Biblical Insight
Letter 5
December 1, 2009
Germany and the Beast
Is the Beast of Revelation a European
Union headed by Germany
This belief stems from a teaching that the Germanic peoples are the modern descendants of Assyria, and as such, they will become the biblical "king of the north" and will make up the end time beast system. But the "scholarship" in support of this belief has been short on facts, short on proof and long on assumption and presumption. This is not to say that Germany cannot be part of the future beast system spoken of in the book of Revelation. But if a person is going to believe as fact, something as important as a specific end-time prophetic interpretation, one ought to be sure their beliefs are clearly supported by scripture and provable facts. A belief that is not an iron-clad certainty ought to be left to the realm of possibilities to consider.
One of the main so called proofs of this asserted belief originates through an attempt to analyze and even manipulate certain ancient Assyrian words and names - and by seeking to trace the different migratory patterns and alternate forms of these names and words. The results of that analysis are then compared with certain of today's German words and names in search of similarities. Amazing science huh? By dropping, adding or changing certain letters of certain names, and by varying their pronunciations in this comparison, some have convinced themselves that they have found "proof" of Germany's "Assyrian roots." By exploring multiple variations in the spelling, use, pronunciation and roots of certain ancient Assyrian names, a few appear similar to certain German names today, but is that proof that Germany is Assyria? That sort of circumstantial trivia is not the true scholarship of documentable evidence. Because a few names of German provinces or people, when viewed from a certain standpoint, seem to have similarities to some ancient Assyrian names - or anything of the sort - is not proof that Germany is modern day Assyria, or that Germany is going to head the beast of Revelation. Many different languages and names from unrelated people bear similarities in their roots. This has been the case ever since God divided the languages at the tower of Babel.
Another so called proof has been the nature of ancient Assyrians as compared to that of the Germans of, say, World War II. To say that the German people are fierce and mean like the ancient Assyrians, is not evidence of the German people descending from the ancient Assyrians. One might refer to such people as being like the Assyrians metaphorically, but not in actuality. Otherwise we could use the same reasoning and claim that the Japanese of WWII were also Assyrians, or that the Russians under Stalin were Assyrians, etc.... I find such circumstantial evidence weak and unworthy as a basis of an opinion or belief. I am not saying that Germany, like many other nations, does not have in her population some people that may have descended from Assyrian stock. But to then say Germany IS modern day Assyria is a huge leap, and a belief that has not been proven or convincing to this author. Although I have read many books and articles that have purported to prove such a belief, they have all lacked the meat of evidence. While I've been waiting to see the proof, evidence to the contrary has been surfacing.
Some people are more easily convinced than others, and that's fine. Those in Thessalonica seem to have required less scriptural evidence for their beliefs than those of Berea (Acts 17:10-11). Those of Berea needed solid evidence to form their beliefs. Let's learn from them. If one looks, they can find traces of ancient peoples of nearly all races and backgrounds scattered into nearly all modern nations today. But a few pieces of straw do not a bale of hay make.
The danger in forming such an unproven belief is that if one believes the beast will be led by German or Austrian people, but that turns out not to be the case, then it will be exponentially more difficult for that person to recognize the arrival of the real beast system when it does arise. It may be more difficult for such a person to avoid the snares of the beast system before it's too late. It's important we each keep an open mind regarding prophecy until solid proof is provided.
Some prophecy is not intended to foretell but to forewarn. Foretelling is predictive. Forewarning focuses on leading one to repentance. Jonah learned this lesson. With only a few exceptions, Biblical prophecy has been more useful to recognize Biblical events when they come to pass, than it has been for predicting the timing and details of those events in advance! This is an important key to understanding prophecy! All prophecy is for confirmation of God's word and as a testimony to lead sinners to a fearful and humble repentance. Likewise, most end time prophecies can help keep us humble, repentant and focused on God. But they are usually more helpful in recognizing events as they unfold than they are as specific forecasters. Let's study prophecy so that when prophecy begins to take form, we'll recognize it, understand and be delivered. Failing to understand these points has led to the activities of countless false prophets and countless false predictions about the outcome of wars, economies and of the date of Messiah's return. Let's not fall into that snare.
Please consider these questions:
1. Since the beast has historically raised its head in both Eastern and Western Europe - must the beast raise its head next in the west, or, could its final push be more Eastern? (The beast has historically risen in Italy, France, Turkey, Persia and ancient Babylon - and it has not always been headed by the ancient Assyrians.)
2. Are the German peoples descended from the Assyrians?
3. Must the final beast be headed by Assyrians?
4. Can we accurately apply the prophecies about Assyria and the kings of the north to modern German that will rise up to lead or become the end-time beast?
God's prophets do give us information about the whereabouts of the Assyrian people in the latter days. The same can be said of the location of the Edomites, Amalekites, Jews and others. For example, if we were to read that our returning Messiah and King is going to bring judgment down upon the remnant of the Philistines, whom God refers to as still dwelling in and around Gaza in the latter days, then we could correctly conclude that many of those people continue to dwell in Gaza today.
Thus says the Lord : "For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, Because they took captive the whole captivity To deliver them up to Edom.
verse 7 But I will send a fire upon the wall of Gaza, Which shall devour its palaces.
verse 8 I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, And the one who holds the scepter from Ashkelon; I will turn My hand against Ekron, And the remnant of the Philistines shall perish," Says the Lord God (NKJV) [Amos 1:6-8].
Other geographic locations, such as the Euphrates River, when mentioned as where certain people dwell in the latter days, also give us clear information as to where those people will be found today.
Where does God's word say the Assyrian people
dwell in the latter days?
God's prophets have given us specific information about the whereabouts of Assyrian lands AND the Assyrian peoples in the end-times, and it isn't in Germany. In the Bible, even just prior to Messiah's return, the Assyrian's are described as still dwelling where they always have - in the ancient territory surrounding Nineveh (Assyria's ancient capital) and near the Euphrates River. I have highlighted certain sections of the following passages that detail the end-time Biblical location of the Assyrians. Notice also those sections that give us the timeframe reference as being in the latter days. Let's see:
Mic 5:5 ... When the Assyrian comes into our land, And when he treads in our palaces, Then we will raise against him Seven shepherds and eight princely men. 6 They shall waste with the sword the land of Assyria, And the land of Nimrod at its entrances; Thus He shall deliver us from the Assyrian, When he comes into our land And when he treads within our borders. 7 Then the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples, Like dew from the Lord, Like showers on the grass, That tarry for no man Nor wait for the sons of men. NKJV
Dear readers, I encourage you to read this passage in its full context, for then you will clearly see Micah account is an end-time prophecy for the end of this age. Notice the reference to Assyria being located in the "land of Nimrod." The ancient territory of Nimrod is located in present day Iraq and parts of Iran. This is the Biblical description of where the peoples of Assyria dwell in the end-time. Let's notice another passage:
Mic 7:12 In that day theyshall come to you From Assyria and the fortified cities, from the fortress to the River, from sea to sea, and mountain to mountain. NKJV
In this passage we again see reference to Assyria dwelling near the "River." Virtually all scholars and commentators agree that the "River" referred to is the Euphrates River which separates today's Iran from Iraq. Here's another Biblical reference to the location of the people of Assyria in the end-time:
Zech 10:11He shall pass through the sea with affliction, and strike the waves of the sea: All the depths of the (Euphrates) Rivershall dry up. Then the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart. NKJV (emphasis mine)
The prophets, Micah and Zechariah place Assyria near Egypt and the Euphrates in the latter days. Let's now examine one more prophet's poignant passage that details the events surrounding God's punishment of Ammon, Moab, Ethiopia and Assyria - the people of the north. Notice the references, "the remnant of My people shall possess them," and "He will reduce to nothing all the gods of the earth" as clearly depicting end-time events. Notice also where God Himself describes the people of Assyria dwelling at this time:
Zeph 2:8 "I have heard the reproach of Moab, And the insults of the people of Ammon, With which they have reproached My people, And made arrogant threats against their borders. 9Therefore, as I live," Says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, "Surely Moab shall be like Sodom, And the people of Ammon like Gomorrah - Overrun with weeds and saltpits, And a perpetual desolation. The residue of My people shall plunder them, And the remnant of My people shall possess them." 10This they shall have for their pride, Because they have reproached and made arrogant threats Against the people of the Lord of hosts. 11The Lord will be awesome to them, For He will reduce to nothing all the gods of the earth; People shall worship Him, Each one from his place, Indeed all the shores of the nations. 12 "You Ethiopians also, You shall be slain by My sword." 13And He will stretch out His hand against the north, Destroy Assyria, And make Nineveh a desolation, As dry as the wilderness. NKJV
Today, we still find most of the children of Lot (Ammon and Moab) dwelling in the Middle East where they have from Biblical times. And, of course, we still most Ethiopians still dwell in Ethiopia, right where God's word says they will be until Messiah's return. Likewise, God tells us He will punish the Assyrians who still dwell north of Ammon and Ethiopia, in the ancient land of Nineveh! What could be more clear?
If, during the time immediately preceding the return of Messiah, the people of Assyria are Biblically described as still dwelling in the geographical area of the Euphrates River, of ancient Nineveh and the land of Nimrod - why would anyone want to hold onto an unsubstantiated belief that the modern day Assyrians are today known as Germans living in Germany?
In the soon coming issue of Biblical Insight, we'll explore the relationship between Assyria - the kings of the north - and the beast power. Until then, let's keep our eyes and minds opened as we seek God and study His word for truth. God's words are like gold nuggets that must be diligently sought and dug up; then the gold ore must be smelted in the mind to remove the dross of man's influence and our preconceived ideas.
PS: Soon we expect to have our new book, PASSOVER: The Price, the Path, published. We think you'll want to get a copy. Watch for details. Check out the latest article with a unique perspective titled: LOVE ~ It's in the Details, at wwww.godslawislove.org
Blessings,
Don E. Haney
godslawislove.org
