A prince originating in Egypt possesses a great dominion.  When this

development in the Near East takes shape -- 'Know that summer is nigh'.

A marriage alliance between Egypt and Syria for the purpose of making

'an agreement' proves a failure.

Conflicts between these two kingdoms will result in dire trouble in the

'glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed' (16) and end in a

'staggering' defeat (19).

Satan's attempt proving abortive, 'in his estate' a raiser of taxes

arises, who shall exact heavy tribute from Israel and the land of Palestine.

His end shall be sudden and mysterious: 'within a few days he shall be

destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle'.

Still undismayed, Satan causes to stand up 'in his estate' one who is

described as a 'vile person'.  This one, instead of devastating the land,

'comes in peaceably', and 'obtains the kingdom by flatteries'.  'After the

league made with him he shall work deceitfully with a small people;

he shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places'.  After stirring up

strife against the king of the south, and apparently involving more than one

king (11:27), he returns to his land with great riches, and at length

manifests his true intent: 'His heart shall be against the holy covenant'

(11:28).  This covenant is referred to in Daniel 9:27: 'He shall confirm the

covenant with many for one week'.*  In the midst of the seven years he breaks

the covenant, causing sacrifice and offering to cease, and in its stead (see

note of The Companion Bible on Daniel 9:27) brings in the abomination that

maketh desolate.

*

The time that elapses from the making of the covenant to verse 31 is

years of the last seven of Daniel 9.

Such is the analysis of the place that Egypt occupies in the

Prophetic Scriptures.  At the moment of writing, the dispensation of the

Mystery still runs its course, and Israel are still Lo -ammi, 'not My

people'.  The re -shuffle of the nations in the Middle East is a preparation

for the day fast approaching when the prophetic clock will begin once more to

tick and the Day of the Lord will dawn.  While, therefore, our own blessed

hope must be realized before these things come to pass, their proximity but

reminds us that 'now is our salvation nearer than when we believed'.

If it seems temerity to attempt a survey of such prophecies as those of

Isaiah and Jeremiah within the scope of our present purpose, what word can be