Daniel 10:1 (New International Version)
PLEASE NOTE: The following information is an excerpt taken from the publication called:
THE "REPORT," pages 94-100,
copyrighted and released in 1994.
The Ride of the Fiery-Colored Horse -- Is It A "War-Era" Or an Actual War, Which? (Revelation 6:3, 4)
"The Great War...what Great War are you talking about?" one may ask. And we might reply: "Why, the one spoken of in Daniel 10:1 taken from the New International Version of the Bible, of course. Also, the one spoken of in Revelation 6:4 too." Yes, that "Great War" that God spoke of, the one that Satan starts to vent his "great anger" upon the "earth," and the "sea." The one he starts when he finally realizes, his "time is short," just AFTER the magnificent "birth" of the "Male Child" Kingdom Government that is born from the nation of Jehovah's Witnesses, God's Name People. That "birth", that is fast approaching, even as we speak. -- Daniel 2:44, 45; Revelation 12:5, 12
But you may be wondering at this time, what is the true meaning of the ride of the "fiery-colored" horse, mentioned in the book of Revelation 6th chapter? Let's notice what the Watch Tower Society says in the publication Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand! about this "fiery-colored horse" and it's meaning for us today:
"...But now the rider of the red horse is given `a great sword.' What does this imply? With the eruption of World War I, human warfare becomes more sanguinary, more destructive than ever before. During the 1914-1918 bloodbath, tanks, poison, gas airplanes, submarines, huge cannons, and automatic weapons were used either for the first time or on an unprecedented scale...Even with the end of the war, there was no return to real peace on earth...Then, with his thirst for blood whetted, the rider of the red horse plunged into World War II. Instruments of slaughter became ever more fiendish, and casualties sky-rocketed to four times those of World War II...It is reliably reported that at least 19 million souls have
fallen under the `great sword' since World War II." - pg. 94 ¶ 16, 17.
And so we can see that the Watch Tower Society teaches that the "fiery-colored" horse pictures a
destructive war-era since the year of 1914, and has continued right up till our day. However, is this the case? In other words, does the ride of this horse really picture a particularly destructive war-era as the Society insists, since that fateful year of 1914? Or, could it picture something very different? Let's examine these verses for ourselves.
We read at Revelation 6:4:
"And another came forth, a fiery-colored horse; and to the one seated upon it there was granted to take peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter one another and a great sword was given him."
Now we ask the question: is a particular "war-era" (since 1914) being discussed here? Or is a particularly bloody "War" being discussed? Which??? Well, the foregoing words, we believe, actually point forward to a major, cataclysmic event for our day and time. No, it is not a series of events, such as a destructive war era that started in the year of 1914 (World War I) and subsequently continued down to the present. No, but it pictures a specific event in human history. It pictures the foretold great battle shortly to unfold between the "King of the North" and the "King of the South." And, the "pushing" between these two opposing political factions is just about to start, as the Bible says, "in the time of the end." - Daniel 11:40
Jehovah's Witnesses have long been taught, by the Watch Tower Society, that the political nations of our world are shortly, in the near future, to issue the cry of "Peace and Security." This great proclamation and announcement will, according to the Watch Tower Society, lead immediately to the destruction of false religion ("Babylon the Great") and thereafter God's final War of "Har-mageddon." (See Nov. 15, 1981 Watchtower pgs. 14, 15.)
However, is this what the Bible teaches as the immediate future for God's Name people today? In order to arrive at the correct understanding, we must go back to the events spoken of in the Bible at Daniel the eleventh (11th) chapter. We must closely examine what we have been taught, since it can be scripturally proven that these teachings are obviously in error.
First of all we notice, the "pushing" between both "kings" cannot be said to be a "cold war" of sorts that continues over a long period of time. (See July 15, 1981 Watchtower pgs. 6, 7) No, but this foretold "pushing" leads directly to a confrontation, yes one of major proportions that leaves many, many people dead! In other words, it leads to WAR - the same war spoken of at Revelation 6:4 in which the aftermath results in famine, disease or pestilence and great lost of life. These events are also the same ones spoken of at Matthew 24:7,8; Mark 13:8; and Luke 21:10,11. Let's notice how this point is brought out at Daniel 11:40 where it states:
"And in the time of the end the king of the south will engage with him in a pushing, and against him the king of the north will storm with chariots and with horsemen and with many ships; and he will certainly
enter into the lands and flood over and pass through."
Now after reading this verse of the Bible, does this sound like a long, drawn out "cold war?" Certainly not!
The scriptures are very clear, very emphatic to show that the "King of the North" will move swiftly to overrun the enemy! Yes, he will "storm," and "flood over and pass through" with "many horsemen," "chariots," and "ships." Clearly, this is WAR, and one that is on a magnitude that is unprecedented! And what will be the immediate resulting effects of this same said "war" upon God's Name people and the world at large? Let's notice the following information.
A CLEAR VICTOR EMERGES
We see from a careful examination of these verses, that a Victor does emerge from this particular battle. This is in stark contrast to what has been previously stated by the Watch Tower Society on the actual outcome of the same battle. Let's notice this comment:
"Whatever the extent of the "pushing" by the "king of the south" may be, and whether the "king of the north" literally `floods over' by invading other lands, or not, one thing is certain: According to Daniel's prophecy, neither "king" will achieve a decisive victory over the other." - See July 15, 1981 Watchtower pg. 7 ¶ 3.
Is that what you believe? But think - does not the verse itself insure the actual outcome of the battle? Yes, does it not show that indeed the mysterious "king of the North" will emerge victorious over the "king of the South?"
But you may be saying: "So what...if the leaders of this organization are wrong, it still doesn't affect me."
Oh, but how wrong you are! Yes, it will affect Jehovah's Witnesses in the most profound way! How do we know? Let's examine the very next verse:
"He will also actually enter into the land of the Decoration, and there will be many [lands] that will be made to stumble. But these are the ones that will escape out of his hand, Edom and Moab and the main part of the sons of Ammon." - Daniel 11:41
The "land of Decoration" has many times been applied to God's people, Jehovah's Witnesses, in the Watch Tower Society's publications. But did you notice what the scripture says will happen to God's people, as a direct result of this War? Yes, He [King of North] will "enter into the Land of the Decoration." Yes, he will attack God's people! But, will this attack result in Jehovah's protection of His Name people?
Well, the scripture says:
"and there will be many [lands] made to stumble."
But, Jehovah's Witnesses, stop and ask yourself for a moment:
What do "many lands" have to do with this one land, the "land of Decoration?"
Actually, nothing! The "king of the north" cannot pass through the "land of Decoration" and stumble or affect "many lands." The verse simply says that he is passing through one land, the "land of Decoration." Think about it. Obviously, there is more going on here than "meets the eye" at first glance. Let's look a little closer.
If we look carefully at the verse, we will notice that the word "lands" has been placed in the Bible by the translators. That is why the word "lands" appears in brackets in the New World Translation. It is an inserted word intended to change the thought from the obvious. Think about it. However, if you check, you will notice that other translations do not show any such word as "lands" in this verse. For example, the Interlinear Bible - Hebrew Greek English Translation for instance, says:
"He shall also enter into the glorious land, and many shall be stumbled..."
Yes, "many shall be stumbled" from the "Glorious Land" or the "Land of Decoration," - Jehovah's Witnesses, God's Name people. Yes, many of Jehovah's Witnesses will be severely persecuted, and subsequently "stumbled." This unforeseen, intense period of persecution or "trampling" of Jehovah's Name people is what the Bible calls the "Gentile Times." This situation of being overrun by the political governments, will prove to be necessary "discipline" from Jehovah because of "transgression" committed by God's people. - Luke 21:24; Rev. 13:3-10; Daniel 8:12.
But you may be saying at this point,
...who is he, that is the "king of the North?"
Well, suffice it to say for the time being, that he is one and the same with the one spoken of as the mysterious "Small Horn" that comes up among "ten horns" upon the fourth (4th) beast's head, and thus takes the lead in persecuting Jehovah's people. (For more information on the actual identity of the future "King of the North" & "Small Horn" of bible prophecy see the article entitled: The "King Of The North" Is Coming! .) -- Daniel 7:7, 8; Daniel 7:19-26
And as "Small Horn," he is also the enemy of the "King of the South." But wait, hasn't it previously been taught by the Watchtower Society that the "small horn" was himself, the "King of the South" - the British-American Dual World Power, yes the leader of the Democratic bloc of nations? (See July 15, 1981 Watchtower pg. ¶ 4 and Sept. 15, 1982 Watchtower pg. 15 ¶ 15)
However, we must note here, that explanation
particular explanation of the Watchtower Society,
is quite impossible. Why???
Let's notice what Daniel 8:9 pointedly says:
"And out of one of them there came forth
another horn, a small one, and it kept getting
very much greater toward the SOUTH and
toward the sunrising and toward the Decoration."
Did you notice that he gets "greater toward the
South," that is, toward the [King of the] "South"?
Also, the prophecy says, the "small horn" actually
"gets greater" toward the [land of] "Decoration."
Did you notice this? Yes, this means, he is against
both the [king of the] "South" and God's Name
People, Jehovah's Witnesses, the [land of]
"Decoration." He is the enemy of BOTH OF THEM!
Therefore the "small horn" could not be against the "South," as the verse says, and at the same time himself be the "king of the South," could he??? That would not make sense. Think about it. - Daniel 8:10, 11
Also, please notice this...
Daniel 7:21, 22 says this:
"I kept on beholding when that very horn made war upon the holy ones, and it was prevailing against them, and judgment itself was given in favor of the holy ones of Supreme One, and the definite time arrived that the holy ones took possession of the kingdom itself."
Verses 25-27 of Chapter 7 says:
"And he will speak even words against the Most High, and he will harass continually the holy ones themselves of the Supreme One. And he will intend to change times and law, and they will be given into his hand for a time, and times and half a time. And the Court itself proceeded to sit, and his own ruler ship they finally took away, in order to annihilate [him] and to destroy him totally.
"And the kingdom and the ruler ship and the grandeur of the kingdoms under all the heavens were given to the people who are the holy ones of the Supreme One. Their kingdom is an indefinitely lasting kingdom, and all the ruler ships will serve and obey even them."
Now for the first time, we notice the direct activity of "harassment" of God's "holy ones" is limited to a "time, times and half a time" period. And the bible specifically says, this is carried out by the wicked "small horn" or "little horn" of bible prophecy. In other words, he "harasses" the "holy ones" for a specific time period of "3 1/2 years" or a period of "42 months." Now, let's compare this specific attack time period of the "small horn" with that of the wicked "wild beast" of Revelation 13th chapter, where it states:
"And a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies was given it, and authority to act forty-two months was given it. And it opened its mouth in blasphemies against God to blaspheme his name and his residence, even those residing in heaven. And there was granted it to wage war with the holy ones and conquer them, and authority was given it over every tribe and people and tongue and nation. " -- Revelation 13:5-7
Here we notice the particular activity of "speaking great things" and many "blasphemies" against God, are attributed to the "wild beast."
However, the prophet Daniel shows words of this exact same nature also hurled at God's Name People by the mysterious "small horn" as shown at Daniel 7:25. Also, the bible shows the "holy ones" are given "into HIS HAND," that is the "hand" of the "small horn." Yes, that bible accounts says:
"And HE WILL SPEAK EVEN WORDS AGAINST THE MOST HIGH, and he will harass continually the holy ones themselves of the Supreme One. And he will intend to change times and law, and THEY WILL BE GIVEN INTO HIS HAND for a time, and times and half a time. And the Court itself proceeded to sit, and his own ruler ship they finally took away, in order to annihilate [him] and to destroy him totally."
Yes, the bible account says:
"...his own ruler ship they finally took away, in order to annihilate [him] and to destroy him [small horn] totally."
So then, bible prophecy makes it clear, it is the deadly activity of the "small horn", the Great Leader of the "10 horns" on the head of the 4th fearsome "beast" of Daniel 7th chapter, yes, that causes so much trouble for the "holy ones" of the "Supreme One," Almighty Jehovah God. Yes, it is the deadly activity of the "small horn," and his deep hatred of God's Name People, yes, that must be stopped, before any persecution of God's Name People, can be halted in any way...a deadly period that will surely last some 42 months in length. A period that God has "given" His Name People, into the wicked "hand" of the "Small Horn" of bible prophecy.
Therefore, with this thought in mind, we notice Daniel 12:7 says:
"And I began to hear the man clothed with the linen, who was up above the waters of the stream, as he proceeded to raise his right [hand] to the heavens and to swear by the One who is alive for time indefinite: "It will be for an appointed time, appointed times, and a half. And as soon as there will have been a finishing of the dashing of the power of the holy people to pieces, all these things will come to their finish."
As you recall, the Watchtower Society contends the foretold, dreadful "harassing" of the "holy ones" foretold by the prophet Daniel, actually occurred some years ago, yes, between the years of 1914-1918.
But does this make sense?
Further, doesn't the above context absolutely show that:
(a) the kingdom's full establishment will be a future event, (Or, something that has not occurred yet thus far.)
(b) The kingdom Government itself referred to above in Daniel's prophecy, will be an EARTHLY Government, with the Governmental Seat of this Kingdom finding itself being situated right here upon the earth?
Daniel 2:44 says of this new earthly arrangement:
"And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite"
In other words, the "Holy Ones of the Supreme One" establish their own "government" right here upon the earth, without anyone needing to go to heaven. No one goes to heaven, but the Kingdom and the "holy ones" of the Supreme One, establish the "Kingdom of God" right here upon the earth. Doesn't the above context show this?
Actually, according to the above verses, the "Kingdom Government of God," is established right here upon the earth AFTER (and not before as the Watchtower Society teaches) the "harassing" period of the "Small Horn" is finished. And clearly, there is no mention of a long drawn out, very much extended period of time (like 90 years) between the "harassing" of the Holy Ones of the Supreme One, and the time God ordains they come into possession of the "kingdom of God." -- See Daniel 7:18.
But, according to the Watchtower Society, it has been more than 90 years since the year of 1914. Yes, according to the Watchtower Society, it has been more than 90 years, yes since the time the "harassment" of the holy ones started, isn't that true? -- See Watchtower Publication (1999) Pay Attention to Daniel's Prophecy! pages 141-144.
So then, where do the scriptures indicate there would be some 90+ years between the "war" of the "holy ones" and the "definite time for the holy ones to come into possession of the Kingdom of God"? Why would there be more than 90 years between both events? Why would such time be allotted between the "harassment" period of the "holy ones" and the time they take possession of the "kingdom" everlastingly? Where do the scriptures indicate this 90-plus year period of time before coming into the "kingdom" for the "holy ones of the Supreme One"?
We just read that Daniel 7:21 shows that the "small horn" makes "war" upon the "holy ones of the Supreme One." But, actually, have we seen this "war" upon these ones? Have we visualized an actual "war" upon the "holy ones" of the Supreme One?
Obviously, according to Daniel's account, the "holy ones" of the Supreme One, did NOT come under attack between 1914-1918, because this would have meant the "kingdom of God" would have been in position to start after that, upon earth. And we know, this did not happen at all.
Thus, wouldn't you agree that based upon the above information, the doctrine of 1914 as taught and understood by Jehovah's Witnesses and the Watchtower Society today, cannot be considered correct at all? Because we know no earthly "Kingdom of God," has been established since the designated years of 1914-1918, the time when the "holy ones of the Supreme One" were supposed to have be "trampled" upon and "harassed" by God's permission. It has now been too many years passed to which show nothing of the sort has happened at all.
Therefore, this "harassment" period of 3 1/2 years or 42 months, must be a future event. Also, the full and complete establishment of God's Kingdom upon earth too, which occurs some time after that, must be a future event as well. This 3 1/2 year period of time is mentioned several times in the Bible as being a most difficult time for God's Name People, mystery "Israel." Bible prophecy indicates that during this time much persecution is heaped upon these "holy ones" of God. In fact, "because of transgression" committed on Israel's part regarding the "disgusting thing that causes desolation," Jehovah God has "given authority" for the surrounding "nations" (led by the "Small Horn" as the "King of the North") to "act" against God's Name People in "war." -- Daniel 7:21; Daniel 8:12; Zechariah 12:1-3; Zechariah 14:1, 2; Revelation 13:5-7
And therein lies the Great Mystery...yes, what is the all-important connection between the "King of the North," the "harassing" activity of the violent "Small Horn" and his '10-Horn" supporters, and the wicked "acts" of the "Wild Beast" of Revelation against God's "holy ones"?
Well, Daniel 11:31, 32 tells us how this happens by saying:
"And THERE WILL BE ARMS THAT WILL STAND UP, PROCEEDING FROM HIM [King of the North]; and they will actually profane the sanctuary, the fortress, and remove the constant feature. And they will certainly put in place the disgusting thing that is causing. And those who are acting wickedly against the covenant, he [King of the North] will lead into apostasy by means of smooth words. But as regards the people who are knowing their God, they will prevail and act effectively." -- Daniel 11:31, 32
Yes, the bible account above shows the deadly activity of the "King of the North," to be quite similar to the "harassing" of the vicious "Small Horn" of bible prophecy. Also, we notice that certain "arms proceeding from him," namely the King of the North, actually carry out the real devastation against "those acting wickedly against the covenant" of God...the true transgressors against Jehovah, the Watchtower Society itself.
So then, we can see a definite tie-in between the wicked actions of the "Small Horn," and the "King of the North" of Bible prophecy. Also, we can see that the "King of the North" will indeed, use certain extended "arms that will stand up" to carry out this devastation upon God's Name People, Jehovah's Witnesses. Yes, he will use the "Wild Beast" as his "arms that will stand up," to accomplish such a feat. He will use an "international organization" to accomplish this. He will use, the long, out-stretched "arms" of the United Nations Organization, the "wild beast" of Bible Prophecy, to fully "harass" God's Name People. Think about it.
In conclusion, we can see, the Bible makes it very, very clear that the most destructive War of all human history has not occurred yet! No, but instead, this great war or "Great Sword" is shortly to come be "given" to the future rider of the "fiery-colored horse." Yes, and that "Great Sword," shall be upon us in our day and time...very soon! Yes, the much dreaded and feared World War III! In fact, Daniel himself saw this same "Great War" afar off, and the vision of it's carnage, and destruction made him sick for 3 weeks! Imagine that, 3 weeks! But where is that in the Bible?
Let's notice this quote of Daniel 10:1, 2 taken from the New International Version of the Bible:
"In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a GREAT WAR. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision. At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over."
And again, what did Daniel really see that could have such an effect upon him? The bible accounts says clearly,
Daniel "mourned for three weeks"....3 weeks!
Yes, undoubtedly, Daniel saw something that
disturbed him very, very much. Yes, Daniel saw
and fully understood what this "vision" meant
for the earth and mankind. Yes, Daniel saw the
greatest war ever fought in all human history --
in this vivid vision! And Daniel knew, it's
destruction and death toll will be unparalleled!
Remember, Daniel 11:40 calls this war:
...the war of the "King of the North"
versus the "King of the South."
And this is the same war, the exact same
war that is spoken of at Revelation 6:4, 8.
That prophecy says:
"And another came forth, a fiery-colored horse; and to the one seated upon it there was granted to take peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter one another; and a GREAT SWORD was given him...And I saw, and, look! a pale horse; and the one seated upon it had the name DEATH. And Hades [the grave] was closely following him. And authority was given them over the FOURTH PART of the earth, to kill with a long sword and with food shortage and with deadly plague and by the wild beasts of the earth." -- See Revelation 6:4, 8.
Indeed, such a war will trigger the worst military violence, epidemic of diseases, and death toll in all of human history! Yes, the actual rides of the "fiery-colored, black, and pale horses" with "hades" [the grave] reaping a fourth (1/4) of the world's population! ... Think about it.
Donald C. Burney
© 1994 - 2017 Donald C. Burney
Please See:
Daniel 8:9, 23-25
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