Now that the Jews are again in their own land, it is not surprising that the nations who formerly surrounded them are there in their old places. Dan. 11:4040And 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) speaks of "the time of the end" and of the king of the south and the king of the north. Doubtless these are Egypt and Syria. Verse 41 speaks of Edom, Moab and Ammon. The descendants of these three are now east and southeast of Israel.
One thing that has been outstanding in the shifting of power in this region in the past year has been the great increase of influence of Syria and also Turkey. This surely fits into the prophetic plan for the king of the north.
The present Syrian president, Hafez Assad, is a shrewd, energetic and patient politician. Steadily in the last 15 years he has maneuvered to gain control of Lebanon. He has been in control of Syria for 21 years and now, with the signing of the Brotherhood Treaty, he has largely extended his power. Effectively, the agreement puts the Land of the Cedars (Psa. 104:1616The trees of the Lord are full of sap; the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted; (Psalm 104:16)) under his dominion, marking the fulfillment of a carefully planned strategy of creating a Greater Syria.
In the Gulf war, more Americans died in a scud missile attack than in combat. Recently Syria has bought 150 North Korean improved scud C missiles. These have a range of 400 miles, and are more accurate and carry three times as heavy warheads as those used in the Gulf war.
In the face of all this there is a feverish attempt to get the Arab nations together with the Israelis and the Palestinians for a peace conference.
In Dan. 11:2727And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed. (Daniel 11:27) it says, "And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed." These histories are both typical and prophetic. They have been given for the guidance and comfort of the Jews in the days of the Maccabees at the time of the wars between Syria and Egypt. They are also for the instruction of the godly, earthly remnant in the last days.
With the present world situation as it is, and especially the struggle in the area of Israel, it is not difficult to envision a war breaking out again with Israel as the focal point instead of Kuwait.
We can then understand that the time must be very near that is called "the time of the end". For us who are waiting for our Lord to return and take us up to be with and like Him, the present world conditions indicate that the rapture may occur at any moment. We need not be alarmed at world struggles, and wars and rumors of wars, but rather look up and say, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." Rev. 22:2020He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. (Revelation 22:20).
C. Buchanan