Gentile Nations During the Tribulation

Introduction

As we know, there is much more to our world than just Israel. The word is full of nations and tribes which we are often referred in God’s Word as Gentiles. We, as Americans who are not Jews, are listed among them. And, just like throughout history, God has a plan for all nations just as He has a plan for His people, Israel. It is no different when we come to end times. So, over the next few weeks, we are going to look at what Scripture has to say about Gentile Nations During the Tribulation.

Let me preface this new section of study by stating that there is an enormous amount of prophecy devoted to this very subject. All of which must be developed so that we might have a clear picture of Tribulation events.

Let’s begins with this.

The Tribulation AKA The “Times Of the Gentiles”

Scripture labels the Tribulation period with many labels. Each label is often given to prove a point or to establish relationship. For example, the label “the time of the Gentiles” is one Christ Himself used in Luke 21:24

Luke 21:24 KJV 1900

24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

We just finished a lengthy study of National Israel’s relation to the Tribulation. Now, we are turning our attention to the rest of the world as the time Christ as named as the “times of the Gentiles.”

Here is our fist consideration about this “time of the Gentiles.”

God Has a Plan for the Gentiles

His plan for all people has always been the same.

2 Peter 3:9 KJV 1900

9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

We see that plan before the Flood. God called Noah to build an ark and for one hundred years Noah preached repentance, impending judgment, and offered salvation through the Ark. Man rejected and God judged them. God again offered salvation to all men through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. All of the people who have lived and are living only a small minority of people have accepted His offer. Now, as we move towards to the Tribulation and the impending Millennial Kingdom, God will once again offer this last chance of repentance and salvation to the world. In fact, we can see this throughout Scripture. Note God’s plan as outlined.

God’s Plan Revealed During Noah’s Day

Look at Genesis 9:25-27

Genesis 9:25–27 KJV 1900

25 And he said, Cursed be Canaan; A servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren. 26 And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of Shem; And Canaan shall be his servant. 27 God shall enlarge Japheth, And he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; And Canaan shall be his servant.

Even here we see already Canaan is cursed. All three of Noah’s sons would become great nations. However, Canaan’s son would be a servant to all the other nations. God, however, blessed Shem and his lineage. Thus, we see from this pronouncement that God already had a plan.

God’s Plan Revealed Throughout the Prophetic Books

There are many predictions set forth in various portions of the New Testament.

There are predictions concerning Babylon [Iraq] and Chaldea [Syria] notes in Isaiah 13:1-22; 14:18-27; Jeremiah 50:1-51:64.

There are predictions concerning Moab [Jordan] recorded in Isaiah 15:1-9; 16:1-14; Jeremiah 48:1-47.

There are predictions concerning Damascus [Southwest Syria] in Isaiah 17:1-14; Jeremiah 49:23-27.

There are predictions concerning Egypt in Isaiah 19:1-25; Jeremiah 46:2-28.

There are predictions concerning Philistia [Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria] and Tyre [Lebanon] in Isaiah 23:1-18; Jeremiah 47:1-7.

There are predictions concerning Edom [Southwest Jordan] in Jeremiah 49:7-22.

There are predictions concerning Ammon [Jordan] in Jeremiah 49:1-6.

There are predictions concerning Elam [Iran] in Jeremiah 49:34-39.

God’s Plan Revealed by the Lord Jesus Christ

As we know, Christ Himself used the term “the times of the Gentiles.” He used it so that it would be clearly contrasted against such terms as “times” and “season” which we find in various passages such as Acts 1:7

Acts 1:7 KJV 1900

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

1 Thessalonians 5:1 KJV 1900

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

The difference being that the “time of the Gentiles” is totally related to Gentiles alone. It also indicates that period of time by which Jerusalem is controlled by Gentiles and not Jews. It is a period of time that is approximately 560 years. However, we must remember that that period of time is also interrupted by the present Age of Grace (Age of the Local Church) which is undefined period of time in respect to duration. Nevertheless, it is quite clear that we have seen and continue to see the Gentile times even now. The only thing lacking is the seven years which will be experienced immediately after the Rapture. Thus, the Tribulation will see the end of the Gentile times.

God’s Plan Revealed by World Powers

God revealed to Daniel four world powers - Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. Each represented a time when Gentiles would dominate the world. The termination of Gentile control will come when Christ returns and establishes His Messianic Kingdom. His kingdom will supersede all human rule and authority.

God’s Plan Revealed by Coming Judgment of All Nations

We see this anticipated in the Old Testament in passages such as Psalm 2:1-10, Isaiah 63:1-6; Joel 3:2-16; Zephaniah 3:8, and Zechariah 14:1-3.

God’s Plan Revealed by the Coming Lake of Fire

The destruction of opposing Gentile nations is also anticipated in the Old Testament; however, it was Christ himself who declared their actual destiny.

Matthew 25:41 KJV 1900

41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

God’s Plan Revealed in the Future Millennial Kingdom

It is must also be noted that Gentiles will have a share in the coming Messianic Kingdom. A fact noted in many Old Testament prophecies such as Isaiah 11:10; 42:1-6; 49:6; and Isaiah 49:22 as well was Isaiah 60, 62, and 63. Later revelation by Christ (Matthew 25:31-40) asserts the entrance of Gentiles into His kingdom by the authority of the King Himself and as predetermined by the Father from the foundation of the world.

The Duration of the “Times of the Gentiles.”

Christ Himself defined this period as the time in which Jerusalem would be under Gentile authority.

Luke 21:24 KJV 1900

24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

This period of time began with the Babylonian captivity as Jerusalem fell into the hands of the Gentiles. It continues unto this present time and will continue throughout the Tribulation ending with all Gentile nations being judged by Christ. Gentile dominion will end with Christ’s Second Coming to the earth.

The Course of the “Times of the Gentiles.”

For this point, it is essential that we return to Daniel’s prophecy.

The first prophetic outline of this period is noted in Daniel 2.

Here was find Daniel’s interpretation of the great image. Five world dominions are noted in succession. Four of them are represented by portions of the image and the fifth is that which will arise upon the wreckage of the four when the judgments of God fall. The fifth is distinctive as that which is to be set up by the God of heaven and is eternal in its duration.

The first, the head of gold, is Babylon which was already at the zenith of its power when the prophecy was given.

The second, the breast and armor of silver, is the Medo-Persian empire which came to dominance during Daniel’s day as well.

The third, the belly and thighs of brass, is Greece which rose to dominance under Alexander the Great.

The fourth, the legs of iron, is the Roman empire which reached its zenith point during the days of the Lord Jesus Christ.

From there, the image merges into its final form with feet mixed with iron and clay. It is then, in its final form, that the Smiting Stone will utterly destroy all these nations and be ruled by the God of Heaven.

The second prophetic outline of this period is given in Daniel 7.

Daniel 2 presents this period from man’s perspective. Please remember that it was a dream given to Nebuchadnezzar of which Daniel recieved the interpretation. In Daniel 7, God gives His Divine viewpoint of this period of time known as the “time of the Gentiles.” In God’s image to Daniel, the empires of the earth not are portrayed as a beautiful image, but, instead, they are portrayed as four wild voracious beasts who devour and destroy everything in their path and are worthy of God’s judgment.

First Beast - A Lion with Eagle’s Wings represented the Babylonian empire who begins like a lion with wings and is then plucked losing its strength. It was a beast with a man’s heart.

Second Beast - A Bear with Three Ribs in its mouth represented the Medo-Persian empire. It has one paw raised representing the fact the Persian side of the equation was stronger than the Medes. The three ribs represented the three regions (Susiana, Lydia, and Asia Minor) that it conquered and ruled.

Third Beast - A Leopard with Four Wings on its back represented the Grecian empire. It has four wings noting the swiftness by which it would conquer the kingdoms of Syria, Egypt, Macedonia, and Asia Minor.

Fourth Beast - A Terrible Beast with Iron Teeth and Ten Horns represented the Roman empire. Note that it is described as a dreadful, terrible, and exceedingly strong beast.

This timeline given to Daniel in both chapters reveals that from the time of Daniel until the Second Coming of Christ there would be four great empires which will rise and fall.

The last seven years of “the times and the seasons” appointed for Israel will also be the seven years of the “times of the Gentiles” and are identified as such according to the prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27

Daniel 9:24–27 KJV 1900

24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. 25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.

The tribulation period is the final epoch in the development of the program within the “times of the Gentiles.” This program outlined for the Gentiles has a major bearing on end times. In fact, as you study Daniel, several key events are noted which will transpire.

There must be a realignment of nations to constitute the final form of the fourth world empire, the empire smitten with the “stone” in Daniel 2:35 and will be comprised of ten different parts (Daniel 2:33; 7:7). It will have one head who has overthrown three of the existing heads of state in his ascendance according to Daniel 7:8.

The head of this final empire will be a blasphemer (Daniel 7:8, 25), a persecutor of the saints (Daniel 7:25), who will continue for three and half years (Daniel 7:25) as the special enemy of God and God’s program with Israel.

This head of the empire will make a covenant with Israel to restore their sovereignty (Daniel 9:27), which will be broken (Daniel 9:27).

This head of the empire will invade Palestine (Daniel 11:41) and set up headquarters there (Daniel 11:45).

This head of the empire will be judged at the Lord’s return (Daniel 7:11; 26).

The destruction of this leader and his hosts will redeem Jerusalem from Gentile dominion (Daniel 7:18, 22, 27).

This deliverance takes place at the second coming of Messiah (Daniel 7:13; 2:35).

The Final Form of the Gentile World Power

For us to gather this information we must consider several key passages of Scripture.

Daniel 2

We have already explored Daniel 2 somewhat. As we noted, this chapter deals in a general way with the four successive empires that hold dominion over Palestine. However, when dealing with the end of that Gentile world power we have some specifics.

Daniel 2:40–44 KJV 1900

40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. 41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. 44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

In these verses are several important features which describe the final form of Gentile power.

The final form of Gentile power is an outgrowth from and final development of the fourth great empire, the Roman empire. Note this final form is represented by the feet and the ten toes in verses 41-42.

The final form of this power is marked by division according to verse 41.

The final form of the Gentile power is marked by a federation of that which is weak and that which is strong, autocracy and democracy, the iron and clay of verse 42. This interesting mixture of iron and clay is not natural. Thus, it would seem to suggest that this federation is not brought about by force, but is created by mutual consent allowing each member of the alliance to retain its own identity. This seems to harmonize with Revelation 17:13

Revelation 17:13 KJV 1900

13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

The final form of Gentile power is not now historical but is yet prophetic. “These kings” of verse 44 do not come into existence until the times when the “stone…cut out of the mountain without hands” appears. Perhaps the best way to see this final form of power as one that continuous to develop out of the Roman empire at Christ’s first coming to its final form at Christ’s second coming. There is not so much a revival of the Roman empire as much as there is a recasting of it in the final ten-toed form.

Daniel 7

This second great passage reveals the course of power through the four veracious beasts. Again, we learn several things from this prophecy.

As in Daniel 2, we find that the final form of the Gentile power will exist in a union of ten kings and their kingdoms.

Daniel 7:7 KJV 1900

7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.

Note that the singular difference about this beast is its ten horns. These horns represent its final form. Now note Daniel 7:24

Daniel 7:24 KJV 1900

24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

Thus we understand that the final form of world power before the Lord’s return will consist of ten king and their kingdoms. From these ten kingdoms, an individual will arise who will have control over the whole dominion of the ten kings. Note these passages.

Daniel 7:8 KJV 1900

8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.

Daniel 7:24 KJV 1900

24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

Revelation 13:1–10 KJV 1900

1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? 5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man have an ear, let him hear. 10 He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.

Revelation 17:13 KJV 1900

13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

As this one individual rises to power, he will overthrow 3 of the ten kingdoms. His final authority over this vast empire will be marked by his blasphemy of God, his hatred for God’s people (Israel), and his total disregard for established law and order. He will reign for three and half years according to Daniel 7:25-26

Daniel 7:25–26 KJV 1900

25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. 26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.

One other thing to note from Daniel 7 is this. This final form of power will have world-wide influence.

Daniel 7:23 KJV 1900

23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

Revelation 13

Here we find the Holy Spirit gives us further information concerning the final form of Gentile power.

Again, as we have seen both passages in Daniel, this final form of power is symbolized as a beast that arises as a composite beast. By that, I mean that it has the features of a leopard, bear, and lion.

Revelation 13:2 KJV 1900

2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

Also, as in Daniel, the Holy Spirit once again notes that this final form of power is marked by ten horns.

Revelation 13:1 KJV 1900

1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.

Note also Revelation 17:12

Revelation 17:12 KJV 1900

12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

Remember that there are ten kingdoms represented who are ruled by the Beast which overthrew 3 of them cementing his authority over all. Verse 3 of this chapter reveals something interesting.

Revelation 13:3 KJV 1900

3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.

Here we find that the Beast actually is one of the kings of the ten kingdom coalition. His miraculous healing from a death blow helps solidify his rise to sole domination over this federation. We also learn from Revelation 13 that Satan is the mastermind behind all of this.

Revelation 13:4 KJV 1900

4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?

This final world empire will be the agency through which Satan works against Christ, the Messiah, at His Second Coming.

Revelation 17

This is another important passage dealing with the final form of Gentile power and also offers several more insights.

It would seem that Rome takes center-stage once gain according to Revelation 17:9

Revelation 17:9 KJV 1900

9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

Note the reference to “seven mountains.” Rome is famous for being the “seven-hill city.” Also, in this chapter, we learn that an individual called the “eighth” king comes into authority over the kingdom.

Revelation 17:10–11 KJV 1900

10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

There are few interpretations offered concerning this “eighth” king. However, in the end, it is suffice to say that there is a final ruler who will inherit all Gentile authority that previously existed.

Another thing we learn from Revelation 17 is the ten kingdom federation will bring their kingdoms under the authority of the this new emperor.

Revelation 17:13 KJV 1900

13 These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.

By the way, you must understand that Scripture reveals this empire is not built upon force or coercion, instead, it is built upon mutual consent.

Revelation 17:8 KJV 1900

8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

This verse depicts the course of this fourth world empire. The word “was” describes the empire in the period of its impotency. “Shall ascend out of the abyss” shows the coming form of the empire. “Goes into perdition” depicts its future destruction.

Now, note one last thing learned from Revelation 17. This last form of Gentile world power will directs its hatred at Jesus Christ.

Revelation 17:14 KJV 1900

14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

The godlessness of this world will come to a final culmination through this final world power. They will direct all their energy and animosity against the One to Whom all power is given.

Philippians 2:9–10 KJV 1900

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Revelation 19:16 KJV 1900

16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

The Boundaries of This Final World Empire

There are many who advocate that the boundaries of this final world empire will basically be the same boundaries as the once great Roman Empire. However, Scripture offers much evidence that this final world empire will far exceed that of the Roman empire.

First, we already have established the fact that there will be ten kingdom federation. This federation has not yet been established and it would be impossible to identify any future boundaries. Additionally, Scripture suggests that this final empire will be much greater in dimension that then the Roman empire. Note Revelation 13:7

Revelation 13:7 KJV 1900

7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

If you look back at verse 2, we find this beast is the successor of three preceding empires. Therefore, it would seem that this final form of Gentile power encompasses all the territory held by all the predecessors. Third, the relationship between the Beast and the Woman suggests the scope of this final empire which is worldwide.

The Powers Aligned Against the Final World Empire

You must understand that there are some who will oppose this growing world empire in the last days. Their are some smaller confederations that will challenge its authority.

The Northern Confederacy

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The Kings of the East

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The King of the South

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The Person and Ministry of the Beast, the Head of the Final Gentile Empire

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Will the Beast be a Resurrected Individual?

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The Beast’s Ultimate Doom!

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The Person and Ministry of the False Prophet, the Religious Leader of the Final Gentile Empire

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The Relation of Antichrist to the Two Beasts

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