1. GOD’S PREVIEW OF HISTORY

(Daniel 2)

The prophecy of this chapter spans the centuries from Daniel to the return of Jesus. It is considered to be the most remarkable prophecy in the Bible because it is most comprehensive. It gives a consecutive history of the world of Daniel’s time to the end. This chapter opens by picturing the ruler of the greatest of earthly kingdoms in his own home in his bed asleep. “And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him.” Daniel 2:1, first part.

When God gives a dream what is His purpose as expressed by Elihu speaking to Job?

“Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, That he may withdraw man from his purpose, and hide pride from man.”

Job 33:13-17.

Note: Evidently the Lord found it difficult to reveal the truth to Nebuchadnezzar in his waking moments (or purposely led the king to not see the dream in its complete form so that Daniel would have to be brought forward and be the tool of which God would work through). God revealed to this heathen king an image and thus attracted his attention, making a strong impression on him.

When the King awakened what happened?

“And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream. The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.”

Daniel 2:3, 5.

Note: The king’s mind had been impressed but he could not recall the dream.

How was the pretended knowledge of the wise men of Babylon exposed?

First, God gave Nebuchadnezzar a dream.
Second, the king forgot the details of the dream, yet he retained a vivid impression of it.
Third, the king demanded of the wise men of Babylon not only an interpretation, but a revelation of the dream itself (Daniel 2:2-5)

What was the reaction of the wise men of Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar’s demands and what truth did they admit?

“The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king's matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean. And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.”

Daniel 2:10, 11.

By whom was the dream and its interpretation made known to the king?

“Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.”

Daniel 2:19.

Note: Daniel was a young man. What an opportunity to witness for the true God. God showed Daniel the identical vision He had given to Nebuchadnezzar. Centuries before this God had taught Egyptian senators by the mouth of Joseph, a boy no older than Daniel. Read Psalm 105:17-22. And as Daniel stood before the king amid many of his teachers the words of David in Psalm 119:98-100 were exemplified.

To whom did Daniel give credit for the revelation of the dream and the interpretation?

“But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these.”

Daniel 2:28

What was the purpose of this dream?

“As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass.”

Daniel 2:29.

Of what materials was the image made?

“Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image's head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay.”

Daniel 2:31-33.

What was represented of the head of gold?

“Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.”

Daniel 2:37, 38.

Note: Babylon had been erected in defiance to God. Read Genesis 11:1-9. Its government was an absolute monarchy; a man sat on the throne. Tyranny ruled instead of love, No power was tolerated above the king. There was a union of church and state.

Babylon was about ten miles in circumference. The inner city was surrounded by double walls. The inner wall was about twelve

feet thick and the outer wall about twenty-two feet. The outer fortification also had two walls, twenty-four and twenty-six feet thick, respectively. Every fifty five yards there were two towers, 250 in all. The excavations provide no evidence relative to the height of Babylon’s walls. Only stumps remain and the highest is not more than forty feet. Babylon was founded by Nimrod many centuries before Christ, and was overthrown by the Medes and Persians under Cyrus in 539 B.C.

How was the second universal kingdom represented in the image?

“And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.”

Daniel 2:39.

Note: The breast and arms of silver represented the Medes and Persians which conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. This power reigned for 208 years but her power was broken by Alexander the Great at the battle of Arbela in the year 331 B.C.

How was the third world power represented in the image?

“And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth”

Daniel 2:39, last part.

Note: Grecia followed Mede-Persia as a world power. This empire ruled for 163 years, from 331 B.C. to 168 B.C.

How was the fourth world kingdom pictured?

“And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise.”

Daniel 2:40.

Note: Read Daniel 2:41, 42. Here it indicates the Roman Empire was to be divided. Gibbon in his Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire names these divisions of the Roman Empire; the Visigoths, Burgundians, Suevi, Vandals, Ostrogoths, Heruli, Franks, Saxons, Lombards, and Alemanni. Seven of these became the basis of the modern nations of Western Europe. The Heruli, Vandals, and Ostrogoths were completely rooted up by the little horn power of Daniel 7. This is made clear in the following study.

Will there be another united Europe as a world power like the Roman Empire? Can the European nations be united permanently with one head?

“And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.”

Daniel 2:43.

Note: There have been many attempts to unite Europe. Men have tried to bring about another world power. Such rulers as Charlemagne, Charles V, Louis XIV, Napoleon, Kaiser Wilhelm, and Hitler all tried only to fail. “They shall not cleave to one another.”

Whose kingdom is destined to be victorious?

“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.”

Daniel 2:44, 45.

Note: What is the meaning of the stone in this vision? That stone which smites the image on the feet represents the establishment of Christ’s kingdom. We are living in the days of the nations of Europe represented by the feet and toes of the great image. Christ’s kingdom will soon be a reality. Christ’s prayer, “Thy kingdom come,” is about to be fulfilled.

Conclusion

Nebuchadnezzar recognized that what Daniel had told him was the dream he had forgotten and which had troubled him. He fell on his face and said, “The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.” Daniel 2:47.

Remember, “The dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” We have nearly reached the end of human history. To be a part of Christ’s everlasting kingdom a person must have Christ in his heart. Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3, last part. Let’s plan now to be a part of God’s eternal kingdom.

2. WHO IS THE ANTICHRIST?

God gave Daniel a vision which revealed events to take place for many centuries beyond his day. In Daniel 7 God pictures under appropriate symbols the rise and fall of nations from the time of Daniel on down to the rise of the Antichrist. Any student of Bible prophecy is concerned about the rise and work of the Antichrist power.

What was seen by Daniel in the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon?

“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. 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 one from another. 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. And behold another beast, a second, like to 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 said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. After this I 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.”

Daniel 7:1-8.

Note: Daniel was shown four beasts diverse from one another. They came up out of the sea. The fourth beast had ten horns and finally a little horn came up out of the ten.

What three sets of symbols did Daniel see?

He was shown the sea, four beasts, and four winds striving the sea.

What do winds symbolize in Bible prophecy?

“Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. And upon Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation whither the outcasts of Elam shall not come. For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before them that seek their life: and I will bring evil upon them even my fierce anger, saith the LORD; and I will send the sword after them, till I have consumed them.”

Jeremiah 49:35-37.

Read Jeremiah 51:1, 11.

Note: In prophecy winds denote strife, political commotion, and war. The striving of the winds in this prophecy pictures the rise of kingdoms and their fall; these events are accomplished through political strife.

Of what is the sea or waters a symbol in prophecy?

“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.

Read Isaiah 17:12, 13.

What do the four beasts represent?

“These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.”

Daniel 7:17, 23.

Note: The great image of Daniel 2 made of four metals represented four kingdoms. The four beasts represent the same four kingdoms – Babylon, Mede-Persia, Grecia, and Rome. The fourth kingdom is divided into ten parts.

What do the ten horns symbolize?

“And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.”

Daniel 7:24.

Note: That the ten kings mentioned here represent ten kingdoms is not left to conjecture. In Daniel 7:17 the four beasts are said to represent four kings and the fourth beast is specifically called “the fourth kingdom.” Since the four horns in Daniel 8:22 are called four kingdoms, it is reasonable to assume that these ten horns are ten kingdoms also.

What does Daniel say about the first beast?

According to Daniel 7:4 it was a lion. It had eagle’s wings and finally a man’s heart was given to it. The eagle’s wings represent the rapid conquest of Babylon (Deuteronomy 28:49). On the night of Belshazzar’s feast, when the hand wrote Babylon’s doom on the wall, a man’s heart was given to it (Daniel 5:1-6).

What is said concerning the bear?

In Daniel 7:5 the bear is represented with three ribs in its mouth. These symbolize the conquest by Mede-Persia of Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt.

What does the prophet say concerning the third beast?

He mentions in Daniel 7:6 it was like a leopard. Its four wings represent unparalleled rapidity of movement. This was true of the Grecian kingdom. The four heads are the four parts of the Grecian Empire divided, after Alexander’s death, among his four leading generals – Cassander, Lysimachus, Ptolemy, and Seleucus.

What description is given concerning the fourth beast?

This beast is described in Daniel 7:7 as dreadful and strong. It had great iron teeth. This beast had ten horns representing, as did the ten toes of the image in Daniel 2, the ten divisions of Western Rome, namely, the Alemanni, Ostrogoths, Visigoths, Franks, Vandals, Suevi, Burgandians, Heruli, Anglo-Saxons, and Lombards.

What came up among the ten horns (the nations of Europe)?

According to Daniel 7:8, 24 there came up the little horn power which had “eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.” This depicts the rise of the Papacy. Because the Heruli, Ostrogoths, and Vandals were opposed to the teaching and claims of the papal hierarchy the papal power became supreme when they were plucked up. The little horn was to be different from the ten horns indicating she would be a religious power operating particularly in the realm of religion as well as in political affairs. The Papacy succeeded in uprooting the Heruli in A.D. 493, the Vandals in A.D. 534, and the Ostrogoths in A.D. 538.

What four specifications are mentioned in this prophecy which identifies the Papacy as the Antichrist?

“And 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 laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.”

Daniel 7:25.

Note: Two important identifying marks are time and place. The little horn came up after dissolution of the Roman Empire in the West (A.D. 476). The little horn also came up among the nations of Western Europe. It is evident therefore that this little horn or Antichrist power which was to arise at a definite time and place came upon the scene as predicted. (These keys help us to see that the little horn Antichrist will not come at the end of the age as is now commonly taught.)

Has the Papacy done all this little horn power was to do?

“Shall speak great words against the most High.” The Pope has assumed titles belonging only to God. “The Pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man, but as it were God, and the vicar of God. The Pope is at it were God on earth, sole sovereign of the faithful of Christ, chief of kings, having plentitude of power to whom has been entrusted by the omnipotent God direction not only of the earthly but also of the heavenly kingdom.” – Translated from Lucius Ferraris, “Papa II.” Prompta Bibliotheca, Vol. VI, pp 25-29.
“Shall wear out the saints of the most High.” This is a picture of relentless persecution. It is conservatively estimated that during the Middle Ages 50,000,000 (perhaps even 150,000,000) martyrs were put to death by the papal sword. The Inquisition was both the creation and tool of papal power for exterminating heretics.
Will “think to change times and laws.” According to Daniel 2:21 it is God who has the nations in control and it is His prerogative alone to change times. For the little horn to endeavor to change times is to exercise the role of God in an attempt to shape history. How has the papacy attempted to change laws? Look at the apostasy of the early Christian centuries at which time doctrines and practices contrary to God’s will were introduced. The Papacy freely admits she is responsible for making Sunday a day of worship. Lucius Ferraris (Roman Catholic) says, “The Pope is of so great authority and power that he can modify, explain, or interpret divine laws.” – Ibid. In almost any Catholic catechism the second commandment is taken out, the tenth is divided into two and the fourth is changed.
“And they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” Here God is careful to mark off the time of papal supremacy. (In the Aramaic the word translated “time” in Daniel 4:16, 23, 25, 32 means “a year.” “Times” comes from the same word as “time” and most scholars agree this denotes “two times” or two years. The word which is translated “dividing” may be translated “half.” Thus the little horn power was to be supreme for a time, two times, and half a time.) When King Nebuchadnezzar was deposed until seven times passes over him (Daniel 4:25), this was a period of seven years. In prophetic reckoning there are thirty days to the month or 360 days for one year. Therefore three and one-half times would be 1260 days. In Revelation 12:14 God’s church is said to be in seclusion for a time, and times, and half a time. In Revelation 12:6 God explains this to be 1260 days. The rule for interpreting prophetic time is “each day for a year.” Ezekiel 4:4-6. The period of papal supremacy began in A.D. 538 when the Ostrogoths, the last of the three opposing powers, were rooted up. The closing of the 1260 years would be in 1798. What took place at that time? In 1798, on February 10, a French army under the leadership of Berthier entered Rome and took the pope prisoner.

Note: Therefore, since the Papacy has (1) spoken great words against God, (2) persecuted and put to death the saints, (3) tampered with God’s holy law, (4) and was a dominant power for 1260 years as predicted, she is undoubtedly the “little horn” power to which the prophecy points. This prophecy is not speaking against personalities. We should always remember that there are many fine persons in this communion who love the Lord, but it is speaking about the papal system and its actions.

Conclusion

Read Daniel 7:9, 10. Here God reveals the beginning of judgment. In Daniel 7 the final judgment is mentioned three times (Daniel 7:10, 22, 26). God’s eternal kingdom is mentioned four times (Daniel 7:14, 18, 22, 27).

It is evident that while Satan has waged a long warfare against God’s commandments, yet Christ will have the final word! On which side will you stand in the conflict between truth and error? “Who is on the Lord’s side?” Exodus 32:26. Make your very own the decision of

Joshua 24:15.

3. SATAN COUNTERFIETS CHRIST’S MINISTRY IN HEAVEN

(Daniel 8)

There is only “one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5. Christ is the “new and living way” (Hebrews 10:19-22) into God’s presence. He is the ladder from earth to heaven (John 1:51). Our prayers and requests ascend to God through Christ. He takes the place of human priests, altars, ceremonies, and sacrifices (John 14:6).

The devil has done all he can to destroy this saving ministry of our Lord. God knew he would do this. He predicted it in order to warn us against the enemies attempts to nullify the work of Christ for us in heaven. This is the subject of the prophecy of Daniel 8.

What animal did Daniel see and of what was it a symbol?

“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. The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.”

Daniel 8:3, 4, 20.

Note: This ram power became “great.” It was represented in Daniel 2 by the silver breast and arms of the great image and in Daniel 7 by the bear.

What animal did Daniel see next and what power was represented?

“And as I was considering, behold, an 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 there 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 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 upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.”

Daniel 8:5-8, 21.

Note: This great power became “very great.” It was symbolized in Daniel 2 by the brass belly and thighs of the image in Daniel 7 by the leopard beast. The “notable horn” represented Alexander the Great. After making Grecia a world empire he died suddenly in his early thirties. After a round of hard drinking Alexander became sick with “swamp fever.” This was the ancient name for malaria which finally claimed his life.

What did the four horns symbolize?

“Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.”

Daniel 8:8, 22.

Note: After Alexander’s death there were many generals who devoured to take over the leadership. Finally the Grecian Empire was divided between four of Alexander’s leading generals. Cassander became the ruler of Macedonia and Grecia; Lysimachus became ruler of Thrace and portions of Asia Minor; Seleucus became ruler over Babylon and Assyria; Ptolemy became ruler of Egypt, Palestine, and a portion of Syria. Hence Alexander’s empire was divided as predicted “toward the four winds of heaven.”

What power does the little horn represent?

“And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. 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, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.”

Daniel 8:9-12.

Note: Here is pictured the power symbolized by the fourth beast and its little horn of Daniel 7:19-21. This little horn power is the masterpiece of Satan. It represents both pagan and papal Rome. In her conquests pagan Rome was “exceedingly great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.” She also stood up against the Prince of princes, Christ. The chief emphasis however is on papal Rome. Because of her desolating career against God, His sanctuary, and His saints, the Papacy is called “the transgression of desolation.” Daniel 8:13. In Daniel 11:31 it is called “the abomination that maketh desolate.” When Jesus referred to these scriptures He termed it “the abomination of desolation.” Mathew 24:15.

What was the little horn power to take away?

“Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down. And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered. Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that 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 said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.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.”

Daniel 8:11-15.

Note: The word “sacrifice” is a supplied word and is not found in the original Hebrew. The word for “daily” in the Hebrew is tamid meaning continual or regular. Tamid is used in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers in connection with the regular or continual service of the sanctuary. The daily, continual features of the earthly sanctuary service all pointed forward to the unceasing, personal mediation of Christ as our Great High Priest in heaven. Over and over, at least 15 times, the writer of the book of Hebrews speaks of the constant mediation of Christ. Read Hebrews 5:6; 6:20; 7:3, 8, 16, 17, 21, 24, 25, 28; 10:12; 13:8. The heavenly ministry of Christ is the true daily of

Daniel 8.

How did the papacy take away the daily?

She has done this by setting up a counterfeit of the true daily – a human priesthood in place of Christ’s priestly ministration. Man is taught to look to a human priest and for grace through the sacraments of the church administered by him.

Note: Here is what Roman Catholicism says: “The sacrifice of the mass is the consecration of the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ, and the oblation of this body and blood to God, by the ministry of the Priest, for a perpetual memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The Sacrifice of the Mass is identical with that of the cross.” –Cardinal Gibbons, Faith of our Fathers, p. 300. “Why is Christ styled a priest forever after Melchisedec’s order? … Because He continues and will continue to offer the same sacrifice by means of His priests to the end of the world.” – Ibid., p.122. It is evident that the Papacy considers the Mass the perpetuation of the daily or continual ministration of the priests of the earthly sanctuary. This bloodless sacrifice of the Mass by the priest supplants and pollutes the atonement of Christ on Calvary and His daily or continual mediation in the heavenly sanctuary.

Conclusion

The vision of Daniel 8 is more than a conflict between nations. It brings our attention to the taking away of the daily which is a worldwide attempt to dethrone Christ as man’s only mediator. The facts are, “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John 2:1, last part.

4. UNBELIEF REFUTED

(The Seventy Weeks)

One can hardly disbelieve that Jesus was the true Messiah after studying carefully the prophecy of the seventy weeks. Five hundred years before His birth a time prophecy was recorded which foretold the year of Christ’s baptism, the year of his crucifixion, and the year when the gospel would begin to go to the Gentiles. The unfolding of this prophecy presents strong evidence concerning the infallibility of God’s Word.

Who was sent to make Daniel understand the vision of Daniel 8?

“And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.”

Daniel 8:16.

Note: Gabriel gave Daniel the explanation of the ram, the he goat, and the little horn. However, the 2300 days mentioned in Daniel 8:14 was not explained at the same time inasmuch as “Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days.” Daniel 8:27.

Did Gabriel return to complete the explanation of the 2300 days?

“Yea, 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.”

Daniel 9:21-23.

Note: The first 19 verses of Daniel 9 indicate Daniel did some research concerning the time of captivity. He was convinced it would be seventy years, but since he did not yet understand the significance of the 2300 days he was afraid God was going to prolong their captivity. So Daniel prayed, confessed his sins, and pleaded that the captivity would not be prolonged.

How much of the 2300 days was given to the Jewish nation?

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, 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.”

Daniel 9:24.

Note: The word “determined” means to cut off. Since these seventy weeks are in a setting of symbolic prophecy (Daniel 8 and 9) this period of time must be intercepted according to the each-day-for-one-year principle mentioned in Ezekiel 4:6 and Numbers 14:34. On this basis the seventy weeks represent 70 x 7 or 490 years.

What five major events does this prophecy reveal?

“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 weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

Daniel 9:25-27.

Note: (1) There is “the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem.” (2) “The street shall be built again and the wall.” (3) “Unto the Messiah the Prince.” (4) The Messiah was to be cut off “in the midst of the week.” (5) The national probation was to end at the close of seventy prophetic weeks.

What date is established for the decree to rebuild Jerusalem?

There were three decrees which gave permission for the Hebrew exiles to return home. The decree of Cyrus in 537 B.C. had to do with rebuilding the temple, restoration of the sacred vessels and the temple worship (Ezra 1:1-4). The decree of Darius in 519 B.C. was a renewal of the first decree since there had been some hindrance of the work (Ezra 6:7-12). Finally the decree of Artaxerxes in 457 B.C., in addition to promoting the re-establishing of the worship in Jerusalem, made possible the setting up of a Hebrew state and a local government (Ezra 7:11-26). In Ezra 6:14 these three decrees are referred to as “the commandment of the God of Israel.”

Note: The first seven weeks or 49 years (Daniel 9:25) was to see the rebuilding of the wall. The city was to begin to take shape by

408 B.C.

What is the significance of the statement “unto the Messiah the Prince?

The Messiah was to appear at the end of 69 weeks or 483 years. Beginning with the autumn of 457 B.C. and extending to A.D. 1 would be a full 457 years, but the prophecy said there would be 483 years to the Messiah so 26 years would extend this period to the autumn of A.D. 27. Messiah means the Christ or the Anointed One. Anciently, priests and kings were anointed when they began their work.

Note the following facts.

Christ was anointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38).
The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus at His baptism when He began His life’s work (Mathew 3:16).
Jesus was called the Messiah by His close followers (John 1:41).
Christ testified publicly to His own anointing (Luke 4:14-21).
When Christ said, following His baptism, “the time is fulfilled,” He announced the close of the 69^th week and thus appealed to Daniel 9 as proof of His Messiahship (Mark 1:15).

Note: This 490 year period was in many ways the great climax to the Old Testament ages – the time that patriarchs, prophets, and kings looked forward to – as it was consummated by the appearing, ministry, and atoning death of the Messiah. The Jewish nation unfortunately filled up its cup of transgression, but it was the Messiah’s life and death which has made possible an “end of sins” – which has made “reconciliation for iniquity” and which has brought in “everlasting righteousness.” His ministry has confirmed the prophecy. But more than this was accomplished. The anointing of “the most Holy” refers to the inauguration of the Messiah as man’s High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary to minister His merits in behalf of penitent men and women. Read Hebrews 8:1, 2; 9:24. Within this prophecy is a shift to lift our attention to the heavenly sanctuary. It had been foretold in Psalm 110:4; Isaiah 53:12; Zechariah 6:11-14 that Christ would be a priest. Here in the book of Daniel we are pointed to the sanctuary in which He would serve. This is confirmed and elaborated on in the book of Hebrews.

How was the prediction fulfilled that the Messiah would be cut off in the midst of the week?

For three and a half years Christ carried on His public ministry; then He was “cut off, but not for himself,” “in the midst of the [70^th] week.” That He caused “the sacrifice and oblation to cease” was evident by the supernatural rending of the temple veil (Mathew 27:51). And it should be observed that He did “confirm the covenant with many for one week,” or seven years as had been predicted. He did this for

3½ years during His public ministry, and for 3½ after His crucifixion by the original apostles (Hebrews 2:3) making a total of seven years.

What action on the part of the Jewish leaders brought to an end the probationary period of 490 years for the Jewish nation?

Read Acts 7:54-60

Note: The stoning of Stephen was the result of a formal rejection of the gospel by responsible leaders (Acts 7:51-54). Because of persecution which scattered the Christians they then began to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Philip preached to the Samaritans and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:5, 27-29). Sometime later Saul was converted (Acts 9) and became the Apostle to the Gentiles.

What important things would be accomplished in this seventy-week period according to the angel Gabriel?

Daniel 9:24.

Conclusion

What is the value to us of this seventy-week prophecy? It helps to increase our confidence in the inspiration of God’s Word. It is a demonstration of God’s love and mercy in dealing with His people. It helps to unlock the great time prophecy of Daniel 8:14. Above all, Jesus Christ is shown to be the true Messiah. Of Christ we can say with Philip, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write.” John 1:45.

5. THE TIME OF THE JUDGEMENT

(The 2300 Days)

The Bible speaks of a judgment which all face and none can escape. Daniel was shown the judgment in session (Daniel 7:9, 10). Jesus spoke of a judgment in which all must give an account (Mathew 12:36). Paul mentioned the judgment when he spoke before Felix (Acts 24:25). The prophecy of the 2300 days points to exact beginning of judgment.

What long time prophecy is introduced in Daniel 8?

“And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.”

Daniel 8:14.

In what period of earth can we expect this vision to be fulfilled?

“So he 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.”

Daniel 8:17.

When did the 2300 days begin?

According to Daniel 9:24 Gabriel explained that the 70 weeks (490 years) were to be cut off, measured off, or appointed for God’s people. This 490-year period was cut off from a longer period. That period was the 2300 days or years mentioned in this vision. Therefore the 490 years and the 2300 years have the same beginning. The restoration decree issued by Artaxerxes in 457 B.C. marks the beginning of the 2300 years.

When did the 2300 years end?

Since the 490-year period was cut off from the 2300 years and it ended in A.D. 34, the remaining 1810 years of the 2300 years would reach to A.D. 1844.

Which sanctuary was to be cleansed?

The sanctuary mentioned in Daniel 8:14 must refer to the sanctuary in heaven inasmuch as the sanctuary on earth had not existed for nearly 1800 years. Jesus had said, “Your house is left unto you desolate.” Mathew 23:37, 38. There was the supernatural rending of the veil in the sanctuary at Jerusalem when Christ was crucified. Jerusalem and the temple were destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70.

What is meant by the cleansing of the sanctuary?

“And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel. For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.”

Leviticus 16:19, 30.

Note: The earthly sanctuary was cleansed once every year by the offering of a blood sacrifice. This service was known as a service of atonement. It was a time of judgment. All record of sin was banished from the camp.

What is involved in the cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary?

In 1844 Christ entered into the most holy apartment of the heavenly sanctuary just as the earthly high priest entered the most holy apartment of the earthly sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. There is no sin in heaven but a work of judgment must be accomplished relative to the records of sin (Ecclesiastes 12:14 and Revelation 20:12).

This judgment in heaven which began in 1844 is an investigative judgment. This is necessary so that Christ can bring with him the

rewards. It will first judge the little horn power and the forces behind it thus vindicating God before the universe. It will also permit God to vindicate and clear His genuine people (Revelation 3:5).

During the 1,000 years of Revelation 20 the records of the wicked will be looked over, with the righteous assisting, and the

execution of the sentences will be carried out at the end of the 1,000 years.

Christ will indicate the closing of the investigative judgment when He says, “”He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is

filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

Revelation 22:11, 12.

Who is the advocate in the investigative judgment?

Read Daniel 7:9, 10, 13. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

1 John 2:1.

Read John 5:22; 17:2.

Note: The Ancient of days is God the Father. The angels are those who minister to Him. How wonderful to have at the bar of God the One who created us, the One who redeemed us! Read Acts 17:31.

What is the standard by which all will be judged?

“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14.

Read James 2:10-12; 1:22-25.

Will the judgment be equitable?

“And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her. The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.”

Psalm 87:5, 6.

Conclusion

We are now in earth’s most solemn hour because the judgment is in process in heaven. Now we must search our hearts and confess our sins. If we do, God will forgive. Read 1 John 1:9. This is the way we can send our sins before hand to the judgment (1 Timothy 5:24).