We have reviewed histories and characteristics of the three nations which are destined for special blessings in a future day, also underlying principles that shall determine the end of great powers who shall be involved in the judgments and restoration of Israel and the nations. In order to understand the forces at work to oppose these blessings, we must trace what the Word of God teaches in as orderly and brief a manner as possible.
After the true church of God, which has been formed during these two thousand years, more or less, shall be raptured to heaven from earth, an event which could happen at any moment, seven years of trial shall sweep over the earth.
The “prince that shall come,” who will rise out from among the Roman people, will make a covenant with Israel at the beginning of the seven years of trial. The covenant will not only protect Israel but will provide sea and land bases for the prince of the Roman people.
No empire has succeeded the Roman which will rise again in its last form as an empire after the first three and one-half years of trial are past. The individual powers (or horns) which shall eventually make up the empire may extend their borders previous to the formation of the empire. When the empire is complete, it will have much of the original territory along the Rhine and Danube Rivers to the Euphrates, the Persian Gulf, and over to the Mediterranean Sea as well as part of the north coast of Africa. At the time of the uniting of the empire in its last form, the ten horns (powers) will be crowned as kings.
At the end time there shall arise three powers, all enemies of Israel: the Roman Empire, which will be known as Babylon at the time of its end, the Assyrian, seeking power and glory in the last days, and Egypt, known as the King of the South. These powers will vie for Israel’s land.
The Roman Empire under the little horn, who will hold Israel’s land in captivity, shall head the WESTERN CONFEDERACY. The eastern nations under the Assyrian will form the EASTERN CONFEDERACY against Israel.
Egypt, being an independent power, shall ad alone against Israel.
Before the day of the Lord comes, the gospel of the kingdom will be preached to all nations of the prophetic earth. Edom who has manifested such hatred to Israel shall hear and answer in scorn, “He calleth to me out of Seir, Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night? The watchman said, The morning cometh, and also the night: if ye will inquire, inquire ye: return, come” (Isa. 21:11,12).
Near the end of the seven years of tribulation, the Western Confederacy shall begin to weaken and lose control of its extended empire. This shall relieve the Arab nations who have been under the control of the West for some time. These nations, west of the Euphrates, from Syria to Arabia, shall then form their own confederacy under Edom. Linked with them shall be Persia, Media, and Assyria proper; it will also include Russia and the peoples of Turkish origin probably from the Adriatic Sea eastward.
The King of the North shall act earlier than the rest of these nations though he be confederate.