The Rise of the Ten Kings (And More)
It is normal for people to fear that the Antichrist is just around the corner, just waiting to jump out and say, “Boo!” He isn’t. He’s hiding behind the corner after that. So, instead of being fearful of the Antichrist, maybe we should be… well, not fearful …but, at least anticipating these guys:
The Ten Kings Without A Kingdom
Those guys MUST be in power BEFORE the Antichrist arrives. And no, they are not ruling now. Not yet. However, I do believe that the events that are unfolding before our eyes are getting ready for these kings to rise.
The Rise of the Ten Kings
The next time that someone tells you that ‘such-and-so’ is the Antichrist, or that the Antichrist is just about ready to rule the world, ask him or her this question:
Where are the ten kings?
You will NOT see the Antichrist until you see the Ten Kings first. Here is what Revelation says about that:
23 “Thus he said:
‘The fourth beast shall be
A fourth kingdom on earth,
Which shall be different from all other kingdoms,
And shall devour the whole earth,
Trample it and break it in pieces.
24 The ten horns are ten kings
Who shall arise from this kingdom.
And another shall rise after them;
He shall be different from the first ones,
And shall subdue three kings.
25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High,
Shall persecute the saints of the Most High,
And shall intend to change times and law.
Then the saints shall be given into his hand
For a time and times and half a time.
A fourth kingdom on earth,
Which shall be different from all other kingdoms,
And shall devour the whole earth,
Trample it and break it in pieces.
24 The ten horns are ten kings
Who shall arise from this kingdom.
And another shall rise after them;
He shall be different from the first ones,
And shall subdue three kings.
25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High,
Shall persecute the saints of the Most High,
And shall intend to change times and law.
Then the saints shall be given into his hand
For a time and times and half a time.
– Daniel 7:23-25 (NKJV)
So, ten kings rise, and then this other – very different king – rises afterwards. This eleventh king causes three of the ten kings to fall. And, this eleventh king, is the Antichrist. Of course, I am grabbing these three verses out of Daniel 7. You should read all of it yourself.
Now, the Book of Revelation has something to say about these ten kings. Here it is:
12 The ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive ruling authority as kings with the beast for one hour. 13 These kings have a single intent, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will make war with the Lamb, but the Lamb will conquer them, because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those accompanying the Lamb are the called, chosen, and faithful.”
17 For God has put into their minds to carry out his purpose by making a decision to give their royal power to the beast until the words of God are fulfilled.
– Revelation 17:12-14 (NET)
These ten kings do not have kingdoms. They are rulers that do not rule a specific nationality or geographical area. But, they still have the authority of kings – meaning…
…if they tell you to do something, you gotta’ do it.
And, they give their power to the Antichrist – which means that they had power BEFORE the Antichrist asked for it. Remember that the issue here is timing. The Ten Kings come BEFORE the Man of Fierce Countenance. And, the fact that these ten kings give their power to the Antichrist doesn’t need to actually be logical.
Why?
Because God makes them give their power to the Antichrist.
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