Why We Should Know the Location of the Antichrist’s Empire
Why does it matter to know the location of the empire or enlarged nation of the Antichrist? Well, I’m not the best to answer the intent of the Biblical content. I just know there are an overwhelming number of passages that pinpoint this final empire of this age. The author must have thought it was important for his expected audience to know. I know for the generation of believers at that time—it will be essential to know. But for the preceding generation I see it as important to know so that we don’t chase after false predictions and end up disillusioned. It’s also helpful to know the trajectory path that we’re on. It’s amazing that Jesus told his followers 2,000 years ago to be watchful and ready. How much more should we be 2,000 years from that first admonishment! Therefore, we need to know the biblical narrative of the end of the age so we can accurately be watchful and ready.
The Location of the Antichrist’s Empire – Part 1 Review
In part 1, I began by touching on a piece of indirect evidence of the identity of the Antichrists empire—the fact that all the Biblical prophets called for judgment on the neighbors of Israel. It wasn’t due to their inept geographical knowledge, but it might very well be because these are the nations that make up the Antichrist’s empire.
I spent the bulk of the article sharing that Daniel 2 and Revelation 17 reveal the final empire would be a revival of the fourth unique empire to possess the land of Babylon. I began the court-like display of Biblical evidence with the smoking gun of Revelation 17, that clearly states the final empire would be the one to follow the Roman Empire. History tells us this to be the Islamic Caliphate/Ottoman Empire eventually ruled from Modern Day Turkey. That passage in The Book of Revelation identifies a Middle Eastern Antichrist—Joel Richardson deems it a Mideast Beast.
The Mosaic of the Prophets
Scripture itself calls for there to be two to three witnesses not just the one I shared. That’s no problem for nearly all the Biblical prophets could be called to the witness stand. They all paint the picture of a Mideast Beast. Few of the prophets identify the location of this beast empire alone. However, as the pieces they give are configured together, they resoundingly resonate with a parallel to Revelation 19. Like the Messianic prophecies throughout the prophet of which Dr. Michael Heiser in his book Unseen Realm describe them serving as a Mosaic picture, “The pattern in a mosaic often isn’t clear up close. It may appear to be just a random assemblage of pieces. Only when you step back can you see the wondrous whole.”
Today we have the completed end of the age Mosaic, but God’s people haven’t always had all the pieces we do on this side of the completion of the Biblical canon. I believe it’s helpful to look at the prophetic evidence in the order to which it was revealed.
The Prophet Joel on the Location of the Antichrist’s Empire
Joel is one of the oldest prophetic books, he was warning the people in Judah of the coming invasion of the Assyrians, but as with all the prophets, he warned of an immediate doom, but also an ultimate showdown. We can tell they’re pointing to the ultimate end of the age showdown by the context. Often the prophecies of the later days are coupled with mention of the Day of the Lord or the Messiah. Most refer to this as a “already” but “not yet” prophecy. My Aussie colleague Daniel Secomb calls it pattern prophecy.
In the Book of Joel, the focus is on an invasion that will ultimately befall the people of Israel. Immediately, this would be the Assyrians, soon after the Babylonians, but the context is clearly concerning the end of the age. As the Day of the Lord and Messianic language is in the context. Interestingly, in Joel 2:20 an origin of the invading army is given. The invaders are said to be from the north.
The New King James renders the term “northern army” as does most English translations:
“But I will remove far from you the northern army and will drive him away into a barren and desolate land, with his face toward the eastern sea And his back toward the western sea; His stench will come up, And his foul odor will rise, Because he has done monstrous things.” – Joel 2:20 (NKJV)
The word army is assumed and rightly so. But the English Standard Version follows the original language more directly as well as the singular attributive pronouns that follow.
“I will remove the northerner far from you, and drive him into a parched and desolate land, his vanguard into the eastern sea, and his rear guard into the western sea; the stench and foul smell of him will rise, for he has done great things. – Joel 2:20 (ESV)
The ESV’s rendering points to the reality is intended—the one we know as the Antichrist.
Joel says the Antichrist and his army will come from the north. Share on XThe Antichrist Comes from the North
So, Joel says the Antichrist and his army will come from the north. Now this isn’t concluding evidence, but helpful in building the Mosaic. It’s not helpful in the sense that this is also pattern prophecy—Assyria and Babylon were considered invaders from the north. But it does help pinpoint the location. Especially when we find Daniel referring to the Antichrist as the King of the North and Ezekiel says he will come from the “far north.” Again, these three witnesses to the northern location aren’t helpful alone, but when graphed with insight from Micah and Isaiah they complete the picture. We’ll do that in part three.
For now, Joel, Daniel, and Ezekiel tell us the Antichrist will rule north of Israel. Present day options would be Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, and eventually Russia, all of which are directly above Jerusalem. One of these nations came up in part 1 from Revelation 17—modern day Turkey.
This article first appeared in Jake’s syndicated column Stand Firm & Live Epic as published in The Baptist Trumpet and other publications. After three months the articles are adapted and published here. To read the articles at release subscribe here.
Executive Director of Stand Firm and lead pastor of Epic Church NWA in Springdale, AR and multiple award-winning author, Jake has a B.A. in Bible and Pastoral Studies from Central Baptist College, and an Advanced Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Former regular contributor to the Baptist Press and WND News with popular conservative voices such as Pat Buchanan, Ann Coulter, Ben Carson, Chuck Norris, Greg Laurie, Ben Schapiro, Joel Richardson, and others. He now is a weekly contributor for Israel, Islam, and the End Times and Armageddon News. He has authored books such as the, award-winning Spiritual Prepper from WND Books. Award-winning devotional books, Invincibleand For Uncertain Times, he authored the ground-breaking children’s book, Jesus and His White Horse from CrossLink Publishing. He is also a regular guest on national and international radio and streaming web shows, along with hosting his weekly live streaming program Talking Stand Firm and weekly podcast Stand Firm Parents.
