How does a nation’s forgotten riches connect to a prophecy that spans centuries? In this insightful discussion, David Hawking challenges us to look beyond the present into a future foreseen by the scriptures. As we journey through Daniel 11, the narrative unfolds—a ruler defying heaven, commanding the world’s attention, yet blinded by ambition. With shocking parallels to current global power dynamics, this episode invites you to see the profound truths held within these ancient texts and what they mean for our world today.
He’s going to possess Egypt’s treasures. Verse 43. He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt. My, how many people have criticized the Bible over that one. They say, wait a minute, Egypt is one of the poorest countries in the face of the earth. True. But let me tell you something. Egypt has enormous wealth. I myself saw the wealth. Furniture overlaid with that gold. Seven sarcophagi filled with gold and precious jewels. And this man knows it’s there, and it says he has power over the treasures of gold and silver. The only thing I’m pointing out to you is that the truth of history, as we know it today, makes that verse come alive, whereas denying that Egypt has that treasure in gold makes you wonder why in the world would he care anything about the country? And the answer is because the whole world does know the real wealth of this world is currently residing in Egypt.
SPEAKER 03 :
This is Hope for Today with David Hawking. And on today’s program, well, we’ve got the willful king. He’s stepping fully into view. Daniel 11, 36 to 45, doesn’t just warn us about this ruthless ruler. It reveals the mind of a man who… defies heaven, craves worship, and wields military power like a weapon of praise. He’s not just a political leader, he’s a global obsession. And the world, well, the world is obsessed with his power, blinded to the truth, and eager to worship anything but God. Well, David takes us deeper into this sobering prophecy in Daniel 11, as we continue with day two of his message, The Willful King. Stay with us. And just before we kick off our study time, here’s David’s son, Matt, with a quick word.
SPEAKER 02 :
This is so important that I’m asking you to put a reminder on your phone or calendar to pray for hope for today as often as possible. And if you’re praying, send a note and let us know. Jim is going to share how to get in touch with us and become a part of hope for today’s ministry. Well, thanks, Matt.
SPEAKER 03 :
And friends, please do pray for us. And if you can also help this ministry to continue broadcasting on radio and online with a donation, call us at 1-800-75-BIBLE. That’s in the US or 888-75-BIBLE in Canada. You can also make a donation online at davidhawking.org. Just click on the donate button right there on the homepage. As promised, here’s David with today’s study.
SPEAKER 01 :
Daniel chapter 11, beginning at verse 36, down to verse 45, the subject is the willful king. “‘Then the king shall do according to his own will. He shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished, for what has been determined shall be done.'” He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god, for he shall magnify himself above them all. But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses, and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge and advance its glory.” and he shall cause them to rule over many and divide the land for gain. At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships, and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. He shall also enter the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown. But these shall escape from his hand, Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt. Also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels.” But news from the east and the north shall trouble him. Therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many. And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him. Outlining our message, I want you to see the character of this coming person we call the Antichrist, this willful king. And secondly, I want you to see the conquests of this king, what he actually does. And finally, the final consequence upon this coming king. The character of this coming king can be cataloged into six areas, I think, to help us in understanding. Let’s start first with his purpose. Verse 36 says he will do according to his own will. Self-deification. That is certainly the religion of our culture. The second thing is his pride. Daniel 11.36 says he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and speak blasphemies against the god of gods. His purpose, His pride, also His prosperity. Interestingly, it says He shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished, referring to God’s judgment on Him. And what has been determined, God is in sovereign direction, it’s all been settled already, shall be done. He is going to really prosper. He’s going to become the number one person in the world. He’s going to dominate the entire world scene. And he will continue until God’s wrath finishes him off. And according to the Bible, that will be settled at the end of the tribulation period. For at least that period of time of seven years, he’s going to go unchecked. And he is going to continue to prosper in every single way imaginable. Number four, his position. Verse 37… It says he shall regard neither the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any God, for he shall magnify himself above them all. His position that is rooted in his pride is he will literally place himself above everyone and everything else. He will show no regard for any other authority except himself. The fifth thing we notice about his character is his power. And here we see something that’s very contemporary. It bothers me when I heard even our fine generals who were involved in the Persian Gulf War speak about the military might of our country. It bothered me. When our confidence is in military power, that’s when we’re headed down. That’s the seat of decay. And it bothered me the way we were talking about our military weaponry and our sophistication. We need to be careful because we read in verse 38, “…in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses or military weapons.” And a God which his fathers did not know, he shall honor with gold and silver and precious stones and pleasant things. The point is that war and military power and prowess will be his God. And it indicates there’ll be a huge military budget. Our military budgets around the world have grown out of control. And this man will not diminish that or cut it back. He will in fact justify it by the need of world domination and control. Don’t you see how our whole world is being set up for this final day? The whole world is now talking like it would be wonderful to have some sort of overall world order which would control by sophisticated weapons the entire world. That is being talked about now. And we’re told that He honors a God of weaponry, of war, of military fortresses. That’s His God. And He will spend enormous amounts of money, gold and silver, precious stones, all kinds of pleasant things, in order to acquire this military power. Which brings us to the sixth thing about His character, His plans, in verse 39. His plans include two things. One, military conquest. He shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, namely the military power that he worships. And it doesn’t matter the strength of what nation, he will come against them all and let them all know that he is in control. Not only military conquest, which he’ll acknowledge and advance, the Bible says, through military power, but he also in his plans will give political rewards. And it says he’ll do it in two ways. One, he’ll cause them to rule over many. So he’ll give people positions of power to rule over other nations. And secondly, he’ll give them land for their efforts to support him. He’ll divide the land up for gain or for profit. Is everybody following me? If I sound a little critical of our government, I’m just warming up. I’m really much more critical than I’m talking tonight. Not because I don’t believe in America and believe we ought to support our government. I do. But sometimes our government is playing the role and falling into the path of what the Bible predicts will be the end time domination of the Antichrist. And it bothers me. Talk of new world order, talk of our role in dominating the world and all this stuff. This is stuff of Antichrist. This is not the nation that we have known through our years. No, something’s different now. We’re talking global terms now, as though somehow we can have an influence in controlling the entire world. Yes, he has a lot of plans. But let’s take a look at his conquest. You want to know what’s going to happen? I’ll tell you what’s going to happen. Verse 40, at the time of the end, the king of the south, which is Egypt, will attack him. And the king of the north, which is Syria, in all the discussion of chapter 11, will come against him like a whirlwind with chariots, horsemen, and many ships. Described today would be entirely different perhaps with military equipment. He’ll enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. Now what’s this talking about? If he’s so powerful, how could Syria and Egypt attack him? And the answer is, if you read back to chapter 9 of Daniel, the last few verses, remember he makes a covenant and agreement with Israel to guarantee their peace and security in the Middle East. So if you attack Israel, you’re going to attack him. Syria and Egypt, who are involved in the peace process, are going to turn against Israel. Why, they’re waiting for the chance now. You certainly know that, don’t you? The prophets of old says when they say peace, there is no peace. When they say peace and safety, said Paul in 1 Thessalonians 5, then sudden destruction comes upon them, like travail upon a woman with child. Every time Israel goes to the peace table to negotiate land and security, it immediately backfires and they have to go to war. By the way, in my thinking, if this is the time of the end and we don’t know, I believe the rapture of the church could happen any time, like tonight would be good. So we’d be out of here, and then all these events are going to happen rather quickly. The peace, the guarantee of Israel’s security, that was predicted by Daniel chapter 9, the beginning of the tribulation period. It’s all a deceptive time because it’s so peaceful. And the one who made the covenant will, of course, be honored all over the world. Sound interesting? And Syria and Egypt are the two main players. You know that, and I know that. My friends, we are living on the verge of the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. And I think we’re going to see it happen. The problem is with the south and the north, and they attack against Israel. You attack Israel, the Antichrist has made a covenant with them, he’s going to immediately react. That’s what the Bible says. And he’s going to enter those countries, overwhelm them, and he’ll pass through, and he’ll also enter the glorious land, which is Israel. First thing I wanted you to know is the problem with the north and the south. Syria and Egypt are going to go back on their agreement, and they’re going to attack. Secondly, notice his presence in Israel, because the attack… Upon Israel is attack upon him. That’s how he comes and gets involved. And so he will come to take care of the Syria-Egypt problem and to settle things down, and he will remain there. Notice also that he’s going to ignore some countries. And it’s interesting in the Bible that with details that are amazingly accurate, he just bypasses and they escape out of his hand. Why even bother with them? I believe that King Hussein, if he’s still in power, it seems like he’s been there forever, but if he’s still in power, I believe King Hussein will jump on whichever side looks like will win. Amen? Everybody understand that? Just like he did in the Persian Gulf. He’s going to do it again. Now in verse 42, we have the fourth thing mentioned here, and that’s the punishment of Egypt. It says, “…he shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape.” As a matter of fact, he’s going to possess Egypt’s treasures. Verse 43, “…he shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt.” My, how many people have criticized the Bible over that one. They say, wait a minute, Egypt is one of the poorest countries on the face of the earth. Well, friends, it’s a difference between haves and have-nots. It’s true that all the people of Egypt practically live in either Cairo or down in Luxor. It’s true that they all live around the Nile River and that most of it is desert and that some of the poorest people in the world are in Egypt. That is all true. But let me tell you something. Egypt has enormous wealth. And before the war, I myself saw the wealth. When Egypt sent over some of the treasures of Tutankhamen’s tomb to the United States and charged all of us $25 to go in and see them, I about died. I paid mine and went to the L.A. Museum and saw it. And what they were were little replicas and so forth sitting in glass cases, and they were indeed marvelous, 24-karat gold that you can put between your hand, push it, and bend it. Amazing. They told us about the wealth of that display and how they needed so much security. I about laughed. What they sent over here, folks, were trinkets. If you ever saw the original wealth, you would not believe it. Furniture overlaid with that gold. Thrones over that gold. Seven sarcophagi filled with gold and precious jewels. Some people have made the statement who saw the gold that the gold in value is equal to anything that’s ever come out of Fort Knox or ever will. There is so much wealth in the treasures of Egypt. You say, where is it? Well, because of the war and because Israel almost took over Cairo, you remember, they buried it in the tombs of the bulls. And that’s a well-known fact. They have buried it there, and they intend to protect it at all costs. Well, don’t think the world doesn’t know it’s there. And this man knows it’s there, and it says he has power over the treasures of gold and silver. The only thing I’m pointing out to you is that the truth of history, as we know it today, makes that verse come alive, whereas denying that Egypt has that treasure in gold makes you wonder, why in the world would he care anything about the country? Why would he even want to invade the country? Why would he even want anything out of that country? And the answer is because the whole world does know that the wealth on our gold and silver standards, precious stone standards, the real wealth of this world is currently residing in Egypt. And I know that may sound incredible to you, but you check it out and the veracity of it. And the Bible says he’s going to go after it. The other interesting thing in verse 43, it says the Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels. Now, there are a couple of possibilities here. His pursuit could be by Libya and Ethiopia, or be of Libya and Ethiopia. Does it mean that he starts to conquer them also, but decides to go back because of the news that hits him in verse 44? Or does it mean that Libya and Ethiopia start to attack him? And I believe the last is true, and I’ll tell you why. The news that troubles him, that causes him to hustle back to Israel, is news that comes out of the east, verse 44, and the north. I believe what happens here is going to happen approximately around the middle of the tribulation period as Russia will invade the Middle East. When they see the Western leader moving into the Middle East to try to settle things, the Soviet Union will say, that’s it, we’ve tried to go along with this too long now, and they will invade. And that invasion is in Ezekiel 38 and 39. Listen carefully. There are three major nations that support when they invade. One is Iran. News out of the east will trouble him. And one is Ethiopia, which includes far more than the present country, but ancient Sudan as well. And number three is Libya. Libya and Ethiopia, being Marxists, are going to follow the lead of the Soviet Union and will actually try some guerrilla things and tactics against the Western coalition that will move in to try to establish order. will say, wait a minute, you guys are not taking everything, and they will come in, Iran, who’s been waiting for its opportunity, and because of Iraq’s defeat and knockdown, so to speak, from what they once had, the door is wide open with Iran, its closest ally, and Ethiopia and Libya to all attack the Western coalition that has moved into the Middle East. Friends, 20 years ago, if I told you, you wouldn’t have paid as much attention. But today, you and I both know that could very well be the scenario as early as next year. It could happen that fast.
SPEAKER 03 :
That’s Bible teacher David Hawking, and this is Hope for Today. David will be back in a bit to close out our time with some additional teaching, so do stay tuned. Just before that, I want to let you know about something very special that Matt and I have, a resource we think you’re really going to value. This is a set of comprehensive revelation notes for our upcoming series in the book, and it’s packed with insight and clarity. We’re going to talk about it.
SPEAKER 02 :
The book of Revelation is prophecy, and the majority of its teachings remain unfulfilled. It has a long history of different interpretations. And while intriguing to read, the book remains a mystery to most believers. Well, David’s book, Revelation, Understanding the Future, addresses each of those issues in a way that’s easy to read and navigate. Yeah, he leads the readers through an outstanding study of each passage, providing the text, key cross-references, definitions of terms, explanations, historical context, bringing this marvelous book to life. Folks, readers tell us that Revelation, understanding the future, brings clarity and application from Revelation that they’ve never seen before. And it helps them realize the blessing that God promises us when we study this crucial wrap-up to the New Testament. And prophecies that wrap up the end time. Amen? Amen. Well, get this Revelation study tool, Revelation Understanding the Future, for just $20 this month. That’s a 20% discount. This is going to be an excellent companion to our upcoming Revelation radio series as well. Order at davidhawking.org. That’s davidhawking.org. Or call us in Canada at 1-888-75BIBLE. In the U.S., call us at 1-800-75BIBLE. And Bible by the Numbers is 24253. And your resource purchase or your donation will help Hope for Today.
SPEAKER 03 :
And make you a co-laborer in the ministry with us. Amen. Well, Matt, while it’s on my mind, folks, right now you can also get David’s complete audio series through the entire book of Daniel. This is our current radio series, and we’re wrapping it up in the next few days. The entire series, all 17 messages, just $30. To order the Daniel series on MP3, call us at 800-75-BIBLE in the U.S. or 888-75-BIBLE in Canada. Bible, by the numbers, 24253. Or if you’d rather order online, just visit davidhawking.org. Now earlier in today’s broadcast, David mentioned the financial need that Hope for Today is facing. If you’ve been listening and growing through this teaching, but haven’t taken that step to give, to participate in the ministry, can I ask you something? What happens if nothing changes? How many people miss out on the truth because those who’ve been fed by it choose not to respond? Now, hear me on this. This ministry, God willing, will keep going. The word will continue to go out. But why not get in on the blessing? Why not be a part of what God is using to reach hurting hearts and strengthen believers all around the world? Please do pray for us. Do that faithfully. And if God is stirring your heart even a little to respond financially, write to Hope for Today, Box 3927, Tustin, California, 92781. In Canada, write to Hope for Today, Box 15011, RPO, Seven Oaks, Abbotsford, B.C., V2S, 8P1. Or call us in the U.S., 875-BIBLE, and in Canada, 888-75-BIBLE. Or give anytime at davidhawking.org. Your gift matters because the Word of God matters. Amen. Let’s get back to our study.
SPEAKER 01 :
I think some of the more exciting things about Bible prophecy that we study, whether it’s in Daniel or Revelation, is, of course, about this coming man of sin, this willful king, this little horn who quickly takes up several others and becomes the leader of a confederation of nations in the end time, a new world order. It’s easy to be fascinated with him and wonder who he is. Many of you have read the fictional books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins that deal with a possible scenario regarding this. And you can start with the first book and go through all the ones that have already been done and really get an understanding of Even though it’s fictional, it uses the information in the Bible as a framework and a basis for creating a possible scenario. The simple fact is we don’t know who the Antichrist is, but reading all this gives us an idea of the kind of person he will be. And what the Bible tells us is very, very important information. Because even when he makes this agreement with Israel— we’re beginning to see in our own time how that can happen. And apparently Israel will go for it. And there’ll be many people saying, well, this isn’t what the Bible predicted. You know, you don’t need to worry about that. And then in the middle of that agreement, he breaks it and shows us true colors. You see, folks, the Bible says the devil deceives the whole world. He gets all the world to almost, well, really, unbelievers to worship this guy. They think he is the man of peace. He ought to be on the front cover of Time magazine. He’s the one that could really help us to establish a world order of peace and justice and et cetera. But my friends, he’s a deceiver all the way. And that’s why it’s so important to study Daniel carefully and what is going to happen. But make no mistake about it, Revelation teaches that his end is the lake of fire. Exactly where the devil himself and the false prophet, the religious leader, are going to be. That’s where they’re all headed. We don’t want you to go to hell. We want you to come to faith and trust in the Messiah of Israel who said, I am the way, the truth, and the life, and no one comes to the Father but by me.
SPEAKER 03 :
Friend, if you want to get real with the Lord, let us send you a booklet by David called What Is Christianity? and a Bible study by mail. Both are free if you don’t know Jesus as Savior or if you’re new to the Christian faith. And we’ll send you when you call 800-75-BIBLE in the U.S. or 888-75-BIBLE in Canada. Well, next time it’s day three of The Willful King, a message that will shake your view of power and strengthen your faith in God’s sovereign plan. That’s right here on Hope for Today.
How does a nation’s forgotten riches connect to a prophecy that spans centuries? In this insightful discussion, David Hawking challenges us to look beyond the present into a future foreseen by the scriptures. As we journey through Daniel 11, the narrative unfolds—a ruler defying heaven, commanding the world’s attention, yet blinded by ambition. With shocking parallels to current global power dynamics, this episode invites you to see the profound truths held within these ancient texts and what they mean for our world today.
