Verse 27 describes the transition from the fall of the Roman Empire to the second half of the 19th Century, when Russia took control over the regions which had previously belonged to Seleucus I, the ancient king of the north and in this way Russia took his position as “the king of the north”. In 1882 England conquered Egypt and took the role of “the king of the south”. About their superficial relationship we read: “And both these kings, their hearts (will be) to do evil [mischief], and at one table they will speak lie(s). But it will not succeed, for yet (the) end [ending period of time] to (the) appointed time.” (11:27, literal translation)

What was to happen in that ending period of time? The next verse is linked with Russia’s history after World War II: “And he ["the king of the north"] will go back (to) his land with great wealth [May 1945]; and his heart (will be) against the holy covenant; and will act effectively; and turn back to his own land [Russian troops came back to their own land after the dissolution of the Soviet Union].” (11:28, literal translation)

Daniel foretells here that “the king of the north” (Russia) will not only be successful in WW2, but also that he will return to his land with a great deal of goods. If only Hitler had listened to Mussolini and the Japanese, who in 1943 advised him to stop military actions, the prophetic detail would have never been fulfilled.
Many wonder today why the plan of Stauffenberg failed. Some have called it the biggest misfortune of the 20th century. After the assassination attempt on the 20th of July 1944 Hitler believed that Providence protected him. This may be right as not only Russia’s victory was decided but also the Russians return to their own land with a great deal of material goods. However, in order for this to happen, the Germans, after they had plundered Europe had to fight to the very end.
God’s power is demonstrated by those prophecies. He had planned those events several thousand years ago. He is able by his power to control the course of history in such a way so that what he planned could be fulfilled down to the last detail. The prophecy certainly would not have been fulfilled if Adolf Hitler had listened to Mussolini and the Japanese, who in 1943 had advised him to cease the military activities or if the assassination attempt had ended successfully. The unsuccessful putsch is an example of God’s power and that he watches his words in order to bring them to the completion. (Jeremiah 1:11,12) We can be sure of that when we examine closely God’s other earlier prophecies.

What will the future bring to us? “At the appointed time he shall return (Russia regains its former control, Russian troops again based abroad) and come into the south (that might be Georgia), but it shall not be as (the) former [May 1945] or as (the) latter [August 2008]. For shall come against him (the) dwellers of coastlands of Kittim [the West], and he will be humbled, and will return.” (Daniel 11:29,30a, literal translation)

The current economic recession does not appear to be coincidental as it might give Russia the possibility to regain control over many regions. The future will reveal the extent of Russia’s return before it comes somewhere into the south and clashes with the West.

1. Legalize It
2. Tax It
3. Smoke It
4. Profit

I imagine it would look something like that…: people enjoying a relaxing smoke in designated coffeeshops, enjoying a joint out in the park, stopping off at the coffeeshop after work to buy a gram or two to smoke later in the comfort and privacy of your own home. No worries, no stress, no bad dealers, a wide choice of product, well enforced age regulations, police with more time to tackle real crime, one less taboo drug and an associated fall in use over time, an easily regulated and enforced source of tax revenue…