"Then there will arise in his place a despicable person, to whom the honor of a kingdom will not be given; but he will come in a time of security and will seize the kingdom by smooth and cunning words and actions." (Daniel 11:21). Daniel chapter 11 unveils the constant depression that Israel is going to experience in future days. Specifically with the Greek empire trampling across Israel. Antiochus Epiphanies will rise up and exponentially oppress Gods people and the land. Daniel 11 describes him as that despicable one who speaks smooth and alluring words and commits degrading acts in their temple. Struggle is not new to Israel. We know that Jeremiah prophesied about the 70 years occurring with Israel’s captivity in Babylon, but did you know that his message was greatly rejected? They tried to kill him, imprisoned him, beat him and shut him up! The king of Judah, Zedekiah, listened to false prophets saying “no, it won’t be that bad it’ll just be a couple years…what Jeremiah says is not true”. Well, they were in captivity for 70 years. He tried to help and prepare them, but they would not listen, do you know what else what we find in the book of Jeremiah? Jeremiah told them at least 15 times Your judgment is going to be “by the sword, by famine, and by pestilence”. 15 times! The three words, sword, famine and pestilence, appear in a group in 26 different Bible verses. That's not an accident. I think Israel, as well as all of God’s people throughout the centuries have experienced these three elements. This is actually the eventual behavior of all human governments throughout the ages. Babylonian, Medo/Persian, Grecian, Roman, and the world empire underneath the leader ship of the antichrist during last days. The reason for this is because Satan is the prince and the power of the air and he and his princess have a strong reaction to the purpose of God. There is a Satanic desire to stop, destroy, and even kill in order to thwart the gospel of the kingdom of heaven. In Matthew 24, Jesus described such a reaction as birth pains. In revelation, chapter 6 Christ Ascended into heaven, and as a result of his accomplished work and release of the gospel the sword, famine, and pestilence, (or death) ensued, and this trio has done so throughout the ages. Satan has always sought to stop God’s purpose from going forward upon the Earth, whether it involves Israel or his church. I believe this is important for Christians to see. This is a hard revelation, but without it believers are asleep in last days. This is a serious matter and it is not just to consider another view, but it is a wake up call in last days to be vigilant watchful and alert, rather than anticipating an escape from these things. Much like Jeremiah‘s Prophecy we may not like such a message, but if this is what the Lord is doing, we need to take heed, watch, and be ready, because we do not know the hour of our Lord’s coming. Consider these things amen.