A Sleeping Giant

Where were you heard the stunning news of 9/11? What were you doing? My guess is that only a handful of United States citizens over the age of eighteen would not remember the four planes commandeered by ruthless terrorists that brought down the twin towers, plunged into the Pentagon, and plummeted from the sky into a Pennsylvania field killing all passengers. Nearly three thousand American lost their lives in this brutal, evil attack on American soil.

Or what baby boomer couldn’t recall exactly where they were when told of United States President John F. Kennedy’s assassination on November 22, 1963. At age 17, I was a senior in high school just beginning my 1:00 PM class in government/social studies … of all subjects. When the teacher broke the horrific news, she wept as did nearly every student in the class.

Or farther back in American history to the deadliest attack on our country by a foreign nation. In a massive unprovoked airstrike against the United States Naval Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Japanese pilots killed 2,335 American servicemen and 68 civilians; and destroyed or disabled eight battleships and other smaller vessels. This barbaric act rushed the United States into World War II, a war greater even than “The Great War”, the War to end all wars, which then received the title of World War I, as it was no longer the only world war.

To some extent or another, virtually the entire Empire of Japan—civilian and military alike—celebrated, admired, or gave tacit approval to this malicious attack that took place while two Japanese emissaries were in Washington under the guise of establishing peaceful relations with the United States of America. All that is, except one man: Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, none other than the Japanese officer who conceived and help develop the attack plan; then directed the military force that intended to annihilate the American Naval force and (theoretically) render America incapable of fighting a foreign war.

Many remember the famous quote attributed to Admiral Yamamoto soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor as articulated by the actor portraying Yamamoto in the movie, Tora! Tora! Tora! … Released in 1970: “I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with terrible resolve.” I believe this same line was repeated in a subsequent (probably more well-known) film entitled, Pearl Harbor, aired in 2001.

Although no written (records) confirmation has been found to prove that Admiral Yamamoto spoke or wrote these words, the producer of Tora, Tora, Tora, Elmo Williams claimed to have found or have seen the famous quote in Yamamoto’s diary. Whether Yamamoto ever wrote or said these words, one thing is historically clear: The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor while his military staff and airmen were celebrating such a great victory, Yamamoto dubiously spent the entire day in a deep depression. Obviously (at least apparently) he fully realized the enormous repercussions of awakening this sleeping giant, known as the United States of America; whose relatively small armed force and sluggish economy (at the time) would transform into a colossal military and economic giant not seen since the mighty Roman Empire. A giant that would turn the tide of World War II, and destroy the country that would dare disturb America’s peaceful rest from the First World War, but would also accelerate its painfully slow emergence from the Great Depression.

Another Emerging Giant

From Pearl Harbor, let’s fast forward nearly 75 years and behold another economic and military goliath. Although not directly rebounding from a cruel surprise attack, this behemoth has risen from the ashes of World War II, from suppressive domination by its own (communist) leaders, from relative economic obscurity and deprivation. A nation that many financial and military experts believe will one day (not that far off) overtake the United States as the greatest, if not only, superpower on the earth: CHINA.

Although the People’s Republic of China is still communistic in both theory and practice, it is not completely socialistic. There is a fair amount of free enterprise allowed, but with a shrewdly concocted economic trade imbalance (favoring, of course, China) with other countries through import taxes and export tax rebates. However, without the amazing rapid technological advancements experienced in the recent past, China’s administrative schemes and strategies would not work nearly as well.

Much could be and has been written about China’s unparalleled modernization and off-the-chart economic and military expansion in just the last three decades or so. But for sake of space in this article, statistical phenomena will be limited to the following:

Population: Nearly 1.4 billion, the most populated country on earth, comprising a little over 20% of the world’s population. One of every five human beings on this planet is Chinese! This, despite China’s deplorable one-child per family policy that began in 1979 in which millions upon millions of babies (mostly girls) have been aborted to comply with this government mandated restriction of the (once) soaring population growth. This program is no longer enforced the way it once was; however, the result was still a ratio of 118 boys to 100 girls born in 2010 … a serious gender imbalance. The average for Western nations is 105 boys to 100 girls, which is a more natural proportion. Currently there are almost 50 million more males than females in China. In stark contrast, women outnumber men in the USA by about seven million.

It can get a bit crowded in China!

Economy: By far, the fastest growing major economy in the world. China is the 2^nd largest importer of goods, and the largest exporter and trading nation. In 2010 (figures have undoubtedly risen since then), China’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was the only Asian nation over $10 trillion, with only two other nations above that same $10 trillion benchmark: The United States and the European Union. Although I indicated “nations” to sort of mislead you, the fact is: China’s GDP is not that far behind the entire European Union (all 28 nations) GDP—some $18 trillion in US Dollars at the end of 2014. One of my sisters just recently gave me the gift of a new lawn chair that she purchased at Wal-Mart. I checked the manufacturing tag. What do you think it said? Easy Answer! What millions of products imported to America say: MADE IN CHINA.

Military: Were you aware that China is one of the nuclear powers on earth? You probably knew that, but did you also know that this nuclear armament includes well over 100 ICBMs that have the range to strike the USA? China’s armed forces budget of $148 billion is 2^nd only to the United States. Moreover, there is reliable evidence that in the not so distant future, China may earmark nearly one trillion dollars a year for military expenditure. She currently maintains an active military force of 2,285,000 and has the capacity to field (if needed or wanted) a combined military—army, navy, air force—of an astounding 386 million men. AND an almost equal number of women! The potential number of service (men) alone exceeds the entire population of the USA.

The Recent Formation of Some Remarkable Economic Alliances

The country’s name (China) is not actually found in Scripture, but there is an unmistakable allusion to this sleeping giant in the Bible. Both of these references are found in the context of the last part of the Great Tribulation, specifically in the series of battles that will be part of the greatest military conflict the world has ever seen or ever will see again: Armageddon.

Before we examine the two Biblical passages that point to the oriental power(s) that will participate in this epic war (to literally end all wars), let’s take a look at what’s happening between the two most unlikely countries to achieve any kind of cooperation between its people, including economic agreements: ISRAEL & CHINA.

Unlikely because—alongside of Arab and Muslim countries—communistic and socialistic nations have traditionally despised and denigrated Israel. But also likely, because this end-times association between China and Israel is part and parcel of the apocalyptic prophecies found in Daniel and Revelation. It is a startling contemporary development which identifies and confirms another piece of the prophetic puzzle.

In a recent article from a Tokyo-based online global news source called, The Diplomat, we read: “A convergence of commercial interests have led the People’s Republic of China and the State of Israel to develop an increasingly integrated bilateral economic partnership that is poised to flourish over the next decade. Bilateral trade has experienced a 200-fold increase since diplomatic ties were formally established in 1992, surging from $50 million to $10 billion in 2013, with plans to double that figure in the next few years.”

The article goes on to say that China is looking to Israel to supply technology necessary for maximum agricultural yield, as well as more competent water purification techniques that can enhance China’s urban and economic growth throughout the 21^st century. This technology is crucial to a nation boasting 22 percent of the world’s population but only seven percent of the world’s arable land. To that end, Israel and China reached an agreement worth another $300 million for Israel to export water technology that will improve Chinese agricultural productivity.

Opening Ceremonies, Beijing Olympics

Israel is also building strong economic ties with Japan and with India such as the Israeli Ports Company establishing a partnership with India’s Cargo Motors to construct a deep-water port in Gujarat; and Israel’s Towerjazz teaming up with India’s Jaiprakash Associates and IBM to build a $5.6 billion chip plant near Delhi.

Are these diplomatic and economic developments simply business as usual? Not hardly … not when it comes to tiny Israel with a population of some eight million (six million Jews) striking deals with the two largest (population) nations on earth, China and India. Or with Japan, which not that long ago boasted one of the most successful economies in the world (remember when Japanese businesses were buying up rich land in California and other states).

Although the EU is still Israel’s largest trading partner, that will gradually subside then come to a screeching halt during the Great Tribulation when the European based coalition headed by the beast of Revelation (Antichrist) will turn on Israel, attack her, and set out to conquer the entire world. As an example, recent reports from Middle East sources that I draw from indicate that the European Union is poised to sanction and further boycott Israel immediately after Israel’s elections on March 17^th.

These sanctions are mostly geared to so-called Israeli settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, but are also generated by the increasing anti-Semitism mindset that is pervasively prevalent in many European counties. I say so-called settlements because, in fact, ALL of Jerusalem belongs to Israel. These settlements blocs and those in Judea-Samaria (the correct name for the so-called West Bank) were legally zoned and paid for by Israeli towns and citizens.

How/Where Does China Fit into The Bible’s Last Days Prophecies?

Let’s begin with the oldest end-times prophecy that announces the ruler to whom ten kings and their kingdoms (modern-day nations) will yield allegiance and join forces. This despotic king is none other than the man of lawlessness depicted by the Apostle Paul, the beast of Revelation, and the Antichrist labeled by the Apostle John. Much has been written about this evil tyrant, including his very identity as found in my book, Out of the Abyss … can the number of the beast be solved, 666? And through several Eye of Prophecy articles that can be located in the category of Antichrist.

He is first introduced by the prophet Daniel in Chapter 7, then again in Chapter 9, and once more in Chapter 11. It is the latter chapter we want to focus on: “Then at the time of the end, the king of the south will attack the king of the north. The king of the north will storm out with chariots, charioteers, and a vast navy. He will invade various lands and sweep through them like a flood. He will enter the glorious land of Israel, and many nations will fall … He will conquer many countries, and even Egypt will not escape … But then news from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in great anger to destroy and obliterate many. He will stop between the glorious holy mountain and the sea and will pitch his royal tents. But while he is there, his time will suddenly run out, and no one will help him” (Daniel 11:40-45, italics for emphasis).

The king of the south is most likely the ruler(s) of Egypt or Syria and possibly Gulf-state Arab allies. From preceding verses in this chapter it is abundantly clear that the king of the north is Antichrist. During his assault against the king of the south, he extends this massive campaign by attacking other countries including his ultimate target, Israel. But suddenly alarming developments (news) from both the north and the east will infuriate him. Consequently, Antichrist and his ten-kingdom federation will turn their attention to these (military) threats. (How dare they oppose him?) With an equally obvious conclusion that the passage is referring to a nation or nations from the east because the king of the north, “sets out in great anger to destroy and obliterate many,” i.e. war on a huge scale. Wars on this implied scale are only waged between nations, not merely ethnic groups.

We also know this will take place toward the very end of the seven-year Tribulation period, as the Antichrist King of the north establishes his headquarters between the holy mountain of Israel which is Jerusalem and the Mediterranean Sea, which is the hill and surrounding valley of Megiddo, from which we get the term, Armageddon. Then, “his time will suddenly run out…” because Christ will intervene and stop Antichrist cold in his tracks.

For purpose of this article, the focal point of this passage is the discernible conclusion that eastern countries mobilize their armies against Antichrist. There would be no reason for the king of the North to get so bent out of shape and redirect his military might in response to this alarming news from the east, unless these (eastern) nations and armies were threatening his specific operation against the king of the south and other nearby countries (especially Israel) and his more general megalomania goal of world domination. To further confirm this scenario, let’s look at the second prophetic passage that literally directs our attention to the East … this time found in the Book of Revelation.

Kings of the East

In the next to last bowl judgment, which is also the next to last of twenty-one total judgments (seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls), we read this amazing prophecy: “Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great Euphrates River, and it dried up so that the kings from the east could march their armies toward the west without hindrance. And I saw three evil spirits that looked like frogs leap from the mouths of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. They are demonic spirits who work miracles and go out to all the rulers of the world to gather them for battle against the Lord on that great judgment day of God the Almighty. And the demonic spirits gathered all the rulers and their armies to a place with the Hebrew name Armageddon” (Revelation 16:12-14 & 16, italics for emphasis).

There are some astounding things taking place in these few verses … indeed throughout the entire book of Revelation (and Daniel). Imagine if you can, a river as huge as the Euphrates simply drying up?! We know this mighty river turned dry-path is supernatural as God’s angel is the direct source of this wonder. There’s a divine logistical reason for this incredible event—so that, the kings from the east could march their armies toward the west without hindrance. This is all part of God’s providential plan for two massive coalitions and the national armies comprising these alliances to fight against each other, only to then turn against Messiah himself in a totally futile attempt to wage war against the King of kings.

Who are these kings from the east? Geographically they must be east of Israel, as Israel is the center point of nearly all end-times prophecies, both Old and New Testament, both spiritually and literally. All Biblical directional references to Gentile nations originate from Israel’s location in the Middle East. One possibility is that the kings of the east could refer to modern-day Iran or Iraq (Middle East); however, that is not a logical or valid choice. For the reason that Iraq or Babylon is no longer a threat to any other nation. Iraq fell into disarray when Saddam Hussein was ousted by American led coalition forces. Iran, plus any forces left in Iraq, will be supernaturally defeated along with Russia in the Gog-Magog attack against Israel (Ezekiel 38 & 39).

The only viable kings and kingdoms that the prophets Daniel and John (Revelation) are referencing would be the contemporary nations of Japan, Korea, and most prominent of all—China. However, I believe India will also be part of this enormous military assault against Antichrist and his ten-kingdom confederation.

When Antichrist breaks his seven-year treaty with Israel and subsequently invades the Holy Land, these Far-East Nations will mobilize their armies and march west through the Middle East over the dried-up Euphrates River, straight toward the Valley of Megiddo.

China, by itself, is capable today of taking on any national unity in the world, including the United States, Russia, or the European Union. But when you throw in Japan and Korea (North or South or a unified Korea) and especially India, even the Antichrist led coalition of nations (which I believe will include the United States, albeit an America with a much weaker economy and military due to loss of so many people at the Rapture) will not be able to withstand such an onslaught.

The dragon (Satan), the beast (Nero), and the false prophet will realize that they have rudely awakened a sleeping giant and, after a series of bloody battles, will fully comprehend that they have no choice but to joins forces with their eastern enemies to fight against the Lion from the Tribe of Judah… Messiah Yeshua. In fact that suits Antichrist’s ultimate goal, which is to crush Israel, eradicate the Tribulation saints, and establish his own messianic kingdom on earth. What better way to accomplish that objective than aligning with the formidable kings of the east. If you can’t beat them, join them!

Will the Far East giants China and India and other oriental nations assemble against Antichrist because they want to come to Israel’s aid? Yes and No. Ostensibly that will most likely be their stated purpose for this cataclysmic confrontation with Antichrist; however, their true motivation will undoubtedly be the same reason that Russia and her allies (Gog/Magog) attack Israel in the early part of the Tribulation, and the same incentive that motivates Antichrist to overrun Israel. Actually, there are two reasons: (1) to gain control of the vast oil/gas wealth in the Middle East including newly found reserves of natural gas off the shores of Israel. (2) To fulfill Satan’s age-old diabolical plan of erasing Israel from the face of the earth and, in doing so, complete Hitler’s horrendous agenda of genocide of the Jewish race … this time through the Antichrist.

But this (last of the last days) unholy alliance—when west for one brief apocalyptic moment meets east—will be crushed by the rider on the white horse whose name was, “…Faithful and True, for he judges fairly and wages a righteous war” (Revelation 19:11). “… and his title was the Word of God” (Verse 13). And, “…the beast and the kings of the world and their armies gathered together to fight against the one sitting on the horse and his army” (Verse 19).

Noteworthy in this final epic battle of Armageddon is that “the kings (plural) of the world and their armies” were now aligned against Messiah. In other words, the scene in Revelation Chapter 16 and Daniel Chapter 11 shifts from two massive military empires facing each other to a (spur of the moment) unified global military alliance against Christ. Such arrogance, such folly, such stupidity!

Would you want to take on someone who had descended from the clouds (from heaven) with a vast host (army) descending with him?! How do you fight against someone like that? Such, I suppose, is the vanity of evil and the mystery of iniquity.

Things to Ponder

Not until the very end, the last few days of the Tribulation do all (except of course Israel) nations attempt to do battle with God, himself (Messiah). Although this would be an article topic for another week in Eye of Prophecy (which I may very well do in the near future) please consider the following: Contrary to what has been a recurring theme for several decades promoted even by the best of Biblical scholars and teachers, I firmly believe there will be no such thing as a One-World Government, until Jesus Christ returns and establishes the majestic Kingdom of God on this earth. THEN there will be a divinely unified system of truth, justice, and peace never before experienced on this earth … the Millennial Reign of Messiah Jesus.

First, according to Daniel 7 and Revelation 17, there will be ten kings (kingdoms or nations) that will comprise this formidable military coalition headed by the little horn of Daniel and the king-beast of Revelation—both of whom are the Antichrist. Secondly, this king of the north who is also the Antichrist will do battle with the kings of the East, as already explained.

Question: How can there be a One-World Government (economically and militarily) unless ALL nations (at least the powerful ones) are part of that Government? Bible prophecy clearly and unambiguously tells us that the Antichrist and his ten-nation kingdom will have enemies, i.e. the king of the south and even more dangerous foes—the Eastern kings (and their kingdoms) who are giants awakened from international neutrality by a man who wants to conquer the Middle East and then the whole world?

If you have one multi-national force opposing another multi-national force, does that sound like a global world government or military to you? To me it sounds exactly like what happened before and during World War I and World War II; one bloc of nations conspiring and warring against another bloc of nations. Prior to the last day when Christ utterly vanquishes ALL the forces and armies of evil, Armageddon—by Biblical prophecy and historical precedence—will become World War III. With West pitted against East.

Notice the plural significance of the following passage when it comes to kings and nations contrasted to the typically taught premise of a one-world single unity type of government. Also take note that the only reference to a world-wide kingdom is none other than the Kingdom of God:

“During the reigns of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed or conquered. It will crush all these kingdoms into nothingness, and it will stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders … His government and its peace will never end…” (Isaiah 9:6-7)