Perspective

   By L. Jim Tuck

   April 14, 2023

The King of the South

Greetings from sunny Phoenix,

                        In ancient times the world was reformed by a young king, Alexander of Macedon.  It grew rapidly into the Greek Empire as he conquered most of the known world. Wikipedia says this about Alexander the Great, “He succeeded his father Philip II to the throne in 336 BC at the age of 20, and spent most of his ruling years conducting a lengthy military campaign throughout Western Asia and Egypt. By the age of 30, he had created one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece to northwestern India. He was undefeated in battle and is widely considered to be one of history's greatest and most successful military commanders.”

            At the height of Alexander’s conquests, he unexpectedly died after a drunken celebration in Babylon at only 32 years of age.  His empire was divided into four kingdoms ruled by his four leading generals. Over time, due to conflicts between these ruling generals, two empires survived.  They were the Seleucid Kingdom in the north and the Ptolemaic Empire to the south of Jerusalem. From a prophetic perspective these two kingdoms, though territories changed through time, became what the Bible refers to as the “king of the north” and the “king of the south.”

            The church has known for some time the king of the north will be the long-expected Beast power and the coming great false prophet.  This is why we are critically watching what is unfolding in Europe. However, the king of the south has been more of a mystery.

            Muslim countries in the Middle East have long condemned Israel ever since its formation after World War II on May 14, 1948. It was quickly recognized by the United States, the Soviet Union, and many other governments, fulfilling the dream of an internationally approved Jewish state. However, neither the UN nor the world leaders could spare Israel from immediate invasion by the armies of five Arab states, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Transjordan (now Jordan).  Within a few days the state’s survival appeared to be at stake. Because of their great desire to defend themselves and the support of Israeli allies, they have survived.

            The United States has had a good relationship with the Mideast states, but that is changing rapidly. Iran was an ally until the fall of the Shah in 1979. They are now an adversary. Iraq is still an ally, but that possibly could change as they open up relations with Iran. Iran is an ally of Syria. Saudi Arabia is now aligning with China and Russia. Iran opened an embassy in Saudi Arabia for the first time in seven years. Egypt, a longtime U.S. ally, has been planning to supply thousands of missiles to Russia as they fight the ongoing war in Ukraine. Lebanon has been in conflict with Israel a long time.

            Turkey has been a NATO member since 1952.  The Turkish president, Erdogan, hosted a visit from Iran’s president, and it was reported by their media that Erdogan said, “the Islamic world should be united against Israel's attacks in Palestine.”

            The world is being carved up and polarized into different factions as preparations for World War III are being made by major international powers. It appears that the prophesied end-time king of the south is coming together.

            Daniel 11 deals with the two divergent kings of the north and south.  Notice what it says in Daniel 11:40-43:   “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also, the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.”

            Included as part of Edom, who are the descendants of Esau, Isaac’s son, is the modern-day country of Turkey. Moab and Ammon are the children of Lot who will be against Israel.

            It is becoming clearer as things progress that action will soon be taken by the Muslim world to move against Israel to end what they consider an illegal state. They have openly proclaimed it, but now it appears steps are being taken to prepare to strike a blow on Israel.

            Jesus gave us one of the signs to look for in the end of this age. He said, “When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city.” (Luke 21:20-21)

            History has a way of repeating itself, and Israel is once again in the forefront of the news. What does it matter? It means very little unless we are watching and it motivates us to pray and prepare more for God’s kingdom. It is so easy to be bogged down with all the cares of this life. The danger is, we are surprised by the very things God warned us would happen.

            Remember Jesus said, “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with [a]carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

            “Counted worthy” in the Greek means to be “entirely deserving.” This is only possible if we are humbly obeying God and continually calling upon Him to forgive us through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, making us free of sin. 

 

            Have a wonderful Sabbath and weekend.