Joel Richardson

Is Prophecy Being Fulfilled in Egypt?

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Joel Richardson WND

On February 11, 2011, addressing the success of Egypt’s revolution that he himself had enthusiastically supported, President Barack Obama stood in the Grand Foyer of the White House and triumphantly declared, “The people of Egypt have spoken, their voices have been heard, and Egypt will never be the same.”

But the fruit of this change quickly became bitter to the Egyptian people. It has now become clear that the Egyptian people traded a more secular autocrat for an Islamist dictator.

As Americans everywhere stopped to celebrate Thanksgiving Day, 2012, President Muhammad Morsi appeared on Egyptian television and shocked the nation, issuing a presidential decree effectively banning all challenges to his decrees, laws and decisions. The decree stated,

“The president can issue any decision or measure to protect the revolution… The constitutional declarations, decisions and laws issued by the president are final and not subject to appeal.”

The decree also stated that the courts have no authority to dissolve the country’s Constituent Assembly, which is now rewriting the constitution.

Disparate groups within and outside of Egypt have expressed their alarm and rage.

Within Egypt’s Constituent Assembly, various secularist opponents to Morsi quit, including Coptic Christians and representatives of the April 6 Youth Movement, the very group which initiated the revolution in Egypt.

Mohamed ElBaradei, an opponent of Morsi, accused the president of establishing himself as “a new Pharaoh.”

In a typically toothless statement, the European Union “urged” Morsi to “respect the democratic process”.

Now, in Tahrir Square, and throughout the country, thousands have gathered to protest what many are referring to as a “coup”. Reacting to the cry for genuine freedom, Islamist supporters of Morsi are counter-protesting. Violent clashes between the two groups have erupted across the nation.

Of course, seizing an ever increasing level of power under the guise of Democracy was a natural path for Morsi, with Turkey’s Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the North having already demonstrated just how it’s done. Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood is modeled its rise to power after the approach used by Turkey’s Islamist political party. Playing off the title of Erdogan’s party, “The Justice and Development Party”, the Muslim Brotherhood (ironically) named their political party, “The Freedom and Justice Party”.

Over the past ten years, Turkey’s Erdogan has systematically dismantled the most well established secular form of government in the Middle East, while establishing and guaranteeing his own power for many more years to come—all in the name of “Democracy”.

The next significant step in Erdogan’s plan to establish himself as Turkey’s absolute ruler will come in 2014, when his present term as Prime Minister is set to come to an end. Already in the works are Erdogan’s plans to radically alter Turkey’s present Parliamentary system to a Presidential system, while placing himself on the ticket to be the next President. Beyond this, the present five year term for President will expand to a seven year term. If successful, this will guarantee that Erdogan will be able to maintain power until at least 2021.

Erdogan’s ambitions have caused many to believe that he is seeking a leadership role beyond Turkey, throughout the whole region.

In a recent interview with Russia Today, Syrian President Basshar al-Assad said of Erdogan,

“he personally thinks that he is the new sultan of the Ottoman and he can control the region as it was during the Ottoman Empire under a new umbrella. In his heart he thinks he is a caliph.”

Erdogan recently confirmed these suspicions when he declared his neo-Ottoman aspirations:

“We move with the spirit that founded the Ottoman Empire… We must go everywhere our ancestors have been, we cannot pursue [Atatürk’s philosophy of] peace at home and peace in the world through passivity.”

But if Muhammad Morsi’s recent actions in seizing greater power are an indicator of things to come, Erdogan may have competition for the title of regional Caliph. With the ascendancy of Turkey in the North and Egypt’s new role as an emerging player, could we see two competing Caliphs in the region? And as politically significant as all these events are, might they have have deeper significance as they relate to the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy? There are two significant passages that may suggest as much.

The King of the North & The King of the South

The first passage is Daniel 11:21-45. In this prophecy, the Bible addresses the historical conflict between Antiochus IV Epiphanes, king of the Seleucid Kingdom, referred to as “the King of the North”, and Ptolemy VI, king of the Ptolemaic Kingdom, referred to as “the King of the South”. Antiochus ruled the region of modern day Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Iran, while Ptolemy ruled the region of modern day Egypt.

In Daniel 11:40-43, the Bible says the various conflicts which took place historically between these two kings would be repeated in the last days, shortly before the coming of the Messiah:

“At the end time the king of the South will collide with him, and the king of the North will storm against him with chariots, with horsemen and with many ships; and he will enter countries, overflow them and pass through. “He will also enter the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall… Then he will stretch out his hand against other countries, and the land of Egypt will not escape. But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Cushites will follow at his heels.” —Daniel 11:40-43

The result of this last days conflict between the northern “king” and his counterpart in the south will include massive regional wars, the defeat of Egypt, Libya, North Sudan, and ultimately, the invasion and occupation of the nation of Israel.

While numerous scholars and expositors throughout history have wrestled over the precise meaning of this passage, some students of the Bible are asking if it is possible that we are now witnessing the emergence of the last days kingdoms of the North and South. Could Erdogan and Morsi be the last days kings of the North and South, or are they merely precursors? Of course, we should be extremely cautious in considering these questions, but students of the Scriptures would certainly do well to remain watchful and in a sober spirit of prayer concerning the momentous evens now unfolding throughout the Middle East.

Isaiah 19?

The next significant passage that many are also now looking to is Isaiah 19, a profound prophecy concerning the state of Egypt in the days and years immediately preceding the return of Jesus.

As the protests continue to rock Egypt, it is clear that Egypt is a deeply divided nation. How far will it all go? Could Isaiah’s prophecy of an Egyptian civil war be fulfilled in our day?

“So I will incite Egyptians against Egyptians; and they will each fight against his brother and each against his neighbor, city against city and kingdom against kingdom.” —Isaiah 19:2

And if Isaiah’s prophecy is beginning to unfold before us in Egypt, what would this mean with regard to the return of Jesus? Certainly, there are some “signs of the Messiah” the Bible indicates the we would be able to discern and identify prior to his coming. Some of the more prominent of these signs include the following:

    —The return of the Jewish people to their homeland.
    —The emergence of the Kings of the North and the South.
    —A regional security alliance between Israel and her surrounding neighbors.
    —The re-establishment of the biblical sacrificial system on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem.

Over the past 65 years, the World has already witnessed the return of the Jewish people to their homeland in Israel. What might we witness next? One thing is clear, the world is changing rapidly before us and watchful students of the Bible today must remain sober, alert and in a constant state of prayer as we all together eagerly await the return of Jesus.

“Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.” —Matthew 24:33

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50 Responses

  1. “Democracy is a streetcar. You ride it until you arrive at your destination and then you step off.”
    – P.M. Erdogan

  2. If Erdogan is the king of the North he will have to change his hostile attitude toward Israel in order to convince them to enter in a peace treaty, correct? I am curious as to what kind of a deal Israel is going to enter into that would turn them into a land of “unwalled villages”. I also think you are likely correct that Gog must come from Turkey given their military hegemony and political clout in the whole area. I watch in anticipation and thank you for you scholarship in “mideast beast”.

  3. Israel just agreed to a cease fire with Hamas. I do not think she will need a genuinely trustworthy leader to enter into an agreement with. There are several factors that will lend toward Israel entering into an agreement. If her back is against the wall due to growing regional threats, coupled with a growing global push to agree to such, if she finds herself under more left-wing leadership, and if they are offered things such as shared Temple Mount, promises of peace, security, etc.

    I agree with Arnold Fruchtenbaum and many others who believe that Israel today is a land of unwalled villages.

    Blessings

  4. This is the comment I received, via disqus.com

    Why should Canada, Australia and the UK contribute millions to save Jews who have political leaders who don’t have or show the courage to save themselves, which is evidenced by their agreeing to a cease-fire that allows HAMAS to keep accumulating missiles in Gaza like Hizbullah has done in Lebanon? Israel has only postponed a greater war here. It was a fool’s bargain.

  5. Ezekiel 29 here…http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel+29&version=NIV
    mentions the unreliability as far as Israel is concerned of egypt, the humble state of its future… It will be the lowliest of kingdoms and will never again exalt itself above the other nations. Therby playing second fiddle to the antichrist who will be used by the Lord to humble her and other things such as egypts own diaspora and eventual knowing the lord! the wisdom of the Lord is unsearchable!

  6. Why did it assume that Israel will sign peace with some enemy power, Turkey in this case, when the pact/covenant with “many” could easily refer to the “many”, ten perhaps, non-Jewish states?

    Could the “many” refer to ten horns joining into a mutual agreement, pact, covenant of self-protection, like NATO, and this leader then breaking such pact after some time, 3.5 years for example?

    Could a nuclear Iran break a pact of his Muslim allies no-nuclear-attack/join-protection from Westerners?

  7. Giles,

    I have to disagree with that approach. I am convinced that if we view Bible prophecy in the same way we view a Football game or movie, we err greatly in terms of how the LORD would have us use this info. We must respond with fervent prayer, more active evangelism and prepare our hearts for what lies ahead in a spirit of deep sobriety.

    Blessings!

  8. Jose,

    The covenant is made between the leaders of Israel and the Antichrist. Others could certainly be involved. But Israel is certainly a party. Isaiah 28:15-18 is key.

    Blessings

  9. Joel,
    My name is C. I am from Egypt and live in Egypt. I am follower of Jesus Christ my savior,the Son of God, and the King of King.I read the preface and the first few pages of your book “The Midbeast.” Unfortunately I cannot order the book as your understand why. I also tried to get it from Kindle, but it doesn’t work for the Middle East.I wonder if there any opportunity to help me getting the book if possible. My email address is mentioned above…Thank you for the brave contribution. God is with us…Blessings

  10. Joel, I agree with your analysis about Egypt, maybe it is the opportune time to write an extended analysis how the tensions within the Islamic world will play out !?

    Another question, I did read ‘God’s war on terror’ (twice) and ‘Mideast Beast’ and considering reading ‘The Islamic AntiChrist’, would that add considerable essential new revelation !?

    Thanks, for your great insights,

    Peter.

  11. Peter,

    If you have read these other two, then I would say no need. However the formatting of IA is much more like MB – more systematic. Some like this, others find it boring. IA is like a nice piece of chocolate cake. God’s War is more like “death by chocolate volcano” covered in chocolate sauce. Entirely up to your tastes and level of hunger.

    Bless you!

  12. Hi Joel , I appreciate your comment concerning that Israel’ s treaty does not necessarily have to be made with someone that they totally trust or admire. I have been considering lately what does the Bible say and what have we just assumed from years of hearing just teachings on the end times. We should expect that according to scripture there will be more revelation of the Word and it’s prophecies the closer we get to the end of this age. I think we are wise to lay our assumptions down and eat the scroll as we love the Lord and eagerly long for His appearing. Thanks for encouraging believers to follow Jesus’ command to watch and wait. These are truly exciting days!! May we have ears to hear what the Spirit is saying as we long for His appearing.

  13. It appears that the only time Islamic nations even remotely consider a ceasefire, treaty or hudna is when they are the underdog so that they will have the time to regroup and reload. Might we then expect that the coming caliph will be responding to a 1967 type of setback that he would offer something as significant as a seven year treaty? The Islamic world could be setting itself up for such an event with the threats coming from Iran and those she is arming and empowering and might need the likes of Erdogan (as opposed to Morsi) to orchestrate such an agreement.

    Thanks for the chocolate humor. It made my day!

  14. Joel,
    When Morsi became president I wondered if he would try to take power but I thought, of course he can’t do that, I thought that there would be checks and balances in place that would prevent that but now that I see that he is indeed grabbing the reigns so to speak, I wonder if he is going to start killing off the opposition or imprison them. Is his call to protest a way to create agitation and cause bloodshed so that he can have a reason to shut down the opposition especially knowing that they will protest? It’s so surreal to see these things, I agree with you that prayer is most important especially for the Christians and those called to Christ that haven’t come yet who are living there. What I want to know is why is Obama so cozy with Morsi? Why does he speak to Morsi but not PM Netanyahu, instead he sends Mrs. Clinton. I know that it is her job so that’s not the issue, it’s just that the US is supposed to be a friend of Israel yet the president during a time of conflict does not speak to the PM of Israel not once, I would have expected him to speak to both Morsi and Netanyahu even after sending Mrs. Clinton, to me he is showing disdain for the PM, what do you think about that?

    I’m glad you posted that scripture in Isaiah, I was looking for that because I was wondering about that prophecy, one thing is for sure, we will definitely see what it will be as it plays out.

    Blessings! –Tina

  15. Yes, I agree with that (sorry for the popcorn joke) everytime I discuss with people endtime events, the response is actually just that – no one is really bothered. Some have the fatalistic approach, others hold the view that there have been so many past theories, that this is just another and we cant actually know what Ezekiel and daniel et all were actually on about. But yes, prayer for individuals is the only thing normal ppl like me can do. My dad’s Jewish, living in the Middle East, so i’m all ears to whats going on.

    With Obama being cozy with the Islamic side and not Natanyahu….I might be behind the times here (im not American), but is Obama a Muslim? I mean, Barak Hussein Obama? It sounds Islamic. If so, it might explain some foreign policy.

  16. No worries Giles. Fully understood. I do not personally believe Obama is a practicing Muslim, but he is certainly far more sympathetic to the Islamic world than any culturally aware and confident American President should be. In my view, he is more Marxist and anti-Colonialist in his political orientation than anything else. Though I’m sure a host of others will disagree. Regardless, he is a serious detriment to freedom.

  17. Joel, I want to encourage you with a brief testimony,I passed on my copy of Islamic Antichrist to my son in law as well as a set of teaching dvds and he has just come alive in the faith. He had become very disillusioned but now is devouring the word and witnessing. I haven’t been able to get my stuff back as it is still doing the rounds but hey it is so effective. Love your work and am watching even more closely.
    Love to see you back in Western Australia soon.
    God bless you and your family. Gary

  18. When you say, “A regional security alliance between Israel and her surrounding neighbors.” is a sign. What biblical support do you use for this assertion? I am genuinely curious.

  19. Contrary to the above, there is a growing movement within the church believing that Christ is returning to a church without spot or blemish to the point that people and/or governments will be coming to the church for wisdom. Essentially the church will be in an era of respect and influence because of the blessing of the Lord….before he returns. Are you familiar with this thinking? I’m having difficulty with this as to how it fits with your understanding of world events.

  20. I’ve done some checking, and Meshech & Tubal don’t have the best of reputations in the Bible.

    Being involved in the slave trade is a habit they have yet to break, for Ezekiel 27:13 points that out (incidentally, in the Septuagint, Greece and all the extended regions are referred to. In the KJV, it is Meshech & Tubal).

  21. Rob,

    Long story short, there is a spectrum of belief with regard to a pessimistic versus an optimistic view of the last days. The Biblical account unarguably primarily portrays a negative outlook just before the return of Christ. This includes the state of the Church at large. However, there are also some Scriptural indicators that some portions of the Church will at the same time, shine more brightly, as it were. The view however that the Church as a whole will altogether become so powerful, successful, anointed and pure that they will in essence conquer the World, as some suggest, is entirely and utterly unBiblical. This view largely comes from some unnamed sectors and movements within the Charismatic movement that adhere to a Kingdom Now or some variety of Post-Millennial eschatology. As I said, it is thoroughly unBiblical. A good article on this can be found here:

    http://www.mikebickle.org.edgesuite.net/MikeBickleVOD/2011/20110604_Historic_Premillennialism_and_the_Victorious_Church.pdf

    Blessings

  22. Aegis,

    I intended to say “peace and security agreement”. Although very brief, and without much elaboration, here is some introductory Scriptural support:

    First, the initial proscription against such:

    Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land where you are going, or they will be a snare among you… Do not worship any other god, for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Be careful not to make a treaty with those who live in the land… Exodus 34:12-17

    Same theme is carried on in the NT:

    Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. 2 Corinthians 6:14

    We are told the AC will confirm a covenant with Israel, that when violated will entail the Jewish Temple being desolated:

    “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.” Dan 9:27

    Beyond this, understanding one of the primary themes of Isaiah is the command not to trust in security alliances, but to trust in God. Instead, Isaiah prophesies that Israel’s leaders would choose to make a security “covenant” that will provide false security from a looming “flood” or “scourge”:

    Therefore, hear the word of the LORD, O scoffers, Who rule this people who are in Jerusalem, Because you have said, “We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol we have made a pact. The overwhelming scourge will not reach us when it passes by, for we have made falsehood our refuge and we have concealed ourselves with deception. Therefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a tested stone, A costly cornerstone for the foundation, firmly placed. He who believes in it will not be disturbed. I will make justice the measuring line And righteousness the level; Then hail will sweep away the refuge of lies And the waters will overflow the secret place. Your covenant with death will be canceled, and your pact with Sheol will not stand; When the overwhelming scourge passes through, Then you become its trampling place. Isaiah 28:15-18

    Referring to the days of the AC, Paul hearkens back to these themes:

    While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. 1 Thess 5:3

    But in the age of Messiah, we are promised that Israel would no longer “rely on him who stuck them down”:

    Now in that day the remnant of Israel, and those of the house of Jacob who have escaped, will never again rely on the one who struck them, but will truly rely on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel. Isaiah 10:20

  23. I am reading diligently, almost daily. And am so amazed at how true and accurate your teachings from the bible re:end times have been Joel. Back in 2005, I re call when fasting and praying about some clarity from the Lord regarding the anti-Christ, He showed me Turkey. I didn’t understand it then, but now, its shocking. Continue to share and teach us Joel. We need this understanding now more than ever before. Blessings all!

  24. Joel, I’ve been going through “The Islamic Antichrist”, “The MidEast Beast” by you, and “A Second look at the Second Coming” by T.L. Frazier, as well as the Orthodox Study Bible.

    One thing I found interesting in Rev. 3: 15, 16 is this note: Six miles from Laodicea, hot springs at Hierapolis gave forth water that became lukewarm by the time it reached Laodicea. It was contaminated with many minerals, impossible to drink and nauseating.

    Given in your books, Joel, you pointed out that what the Syrians call Magog, others call Hierapolis. Plus, there is one other name for the same city.

    Moving onto 2 Thessalonians 2:4, I am thinking that one fulfillment of the verse, but by no means the ultimate fulfillment, was during the 2006 Israel/Lebanon War, prayers were being said for Nasrullah, the head of Hamas, in various churches. Interesting eh?

    Lastly, the two witnesses of Rev. 11: 3-12 seem to be whom gets killed, and in “the Islamic Antichrist”, they are referred to as the Dajjal.

    Given the not total amount of accuracy in Muslim prophecy, this is one example of they are partially correct. Plus, it is interesting that the two witnesses are around for the entire 3 and a half years, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them part of the resurrection from the dead that takes place with the return of the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

    One more thing, Colossians 4:13 mentions Hierapolis. Seeing that it is close to Laodicea, and Colossae isn’t that far away either from both cities, more proof of you being correct is present.

  25. Joel,

    I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for everything you write, for how you treat others with respect, for showing unflinching faith and optimism in the face of evil and fear, and hopelessness. Thank you for emphasizing prayer and concern for those who might enslave and kill us. Most of all thank you for continuing to inspire us and our continued faith in Christ in these dark times.

  26. i dont know where it is supposed to be now, if anywhere, but at the time Revelation was written, Satan had his throne in Turkey, in Pergamos (2:13). Dont know if its tied in with the AC coming out of turkey, but interesting.

  27. The Temple structure itself, actually a Temple dedicated to Zeus, is presently in the Berlin Museum, though Turkey has for years been trying to get it back.

  28. Hi Joel,

    Great stuff. I definitely feel that the seals of the book of Daniel have been opened. As I’m sure you know, UN voted (In suprisingly overwhelming favor) to give Palestine statehood status… I also noticed that the Vatican praised the move and called for an “internationally guaranteed special status for Jerusalem.”. Creating mindset and paving the way for things to come? Do you have thoughts on this? I will be buying a copy of Mideast Beast this evening. Do you discuss Mystery Babylon in the book? To me it looks like a picture of the US. As I understand it, if it is, as a born again Christians my family and I will be gone when this occurs. Thoughts? Thanks so much Joel. Your ministry has been a blessing!

  29. Hi John,

    I would tend to see Jerusalem as becoming some sort of international Capitol of Peace or some such humanist / religious pluralist contrivance.

    I do not discuss Mystery Babylon in this book. Perhaps in another book.

    I personally reject the doctrine of the pre-tribulational rapture of the Church as entirely unscriptural. But I do not believe this is an issue to divide or scrabble over. If you are inclined to believe in the pre-trib view, my only encouragement would be to prepare your life and heart to face tribulation and antichrists. If you then face the Great Tribulation and the Antichrist, then you will be prepared.

    Blessings!

  30. Thanks Joel. Also thought I would mention as an FYI. Your ministry spurred my interest in Daniel, Rev etc…opened my eyes. i always halfway fell asleep with an aching head while reading these previously. 🙂 Sorry but it true. My 12 Yr old saw my study and interest and became interested. Now she’s started a study group at school that consists of 1 girl from Turkey an 1 from another faith. She’s led another girl through the prayer of salvation. She also facetimes a friend in Pakistan every week. She presented Christianity to her. God is using your work. Things could happen almost overnight or, as long as it has taken some events, we could have quite a few years. One thing is for sure, understanding the signs and watching is a blessing and we anticipate our savior’s return. Halfway through Islamic Antichrist. Mideast Beast and DVDs are on the way. 🙂 God Bless You !

  31. hi Joel,

    I was wondering if you see any future likely conflict between Israel and Iran as alluded to in scripture (like emergence of egypt and turkey), or just another middle eastern war? It would be a good read if theres anything in it

  32. Joel,
    Has the speed at which Morsi took office and then demanded absolute power, surprised you? It seems to me that although we expect to see these things happen within the fulfillment of scripture (whether he is the King of the South or a predecessor) his rise in power has been very fast. I just wanted your thoughts on this.
    I have been a student of your work and sharing it for about a year now. Thanks for your diligence and faith!

  33. Is there any other time where Egyptians fought amongst themelves?? If not then that Isaiah prophecy fits what’s goin on in Egypt today. Yes Egypt seems to activate a leadership role just right after the revolution. I’m not sure though if Morsi is the ‘fierce looking king’ that egytptians will be held under. Must be somebody else. But there’s no denying that Turkey and Egypt are getting proactive roles in the Mideast unlike Iran and both aspire leadership in that region.

  34. Btw is there correlation between the 3 horns that is uprooted in the 10 horned beast of Daniel and the war between king of the north and king of the south where the king of the north invaded Egypt, ethopia and Libya? My guess is all Islamist mideat nations will form a 10 nation confederacy but will find themselves with internal conflict by the ambitious nature of the 3 nations. That’s why the Antichrist will come and take care of them. What do you think?

  35. Another big question comes to my mind. If the Magog war is Armageddon and the King of North will conquer Israel and desolate the temple then we are actually talking one event before Jesus returns and Magog is actually the King of the North? Otherwise Israel will be conquered twice in a major war before the 2nd coming if we believe the king of the north is not the same with Magog. So the war between King of the north and king of the south correspond with that huge Magog invasion spoken in Ezekiel 38?

  36. The current civil unrest in Egypt and Egyptians attacking each other is similar to the Midianites behavior when Gideon and his army of a hundred blew their trumpets (Judges 7:22). A similar panic occurred among the Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites (2 Ch 20:23).

    In the day of the Lord when Christ returns, men will be stricken with great panic causing them to kill each another (Zec. 14:3). Isa. 19:2 will also be fulfilled in the day of the Lord.

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