"By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall become great. Without warning he shall destroy many. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken—but by no human hand." -- Daniel 8:25

This vision unfolded in history through the invasion and desecration of the Seleucus ruler, Antiochus IV Epiphanes. The times and details were literally fulfilled and it is believed by many scholars that he died of some disease in Persia. Yet, as with many Biblical Prophecies, this arrogant ruler who brought about the "abomination of desolation" in Jerusalem was a picture of the coming anti-Christ.

As with Antiochus, so with the coming anti-Christ, many will suffer and die and there will be great opposition to the Lord. Then "he shall be broken - but by no human hand". The events of history and prophecy always reveal to the controlling hand of our Sovereign God. After all the dust has settled, there is only one King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Why be worried over certain political rulers and international intrigue my friend? The conflict is as old as the ages and will always be orchestrated to the glory of God. Rulers come and go, but the one who rules in your heart and mine is everlasting. Be at peace, for our God "is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen." (1 Timothy 6:15-16)