• These "smart" slaves were to eat from the Kings table for 3 years – so that when they stood before the King they would look good and healthy.
• These four Hebrew captives, descendants of King Hezekiah, were turned over to the Prince of Eunuchs, who changed their names: (Ref. Isaiah 39:5-7)

1. Daniel changed to Belteshazzar (Whom Bel favors)
2. Hannaniah changed to Shadrach (Illumined by the Sun-God)
3. Mishael changed to Meshach (Who is like Venus))
4. Azariah changed to Abednego (Servant of Nego)

• Purpose: To wean them from their land and religion, as well as adopt the religion and habits of the Chaldeans.

Changing a man’s name does not necessarily mean that he will change his character or who he essentially is.

• Daniel would not defile himself with the King’s food.
• Reason: it has been suggested that he was cautious of the meat being:

1. .Swine flesh – forbidden to the Israelites in Leviticus 11:1-47
2. Rare (half-done, bloody) – forbidden in Leviticus 17:10-14
3. Offered to idols

• God gives Daniel favour with the master eunuch:

1. To prove inferiority of the King’s meat when compared to God’s reward for uncompromised faith and obedience took only 10 days, not 3 years.
2. The Hebrew boys wisdom and understanding surpassed that of the other magicians and astrologers

1. Daniel was not sanctimonious nor arrogant in his religious views. He made no assault on the Chaldean religion and worship of idols. But courteously requested a chance to prove his conviction at no expense to the keeper and his responsibility.
2. There is nothing wrong in acquisition of knowledge, or the study of the sciences. Just remain cautious of its influence on your faith. Beware of living a life of compromise - Let nothing separate you from the love of God.

• Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that he can’t remember
• He calls for his wise men, and tells them that their lives are at stake if they don’t tell him what he dreamed.
• The ‘wise’ men say that only the ‘gods’ can fulfil the King’s request.
• The King believes that his ‘wise’ men are stalling for time hoping that he will forget the whole thing.

• Nebuchadnezzar issues a decree to slay the ‘wise’ men, including Daniel and his friends.
• Daniel requests time from the King, and prayer from his friends to receive revelation from God about the contents and interpretation of the King’s dream.
• Daniel praises God for his power, and thanks Him for revealing the dream.

• Daniel tells the King that the credit and the honor goes to the God of heaven for revealing the dream
• Daniel tells the King that the dream is for him to know God’s plan relative to that which is to come.
• Daniel reveals the dream and interpretation to the King.

1. 1. Daniel believed in united prayer, and he believed in giving thanks for answered prayer.
2. Daniel blessed the name of God for:

3.) The wicked are blessed for the righteous sake. Consider:

4.) Arioch tries to take the credit for finding Daniel. He obviously was not aware that Daniel had already appeared before the King and promised to reveal his dream, if given time. (Compare verses 16 and 25)

1. There will be four worldwide kingdoms - They represent the "Times of the Gentiles" (read Luke 21:24)
2. This period corresponds to the time that the Jewish Nation shall be without a king (Hosea 3:4-5). Should not be confused with "Fullness of the Gentiles," which are being "called out" in "The Church." (Acts 15:13-17 & Romans 11:25)

The head Nebuchadnezzar Gold (19.5 Lion Babylonian

Arms & Breast Darius Silver (10.47) Bear Medo-Persian

Abdomen Alexander the Great Brass (8) Leopard Grecian

Legs The Caesars Iron (5) Anti-Christ Roman

Feet & (ten) Toes Anti-Christ Iron & clay (1.93)

The Stone or Millennial Kingdom will be the last kingdom, which represents Christ. (Read Matthew 21:44)

• Nebuchadnezzar reigned 44 years; died in B.C. 561; succeeded by his son Evil-Merodach, who after 2 years was assassinated by his brother-in-law, Neriglissar.
• After about 4 years Neriglissar was killed in battle in B. C. 556. He was succeeded by his son Laborosoarched, an imbecile child, who after 9 months was beaten to death, and Nabonidus, another son-in-law of Nebuchadnezzar, who had married the widow of Neriglissar, seized the throne.
• Nabonidus reigned for 17 years. While on a military expedition, he left his son, Belshazzar in charge as the "second ruler." During this time Babylon was taken, and Belshazzar slain. With the death of Belshazzar the Babylonian Empire ceased to exist. (Read Daniel 5:30-31)

• Romans 13:1 records the fact that "there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained (ordered) of God."
• Nebuchadnezzar’s ordeal is an example of what can happen to anyone who fails to acknowledge God as the true source of power.
• .Nebuchadnezzar’s Proclamation – Verses 1-3
• In these verses, the king proclaims his appreciation for God and his unusual experience.
• He indicates that his experience taught him humility and that others could benefit from it.
• Key verse: (2) " I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me."
• Key point: God wants us to share experiences that may help others.

.Nebuchadnezzar’s Vision – Verses 4-18

• cut down to its stump, but the root system remained
• that ceased to be fruitful or provide security and support for others

• living in the field eating grass like an ox, unsheltered from the

weather.

• hair grew like eagles feathers and nails like birds’ claws.

.Daniel’s Interpretation – Verses 19-27

• Nebuchadnezzar is told that he is the tree and beast in the vision, and will be deposed from his throne, forced out by his enemies, but in the end be restored.

Key verse: (17) "This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men."

.Nebuchadnezzar’s Humiliation – Verses 28-33

Key Verses: (29, 30) The king had 12 months to repent, but was overcome by pride. (33) "The same hour was the thing fulfilled…"

a) "Those that walk in pride he (God) is able to abase…" (verse 37)

2. God’s chastisement emphasizes his requirement for individual and corporate discipline.
3. "Pride goeth before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall."

.

Key Verse: (34) "And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me,….."

Key Point: Learn, obey and be blessed.

• The Medo-Persian kingdom represents the second World Empire, and is described as the silver arms and breast of the great and terrible image revealed in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in chapter two.
• It’s interesting that this new world empire under the primary leadership of Darius, the Mede, and Cyrus the Persian it did not perturbate God’s plan to further bless and promote his servant Daniel. However:
• Daniel’s Promotion and favor met with opposition from those who were jealous of his position. Verses 1-4
• Darius was manipulated by Daniel’s enemies to make a law that could not be broken resulting in Daniel being cast into the den of lions. Verses 6-9
• Daniel’s faith was severely tested when thrown into the lion’s den. Verses 16-22
• Darius rejoiced that Daniel was not hurt and had his enemies and their families cast into the den of lions. Verses 23-24

Key verses: (22, 28) God delivered his servant from the lion’s den, and gave him favor with the king.

Key Points:

(1) If a man please God he will make even his enemies be at peace with him. (2) Be careful, the ditch that you dig for someone else maybe the same one that you fall in.

• First year of Belshazzar, King of Babylon (B.C. 541) ( verse 1)
• Sixty-two (62) years after Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the colossal man.
• 20 years after Nebuchadnezzar’s death.
• When Daniel was seeking more truth about the "times of the Gentiles," and the Jews relationship.
• Daniel was about eighty-five (85) years old.

"Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse (different) one from another."(verses 2-3)

Four winds - The number four is the earth’s number and represents universality. Winds represents the "Powers of the Air," the forces of the evil one.

Great Sea - (Mediterranean Sea) Prophetically "sea" in the scriptures is a type of the nations. The picture is that of "raging waves" which symbolizes unrest and tumult of the nations.

• (Reference) "And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. (Revelation 17:15)
• (Reference) "We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high (heavenly) places. (Ephesians 6:12)

"The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it." (verse 4)

1. Winged Lion = King of beasts & King of Birds; symbol of the Babylonian Empire

"And behold another beast, a second, like a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it; and they (the heavenly Watchers, verse 16) said thus unto it arise, devour much flesh. Verse 5

Bear is the symbol of the Medo-Persian Empire; Raised on one side shows Persia the stronger of the two "Three Ribs" stood for the three Kingdoms of Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt, that formed a Triple alliance to check the Medo-Persian power, but were destroyed. The Medo-Persian was inferior to the Babylonian in wealth and magnificence, and in its form of government, but not in manpower. That is why they could "Devour Much flesh."

"After this I beheld, and lo another (beast), like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the breast had also four heads; and dominion was given it." (verse 6)

Four wings represents four divisions of Grecian Empire; Thrace, Macedonia, Syria, and Egypt.

Four heads represents four Generals of Alexander over four divisions above.

This division troubled Daniel because it did not correspond to the Abdomen & thigh of the colossal man that Nebuchadnezzar saw. He would have to wait until two years later when he would see the vision of the Ram and He-goat.

"After this saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had Ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another Little Horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. (verses 7-8)

Iron teeth & nails of brass corresponds to iron legs of colossal man; Ten Horns corresponds to the ten toes on colossal man; This beast is descriptive of the Roman Empire in the first and last stages.

This fourth beast brake in pieces and stamped the residue (the three previous beasts (kingdoms) with its feet.

While Daniel was considering the horns (10 + 1) of the Fourth Beast, he said he beheld:

• Thrones cast down
• Ancient of days sitting;

Key Points:

This Judgement scene is not:

1. Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15 - (Occurs at the close of the Millennium)
2. Judgement seat of Christ - (Occurs before the Millennium; soon after the rapture of the Church - see 2 Cor. 5:10, & 1 Cor. 3:11-15.
3. This "Judgment Scene" is that of the "Gentile Nations" as represented by the four wild beasts. "Thrones cast down" refer to "Evil Powers of the Air" (see Eph.6:12)
4. This "Ancient of Days" refer to Christ. "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the son." (see John 5:22). Features correspond to the "Son of Man" in Rev. 1:12-15.
5. This pictures Christ assuming the office, after completing His High Priestly function, and just before entering upon His Kingly office when the Millennial Kingdom is set up.

"I saw in the night visions, behold, one like the ‘Son of Man’ came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the "Ancient Of Days," and they brought him near before Him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a Kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an Everlasting Dominion, which shall not pass away, and his Kingdom that which shall not be destroyed." (verses 13-14)

1. This "Ancient of Days" refer to the Father. Terms for both Father and Son can and are sometimes used interchangeably because they are "ONE," (John 10:30), but different in their authoritative positions.

 

Chapter 7 - Four Wild Beasts – continued

3.Vision of the Son Of Man Receiving The Kingdom - continued

Key Points - continued

2. We know that Christ is to receive the Kingdom from the Father. Christ is the "certain Nobleman who has gone into a far country (Heaven) to receive The Kingdom and return. (Luke 19:11-12)
3. When we read Revelation 11:15 we see that Christ shall receive the Kingdom when the "Seventh Trumpet" shall sound, which locates it as near the middle of Daniel’s "Seventieth Week," which we shall discuss later.
4. Daniel knew from Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the golden headed image that there would be four great worldwide empires to succeed each other before the "Times of the Gentiles" would end.
5. Then the "Stone" or messianic kingdom would be established and would be an everlasting kingdom. But this kingdom seemed far away. Since the only one that Daniel could relate to was the Babylonian kingdom in which he lived at the time. This uncertainty of when the "Stone" kingdom would be established worried Daniel but not as much as the "Little Horn" and its meaning. So he said:

"I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of them (celestial messenger - Gabriel) that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. (verses 15-16)

• "These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever." (verses 17-18)

"Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other (Little Horn) which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that Horn that had eyes, and mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows." (the other 10 horns) (verses 19-20)

So we see that the "Four Wild Beast" are Four Kings or Kingdoms to rise in the earth, thus identifying them with the four kingdoms represented by the giant colossal man in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream.

"I beheld and the same (Little) Horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came and judgment was given to the saints of the most high; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom." (verses 21-22)

1. "Saints of the most high" are not the saints of the church, for they are "caught out" (raptured) before the "Little Horn" makes "war with the saints." (verse 21)
2. These saints are Daniel’s people - the Jews that are saved out of the Great Tribulation. These are the 144,000 that John saw. (Rev.7:4)
3. The location is the earth, and the time is during the reign of the "Little Horn" and is distinctly given as 3-1/2 years. (verse 25)
4. "The Most High" is the "son of man," the messiah of the Jews, and they therefore are his saints of the "end time" who, with Him, shall take the kingdom. (verse 22 )
5. The "Little Horn" - Daniel was mystified by the "Little Horn," because he hadn’t seen a corresponding little toe among the ten toes on the giant colossal man. This was a new revelation that God did not share with Nebuchadnezzar in his dream of the giant image. This revelation was reserved for Daniel and his people (Jews) and their relationship with the Gentiles in the "latter days."
6. We see that the "Little Horn" is a king, and shall subdue 3 of the 10 kings (horns) - (also relates to the 10 toes on the colossal giant in Nebuchadnezzar's dream). He shall speak great words against the ‘Most High,’ and shall wear out the ‘Saints’ of the ‘Most High,’ and think to change ‘Times and Seasons’ (Hebrew Sabbaths and festivals, and laws) which regulated them. And they (Saints of the Most High) shall be given into his hand until a time and times and dividing of time (3-1/2 years).

But the judgement shall sit and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. And the Kingdom and Dominion, and the greatness of the Kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the ‘People’ of the ‘Saints’ of the ‘Most High,’ whose (the Most High’s) Kingdom is an ‘Everlasting Kingdom’ and all dominions shall serve and obey Him. (verse 27)

1. We have already seen who the "Saints of the Most High" are. The "People" of the "Saints of the Most High" are the saved Gentile Nations. This is the number that John saw that no man could number. (Revelation 7:9)
2. These "Times and Seasons will be re-established when the Jews return to their own land and rebuild the temple, and when the Anti-Christ, who is the " Little Horn" shall make a covenant with them (Jews) for one week (7 years), but in the middle of the week the Anti-Christ will break the covenant (Daniel 9:27), and substitute the worship of himself for the worship of Jehovah, thus causing the Jewish "sacrifices and Oblations to cease."
3. And in his desire to annihilate all Jewish institutions he will think to change all Jewish "Times, Seasons, and Laws" and this he will do for the remainder of the "week" (3-1/2 years).
4. Daniel ends chapter 7 by saying, "Hitherto is the end of the matter. AS for me Daniel, my cogitations (thoughts) much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart." (verse 28)

Before we deal with chapter 8, and Daniel’s vision of the Ram and He-goat, I think we should compare vision and interpretation of the fourth beast in Daniel with the beast that John describes in Revelation, chapter 13.

• It is obvious that the highlighted areas in chart show some similarities between the two beasts. But let’s take a closer look at them separately and try to correctly analyze their similarities and differences.
• We already know that Daniel’s fourth beast represents the last world kingdom, which is the Roman Empire. We also know that it will occur in two stages. The first stage is compared to the legs of the colossal giant, which represents the western and eastern divisions. Constantinople was the Capital of the Eastern division, and Rome was the capital of the Western division.
• The second stage is yet to be established, and is represented by the feet and toes of the colossal giant. The fact that they have not as yet manifested themselves tells us that their historical fulfillment of the image is not yet completed. While the last stage of the Roman Empire does not exist today, it will be revived and consist of 10 federated kingdoms represented by the 10 toes of the colossal giant.
• The form of government apparently grows weaker with each New World Empire, evidenced by the elements of iron and clay in the feet and toes of the colossal giant. Dr. Clarence Larkin views these two elements as Imperialism trying to mix with Democracy.

• Again, while the last stage of the Roman Empire has not yet manifested itself, its laws, many of which has its origin in the catholic or papal church, are a controlling power among the nations today.
• We are probably seeing early activities of the second stage of the Roman Empire, which relates to the feet and toes of the colossal giant. The toes maybe appearing already in the form of NATO, a governmental body of representatives from other nations, whose power and influence is gaining ground as a united world military peace keeping force.
• We have discovered that the ten horns and the one little horn on the fourth beast in Daniel’s vision represents kings, or men of high military and political positions. We have also discovered that the Little Horn is the worst king of them all. In fact, as stated earlier he represents the Anti-Christ.
• Now, let’s take a look and compare the beast that John saw: "I saw a Beast rise up out of the SEA, having SEVEN HEADS and TEN HORNS, and upon his horns TEN CROWNS, and upon his heads the Names of Blasphemy.

"And the Beast which I saw was like unto a Leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a Bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a Lion; and the Dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed; and all the world wondered after the beast……And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue FORTY AND TWO MONTHS (3-1/2 years). And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His Tabernacle, and them that dwell in Heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." (Revelation 13:1-7)

In comparing these two "BEASTS" we find that they both come up out of the same "Sea." The "Great Sea" in Daniel’s vision is the Mediterranean (Daniel 7:2), and John was a prisoner on the Isle of Patmos when he had his vision, an island of the same sea,

The fact that both "Beasts" have "Ten Horns" which stands for "TEN KINGS," (read Revelation 17:12), shows that both Daniel and John foresaw that the Roman Empire was to be eventually divided into "Ten Federated Kingdoms."

The "Beasts" differ in that Daniel’s "Beast" had "ONE HEAD," while John’s "Beast" had "SEVEN."

Go back to the chart on characteristics of the two "Beasts." (page 17) We shall see that the different features of John’s "Beast" refer to the "Last Stage" of the "Beast," and show that we cannot understand the "Last Stage" of the Beast without carefully comparing Daniel’s and John’s "Beasts," for the "LITTLE HORN" (King) of Daniel’s "Beast" plucks up three of the "Ten Horns" (Kings) and destroys them, or takes their kingdom away, a thing that John omits to tell us.

The "Antichristian" character of Daniel’s "Beast" is seen in its "LITTLE HORN," whose conduct corresponds with not a part, but the whole of "John’s Beast," and that for the same length of time. (Daniel’s TIME and TIMES and the DIVIDING OF TIME" (Daniel 7:25) is equal to John’s "FORTY-TWO MONTHS (Revelation13:5), which is 3-1/2 years.

Both Beasts make "War" on the "Saints of the Most High," and blaspheme His Name.

The characteristics of Daniel’s fourth Beast describes the Old Roman Empire, while the characteristics of "John’s Beast" describe the Future

Roman Empire. We know that the Old Roman Empire was "strong exceedingly" and its grip and power were like a beast with "great iron teeth" and "claws of brass;" and from the description of "John’s Beast" we learn that the Future Roman empire shall embody all the characteristics of the "Four World Empires," as seen in its LEOPARD-like body, its feet of a BEAR, and its mouth of a LION.

Since the body of an animal is the largest part of it, the "Leopard," which know represents the Greek Empire, the Grecian character will probably be its dominant feature.

Both "Beasts" have "TEN HORNS" which shows that they exist at the same time indicated by the "TEN TOES" of the colossal "Image," which will be just before the setting up of the "Stone," or "Millennial Kingdom of Christ."

In our study of Prophecy we stress the "Second Coming of Christ," however, we must remember that there are two other comings of "Persons" that are just as momentous as Christ’s Coming. The first is that of "ANTICHRIST," and the other is that of "SATAN." In both the Old and New Testament we are told of a "MYSTERIOUS AND TERRIBLE PERSONAGE" who shall be revealed in the "LAST TIMES," He is called by various names.

"The Assyrian." - Isaiah 10:5-6; 14:24-25; 30:27-33

"The Wicked." - Isaiah 11:4

"King of Babylon." - Isaiah 14:4

"Lucifer" - Isaiah 14:12

"King of Tyrus" - Ezek. 28:11-19

"The Little Horn" - Daniel 7:8; 8:9-12

"A King of Fierce Countenance" - Daniel 8:23

"The Prince That Shall Come." - Daniel 9:26

"The Willful King." - Daniel 11:36

"The Man of Sin." - 2 Thess. 2:3-8

"Son of Perdition." - 2 Thess. 2:3-8

"That Wicked" - 2 Thess. 2:3-8

"Antichrist" - 1 John 2:18

"The Beast" - Revelation 13:1-8

In Isaiah 11:4, a chapter which is evidently Messianic, we read that, among other things which the Messiah will do, "He shall smite the earth with the ‘rod of His mouth,’ and with the ‘breath of His lips’ shall He slay ‘THE WICKED.’" "THE WICKED" is in the singular number, and cannot refer to wicked persons in general, but to some one person who is conspicuously wicked. The expression is strikingly like that of Paul in 2 Thess. 2:8. "Then shall that ‘WICKED’ be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the ‘Spirit of His

Mouth,’ and shall destroy with the ‘Brightness of His Coming.’" It is evident that Isaiah and Paul refer to the same individual, who can be no other than the "ANTICHRIST."

In Isaiah 14:4-17 there is a description of a "King of Babylon" called "Lucifer, Son of the Morning" who shall smite the people in his wrath, and rule the nations in anger. Since there has never as yet been such a King of Babylon, It must refer to some future King of Babylon.

Verses 12 to 14 evidently refer to "Satan," here called "LUCIFER," and are descriptive of him before his fall, but as he is to incarnate himself in the "Antichrist" (Revelation 13:1-2), who will be a future King of Babylon, they explain the source of the pride and presumption of Antichrist which will lead to his downfall, as it did to Satan’s.

Ezekial 28:11-19 has a similar view of the "Antichrist" under the name of the "King of Tyrus." And since the Future Roman Empire will include both Tyrus (Tyre) and Babylon, the "Antichrist" will be both King of Babylon and of Tyrus.

Before we continue to explore the comparison of Daniel’s " LITTLE HORN," to the "ANTICHRIST," let us go to chapter 8 and consider his vision of "The Ram" and the "He-goat."

"In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a ‘Vision’ appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first. And I saw in a ‘Vision;’ and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the Palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a ‘Vision,’ and I was by the river of Ulai." (Verses 1-2)

"And it came to pass when I, even I Daniel, had seen the ‘Vision,’ and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of the Ulai, which called and said, GABRIEL, make this man to UNDERSTAND THE ‘VISION." (verses 15-16)

• 2 years after the ‘Vision’ of the Four Wild Beasts, which was the first year reign of Belshazzar.
• Around B.C. 538 - Same year as the fall of Babylon

"Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a RAM which had ‘TWO HORNS:’ And the ‘Two Horns’ were high, but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. I saw the RAM pushing Westward, and Northward, and Southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great," (Verses 3-4)

"The RAM which thou sawest having ‘Two Horns’ are the Kings (Kingdoms) of Media and Persia. (Verse 20)

1. First Horn - Represents Darius, the King of the Medes
2. Second Horn (higher than the first) - Represents Cyrus, the King of the Persians.

3. Westward, Northward and Southward - Represents the triple alliance of Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt that tried to stop Darius and Cyrus, but failed.

"And as I was considering, behold, a HE-GOAT came from the West on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the GOAT had a notable horn between his eyes. And he came to the RAM that had ‘Two Horns,’ which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power. And I saw him come close unto the RAM, and he was moved with choler (rage) against him, and smote the RAM, and brake his ‘Two Horns;’ and there was no power in the RAM to stand before him, but he cast him down to

the ground, and stamped on him: and there was none that could deliver the RAM out of his hand." (Verses 5-7)

"And the ROUGH GOAT is the King (Kingdom) of Grecia: and the ‘Great Horn’ that is between his eyes is the First King." (Verse 21)

• The First King is Alexander The Great who overthrew the Medo-Persian Empire.

"Therefore the HE-GOAT waxed very great: and when he was strong, the ‘GREAT HORN’ (the ‘Notable Horn,’ in verse 5) was broken; and for it came up FOUR NOTABLE ONES (Horns) toward the ‘Four Winds of Heaven.’" (Verse 8)

• "Great Horn" - Represents Alexander The Great
• Four Notable Horns - Represents Alexander’s Generals that took over after his death. They couldn’t decide who would take his place, so they divided the Empire into four divisions:

- Gassander - Took Macedonia and the Western division

- Lysimachus - Took Thrace and the Northern division

- Seleucus - Took Syria and the Eastern division

- Ptolemy - Took Egypt and the Southern division

Four Winds Of heaven - Represents the four divisions noted above

"And out of one of them came forth a LITTLE HORN, which waxed exceeding great, toward the South (Egypt), and toward the East (Babylonia), and toward the Pleasant Land (Palestine). And it waxed great, even to the ‘Host of heaven;’ and it cast down some of the ‘Host,’

and of the ‘Stars’ to the ground, and stamped upon them. Yea, he magnified himself even to the ‘PRINCE OF THE HOST’ (Christ), and by him (the Little

Horn) the ‘Daily Sacrifice’ was taken away, and the Place of His (Christ’s) sanctuary was cast down. And a Host was given him against the ‘Daily Sacrifice’ by reason of transgression, and it (the Little Horn) cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced and prospered. (Verses 9-12) In the two visions that Daniel had, he seen a "LITTLE HORN," and he wondered whether they were the same.

"Then I heard one Saint speaking, and another Saint said unto the certain Saint which spake, How long shall be the Vision concerning the ‘DAILY SACRIFICE,’ and the ‘TRANSGRESSION OF DESOLATION,’ to give both the ‘Sanctuary’ and the ‘Host’ to be trodden under foot? And he (the first Saint) said unto me (Daniel), unto TWO THOUSAND AND THREE HUNDRED DAYS; then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed. (Verses 13-14)

• I believe these two Saints (Angelic Beings) were Gabriel, and "The Angel of the Lord"(Christ)

"And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of FIERCE COUNTENANCE, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 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." (Verses 23-25)

- In out study so far we have understood that a day stands for a year, however "Days" in this text is a Hebrew expression that means evenings-mornings, that is 2300 evening-mornings, or actual days of twenty-four hours. As a reference read Genesis 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31. (e.g. Genesis 1:5:"…..And the evening and the morning were the first day."

How Long? From our study we know that the Antichrist don’t show himself for who and what he is until the middle of the week, which leaves 3 1/2 years, or 1260 days.

If you start at the middle of the week to count 2300 days that gives us an overrun of the last 3 1/2 years of 1040 days or 2 years 10 months, and twenty days. We do know that after the return of the Lord at the "End of the week" there will be other events of national importance to the Jews, that will precede the setting up of the Millennial Kingdom.

"So he (Gabriel) came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, UNDERSTAND, O son of man: for at the ‘TIME OF THE END’ shall be the ‘Vision.’ Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be ‘IN THE LAST END OF THE INDIGNATION’ (The Great Tribulation): for at the time appointed ‘THE END’ shall be." (Verses 17-19)

• The key to the ‘Vision’ - "TIME OF THE END." means "End" of the "Times of the Gentiles."
• The ‘Vision’ had no bearing upon the times in which Daniel lived.
• After getting the explanation, Daniel was told to "shut it up," for it would not be fulfilled for "many days," (see verse 26) that is, until the "TIME OF THE END."

Body Part King(s) Metal Empire

• Arms & Breast Darius/Cyrus Silver (10.47) Medo-Persian

"And behold another beast, a second, like a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it; and they (the heavenly Watchers, verse 16) said thus unto it arise, devour much flesh.

(7: 5)

"Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a RAM which had ‘TWO HORNS:’ And the ‘Two Horns’ were high, but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. I saw the RAM pushing Westward, and Northward, and Southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great," (8: 3-4)

Body Part King(s) Metal Empire

Abdomen Alexander the Great Brass Grecian

"After this I beheld, and lo another (beast), like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the breast had also four heads; and dominion was given it." (7: 6)

"And as I was considering, behold, a HE-GOAT came from the West on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the GOAT had a notable horn between his eyes. And he came to the RAM that had ‘Two Horns,’ which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power. And I saw him come close unto the RAM, and he was moved with choler (rage) against him, and smote the RAM, and brake his ‘Two Horns;’ and there was no power in the RAM to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped on him: and there was none that could deliver the RAM out of his hand." (8: 5-7)

"And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations (Judah and the surrounding nations) shall serve the King of Babylon SEVENTY YEARS." (Jeremiah 25:11)

"And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah, in the fourth year, and in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azur the prophet, which was of Gibeon, spake unto me in the house of the Lord, In the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying, Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of the Lord’s house, that Nebuchadnezzar king for Babylon took away from this place, and carried them to Babylon: And I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, that went into Babylon, saith the Lord: for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon." (Jeremiah 28:1-4)

"For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Let not you prophets and your diviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to your dreams which ye cause to be dreamed. For they prophesy falsely unto you in my name: I have not sent them, saith the Lord. For thus saith the Lord, That after SEVENTY YEARS be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. (Jeremiah 29:8-11)

"In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; in the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books (What he had learned from books of the prophets, especially Jeremiah) the number of the years whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish SEVENTY YEARS in the desolations of Jerusalem." (Verses 1-2)

• Daniel was perplexed over the disconnect between what Isaiah, Jeremiah and other Prophets had written and what he saw previously in the visions of the Four Wild Beasts and the Ram and He-Goat.
• Daniel knew that from B.C. 606, when he was carried away captive to Babylon until now, B.C. 538, 68 of the SEVENTY YEARS had already expired.

• Since the Babylonian Empire was the one in existence during these 68 years, and if 70 years was to be the extent of the Jews captivity, that would leave only 2 years for the other three, ( Medo-Persian, Greek, and Roman) Empires to exist. This was not a reasonable conclusion.
• Daniel also knew that Cyrus had issued the edict for the return of the Jews as Isaiah foretold, which seemed to agree with Jeremiah’s prophesy of 70 years captivity :

"Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; That saith of Cyrus, he is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. "

• Although, Daniel was perplexed over how to reconcile the difference between Jeremiah’s prophecy and his visions, he didn’t allow it to interfere with his prayer routine.
• About the time of the ‘evening oblation’ (3 P.M. prayer) Gabriel interrupted his prayer:

"…Whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the Vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the ‘Evening Oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art GREATLY BELOVED: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. (Verses 20-23)

• Obviously, Daniel had to learn that the SEVENTY YEARS in Babylon was a type of a longer dispersion.

"SEVENTY WEEKS are determined (marked off) upon THY (Daniel’s) PEOPLE (the Jews) and upon THY (Daniel’s) HOLY CITY (Jerusalem), to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy." (Verse 24)

"Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to ‘restore and to build Jerusalem’ unto the ‘Messiah The Prince’ shall be SEVEN WEEKS, and THREESCORE AND TWO: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even troublous times." (Verse 25)

"And after "Threescore and Two weeks; shall MESSIAH (Christ the anointed one) be CUT OFF,’ (crucified) but not for Himself: and the people (Romans) of the ‘PRINCE THAT SHALL COME’ (Satan) shall destroy the City (Jerusalem) and the Sanctuary (the Temple); and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined." (Verse 26)

And he (the ‘Prince that shall come’--Antichrist) shall confirm the Covenant with many for ONE WEEK (7 years) (the last or Seventieth week): and in the midst of the Week he (Antichrist) shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he (Antichrist) shall make it (the Temple) desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate (Desolator)." (Verse 27)

1. TO FINISH THE TRANSGRESSION

• These 6 things only concern Daniel’s PEOPLE (the Jews), and the HOLY CITY (Jerusalem)
• They have nothing to do with the "Gentiles" or the "Church."

Before we discuss the detail elements of the Seventy Weeks, we need to understand God’s system of Prophetical Chronology by which He makes known His plans as to the Ages and Dispensations.

• It is clear from Christ’s response to His disciples in Acts 1:6-7 that there are ‘TIMES’ and ‘SEASONS,’ "which the Father hath put in His own power." This means that everything moves on "Schedule Time."
• In Prophetical Chronology there are divisions of times as "hours," "days," "weeks," "months," "years."

In order to be intelligible, these divisions of time must be interpreted on the same scale. God has given us the "Key" to the scale in his Word. In Numbers 14:34 we read:

"After the number of the DAYS in which ye searched the land, even FORTY DAYS, EACH DAY FOR A YEAR, shall ye bear your iniquities, even FORTY YEARS."

• We know that this judgment was literally fulfilled, for the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness forty years, a YEAR for every DAY that the spies searched out the land of Canaan. Therefore, the ‘Divine Scale" of "Prophetical Chronology" is, A DAY STANDS FOR A YEAR.

1. 365-1/4 days (Julian, or Astronomical Year)?

2. 365 days (Solar year)?

3. (360) days (Calendar)?

4. 354 days (Lunar)?

"In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened" (Genesis 7: 11) "And the waters prevailed upon the earth an hundred and fifty days" (Genesis 7:24) "And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat" (Genesis 8:4) we are told that the 5 months from the 17th day of the second month until the 17th day of the seventh month, are reckoned as 150 days, or 30 days to a month, or 360 days to a year.

When God’s divine scale and prophetic chronology is applied to the "Seventy Weeks," we get: Seventy Sevens, or 490 days, or on the "Year Day Scale, 490 Years.

Remember, in Daniel 9:25 we are told "that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the prince shall be ‘seven weeks,’ and ‘threescore and two weeks,’" That is 7 + 62 =69 weeks, or on the "Year Day Scale" 483 YEARS.

1. B.C. 536 by Cyrus, king of Persia to rebuild the Temple (Read Ezra 1:1-4; 2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Isaiah 44:28;Ezra 2:64-65) - Based on this time, the 69 weeks ran out 49 years before the birth of Christ.

2.B.C. 519 by Darius - Reaffirms the decree by Cyrus (Read Ezra 6:1-12) - Based on this time, the 69 weeks ran out 32 years before Christ

3. B.C.458 by Artaxerxes, king of Persia (Read Ezra 7:11-22) - Permission to collect money to purchase bullocks, rams, and lambs for offerings in the

Temple. - Based on this time, the 69 weeks ran out 29 years after the birth of Christ

4. B.C.445, March 14th, by Artaxerxes Longimanus, king of Persia (Read Nehemiah 2:1-8) - Permission given to Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem and "BUILD" it. - Based on this time, the 69 weeks ran out 8 years after the crucifixion.

• "Unto Messiah the Prince" - What does that mean? We know that "Messiah the Prince" means Christ, but to what particular period or event in His life does the prophecy point?

• After reviewing all of the facts that attend each event, we believe that the Triumphal Entry of Christ into Jerusalem on "Palm Sunday," April 6, A.D.32, a few days before His Crucifixion, ("CUT-OFF") marks the ENDPOINT of the 69 weeks.
• Now, let’s discuss the 6 detail elements of the SEVENTY WEEKS

• Of the Jews as a Nation - They are still in disfavor with God. It will not be finish until they as a nation repent of their "Sin" and turn to God.

Here again it is the "Sin" of Israel that is in view. The time will come when God "shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob, and take away from Israel all their sins." But this will not be until the "DELIVERER" (Christ at His Second Coming) comes. Romans 11:26-27)

Again the "Iniquity" of Israel as a nation is meant. It is written in Isaiah 53:6; "The Lord hath laid on Him (Christ) the iniquity of us all." This is true, but it has no application to the Jews as a people in this dispensation. If a Jew desires to be saved by the Blood of Christ he must renounce his nationality and become a member of the "Body of Christ" (the Church), in which there is neither Jew nor Gentile. (Galatians 3:26-28)

• . When Christ returns, (the day of the Lord) "they shall look upon Him whom they pierced (Revelation 1:7), and "shall be born (converted) in a day. (Isaiah 66:8). Also in that day (the day of the Lord), "there shall be a fountain opened to the HOUSE OF DAVID (Israel) and to the INHABITANTS OF JERUSALEM for sin and uncleanness." (Zechariah 13:1)

There can be no "Everlasting Righteousness" until the "Millennial Kingdom" of Christ is set up, and it cannot be set up until the "Transgressions of Israel" have come to an end, and their "sins" sealed up. Then shall the Lord make a "New Covenant" with the "House of Israel."

"But this shall be the Covenant that I will make with the ‘House of Israel;’ AFTER THOSE DAYS (the days of their present dispersion), saith the Lord, I will put ‘My Law’ in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be ‘My People.’

• Paul tells us in Romans 11:25; "blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in."

• When the "Transgression" of Israel has ceased, and they have uninterrupted communion with God, there will no longer be any need for "Vision" or "Prophet."

In this context the "Most Holy" is a PLACE, NOT A PERSON. The reference is no doubt to the "Most Holy Place" of the new "Millennial Temple" as described in Ezekiel 41:1-42:20, whose erection is still future. Ezekiel indicates that the "Shekinah Glory" reluctantly leave the "The House" (The Temple), Ezekiel 9:3, and later the city of Jerusalem, Ezekiel 11:23, to return to heaven. In his vision of the "Millennial Temple" Ezekiel sees the "Shekinah Glory" return from the East. (Ezekiel 43:1-6) When

the "Millennial Temple" is built; the "Shekinah Glory" of the Lord will return and anoint the "Most Holy Place."

B.C. A.D.

445 3 2 1 2 3 32

7 WEEKS + 62 WEEKS = 69 WEEKS +1 WEEK = 70 WEEKS

483 Years x 360 Days (Prophetic measure) = 173,880 days

From 14th March, B.C. 445 to April 6th, A.D. 32 = 476 Solar Years and 24 days

476 Years x 365 Days = 173,740 Days + 119 Days (for Leap years) 23 Days from March 14th to April 6th of A.D. 32 =173,882 Days.

Regardless of whose calculations we use, there seems to be a few years difference. However, we can count on one thing: The Bible is not wrong and God’s

calculations are not wrong. Any error that may occur is in profane (secular) chronology or would easily be in the time space not counted in God’s timetable between the 7 weeks and the 62 weeks. Just as there is a "GAP" between the 69th and the 70th week, Which is the time we now live in ("Times of the Gentiles"); there could be a gap between the 7 weeks and the 62 weeks.

Consider the way Gabriel gave the information to Daniel in 7:26: "SEVEN WEEKS, and THREESCORE AND TWO WEEKS. (One score equals 20, three scores equals 60 plus the first 7 equals 69 weeks).

Then in verse 27 he said "the Prince that shall come shall confirm the covenant with many for ONE WEEK, which makes the 70th week. Thus, one could look at the time being divided as: 7 weeks + 62 weeks + 1 week.

Daniel’s third and last vision came to him in the third year of the reign of King Cyrus, which was

B.C. 533.

"In the third year of Cyrus King of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision." (Verse 1)

In all probability, Daniel was over 90 years old and no longer active in public affairs. He was Chief of all the Governors over all the wise men of Babylon. ( Daniel 2:48).

When the Medes and the Persians overthrew the Babylonians (Chaldeans by nationality) and Cyrus the Persian King gave permission to the Israelites to return and rebuild Jerusalem, it was the fulfillment of Prophesy (Jer. 25:11). The first group returned about 3 years before Daniel’s last vision. Many, if not most, of the Israelites chose to remain in Babylon. Why? It has been suggested that many preferred the houses and gardens that they had established in Babylon over the past 70 years. The first group that returned faced not only the tremendous work to be done, but also harassment and the threat of physical force by the Samaritans in the area. This may have also deterred others from returning to their homeland also.

• Daniel did not return either. Perhaps it was his age, or perhaps God wanted him to stay to be the spiritual leader for those that remained in Babylon. In any case, Daniel’s concern for the overall situation and the future of his people led him to fast and mourn for 3 weeks.

• "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. (Verse 1)

• "In those days I Daniel was mourning ‘Three Full Weeks.’ I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh or wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled." (Verses:2-3)
• "And in the four and twentieth (24th) day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz:" (Verses 4-5)

"His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude." (Verse 6)

Compare this description with the "Son Of Man" that appeared to John on the Isle of Patmos.

The similarity of the descriptions and the effects upon Daniel and John is proof that the "Certain Man" in verse 5 was the Lord.

A close review of Daniel’s other visions, including the Ram and He-Goat, and the seventy weeks, leaves no doubt that the heavenly messenger was Gabriel, who saluted Daniel as the one "Greatly Beloved."

Gabriel informed Daniel that Satan (described here as the "Prince of the Kingdom Persia), detained him (21) days from reaching him. Satan still tries to hinder or block our prayers by trying to influence us to commit sins of omission and commission, which’s why we must always pray without ceasing.

• There is a Kingdom of Darkness over which Satan reigns as King and that his Kingdom is composed of "PRINCIPALITIES,’ "POWERS," AGE RULERS OF DARKNESS, AND "WICKED SPIRITS."

• "Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people, (the Jews) in the ‘Latter Days:" for yet the vision is for many days." (verse 14)
• The "Latter Days" included the detail wars of the Ptolemies, and Seleucidae," two of the "four Kingdoms," into which Alexander the Great’s Empire was divided and which are spoken of as the wars of King of the North, and of the South," which takes us down to the end of reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, B.C. 164. It also covers the time period of the Maccabees, B.C.166

• Daniel was overcome by what Gabriel told him, to the point of becoming temporarily dumb.
• Another angel, who came later, touched Daniel’s lips, like the Seraphim did Isaiah (6: 6-7).
• Daniel opened his mouth and spake.
• Gabriel strengthened him
• Gabriel informs Daniel that he must return to help Michael fight the "Prince of Persia" (Satan), but before he goes he will show Daniel what is noted in the ‘SCRIPTURE OF TRUTH."

• In this chapter we have pre-written history of the wars of the ptolemies of Egypt, (Kings of the South) and the Seleucidae of Syria (Kings of the North).
• The accuracy of the information has made critics claim that the book of Daniel could not have been written as early as I claimed (B.C. 533), but must have been written when the wars were over, or about B.C. 160.
• But we must remember that "Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit."

• Up until now we have seen prophecy revealed in figures and symbols. Now we will see prophesy described in literal language of historical events concerning Daniel’s people and the Holy Land, from Daniel’s time down to the second coming of Christ.

• 1. Ahasuerus (known as Cambyses (B.C. 529 - 522)
• 2. Artaxerxes (known as Pseudo-Smerdis (B.C. 522 - 521)
• 3. Darius, (known as Darius Hystapes (B.C. 521 - 485)
• 4. Xerxes (B.C. 485 - 465) the son of Darius Hystaspes. His enormous wealth enabled him to have vast armies in the field. He invaded Greece in B.C. 480, but failed to conquer it.
• Prophesy then jumps over nearly 150 years, past less important events and characters, to the time of Alexander the Great (B.C. 336 - 323)

"And a Mighty King shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the ‘Four Winds’ of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his Kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those." (Verses 3 - 4)

These verses takes us back to the vision of the "Ram and He-goat; Daniel 8: 3 - 8, 20 - 21, and we recognize in the "Mighty King" the "notable horn" that was broken off, and the "four horns" that came up in its place.

• Mighty King - Alexander the Great
• Four Winds - 4 of Alexander’s Generals
• Kingdom broken, plucked up - Kingdom divided among 4 Generals at Alexander’s death
• Not to his posterity - Alexander succeeded by others (Generals) not by anyone in his family. Within 15 years of his death, Alexander’s family became extinct.

• The prophesy now narrows down to 2 of the 4 Kingdoms that Alexander’s Kingdom was divided into, under the leadership (Kingship) of 4 of his Generals. Geographically they were divided into East, West, North and South. The prophesy only deals with the North and the South, which is referred to as the ‘Kings of the North’ and the ‘Kings of the South.’ Why only the South and the North? Because, as Gabriel told Daniel, the prophesy belonged to his people, which encompasses the Land (Palestine) that lay between Syria on the North and Egypt on the South.
• However, the prophecy only deals with significant events and characters in both Kindoms. The Southern Kingdom ‘s central point of reference is Egypt, and the Northern Kingdom’s central point of reference is Syria, which also includes Assyria.

Seleucus, who was driven out as vicegerent of Babylon by Antigonas, fled to Ptolemy in Egypt where he became "one of his princes."

With Ptolemy’s help, Seleucus regained his province, enlarged it to include Syria and Assyria, which "made him strong above him (Ptolemy) and have dominion." With Syria and Assyria being a part of his dominion, he became known as the "King of the North."

• Ptolemy Soter, King of the South and Seleucus Nicator, King of the North, lived in peace during their reigns.
• Ptolemy Soter abdicated in favor of his son Ptolemy Philadelphus
• Antiochus Soter succeeded Seleucus Nicator
• Ptolemy Philadelphus’ half brother Magas married Antiochus Soter’s daughter
• Magas induced his father-in-law, Antiochus Soter, to declare war against Egypt and his half brother

Ptolemy.

• Antiochus was succeeded by Antiochus Theus, who continued to war with Ptolemy.

"And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the King’s daughter of the South shall come to the King of the North to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her (her attendants), and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times." (Verse 6)

"And in the end of years they shall join themselves together" refers to the fact that Ptolemy Philadelphus offered Antiochus Theus his daughter, Bernice, as a bribe for peace, but with the stipulation that he would have to put his current wife, Laodice, away and declare her two sons illegitimate. The agreement was carried out.

But when Ptolemy Philadelphus died, Bernice could "not retain the power of the arm" which means that without her father’s power and influence Antiochus put her away and took Laodice, his first wife, back.

However, Antiochus did not "stand, nor his arm (power and authority): because Laodice poisoned him. She did not trust his motives, plus she wanted to secure the throne for her son, Seleucus Callinicus,

Seleucus Callinicus, now the King of the North, and prompted by his mother Laodice, had Bernice killed, along with her son, who was the rightful heir, her attendants, and those that "strengthened (supported) her in these times."

"But out of a branch of her (Bernice) roots (her parents) shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the King of the North, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail. And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and gold; and he shall continue more years than the King of the North." (Verses 7-8)

• This means that Ptolemy Euergetus, Bernice’s brother, succeeded his father Ptolemy Philadelphus. In revenge for his sister’s treatment, he hastily marched with a large army into Syria, "the fortress of the King of the North." He was to late to save his sister but he captured Seleucus Callinicus, killed Laodice, and carried "captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and gold."

"So the King of the South shall come into his Kingdom, and shall return into his own land But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, even to (Gaza), his fortress." (verses 9-10)

"So the King of the South (Ptolemy Euergetus) shall come into his (Seleucus Callinicus) Kingdom, and shall return into his own land (Egypt). But his (Seleucus Callinicus) sons (Seleucus Ceraunus, and Antiochus surnamed Magnus the Great) shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one (Seleucus Ceraunus who succeeded his father Seleucus Callinicus) shall certainly come, (against Ptolemy Philopater, who had succeeded his father Ptolemy Euergetus) and overflow, and pass through: (passed through Palestine), then shall he return, and be stirred up, marched with a vengenance) even to (Gaza), his (King of the South) fortress." (This was in B.C. 218)

"And the King of the South (Ptolemy Philopater) shall be moved with choler, (rage), (by the invasion of his Kingdom by Antiochus, the King of the North) and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the King of the North: and he (the King of the North) shall set forth a great multitude: (army) but the multitude (army) shall be given into his (the King of the South) hand. And when he (Ptolemy) hath taken away (was successful against) the multitude (army), his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it." (It turned out to be a shallow victory, because Ptolemy Philopater decided to return home to his sensual pleasures rather than take the opportunity to gain total supremacy over the King of the North. In other words when you have your enemy down wipe him out completely so that he can’t recover and come back at you later.)

After this war, Ptolemy Philopater and Antiochus had peace for thirteen years.

when Antiochus got word that Ptolemy was dead and was succeeded by his infant son Ptolemy Epiphanes, he felt the time was right for revenge.

Among the "many" that stood up against the King of the South, was Philip, King of Macedon, who agreed to fight with Antiochus if they would divide the Kingdom of Ptolemy Epiphanes between them.

Others, included wicked Jews called "robbers" because by their conduct and consorting with Antiochus, they made it hard for their brethren, and thus "established the vision," or prophesy concerning the suffering of Daniel’s people during these times.

These verses cover the remainder of the wars of Antiochus the Great, King of the North. On his way to take Egypt, he took the "glorious" (promised) land and did "according to his own will," and none were able to stand before him."

However, when he tried to take Egypt he found that Egypt had established an alliance with the Romans. So Antiochus resorted to deplomacy. He proposed that his daughter Cleopatra be espoused (engaged) to the infant King Ptolemy Epiphanes, who was then 7 years of age. Cleopatra was also quite young, still under the care of her mother and nurse, thus being referred to as the "daughter of women." Five years later, the marriage was consummated. The words "corrupting her," refers to her father, Antiochus trying to play her against her husband. But the plan failed. Cleopatra took sides with her husband and applauded the victories of the Romans over her father.

To avenge his self, Antiochus fitted a fleet of 300 ships and "turned his face unto the isles," the coasts of Asia Minor in hopes of defeating the Romans. But he was defeated in B.C. 190, by Scipio Asiaticus, the Prince mentioned in the prophecy. Later, his efforts for a peace agreement, resulted in a loss of territory and a large sum of tribute money for the next 12 years. Months later, he tried to plunder the Temple in Elymais to raise his tribute money, but the people rose and slew him. So he "stumbled and fell and was found no more."

Antiochus the Great was succeeded by his eldest son, Seleucus Philopater. He was compelled to be a "raiser of taxes" to pay the heavy tribute imposed on his father. Near the end of his 12 year reign, he sent his treasurer, Heliodorus, to Jerusalem, called the "Glory of the Kingdom," to confiscate the treasures of the Temple. "Within a few days," he was mysteriously poisoned. So he died "neither in anger, nor in battle."

"And in his (Antiochus the Great) estate (place) shall stand up a vile person (Antiochus Epiphanes, the younger son of Antiochus the Great), to whom they (the Jewish people and the High Priest, referred to in the text as’ Prince of the Covenant’ that opposed him) shall not give the honor of the Kingdom; (because his nephew, Demetrius, was the rightful heir.) but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the Kingdom by flatteries (leagues and agreements with those who could help him achieve his goal of becoming King). And with the arms of a flood shall they (the Jewish people and the High Priest, that opposed him) be overflown (overtaken as if by a flood) from before him, and shall be broken; (destroyed or removed from positions of influence) yea, also (including) the ‘Prince of the Covenant.’ (the Jewish High Priest Onias III), (Verses 21-22) Antiochus accomplished this by making a league with and aided by Eumenes, King of pergamum, and his brother Attalus.

"And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people (army). He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the Province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his father’s fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea and he shall forecast (plan in

advance) his devices (evil intentions) against the strongholds, (places with strong defenses) even for a time. (Verses 23-24)

Antiochus broke his league with Eemenes and his brother and convinced the Romans, who at this time supported Egypt and the King of the south, that his army was small and posed no threat to the province of Egypt. But, at the same time he was making his army bigger. Unlike his predecessors, (fathers and father’s fathers) he was profuse and extravagant in his gifts, and ‘scattered the spoil’ of his conquests among his friends. This deceitful practice occupied his enemy’s mind while he planned his self-serving strategy and intentions against the places with strong defenses that serve as a protection barrier between Egypt, such as, Pelusium, Naucratis, and Memphis. They are considered in the text as "the fattest places of the Province." Antiochus plan succeeded, according to the text, "even for a time", but as we shall see, he never did accomplish his primary goal of taking Alexandria, the great seaport of Egypt.

"And he (Antiochus Epiphanes) shall stir up (utilize) his power and his courage against the King of the South (Ptolemy Philometer) with a great army; and the King of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he (Ptolemy Philometer) shall not stand; for they (Antiochus Epiphanes and ptolemy’s enemies, who the scripture described as they that feed of the portion of his meat) shall forecast (plan) devices (intention, strategy) against him (Ptolemy Philometer). (Verses 25)

Although Antiochus could not conquer Alexandria, Ptolemy Philometer was taken captive, probably due to the betrayal of his so-called friends, whom the text refers to as those that "fed of the portion of his meat." (ate with him at his table.) His brother Physcon was proclaimed King in his stead. Antiochus Epiphanes, treated Ptolemy favorably, pretending to support a scheme to overthrow his brother and get his Kingdom back. Antiochus was obviously intending to use Ptolemy and his desire to regain his throne as a means of getting into, and conquering Alexandria. However, Ptolemy became suspicious of Antiochus, and his real intentions. Ptolemy then made overtures to Physcon, his brother, for joint sovereignty and war against Antiochus. At this point both Antiochus and Ptolemy was undermining each other for their own self-interest. Thus, the prophecy in the text was fulfilled

"Both these Kings’ (Antiochus and Ptolemy Philometer) hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper:". Physcon accepted the plan and received Ptolemy back into Alexandria. Both brothers then declared war against Antiochus.

"Then shall he (Antiochus) return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the Holy Covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land." (Verses 28-29) Loaded with the riches that he gains through his exploits over several of the strongholds of Egypt, Antiochus returned to Syria, his own land. On the way home, he heard that due to a false rumor of his death, Jason, who had been deprived of his High Priestly Office, had made an attack upon Jerusalem in an effort to recover his office. Choosing to regard this as a revolt of the Jews, who were subjugated to Syria, he assailed Jerusalem, slew 40,000, sold as many more as slaves, and plundered the Temple, mentioned in the text as the "Holy Covenant," carrying off treasure to the value of 1800 talents.

"At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the South; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter. For the ships of Chittim (the Romans) shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the Holy Covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the Holy Covenant. And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate." (verses 29-31)

• In the spring of B.C. 160, Antiochus again led his troops to Egypt to subugate the two brothers, Ptolemy Philometer and Ptolemy Physcon. But he was not successful, because the Ptolemies had the support of the Romans. Forced by the threat of the Romans to withdraw his troops back to his own kingdom, Antiochus vented his anger against the Jews of the "glorious Land," better known as Jerusalem.

He commanded that all his subjects should be one people, with one religion, and with the same laws. In order to enforce this upon the Jews, their Sanctuary was profaned, the offerings and sacrifices prohibited, and an Idol-Altar built over the Altar of Jehovah, upon which swine’s flesh was sacrificed. This was the "Abomination that maketh desolate," spoken of in the text, but not the

"Abomination of Desolation" spoken of by Christ in Matthew 24:15. That is still future. It is mentioned in Daniel 12:11, and will be the fulfillment of the "Overspreading of Desolations" of Daniel 9:27.

Antiochus stringent measures for the Hellenization (Greek culturalization) of Judea caused the Maccabean revolt. In the meantime he had gone with an army into Persia, gaining many victories everywhere. Later he was forced to retire to Babylon. Heartbroken at the news of the Maccabean revolt in Palestine, he died a natural death at Tabae in B.C. 164,

Note: Maccabean; Maccabees - A family of Jewish patriots who under Judas Maccabaeus, headed a successful revolt against the Syrians (175-164 B.C.) and ruled Palestine until 37 B.C.

It is important to understand that verses 21 to 31 has reference to Antiochus Epiphanes, and not to the Antichrist, or any other person, and was literally and completely fulfilled by him as foretold. There is no intimation that Antiochus Epiphanes is even to be regarded as a type of Antichrist. They are distinct historical personages, each dealt with in his own place, and though they resemble each other in some respects, on account of their conduct, and their treatment of the Jewish race, yet they must not be confounded with each other.

This prophetic and pre-Written historical account, recorded in these verses, of the wars of the Persian and Grecian Empires, and more in detail of the Syrian and Egyptian Divisions of the Grecian Empire, extending from B.C. 536 to B.C.164, a period of 372 years, is the most marvelous "Prophetic Foreview" in the whole Bible, because it goes into details that only the Onmiscidence of God could reveal.

• The Period Between Antiochus Epiphanes and "Messiah The Prince" B.C. 164 - A.D. 30

"And such as do wickedly against the Covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many." (Verse 32-1/2 of verse 33)

The Period Between Antiochus Epiphanes and "Messiah The Prince" B.C. 164 - A.D. 30 - Continued

• The behavior of the Jews under the oppression of Antiochus Epiphanes is shown in verse 32. Some of them did "wickedly," and forsook the "Covenant," and the religion of their fathers, and worshipped idols, and were led into this by flatteries (agreements, promises). But there were some who "knew their God," that He was able to deliver, and so they were strong and did exploits (remarkable, brilliant, daring deeds) This refers to the period of the Macabees.

"Yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days. Now when they shall fall they shall be holpen (helped) with a little help; but many shall cleave to them with flatteries (agreements, promises). And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed." (½ of verse 33 to verse 35)

• 40 years after Christ was cut-off (crucified), in A.D. 70 Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans and then began the fulfillment of the last half of verse 33.
• The "many days" are the days of this dispensation, referred to by Christ in Luke 21:24. Here we have the meaning and purpose of all the afflictions and persecutions of the Jews down the centuries, and even unto the end, outlined in one verse.

All of this is in process of fulfillment. The Jews have been spoiled, robbed repeatedly of their material possessions. Although they have "fallen," they have not been exterminated, and from time to time they have been "holpen (helped) with a little help." They have been "flattered" (given agreements and promises), but these promises have seldom, if ever, been fulfilled. Some of their "understanding ones," even in the time of Antichrist, will be deceived and "fall." But it will be for the purpose of "purging" (Ezekiel 20:34-38), that is "refining" (Ezekiel 22:19-22, Malachi 3:1-3, Zechariah 13:9) and purifying them and others by their example, even unto the "Time Of The End."

The verses we have just considered shows the consistency of all the "Visions" of Daniel, and proving that they relate only to Daniel’s people (the Jews). And not to the Church, for in every instance the present Church Dispensation is conspicuous by its omission.

"And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. But in his estate (in God’s place) shall he honor the ‘God of Forces;’ and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones and pleasant things. Thus shall he do in the most strongholds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain."and at the ‘TIME OF THE END’ shall the King of the South push at him: and the King of the North (the Willful King described above) shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the ‘Glorious Land’ (Palestine), and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.

"But tidings out of the East and out of the North shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many. And he shall plant the ‘tabernacles of his palace’ between the Seas (the Mediterranean and Dead Seas) in the ‘Glorious Holy Mountain;’ yet he shall COME TO HIS END, AND NOE SHALL HELP HIM."

• "The King" in verse 36 implies that he is one of whom we have heard of before. Notice that it does not say a king, but The King. The Little Horn of the fourth wild beast (Daniel 7:8) or the last Roman Empire; The Little Horn that came up on one of the four horns of the He-Goat (Daniel 8:9-12); and the "Willful King" that we are now considering, are the same person.
• They appear and reign at the same time, "Time of the End," they display the same ‘willful disposition’ and shall be destroyed in the same manner. We know from chapter 8 that the "four Kingdoms" into which Alexander the Great’s empire was divided are to be revived, and that in the ‘latter time of their Kingdom" a king of "Fierce Countenance" shall stand up (Daniel 8:21-23).

One of those "four kingdoms" was Syria known as the "Kingdom of the North," and as the "little horn" of chapter 8 appeared on the "Syrian Horn," then the king of "Fierce Countenance’ of chapter 8 must be the "King of the North" of the revived "Syrian Kingdom," or the "Willful King," the "King of the North" of chapter 11.

The "Willful King" shall do according to his will. He shall "exalt" and "magnify himself above every god," and shall speak "marvelous things" against the "God of gods" (Jehovah) and he shall prosper until "the indignation" (The Great Tribulation) is accomplished, for that which God has "determined" for the time of the end shall be done. He shall not regard the "God of his fathers," the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That means he will be a Jew. Neither shall he regard the "desire of women." This could mean that even feminine charm will not sway him from his course of action.

He shall depend on the "God of forces" or fortresses that is, he shall depend on the "god" that can give him the kingdoms of this world, and that is the "God of this world" (age) - which is Satan who offered the "kingdoms" of the world to Christ (Matthew 4:8,9). Christ refused them for he knew he would receive them from his Father (Jehovah). (Daniel 7:13,14; Revelation 11:15)

But the antichrist will accept, for we read that "The Dragon" (Satan) shall give him (the beast) his power, and his seat (throne), and great authority (Revelation 13:2) By the help of this "strange God" the "Willful King" shall secure the "strongholds" (fortresses), or fortified cities of the ten federated kingdoms, and shall control them with imperial troops on pretense of maintaining peace and concord. Thus he shall "increase the glory" of all who acknowledge him, and give them authority, and divide the land for "graft" (gain).

A future "King of the South," from one of the ten federated kings out of Egypt will oppose the "Willful King," the "King of the North." But the "Willful King" will swoop down on him, Egypt, and Palestine (glorious land), and none shall escape but Edom, Moab, and the land of Ammon. He will confiscate the treasures

of Egypt, and the Libyans and Ethiopians shall fall at his feet. However, in the midst of his victory bad tidings will come to him from the East, from Babylon, his capital city, and from the North. He will leave Egypt in a rage and with "great fury" plant (pitch) the "Tabernacles of his Palace;" that is the Royal Tents in which he dwelt while in the field on his military campaign, "between the seas" (the Mediterranean and Dead Seas) on the "Glorious Holy Mountain." And there with none to help, he shall come to his end. (See Zech. 14)

"And at that time shall Michael stand up, the ‘Great Prince’ which standeth for the children of thy (Daniel’s) people: and there shall be a ‘Time of Trouble,’ such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written the book (Chapter 12:1)

There should not be a chapter division here, for there is no break in the subject being discussed. The twelfth chapter begins with the word, "and at that time." What time? The time of the "Wilful King," which we have seen is the "Time of the End." (Daniel 11:40)

At that time Michael shall standup for Daniel’s people, the Jews. His work seems to be to deliver God’s people, particularly the Jews, from the power of Satan to finally cast him and his angels from the heavenlies on to the earth (Revelation12: 7-9). He also has something to do with the resurrection of the dead (Daniel 12:1,2). He contested with the Devil for the body of Moses (Jude 9). And the "voice" of the Archangel that will be heard when the "dead in Christ" shall rise (I Thess. 4:16). The only Archangel mentioned in the Scriptures is Michael (Jude 9).

The ‘Time of Trouble’ mentioned is the "Great Tribulation" that the scriptures speak of that is coming on the earth. Christ mentioned it in his Olivet Discourse:

"For then shall be "Great Tribulation," such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. (Matthew 24:21,22)

"Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heaven shall be shaken: and then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in

heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the SON OF MAN COMING IN THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN WITH POWER AND GREAT GLORY." (Matthew 24:29,30)

It is clear that the "Great Tribulation" spoken of by Christ was not the terrible sufferings that the Jewish people experienced in A.D. 70. That was local and fell on the Jews only. The "Great Tribulation" foretold by Christ will come upon the whole world, followed immediately by great physical changes and the return of the son of man in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

None of these things happen immediately after the destruction of Jerusalem, nor have they happen as yet. Christ also said at the time of the "Great Tribulation" the "powers of the heaven shall be shaken." Now these "powers of the heavenlies," the "principalities and powers of evil," of which the Apostle Paul warns us in Ephesians 6:12, have not as yet been shaken, but in the middle of Daniel’s "seventieth week," when the "Great Tribulation" begins, there will be "war in heaven," and Satan, who is the prince of these "evil powers of the air," will with them, not only be shaken, but "shaken out" of the heavenlies onto the earth and will incarnate the Antichrist, that will cause the "Great Tribulation." Once more, immediately after the "Great Tribulation" the "sign" of the "son of man: will be seen in the heavens. That sign is a "cloud." He ascended in a "cloud" and he is to return in the clouds. (Matthew 24:30)

But the Lord’ prophecy in Matthew 24:30 does not stand alone. Consider:

• Time of Jacob’s Trouble - Jeremiah 30:4-7
• Pass under the rod - Ezekiel 20:34-38
• Melting pot - Ezekial 22:18-22; Zech. 13:9; Mal. 3:1-3

The book of Revelation is written in chronological order, and the church is "caught out" through the "open door" in chapter 4:1, before the "Tribulation period" begins, and is not seen again until she reappears with Christ at his second coming as the "Lamb’s Wife." (Revelation 19:6-9) If the church is to pass through the "Great Tribulation" then the church should be watching for the tribulation instead of waiting for his son from heaven (I Thess. 1:10) Daniel’s people, the Jews, whose names are written in the book will be miraculously "delivered." These will be the "godly remnant" of the "End Time."

"And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." (Daniel 12:2)

(1) SPIRITUAL - Present resurrection of those who are spiritually dead in "trespasses and sins" (read Ephesians 2:1-16). This is on going. Being born-again, passing from death unto life. (read John 5:24)

(2) PHYSICAL - This is of the dead body. The bodies of both the "righteous: and the "wicked" shall rise, but not at the same time. There will be a thousand years difference. The righteous will rise to the "Resurrection of life," before the millennium, and the "wicked" to the "Resurrection of Damnation" at the close of the millennium. (read John 5:28,29)

(3) NATIONAL - Refers to Israel who are nationally dead and buried in the "graveyard of the nations" but who are to be revived and restored to their own land. (read Jeremiah 16:14,15) All Israel shall be saved (read Romans 11:26). Ezekiel was told that the valley of dry bones represented the "whole house of Israel." (read Ezekiel 37:11,12,21,22).

When the children of Israel shall be restored to their own land the "Twelve Tribes" will return. Paul says: "All Israel shall be save." (Romans 11:26). Ezekiel, in his vision of the "Valley of Dry Bones," was told that the bones represented the "Whole House of Israel" (Ezekiel. 37:11). The Lord also said through Ezekiel: "Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel." (Ezekiel 37:12)

This is not a description of a physical resurrection of dead bodies, but of a "National Resurrection" of a people. It is not the cry of individual dead Israelites, but the cry of a Dead Nation that has been "cut off" from its own land. It is the cry of a Spiritually and Nationally dead people. By the word "graves" we are not to understand "literal graves," for the bones were not in graves but scattered over the valley. (Ezkiel 37:1,2) What the passage means is, that God is going to bring back his people Israel, who are figuratively buried in the "Graveyard of the Nations." Notice nothing is said of opening graves in the land of Israel where the patriarchs, Judges, prophets, and Kings were buried. Therefore

this could not be a general resurrection of all the dead of Israel, but only of those who died in other lands. Verses 13 and 14 settles the question.

"And ye shall know that I am the Lord when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up out of your graves, and shall put My Spirit (Holy Spirit) in you, an ye shall live (Nationally) and I shall place you in your own land (according to your tribes, as described in Ezekiel 48:1-29): Then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it." (Ezekiel 37:13,14) This is in exact accord with other scriptures that teach that Israel is to be gathered back into their own Land (Jer. 16:14,15, Isa. 43:5-7, Amos 9:14,15), where they are to pass through the "Fiery Judgment" of the "Tribulation Period" (Ezek. 20:34-38; 22:19-22, Zech. 13:9, Malachi 3:1-3), the sufferings of which will cause them to call on the Lord for deliverance. And He will pour out upon them the "Spirit of Grace and Supplication" (Zech. 12:10), and they shall "Nationally Repent" (Zech. 12:11-14), and be "Converted" Then Isaiah 66:8 will be fulfilled:

"Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in One Day? Or shall a Nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion Travailed (the Tribulation was her "birth pangs"), she brought Forth her Children. Then a "Nation," the "Jewish nation," shall be converted or "Re-born" In A Day. "In those days the ‘House of Judah’ shall walk with the ‘House of Israel,’ and they shall come together out of the land of the North (the bulk of the Jews are in Russia) to the land (Palestine) that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers." (Jeremiah. 3:18)

"When the children of thy (Ezekiel’s) People shall speak unto thee, saying, wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these?….. Say unto them. Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the ‘Children of Israel’ from among the heathen (Gentiles), whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land, and I will make them ONE NATION in the land (Palestine) upon the Mountains of Israel; and One King shall be King to them all: and they shall be no more ‘Two Nations,’ neither shall they be divided into ‘Two Kingdoms; ANY MORE AT ALL." (Ezekiel 37:18-22)

From this we see, that the "WHOLE HOUSE OF ISRAEL," that is, the Whole Twelve Tribes, are to be gathered back to their own land, and redistricted upon it, according to the manner described in Ezekiel 48. The will be fulfilled the words

of Jeremiah 3:18: "In those days the ‘House of Judah’ shall walk with the ‘House of Israel,’ and they shall come together out of the land of the North (the bulk of the Jews are in Russia) to the land (Palestine) that I have given for an inheritance unto your fathers."

At this point we should be reminded that in these "Scriptures of Truth" the angel Gabriel was trying to make Daniel understand - "What shall befall his PEOPLE (the Jews) in the LATTER DAYS" (Daniel 10:14), or the TIME OF THE END." (Daniel 11:35; 12:4)

"And they (the teachers) that be wise shall shine as the ‘Brightness of the Firmament,’ and they that turn many to righteousness as the Stars forever and ever." (Daniel 12:3)

This infers that, as in our time, some will not be wise. We must not forget that the "Gospel of the Kingdom" shall be again preached, for it must be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the END COME (the end of this dispensation). Matthew 24:14

The word "Gospel" means "Good News.

The "Gospel of the Kingdom" is the "Good News" that god is going to set up a Kingdom of the earth over which David’s Son, Jesus, shall reign. (Luke 1:32,33) This Gospel was proclaimed by John the Baptist and Jesus and His Disciples, in the words - "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." The call to repent was not to individuals but to the Nation. The Nation refused, rejected the King, and crucified Him. But before the King’s death the "Gospel of the Kingdom," which up to that time had been preached only in Palestine, and not to all the world, was withdrawn. It is to be preached again after the Church has been "caught out," and then not only in Palestine but in the whole world. And as it is a call to Israel as a Nation to repent, and a proclamation that Christ is coming to set up the "STONE" (Daniel 2:34,35, 44,45) or Millennial Kingdom, the Kings

of the earth, particularly Antichrist, will hate such a "Gospel" that proclaims the downfall of his Kingdom. This will account for Antichrist’s hatred of the Jews, and his persecution of those who preach that Gospel. Between the two preachings of the "Gospel of the Kingdom" we have the preaching of:

• The "Gospel of the Grace of God." It is the proclamation of Salvation through faith in the "Atoning Sacrifice" of Christ on the Cross.
• The "Glorious Gospel" is the Gospel of the "glorious appearing," or "Second Coming" of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (Titus 2:13)
• "The Everlasting Gospel" will be preached by an angel just before the "Vial Judgments" are poured out on the earth, and it will be "good news" to all who are passing through the "Great Tribulation," because it declares that their sufferings will soon cease, and it will be "bad news" to Antichrist and his followers because it will proclaim that the "hour of God’s judgment" for them has come. (Revelation 14:6-7).
• There is also "Another Gospel," (Galatians 1:6-12; 2 Cor. 11:4),

which is not another, and which Paul repudiated. It is a perversion of the true Gospel, and has many seductive forms, and in the main teaches that "Faith" is Not Sufficient to Salvation, nor able to keep and perfect, and so emphasizes "Good Works." (Col. 2:18-23, Heb, 6:1;9:14) The Apostle Paul pronounces a fearful "Anathema" upon its preachers and teachers. (Gal. 1:8,9)

The "wise" teachers of the "End Time" will be like the children of Issachar, "which were men that had understanding of the Times." (I Chron. 12:32) They shall understand the Scriptures, and being mostly Jews, the Old Testament; particularly the prophecies relating to Israel. They will shine as the brightness of the firmament on a clear winter’s night, and as "stars: in the prophetic heavens," and like the great Prophets of old, they shall shine forever and ever. Their exposition of the Word of God will be forceful enough to convict the hearers and turn many to righteousness.

"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and Seal the Book, even to the Time of the End; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." (Daniel 12:4)

Daniel was told to "seal up" the revelations given to him while John was told to "seal not" the prophecies of the book of Revelation (Revelation 22:10). The reason is clear. When the Disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given….. Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias (Isa. 6:9-12), which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at anytime they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." (Matthew 13:10-15) From these words of Christ we learn that the Jews of his time were "willfully ignorant" of the Prophetic Scriptures by their own choice. And so, not to add to their sin, Christ had to unveil the

"Mysteries" of the Kingdom of Heaven in parables. And the reason was because the "Veil of Unbelief" was on their hearts. Of the children of Israel, Paul says: "Their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil not taken away in the reading of the Old Testament…. Nevertheless when it (a man, in the revised version) shall turn to the Lord, the ‘veil’ shall be taken away" (2 Cor. 3:14-16).

Therefore, as far as the Jews are concerned, the book of Daniel is a "sealed book." But it is only sealed up to them until the "Time of the End." When that "Time" comes many of Daniel’s people shall "run to and fro," and their "knowledge (of the book) shall be increased," and they shall be comforted and sustained amid the sufferings and trials of that "Time of Trouble."

But the book of Daniel is no longer sealed to the Christian believer. He has seen its prophecies being fulfilled in history. And now that the book is being better understood, it is more and more studied, which is a sign of the near approach of the "Time of the End."

"Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the River, and the other on that side of the bank of the River, and the

And one said to the ‘Man Clothed in Linen,’ "And I heard the ‘Man Clothed in Linen,’ which was upon the waters of the River, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth forever that it shall be for a TIME, TIMES, AND AN HALF; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the Holy People, all these things shall be FINISHED.

"And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed until the TIME OF THE END. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the WISE shall understand. And from the time that the ‘Daily Sacrifice’ shall be taken away, and the

‘Abomination that maketh Desolate set up,’ there shall be a THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED AND NINETY DAYS. Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED AND FIVE AND THIRTY DAYS."

We must not forget that Daniel was still standing by the side of the River Hiddekel (Tigris), and that chapters 10 to 12 inclusive are one"Vision." Therefore the "Man clothed in Linen" is the same mentioned in chapter 10:5,6), and has been already described. But at this point in the "Vision." Daniel noticed two other angelic beings, one on each side of the River. One of them addressed the "Man clothed in Linen," supported in a cloud over the River, and asked - "How long shall it be to the END of these Wonders?" And the man clothed in Linen" lifted up both hands and sware by the Almighty, that it should be for a TIME, TIMES, AND A HALF," OR THREE AND A HALF YEARS.

"And I saw another Mighty Angel come down from Heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a Rainbow was upon His head, and His face was as it were the sun, and His feet as pillars of Fire: and He had in His hand a ‘LITTLE BOOK’ open: and he set His right foot upon the Sea, and His left foot on the EARTH, and cried with a loud voice as when a LION roareth: and when He had cried ’SEVEN THUNDERS’ uttered their voices. And when the ‘SEVEN THUNDERS’ had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a ‘Voice from heaven’ saying unto me, SEAL UP those things which the ‘SEVEN THUNDERS’ uttered,

and write them not. And the ‘ANGEL’ which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up His hand to heaven, and ‘sware’ by Him that LIVETH FOREVER AND EVER, who created Heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be TIME NO LONGER."

As the description of this "MIGHTY ANGEL," in His appearance and actions, harmonizes with that of the "MAN CLOTHED IN LINEN" (Daniel 10:5,6; 12:6,7), they must be one and the same, or the Lord Jesus Christ. The description corresponds to that of Him as He stands in the midst of the "Lampstands" in Revelation 1:12-16, and we know that in the Old Testament he was called the "ANGEL OF THE LORD" (Exodus 3:2-18) and that the "I AM" of the Old Testament is the same as the "I AM" of the New Testament. (John 6:35; 8:12; 10:9). Now as these closing chapters of Daniel deal with Israel, and as Christ was to them the "ANGEL OF THE LORD," what more appropriate title could he have in chapters 6 to 19 of Revelation, that also deal mainly with Israel, than that of a ‘MIGHTY ANGEL?" The fact that he cried with a loud voice, as a "Lion roareth," identifies Him as the "LION OF THE TRIBE OF JUDAH." (Revelation 5:5)

"But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shall rest, and stand in ‘Thy Lot’ at the "End Of The Days."

Daniel was over ninety years of age. He had lived in Babylon, away from his beloved land and city, for over seventy years. He had been active in public affairs of two Empires. His religion had received the severest tests. God had honored him by taking him into His confidence, and revealing to him the history of the "Times of the Gentiles." The time for rest had come. So he was told to "go his way,’ depart to his home and rest there until the summons came for him to make his "Exodus" from Babylon to the Heavenly Land. Then when the "Times of the Gentiles" have run their course, Daniel will stand in His Lot. What that "Lot" is to be we are not told. But if the apostles are to be raised and sit on "Twelve Thrones," judging the "Twelve Tribes" of Israel (Matt. 19:28), who can tell what Daniel’s lot will be, a man who participated in the affairs of Empires, and was trusted adviser of kings.