“And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him” (Daniel 11:45, KJV).

ABSTRACT

Recent military actions in the Middle East, such as the operation targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, echo biblical prophecies in Daniel and Ezekiel, portraying Turkey as the King of the North and linking Iran and Russia to Gog and Magog, while underscoring God’s strange act of judgment as an ultimate expression of love, the formation of Christlike character amidst chaos, the purification through shaking within the community, and our duties toward God and neighbor as we prepare for the time of trouble and Christ’s imminent return.

PROPHECY: HAS THE DESERT NIGHT BEEN CONQUERED?

The convergence of modern military conflicts with the prophetic outlines of Daniel and Ezekiel signals a profound shift in the closing scenes of earth’s history, underscoring that geopolitical upheavals are divine summons to spiritual preparedness. This article examines the identification of Turkey as the King of the North, the alliance of Iran and Russia within the Gog and Magog confederacy, and the manifestation of God’s strange act of judgment as an ultimate expression of love. It further explores the formation of Christlike character, the internal shaking within the community, and the practical duties toward God and neighbor as essential components of standing firm during the impending time of trouble and awaiting Christ’s return. “The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly” (Zephaniah 1:14, KJV).

The desert night does not merely fall; it conquers the landscape, swallowing the ancient sands of the Levant in a suffocating embrace of darkness that has, for millennia, hidden the movement of armies, the whispers of spies, and the desperate prayers of the faithful. In the early hours of a recent Friday, that silence was shattered not by the trumpet of an archangel, but by the screaming turbines of over two hundred fighter jets, slicing through the airspace in an operation codenamed “Rising Lion”. The targets were the nuclear arteries of Iran—the modern Persia. As sirens wailed and drones swarmed like locusts from the east, the geopolitical seismographs of the world began to tremble. Yet, for us, this was not merely a headline; it was the audible creaking of the door of probation, swinging slowly, inexorably shut. Christ warns that wars and rumors of wars mark the beginning of sorrows, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places” (Matthew 24:7, KJV). Revelation further unveils the escalating conflicts, “And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged” (Revelation 11:18, KJV). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen… have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us” (Education, p. 179, 1903). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “Angels are now restraining the winds of strife, that they may not blow until the world shall be warned of its coming doom; but a storm is gathering, ready to burst upon the earth” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 104, 1890). The community recognizes these events as harbingers of the final crisis, but through what lens should we view this exchange of fire?

WHO UNSEALS THE MYSTERY OF THE NORTHERN KING?

The secular world views this exchange of fire as a struggle for regional hegemony, a kinetic negotiation between states. However, the prophetic historian, standing upon the watchtower of the “sure word of prophecy” (2 Peter 1:19), sees a different map unfolding. It is a map drawn not by modern treaties, but by Ezekiel and Daniel. The operation “Rising Lion” invokes a primal imagery that sends the scholar scrambling back to the dusty pages of the major prophets, demanding that we look beyond the immediate smoke to the ancient entities moving in the shadows. The question that has puzzled scholars for centuries—”Are we witnessing the war of Gog and Magog?”—is no longer a theoretical debate. God declares through His prophet the gathering of nations in the last days, “And thou shalt come from thy place out of the north parts, thou, and many people with thee, all of them riding upon horses, a great company, and a mighty army” (Ezekiel 38:15, KJV). Joel echoes the call to prepare for battle, “Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up” (Joel 3:9, KJV). A passage from Testimonies for the Church reminds us, “The time will come when we cannot take the position that we know nothing of politics. We shall have to take our position decidedly for or against the powers of earth” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 395, 1900). The inspired pen affirms, “History will be repeated. False religion will be exalted… All nations and tongues and peoples will be commanded to worship this spurious sabbath” (Signs of the Times, May 6, 1897). These developments compel us to discern the signs accurately, but what foundational truth identifies the key prophetic player?

WHAT ANATOMY DEFINES PIONEER PROPHECY?

The identity of the King of the North in Daniel 11:40-45 constitutes the theological “Ground Zero” for divergent paths. We stand as the custodian of the “old landmarks,” affirming the prophecy is literal, geopolitical, and centered on the power that occupies the territory of the Seleucid Empire—specifically, the Ottoman Empire and its modern successor, Turkey. The evidence for this position is rooted in the “solid, eternal truth” found in Uriah Smith’s Daniel and the Revelation, which argued that the “King of the North” must be identified geographically as Turkey. The prophecy dictates that this power shall “plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain” (Daniel 11:45), referring to a future move of the seat of government to Jerusalem. “And when this event takes place, he is to come to his end, and none shall help him”. Scripture supports this geographic focus, “And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over” (Daniel 11:40, KJV). Another verse reinforces the literal fulfillment, “He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon” (Daniel 11:41, KJV). Ellen G. White noted, “We have no time to lose. Troublous times are before us. The world is stirred with the spirit of war. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 14, 1909). In Prophets and Kings we read, “The time is coming when there will be as many converted in a day as there were on the Day of Pentecost, after the disciples had received the Holy Spirit” (Prophets and Kings, p. 227, 1917). If we misidentify the enemy, we misidentify the battlefield, so what danger arises from altering this pioneer understanding?

WHAT ERROR SPIRITUALIZES THE PROPHECY AWAY?

The temptation to spiritualize the end of Daniel 11 is a symptom of a Laodicean condition—a desire to avoid the gritty, bloody reality of the “Eastern Question”. Modern scholarship often asserts that the “King of the South” represents atheism and the “King of the North” represents the Papacy. They argue that the “glorious holy mountain” is the church, not Jerusalem. The evidence against this is the text itself. Daniel 11 is a literal history of wars between the Ptolemies and Seleucids. To suddenly switch to a spiritual abstraction in verse 40 violates hermeneutical consistency. As noted in research, “The physical city of Jerusalem and the nation of Israel do not figure in any Bible prophecy having its fulfillment after 70 A.D.” is the claim of those rejecting the pioneer view. Yet, Sr. White herself urged the reading of Smith’s book, stating it contained “solid, eternal truth”. She noted that preachers addressing the “Eastern Question” drew large crowds, implying the relevance of the topic to the closing work. The prophet Daniel details historical precision, “But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail” (Daniel 11:7, KJV). Another verse affirms literal events, “And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north” (Daniel 11:8, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of the eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete fulfillment. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the prophecies will take place” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 14, 1909). A passage from Last Day Events reminds us, “Transgression has almost reached its limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. The end is very near. The people of God should be preparing for what is to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise” (Last Day Events, p. 18, 1992). When the literal conflict is spiritualized away, the flock is blinded to the “signs of the times,” but what gathering whirlwind involves the Turkish-Islamic nexus?

WHAT GATHERS THE WHIRLWIND OF PROPHECY?

The prophecy describes the King of the North entering the “countries” and “overflowing.” This represents a coalition or a movement of the Islamic world led by a revived Turkish hegemony. The evidence is seen in current events where Turkey seeks to lead the Islamic world against Israel. “He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown” (Daniel 11:41). The “Rising Lion” strike by Israel on Iran exacerbates the polarization of the region. Iran (Persia) is a key player, but prophecy suggests the ultimate consolidation of anti-Israel forces will involve the Northern power. The “tidings” from the East (Iran/China) and North (Russia) alarm the Turk. “He shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many” (Daniel 11:44, KJV). Scripture illustrates this overflow, “He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape” (Daniel 11:42, KJV). Isaiah depicts the coalition’s fury, “They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the Lord, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land” (Isaiah 13:5, KJV). Sr. White explains, “The nations are now getting angry, but when our High Priest has finished His work in the sanctuary, He will stand up, put on the garments of vengeance, and then the seven last plagues will be poured out” (Early Writings, p. 36, 1882). Through inspired counsel we are told, “Four mighty angels hold back the powers of this earth till the servants of God are sealed in their foreheads. The nations of the world are eager for conflict; but they are held in check by the angels. When this restraining power is removed, there will come a time of trouble and anguish” (Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 967, 1907). The current fragmentation will eventually coalesce or collide in a way that fulfills the prediction of the King of the North’s fury, but what unmasks the dragon’s brood in Magog’s land?

WHO UNMASKS THE DRAGON’S BROOD?

The mention of “Gog, the land of Magog” in Ezekiel 38 has generated centuries of speculation, but the recent escalation brings a terrifying clarity to the text. Magog and its allies are not merely symbolic of “anti-God forces” in a general sense, but have specific geographic anchors that are activating today. The evidence is linguistic and historical. The Sages and 19th-century scholars identified “Germanya” not as European Germany, but as “Kerman,” a province in modern Iran. “This identification follows ancient Hebrew linguistic rules where the letters G and K interchange”. Furthermore, Ezekiel 38:5 explicitly lists “Persia” (Iran) as being with them. The “Rising Lion” operation struck deep into Iranian territory—specifically targeting nuclear facilities, which are often hidden in the mountainous regions like Kerman. Ezekiel outlines the alliance, “Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet” (Ezekiel 38:5, KJV). Another verse names the players, “Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee” (Ezekiel 38:6, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “Satan works through the elements also to garner his harvest of unprepared souls. He has studied the secrets of the laboratories of nature, and he uses all his power to control the elements as far as God allows” (The Great Controversy, p. 589, 1911). Sr. White further states, “While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation” (The Great Controversy, p. 589, 1911). The “Magog” of Ezekiel 38, while having a final fulfillment in the post-millennial destruction of the wicked (Rev 20:8), has a primary application or “shadow” fulfillment in the gathering of nations against the strategic center of the world before the end, but what gathers the vultures for destruction’s feast?

WHAT GATHERS VULTURES TO THE FEAST?

Ezekiel 39 speaks of a great slaughter and a feast for the fowls of the air. This aligns with the “Supper of the Great God” in Revelation 19, an event occurring at the Second Coming. The evidence is found in the parallel language. “Speak unto every feathered fowl… Come to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you” (Ezekiel 39:17, KJV). This corresponds to the destruction of the nations that gather against Jerusalem. “And I will call for a sword against him throughout all my mountains, saith the Lord GOD: every man’s sword shall be against his brother” (Ezekiel 38:21, KJV). Ezekiel details the aftermath, “And they shall bury them in the valley of Hamongog” (Ezekiel 39:11, KJV, paraphrased). Another verse describes the cleanup, “And the passengers that pass through the land, when any seeth a man’s bone, then shall he set up a sign by it, till the buriers have buried it in the valley of Hamongog” (Ezekiel 39:15, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “In the closing scenes of this earth’s history many . . . children will be taken away. Many who are now alive and apparently well will be among the missing” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 10, p. 262, release date unknown). In The Great Controversy we read, “The people see that they have been deluded. They accuse one another of having led them to destruction; but all unite in heaping their bitterest condemnation upon the ministers” (The Great Controversy, p. 655, 1911). If the nations are aligning—Persia (Iran), Togarmah (Turkey), Rosh (Russia)—then the “sword” is being drawn, but what spiritual Gog forms the global confederacy against truth?

WHAT SPIRITUAL GOG CONFRONTS THE TRUTH?

While the literal application unfolds in the Middle East, there is a simultaneous spiritual fulfillment. Gog and Magog also represent the universal spirit of rebellion that permeates the world and the apostate churches. The evidence is in Revelation 20:8, where Gog and Magog are the nations in the “four quarters of the earth.” “The implication is that… the whole world turns on those associated with ‘the glorious holy mountain’”. In the spiritual sense, the “glorious holy mountain” is the Remnant Church—the true us who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Revelation depicts the deception, “And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea” (Revelation 20:8, KJV). Isaiah foretells the opposition, “Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin” (Isaiah 30:1, KJV). Sr. White warns, “The time is coming when Satan will work miracles to confirm minds in the belief that he is God. All the people must now search the Scriptures for themselves, that they may not be led astray by these deceptions” (Review and Herald, April 14, 1903). Through inspired counsel we are told, “As we near the end of time, falsehood will be so mingled with truth, that only those who have the guidance of the Holy Spirit will be able to distinguish truth from error” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 7, p. 359, release date unknown). While we watch the missiles over Natanz, we must not ignore the “missiles” of heresy and persecution aimed at us, but what paradox reveals divine wrath as love?

WHAT STRANGE ACT REVEALS GOD’S LOVE?

We now approach the most terrifying theological precipice: How does a God of infinite love authorize the destruction described in Ezekiel 38 and the “Time of Trouble”? God’s “Strange Act” of judgment is not a negation of His love, but a necessary manifestation of it to preserve the universe from the cancer of sin. The evidence is found in Isaiah 28:21: “For the LORD shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act” (KJV). Sr. White elucidates: “To our merciful God the act of punishment is a strange act… Yet He will ‘by no means clear the guilty’” (The Great Controversy, p. 627, 1911). She further states, “God’s love for His children during the period of their severest trial is as strong and tender as in the days of their sunniest prosperity” (The Great Controversy, p. 621, 1911). Scripture balances judgment with mercy, “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8, KJV). Another verse affirms, “For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men” (Lamentations 3:33, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “God does not desire the destruction of any. ‘As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die?’ Ezekiel 33:11” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 628, 1890). Sr. White adds, “Throughout the period of probationary time His Spirit is entreating men to accept the gift of life” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 123, 1900). The community rejects the modern, liberal theology that claims God never kills or destroys, but what removal of restraint lets the winds blow?

WHAT REMOVES RESTRAINT FROM THE WINDS?

The destruction observed is often the result of God withdrawing His protection. God does not always directly strike, but simply “lets go” of the winds of strife. The evidence is in Revelation 7:1, where angels hold the four winds. Sr. White saw that “God that restrained the powers… and that the four angels had power from God to hold the four winds… and while they had started on their mission to…”. When these winds are loosed, nations like Iran, Israel, and Turkey clash in fury. “Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the earth into one great, final trouble” (The Great Controversy, p. 614, 1911). Jeremiah illustrates divine withdrawal, “Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against them that dwell in the midst of them that rise up against me, a destroying wind” (Jeremiah 51:1, KJV). Nahum depicts the release, “The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the Lord hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet” (Nahum 1:3, KJV). A passage from Maranatha reminds us, “Satan delights in war…. It is his object to incite the nations to war against one another; for he can thus divert the minds of the people from the work of preparation to stand in the day of God” (Maranatha, p. 156, 1976). The inspired pen affirms, “The elements of strife are pent up, ready to burst forth. The nations are angry, and great preparations for war are being made” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, p. 219, release date unknown). God’s “responsibility” is to limit this evil until the sealing is done, but what birth before labor paradox delivers us?

WHAT TRAVAIL BIRTHS THE MAN CHILD?

In the midst of this martial cacophony, Isaiah offers a prophecy that seems to invert the laws of nature. Isaiah 66:7—”Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child”—speaks to a supernatural deliverance and the production of a character in God’s people that defies human logic. The evidence is the text itself: “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once?” (Isaiah 66:8, KJV). Sr. White applies the “man child” ultimately to Christ, but also notes that the “manly and courageous heart” of the children of the church is a fulfillment of this. She writes, “He expressly mentions ‘a male,’ in order to describe the manly and courageous heart of these children… not soft or effeminate”. Isaiah continues the wonder, “Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God” (Isaiah 66:9, KJV). Zechariah parallels the suddenness, “And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem” (Zechariah 12:9, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “Zion is to shine forth in the brightness of her risen Sun. She is to put on her beautiful garments” (Review and Herald, January 23, 1908). Sr. White emphasizes, “The church is to increase in activity and to enlarge her bounds. Our mission is far-reaching. We are to be witnesses for Christ to the uttermost parts of the earth” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7, p. 19, 1902). In the face of “Rising Lion” operations and nuclear threats, the Church (Zion) must produce a specific type of us, but what suddenness marks the final movement?

WHAT SUDDENNESS BIRTHS A NATION INSTANTLY?

The prophecy asks, “Shall a nation be born at once?” The final work of the Gospel, the “Loud Cry,” will be rapid, cutting short the work in righteousness. The evidence is in Romans 9:28: “For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness.” The “Rising Lion” military strikes are lightning-fast; God’s work will be equally swift. “The agency of the Holy Spirit… will be a work that will be done in a short time” (General Conference Daily Bulletin, 1893). “Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him” (Isaiah 40:10, KJV). Haggai announces the shaking, “For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land” (Haggai 2:6, KJV). Malachi heralds the messenger, “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts” (Malachi 3:1, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “Great changes are soon to take place in our world, and the final movements will be rapid ones” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 11, 1909). In Evangelism we read, “The message will be carried not so much by argument as by the deep conviction of the Spirit of God. The arguments have been presented. The seed has been sown, and now it will spring up and bear fruit” (Evangelism, p. 278, 1946). Reliance on long periods of peace to finish the work is folly, but what internal crisis tremors the house of God?

WHAT SHAKES AND WIELDS THE SWORD?

While the world shakes from the impact of missiles, the Church faces a more dangerous tectonic shift: The Shaking. The “Straight Testimony” will cause a separation within the ranks, separating the wheat from the chaff. The evidence is recorded in Early Writings: “I asked the meaning of the shaking I had seen and was shown that it would be caused by the straight testimony called forth by the counsel of the True Witness to the Laodiceans”. Sr. White describes the physical toll of this spiritual battle: “firmness and great earnestness were expressed in their countenances, while large drops of perspiration fell from their foreheads”. Hebrews affirms the shaking, “Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven” (Hebrews 12:26, KJV). Peter urges steadfastness, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “The Lord calls for a renewal of the straight testimony borne in years past. He calls for a renewal of spiritual life” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 166, 1909). Sr. White states, “There will be a shaking of the sieve. The chaff must in time be separated from the wheat” (Letter 55, 1886). The Movement exists because of a “shaking” that occurred when the main body of the church compromised on the commandment “Thou Shalt Not Kill”, but what stewardship defines our responsibility to God?

WHAT STEWARDSHIP GUARDS THE TRUTH?

The primary responsibility is fidelity to the message. We are stewards of a prophecy that the world despises. The evidence is clear: “We have the old landmarks of truth, experience, and duty, and we are to stand firmly in defense of our principles, in full view of the world”. “Those who are represented as having but one talent have also their work to do… by trading… they are diligently to employ their ability”. James emphasizes works, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22, KJV). Paul exhorts stewardship, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2, KJV). A passage from Messages to Young People reminds us, “God tests us all, and to every person He commits some responsibility. If we wait patiently upon God, He will help us to make a wise choice” (Messages to Young People, p. 27, 1930). The inspired pen affirms, “Every soul has a heaven to win, and a hell to shun. And the angelic agencies are all ready to come to the help of the tried and tempted soul” (Signs of the Times, January 4, 1883). Silence is treason, but who is our neighbor when sirens wail?

WHO HEEDS THE SIRENS’ WAIL FOR NEIGHBOR?

The final aspect of the duty of the Remnant involves the “Responsibility to Neighbor.” True religion is defined by the parable of the Good Samaritan, especially in times of crisis. The evidence is found in Luke 10:29-37. Sr. White writes: “Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neighbor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary”. She explicitly links this to the “Time of Trouble”: “First meet the temporal necessities of the needy and relieve their physical wants and sufferings, and you will then find an open avenue to the heart”. Leviticus commands love, “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18, KJV). Proverbs urges kindness, “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it” (Proverbs 3:27, KJV). Ellen G. White wrote, “True sympathy between man and his fellow man is to be the sign distinguishing those who love and fear God from those who are unmindful of His law” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 8, p. 427, release date unknown). Sr. White adds, “We are to care for every case of suffering, and to look upon ourselves as God’s agents to relieve the needy to the very uttermost of our ability” (Welfare Ministry, p. 27, 1952). We must not fall into the trap of the priest or the Levite, who allowed theological or national barriers to prevent mercy, but what practical godliness marks the Remnant?

WHAT PRACTICAL GODLINESS DEFINES REMNANT?

The world will not listen to the interpretation of Daniel 11 if the lives of its members do not reflect the love of Luke 10. Doctrine and charity are inseparable. The evidence is in the warning against “National Ruin.” “The people of the United States have been a favored people; but when they restrict religious liberty… national apostasy will be followed by national ruin”. As society crumbles under this ruin, the needs of the people will explode. “Then will the time for us to trust wholly in God… I saw that our bread and water will be sure”. Micah calls for justice, “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8, KJV). Isaiah urges relief, “Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6, KJV). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The law of God requires that we love our fellow men as we love ourselves. Then every power and action of the mind must be put to the stretch to do good to all around us” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 225, 1875). In Welfare Ministry we read, “In placing among them the helpless and the poor, to be dependent upon their care, Christ tests His professed followers” (Welfare Ministry, p. 19, 1952). The “bread and water” are sure so that they can be shared.

Prophetic Symbol	Traditional SDARM/Pioneer Identification	Scripture Reference
King of the North	Turkey / Ottoman Empire (and successors occupying the territory)	Daniel 11:40-45
King of the South	Egypt (Ptolemaic territory)	Daniel 11:40
Glorious Holy Mountain	Jerusalem (Literal Location)	Daniel 11:45
Magog / Gog	Anti-God Coalition (Linked to Turkey/Russia/Iran)	Ezekiel 38:2
Persia	Iran (Modern Islamic Republic)	Ezekiel 38:5
Man Child	Christ / The 144,000 (Character of the Remnant)	Isaiah 66:7
The Strange Act	God’s Judgment / Destruction of the Wicked	Isaiah 28:21
Tidings from East/North	Rumors of War (Russia/Iran/China affecting Turkey)	Daniel 11:44

“Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will enquire, enquire ye: return, come.” (Isaiah 21:11-12)

SELF-REFLECTION

How can I deepen my understanding of these end-time prophecies in daily devotions to transform my character and align my priorities with heaven’s urgency?

How can we present these intricate prophetic themes in ways that resonate with varied audiences, from long-time members to newcomers of diverse backgrounds, while upholding biblical precision?

What prevalent misunderstandings about these prophecies exist in my circle, and how can I address them compassionately yet firmly with Scripture and Sr. White’s insights?

How can our communities and personal lives radiate as beacons of hope, embodying the victory of good over evil as we anticipate Christ’s return?