple in Jerusalem by deifying himself. If you recall, Daniel 11:40 teaches that Egypt ( the king ruling the south ) will attack the Antichrist during the last three and a half years of the seventieth week in response to the Antichrist deifying himself and demanding that the entire world worship him. Then in Daniel 11:42, the angel reveals that this attack by Egypt will fail since they are said to be conquered by the Antichrist. Now, in Daniel 11:43, the angelic being informs Daniel that not only will this wicked king defeat Egypt but he will also gain control over hidden treasures, namely Egypt s gold and silver. In fact all of Egypt valuable commodities will be under his control. Therefore, this prophetic statement indicates that when the Antichrist conquers Egypt by the exercise his military power, he will find 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 8
something extraordinary and unexpected, namely he will control the hidden treasures of gold and silver in Egypt. He will in fact control all of her wealth as a result of his military victory over Egypt. This is fascinating since today Egypt is a poor country based on western culture s living standards. However, in reality Egypt is very rich and the world s leaders all know this. The archaeological work performed in Egypt over the last hundred years has revealed that Egypt has a wealth of gold. But it has not taken advantage of this vast possession of gold for other resources or modern conveniences. Thus most Egyptians live in poverty. This vast gold resources is hidden from public view today. The book of Revelation makes clear that the Antichrist will control the world s economy during the seventieth week of Daniel and in particular the last three and a half years of it. Here Daniel 11:43 reveals one of the reasons why he will control the world s economy, namely because he will have acquired vast gold reserves to support his new world economy. Then, as an addition the angel tells Daniel that both the Libyans and the Cushites will be under the control of this wicked king. This prophetic statement thus reveals that Antichrist will control Libya and Sudan and possibly Ethiopia as well. 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 9
Daniel 11:44-The Prophecy of Antichrist Waging War Against China and Syria and Their Allies After Hearing Reports of Their Mobilizing Against Him Disturbing Rumors from the East and North Daniel 11:44 But rumors from the East and from the North will disturb him, and he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many. (NASB95) But rumors from the East and from the North will disturb him is composed of the conjunction wa (ו ) (waw), but which is followed by the feminine plural form of the noun š e mû ʿā(h) (שמ וע ה) (shem-oo-aw ), rumors and then we have the third person masculine plural piel active imperfect form of the verb bā hǎl (ב ה ל) (baw-hal ), will disturb which is followed by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ) (ה וא) (who), him and then we have the preposition min (מ ן) (min) from and its object is the masculine singular noun (ו ) (miz-rawkh ), the East and then we have the conjunction wa (מ ז ר ח) miz rāḥ (waw), and which is followed by the preposition min (מ ן) (min) from and its object this time is the masculine singular noun ṣā p ôn (צ פ ון) (tsaw-fone ), the North. wa The conjunction wa is introducing a prophetic statement which stands in contrast to the previous prophetic statements in Daniel 11:41-43. In verse 41, the angel informs Daniel that the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39 will even wage an attack against the beautiful land which is a reference to Israel. He advances upon this by saying that many nations will be defeated by this wicked king. In contrast to this nations, Edom as well as Moab and in addition the leadership of the citizens of Ammon will escape defeat. Then, in verse 42, the angelic being tells Daniel that this wicked king will exercise his power against countries with the Egyptian people by no means being able to escape. In verse 43, he informs Daniel that this wicked king will even be in control over hidden treasures of Egypt. Also, the Libyans as well as the Cushites will be under his control. Now, here in Daniel 11:44, the conjunction wa introduces a prophetic statement which reveals that rumors from the East and from the North will disturb this wicked king which will thus cause him to march out against the armies of the East and North in order to destroy these armies. Therefore, the contrast is between many 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 10
nations falling to the armies of this wicked king and the armies from the East and North challenging him. š e mû ʿā(h) The noun š e mû ʿā(h) does not mean rumors referring to talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernable source, or a statement current without known authority for its truth. But rather it means report, news pertaining to information whether positive or negative often from another geographical area which is announced to others. It is unlikely that this wicked king would move his armies to fight another based upon a report which cannot be substantiated. However, he would very likely move his armies based upon intelligence reports from his military observers which can be substantiated based upon accurate intelligence. Therefore, here in Daniel 11:44, the noun š e mû ʿā(h) means that the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39 will hear intelligence reports from his military observers who will inform him that the armies from the East and the North are mobilizing against his armies. miz rāḥ The noun miz rāḥ means east referring to the cardinal direction east. It refers to the place of the sunrise, as a spatial orientation to Israel. This noun is also the object of the preposition min, which is a marker of source since it is expressing the origin of this report which will reach the ears of the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39. wa This time the conjunction wa is adjunctive meaning it is introducing another direction from which a report will reveal an army mobilizing against the wicked king which is in addition to the previous report from the east that armies are mobilizing against him. ṣā p ônʹ The noun ṣā p ôn means north referring to the compass point directly opposite the south. Here the noun refers to the geographical location of the kingdom which was located to the north of Israel. This noun is also the object of the preposition min, which is a marker of source since it is expressing the origin of this report which will reach the ears of the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39. 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 11
bā hǎl The verb bā hǎl is in the piel stem and means to alarm, trouble, disturb since it pertains to hearing information which warns the wicked king of an impending attack from armies coming from two different directions. It does not mean to terrify since this wicked king responds to these reports by marching his armies out to engage these armies from the east and the north. The piel stem of the verb bā hǎl is factitive meaning that the subject of the verb in the piel causes its direct object to enter a state that can be described by the same verb in the qal. Here the subject are intelligence reports from the east and north that armies are mobilizing against the wicked king. The object is the wicked king. Therefore, this stem indicates that these intelligence reports from his military observers that armies from the east and north are mobilizing against him for war will cause this wicked king to enter the state of being alarmed or disturbed. The imperfect conjugation of the verb describes this as taking place in the future from the perspective of Daniel in the sixth century B.C. when he received this revelation from an elect angel in 536 B.C. hû(ʾ) The third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû(ʾ) means he referring to the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39. It is functioning as the direct object of the verb bā hǎl indicating that it is receiving the action of this verb. The Wicked King Will Attack with Great Anger Daniel 11:44 But rumors from the East and from the North will disturb him, and he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many. (NASB95) And he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many is composed of the conjunction wa (ו ) (waw), and which is followed by the third masculine singular qal active perfect form of the verb yā ṣā(ʾ) (י צ א) (yaw-tsaw ), he will go forth and then we have the preposition bĕ (ב ) (beh), with and its object is the feminine singular construct form of the noun ḥē mā(h) (ח מ ה) (khaymaw ), wrath, which is modified by the feminine singular form of the adjective gā ḏôl (ג ד ול) (gaw-dole ), great which is followed by the preposition lĕ (ל ) (leh) to and its object is the hiphil active infinitive construct form of the verb šā mǎḏ (waw), (ו ) (shaw-mad ), destroy and then we have the conjunction wa (ש מ ד) and which is followed by the preposition lĕ (ל ) (leh) to but this time its object 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 12
is the hiphil active infinitive construct form of the verb ḥā rǎm ם) (ח ר (khaw-ram ), annihilate which is followed by the feminine plural form of the adjective rǎḇ many. (rab), (ר ב) wa This time the conjunction wa is a marker of result meaning that it is introducing a prophetic statement which presents the result of the previous prophetic statement that intelligence reports from the east and north will alarm the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39. It introduces a prophetic statement which reveals that this wicked king will respond to these reports by ordering his armies to march out to engage the armies from the east and the north. Therefore, the conjunction indicates that intelligence reports from the east and north will alarm the wicked king which results in him ordering his armies to march out to engage these armies. yā ṣā(ʾ) The verb yā ṣā(ʾ) means to march out since it pertains to linear movement away from a particular area by an army. Here refers to the armies of the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39 marching out of Israel to engage armies coming from the east and the north. It refers to this king embarking on a military expedition to defeat these armies. The qal stem is fientive expressing the action of this wicked king marching out of Israel to engage in war the armies from the east and north of him geographically. The perfect conjugation of this verb is a future perfect expressing a future state resulting from actions that will have been completed by that time. Here it is expressing the future state of this wicked king going forth from his land to fight the armies from the east and the north of him geographically as a result of his actions to do so (his orders to his troops) that will be completed by that time. b ḡ e ḏō lā(h)ʹ ḥē mā(ʾ)ʹ The noun ḥē mā(h) means rage, wrath, anger referring to a very strong feeling of displeasure and hostility and antagonism toward another, usually in relation to a wrong, whether real or imagined. The word is modified by the adjective gā ḏôl which means great and is describing the intensity of the wrath or anger of this wicked king. The noun ḥē mā(h) is also the object of the preposition bĕ which is a marker of a state or condition meaning that this wicked king will exist in the state of being in a great rage when he marches out his armies to fight the armies from 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 13
the east and north of him. Therefore, this expression indicates that this wicked king will march out against the armies from the east and north in a great rage. šā mǎḏ The verb šā mǎḏ is in the hiphil stem and means to destroy, to kill since it pertains to killing the soldiers of an opposing army. Here it refers to the wicked king killing many soldiers in the armies from the east and the north. The preposition lĕ is prefixed to the infinitive construct form of šā mǎḏ and governs it and is functioning as a marker of purpose expressing the purpose for which this wicked king marched out in response to hearing intelligence reports from the east and the north that armies were mobilizing against him. This indicates that as a result of hearing intelligence reports from the east and north that armies were mobilizing against him, this wicked king will march out his armies in order to or for the purpose of kill many from these armies mobilized against him. The hiphil stem of this verb šā mǎḏ is factitive meaning that the subject of this verb causes the direct object to enter the state described by that same verb in the qal. The subject of this verb is of course the wicked king and the direct object is the adjective rǎḇ, many. Therefore, the stem of this verb indicates that this wicked king will cause many to be killed. ḥā rǎm The basic meaning of the verb ḥā rǎm involves taking things or people out of ordinary use and devoting them irrevocably to God. The word is related to harem whose root means to prohibit especially from ordinary use, and which refers to the living space of royal wives and other women. Whatever was put under the ban was either to be devoted to the Lord s service permanently or destroyed. It is often used of completely destroying a conquered town s people and wealth in dedication to the Lord. The word is not only used in relation to the Lord but also in regards to the actions of foreign kings. It is used of Sennacherib reminding Hezekiah that the Assyrian army had completely destroyed many countries and he threatened the same fate would befall Judah (2 Kings 19:11). Here in Daniel 11:44, the verb ḥā rǎm is used of the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39. It indicates that he will in a great rage kill many soldiers in the armies coming from the east and north in the sense that he annihilates these armies. He will seek to annihilate these armies in the sense that he will seek to kill a considerable amount of soldiers in these armies which will nullify the ability of these armies to wage war successfully against him. 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 14
The preposition lĕ is prefixed to the infinitive construct form of ḥā rǎm and governs it and is functioning as a marker of purpose expressing the purpose for which this wicked king marched out in response to hearing intelligence reports from the east and the north that armies were mobilizing against him. This indicates that as a result of hearing intelligence reports from the east and north that armies from the east and north were mobilizing against him, this wicked king will march out his armies for the purpose of annihilating many soldiers from these armies. The hiphil stem of this verb ḥā rǎm is factitive meaning that the subject of this verb causes the direct object to enter the state described by that same verb in the qal. The subject of this verb is of course the wicked king and the direct object is the adjective rǎḇ, many. Therefore, the stem of this verb indicates that this wicked king will seek to cause many to be annihilated in the sense that a considerable amount of soldiers will be killed by the armies of this wicked king. wa The conjunction wa is used to join the verbs šā mǎḏ and ḥā rǎm in order to communicate one idea, which is called hendiadys. This figure takes place when two nouns or verbs are used to express one idea or concept and it literally means one by means of two and takes place when the author uses two words but only one idea is intended. The two words are of the same parts of speech, i.e., two nouns or verbs, and are always joined together by the conjunction and and are also always in the same case. One of the two words expresses the thing, and the other intensifies it by being changed (if a noun) into an adjective of the superlative degree, which is, by this means, made especially emphatic. Here Daniel 11:44, the verb ḥā rǎm intensifies the meaning of the verb šā mǎḏ. The latter simply speaks of killing enemy soldiers whereas the former speaks of killing a considerable amount of enemy soldiers so as to destroy an opposing armies capacity to successfully wage war. Therefore, these two words express one idea, namely that as a result of hearing intelligence reports that armies from the east and north were mobilizing against him, the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39 will in a great rage march out in order to kill many soldiers from these opposing armies, yes in order to annihilate many of these soldiers. So this figure of hendiadys emphasizes this wicked king s intention to completely vanquish the armies from the east and north which will be mobilized against him. rǎḇ The masculine plural form of the adjective rǎḇ means many and refers to the soldiers in the armies coming from the east and north to fight the wicked king 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 15
described in Daniel 11:36-39. The word means many since it pertains to a relatively large quantity of countable objects which in our contexts is nations. Therefore, this word refers to a large number of soldiers of the armies from the east and north which will seek to engage in war the wicked king. Translation of Daniel 11:44 Daniel 11:44 However, reports from the east as well as the north will alarm him. Consequently, he will march out in a great rage in order to kill, yes, annihilate many. Exposition of Daniel 11:44 Daniel 11:44 contains two prophetic statements the second is the direct result of the first. The first stands in contrast to the prophetic statements in Daniel 11:41-43. Thus, the contrast is between many nations falling to the armies of the wicked king described in Daniel 11:36-39 and the armies from the East and North challenging him. The angel informs Daniel with the first prophetic statement that reports from the east as well as the north will alarm him. Since we have already established that this king is the Antichrist, this prophetic statement teaches that intelligence reports from the east and the north will alarm him. Who are these armies from the east and the north? First of all, the army from the east would appear to be the armies from the Far East such as China and Japan which is supported by the prophecies in Revelation 16 which teaches that a massive army of 200 million men will march across the dried up Euphrates River to oppose the Antichrist. This attack against the Antichrist by the armies from the east is the direct result of the sixth bowl judgment mentioned in the book of Revelation. Chronologically, these seven bowl judgments follow the seven trumpet judgments that are recorded in Revelation 8:1-9:21 and 11:15-19 and which will follow the seven seal judgments in Revelation 6:1-17 and 8:1-5. These seven bowl judgments complete the third and final portion of God s program to exercise His wrath, i.e. righteous indignation during the last three and a half years of Daniel s Seventieth, which is also called by students of prophecy as the Great Tribulation. The trumpet judgments are very similar to the bowl judgments. For example, in both, the first series deals with the earth (cf. 8:7 with 16:2). The second series deals with the sea (cf. 8:8-9 with 16:3) while the third series deals with the rivers and fountains of water (cf. 8:10-11 with 16:4). The fourth series deals with the sun (cf. 8:12 with 16:8) while the fifth series deals with darkness (cf. 8:12 with 16:10). The 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 16
sixth series deals with the Euphrates (cf. 9:13-14 with 16:12), and the seventh series deals with lightnings, thunders, and earthquakes (cf. 11:19b with 16:17-21). However, there are major differences between the two. For example, the first four trumpets deal with only one-third of the earth while the bowl judgments are universal in scope. Secondly, the bowl judgments are also much greater in intensity as well as in degree of coverage and effect. They fall quickly as a liquid poured out of a bowl and in rapid succession just like trip hammer blows. It is best, therefore, to see the bowls as different from the trumpets judgments. The seven bowl judgments cause the further hardening of the hearts of men instead of humbling them. They have the same result on the world as the plagues of Egypt had on Pharaoh. These plagues will reveal the total rebellion and independence of the creature to his Creator. These judgments will result in anger and blasphemy from the heart and mouths of unregenerate men rather than respect, reverence and trust in Christ as Savior. They are hardening plagues which God uses to His own glory (See Revelation 16:9, 11, 21). However, they will crush man s rebellion and remove the rebellious from the earth. The completion of this will be accomplished by the return of Christ with His armies (Ezek. 20:38; Joel 3:2-17; Matt. 13:40-43; Rev. 19:11-21). The seven bowl judgments will perfectly accomplish God s righteous purposes for the Seventieth Week of Daniel. The seven bowl judgments like the seven sealed judgments and seven trumpet judgments are designed to vindicate the holiness of God and are by no means vindictive, rather they are vindictive. They demonstrate the wrath of God or in other words, His righteous indignation towards sin and rebellion. Now, Revelation chapter 15 is introductory or a prelude, preparing the reader for the execution of the seven bowl judgments described in chapter 16. It is similar to Revelation 8:1 in that it prepares the reader for the next set of judgments, the seven bowls. It prepares for the resumption of the chronological progression of events on earth that ended temporarily in Revelation 11:19 with the seventh trumpet judgment. In chapter 15, the seven bowl judgments are first described as the seven last plagues and then as seven bowls full of the wrath of God (Revelation 15:7; 16:1). These seven plagues will chronologically bring to an end the ordered events of the judgments during the last three and a half years of Daniel s Seventieth Week in a dramatic crescendo. Remember, the seven plagues and seven bowls used in Revelation 15 refer to the same judgments. The use of different terms is designed to display the different aspects and character of these last judgments. They are plague-like calamities, and each is poured out suddenly, all at once as the contents of a bowl when it is turned over. 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 17
Now, chronologically speaking, John under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit gives a graphic description of six seals (6:1-17), but the seventh (8:1) is never described. We are only told that when it is broken, there is silence in heaven (8:1). The implication is that the seven trumpets come out of the seventh seal and actually express the content of the seventh seal (8:1-9:21; 11:15-19). This seventh trumpet takes us up to the return of Christ and includes within its judgments the events of the seven last plagues or bowls of chapters 15 and 16, which occur rapidly at the end. The final great event is the Second Advent of the Lord Jesus Christ in glory (Revelation 19:11-21). Also, we must remember that Revelation 10:1-11:4; 13-14; and 17:1-19:10 are interludes or parenthetical in that they do not advance the Tribulation events chronologically. They simply fill in the picture of the Tribulation giving important details about key personages, events and concepts. Again as was the case with the seven trumpet judgments, elect angels are used to execute the seven bowl judgments. Now, in Revelation 16, the apostle John employs the adjective megas, great eleven times (1, 9, 12, 14, 17, 18 twice, 19 twice, 21 twice). In verse 1, it is used to describe the voice from the temple that issues the orders to the elect angels to execute the seven bowl judgments as great or loud. In verse 9, it is used to describe heat proceeding from the sun after the fourth bowl judgment. In verse 12, it is used in relation to the sixth bowl judgment and to describe the Euphrates River. The word appears in verse 14 in relation to the sixth bowl judgment and to describe the day of God Almighty and the battle of Armageddon. It is used in relation to the seventh bowl judgment in verse 17 and describes the voice again coming from the temple of God in heaven. The word appears twice in verse 18 to describe the earthquake that will be the result of the seventh bowl judgment. It again appears twice in verse 19 to describe the city of Babylon and is also used in relation to the seventh bowl. Lastly, the word appears twice in verse 21 to describe the hail that will fall upon the earth as a result of the seventh bowl judgment. The frequent use of megas in Revelation 16 in connection with the seven bowl judgments indicates the unusual severity and intensity of these judgments. Revelation 16:1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple, saying to the seven angels, Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God. (NASB95) The loud voice from the temple is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself since no one else will be allowed to enter the temple until the bowl judgments have all been executed. Also, the word order emphasizes the power and authority of the voice. Furthermore, if you recall, in Revelation 5, we saw that the Lamb, the Lord Jesus Christ was the only one in heaven and on earth who was worthy to open the seven sealed scroll, which is the title deed to planet earth. The Lord Jesus Christ 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 18
was the only one in heaven and earth who was worthy to break the seven sealed scroll, which resulted in the execution of judgments upon the unsaved inhabitants of planet earth. Now, the seventh seal introduces the seven trumpet judgments and they are followed by the seven bowl judgments. Thus, since these three categories of divine judgment are interconnected with each other and since Christ began the execution of these judgments by breaking the seven sealed scroll, we can infer that Christ s voice is the one speaking to the seven elect angels in Revelation 16:1. Furthermore, Revelation 15 records the preparation of the seven bowl judgments and the elect angels singing the praises of the Lamb, who is the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, we can see that the voice from heaven in Revelation 16:1 speaking to the elect angels and instructing them to execute the seven bowl judgment is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The first bowl judgment is recorded in Revelation 16:2 and is directed at those unsaved inhabitants of the earth who received the mark of the beast, i.e. the Antichrist and who worship his image. Therefore, this indicates that the bowl judgments take place during the last half of Daniel s seventieth week since Antichrist will not order everyone on earth to receive this mark until after he proclaims himself God and demands the worship of the world as world-ruler, which takes place in the middle of Daniel s seventieth week (See Revelation 13:11-18). Revelation 16:2 So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth; and it became a loathsome and malignant sore on the people who had the mark of the beast and who worshiped his image. (NASB95) This bowl judgment is reminiscent of the sixth plague in Egypt (Exodus 9:8-12; note also Deuteronomy 28:27, 35). The second bowl judgment is recorded in Revelation 16:3 and is directed at the sea as was the case with the second trumpet judgment in Revelation 8:8. Revelation 16:3 The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood like that of a dead man; and every living thing in the sea died. (NASB95) The third bowl judgment is recorded in Revelation 16:4-6 and is directed at the inland waters such as rivers and fountains. Revelation 16:4 Then the third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and the springs of waters; and they became blood. (NASB95) The second and third bowl judgments parallel the first plague in Egypt (Exodus 7:14-25). The second bowl judgment centers upon the oceans while the third focuses upon the rivers of the world turning them into blood. 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 19
When the second trumpet judgment took place, a third part of the sea became blood. However, with the second bowl judgment the entire system of seas and oceans will be polluted. The third trumpet makes a third part of the inland waters bitter as wormwood. However, the third bowl judgment will turn all bitter inland waters in the world into blood. Therefore, since water is essential in order to sustain human life, these two judgments demonstrate that there is no life in following the Devil and Antichrist. The second and third bowl judgments results in a global catastrophe. Under the second trumpet one-third was affected, but now, in keeping with the nature of this judgment, the rest of the sea and marine life is struck. It will wreck fishing and it is bound to affect ocean navigation, transportation and shipping. The fresh water supply on the earth will be destroyed. In Revelation 16:5-7, an elect angel proclaims the vindication of these judgments upon a Christ rejecting world. Revelation 16:5 And I heard the angel of the waters saying, Righteous are You, who are and who were, O Holy One, because You judged these things 6 for they poured out the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. They deserve it. 7 And I heard the altar saying, Yes, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments. (NASB95) The fourth bowl judgment is recorded in Revelation 16:8-9 and is directed at the sun. The blowing of the fourth trumpet judgment dealt with a third part of the stellar universe resulting in the darkening of a third part of the day and of the night. However, in contrast to this, the fourth bowl judgment is directed only at the sun and increases the sun s intensity and does not decrease it as was the case with the fourth trumpet judgment. Revelation 16:8 The fourth angel poured out his bowl upon the sun, and it was given to it to scorch men with fire. 9 Men were scorched with fierce heat; and they blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues, and they did not repent so as to give Him glory. (NASB95) The fifth bowl judgment is recorded in Revelation 16:10-11 and like the fifth trumpet judgment, it results in darkness, which is reminiscent of the ninth plague of Egypt (Exodus 10:21-23). Revelation 16:10 Then the fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom became darkened; and they gnawed their tongues because of pain, 11 and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores; and they did not repent of their deeds. (NASB95) This fifth bowl judgment is executed against the Antichrist s center of power, which anticipates the destruction of his kingdom. Again, these unregenerate individuals refuse to repent and trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 20