Unleashing the Beast

I DENTIFYING THE B EAST / 53

area of Egypt. His greatness comes after he overthrows the northern horn of Africa. He will also be great toward the east. The east is Jordan, Iran, Iraq and the land toward Afghanistan, Pakistan and the predominantly Islamic states of the southern Soviet Union. He will be great "toward the pleasant land"—a Hebrew phrase for the land of Israel. And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up (Daniel 8:23. This is the Antichrist that Daniel said would "destroy the mighty and the holy people, cause craft to prosper and by peace shall destroy many. He will also come against the Prince of princes and be destroyed without hand" (vv. 24, 25). After much study, I believe the best and most Biblical area for the Antichrist to arise is the area of ancient Assyria. This encompasses Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, or the region of the old Babylonian Empire. For example, Egypt, Libya and Ethiopia will be uprooted by the Antichrist; therefore, he does not rule from that area in the beginning. The "king of the north" will "come against him" in a war and he will go forth to cause great wars (Daniel 11:40-41). Therefore, his kingdom is not centered in Turkey, since Turkey will become the king of the north during the tribulation. The only areas left are Greece and Assyria. Old Testament prophecies indicate trouble comes from Assyria: