The Antichrist will rise to power through deception and political maneuvering, not military conquest—appearing as a charismatic peacemaker who offers flattering promises and seemingly solves the world's problems (Revelation 6:2).
Revelation 6:2 describes him as a rider on a white horse carrying a bow—yet no arrows are mentioned—and a crown is given to him. Les Feldick points out that the absence of arrows pictures a peaceful, persuasive ascent: he comes in 'peaceably and with flattery' (Clip 6), signing a treaty with Israel and commanding global attention. His rise is therefore political and deceptive before the military conflict of the Tribulation unfolds.
Revelation 6:2 — This verse directly introduces the Antichrist as the white-horse rider holding a bow—picturing a deceptive, non-military rise to power.
Daniel 9:27 — This verse shows the Antichrist confirming a seven-year covenant with Israel, revealing that his rise involves diplomatic agreements rather than open warfare.
In the book of Revelation, the apostle John sees the first seal opened and describes the Antichrist: 'And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer' (Revelation 6:2). The text notes that the rider holds a bow and that a crown is given to him—the passage does not mention arrows, and the crown is conferred, not seized by force. The same figure is connected to Daniel 9:27, where he confirms a covenant with Israel for one week: 'And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.' This covenant-making role aligns with the Revelation portrait of a ruler who expands his power through agreements and diplomacy rather than through open battle.
Les Feldick teaches that the Antichrist 'is not going to come in and usurp His power with military might, or by fighting wars' (Clip 6). Instead, he comes in 'peaceably and with flattery' as a political maneuverer and a charismatic type of individual (Clip 6). Daniel says he will come in 'with flatteries, promising peace and prosperity' and telling the world 'that he's got the answer to all their problems' (Clip 7). The world, facing problems it cannot solve, 'will fall at his feet' (Clip 4, Clip 7). He will use his personality and manipulative ability to command attention at summit meetings and bring himself to the place where he can make the peace treaty with Israel in the Middle East (Clip 2). When he signs that treaty, he gives Israel permission to rebuild the temple (Clip 2). Les notes that he signs this treaty 'with flattery, the promise of peace and prosperity,' but will later turn on Israel and bring violent pressure upon them (Clip 3). His power ultimately comes from Satan—he is the counterfeit Christ and receives his power from Satan (Clip 4). In Daniel's prophecy, 'his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power' and 'by peace shall he destroy many' (Clip 5). Les summarizes him as a political manipulator with charisma who achieves world rule through deception, not arms (Clip 5, Clip 6).
Les Feldick explains that the bow in Revelation 6:2 is understood by most as a bow that would shoot arrows, but since the Antichrist does not rise through military might, the bow pictures his peaceful, deceptive approach. He comes in 'peaceably and with flattery' as a political maneuverer who gets his 'ducks all in a row' before the conflict of the Tribulation unfolds (Clip 6).
The Antichrist gains influence over Israel by signing a seven-year treaty with the nation (Clip 1). He uses flattery and promises of peace and prosperity, while also granting Israel permission to build the temple during the first half of the Tribulation (Clip 2, Clip 3). Les emphasizes that the treaty is made 'with flattery' and that the Antichrist will eventually turn on Israel (Clip 3).
Les describes the Antichrist as a very charismatic individual who can walk into any summit meeting and command attention (Clip 2). He will say what people want to hear and be a liar by nature, using whatever words are needed to attain his ends (Clip 3). His charisma and apparent answers make the world fall at his feet (Clip 4, Clip 7).
Ezekiel 38 & The Four Horsemen: Russia's Role in End Times
And so, really, I imagine that's how a lot of people feel, that we're just barking without any bite. Well, I've always been of the impression that as I teach prophecy, I am not going to be a sensationalist. I'm not going to just, oh my, isn't it amazing, you know, that this is happening and this is happening, and it is. But that's not the point. We're not going to sensationalize it.
Opening of the First Seal
Les identifies the white-horse rider as the Antichrist who signs a seven-year treaty with Israel and begins setting up his power base through political means rather than by immediate military conquest.
Manipulative Personality and the Treaty
Les explains the Antichrist's ability to manipulate people and command attention at summits, which leads him to make the peace treaty with Israel and give permission for the temple to be built.
Flattery and the Covenant
Les shows that the Antichrist signs the treaty with Israel using flattery and promises of peace and prosperity, but will later turn on Israel and bring violent pressure.
Charisma and Satanic Power
Les describes the Antichrist as a charismatic figure with all the answers who receives his power from Satan as the counterfeit christ.
Daniel's Portrait of the Political Manipulator
Les draws on Daniel 8:24-25 to show that the Antichrist's success is not by his own power and that he destroys many by peace.
Bow Without Arrows: Peaceful Rise
Les argues that the Antichrist will not seize power militarily but enters peaceably with flattery as a political maneuverer, matching the imagery of the white horse and bow.
Flattering Promises and a World in Crisis
Les says the Antichrist comes on the scene promising peace and prosperity and offering answers, and the desperate world will fall at his feet.
Revelation 6:2: And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
This is the opening description of the Antichrist in Revelation, showing him with a bow but no arrows and a crown given to him—depicting a deceptive, diplomatic rise.
Daniel 9:27: And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
This verse shows the Antichrist's political covenant with Israel, the same treaty that Les Feldick says he signs early in the Tribulation.
Daniel 8:25: And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
This verse emphasizes that the Antichrist's destructive success comes through policy and peace, not military conquest.
No. According to Les Feldick, he does not usurp power with military might or by fighting wars. Instead, Revelation 6:2 pictures him on a white horse with a bow—but no arrows—and Daniel shows him coming in peaceably with flattery.
The world is facing problems it cannot solve, and this charismatic leader seemingly has all the answers. Les says he will promise peace and prosperity and tell the world's population that he has the solution, so the world will fall at his feet.
He signs a seven-year treaty with Israel using flattery and promises of peace and prosperity. He also gives Israel permission to rebuild the temple. Les notes that the treaty is made with flattery and that the Antichrist will eventually turn on Israel.
Watch the Teaching: Ezekiel 38 & The Four Horsemen: Russia's Role in End Times