By Ken Blue
Once the ten (toes/horns) nations arise from the chaos in the Middle East, and the Antichrist emerges from Syria to takes control of the seven remaining nations, Israel will make a seven year peace agreement with him, and his allies. They do this for peace, and greed. This, no doubt, is the time spoken of by Daniel. “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” Daniel 9:27. The “many” are the seven remaining nations under his control, and the nation of Israel. The week is seven years, not seven days. Another way the week is described is as a “time,” “times,” and “half a time.” “And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.” Daniel 12:7.
No doubt this first 31/2 years are symbolized by the “white horse.” This will give the semblance of peace, even though there will continue to uprisings and rumors of wars. This does not imply that the “red horse” is not active; it simply means that the white one is in the lead at that time. Dakes notes are helpful about the first half of the Tribulation.
• “A king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.” This reveals the character of the Antichrist, showing the type of person the little horn will be when he comes out of Greece, Turkey, Syria, or Egypt in the latter time of their existence (Dan. 8:23; 7:20-25; 9:27; 11:36-45; 2Th. 2:3-12; Rev. 13:1-18; 14:9-11; 15:2-4; 16:13-16; 19:20; 20:4-6).”
But, after 31/2 years, Antichrist will turn on Israel and seek to destroy them. He believes this is necessary in order to have peace in that part of the world, and for his kingdom to be established. Israel will discover that they have made a covenant with hell. Only 1/3 of the nation will survive. “And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the LORD, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. 9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God.” Zechariah 13:8-9. That one third will be protected and fed by Edom, Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. Daniel 11:41. Pray for Israel.
Pastor Ken Blue was born in Boswell, Ark. In 1955 he accepted Christ as his Savior. He and his wife Joyce were married in 1955. They have 5 children. He graduated from Midwestern Baptist Bible College in 1969 and started the Open Door Baptist Church in Lynnwood, Wa. where he pastored for 39 years. Because of health issues (ALS) he was forced to resign as pastor. It is his desire to continue to be used of God to help pastors and believers through this ministry.