Tomorrow: What Do the Prophets Say?
by
A.J.L. Haynes
New Edition ©Historicism.com 1999
Comments from the webmaster:
In light of the current events unfolding since the tragic attacks in the U.S. at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, I would like to make my readers aware of a slightly different perspective than that of my grandfather concerning end-time events in prophecy.
My grandfather, AJL Haynes, wrote this little book in the '70s. Since that time, I think some updating is deserved, but I cannot take the time now to do a complete job of this. Let me make the following suggestions.
1. Do not make the mistake of looking for prophecies that directly describe current crises. It seems apparent that the Bible describes in its prophetic sections, larger sweeps of history than are addressed in the daily newspaper.
2. Current events do not yet answer the better interpretations of prophetic passages that talk about Armageddon. However, events might be moving in that direction. What I am about to write is not a prediction, but a short explanation of a scenario that, if it happens, will be cause for concern.
Daniel 11:40 begins a short section of prophecy that includes a character that I believe to be a Muslim power or powers. I do not know if this refers to a state, a group of states, or the religion as a whole. The previous verses, from 11:21 on, foretell the rise of the current form of Islamic power(s). In 11:40, we are told that the "King of the South" will "come against him." I believe, as my grandfather did, that the king of the South designates, in modern times, the United States as a global power. If the United States invades, or attacks in force, an Islamic state or states, then there might be good reason to look for fulfillment of the next several verses. The King of the North (either Russia, former Soviet Republics like Georgia, or possibly the E.U.,) is next seen as storming against either the Islamic power, or the United States' forces, from the north. What happens next is a massive occupation or invasion of Middle Eastern territory, including the Holy Land, by the King of the North, except for the area of northern Saudi Arabia, and perhaps Jordan. This invasion then spreads to include Egypt, and by this, he brings what might be the regions' oil resources under his control. Verses 44-45 seem to parallel Ezekiel 38 and 39.
The passages in Daniel that we are looking at might be slightly different than the chapters in Ezekiel for one of two reasons: they provide additional detail to the picture of these events, or I am completely mistaken about the meaning of this passage. I will leave this with you as a warning. Do not abuse the Word of God by making it into a fortune cookie. We are not to act like prophets, trying to predict the future by our interpretations. Rather, familiarize yourselves with the descriptions of last days' events, and use your knowledge to warn unbelievers of the shortness of the time that is left, and to warn your governments to heed the Scriptures and save their people from terrible judgment. If events in the near future begin to confim my understanding of this passage in Daniel, as stated above, then be encouraged, have faith in the God of history, pray for the unsaved, and make the best use of your time to fulfill the mission of the Church of Christ in bringing the light of the Gospel to a dark and dying world.
Nevertheless, we should pray that these prophecies do not come to pass for many years yet, so that we have more time to witness to mankind, and to make disciples for Christ. I do long for Christ's return, but I also pray that that day will be a happy and glorious one for as many souls as possible.
- J. L. Haynes, September 13, 2001
For more information on this topic in light of current events, see the Historicism.com section, Armageddon Watch.
CONTENTS
3. The Seventy Weeks' Prophecy of Daniel
5. The Downfall of Babylon the Great
6. The Consummation: Treading the Winepress
Tomorrow: What do the Prophets Say? Index 1 2 3 4 5 6 Biblio.
