[From “Germany in Prophecy”]

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In Daniel 8:23, God says, “And in the latter time of their kingdom”—an end-time Roman Empire—“when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of FIERCE COUNTENANCE, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.” This is the political beast which is about to rise up and astound the world!

For a while, Germany and the European Union are going to have a great burst of economic growth as a benefit of their political union. Then, this colossal superstate, with its great military power, will turn on Israel. God says it’s going to happen.

Continuing in Daniel 8:24: “And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power.” There are nine other nations in the beast alliance besides Germany, but the real power behind the beast is Satan (Revelation 13:4)—that’s what “not by his own power” means. There will be 10 nations or groups of nations, and this German leader, a “king of fierce countenance,” will control them all.

Verse 24 continues, “[A]nd he shall destroy wonderfully ….” That means NUCLEAR DESTRUCTION! Germany is going to obtain nuclear missiles and bombs and a mighty army. It will “destroy wonderfully” MANY MILLIONS OF PEOPLE!

Whole cities will be laid waste. Yet God promises protection to His faithful people. We are going to need protection. What will happen to those who scoff at God’s protection? Verse 24 shows their fate: “[H]e shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.”

In verse 25, we see the fate of mankind at the hands of this “king of fierce countenance.” “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 ….” Or, as the New English Bible translates that phrase, “he shall conjure up great plans and, when they least expect it, work havoc on many.” Through masterful, satanic deceit, this beast power will destroy and wreak havoc on MILLIONS!