Peace Policy

Friday, September 6, 2019

“And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand” (Daniel 8:25 KJV).

Who is this “peaceful” man?

The “craft” he will cause to prosper in his hand is deceitfulness (think “crafty”). Read chapter 11 to see him arrive: “[21] And in his [predecessor’s] estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries…. [24] He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers’ fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time…. [32] And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”

Revelation 6:2 previews him as well: “And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow [but no arrows!]; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” Here, the Antichrist counterfeits Jesus Christ (cf. 19:11). He appears wholly innocent, as Psalm 55:21 predicts: “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.” The Antichrist utters such persuasive speech, telling apostate Jews exactly what they want to hear! Long ago, they had forbidden God’s prophets with, “Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits” (Isaiah 30:10). See also 2 Thessalonians 2:8-12.

He promises to protect and bless Israel, but the Antichrist is literally Hell-bent on exterminating them! First Thessalonians 5:3: “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” Rather than using physical warfare, he will overcome Israel nationally, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually!