Who is the eighth King? From where did he spring?
Started - 4/17/ 2009} - Finished - 15/06/2009
Completed!
Beginning with the words of the Apostle John, as delivered to him, by the Christ, we find these words, concerning this Eighth King: As follows:
11 "And the beast that WAS, and IS NOT, is himself also an eighth, and is OF THE SEVEN; and he goeth into perdition." {Revelation 17:11} (A/S.V.)
How is it, that this Beast WAS, and Was Not? John will explain:
Revelation 13:3 (A.S.V.)
3 "And I saw one of his heads as though it had been smitten unto death; and his death-stroke was healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast"... So, this Beast had received, a death blow, that it somehow revived from. This head, before it received this death-stroke, WAS, after it received it, it WAS NOT! Then , it was to be healed, so it would be revived again.
Looking closely at what I had gathered, to this point, I reasoned that, this one, since it goes off into destruction, {perdition} had to be the last one on the scene, just prior to Jehovah's intervention. This has to be the one doing battle with the Lamb. {Revelation 17:12-14} With that in mind, I began to look closely through the account in the Revelation by John and also the Prophet Daniel. The reason, being, both had Prophecies concerning the time of the end. Before I do that, though, it might pay to look at what this particular Beast, actually does, and compare, when we learn that, how it coincides with the Prophecy of Daniel. Note these next words, concerning this Beast, that WAS and WAS NOT:
Revelation 13:5-8 (American Standard Version)
5 'and there was given to him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and there was given to him authority to continue forty and two months.
6 And he opened his mouth for blasphemies against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, even them that dwell in the heaven.
7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and there was given to him authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.
8 And ALL that dwell on the earth shall worship him, every one whose name hath not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb {John 1:29} that hath been slain." '
What we have here, if anyone has noticed, is an anti-type of Nebuchnednezzers image of Gold that all was required to bow down and worship on pain of death. At that time, all did, with the exception of Daniel, Shadrac, Meshac, and Abednego. Look even closer, and you will see, a one World Government, that satan has managed to maneauver the ruling Authorities to set up. It says there, that, 'all that dwell on the earth shall worship him.' 'Every tribe, and people, and tongue, and Nation.' {Daniel 3:1-7} Now, when this does occur, it will only stand for a brief time! Forty two Months, or as Daniel had put it, 1,260 days, which is the same amount of time, in both instances. Forty two Months is equal to time, times, and half a time, or as Daniel put it,1,260 days. Now, the principle of applying, 'a day for a year,'could not possibly be applied in this case. The reason being, at this time, the devil has only a ' short period of time left;' and applying 'a day for a year' in this case, would allow for 1260 years. More than enough time to wipe all of Jehovah's worshippers off the face of the earth. We know, satan would certainly do that, if he was given the time to do it. No! This would have to be a literal number, meaning exactly what it says, for only a brief period of time, or short period.
This particular Beast, in question, will be the most oppressive ruling authority, that has ever been on this earth, as John pointed out, in the following scripture; he also, at the same time, explains about this anti-typical image, that was to be set up. Please note these following words of John, as delivered to him, by the Christ:
11 "And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like unto lamb, and he spake as a dragon.
12 And he exerciseth all the authority of the first beast in his sight. And he maketh the earth and them dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose death-stroke was healed.
13 And he doeth great signs, that he should even make fire to come down out of heaven upon the earth in the sight of men. {Possibly Nuclear}
14 And he deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by reason of the signs which it was given him to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who hath the stroke of the sword and lived.
15 And it was given unto him to give breath to it, even to the image to the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as should NOT WORSHIP the image of the beast SHOULD BE KILLED.
16 And he causeth ALL, the small and the great, and the rich and the poor, and the free and the bond, that there be given them a mark on their right hand, or upon their forehead;
17 and that no man should be able to buy or to sell, save he that hath the mark, even the name of the beast or the number of his name. " Revelation 13:11-17 (A.S. V. B.)
These two lamblike beasts, that spoke like a dragon, are obviously, puppets, or emissaries of this Eighth King; delivering, the messages about the changes in time and in laws. These times now, are very cruel and oppresive, as are these new laws. No one has ever seen times such as these, or laws as oppressive as these new laws, delivered by these two lamblike in appearance, but in actuality, satanic in nature, as is their Father, the devil; who is the unseen power behind all of the changes in times and laws. Putting him, at last, on the Throne, to rule the entire World, such as has, always been his main ambition. Anyone, at this time, who fails to display the mark of the Beast, will likely very quickly be killed. As we might expect, Daniel mentioned these changes in times and in, law, as we note:
24 "All ten of those horns are kings
who will come from this kingdom,
and one more will follow.
This horn will be different
from the others,
and it will conquer
THREE OTHER KINGS.
25" This king will speak evil
of God Most High,
and he will be cruel
to God's chosen ones.
He will try to change God's Law
and the sacred seasons.
And he will be able to do this
for a time, two times,
and half a time." Daniel 7:24-25 (C.E.V.)
Now, we have a picture as to what this Eighth King will be like; what he will accomplish for a brief time period. Before I proceed any further with this, I would like to focus on this seven headed Beast out of the sea, to ascertain what they picture in their entirety. Note the following:
The Beast from the Sea
1 "And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. {Isaiah 57:20} Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, HAVING TEN HORNS and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names."
2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority.
3 I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast; 4 they worshiped the dragon {satan} because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?"
5 There was given to him A MOUTH SPEAKING ARROGANT WORDS AND BLASHEMIES and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him.
6 And he OPENED HIS MOUTH IN BLASPEMIES AGAINST GOD TO BLASPHEME HIS NAME AND HIS TABERNACLE, that is, those who dwell in heaven."
7 It was also given to him TO MAKE WAR WITH THE SAINTS AND TO OVERCOME THEM, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him." {Revelation 13:1-7} {Daniel 7:4-6} Now, some will argue that this wounded head in question here, was Rome, or some other ruling authority from the distant past. That is impossible though because this beast with the ten horns was the fourth and last ruling world power to exist on this earth, in our own time period; so it would have to be the World-Wide Ruling Powers existing on our earth, right at this present moment in time. It could be no other!, in that ot has Ten Horns!
As for these seven heads, and what they picture! These are Satan's seven ruling dynasties of Kings, in their continuing forms, all down through history, beginning with Egypt! Following Egypt, Assyria! Next in line, Babylon! Following Babylon, Medo-Persia! Following Medo-Persia, Greece. Next in line, Rome, following Rome, the European, Asian, and African, as well as the British American World Powers of today. These are the last ones to dwell on this earth. These are the Ten Toes of Daniel's dream image. There are your seven heads, and Ten Toes, in their entirety. This is Johns rendition of this Beast out of the sea.
As for the, Lion, Bear, and Leopard! These picture the sucessive Kingdoms of Babylon- Medo-Persia, and Greece; occupied today, by, Iran, Iraq, and Syria/Lebanon. We notice, both Daniel and the Apostle John are discussing these same four beasts, but, look closely, you will see, they are in the reverse order. The reason being Daniel is looking forward, while John is looking backwards in time. Still, they are the exact same Beasts. Daniel 7: 1-7,17 - Revelation 13:1,2 - "As for the Ten Horns, they do not as yet have a Kingdom! That will come later on.
Daniel 7:1-7 (N.A.S.B.} Daniel expressed it in this manner:
Daniel 7:1-7 (American Standard Version)
1 "In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream and told the sum of the matters.
2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of heaven brake forth upon the great sea. {Sea of restless Mankind} {Isaiah 57:20}
3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand upon two feet as a man; and a man's heart was given to it.
5 And, behold, another beast, a second, like to a bear; and it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh.
6 After this I beheld, and, lo, another, like a leopard, which had upon its back four wings of a bird; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
7 After this I saw in the night-visions, and, behold, a fourth beast, terrible and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns." Daniel 7:1-7 A.S.B.
15 " 'When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place' (let him that readeth understand) Now we know from the pages of history that General Titus, leading the Roman Army, sacked the Jewish Temple, in 70a.d, and when he was through with his attack, there wasn't 'a stone left upon a stone, that was not thrown down.' Exactly as Jesus foretold it would be. {Matthew 24:1,2} the Apostle Luke adds the following to this:
20 "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then recognize that its desolation has come near." Luke 21:20 (H.C.S.B.)
So, in the first instance, General Titus was the Abomination of desolation. In 66a.d it was Cestius Gallus, who led the Roman Army against Jerusalem, but for some unknown reason retreated from that City and didn't follow through with his attack. That was when those Jews who had listened to the words of Jesus fled that city. Those that remained behind experienced destruction when Titus overthrew that Jewish Temple, four years later.
Now, just how does this abomination of desolation fit in with the Prophecy of Daniel? As I said,two major points surface here. One is, this eighth King of Daniel turns out to be the foretold anti-christ! This is due to his behavior towards Jehovah God. He blasphemes Jehovah's personage; he blasphemes his name; he persecutes and kills Jehovah's true servants. He is insolent, and hatefull towards the God of the universe, and towards his name people. Those actions stamp him as the foretold anti-christ.
It should be remembered, about this giant image of the Beast that will be established on this earth; headed by this eighth King, an insolent King, as this little horn of Daniel is. Reported on next:
Daniel 8:23 (HCSB)
23 "Near the end of their kingdoms,
when the rebels have reached
the full measure of their sin,
an insolent king, skilled in intrigue,
will come to the throne."
Daniel 8:24
24 "His power will be great,
but it will not be his own.
He will cause terrible destruction
and succeed in whatever he does.
He will destroy the powerful"
This image that we have now, at this time was represenatative of the feet and toes of Nebuchnezzers dream image, the last ruling World Powers, of his dream image. These are the ones to suffer destruction by the stone, 'not cut out by human hands.' When this stone strikes so will end the devils domination of this World, and God's Kingdom would stand to time indefinite to time indefinite.
31 "Thou, O king, sawest, and, behold, a great image. This image, which was mighty, and whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the aspect thereof was terrible.
32 As for this image, its head was of fine gold, {Babylon} its breast and its arms of silver, {Medo-Persia} its belly and its thighs of brass, {Greece}
33 its legs of iron, {Rome} its feet part of iron, and part of clay. {British American}
34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon its feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them in pieces.
35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing-floors; and the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. " Daniel 2:31-35 (A.S.V.)
37 He replied: "The One who sows the good seed is the Son of Man; 38 the field is the world; and the good seed—these are the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and 39 the enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is the END OF THE AGE, and the harvesters are angels. 40 Therefore just as the weeds are gathered and burned in the fire, so it will be AT THE END OF THE AGE. 41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather from His kingdom everything that causes sin and those guilty of lawlessness. 42 They will throw them into the blazing furnace where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father's kingdom. Anyone who has ears should listen!" {Matthew 13:37-43}
21 "for then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be.
22 And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened." Matthew 24:21,22 (ASV)
34 "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all these things be accomplished."
Now, all three of these scriptures reach their final fulfillment during the time period that this eight king is operational, for he is the one that the stone not cut out by human hands smashes this giant image to pieces. It is blown away in the wind. He is the one John told us would go off into destruction.
{Revelation 13:3-8;17:11}
My belief now, is. when these new 'changes in law and in times' foretold by Daniel and John, are actually put in place by this eight king will very likely trigger the time of this Worlds greatest trouble, and would, because of the threat of the killing off of all of the anointed class, still on earth, as well as, any other worshipper of Jehovah at that time, have to be the time period that had to be 'cut short.' To assure that there would be survivors, through this great holocaust to come on this earth. {Revelationj 13:11:17}
Now, since this is an end time prophecy being dealt with here, would it not of necessity have to include everything foretold to occur during the time of the end? By that, I mean, the 'harvest season' for one thing was something to occur during the 'conclusion of the system of things,' or 'the end of the age!' Then, there was the generation that was not 'to pass away until everything was fulfilled.' Then, the time period of the great tribulation, that had to be 'cut short, or no flesh would be saved,' more notebly for the survival of the chosen ones.
Would it not also have to include the War in heaven where satan and his demons was thrown down to this earth; satan coming down in great rage to make war with the remaining ones of the seed of the Woman, which war is fought, at that time by this eighth king, as influenced by satan the devil?
Satan being in such a state of rage he goes off to wage war with the remaining ones of the seed of the woman. {Revelation 12: 7--17} Note verse 17 especially! Now, I pointed out that it was this eighth king that was making war with the holy ones, being motivated or influenced to that end by satan himself. So, would it not have been at time that satan was thrown down? Rather than 1914? As claimed by the Governing Bodies Watchtower Society?
Another point to consider, is, this "Nation against Nation, and Kingdom against Kingdom," would that not be another Bible prophecy to be fulfilled at that time, rather than, in 1914? Think about it for a moment! Since the year 1914 we have had, 'Wars and rumors of Wars,' but 'the end was, and, is still, not yet.' We're still having those wars and rumors of wars, and the end is still not yet. {Matthew 24:6} is still undergoing fulfillment; while Matthew 24:7 is still yet future.
Doesn't that tell us, that, the interpretation of that scripture is incorrect? That it is still yet future? How many Nations are going to knuckle under to these new changes in laws and in times, without even putting up a fight?They have always been ready to fight at the drop of a hat; why should that, now, so suddenly change? I don't believe that it has, or ever will. They'll fight tooth and nail against those new changes in laws and in times and then all particular hell will break out on this planet. To be 'cut short' by massive divine intervention.
Those are the days to be 'cut short, or no flesh would be saved.' This is the generation that was not to pass away until all things saw fulfillment.Would not Ezekiels prophecy as well have to come into play here, 'where 'the sword of every man will come to be against the sword of his own brother?' {Ezekiel 38:18-23} Isn't the fulfillment of this prophecy in Ezekiel brought about by the eighth kings attack, influenced by satan the devil, on Jehovah's chosen ones, or name people? "When Gog comes in upon the soil of Israel." {Spiritual Israel} {The Israel of God} {Galatians 6:16}
This attack would begin when satan is thrown down to this earth, as a result of the War that is to be fought in heaven between Michael the Archangel, his Angels; and satan the devil and his Angels. This would be the time period when Michael would STAND UP and take rulership of God's Kingdom; Michael being Christ Jesus in Angelic form. This would, as a result of satan now being in the vicinity of the earth, the 'Woe for the earth, and for the sea' {of people} would begin, triggering the great tribulation. The great period of distress foretold by Daniel and Jesus. {Daniel 12:1,2} {Matthew 24:21,22} This would also be the time period for the resurrection of his anointed Brothers to begin; the harvest season begins. {Revelation 12{7-17} Also the time period for satan to make War with the remnant of the seed of the Woman. Those who have the work of bearing witness to Jesus. Those final ones who have at the last moment been sealed in their foreheads. {Revelation 7:1-4\;19:11}
We know from scripture that 'ALL THE JUDGING' was 'committed to the Son'! {John 5:22,27} We know also that 'Angels was made subject to him'. {1 Peter 3:22} We know also that Jesus held 'ALL AUTHORITY' in heaven. {Matthew 28:18} We know also as Revelation 19:11 tells us; that 'he judges and carryies on War in righteousness'. Who do we find exercising all of this authority? Carrying on this righteous War? Doing all of this judging, that would require this heavenly War to be fought? Why it's Michael the Archangel! Who, at this time, holds this all authority. Does the judging, show these angels, satan and his demons, their subjection to him as he oust them from the heavenly realm. So, Jesus, is, was, and always will be Michael the Archangel; that glorious angel that was alongside his Father even before the World was. {John 17:5} Now to continue:
The Prophet Daniel foretold, the last ruling World Power that would be on this earth during the time of the end. he described it, in this manner: "After this, I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and see there! a fourth b
east FEARSOME AND TERRIBLE and UNUSALLY STRONG, And it had TEETH OF IRON, BIG ONES. It was devouring and crushing, and what was left, it was treading down with its feet. And it was something different from all the other Beasts that were prior to it, and it had Ten Horns." {Daniel 7:7} {"17"}
Daniel 8:23 (HCSB)
23 "Near the end of their kingdoms,
when the rebels have reached
the full measure of their sin,
an insolent king, skilled in intrigue,
will come to the throne."
24 "His power will be great,
but it will not be his own.
He will cause terrible destruction
and succeed in whatever he does."
He will destroy the powerful"
In-as-much, as this entire World is now put under compulsion to bow in Worship to this Image of the Wild Beast that will be set up, it would be the time period for BABYLON THE GREAT to fall. To be totally destroyed and wiped off this planet; in that now, there could be nothing to hamper the Worship of this Image. At the same time, it would be also the time to make War with the remaining ones of the seed of the Woman, and kill them all off, to a man, was Jehovah to allow that. The destruction of BABYLON THE GREAT would very likely cause this time of the Worlds greatest period of tribulation, as foretold by Jesus and the Prophet Daniel. {Daniel 12: 1,2- Matthew 24:21,22} Then too, this fall of Babylon, the empire of false religion, that permeates, and encompasses our Globe would trigger this figurative great earthquake John Foretold in the account in Revelation. Note these words of John on this: Now, the fall of this religious empire would very probably have to occur shortly after satan is thrown down to this earth; the reason being, that is when this foretold 'Woe for the earth and for the sea' would begin. {Revelation 12:12}
18 "There were lightnings, rumblings, and thunders. And a severe earthquake occurred like no other since man has been on the earth—so great was the quake. 19 The great city split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the Great was remembered in God's presence." Revelation 16:18,19- (HCSB)
So, it is seen, that this great figurative earthquake is tied in with the total and complete destruction of this religious whore that sits atop the wild beast, as described by the Apostle John, as a great City. {Revelation 17:3-6} The reason that this earthquake in question is so extensive, so great, is because this religious empire permeates and encompasses our entire Globe, and her fall will rock this earth from end to end, in a similar way a literal earthquake would do; only this earthquake will be the most devastating earthquake ever experienced by mankind. Even overshadowing a literal earthquake. Notice now the effect the fall of this religious empire will have on individuals of this World:
15 "The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn 16 and cry out:
" 'Woe! Woe, O great city,
dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet,
and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!
17 In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!'
"Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, {the commercial empire} will stand far off. 18 When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city like this great city?' 19 They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out:
" 'Woe! Woe, O great city,
where all who had ships on the sea
became rich through her wealth!
In one hour she has been brought to ruin!" Revelation 18:15-19 (N.I.V.) Total and complete devastion for this religious Whore! Note the following description of this ruination on old Babylon, the great Whore. Notice! Even the Kings of the earth will mourn her fall. 9 "And the kings of the world who committed adultery with her and enjoyed her great luxury will mourn for her as they see the smoke rising from her charred remains. 10 They will stand at a distance, terrified by her great torment. They will cry out, "How terrible, how terrible for you, O Babylon, you great city!
In a single moment God’s judgment came on you."
Revelation 18:9,10 (NLT) Yes! It is Jehovah God who has caused the destruction of this Whoring religious Woman, and due time for it:
This of course is brought about by the action of Jehovah, who puts it into the hearts of the Ten Horns and the Wild Beast to turn on her, and completely destroy her. {Revelation 17:15-18}
1-8 "Following this I saw another Angel descend from Heaven. His authority was immense, his glory flooded earth with brightness, his voice thunderous: Ruined, ruined, Great Babylon, ruined! A ghost town for demons is all that's left!
A garrison of carrion spirits, garrison of loathsome, carrion birds.
All nations drank the wild wine of her whoring; kings of the earth went whoring with her; entrepreneurs made millions exploiting her.Just then I heard another shout out of Heaven:
Get out, my people, as fast as you can, so you don't get mixed up in her sins, so you don't get caught in her doom.
Her sins stink to high Heaven; God has remembered every evil she's done. Give her back what she's given, double what she's doubled in her works, double the recipe in the cup she mixed;
Bring her flaunting and wild ways to torment and tears.
Because she gloated, "I'm queen over all, and no widow, never a tear on my face," In one day, disasters will crush her—
death, heartbreak, and famine— Then she'll be burned by fire, because God, the Strong God who judges her, has had enough." Revelation 18:8 (T.M.)
48] 28"But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."
Matthew 24:33 (N.A.S.B.)
33 'so, you too, when YOU SEE ALL THESE THINGS, recognize that He is near, right at the door.'"
Mark 13:29 (A.B.)
29 "So also, when you see ALL THESE THINGS HAPPENING, you may recognize and know that He is near, at [the very] door." Luke 21:28 (N.A.S.B.) STABLISHED ABOVE the Top of the Mountains, and it will certainly be LIFTED UP ABOVE THE HILLS; and to it all the Nations must stream. And many people will certainly go and say: Come you people, let us go up to the Mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths. For out of Zion Law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem, And he will certainly render judgment among the Nations and set matters straight respecting many peoples. And they will have to beat their Swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against Nation, neither will they learn War anymore."
Speaking about the generation of this eighth king, Jesus also made this following comment: "Truly I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur." {Matthew 24:34}
Yes! When we see all of the aforementioned things taking place, then, we will know he is at the very doors; and our salvation is at that time upon us. All of it though is yet forward! It is for the future Just when? No one knows that; but it is certainly time now for all to be wide awake, and waiting! Knowing now, just what it is we have to wait for. We'll wait patiently!
In finalizing this writing, I should like to focus attention on one last scripture: One that the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses applies to their own organization, and the great crowd of individuals they have gathered and are gathering. My intention, in using this scripture, is to show that their reasoning on this scripture is seriously flawed. Let me show why!
Since this discussion involves a Watchtower teaching, I feel it only fair to use their own New Wold Translation Bible in citing this next scripture, under discussion. It reads as follows:
"And it must occur in the FINAL PART OF THE DAYS, {that} the Mountain of the house of Jehovah will become FIRMLY E
Now, to the untrained eye, and doing a mere cursory reading of this scripture, it would LOOK LIKE the Governing Body of the Watchtower Society is correct in their reasoning; but, really take a very closer look at what that scripture is actually saying, and you will learn that it doesn't support what they say at all. It is not something to be applied this side of Armageddon, but its application comes after that War is fought and over with. After the Kingdom has become fully established, ruling over this earth.
When we consider the number now involved with this organization; and also consider the fact that all have put down thier weapons of War, it is an easy matter to convince others that theirs is the only true religion. Because of that very fact. Their organization would grow and flourish, as it is doing. Consider the number involved now with this organization:
"Jehovah's Witnesses is a
restorationist, [1] millenarian HYPERLINK \l "cite_note-1"[2] Christian HYPERLINK \l "cite_note-2"[3] denomination. [4] HYPERLINK \l "cite_note-4"[5] The religion reports worldwide membership of over 7 million adherents involved in evangelism; [6]they report convention attendance of over 12 million, and annual of over 17 Million.
They are directed by the
Governing Body, a group of elders which exercises authority on all doctrinal matters, based on their interpretation of the Bible, with preference given to their own translation, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures."
Now those are pretty impressive numbers, are they not? Any wonder, people would join their ranks believing it is the one true religion? Isn't it also a great number to mislead, if it proves out to be, that they are not what they make claim to being? It takes a sharp spiritual eye, but it can be scripturally proven that they are not what they make claim to being. That, though, is a subject to deal with all by itself; and would make this article that is already book-length, even longer, if I tried to deal with it now, at this time.
Now back to this scripture in Isaiah 2:2-4 - Let's disect this Prophecy. To determine exactly what it is, it is saying.
Notice firstly, that this house is FIRMLY ESTABLISHED at this time. The prophecy says."Lifted up above the Hills."Now, in order for it to be Firmly Established, and lifted up, it would have to be
actively rulingover all mankind. The key word here, is ACTIVE! Is it? Absolutely not! Not even yet! When it is, the words of the Psalmist will come true.
19 "Jehovah hath established his throne in the heavens; And his kingdom ruleth over all." Psalm 103:19 (A.S.V.)
It would pay now to look at the definitions of two words: Established, for one! The other being, Firmly! Beginning with established we read:
- brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established; "the established social order"; "distrust the constituted authority"; "a team established as a member of a major league"; "enjoyed his prestige as an established writer"; "an established precedent"; "the established Church"firm 1 (fûrm)
adj.
firm·er, firm·est1. "
Resistant to externally applied pressure.2.
Marked by or indicating the tone and resiliency of healthy tissue: firm muscles.3. SECURELY FIXED IN PLACE:
Despite being hit by the car, the post was still firm.4.
Indicating or possessed of determination or resolution: a firm voice.5.
Constant; steadfast: a firm ally.6.
a. NOT SUBJECT TO CHANGE
; FIXED AND DEFINITE: a firm bargain; a firm offer.b.
Unfluctuating; steady: Stock prices are still firm."Now pairing both definitions together, we have God's Kingdom actively ruling this earth, at this very time of the Prophecies fulfillment.
Someone just might argue that before Jehovah God allows his Son to destroy this World, he takes out of the Nations "a people for his name." That these would survive World destruction. {Acts 15:14-17 - Notice the following:
14 Symeon hath rehearsed how first God visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
16 After these things I will return, And I will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen; And I will build again the ruins thereof, And I will set it up:
17 That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, And all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called" ... Acts 15:14-17 (A.S.V.)
2 "if so be that ye have heard of the dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward;
3 how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words,
4 whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;
5 which in other generation was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;
6 to wit, that the GENTILES ARE FELLOW - HEIRS, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel"... So, isn't it a matter of understanding the scriptures properly, and applying them in the same fashion? { Ephesians 3:2-6 (A.S.V.) These was the ones upon Jehovah's name was called, from the gentiles. Members of the heavenly calling, in that they was fellow - members, fellow-partakers. They was joint heirs, with the Christ.
19 "We know that we are children of God and that the world around us is under the control of the evil one." 1 John 5:19 (N.L.T.)
Further to that, he tells us in Revelation 12:9, this: "So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called devil and satan, who is misleading THE ENTIRE INHABITED EARTH." {N.W.T.}
Now who would wish for the World of Mankind to believe something that runs counter to true Bible teachings? Isn't it true, that Paul said that in the latter days, some would 'fall away from the faith, paying attention to misleading inspired utterances, and teachings of demons ?' 1 Timothy 4:1-5 -
Consider, if you will the Doctrine of the Trinity, that so misrepresents Jehovah, his Son, and the Holy Spirit. Consider also, the teaching of the immortality of the human soul. Then, we have the Torment in a Fiery Hell for all eternity, for unrepentant sinners, teaching.
Now, why is it that humans can teach these doctrines of Demons in the first place? The Bible tells us, that this entire World lies under the Power and control of satan the devil. It also tells us, that satan is misleading the entire inhabited earth; so is it any wonder that teachings as these exist? { John 5:19} {Revelation 12:9} The devil and satan would have us all believe the reverse to what is actually the real truth of the matter, whatever Bible subject is being dealt with. He is able to blind the minds of these Worldly scholars today, so that they are not able to set forth correct interpretations of scripture. Not even able see the truth of the Bible, for that matter. {2 Corinthians 4:3,4}
Now , one prime example of this is found at Revelation 7:9-14 where it speaks about a great unnumbered crowd coming out of the great tribulation. Worldly scholars, in this case Religious teachers, will tell us that this great crowd comes immediately out of the great tribulation; but this idea also runs counter to the actual truth of the Bible; and that is just how satan wishes for it to be. He wishes to contradict the clear words as spoken by the Son of God. The devil maneuvers those he has blinded to read scripture out of context, which aids these ministers of him to support their lies. While a true believer will read scripture taking the entire context into consideration, so as to ascertain the real truth of any scriptural matter. This, now, is my intention, to arrive at what is actually being stated in this scripture, under examination.
Praise from the Great Crowd
9 "After this I saw a vast crowd, TOO GREAT TO COUNT, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. 10 And they were shouting with a mighty shout,
"Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne
and from the Lamb!"
11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living beings. And they fell before the throne with their faces to the ground and worshiped God. 12 They sang, Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and strength belong to our God forever and ever! Amen."
Why such a mighty shout over this salvation? Very probably for the following reason: 'and they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed. And they promptly reported all these instructions to Peter and his companions. And after that, Jesus Himself sent out through them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.
Mark 16:20 New American Standard Bible )
Any wonder this shout about their salvation is so loud? Eternal Salvation! A reason for great joy, is it not?
13 Then one of the twenty-four elders asked me, "Who are these who are clothed in white. Where did they come from ?"
14" And I said to him, "Sir, you are the one who knows." Then he said to me, "These are the ones who died in the great tribulation. They have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white." "Who Died?"
Now, examine this scripture in context, and it will be learned that this crowd spoken about here could not have possibly come IMMEDIATELY out of the great tribulation. Before I do that, though, I should like to focus on the words of Paul at 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 - begin reading. now.
24"After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet. And the last enemy to be destroyed is death. For the Scriptures say, "God has put all things under his authority." (Of course, when it says "all things are under his authority," that does not include God himself, who gave Christ his authority.) 28 Then, when all things are under his authority, the Son will put himself under God’s authority, so that God, who gave his Son authority over all things, will be utterly supreme over everything everywhere."
According to the words of Paul this great crowd is the result of the sacrifice of the lamb of God, for notice, who is once again seated back on his Throne at the time everything has been restored back to its natural order. Notice they are said to be 'in front of the Throne ' and 'before the lamb. ' Now notice who all credit is given to. The Angels and the elders fall, before the Throne with their faces to the ground, and Worshipped God; bestowing blessing and wisdom thanksgiving and honor, power and strength, belong to our God. Amen!
It should also be noted, this great crowd, is also said to be dressed in white robes. They now, possess a perfect righteous standing with Jehovah, and have reached a state of perfection, that has taken them the Thousand year reign of Christ to attain. Everything now has been restored to its natural order. With the Supreme ruler the King of Eternity seated back on his Throne, and recognized by all as Ruling King of the Universe. Supreme over everything, everywhere.
We know this to be true, because of Jehovahs words through the pen of his Prophet Isaiah; where it is stated: . . . ' the one telling from the beginning the finale ' and from long ago, the things that have not been done ' . . . {Isaiah 46:10,11"}
The position that John had to be standing in, when he spoke of the survivors that came out of the great tribulation, would have had to be, at the finale ' of all things; for he had stated; AFTER THESE THINGS I SAW AND LOOK A GREAT CROWD which no man was able to number . . . What John was obviously looking at here, was the fulfillment of Jehovahs promise to Abraham, which would explain why this great crowd could not be numbered for multitude: Note these words of Jehovah to Abraham: "Look up please to the heavens, and count the Stars, if you are possibly able to count them: So your seed will become." {Genesis 15:5}There, now, is your unnumbered great crowd! At the end of the thousand year reign, not coming immediately out of the great tribulation, at all.
How, now, does this great crowd of individuals manage to make it through this great tribulation, is explained in Galatians 3:29 where we learn: "Moreover, if you belong to Christ, you are really Abrahams seed, heirs with reference to a promise."
Those who make it out alive out of the great Tribulation, will be those that are considered as to be 'belonging to the Christ ' . It will be through these survivors that Abrahams seed will become as numerous as the Stars of the heavens for multitude. How many of these ones who belong to the Christ will there be, is anyones guess, but it will certainly not be an unnumbered great crowd at the beginning. According to the words of Jesus, it will be very few in number.
It would, of necessity have to be in harmony with the words of Jesus, who said: "Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; where as narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and FEW are the ones finding it." Next he said: "Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door, because MANY, I tell you, will seek to get in, but will not be able."
So there is a direct contradiction for those who teach and believe that a great crowd will survive the great tribulation. There is a great crowd alright, but it consists of this World lying under the devils power and control. They are the MANY Jesus was making reference to; that was on the broad road to destruction. The devil, of course, does not wish for any to know that, so he has his minions that teach and cause others to believe the opposite to what is the real truth of the matter; and , of course those that follow his lead will believe the things that are in the reverse to the truth, and teach it to others.
Do we at least have an approximation of about how many will survive this great tribulation? I believe that we do!
Abraham pleaded with Jehovah God on behalf of any possible righteous ones in Sodom and Gomorra . Beginning with Fifty, and working his way down to Ten. At Ten, Jehovah told Abraham, "If I find only Ten, I will not bring it to ruin on account of the Ten." {Genesis 18:32} As it turned out, there was not even Ten righteous ones in those Cities, so true to his word, Jehovah brought those two Cities to ruin. In doing so, Jehovah set an example for the unGodly today, for look what the Apostle Peter had to say about, not only the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra but also the flood period. {Genesis 19:24}
4 ``For if God spared not angels when they sinned, but cast them down to hell, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
5 and spared not the ancient world, but preserved Noah with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when he brought a flood upon the world of the ungodly;
6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, having made them an EXAMPLE unto those that should live ungodly lives hereafter." 2 Peter 2:4-6
(A . S . V .)
An example, in this case is a precedent! Since it's dealing with the Judge of all the earth, it would be a legal precedent. Which would mean, that any cases of the same nature that would ever come before Jehovah again, would be handled in the exact same fashion. Peter here told us, that this entire World of unGodly People would suffer the same fate, as those in the Flood period; as those in ancient Sodom and Gommora. Malachi 3:6 tells us that Jehovah never changes. What he does in one instance, he will do likewise in another, with no variation. So, what he told Abraham, about sparing Sodom and Gommora, if Ten righteous ones was found in those Cities; might just possibly apply when the Son of Man comes into ACTIVE KINGDOM POWER! It may well turn out, that less than Ten righteous ones, was found to be in this World at that time. Judging from the Prophecy of Zephaniah, that looks exactly the case, because Zephaniah predicted that Jehovah, "would make an extermination, indeed a terrible one of ALL the inhabitants of the earth." {Zephaniah 1:14-18} While the Prophet Joel predicted that there would be some survivors in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem. These survivors will be made up of all those who are said to 'belong to the Christ'. None other than them. How many? We'll just have to wait and see!
Up to this point is the end of the matter, but I believe I have focused on enough information to show that some changes in various interptretations of scripture are needed, to come into closer harmony with the real truth of the Bible. Wannabe
11:13:33
Because of lying in satans power and control, satan is described by the Apostle Paul, as the 'god of this world, who has blinded the minds' of everyone that associates themselves with this World. {2 Corinthians 4:3,4} So they do not see 'the glorious good news about the Christ; who is the image of God'. Even though the majority profess to be Christian. So, it is all inclusive, when this World lying under satans power, being misled by him, is destroyed, it will include everyone on this planet; with the exception of the seed of the heavenly Woman, those that experience the final sealing in the foreheads. As prophied by John. {Revelation 7:1-4;12:17} Those that have 'the work of bearing witness to Jesus', will be the only survivors. These are the ones Joel predicted would be 'called by God.' {Joel 2:32}
This destruction will also include the Governing Body of the Watchtower Society and the many millions who have associated themselves with them. For Zephaniah, in telling us, that, Jehovah will 'make an extermination, indeed a terrible one, of all the inhabited earth', it would of necessity have to include the Governing Body of the Watchtower Society and the many millions in association with them.
That World destruction is all inclusive, it includes everyone on this planet, misled by satan the devil, held in his power; aside from those that 'belong to the Christ', plus those who have received the final sealing in their foreheads, for heavenly life. The anointed class.{Revelation 12:13-17} These are the anointed Brothers of the Christ; the last surviving members of that particular class. {Revelation 7:1-4} These are the sheep gathered to the right hand of the Christ in the parable of the sheep and the goats. {Matthew 25l:31-46} The goats are a picture of everyone on this planet, who are gathered to the left hand of the Christ and reserved for eternal destruction in the lake of fire. {Matthew 25:41} Not a pretty picture, but what must be, must be. Jehovah has purposed it. So it must go Jehovah's way!
Only those called by Jehovah will escape World Destruction. {Joel 2:32} It will be as Joel predicted it would be, and Joel showed clearly where the escaped ones would be, for he said: ... "for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will prove to be the escaped ones." Now, this is NOT earthly Mount Zion, it is Heavenly Mount Zion where the Christ is pictured as standing. {Revelation 14:1} Nor is it earthly Jerusalem. It is Heavenly New Jerusalem. That is where the escaped one are found to be standing. That shows that all of these escaped ones are those that 'belong to the Christ' plus the remaining ones of the seed of the heavenly Woman. {Hebrews 12:18-24} {Revelation 3:12;21:2,10} {Hebrews 5:4,10} {Matthew 20:23 One class are citizens of the heavenly Government, to reside in heaven with the Christ, the other citizens of this arrangement, reside on this earth, subject to the heavenly Government.
Up to this point since I've shown that the Watchtower Society and all of its followers are as doomed as the rest of this, World, this prophecy in Isaiah 2:1-4 under discussion could not possibly apply to them, but would apply sometime after the Kingdom is set up and established, and it would apply to the human dead, who are found to be asleep in the dust when Michael stands up and the resurrection begins. {Daniel 12:1,2} Think about this for a moment! When these sleeping ones are aroused from the sleep of death: What do you imagine will be on their minds? First! They are going to know that they was dead, but are now alive again. Then they are going to learn just who it was that resurrected them. They are then going to be made aware that the Christ is now ruling King of God's Kingdom. They will be the ones, who will likely say, in appreciation, "Come now you people, let us go up to the Mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths, For out of Zion {Heavenly Mount Zion} Law will go forth, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem {Heavenly New Jerusalem} ... "and they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against Nation, neither will they learn War anymore." {Hebrews 12:18-24} {Revelation 3:12;21:2,10}
Where does it say, that these people for Jehovah's name are alive, when taken for Jehovah's name? Now, we know, that this scripture was first fulfilled, after the ascension of the Christ; when he gave command to baptize people from the Nations in the 'name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.' {Matthew 28:19,20} That was done at that time! It would, of course be done again at a future time; as it turned out though, no one was calling on Jehavah's name prior to World destruction, so this ENTIRE WORLD would be wiped off the map at Armageddon. How can I say that with accuracy? Because of what Zephaniah the Prophet predited, for he said: that Jehovah would make an extermiation, indeed a terrible one, of ALL THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH." {Zephaniah 1:14-18}The Apostle John explains why that is the case, for he stated:
Notice the following, about those people of the Nations for Jehovah's name:
established
constituted: Now for the word firmly, we find this definition:
Did you notice? There is no mention of any of the Religious Leaders of Christendom's Great Religious empire, doing any mourning, or standing at a distance because of fear of her torment? The reason for that is, is because it's the Religions of this World that are being destroyed at this time; that is why there is no mention of them, doing any mourning at her fall. They are the ones doing the falling; being destroyed.
As I said previously, this fall will very likely trigger the greatest tribulation this World has ever seen, due to the War-like attitudes of the adherents of all of these various religions that are being destroyed, at this time. This will be the time period that would have to be cut short, because it is at this time, this eighth King will be trying to annilhilate all of Jehovah's Holy Ones, while he's bringing all religion to a ruin. They, of course would be included at this time. Perhaps more so them than any of the others, because these are the true worshippers of Jehovah; and this eighth King is a hater of the God of the Bible, and a hater of all of his worshippers; as I have already shown. A hater of Christianity in general. True or false!
Being as this is and end time prophecy, there are, as yet, many things yet to be fulfilled; are yet future.
One is, this eighth King. He, as yet, is not on the scene. Nor is his giant image been set up that all must bow in worship to. Nor is his one World Government been established as yet; that put all under compulsion to bow in worship to this image of the Wild Beast. When he does arrive, we'll have a first - hand look at the foretold Anti-Christ; as well as the abomination of desolation standing in the Holy Place. It will be the generation that experiences the appearance of this eighth king, that will be the one that was not to pass away. It will be his generation that would have to be cut short, in behalf of the Holy Ones, to ensure their survival through this time of the World's greatest trouble. It would be his generation that saw the arrival of the Christ in kingdom power, and the harvest season begin. It would be the time for the War in heaven where satan and his demons are thrown down to this earth. Also the time for Matthew 24:7 to be fulfilled, where 'Nation arises against Nation and Kingdom against Kingdom'This was the time period Jesus was making reference to when he stated the following:
Matthew 24:34 (American Standard Version)
How, though is this eighth King the Abomination of desolation, standing in the Holy Place? Who actually was it that was the foretold ruler of this World? Was it not the Christ? Since this little horn, or eighth King, this loud mouthed blasphemer of God, his name, and his people, now holds sway over all of this earth, at this time; he's standing, or ruling in the Holy Place, meant only for the Christ to stand in; that constitutes this little horn, this eighth King as the abomination of desolation standing, or ruling in the holy place. This eighth King now takes the place of the Anti-Christ, and the abomination of desolation.
At this point, I have to ask myself some questions, to further cement my argument. Have I shown, where this eighth King Sprang from? Yes, I have! Have I shown what kind of individual he turns out to be? Yes, I have! Have I shown that he is the one John foretold would go off into destruction? Yes, I did! Have I shown what it is that makes him the Anti-Christ? Yes, I have! Have I shown that he is the one to make 'changes in time and in law,' that both Daniel and John spoke about? Yes, I have! Have I shown, that, he, under the devils influence and direction establishes a one World Government? A giant Image? I have! Have I shown how that Government, now ruling the entire World, at that time, constitutes the Abomination of desolation? I have! Have I shown how he makes war with Jehovah's Holy ones? I have! On all counts, I've backed up my writing with absolute proof, so that it cannot be sensibly argued against. The only thing, that I have not been able to show, is just which HEAD it was that received the death blow, and was healed from that blow. I believe that no one will know that, until this eighth King actually comes into Power, and begins to behave the way he was foretold to behave.
This is not the complete end of the matter, because there are yet three very outstanding things that have surfaced, due to asking myself these questions. They are, as follows: One is the harvest season which was to begin at the end of the age, and Matthew 24:29-31 tells us that begins when the Christ becomes ACTIVE in kingdom power.That would of necessity make his intervention on behalf of his holy ones, while this eighth king is making war with them. {Matthew 25:31--46}That being the case, this would have to be the time period that was to be 'cut short,' because of the threat of their total and complete annilhilation. {Matthew 24:20--22} {Matthew 24:34} So, this was the 'generation that was not to pass away, they would see all things fulfilled.' Read the following:
As we might expect, Daniel mentioned changes in times and in, law, as we note:
24 "All ten of those horns are kings
who will come from this kingdom,
and one more will follow.
This horn will be different
from the others, and it will conquer THREE OTHER KINGS.
25" This king will speak evil of God Most High, and he will be cruel to God's chosen ones.
He will try to change God's Law and the sacred seasons.
And he will be able to do this for a time, two times,
and half a time." Daniel 7:24-25 (C.E.V.)
Now, we have a picture as to what this Eighth King will be like; what he will accomplish for a brief time period. Before I proceed any further with this, I would like to focus on this seven headed Beast out of the sea, to ascertain what they picture in their entirety. Note the following:
The Beast from the Sea
1 "And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. {Isaiah 57:20} Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, HAVING TEN HORNS and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names."
2 And the beast which I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like those of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority.
3 I saw one of his heads as if it had been slain, and his fatal wound was healed And the whole earth was amazed and followed after the beast;
4 they worshiped the dragon because he gave his authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast, and who is able to wage war with him?"
5 There was given to him A MOUTH SPEAKING ARROGANT WORDS AND BLASHEMIES and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him.
6 And he OPENED HIS MOUTH IN BLASPEMIES AGAINST GOD TO BLASPHEME HIS NAME AND HIS TABERNACLE, that is, those who dwell in heaven."
7 It was also given to him TO MAKE WAR WITH THE SAINTS AND TO OVERCOME THEM, and authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him." {Revelation 13:1-7} {Daniel 7:4-6} Now, some will argue that this wounded head in question here, was Rome, or some other ruling authority from the distant past. That is impossible though because this beast with the ten horns was the fourth and last ruling world power to exist on this earth, in our own time period; so it would have to be the World-Wide Ruling Powers existing on our earth, while this eighth king is operational. It could be no other!
As for these seven heads, and what they picture! These are Satan's seven ruling dynasties of Kings, in their continuing forms, all down through history, beginning with Egypt! Following Egypt, Assyria! Next in line, Babylon! Following Babylon, Medo-Persia! Following Medo-Persia, Greece. Next in line, Rome, following Rome, the European, Asian, and African, as well as the British American World Powers of today. These are the the last ones to dwell on this earth. These are the Ten Toes of Daniel's dream image. There are your seven heads, and Ten Toes, in their entirety. This is Johns rendition of this Beast out of the sea.
As for the, Lion, Bear, and Leopard! These picture the sucessive Kingdoms of Babylon- Medo-Persia, and Greece; occupied today, by, Iran, Iraq, and Syria/Lebanon. We notice, both Daniel and the Apostle John are discussing these same four beasts, but, look closely, you will see, they are in the reverse order. The reason being Daniel is looking forward, while John is looking backwards in time. Still, they are the exact same Beasts. Daniel 7: 1-7,17 - Revelation 13:1,2 - "As for the Ten Horns, they do not as yet have a Kingdom! That will come later on.
Daniel 7:1-7 (N.A.S.B.} Daniel expressed it in this manner:
The Beast from the Sea
[7] "And the dragon stood on the sand of the seashore. Then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having TEN HORNS and seven heads, and on his horns were ten diadems, and on his heads were blasphemous names.
2 And the beast which I saw was like a LEOPARD, and his feet were like those of a BEAR, and his mouth like the mouth of a LION And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority." Daniel tells us, these beasts are four Kings, or four ruling dynasties of Kings.
Daniel 7:17
17'These great beasts, which are four in number, are four kings who will arise from the earth." (N.A.S.B.) As I said: they are exactly the same, only in reverse order.
Daniel 7:20 (The Message)
19-22 "But I wanted to know more. I was curious about the fourth animal, the one so different from the others, the hideous monster with the iron teeth and the bronze claws, gulping down what it ripped to pieces and trampling the leftovers into the dirt. And I wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and the OTHER HORN THAT SPROUTED UP while THREE OF THE ORIGINAL HORNS WERE REMOVED. This NEW HORN had eyes and a BIG MOUTH and spoke arrogantly, DOMINATING {Bigger Than} the other horns. I watched as THIS HORN WAS MAKING WAR ON GOD'S HOLY PEOPLE and getting the best of them. But then The Old One {Ancient of Days} intervened and decided things in favor of the people of the High God. In the end, God's holy people took over the kingdom. " Now ,keep this point about the removal of these three horns in mind. It is highly important, that you do.
I suddenly realised that this OTHER HORN THAT SPROUTED UP, was, in fact, the eighth King, spoken about by John in the Revelation account. Then, I learned, that, this, other Horn had been in among the Ten Horns. As follows:
Daniel 7:8 (New American Standard Bible)
8"While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up AMONG THEM, and THREE of the first horns were pulled out BY THE ROOTS before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts."
The Apostle John had told us this about, this eighth King:
Revelation 17:11 (New American Standard Bible)
11 "The beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth and is one OF THE SEVEN, and he goes to destruction."
[11] So, then, while this little Horn was in among the Ten Horns, not holding any power as a ruling King as yet with the wild beast, it could well be said; he Was, and, WAS NOT. The fact being, these Ten Horns as yet, had not received, offices as Kings, with the Wild Beast, as yet, themselves, with the wild beast. That was to come later, as I will show. That still doesn't explain the fatal head-wound, though, does it? So, they cannot be the one John was making reference to, can they?
Revelation 17:12 (New American Standard Bible)
12 "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have NOT YET RECEIVED A KINGDOM THEY DO RECEIVE AUTHORITY AS KINGS FOR ONE HOUR WITH THE WILD BEAST."Daniel 7:8 (N.A.S.B.) I believe that we're still waiting for this to occur! Is that not correct?
8"While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up AMONG THEM, and three of the first horns were PULLED OUT BY THE ROOTS before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts."
So, we see, that these Ten Horns are Ten Kings, to begin with; so they WAS, and since they had not, as yet received a Kingdom, as Kings with the Wild Beast, they WAS NOT! Then John tells us, that they do receive authority as Kings with the Wild Beast for one hour, they would all come to be again. For only a short space of time, though. So, when this little horn rises up from among them, he rises up, as the eighth King, since he's received Kingship from the wild Beast, along with all the rest of the SIX Horns he's in association with.
As I read on through Daniel, I learned, that this little horn was the one on the scene, persecuting the worshippers of Jehovah, just immediately prior to the Ancient of days taking his seat in the heavenly courts, when the Books were opened. I learned also that he would be the one to go off into destruction as John foretold, the eighth King would do. That fact makes this little Horn, the eighth King, who sprang from the seven. While this little horn was among the other SIX horns, because three was uprooted, they then constituted SEVEN HORNS; the position this eighth king was to spring from.
Some might wonder how a little horn could get away with what he gets away with? Daniel supplies the answer to that:
Daniel 7:20 (New International Reader's Version)
20 "I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head. And I wanted to know about the other horn that It appeared to be STRONGER THAN THE OTHERS. It had eyes. And its mouth was always bragging." So, this little horn is no push-over, being as he is stronger than the other six, that are left.
Daniel 7:8 (The Message)
8 "As I was staring at the horns and trying to figure out what they meant, ANOTHER HORN sprouted up, A LITTLE HORN. Three of the original horns WERE PULLED OUT to make room for it. There were human eyes in this little horn, and A BIG MOUTH SPEAKING ARROGANTLY."
Daniel next reveals, something of the attitude displayed by this little horn, in these words:
Daniel 7:11 (New American Standard Bible)
11"Then I kept looking because of the sound of the BOASTFUL WORDS which the horn was speaking; I kept looking until the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and given to the burning fire." So, this liitle horn is somewhat of a braggart, to say the least. He's even more than that:
Daniel 7:23-25 (New American Standard Bible)
23"Thus he said: 'The fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth, which will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth and tread it down and crush it.
24'As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom ten kings will arise; and ANOTHER WILL ARISE AFTER THEM, and he will be DIFFERENT from the previous ones and will subdue three kings.
25'He will SPEAK OUT AGAINST the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to MAKE ALTERATIONS IN TIMES AND IN LAW; {Revelation 13:16,17} and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time." John Foretold, this one who would speak out against the Most High, in these following words:
5 "There was given to him a mouth speaking arrogant words and blasphemies, and authority to act for forty-two months was given to him.
6 And he opened his mouth in BLASPHEMIES AGAINST GOD, to blaspheme HIS NAME and His tabernacle, that is, those who dwell in heaven.
7 It was also given to him to MAKE WAR with the saints and to overcome them, and AUTHORITY OVER EVERY TRIBE AND PEOPLE AND TONGUE and nation was given to him.
8 ALL WHO DWELL ON THE EARTH will worship him, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain. "
Revelation 13:5-8 (N.A.S.B.)
Daniel also mentioned, this war with the Saints:
21"I kept looking, and that horn was waging war with the saints and overpowering them." Daniel 7:11,20,21 (N.A.S.B.)
8 "The Beast had a loud mouth, boastful and blasphemous. It could do anything it wanted for forty-two months.
It yelled blasphemies against God, blasphemed his Name, blasphemed his Church, especially those already dwelling with God in Heaven. It was permitted to make war on God's holy people and conquer them. It held ABSOLUTE SWAY over ALL tribes and peoples, tongues and races. EVERYONE ON EARTH whose name was not written from the world's foundation in the slaughtered Lamb's Book of Life will worship the Beast." (MSG) {Revelation 13:5,6}
So both John and Daniel was in complete harmony here, as we can readily see. Both foretold, the spoken blasphemies against Jehovah God. Both foretold, that, this horn would make war on the Holy ones. Both foretold the changes in Time and in law.
Daniel 7:11 (The Message)
11-13 "I kept watching. The little horn was speaking arrogantly. Then, as I watched, the monster was killed and its body cremated in a roaring fire. The other animals lived on for a limited time, but they didn't really do anything, had no power to rule. My dream continued. "
This little horn was a loud-mouthed arrogant blasphemer, and Jehovah, sitting in his heavenly court, was noting all of this ones behavior, and actions, as he sat as the highest judge in his heavenly court. That is the time period that Daniel's prophecy in Daniel 2:44 would be fulfilled. It would 'crush and put an end to all of these Kingdoms, and it itself would stand till time indefinite to time indefinite.'
Personally, I don't believe that anyone would know just who this HEAD is that received the fatal head-wound, and yet revived. This HEAD who WAS, and then, WAS NOT, and then would come to be again. Hitler's Nazi-Germany was the first to receive their fatal head-wound- Japan, was another, then Italy was one other. How, do we tell the difference between them all, because, they, all three could take that seat. Could they not? All three received a fatal head-wound, in the Wars that they fought.
As I return to the very first scipture, I set out, keep in mind what Daniel had said about some, among these Ten Horns. How three was plucked up by the roots, were removed. Keep in mind too, that, that, left only seven Horns remaining. Now, with that thought in mind, look carefully at, what John had said about this Head, that received the mortal wound, and yet revived.
11 "And the beast that was, and is not, is himself also an eighth, and is OF THE SEVEN; and he goeth into perdition." {Revelation 17:11} (A/S.V.)
Now, when I was first taught what this scripture was saying, at the time, I saw something wrong with their interpretation, because now I know they was reading it wrong. Let me point out what that was. I was originally taught, that the League of Nations was the head, in question, because while they were operational, they, WAS. Then in the 1940's when the League went into the abyss of inactivity, because, it failed as an organization, they WAS NOT! Then when it rose again as the United Nations, it WAS AGAIN! So, that made the United Nations this eighth King.
What they were reading into that scripture, was, they was thinking, it rose from the seventh. As in seventh World Power. That's where there error was, because that scripture in the Revelation account, doesn't say, seventh, it says, only seven.
Keeping in mind, that, three of the Ten Horns was 'plucked up by the roots,' were 'removed,' that left only seven of the Ten horns remaining, and this Mortally wounded head was to spring from the seven, not the seventh. That puts the Ten Horns in the position as this eighth King; and that is the point of origin of this little horn, who rising up from among the other six, actually constitutes this little horn as the eighth King; the one with the large blasphemous mouth. The insolent God Hater. Who will persecute and kill, Jehovah's Holy one's. This is the one, too, who changes times and laws, as foretold by Daniel 7:24,25 - as well as John!
There's one last final crucial point to focus on before I bring this article to a close. John will explain what that point is:
Revelation 13:11-17 (A.S.V.)
11 "And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like unto lamb , and he spake as a dragon. 12 And he exerciseth all the authority of the first beast in his sight. And he maketh the earth and them dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose death-stroke was healed. 13 And he doeth great signs, that he should even make fire to come down out of heaven upon the earth in the sight of men.
14 And he deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by reason of the signs which it was given him to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who hath the stroke of the sword and lived. 15 And it was given unto him to give breath to it, even to the image to the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as should not worship the image of the beast should be killed. 16 And he causeth all, the small and the great, and the rich 17 and that no man should be able to buy or to sell, save he that hath the mark, even the name of the beast or the number of his name."
18] Now, these lamb-like horns in appearance, are puppets, or emisaries of this eighth King, delivering his messages about the changes in times and in laws. {Daniel 7:25} The messages prove out to be demonic in nature, that of course would be evident when these horns speak out about these changes in time, and in law. These messages are very cruel, very harsh; with a threat to kill anyone who refuses to abide by them. That is why they are said to speak like a dragon. Only satan the devil would devise laws, as such are presented here at this time.
Notice too, this is the time period that satan finally realises his dream about being World Ruler, because, now, all the earth is forced to receive a mark on their forehead, or on their right hand. No one being able to buy or sell, without displaying that mark. It will be the time, for the anti-type of Nebuchnezzers image of Gold, that required everyone to worship this image on pain of death. The devils mind-set has not changed, since the days of Daniel. World domination was on his mind then! It is, according to this writing, still on his mind, and maneuvering this Eighth King, as he has, he finally realises his dream. Only for a brief preiod of time, though. {Revelation 12:12} His domination of this World will be short lived. Daniel 2:44 One World Government established by the devil. As has always been his intention! {Revelation 13:7,8}
Although, I have shown scripturally, the point of origin for this eighth King, I cannot point out exactly which Governmental Head today, will be that little horn, owing to the fact, that, that, information, is yet future. It yet, remains to be seen!
and the poor, and the free and the bond, that there be given them a mark on their right hand, or upon their forehead;
[21] In closing this writing on this eighth King, I should like to focus on two very out-standing points. One has to do with the words of Jesus at Matthew 24:15 A.S.B.T. where the following statement was made by him: