Daniel

A verse-by-verse commentary on the biblical book of Daniel

R A Y M O N D D . L O M B A R D

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This book is dedicated to every sincere seeker after biblical truth

with reference to the prophecies of the End-times.

To my wife AMANDA, my main supporter — thank you for your

encouragement.

My daughter Clarissa — thank you for the cover design.

My colleague Marno Retief — thank you for helping me with the

typing of the original text.

“Come, Lord Jesus, we are waiting for your coming!”

DANIEL

Copyright© 2011 by Raymond D. Lombard

Reprint: 2018

All quotations from the Holy Scriptures are from the NIV (1998) with acknowledgement to the

International Bible Society© and the Bible Society of South Africa©. All rights are reserved.

No portion of this publication, or part thereof, may be reproduced in any way or form, whether by

electronic means, or mechanical, or by photo copying, or in any other form without the written

consent of the publisher. Full copy right is reserved.

Translation from Afrikaans into English by Dr. Ruben K. van Eijk.

Printed by Durbanville Commercial Printers, Cape Town, South Africa.

CONTENTS

Preface 9

Part 1: Introduction

Introduction to the biblical book of Daniel 13

Part 2: Historical chapters

1. Daniel in the court of the king of Babylon 27

2. Dream of King Nebuchadnezzar 37

3. The three friends of Daniel in the fiery furnace 49

4. The humiliation of King Nebuchadnezzar 59

5. The feast of King Belshazzar 71

6. Daniel in the lions’ den 81

Part 3: Prophetic chapters

7. Daniel’s dream of the four beasts 91

8. Vision of the ram and the goat 105

9. The seventy “Sevens” 117

10. Daniel’s encounter with angels 129

11. The struggle between the kings of the south

and the north 137

12. The words that were sealed 149

13. References 157

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PREFACE

rophecy is the history of the future — foretold in advance. When we consider the prophetic writings of the Bible, read it and note its fulfillment, we know that biblical prophecy is indeed

the history of the future. The Bible is the Word of God as is stated:

And we have the words of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along (or moved) by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:19-21).

The prophecies of Daniel are apocalyptic revelations in this book of the Old Testament. The book of Daniel and the prophecies it contains, are the most astonishing of all the Old Testament prophets. There is a remarkable resemblance to the book of Revelation in the New Testament.

In the Bible God often speaks by means of dreams, visions in general and night visions. These visions occur when people (prophets) sleep, but also when they are fully awake (Num. 12:6-8). The Lord appeared to Jacob in a dream, and to Joseph He revealed Himself in dreams and He also gave the ability to Joseph to explain and interpret the meaning of dreams. God appeared to King Solomon in a dream, but He gave a vision to the Apostle Peter when he went up on the roof to pray (Acts chap. 10).

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God is not limited to speak to His own people through dreams. That is why He speaks to Nebuchadnezzar, the first heathen king of the world, (chapter 2) with the night vision of the “large statue” (an image). It was with a specific purpose that this dream of Nebuchadnezzar would reveal God’s purpose for the “times of the (heathen) nations” in their suppression of the people of Israel. The book of Daniel clearly indicates the events in the history of nations that would lead to the end-times, when the glorious Second Coming of the Messiah would take place, and when the government would be restored for Israel. For this reason the words of Jesus Christ speak clearly to us: So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation’, spoken of through the prophet Daniel — let the reader understand… (Matt. 24:15).

Raymond D. Lombard

PART 1

INTRODUCTION

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INTRODUCTION

he book of Daniel and its prophecies are the most amazing of the Old Testament prophets. The fact that God gave insight to Daniel to interpret dreams and visions is a foundational truth of this

book.

Although twenty six centuries have gone by since Daniel’s time, we are still being bombarded with the cruelty of the unrest of war, imminent war, political changes and ruthless tyrannical rulers. All these events are illustrated in the time of Daniel and predicted in his prophetical writings.

The godless heathen nations are historically and prophetically recorded in the book of Daniel.

In this book we are dealing with events and circumstances which point to the end-time world. Until that time comes, God will see to it that the full meaning of this Bible book will be hidden and the words thereof remain a secret.

“But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge…” He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end…” (Dan. 12:4, 9).

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The prophecies of Daniel are compiled as an apocalyptic book in the Old Testament and have a remarkable resemblance to the book of Revelation (also an apocalyptic book) in the New Testament. The difference between Daniel and Revelation is that Daniel is ‘sealed’ but, when the time of the end comes, the seal will be broken and the book will be opened.

Presently, world history has progressed to the end-times. Consequently the book of Daniel is no longer sealed. On the contrary, we know that the revelation of the Antichrist is at hand. That is why Jesus referred to the following in Matt. 24:15 — “So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel — let the reader understand…” (cf. Dan. 9:27).

The Scriptural references indicate when the Antichrist will be revealed. The Jewish people, who will then read the biblical book of Daniel, must note carefully what is written in the prophecies of this book. We know that the revelation of the Antichrist will occur after the rapture of the church (cf. My book: The Book of Revelation).

It is a significant fact that until recently, the church has been largely ignorant of the meaning of what is written in the biblical book of Daniel. It seems as if the purpose of God was that his people should remain ignorant regarding the prophecies of Daniel until the time of the end to which Daniel frequently refers (Dan. 2:28; 8:17, 19, 26; 10:14; 11:35, 40 & 12:4, 9).

It has always been God’s intention that his people should adopt a waiting attitude regarding the future (1 Thess. 1:9, 10). The predictions of Daniel has to do with the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ (Dan. 2:44; 7:13,14,18, 27) and it has pleased God to keep the meaning of the book hidden for the eyes of his people until the end-times.

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We should also point out that the sealing of the book of Daniel (Dan. 12:4, 6) means that these words should be safely preserved. We, on whom the end of the world has come (on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come — NIV), can look back on prophecies that have already been fulfilled, as well as take note of the present day development of God’s prophetic plan in order to clearly understand what Daniel has recorded.

A further point to bear in mind is that the writings of Daniel depict a historical record of the misfortunes of the faithful Jewish people in their captivity and exile and how they lived; who in the midst of these trying circumstances remained faithful to God. This book also shows how God is in control in heaven and on earth and that He has a direct influence on nature, the future of nations, and that He cares for His people. This book was written as an encouragement to the Jews in exile, as well as to the Jews in their Diaspora (i.e. the dispersion of the Jews among the Gentile nations). The date which is generally accepted for the book of Daniel is 536 B.C. The events that are recorded happened more or less between 605-536 B.C. Daniel was taken into captivity and deported to Babylon in 605 B.C. That is where he was during the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius and Cyrus.

Daniel was acutely aware of the fact that despite the circumstances in which the Jewish people suffered, God was still in sovereign control and working on His plan for all nations, in order to bring about the fulfillment of His plan in the smallest detail. The book of Daniel pivots around the indisputable truth of the sovereignty of God who is exalted above all! The book contains prophecies regarding the nations of the world and of Israel with regard to her future relations with these nations according to the sovereign plan of God.

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SURVEY OF THE BOOK OF DANIEL Following a short summary of Nebuchadnezzar’s victory over Jerusalem, the accent immediately focuses on Daniel and his three friends; Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (of whom the Jewish names were Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah). The first chapter depicts the suffering, testing and education of these four men in the courts of the king of Babylon. The book of Daniel is divided into two clearly discernable sections:

• Events and prophecies in connection with the nations of the world — their character, relationships, successive importance and end results (chapter 2 to 6).

• A compilation of revelations and visions concerning the Hebrew (Jewish) people and their relationship with heathen nations who had control over them, as well as the future of Israel as it fitted in with God’s plan (chapter 7 to 12).

THE FIRST SIX CHAPTERS OF THE BOOK CONTAIN SIX SECTIONS:

• Chapter 1 — Daniel and his three friends in the courts of Babylon (1:1-21)

• Chapter 2 — Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a large statue: a prophecy of the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24); which is the period when Israel would be controlled by heathen nations (2:1-49)

• Chapter 3 — Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image that he had erected, and the deliverance of the three Hebrew friends from the fiery furnace (3:1-30)

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• Chapter 4 — Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great tree the height of which reached up to heaven; his humiliation and restoration (4:1-37)

• Chapter 5 — The feast of Belshazzar; Daniel interprets the meaning of the writing against the wall; the end of Belshazzar (5:1-31)

• Chapter 6 — Darius the Mede in the situation of being an unwilling persecutor of Daniel; Daniel’s deliverance from the den of lions (6:1-28)

THE LAST SIX CHAPTERS OF THE BOOK CONTAIN FOUR SECTIONS:

• Chapter 7 — The image of the four beasts coming out of the sea; the Ancient of Days, the Son of man; the conflict between Christ and the Antichrist (7:1-28)

• Chapter 8 — A vision of the ram and the goat; the large horn which was broken off and in its place the advent of four prominent horns; the Old Testament’s foreshadowing of the coming Antichrist (8:1-27)

• Chapter 9 — The prayer of Daniel for his people and the vision of the seventy weeks; the future of Israel in the plan of God; the coming of the Antichrist and the covenant with him (9:1-27)

• Chapters 10-12 — The vision of the people of Israel throughout the ages in their struggle with heathen nations; a prophecy of the end-times (10:1 – 12:13)

The prophecies of Daniel are firstly panoramic (chapter 2 and 7), and then it becomes more specific. Chap. 9 contains the most definitive Old Testament prophecy concerning the time of Christ’s first advent or coming. The period between the 69th and 70th week provides for the church era which is followed by the Great Tribulation (Daniel’s 70th week), concomitant with the appearing of the Antichrist.

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In summary we note the following: Daniel 1-6: depicting the life of Daniel (history); Daniel 7-12: depicting the visions of Daniel (prophecies and apocalyptic visions). The absolute sovereignty of God in His control of people, nations, languages and world events is clearly indicated in Daniel’s writings.

God is in control: God is omniscient and He

rules in all world events. He even rules in the lives of godless kings who treat Him with contempt.

God is the purpose of life: Daniel and his three friends

are examples of absolute dedication and loyalty to God.

God gives strength to the faithful: Daniel served God for more

than 70 years in a foreign country. Daniel was faithful to God, and God was faithful in sustaining Daniel’s life.

Daniel served as a prophet to God’s people in exile in Babylon, between 605 and 539 B.C. This was a time when the people of Judah were taken as captives and driven off in exile to a foreign country.

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The contemporary prophets in Daniel’s day were:

• Jeremiah (627-586 B.C.)

• Habakkuk (612-589 B.C.)

• Ezekiel (593-571 B.C.)

We must bear in mind that the exile of Judah serves as the background to the book to Daniel. This event is recorded in 2 Kings 24-25. History forms the background of the message of prophecy. Israel/Judah — the people who had sinned — would be punished and dispersed, but God would allow mighty world powers to pass by successively until the Kingly rule of the Blessed One (Messiah) would restore world order as is determined by God.

The key to understanding and seeing the prophetic profile in the book of Daniel in perspective is the following:

• Dreams, visions and night visions

• Times of the nations (Gentiles)

• Fullness of the times of the Gentiles

• The fullness of the ages (times)

DREAMS, VISIONS AND NIGHT VISIONS In the Bible God often speaks to His own people through dreams and visions — dreams, when they are asleep, and visions when they are awake. The Lord God says (Num. 12:6): Listen to my words: “When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal myself to him in visions, I speak to him in dreams.” The Lord appeared to Jacob in a dream, and to Joseph also He gave dreams as well as the ability to interpret those dreams. He appeared to King Solomon in a dream. The Apostle Peter received a vision when he was walking on the roof of his house and was in prayer (Acts 10). God does not limit Himself to speak in dreams to His people only; He also speaks to heathen people. Nebuchadnezzar

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was the first heathen world ruler. That is why it was not per chance that his dream, as recorded in Daniel 2, was in reality the revelation of God’s plan for the ages and for the times of the nations (Gentiles) regarding their domination of the people of Israel/Judah.

TIMES OF THE NATIONS (GENTILES)

The book of Daniel deals with the ‘Times of the nations’. This phrase has reference to that period in the history of the world when the rule of the world would fall into the hands of heathen kings and nations. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, was the first of these world rulers (heathen rulers, i.e. non-Jewish), which would subject and suppress Israel/Judah, following their settlement in the land of Canaan. Other kings had subjected and taxed them for short periods, but Nebuchadnezzar had overthrown the throne of David; he besieged Jerusalem, and took the inhabitants thereof into exile, and made their land an integral part of his domain. This was approximately 2600 years ago when Jerusalem was besieged, and this event marks the beginning of the times of the nations.

This period will continue until the glorious Second Coming of the Lord Jesus, the Son of man, when He shall come and confront the Antichrist, the last heathen world ruler, who will be occupying the temple in Jerusalem (2 Thess. 2:3,4). Christ will then destroy him! In Luke 21:24 our Lord Himself said: Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles (nations) will be fulfilled.

The times of the nations continues until the time of the end (i.e. the end of the domination of Israel by heathen powers). The book of Daniel marks the times of the nations with events that all lead to a specific point in time — the time of the end. Until that time has come, God will see to it that the full meaning of this book will be kept from the eyes of man.

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When the time of the end comes the hidden meaning of the book will be done away with, and many people will become interested in the prophecies of Daniel. At the right time God will remove the hindrances; the Spirit of truth will lead God’s people to this truth. Those who have insight will then understand what is recorded in this biblical book. We presently find ourselves in this time in world history.

FULLNESS OF THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES This term is found in Rom. 11:25, 26. — I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles (i.e. fullness of the Gentiles) has come in. And so all Israel will be saved…

The meaning here is that Israel has been put aside until the full complement of those saved (the church) from amongst the heathen has entered.

In Acts 15:13-17, James refers to this same truth: “Brothers, listen to me. Simon has described to us how God at first showed his concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for himself (a people for his name). The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: “After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent (the tabernacle of David which is fallen down). Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the remnant of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who bear my name,” says the Lord, who does these things, that have been known for ages.”

The fullness of the nations (Gentiles = non-Israel) is the full number of those people who are now being selected from amongst the nations for His Name. This is the church which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills everything in every way (Eph. 1:22, 23).

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THE FULLNESS OF THE AGES (TIMES) We find this phrase or term in Eph. 1:10. The reference is to the last dispensation, the eternal state of things, when all things will find their fullness in Christ. That which God purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times (fullness of the times) will have reached their fulfillment — to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ. Refer also to 1 Cor. 15:27, 28.

STRUCTURE OF THE BOOK OF DANIEL This structure will be seen clearly as our discussion progresses, and we will note that the successive visions and prophecies indicate the succession of heathen rule from Nebuchadnezzar until the time of the Antichrist. However, the chapters do not necessarily follow a chronological order. We should rather view the whole story in the first dream and the interpretation thereof in Daniel 2. The visions and dreams that follow are mainly supplementary and are explanations of the large statue as seen by the Chaldean king.

Should we wish to read and study the book chronologically, the chapters have to be dealt with as follows: Chapters 1-4; chapters 7, 8; chapter 5; chapter 9; chapter 6; chapters 10-12.

Daniel did not follow the chronological order; he rather developed a theme. Should we study the book according to themes and subjects dealt with (chapters 1-9), we note the individual divisions (sections); in chapter 10-12 we have one prophetic discussion.

The book itself bears the name of Daniel as the author (Dan. 7:1, 28; 8:1, 2; 9:2; 10:1, 2 & 12:4, 9, 10). The authenticity of the book is confirmed and ratified by Jesus Christ when He referred to it in Matt. 24:15.

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The book was written in Hebrew, except from Dan. 2:4 — 7:28, which was written in Aramaic. There are significant reasons for this. One of the reasons being that this part of the prophecy deals with heathen nations, and Aramaic was the language of the Babylonian court and palace. Secondly, the periods discussed in Dan. 2:4 — 7:28, deals with heathen world governments until the time determined by God, after which the rule would be handed back to Israel.

The main question is: will heathen world powers triumph or will the people of Israel be fully restored? The book of Daniel indicates that heathen domination of the people of Israel is destined to fail at a specific time in history, and that the ultimate triumph belongs to Christ and his rule (= the kingdom of the ‘rock’ — 2:35, 44). In chapter 7 Daniel points out in a remarkable way how the Son of man will receive the rule/kingdom from the Father (the Ancient of Days) to reign forever.

The burning question regarding the book of Daniel is: Why should the Jews have been in exile in Babylon? This question will be answered fully in the discussion of this book.

PART 2

HISTORICAL CHAPTERS

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Chapter 1

DANIEL 1

DANIEL IN THE COURT OF THE

KING OF BABYLON

he first chapter of Daniel has 21 verses. We distinguish 8 different sections in these verses: verses 1, 2; 3, 4; 5-7; 8, 9; 10-13; 14-16; 17-20 & 21.

VERSES 1, 2 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia and put in the treasure-house of his god.

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THE SIEGE OF JERUSALEM BY NEBUCHADNEZZAR In the short time span of 23 years Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah ruled as kings of Judah. Together they were the last four kings of Judah prior to the people being taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar. Jehoahaz (609 B.C.), an evil king, was banned after 3 months to Egypt by Pharaoh Neco ( 2 Kings 23:31-33).

Jehoiakim, the third last king of Judah (609-597 B.C.), was placed on the throne as king in Jerusalem by Pharaoh Neco. He ruled for 11 years. Jehoiakim became a Babylonian subject (2 Kings 24:1). Judah was a vassal state of Nebuchadnezzar for 3 years, which meant that Judah was ruled by Nebuchadnezzar. During the time of Jehoiakim’s rule Daniel and his three friends were exiled to Babylon. The distance from Jerusalem to Babylon was about 700 kilometers. It was a long and difficult journey to a strange land.

Jehoiakim died and his son Jehoiachin, the second last king of Judah (597 B.C.), succeeded him (2 Kings 24:6). This was when Nebuchadnezzar again besieged Jerusalem (2 Kings 24:10-15). Jehoiachin was then taken into captivity to Babylon (2 Kings 24:15,16).

The king of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin’s uncle, king in Jerusalem in his place, and changed his name to Zedekiah (2 Kings 24:17,18). Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, in time rebelled against the king of Babylon (2 Kings 24:20). Nebuchadnezzar was left with no other choice but to besiege Jerusalem once again. Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem at least three times:

• In the days of King Jehoiakim (2 Kings 24:1-7)

• In the days of King Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:8-12)

• In the days of King Zedekiah (2 Kings 25:1-4)

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Babylon is in the land of Shinar (Gen. 10:10). Strictly speaking this name usually refers to the northern parts of Mesopotamia, but in this specific case all of the land is indicated. At the present time Iraq in the Middle East falls within the boundaries of ancient Shinar. This was the country of Nimrod where the tower of Babel was built (Gen. 11:1-9). The holy utensils and objects of the temple were brought to this godless land.

The god of Nebuchadnezzar was most probably Marduk, the main god of Babylon. By taking the holy objects of the temple in Jerusalem to Babylon and by placing these in the treasury of his god, Nebuchadnezzar indicated that he believed that his god was mightier than the God of Israel/Judah. This then becomes an indication of the beginning of Judah’s seventy years of exile in Babylon (Jer. 25:1-11).

Why are these events recorded with such detail in the Holy Scriptures? Many years before that time the Lord God allowed prophecy to predict what would happen to Judah (2 Kings 20:17,18).

VERSES 3, 4 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring in some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility — young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. During the first siege of Jerusalem in 605 B.C. a group of men from Judah were taken into captivity to Babylon. Daniel and his three friends were part of that group.

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Because of Jehoiakim’s rebellion against the Babylonians Jerusalem was again besieged in 597 B.C. At this time more than ten thousand captives were taken to Babylon. In 586 B.C., during the third siege, the temple was destroyed and desecrated; the nation was scattered, and almost all of the population was taken to Babylon (2 Kings 25:1-7; Jer. 34:1-7; 39:1-7 & 52:2-11).

The young men (Daniel and his friends) from the royalty of Judah, who were taken into captivity to Babylon, had to be educated in the language and culture of Babylon. Daniel and his friends had to receive instruction in reading and writing the Aramaic language. This was in fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah 39:1-7. This is a well-known tactic of the conqueror to take the elite of the conquered nation and use them for his own purposes. These young men had to be in excellent physical and spiritual condition. They had to be intellectually sharp with excellent knowledge and insight, in order to be useful for the benefit of the kingdom of Babylon. The word Chaldeans has reference to a specific nation — the nation of Nebuchadnezzar in general. Later, the word Chaldeans would specifically refer to the wise men of Babylon. Daniel uses both meanings in his writings.

VERSES 5-7 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. Among these were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Schadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego. Changes that would upset their lives were inevitable. They were expected to eat the same food as the king and drink the same wine as

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the king. They were served with a specific daily portion of food and drink. As was the custom in a monarchy of the East, the most exceptional captives were selected for personal service in the king’s court. Daniel’s education, his noble descent and outstanding physical and intellectual abilities singled him out as one of those that would be fit for the service required. In order to make him even more suitable for the king’s service, he and his three friends were placed under direct supervision for another three years of instruction. The new names that were given to them was an attempt at alienating them from the religion of their forefathers.

In the case of all four of these men the ending (suffixes) of their Hebrew names indicated their connection with the God of Israel.

• Daniel means ‘God is my Judge’

• Hananiah means ‘gift of Jahweh’

• Mishael means ‘who is like God’

• Azariah means ‘the Lord is my help’

Their Hebrew names were then changed into heathen names with reference to the idols (gods) of Babylon:

• Daniel’s changed name, Belteshazzar means ‘protector of Bel’

• Hananiah’s new name Shadrach means ‘enlightened by the sun god (moon god)’

• Mishael’s new heathen name (Meshach) means ‘be like Venus’

• Azariah’s new name (Abenego) means ‘servant of Nego’

If one changes the name of a person it does not necessarily mean one changes the character of that person. Yes, their names were changed into Babylonian names in order to make them part of the Babylonian culture and religion. The changing of a person’s name in the Eastern

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world indicated a new phase in the life of such an individual. In this sense God changed the name of Abram to Abraham and the name of Jacob to Israel (Gen. 17:5 & 32:28). However, Daniel used his Hebrew name (Daniel) seventy five times in the book of Daniel.

To change a person’s name into a new name meant usurping authority over that person. Proof of this is found in the book of Genesis. When we study the giving of names in Genesis, whether these names were given by men or by God, we find that it indicated authority taken in the life of that person. For this reason Nebuchadnezzar chose to give new names to the four Jewish exiles from Judah.

VERSES 8, 9 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favour and sympathy to Daniel… Daniel who was true to his own conscience, was determined not to defile himself, because the food of the king had a connection with the service to idols. Part of the food and drink usually served as a sacrifice to idols. Paul also referred to this practice (1 Cor. 8; 1 Cor. 10:20) and prohibited believers to have any part in eating the food of idols. Daniel experienced a tremendous attack on his lifestyle and religious convictions. He was taken away from his personal environment in Jerusalem; his place of worship changed; his language changed, and now his food and drink had to change and be adapted to foreign practices! Daniel acted wisely and courteously asked to be excused from partaking of the food and drink from the king’s table. He was not

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arrogant in any way, but showed good manners. God showed his favour in what Daniel had done and asked for.

VERSES 10-14 But the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men of your age? The king would then have my head because of you.” Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.

Daniel gave the official a wise and reasonable answer. True religion will always be discreet and willing to refrain from unnecessary confrontation. With the humility of a true man and after he had carefully considered the situation, Daniel reacted with a humble spirit, because he considered the position of others. Yet he remained faithful to his own principles and made the request in a reasonable manner. He asked for an experiment with him and his three friends, while he trusted God for the outcome and that God would grant them His favour when their case was put to the chief official.

VERSES 15-16 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

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The blessing of the Lord is better than the best food. Daniel and his friends passed the ten day test with flying colours. The request of Daniel that they only eat vegetables entailed that they could eat any seeded food. The Hebrew word zeroim comes from the root meaning seed (Gen. 1:29) in the story of creation by God. In other words, the menu for which Daniel had asked and which was granted consisted of cereals, legumes and fruit, nuts and vegetables. It was a well balanced diet. Along with this they received the universal drink for mankind, namely clear water. Daniel and his friends were permitted to persist with this diet for the full term of instruction and preparation for their coming task and service in the palace.

In a relatively simple matter of food and drink the foundation was laid for a blameless and unimpeachable term of office for seventy years for Daniel, during his political career of statesman and advisor to different kings in the courts of Babylon.

VERSES 17-20 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked to them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom. God honours the decisions and intentions of those who serve His purposes, and grants them insight and the ability to serve. At the end of the three years of intense training Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were brought to the king for a personal interview. The findings

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of King Nebuchadnezzar were that they surpassed the learned men, magicians and enchanters of his kingdom by far.

The Hebrew word for men of learning is also used for the Egyptian magicians (Exod. 7:11). These enchanters were professional exorcists. Here we deal with people who were trained in occult mysticism. Among them were astrologists who claimed that they could predict the future; which obviously had an element of the occult in it. Daniel and his friends were acquainted with the knowledge of the one true God, and they surpassed the men of learning and the magicians and enchanters in the king’s court by far — they were ten times better!

VERSE 21 And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus. Daniel remained in the court of Babylon until the first year of King Cyrus (539 B.C.). Long after King Nebuchadnezzar disappeared from the earthly scene and long after his world kingdom disappeared, Daniel was still there in the same courts as an influential individual. Daniel was one of the first captives that were taken to Babylon and he lived to witness the return of the first exiles who returned to Jerusalem in 538 B.C.

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Chapter 2

DANIEL 2

THE DREAM OF KING

NEBUCHADNEZZAR

he second chapter of Daniel has 49 verses. We distinguish 8 different sections in these verses: 1-3; 4-11; 12, 13; 14-18; 19-23; 24-30; 31-35 & 36-45.

VERSES 1-3 In the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; his mind was troubled and he could not sleep. So the king summoned the magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamed. When they came in and stood before the king, he said to them, “I have had a dream that troubles me and I want to know what it means.”

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GOD APPOINTED NEBUCHADNEZZAR TO BE A RULER OF THE WORLD Nebuchadnezzar did not become king before his father, Nabopolassar, had died in 605 B.C. Consequently the second year of his reign was 603 B.C. We know that Daniel and his friends were taken into exile in 606 B.C. Their training in the courts of Babylon lasted for three years, which means that this dream of Nebuchadnezzar could not have happened prior to the time when Daniel and his three friends had completed their training.

The Lord, the God of heaven and earth, decided to give this dream to the first world ruler, the heathen king, Nebuchadnezzar. The Lord himself spoke about this king: This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel says: “Tell this to your masters: With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please. Now I will hand all your countries over to my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon; I will make even the wild animals subject to him. All nations will serve him and his son and his grandson until the time for his land comes; then many nations and great kings will subjugate him…” (Jer. 27:4-8). Nebuchadnezzar received his right to reign from God. It was during the second year of his rule that God gave a dream to this king, which made his spirit restless and troubled him so much that he could not sleep.

Dreams were considered to be messages from the gods. For this reason Nebuchadnezzar immediately gave instruction that the learned men, enchanters, magicians and the Chaldeans be brought before him, in order to interpret his dream. All of these groups that were called by him professed to have special magical powers which exceeded those of ordinary men.

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VERSES 4-11 Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will interpret it.” The king replied to the astrologers, “This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble. But if you tell me the dream and explain it, you will receive from me gifts and rewards and great honour. So tell me the dream and interpret it for me.” Once more they replied, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will interpret it.” Then the king answered, “I am certain that you are trying to gain time, because you realize that this is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me the dream, there is just one penalty for you. You have conspired to tell me misleading and wicked things, hoping the situation will change. So then, tell me the dream, and I will know that you can interpret it for me.” The astrologers answered the king, “There is not a man on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing from any magician or enchanter or astrologer. What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods, and they do not live among men.” From Dan. 2:4 through Dan. 7:28 the language in the book in its original form is Aramaic. The dream and the interpretation thereof in all its variations portray the heathen domination of Israel according to Divine determination. Consequently the heathen language (Aramaic) which Daniel learned in Babylon is quite appropriate and fitting in the situation.

The last five chapters (Dan. 8-12) was written in Hebrew, since these chapters deal with the interests of God’s chosen people, Israel/Judah.

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AN EXCEPTIONAL DREAM, REQUEST AND INTERPRETATION What makes this dream and its interpretation so exceptional, is the fact that no king had ever, prior to that day, requested that a dream should be made known by those who were instructed to interpret it.

These men stood powerless before the king. They felt that the request of the king was unreasonable. The king, however, insisted that the one who could tell him what he had dreamed, was also the one who would surely be able to interpret that dream.

VERSES 12, 13 This made the king so angry and furious that he ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. So the decree was issued to put the wise men to death, and men were sent to look for Daniel and his friends to put them to death.

THE KING GAVE AN ORDER OF EXECUTION Notwithstanding the fact that his request was extraordinary, the king nevertheless became furious and angry since the wise men could not comply with it. He was so angry that he gave instruction for the execution of the wise men of Babylon. Daniel and his friends were not present when the wise men were summoned to be brought before the king.

VERSES 14-18 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact. He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might

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interpret the dream for him. Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.

DANIEL ASKED FOR A STAY OF EXECUTION AND THE FOUR FRIENDS CALLED ON GOD When Daniel heard the news he asked Arioch to take him to the king. He did not ask the king what his dream was, but asked for a reprieve. Then he went to Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah and told them about the seriousness of the matter. Together these four men approached the God of heaven in prayer and prayed for the revelation of the dream and its interpretation. They asked for God’s mercy, because their lives were at stake.

VERSES 19-23 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: “Praise to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.”

THE GOD OF HEAVEN REVEALS THE SECRET The God of heaven (verses 18, 19, 28) reveals secrets. He reveals his councils and secret decisions to those whom He selects. Daniel fell down in worship and praise before the God of his fathers, the God who

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had revealed the matter that they had asked of him. Daniel praised God, worshipped him, and exalted him as the God of heaven. The prayer of praise for the mercy of God in answer to their prayers is recorded here.

VERSES 24-30 Then Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said to him, “Do not execute the wise men of Babylon. Take me to the king, and I will interpret his dream for him.” Arioch took Daniel to the king at once and said, “I have found a man among the exiles from Judah who can tell the king what his dream means.” The king asked Daniel (also called Belteshazzar), “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?” Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you lay on your bed are these: As you were lying there, O king, your mind turned to things to come, and the revealer of mysteries showed you what is going to happen. As for me, this mystery has been revealed to me, not because I have greater wisdom than other living men, but so that you, O king, may know the interpretation and that you may understand what went through your mind.”

GOD REVEALED THE FUTURE TO THE KING Daniel went to Arioch and asked of him to take him to the king again — this time to tell the king what his dream was all about and to interpret the dream for the king. However, Daniel did not take any credit for either the dream or the interpretation thereof. With Daniel there was no sense of personal importance, but only his humility and a pure heart in the presence of God.

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Daniel reminded King Nebuchadnezzar that not one of the wise men would have been able to tell him what he had dreamed (verse 27), but that there was a God in heaven who could reveal mysteries, and that this God intentionally made known to Nebuchadnezzar what would happen at the time of the end (verse 29). This means that God revealed the future to King Nebuchadnezzar.

VERSES 31-35 “You looked, O king, and there before you stood a large statue — an enormous, dazzling statue, awesome in appearance. The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay. While you were watching, a rock was cut out, but not by human hands. It struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were broken to pieces at the same time and became like chaff on a threshing floor in the summer. The wind swept them away without leaving a trace. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth.”

A PROPHETIC IMAGE OF THE TIMES OF THE NATIONS (GENTILES) In these five short verses the God of heaven gave to man a prophetic image of the times of the nations (Luke 21:24), which commenced with the seventy years of Hebrew captivity in Babylon (606 B.C.), and lasts until the end of the seven years of the Great Tribulation, when Christ (who is the Rock that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream — Is. 8:14; Ps. 118:22 & Acts 4:11) will destroy the heathen world powers to erect his kingdom on earth (Matt. 25:31-46).

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VERSES 36-45 “This was the dream, and now we will interpret it to the king. You, O king, are the king of kings. The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory; in your hands he has placed mankind and the beasts of the field and the birds of the air. Wherever they live, he has made you ruler over them all. You are the head of gold. After you another kingdom will rise, inferior to yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule over the whole earth. Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron — for iron breaks and smashes everything — and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others. Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly baked clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it, even as you saw iron mixed with baked clay. As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle. And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay. In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands — a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold to pieces. The great God has shown the king what will take place in the future. The dream is true and the interpretation is trustworthy.”

THE INTERPRETATION OF THE DREAM The large statue in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream represents the four kingdoms of heathen world powers that will dominate the world. We identify them as the Babylonian, the Mede and Persian, Greek and Roman empires. All these kingdoms would be destroyed and brought

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to an end, when the kingdom of heaven comes to bring about the end, without itself having an end but enduring forever.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE STATUE OF NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM

Body-part Material Kingdom Period

Head Gold Babylonian 606-539 B.C.

Chest and arms Silver Mede & Persian 539-331 B.C.

Midsection & hips Bronze Greek 331-30 B.C.

Legs, feet & toes Iron & clay Roman 30 B.C.-395 A.D.

CLARITY ABOUT THE WORLD POWERS/EMPIRES — THE BABYLONIAN EMPIRE (607-538 B.C.)

Ruled by:

• Nebuchadnezzar 607-561 B.C.

• Belshazzar (ruled 17 years)

• Grandson of Nebuchadnezzar; son of the famous general Nabonidus — seems that he was a viceroy, i.e. a representative king

This empire represented by:

• Head of the statue — gold. Dan. 2:32, 37, 38. Most precious of all metals known to man. Fine gold speaks of the luster and beauty of the kingdom/empire. It surpasses the other metals/kingdoms. The chief and biggest heathen kingdom of the world is thus portrayed.

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THE MEDE AND PERSIAN EMPIRE (538-330 B.C.)

Ruled by:

• Darius, son of Ahasuerus (Xerxes — Persian name), a king of the Medes who ruled over the Chaldeans (Dan. 9:1). Ahasuerus was more of a title than a name, the equivalent of the modern ‘majesty’. At least four personalities use this name in the Scriptures.

• Cyrus — the power/rule of the Medes and the Persians was consolidated under him. There was a prophecy regarding him prior to his birth (Is. 43:28, 45). His rule marks the beginning of the return of the Jewish remnant to Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4).

This empire represented by:

• Chest and arms of the statue made of pure silver. Although this metal was inferior to the previous empire (Dan. 2:39), it does not speak of a moral inferiority or inferiority of the land occupied, but to the nature of authority which was more direct with Nebuchadnezzar than with Darius. Nebuchadnezzar received his authority from God, and thus he accepted it. His accountability was towards God and not to the people over whom he reigned. With Darius it was somewhat different. He could not even save Daniel from being cast into the den of lions. He was bound by the law of the Medes and the Persians — a law which could not be changed.

THE GREEK EMPIRE (331-30 B.C.) Ruled by:

• Alexander the Great who conquered Palestine in 332 B.C.

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• Four other successive kings (generals among whom his kingdom was divided at the time of his death): Kasander, Lysimachus, Seleucus and Ptolemy.

• Antiochus Epiphanes (type of the Antichrist).

The empire represented by:

• Midsection and hips of the statue was made of bronze (Dan. 2:32, 39). Bronze gives an indication of further decay. He rules over all the earth. The success of Alexander the Great was achieved by the spears of his army, and he had to satisfy them.

THE ROMAN WORLD EMPIRE (30 B.C.-395 A.D.) Ruled by:

• Julius Caesar — the first Roman emperor (60 B.C.-31 B.C.). Important statues were erected in honour of him; he became the pontifex maximus, as a result of which he could manipulate the will of the gods to suit his purposes.

• Caesar Augustus — second emperor (from 31 B.C.). He was the founder of the Roman Empire (January 16th, 27 B.C.).

• House of Flavius (68 A.D.). Secret empire. The throne was not inheritable, but rulers were appointed by the Roman army, e.g. Vespasian, Titus and Domitian.

• Antonian rulers, who acknowledged the right of provinces and had a universal vision. Trajanus, Hadrian, Antonius Pius, Marcus Arelius.

• Commodus, Diocletian.

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• Constantine and his sons.

• The Gothics.

• Caesar and Pompey and many others. The empire represented by:

• Legs of iron — inferior metal (Dan. 2:33, 41). It was as strong as iron which could break anything into pieces — it suppressed all things and people. The collapse of the fourth kingdom (iron and clay) — from gold to mud! It indicates a decay of values and quality.

• Two legs — deterioration and division: Eastern, Greek church and Western, Roman Church (354 A.D.).

• Ten toes: two legs (kingdoms) divided into ten kingdoms (ten toes — Dan. 2:42).

• Toes partly of iron and partly of clay (Dan 2:43). The kingdom was partly strong and partly weak and destructible. The ten toes mixed with clay and iron, but not bonding; there was a lack of unity, since iron does not mix or blend with clay.

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Chapter 3

DANIEL 3

THE THREE FRIENDS OF DANIEL IN

THE FIERY FURNACE

he third chapter of Daniel has thirty verses and deals with the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar and the three friends of Daniel in the furnace. We now attend to the different sections (verses 1; 2-5; 6, 7; 8-12; 13-15; 16-18; 19-23; 24, 25; 26, 27; 28, 29 & 30) that these verses are divided into:

VERSE 1 King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, ninety feet high and nine feet wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR ERECTS A GOLDEN IMAGE IN DURA In this chapter we take note of this image that Nebuchadnezzar erected. In the image or statue of his dream (chapter 2) only the head was made of gold, but in this image which he erected the entire image was made of gold.

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The measurements of the image were 90 feet high and 9 feet wide. Consequently it was a tall and narrow statue (image), in the form of an obelisk (needle of remembrance) or a sun pillar. This image was erected in Dura, a valley in the province of Babylon. The intention definitely was that the image would be seen from afar, in order not to compete with the famous and magnificent hanging gardens of Babylon and the mega structures of the city and the palace in Babylon.

The motivation of King Nebuchadnezzar with the erection of this image was to demonstrate the glory of his empire with a visual statue and also to ensure uniformity in worship for all of his subjects.

VERSES 2-5 He then summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisors, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up. So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisors, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other provincial officials assembled for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it. Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “This is what you are commanded to do, O peoples, nations and men of every language: As soon as you hear the sound of horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, you must fall down and worship the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up.”

THE DEDICATION AND WORSHIP OF THE IMAGE In these verses we read how the satraps, prefects, governors, advisors, treasurers, judges, magistrates and all the other officials of the provinces assembled together for the dedication of the image. Sacrifices and ceremonies were usually part of such an event, as well as music to create the required atmosphere. For this occasion the dignitaries of the various nations as subjects had to come to Babylon

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as representatives of these subjected nations. They all had to stand before the image. As master of ceremonies, a herald had to announce the order of the dedicatory ceremony.

While the music was playing the image had to be worshipped by all present and honoured as would be a god.

VERSES 6, 7 “Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” Therefore, as soon as they heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp and all kinds of music, all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshipped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

DEATH PENALTY TO THOSE WHO DID NOT WORSHIP THE IMAGE The punishment for disobedience to the command to worship the image was death in a fiery furnace. All the dignitaries and those invited to attend from among all peoples, nations and languages immediately fell down to worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

These events are a strong reminder of what will happen in the days of the appearing of the Antichrist (Rev. 13:7, 14, 15). The Antichrist demonstrates the self-exaltation of man, elevating himself to the level of being a god and then forcing people to worship him.

VERSES 8-12 At this time some astrologers came forward and denounced the Jews. They said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O King, live forever! You have issued a decree, O king, that everyone who hears the sound of the horn,

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flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music must fall down and worship the image of gold, and that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace. But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon — Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego — who pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up.”

SHADACH, MESHACH AND ABEDNEGO ARE ACCUSED There was an immediate reaction from the Chaldeans who accused the Jews. Shadrach Meshach and Abednego are especially mentioned. To the Jews and the Jewish sympathizers it was and is totally unthinkable to bow to the image of an idol and worship it. They knew that there are two non-negotiable truths which they had to believe and uphold in order to be saved. Firstly, the God of Israel is the only true God (Deut. 6:4), and secondly, the God of Israel is the only One to offer salvation (Ps. 39:7-9). Consequently these Jewish men knew that it would be better to lose their lives than to worship a lifeless idol — for which reason they refused to bow to the image and to worship it.

VERSES 13-15 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

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WHO IS THE GOD WHO WILL DELIVER YOU OUT OF MY HAND? King Nebuchadnezzar offered these three men the opportunity to change their minds. At the same time Nebuchadnezzar asked who the God was that would be able to deliver them out of his hand. With this he meant that none of the gods could save people from his hand. Nebuchadnezzar forgot that the God of Israel, of whom he had already received a message in his dream (Daniel 2), was able to save. We notice an arrogance that was unheard of on the part of Nebuchadnezzar.

VERSES 16-18 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

SHADRACH, MESHACH AND ABEDNEGO CHOSE TO BE TRUE The choice of these three men was to be true to God, to worship Him only, and if need be, also to die. They did not try to maintain and hold on to their earthly lives by becoming insincere in falling down before the image of Nebuchadnezzar, in order to pretend to worship it.

Their answer to the king did not speak of disrespect to him, but their intention was to say that they did not need to defend themselves.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did consider the possibity of dying as martyrs. Yet this did not in any way deter them from their decision.

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Their choice speaks of true obedience to God and his commandments, and also of the courage of real faith.

VERSES 19-23 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude towards them changed. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

SHADRACH, MESHACH AND ABEDNEGO THROWN INTO THE FIERY FURNACE Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage. From the change in his features the three men could see that their fate was sealed. The order was urgent and serious — inexorable. The furnace had to be heated seven times hotter than usual. It was so hot that the men who had to throw the three men into the furnace, died at the opening of the furnace when they did so.

VERSES 24, 25 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, O king.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like the son of the gods.”

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NEBUCHADNEZZAR SAW FOUR MEN IN THE FURNACE Filled with amazement, King Nebuchadnezzar gazed into the furnace. Did they not throw three men into the furnace? Yet, there were now four men walking in the fire. What alarmed Nebuchadnezzar:

• there were now four instead of three men

• they were no longer bound, but freed from their bonds

• there was no harm done to them

Such a thing had never happened before. The fourth one had the appearance of a son of the gods. It was a supernatural being. The truth undoubtedly was that God had sent his Angel, the Angel of the Lord, the Son of God, prior to his incarnation (coming in the flesh — Is. 63:9).

The Lord did not only save these three men from the fiery furnace, but He was also in the fire with them.

VERSES 26, 27

Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abdenego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

SERVANTS OF THE MOST HIGH GOD The king stood close to the opening of the furnace and ordered the three men to come out. He addressed them as servants of the Most

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High God - the highest God. Nebuchadnezzar realised that the God of these three men was the highest and the mightiest — higher and mightier than the idols.

On closer inspection Nebuchadnezzar and his men were amazed that the fire had in no way harmed these men’s bodies or their clothes. Not even the smell of the fire could be detected on them (Heb. 11:34). The only thing that the fire could touch, was their bonds, because they were no longer bound (verse 25).

VERSES 28, 29 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

NEBUCHADNEZZAR OPENLY ACKNOWLEDGES GOD Nebuchadnezzar had to hear from the three men who had been saved from the fiery furnace that their God had sent an angel to deliver them.

He was observant enough to acknowledge the fact that although they transgressed against his decree; they were obedient to their God by refusing to bow to any other god. The king then declared that any man in his kingdom that would be disrespectful of the God of these three men would be killed and his house turned into rubble.

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VERSE 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

SHADRACH, MESHACH AND ABEDNEGO RESTORED IN THEIR OFFICIAL POSITIONS

The three Jewish men were restored in the positions that they had occupied in the province of Babylon. The king made them prosperous again. For more than two thousand years no trace of the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar has been seen, but the courage and faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego is still shining like a bright light to this day.

We learn from these events:

• As was the case with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, the temptation for the Jews to become part of the heathen nations, will always be there during the times of the nations (Nebuchadnezzar — Antichrist).

• As was the case with the three men and Daniel, the Jews will always occupy an important position in society. This has always been the case and will not change.

• Just as these three men in Daniel 3 remained faithful to God there will always be a remnant during the times of the nations that will be saved — even during the time of the Great Tribulation.

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Chapter 4

DANIEL 4

THE HUMILIATION OF KING

NEBUCHADNEZZAR

his chapter was written by Nebuchadnezzar, the most important heathen king until that moment in time. If this chapter was not actually written by him, then it was dictated and presented by

him and presented as his own writing. This is the only official state document in history, which was written so long ago, that has been preserved for such a long time.

This proclamation was made following the restoration of the king after he had been ill with a mental disease, as described in the rest of the chapter. It records the experiences of a very important king; the official confession of his transgression of exalting himself; a description of the warning which preceded his transgression; of the specific punishment and humiliation that he endured, and how he was healed and restored. This is also the ‘sermon’ of an illustrious king, speaking from his throne while addressing his subjects concerning the reign of the Lord God Almighty. He admonished them to respect and honour and fear this God, and that He should be worshipped and obeyed by all people.

This is most certainly the main purpose of this whole exposition, as it is recorded in this chapter, and also portrays how Nebuchadnezzar

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indicated to his subjects that he was ready and able to continue with his reign as before.

According to the Septuagint these events took place in the eighteenth year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar. The king had this dream at the time when his power had reached the climax of his world domination.

At this stage Babylon was one of the most wonderful and most glorious cities of the known world. Even the prophet Isaiah called it the apex of the world kingdoms, the ‘jewel of kingdoms’, the pride of the Chaldeans (Is. 13:19 — the Babylonian’s pride). It was also referred to as the ‘queen of kingdoms’ (Is. 47:5 — NIV), the ‘boast of the whole earth’ (Jr. 51:41 — NIV).

In this chapter we consequently deal with the pride of Nebuchadnezzar.

VERSES 1-3 King Nebuchadnezzar, to the peoples, nations and men of every language, who live in all the world: May you prosper greatly! It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me. How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; his dominion endures from generation to generation.

THE DOMINION BELONGS TO GOD ETERNALLY The first three verses begin with a salutation of blessing. In verse 1 Nebuchadnezzar, the heathen king, created the impression that his empire encompassed the whole world. He acknowledged the fact that the Almighty God had done great wonders. He declared that the kingdom and dominion belonged to God from generation to

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generation. It is this very fact that Nebuchadnezzar ignored in his self-exaltation, that lead to his humiliation.

VERSES 4-9 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at home in my palace, contented and prosperous. I had a dream that made me afraid. As I was lying in my bed, the images and visions that passed through my mind terrified me. So I commanded that all the wise men of Babylon be brought before me to interpret the dream for me. When the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners came, I told them the dream, but they could not interpret it for me. Finally, Daniel came into my presence and I told him the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.) I said, “Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no mystery is too difficult for you. Here is my dream; interpret it for me.”

NEBUCHADNEZZAR AGAIN ASKED FOR THE INTER-PRETATION OF HIS DREAM What disturbed Nebuchadnezzar was a dream that he had at a time when he lived peacefully and prosperously in his palace. Once again his magicians (as was the case in Daniel 2), could not interpret the extraordinary dream, and once again Daniel had to be called to do so.

Nebuchadnezzar referred to his god (whose name was Belteshazzar), in this verse. Bel is the same as Baal of the Canaanites, and means ‘lord’ or ‘master’. When Babylon became the capital city of Mesopotamia, the name was carried over to Marduk — the main god of Babylon, which is indicated as the mightiest god of all the gods. Later on he was called ‘belu’ or ‘lord (Is. 46:1). He was the god of Nebuchadnezzar. Consequently this is the verse (Dan. 4:8) that proved

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that Nebuchadnezzar had not yet been delivered from the idols of his day.

Daniel was summoned to come and interpret the dream to the king, since nobody else in the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar could do this (verses 7, 18).

VERSES 10-12 These are the visions I saw while lying in my bed: I looked, and there before me stood a tree in the middle of the land. Its height was enormous. The tree grew large and strong and its top touched the sky; it was visible to the ends of the earth. Its leaves were beautiful; its fruit abundant, and on it was food for all. Under it the beasts of the field found shelter, and the birds of the air lived in its branches; from it every creature was fed.

NEBUCHADNEZZAR’S DREAM In his dream the king saw a great tree which stood in the middle of the earth. It occupied a central place and would reign over all the earth. It reached very high — and reached to the heavens. This reminds us of the tower of Babel (Gen. 11). The tree provided food and shelter. Any people and nation that dwelt under its branches, enjoyed protection and sustenance — care for all. The tree was a symbol of delegated authority which Nebuchadnezzar received from God.

VERSES 13-16 “In the visions I saw while lying in my bed, I looked, and there before me was a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven. He called in a loud voice: “Cut down the tree and trim off its branches; strip off its leaves, and scatter its fruit. Let the animals flee from under it and the

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birds from its branches. But let the stump and its roots, bound with iron and bronze, remain in the ground, in the grass of the field. Let him be drenched with dew of heaven, and let him live with the animals among the plants of the earth. Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let him be given the mind of an animal, till seven times pass by for him.”

THE DECISION REGARDING THE TREE At a given time, a messenger, a holy one, came from heaven. This is an indication of angels (Job 5:1; 15:15 & Ps. 89:6, 7). At the command of the angel the tree was stripped of its branches and all its glory, and all that remained was its stump and main roots.

From verse 15 the vision became personal, and we have to think that it could be applicable to Nebuchadnezzar. He would be bound, as is done with the insane. In verse 16 we also note the clear transition to a person. His mind would be changed from that of a man to that of an animal. The transition would last for seven years. It is significant that he does not become an animal, but that he loses all the features and characteristics which place man above the animal.

VERSE 17 “The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.”

THE PURPOSE OF THE DREAM We learn about the purpose from this verse.

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The intention of the dream and the fulfilment thereof was that the people and especially Nebuchadnezzar should admit the truth that the God of heaven, the Most High God, was sovereign in his decrees regarding the reign of kings.

The decision as to when the tree had to be cut down, was determined by the council of angels according to the decree of God, with reference to the position of Nebuchadnezzar. This decision was irrevocable.

VERSES 18, 19 “This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, had. Now, Belteshazzar, tell me what it means, for none of the wise men in my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” Then Daniel (also called Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.” Belteshazzar answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your enemies and its meaning to your adversaries!”

DANIEL AMAZED AND PERPLEXED BY THE DREAM When Daniel heard the dream and the request of the king that he should interpret the dream, he became greatly perplexed and afraid.

His fear left him speechless and he withheld his comments. He would rather have had the enemies of the king suffer the consequences of the dream. He fully realized what a terrible verdict the dream held for Nebuchadnezzar, and that he now had to reveal that verdict.

A temporary but terrible disaster would befall the king. For this reason Daniel was hesitant to speak.

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VERSES 20-22 “The tree you saw, which grew large and strong, with its top touching the sky, visible to the whole earth, with beautiful leaves and abundant fruit, providing fruit for all, giving shelter to the beasts of the field, and having nesting places in its branches for the birds of the air - you, O king, are that tree! You have become great and strong; your greatness has grown until it reaches the sky, and your dominion extends to distant parts of the earth.”

THE MEANING OF THE DREAM The tree was a symbol of the greatness of Nebuchadnezzar and his reign in all of mankind. Heaven took note that his authority subjected the kingdoms of the earth to his rule.

The interpretation convinced the king that the tree referred to him.

VERSES 23-26 “You, O king, saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut down the tree, and destroy it, but leave the stump, bound with iron and bronze, in the grass of the field, while its roots remain in the ground. Let him be drenched with the dew of heaven; let him live like the wild animals, until seven times pass by for him.’ This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree the Most High has issued against my lord the king. You will be driven away from people and live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes. The command to leave the

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stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.”

THE MEANING OF THE DECISION OF THE MESSENGER Nebuchadnezzar was to be stripped of his glory. For a period of time he would be living like an animal; yes, a castaway from out of the ranks of mankind.

The Most High God did thus decree. It would come about at a specific time by the announcement of an angel on the command of God.

The expulsion of Nebuchadnezzar from the ranks of men would last until Nebuchadnezzar was willing to acknowledge that the God of heaven rules supreme, and that He gives the kingdoms to anyone as it may please him.

VERSE 27 “Therefore, O king, be pleased to accept my advice: Renounce your sins by doing what is right, and your wickedness by being kind to the oppressed. It may be that then your prosperity will continue.”

DANIEL’S PLEA TO THE KING Daniel, being a faithful prophet, used the opportunity to advise the king to turn from his sins.

Daniel’s plea was not only that the king should turn from his sins, but also that he should show mercy to the oppressed.

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The only way out for the king was that he should turn in humility to God. If the king should yield to this plea, the judgment would be stayed and withheld from him.

VERSES 28-32 All this happened to King Nebuchadnezzar. Twelve months later, as the king was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” The words were still on his lips when a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, king Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from the people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like cattle. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes.”

THE FULFILLMENT OF THE DREAM ANNOUNCED The letter of the king is interrupted at this stage by the author of the book, while the letter is resumed from verse 34.

A full year later, with enough time for the king to turn from his ways (repent), the dream became a reality. God gave Nebuchadnezzar one year of grace before the word of judgment came into effect. Kings usually boasted of their building achievements, and Nebuchadnezzar was no exception. ‘Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?’ Babylon was in fact much older than Nebuchadnezzar. He merely rebuilt and beautified it.

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The city of Babylon was magnificent and was not equaled by any other heathen king’s domain. The walls of Babylon had a circumference of 40 miles. Inside the walls were private gardens, orchards and fields. The area inside the walls was only partly filled with buildings, but the whole city was paved with straight streets that crossed diagonally in a rectangular way. The walls were adorned with one hundred gates. Jeremiah 51:58 refers to the thick walls of Babylon. Such a wall was 22 feet thick.

There were palaces with 360 towers of up to 420 feet high in order to be able to see beyond the high walls. There were fortresses which were surrounded by water. The hanging gardens were structures built on squares with different levels, one on top of the other, and supported by columns and filled with soil, in which the flowers and shrubs were planted — even large trees. The city had channels filled with water from the Euphrates River, and a bridge across the river to connect the two sections of the city on either side. The city had a long history.

This is where we meet Nebuchadnezzar with his self-exaltation and pride — walking in his royal palace, while he glorified himself. Archeologists found an inscription of Nebuchadnezzar in which he proclaimed: “I have seen to it that the city of Babylon stand first and foremost among all countries and in every human dwelling place; the name of which I made famous among the holy cities.”

While the king was walking in his palace and spoke the words that were still in his mouth, his judgment was announced by a voice speaking from heaven. At that very moment the judgment was executed.

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VERSE 33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like cattle. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.

THE DREAM FULFILLED The mind of Nebuchadnezzar was affected; his metabolism changed and he lived like an animal in the field. He ate plants like cattle do. He was stripped of all his power and glory. He underwent a major change in that his hair grew like the feathers of eagles, and his nails became very long like that of the birds. His appearance was no longer that of a man, but of an animal, and he lived on the plants and grass of the field.

Seven periods (seven years) was the time allotted to his humiliation. God elevates whom He chooses, and humiliates whom He chooses. He appoints kings and He humiliates those who walk in haughtiness and pride.

VERSE 34-36 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes towards heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honoured and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?”

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At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honour and splendour were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before.

GOD RESTORES NEBUCHADNEZZAR After seven times had passed over him, the God Most High restored Nebuchadnezzar. His mind became normal again. While he lifted up his eyes towards heaven he praised and honoured the God of heaven. The Lord restored him fully. Along with the restoration of his sanity came the restoration of his royal dignity. Even this was in fulfillment of his dream. His glory was then greater than before.

VERSE 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble. Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the sovereignty of God over man. In the end Nebuchadnezzar ultimately had to admit the sovereignty of God over man. He then understood the difference between absolute and delegated power. He professed honour and glory to the King of heaven and declared that God alone had the sovereign right over all.

Eventually all heathen rule will be destroyed and what remains will be subjected to God’s rule. Heaven is still in control!

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Chapter 5

DANIEL 5

THE FEAST OF KING BELSHAZZAR

he fifth chapter of the book of Daniel deals with the fall of the kingdom of Babylon, the first heathen kingdom of world-wide domination — the head of gold during the times of the nations

(Gentiles).

VERSE 1 King Belshazzar gave a great banquet for a thousand of his nobles and drank wine with them.

Belshazzar was the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar died in 562 B.C. and was succeeded by his son Evil-Merodach (Jr. 52:31). He ruled for less than three years and was murdered by the priestly party, after which he was succeeded by his brother in law, Neriglissar (560-556 B.C.). His son, Labashi-Marduk succeeded him, but was murdered after just one year. Then Nabonidus became king (556-539 B.C.). During the time of Nabonidus’ sojourn in the Syrian-Arabic desert his son Belshazzar was the viceroy in Babylon. His name means: Bel = protect the king! (This name must not be confused with the Babylonian

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name given to Daniel, namely Belteshazzar.) King Belshazzar gave a great banquet where wine flowed freely.

VERSES 2-4 While Belshazzar was drinking his wine, he gave orders to bring in the gold and silver goblets that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and concubines might drink from them. So they brought in the gold goblets that had been taken from the temple of God in Jerusalem, and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. As they drank the wine, they praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.

THE WORSHIP OF IDOLS IN BABYLON The reference to Nebuchadnezzar as the father of Belshazzar is used in the same sense as when it is stated the Jesus is the son of David. The meaning is that Belshazzar is a descendant.

Belshazzar is the fulfilment of prophecy in Jr. 27:7 — All nations will serve him and his son and his grandson until the time for this land comes; then many nations and great kings will subjugate him. The name ‘father’ used here has the meaning of spiritual father or predecessor in a political sense.

When this Belshazzar had taken in too much wine, he did something totally unheard of; he called the wives and concubines to join him in his drinking spree. It was during this drunken party and because of the influence of the heavy drinking that he acted blasphemously. The golden objects that had been taken from the temple in Jerusalem, were brought to him, from which he drank his wine. These objects had been sprinkled with blood and had been separated for sacred service

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(Heb. 9:21). These vessels were holy and had precious value (1 Kings 7:47-50). It was used in the worship of the Lord God.

This deed of Belshazzar was sacrilege. The vessels that had been dedicated to God were now being used to mock him. It was during this drunken orgy that the worship of idols reigned supreme.

VERSE 5, 6 Suddenly the fingers of a human hand appeared and wrote on the plaster of the wall, near the lampstand in the royal palace. The king watched the hand as it wrote. His face turned pale and he was so frightened that his knees knocked together and his legs gave way.

THE JUDGMENT OF GOD ON THE WALL At the same moment, while the king and his rulers, wives and concubines were absorbed in this orgy, there appeared the hand of a man. The lampstand which gave light to that part of the wall that was written on, also shed light on the hand that was writing and detailed the fingers also, so that the king could see it all clearly.

God who was being mocked at this feast, does not allow himself to be mocked (Gal. 6:7).

In a moment the false sense of bravery of the king was changed. He who considered himself to be so powerful, became weak as his strength left him at the sight of the fingers that recorded the judgment of God on the wall. He became pale with fear, and he felt lame as his knees knocked together and his legs gave way.

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VERSE 7-9 The king called out for the enchanters, astrologers and diviners to be brought and said to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and tells me what it means will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around his neck, and he will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.” Then all the king’s wise men came in; but they could not read the writing or tell the king what it meant. So King Belshazzar became even more terrified and his face grew more pale. His nobles were baffled.

A TERRIFIED KING ASKS FOR HELP As was the case with King Nebuchadnezzar, the wise men were summoned by the king. They had to read the writing on the wall and interpret its meaning. Not one of these wise men could however do this, although the writing on the wall contained only three Aramaic words, a language which they understood well. Yet nobody was able to read or understand what was written, and nobody understood the prophetic significance of the writing. This frightened King Belshazzar even more and made him desperate. Even his rulers were confused. They could all see the writing on the wall, but not one could understand the meaning of the words. The writing was literally on the wall!

The reason that Belshazzar promised that the one who could read and interpret the writing would become the third highest ruler in the kingdom, was his father Nabonidus was the first and he the second. Obviously the following one would then be third in rank.

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VERSE 10-12 The queen, hearing the voices of the king and his nobles, came into the banquet hall. “O king, live forever!” she said. “Don’t be alarmed! Don’t look so pale! There is a man in your kingdom who has the spirit of the holy gods in him. In the time of your father he was found to have insight and intelligence and wisdom like that of the gods. King Nebuchadnezzar your father — your father the king, I say — appointed him chief of the magicians, enchanters, astrologers and diviners. This man Daniel, whom the king called Belteshazzar, was found to have a keen mind and knowledge and understanding, and also the ability to interpret dreams, explain riddles and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing on the wall means.”

THE QUEEN RECOMMENDS DANIEL The queen mother, the mother of Belshazzar, came into the banquet hall. This was as a result of overhearing the words of the king and his rulers. The wives and concubines were already in the hall. There was much noise and disturbance resulting from the writing on the wall. The queen told Belshazzar of Daniel’s abilities. At the same time she reminded Belshazzar of the history of events. One of the previous rulers, king Nebuchadnezzar, had been in a like situation where nobody could offer any solution. But she knew a man who would be able to explain the meaning of the secret writing on the wall. Let Daniel be called — he could interpret dreams, solve riddles and difficult problems and provide the answers they needed.

VERSES 13-16 So Daniel was brought before the king, and the king said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles my father the king brought from Judah? I have heard that the spirit of the gods is in you and that you have

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insight, intelligence and outstanding wisdom. The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read this writing and tell me what it means, but they could not explain it. Now I have heard that you are able to give interpretations and to solve difficult problems. If you can read this writing and tell me what it means, you will be clothed in purple and have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you will be made the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”

DANIEL BROUGHT BEFORE THE KING Daniel was brought before the king. Great honour and rich rewards were promised to him if he could read and explain the writing on the wall.

VERSE 17 Then Daniel answered the king, “You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means.” Daniel did not have any ambition to receive earthly rewards. He was not motivated by material gains. Nevertheless, he agreed to respond favourably to the king’s request by reading the writing on the wall, as well as to explain the meaning of it.

VERSES 18-24 “O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendour. Because of the high position he gave him, all the peoples and nations and men of every language dreaded and feared him. Those the king wanted to put to death, he put to death; those he wanted to spare, he spared; those he wanted to promote, he promoted; and those he wanted to humble,

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he humbled. But when his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne and stripped of his glory. He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate the grass like cattle; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes. But you, his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this. Instead, you have set yourself up against the Lord of heaven. You had the goblets from his temple brought to you, and you and your nobles, your wives and your concubines drank wine from them. You praised the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood and stone, which cannot see or hear or understand. But you did not honour the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription.”

THE WRITING IS EXPLAINED Daniel reminded Belshazzar of all that had happened to Nebuchadnezzar. The queen mother was the first to remind him, and now Daniel did as well. Both of them reminded him in the same evening of a lesson from history that he should have learned and yet never did.

It was emphasised that Nebuchadnezzar received his greatness from God and yet he ruled as if he himself was God and had unrestricted power. In contrast to this he was totally humiliated. All of this had happened because of the pride of Nebuchadnezzar.

Belshazzar should have learned this lesson and should have repented. Instead of this he mocked God with a sense of his own greatness and pride, and committed brutal sacrilege. He served the dead idols instead of the living God in whose hand his life was held and before

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whom his ways were known. God could take his life from him in one moment.

Belshazzar knew about all of these things and events, and yet he did not humble himself. The Most High God had to intervene, and it was God himself who sent the hand that wrote on the wall. What a tragic evening it turned out to be. God had decided that enough was indeed enough!

The writing represented a word of judgment directed at Belshazzar, and it sealed the decision of God in heaven regarding the fate of Belshazzar.

VERSE 25-28 “This is the inscription that was written MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN: This is what these words mean: “Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and the Persians.”

THE INTERPRETATION OF THE WRITING ON THE WALL The full meaning is as follows: MENE, MENE, TEKEL UFARSIN. Translated it means: COUNTED, COUNTED, WEIGHED AND IN PIECES.

• Mene (counted). In the Divine bookkeeping the books of the rule of Belshazzar had been opened (Dan. 5:26).

• Tekel (weighed). God does not only count; He also weighs. Without God, the life of Belshazzar has no weight (Dan. 5:27) to balance the scales in his favour.

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• Peres, ufarsin (divided). Belshazzar’s kingdom would thus be in pieces and divided into two (Dan. 5:28) and given to two nations, the Medes and the Persians — meaning a divided kingdom.

“Mene, mene” are two Aramaic words, which had a direct bearing on the kingdom of Belshazzar.

Tekel had to do with the king himself — thus Belshazzar, in his personal capacity.

Ufarsin is a proper noun which literally means: in pieces. The meaning is to be in pieces. Peres is the singular having reference to the same word and concept.

Thus the meaning of the writing on the wall, Mene, Mene, Tekel Ufarsin was that the kingdom of Babylon, the first heathen world kingdom in the times of the nations, had reached its end. It would be divided or broken into pieces and become a divided kingdom. The Babylonian head of gold would be superseded by the Medes and the Persians, which is the breast of silver. In that terrible night in the life of Belshazzar, the Most High God conveyed to him, by way of the fingers that wrote on the wall, that this would be the end: “God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting. Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and the Persians.”

VERSES 29, 30 Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom. That very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians, was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two.

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DANIEL IS HONOURED; THE KING DIES In spite of the fact that Daniel put it clearly to the king that he was not interested in any reward, Belshazzar nevertheless honoured him as he had promised. Although the interpretation was not in the king’s favour, the king persisted. It is noteworthy that it is written that in that same night the king died. The word Chaldeans (Babylonians) here refers to the nation. The king of that nation had died.

The armies of the Persian king, Cyrus, under the command of the general Gobryas, conquered Babylon. Nabonidus, the father of Belshazzar, fled, but fell shortly after in the hands of the Persians. Part of the city was held by the Chaldeans. The Medes and the Persians joined hands in eventually conquering Babylon. Three months after the first invasion, Cyrus himself appeared on the scene, and seven days later the son of King Belshazzar was killed in battle. This then was the night of the feast that is mentioned in Daniel 5. This also marks the end of the great kingdom of Babylon, the head of gold, the first heathen world kingdom in the times of the nations (Gentiles).

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Chapter 6

DANIEL 6

DANIEL IN THE LIONS’ DEN

his chapter is the last of the so-called historical section of the book of Daniel. The book has twelve chapters that are divided into two sections. The first six chapters are mainly of a historical

nature, while the last six are more prophetical with apocalyptic prophecy. In the previous chapter we witnessed the demise of the Babylonian kingdom and the death of Belshazzar, the last king of this empire.

VERSES 1-2 (FROM DANIEL 5:31) And Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty two. It pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, with three administrators over them, one of whom was Daniel. The satraps were made accountable to them so that the king might not suffer loss.

DANIEL A MINISTER IN THE GOVERNMENT OF KING DARIUS This part of the history of Daniel falls within the time of Persian rule. Darius, the Mede was king in Babylon. This chapter then, introduces the second heathen world empire (Medo-Persian) during the times of the nations. After approximately 67 years the ‘head of gold’ was

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replaced with the ‘chest and arms of silver’ — an inferior kingdom (Dan. 2:32, 38, 39).

Darius had to ascend to the throne of the new government in 538 or 539 B.C. The events of this chapter fall more or less within the scope of the time of 537 B.C. Darius was sixty two years old when he became king. Daniel was well into his eighties. It is extraordinary that he still had the ability and the energy to accept the responsibility that Darius had placed on him.

In the place of the previous provinces, Darius divided the empire under the governance of 120 satraps (or governors). These were placed under the supervision of three ministers or administrators, in order to prevent any corruption or dishonesty. Daniel was one of these three governmental ministers. These ministers or supervisors had to see to it that the satraps would give account of the matters in the kingdom of Darius. This manner of governmental control and management would ensure that taxation would be efficient. Consequently Daniel occupied an important position in the management of the empire.

VERSES 3-9 Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent. Finally these men said, “We will never find any basis for charges against this man Daniel unless it has something to do with the law of his God.” So the administrators and the satraps went as a group to the king and said: “O King Darius, live forever! The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that

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anyone who prays to any god or man during the next thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. Now, O king, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered — in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” So King Darius put the decree in writing.

AN EVIL CONSPIRACY BORN OUT OF ENVY Because of this exceptional spirit that was in Daniel, he excelled more than the other two ministers, to such a degree that he outclassed all the other administrators (Dan. 5:12). Politically Daniel was one of the best, and as a man of God he did not condone irregularities in government. King Darius was keenly aware of this and decided to promote Daniel by making him responsible for the management of the whole empire. This gave rise to envy in the ranks of the other governmental officials. The envy was directed against the Jew, Daniel, who had made considerable progress in the empire. They hated him and were determined to replace him, by whatever means that was necessary, be it honest or dishonest. In order to achieve this end they had to find reasons for accusing him to the king, but in the usual course of events regarding Daniel’s work, they could not find any proof of misconduct. No corruption or neglect could be found with Daniel’s work. In principle he was faithful and trustworthy in his administration. The only possibility of finding a reason to indict him would have been to find grounds for indictment in his religion. The other officials were well aware of the fact that Daniel would not compromise his religion in any way. As a group, these ministers and officials turned against Daniel and went to King Darius. They insisted that the king should issue a decree which would be unacceptable to Daniel’s religion. Darius was not aware of their conspiracy. The punishment for failing to comply with

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the demand of the king was an execution — the offending person would be thrown into the lions’ den.

The ministers were entitled to make laws, which would upon ratification by the king, become irrevocable. Such a law of the Medes and the Persians could not be changed once it had been ratified and accepted.

Nebuchadnezzar’s word was above the law, but in the case of Darius, his word was subject to the laws of the Medes and the Persians. The law consequently was paramount to that of the king (Darius).

VERSES 10-14 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened towards Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to God, just as he had done before. Then these men went as a group and found Daniel praying and asking God for help. So they went to the king and spoke to him about his royal decree: “Did you not publish a decree that during the next thirty days anyone who prays to any god or man except to you, O king, would be thrown into the lions’ den?” The king answered, “The decree stands — in accordance with the laws of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” Then they said to the king,, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree you put in writing. He still prays three times a day.” When the king heard this, he was greatly distressed; he was determined to rescue Daniel and made every effort until sundown to save him.

DANIEL CONTINUED TO HONOUR AND SERVE GOD King Darius signed and sealed the decree, while he was totally unaware of the conspiracy of the ministers and officials against Daniel.

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Daniel was well aware of the conspiracy, but was not willing to be put off from the course he had taken. He continued to serve his God as he was used to do. Three times a day he fell on his knees in his room and worshipped the God of heaven, while his windows were opened towards Jerusalem (1 Kings 8:48,49).

The consequences were that Daniel was accused that he had contravened the law of the king. The king realised that he was coerced into signing the laws. He also realized his own limitations regarding what had been written and that he could not even save Daniel. He tried in vain for the whole day to save Daniel, but eventually he had to give in to the pressure and had to condemn Daniel to the lions’ den.

VERSES 15-16 Then the men went as a group to the king and said to him, “Remember, O king, that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians no decree or edict that the king issues can be changed.” So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”

DANIEL WAS THROWN INTO THE LIONS’ DEN In the evening those who had schemed against Daniel came again to the king and insisted that he should allow Daniel to be thrown into the lions’ den. The way in which they put their demands to the king called for immediate action on his part. They reminded the king of the irrevocable nature of the law — this was a law of the Medes and the Persians (verses 9, 12).

Although the king adhered to the decree, it was clear that it was against his wishes to apply this law. His prayer was that the God whom Daniel served, would be able to save him from the devouring jaws of the lions.

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Some kings hunted lions for recreation. The Persians caught lions and then kept these animals in enclosures where they were fed and cared for. Lions were also used to kill and maul people as a form of execution. Daniel was cast into such a lions’ den.

VERSES 17-23

A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles so that Daniel’s situation might not be changed. Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. At the first light of dawn, the king got up and hurried to the lions’ den. When he came near the den, he called to Daniel in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?” Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king.” The king was overjoyed and gave orders to lift Daniel from the den. And when Daniel was lifted from the den, no wound was found on him, because he had trusted in his God.

GOD PROTECTED DANIEL The opening of the lions’ den was well protected. Not only was there a huge stone placed before it, but it was also sealed with the signet ring of the king and with the rings of the officials. Daniel could not escape from the lions’ den and nobody could gain entrance to it. From how the king reacted it could clearly be seen that he was distressed about what had happened to Daniel. We see that Darius:

• Sealed the opening with his own ring

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• was fasting during the night

• did not accept the entertainment of the concubines

• could not sleep

• went to the lions’ den at dawn the next day

• called to Daniel with a sad voice

What the king could not do to help Daniel, God did. God sent his angel to shut the mouths of the lions. What a relief it must have been to King Darius to hear those words from the mouth of Daniel. Daniel reminded Darius that he was innocent regarding the accusations against him, and that he had committed no crime against the king.

Daniel was without any wounds when they brought him out of the lions’ den. There was no proof that Daniel had any assurance that he would have escaped from the lions, much less that his three friends would have escaped from the fiery furnace. Nevertheless his faith in his God was emphasised by these events.

VERSES 24-26 At the king’s command, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought in and thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. And before they reached the floor of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones. Then King Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language throughout the land: “May you prosper greatly! I issue a decree that in every part of my kingdom people must fear and reverence the God of Daniel. For he is the living God and he endures for ever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end.”

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THE CONSPIRATORS THEMSELVES RECEIVED THE DEATH PENALTY

On the king’s command those men who had conspired against Daniel, as well as their wives and children, were all thrown into the lions’ den. The lions overpowered and killed them and crushed their bones.

As a result of all of these events King Darius issued another decree. This proclamation was a decree of religious tolerance regarding the Jews, just as Nebuchadnezzar had done (Dan. 3). The proclamation required of all people that they would honour and reverence the God of Daniel.

These things that happened were in effect God’s voice to all the heathen nations, that they should bear this in mind and obey as long as Israel would be scattered among the nations. This chapter, as is the case with the foregoing chapters in the book of Daniel, ought to be borne in mind by the heathen nations until Jesus Christ will return to this earth.

VERSES 27,28 “He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

DANIEL CONTINUED TO LIVE A PROSPEROUS LIFE The chapter is concluded by mentioning that Daniel continued to prosper under the reign of Darius and under the reign of Cyrus, the Persian. From this we conclude that Cyrus was the immediate successor of Darius (Dan. 10:1).

PART 3

PROPHETIC CHAPTERS

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Chapter 7

DANIEL 7

DANIEL’S DREAM OF THE FOUR

BEASTS

DANIEL’S VISION OF THE FOUR BEASTS VERSES 1-3 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream, and visions passed through his mind as he was lying on his bed. He wrote down the substance of his dream. Daniel said: “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me were the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea. Four great beasts, each different from the others, came up out of the sea.”

aniel saw this vision in the first year of Belshazzar at a time when Daniel was politically on the background of events. It was the year 553 B.C.; Nebuchadnezzar died in 562 B.C.; the date of

553 B.C. was 14 years before the fall of the kingdom of Babylon. At this stage Daniel must have been between 65 and 67 years of age. Chronologically this chapter falls between chapters 4 and 5. At the time of Daniel’s vision Belshazzar had just gained a position of prominence and authority.

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The first six chapters of Daniel’s book are historical, while the last six chapters contain visions and images relative to the prophetic future.

In this particular vision Daniel saw the same succession of world political powers as were presented by the great statue of chapter 2, climaxing in the universal Messianic kingdom which would last forever. Nebuchadnezzar beheld these world kingdoms (chapter 2) in their earthly excellence as imagined by the human mind, but in this vision, the kingdoms are presented by their true character — like cruel wild animals as seen and portrayed from the heavenly vantage point. Nebuchadnezzar consequently saw the human glorification; Daniel saw the kingdoms from God’s viewpoint — i.e. being corrupt, reckless and restless. The dream of Nebuchadnezzar described the political aspects of these kingdoms; Daniel’s vision described the moral character. The heathen nations which would rule over Israel were evil and cruel.

These earthly world powers which succeeded each other, were the product of human activity on earth, and this caused changes and disruption in the political world (Dan. 7: 2,3 and Rev. 17:1-5, 15-17). The vision of Daniel tells the story of four heathen world kingdoms. In chapter 8 (the ram and the goat), more detail is given regarding two of these world kingdoms. From Daniel’s vision we also learn that the Messiah (Christ) will receive the kingship and will eventually rule over all the kingdoms, which will exist for eternity. Consequently this vision supplies information in connection with the whole period of the times of the nations, from the time of the exile of Israel under Babylonian captivity until the time of the Great Tribulation in the future, when the Antichrist shall appear. These visions will help us to interpret the whole of human history in the light of God’s eternal kingdom.

The message, which becomes quite clear in this chapter, is that the succession of world empires, however forceful and cruel their rule might be, will be reckoned with in the judgments of God and will be

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destroyed by him with the establishment of the eternal rule of his Son, Jesus Christ, who will set up his kingdom at the right time, whose rule will last for ever.

These four great beasts, four kingdoms, arise out of the sea of humanity (refer to Rev. 13:1,2 & 17:15). These beasts therefore represent earthly political world powers, representing these in successive order. These are heathen nations that succeed each others. Four great beasts suggest that these four world empires can be seen as world powers that will be like and act as greedy, rapacious animals, each one different from the others. The “four winds” cause severe consequences in the various kingdoms, the one after the other, and they cause uprising and disruption in the sea of humanity (cf. Zach. 6:5 & Rev. 7:1). We also know that three evil forces (spirits) will ultimately influence the world in the aftermath of Armagéddon in the latter part of the Great Tribulation to rise up against God (Rev. 16:13-16). Thus Daniel saw four images that rose up from the abyss of the whirling sea. Their appearance was like animals known to man, but in reality they represented four kings and kingdoms (verse 17).

VERSE 4 “The first was like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. I watched until its wings were torn off and it lifted from the ground so that it stood on two feet like a man, and the heart of the man was given to it.” The first was like a lion. Here Babylon is represented by a lion with the wings of an eagle. The lion, although a beast of prey, is nevertheless one of the more noble beasts of prey. The same can be said of the eagle as a bird of prey. This comparison consequently had a more favourable judgement on the first kingdom, namely that of Nebuchadnezzar. The image of the lion with the wings of an eagle was well known in Babylon. These images guarded the walls and the entrance gates of the city. In this vision Daniel saw the steady decline of the power of Babylon — the wings were torn off; he also saw the

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change in its character — it was given a human heart. We note that in the course of time the expanding of the kingdom was curtailed. We also take note of the humiliation of Nebuchadnezzar and the eventual recognition of the power of God Almighty.

VERSE 5 “And there before me was a second beast, which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. It was told, ‘Get up and eat your fill of flesh.’” Another beast, a second, looked like a bear. Sometimes this animal, as is the lion, is seen as a dangerous beast of prey (1 Sam. 17:34; Prov. 28:15; Hosea 13:8). The bear is less of a royal animal. Here the bear has reference to the Medes and the Persians, with the animal resting on the one (Medes) front leg and standing on the other (Persians). The image of an animal standing like this indicated that it was ready to pounce on its prey, while the eating of the three ribs had reference to three kingdoms which the animal had devoured in its victories — like having its previous victim in its power, between its teeth. The Persian was already lying with three ribs between its teeth: Lydia, conquered in 547 B.C. Babylon, in 536 B.C., and Egypt in 525 B.C. Yet, there was much to be devoured still! Among the nations on which the bear would pounce, were also the people of Daniel. Cyrus, the Persian, had to fulfill the will of God (Is. 44:28; 45:1-4; Ezra 1:1-4). According to the prophecy of Isaiah we take note of the fact that the Lord, the God of Israel, had called Cyrus by his name, one hundred years prior to his birth. God would quicken his heart to obey the Lord by giving the order for the Jews to return to their native land, and to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.

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VERSE 6 “After that, I looked, and there before me was another beast, one that looked like a leopard. And on its back it had four wings like those of a bird. This beast had four heads, and it was given authority to rule.” After this there followed a third kingdom, like a leopard (cf. Hosea 13:7-9). The Medes and the Persians were succeeded by the Grecian empire of Alexander the Great. This empire, presented by a leopard with four wings (twice as many as the lion-eagle), was represented as a succeeding kingdom that was much quicker in action than its predecessors. The significant reference here is to the quick expansion of Grecian rule in the direction of the four directions of the compass. Alexander conquered all the nations surrounding him in the course of but a couple of years. From Macedonia onwards he conquered Greece, the whole of Asia Minor, Babylon and Persia, as far as India and even Egypt.

Alexander died at a young age and had no sons to succeed him. His mighty empire was then divided among his four generals: Kasander would rule over Macedonia and Greece; Lysimachus over Bythinia and Turkey; Seleucus over Syria, and Ptolemy over Egypt. From this we had the reference that the beast (Greece) had four heads that would rule. Eventually Ptolemy and Seleucus, known as the king of the North and the king of the South, would grow into strong states which would continually be at war with each other (Daniel 11).

VERSE 7 “After that, in my vision at night I looked, and there before me was a fourth beast — terrifying and frightening and very powerful. It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the former beasts, and it had ten horns.”

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Now Daniel saw a fourth beast that was terrible and frightening. He could not compare this beast to any of the other three or any animal that he knew. This indescribable vicious animal had teeth of iron, it devoured everything and crushed and trampled underfoot all that was left (this has reference to the other nations). This beast was much more destructive than the other three. This fourth beast was the Roman Empire.

This kingdom was different from the others that preceded it. Why and in what way was it different? The difference was that it represented an imperialistic kingdom. Babylon, the Medes and the Persians and Greece allowed the Jews to rule and manage the land of Israel under their authority, but this Rome never did. The Caesar (Emperor) of Rome appointed Romans to rule the land of Israel.

Daniel saw that this beast had ten horns, which represented ten kings (verse 24), which in turn coincides with the ten toes of the great statue of Dan. 2 (verses 42-44). These ten horns and ten toes represent the ten kings of the revived Roman Empire in the last days (end-time), during the Great Tribulation (Rev. 13:1; 17:12).

VERSE 8 “While I was thinking about the horns, there before me was another horn, a little one, which came up among them; and three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully.” This other horn (literally small or little horn) refers to the coming Antichrist (verses 20, 24, 25). When he appears he will uproot three kings. His sudden appearance and power will be derived from Satan (Rev. 13:2-7). The other kings will surrender their power to this king (verse 20 & Rev. 17:12, 13). This little horn which became very powerful; (verses 8, 20), had a mouth that spoke boastfully (verses 20,

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25 & Rev. 13:5,6). This indicates his absolute arrogance and blasphemy against God, his Name, his tabernacle and against those who dwell in heaven, as well as the fact that he will mislead mankind by what he will say.

THE ANCIENT OF DAYS AND THE JUDGMENT VERSES 9, 10 “As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.” The time for the heavenly court and judgment had dawned. What we see here is that the moment for the last world power which will have reached its zenith under the Antichrist in the days of the Great Tribulation, had come. Divine righteousness then intervened.

Prophecy focuses on what will happen at the time of the end. Thrones will be set in place and the arrangements for the heavenly court will be set in order. The Ancient of Days is God Almighty himself, the honourable. With divined majesty and holiness He will take his seat, in order that judgment will be meted out, and the books will then be opened. His throne is like a chariot of fire, while thousands upon thousands will attend him and ten thousand times ten thousand will stand before him.

Daniel saw the heavenly court in action where angels attended and the Ancient of Days was in control. God Almighty is ready to judge the Antichrist and all the human empires and governments. He appoints kings and judges those kings and their kingdoms.

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Angels are involved in implementing God’s judgments. They will have a particular role to play in the last days (cf. Rev. 7:2; 8:2,6; 9:1; 14:6-11, 15-19 & 15:1).

VERSES 11, 12 “Then I continued to watch because of the boastful words the horn was speaking. I kept looking until the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire. (The other beasts had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time.)”

We now witness the execution of the sentence of the beast and the Roman Empire. The little horn is not called a beast in Daniel 7. With regard to the ‘beast’, we know from Revelation 19:20 that the Antichrist is called a beast. He will be cast into the lake of fire. The rule of the other beasts or kingdoms will be taken from them, although their influence will be maintained.

Daniel was fascinated by the little horn that spoke boastfully and wanted greater clarity on this issue (verses 16, 19-21).

VERSES 13, 14

“In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like the son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” This Son of man is Jesus Christ (Matt. 26:64; Luke 21:27). Neither He nor his kingdom comes out of the sea or out of the earth as do the other beasts, but He comes with majesty and glory with the clouds of

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heaven. He receives authority and kingship to rule. What we see here is the beginning of the Messianic kingdom in fulfilment of Rev. 11:15.

DANIEL ASKS FOR MORE CLARITY VERSE 15, 16 “I, Daniel, was troubled in spirit, and the visions that passed through my mind disturbed me. I approached one of those standing there and asked him the true meaning of all this. So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things.” Daniel, deeply disturbed by the vision asked for certainty concerning those things that he had seen. The angel gave more information and explanations as are recorded in verses 17-27. In this interpretation we see the four beasts, the forth beast, the ten horns and the little horn concerning which Daniel asked for clarity.

VERSES 17, 18 “The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdoms and will possess it for ever — yes, for ever and ever.” In reality the four beasts are four kings who represent four kingdoms in turn. The fact that they arise from the earth, while previously they came from the sea, gives the full meaning for interpretation: coming out of the sea means that they come from the ranks of heathen humanity, the ocean of humankind; coming out of the earth means that they are fully human. The image of Nebuchadnezzar was that of a man — human. The physical body of man was formed from the earth. These kingdoms came from the ranks of humanity and are not divine kingdoms. Furthermore the kingdoms are temporary kingdoms,

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because the ‘saints’, the people of Israel (Jews) will receive an everlasting kingdom. This interpretation comforted Daniel.

VERSE 19-22 “Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and most terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws — the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell — the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully. As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favour of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.” Daniel asked for more clarity concerning what he had seen. What the angel had said to him in verses 17 & 18 was not clear enough for him. He wanted to know more.

The fourth beast especially, with its bronze claws (information that was not previously conveyed to us), interested Daniel. He also wanted to know more about the little horn that came from amongst the ten horns, uprooted three of these and waged war against the saints (the faithful Jews). He needed more clarification.

VERSES 23-26 “He gave me this explanation: “The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. The ten horns are the ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier

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ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time. But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever.”

• Verse 23: The fourth beast or kingdom (which corresponds to Dan. 2:40-43) will influence the whole earth (Rev. 13:1,2).

• Verse 24: The ten horns which come from that kingdom correspond with Dan. 2:42,44. The fourth kingdom will be subdivided into ten. From amongst these ten, the little horn will arise and will subdue three kings, while the other seven will acknowledge his power.

• Verse 25(a): He (the Antichrist) will speak against the Most High (Rev. 13:6). The people of Israel will be abused and subjected to persecution (Matt. 24:15-22; Rev. 12:13, 14 & 13:6).

• Verse 25(b): He will endeavour to change the times and the laws. The Jewish Sabbath and feasts will again be instituted during the Great Tribulation, as will be the case with the temple rituals (Dan. 9:27 & 2 Thess. 2:4). Following this the Antichrist himself will seek to be worshipped in the middle of the Great Tribulation, and will try to enforce this during the latter half of the Tribulation (three and a half years).

• Verse 25(c): A time (one year) and times (two years) and half of a time (six months) — this is the allotted time (Rev. 11:2,3; 12:6,14; 13:5 & Dan. 9:27; 12:7) by divine decision. The holy city of Jerusalem and the temple will be trampled under foot, and the people subjected to the rule of the Antichrist. This

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period of 3½ years (or 1260 days, or 42 months) has reference to the latter half of the Great Tribulation.

• Verse 26: The court will be convened. This heavenly court will open the books of God’s judgment, and thus the day of reckoning will come for the Antichrist and the godless heathen nations and people under his spell. The great image will be destroyed and the beast kingdoms along with it, as will the case be with the Antichrist (Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 14:14-20 & 19:11-21).

THE DAWN OF THE MESSIANIC KINGDOM VERSE 27 “Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him.” The Messianic kingdom of peace will then have come. The people of God, the believing Jews, the remnant who had been true to God and survived the Great Tribulation, will inherit the promised kingdom. The ‘stone kingdom’ of which Daniel 2 speaks, will have destroyed all earthly kingdoms. Israel will then rule over all earthly kingdoms for a thousand years.

VERSE 28 “This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale. But I kept the matter to myself.” Daniel kept this matter in his heart (kept it to himself), the vision and the interpretation that the angel had given to him; but more than this,

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Daniel also recorded the command of God. This last verse then is also the last verse in Aramaic in the book of Daniel. From here on, chapters 8 to 12 were written in Hebrew.

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Chapter 8

DANIEL 8

VISION OF THE RAM AND THE

GOAT

hapter eight gives detailed information regarding the second and third world kingdoms that succeeded Babylon — the silver and bronze world empires of Daniel 2, which are the

corresponding bear and leopard kingdoms of Dan. 7, namely the Medes and the Persians, and Grecian kingdoms (verses 20,21). Consequently there is a relation between Daniel 2, 7 and 8.

DANIEL IN THE CITADEL OF SUSA VERSES 1, 2 In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, I, Daniel, had a vision, after the one that had already appeared to me. In my vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa in the province of Elam; in the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal. It is noteworthy that from chapter 8:1 until the end of the book of Daniel the book is written in Hebrew. The reason for this is that there is now a direct reference to the Jews, Jerusalem and the sanctuary

C

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(temple); and reference is also made to the coming Antichrist and the defilement of the Jewish temple and the persecution of the Jews in the last days.

This vision of Daniel followed two years after the night vision of chapter 7. This vision (Daniel 8) then, covers the period of the second and third world empires/kingdoms: Medes & Persians and Greece. During the rule of these two kingdoms, approximately 339 years, many Biblical prophecies were fulfilled. Daniel was in Babylon when he had this vision, but was transported by the Spirit to Susa in the province of Elam. The location is north of the Persian Gulf. The old capital city (Susa) in the land of Elam, later on became a province in the Persian empire (Gen. 10:22; 14:1; Is. 21:2 & Jer. 49:34-39). In Daniel’s vision he saw himself standing next to the Ulai Canal.

THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE RAM AND THE GOAT VERSE 3,4 I looked up, and there before me was a ram with two horns, standing beside the canal, and the horns were long. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later. I watched the ram as he charged towards the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against him, and none could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great. This ram, namely a sheep with two horns, represents the kings of the Medes and the Persians (verse 20), thus the Medo-Persian kingdom. The one horn that rose above the other, represents the Persian kingdom, since Persia became the stronger and more dominant of the two kingdoms.

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That the ram charged towards the west and the north and the south, is a description of the expansion of the Persian Empire under Cyrus and his successors. The east is not mentioned, because this empire started out from the east. This was a proud and powerful empire. Cyrus was called and appointed by God (Is. 44:28 & 45:1-4), and was instrumental in allowing the Jews to return to their homeland (Ezra 1:1-11). The first group who returned was approximately 50,000, under the leadership of Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:1-70). When they arrived in Israel they immediately restored the altar of God in Jerusalem and reinstituted the morning and evening sacrifices according to the prescription of the Law (Ezra 3:1-6). The Jews continued to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, as well as the walls of the city and the temple under the supervision of Zerubbabel, Jeshua and Nehemia (Ezra 2:2).

VERSE 5 As I was thinking about this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between his eyes came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the ground. This goat coming from the west with the prominent horn between his eyes is Greece (verse 21). Alexander the Great was its first king (verse 21). The words ‘without touching the ground’ have reference to the speed at which the armies of Alexander moved. In an unequalled military campaign Alexander attacked the Medes and the Persians and conquered them.

VERSES 6,7 He came towards the two-horned ram I had seen standing beside the canal and charged at him in great rage. I saw him attack the ram furiously, striking the ram and shattering his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him; the goat knocked him to the ground and trampled on him, and none could rescue the ram from his power.

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The violent clash resulting from the conflict between these two world powers is portrayed here. Alexander was enraged by the Medes and the Persians, because for many years they humiliated and abused the Greeks and trampled their beautiful cities. The ground work that Alexander laid would become so powerful that Greek culture and the Greek language would eventually overrun the world of that time. The influence of Greece grew to such a degree that Greek became the dominant language of the world, to this end that even the New Testament was written in Greek.

THE LARGE HORN BROKEN VERSE 8 The goat became very great, but at the height of his power his large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up towards the four winds of heaven. The large horn that was broken was Alexander who died at an early age. In his place (the large horn) four other horns appeared. The empire of Alexander was divided into four. Four kings succeeded him (verse 22). Following his death his empire was divided among his four generals: Kasander ruled over Greece; Lysimachus over Turkey; Seleucus over Syria, and Ptolemy over Egypt. Babylon, once a mighty empire, was divided into two by the Medes and the Persians; following that division, the empire was further divided into four by the Greeks. This new Grecian empire (the fourfold kingdom) corresponds with the four wings and the four heads of the Grecian leopard of Dan. 7:6.

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THE LITTLE HORN VERSES 9-12 Out of one of them came another horn, which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land. It grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. It set itself up to be as great as the Prince of the host; it took away the daily sacrifice from him, and the place of his sanctuary was brought low. Because of rebellion, the host [of the saints] and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground. Out of one of these four kingdoms the little horn (king) came forth, and he became very strong (verses 23-25). The little horn of Daniel 7 falls within the last days of the Roman Empire, in the distant future; and it refers to the appearing of the Antichrist. The terrible blasphemy of the Antichrist is described in Dan. 7:8, 24, 25; 9:27; 11:36-45; 12:11; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:3-10; 1 John 2:18-22; 4:1-3; 2 John 1:7 & Rev. 13:5, 6.

However, this little horn of Daniel 8 comes to the fore in the latter stages of the fourfold Grecian Empire (Dan. 8:22, 23). The little horn of the goat is clearly a historical person. Historically this is fulfilled in the life of Antiochus Epiphanes who was the king of the Syrian part of the Grecian Empire (verse 22-25). This Syrian-Grecian horn was the persecutor of the people of Judah (verse 9-12, 24). Antiochus Epiphanes who oppressed God’s people, was the little horn of the Grecian Empire, as well as a prototype of the little horn of the revived Roman Empire — the Antichrist. Antiochus tried to put an end to the worship of the only true God:

• He ordered the abolition of the Sabbath

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• he defiled the ritualistic temple service and abolished it

• he burned the books of the law and murdered those who possessed these books

• he sacrificed a pig on the holy altar of the temple and sprinkled its blood in the temple

• he erected the image of an idol (Jupiter) in the temple The Lord God mercifully called to his service the Maccabean family who led Israel in defeating the Syrian armies. The Maccabees restored temple worship, and purified and re-consecrated the temple (165 B.C.). Their zeal for the temple would last until the Roman Empire came into being.

TWO THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED EVENINGS AND MORNINGS VERSE 13, 14 Then I heard the holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, “How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled — the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host that will be trampled underfoot?” He said to me, “It will take 2300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be re-consecrated.” Daniel learned that even in heaven there was alarm regarding the events that had transpired. The answer of the holy one (i.e. an angel, Dan. 4:13) was: two thousand three hundred evenings and mornings. What is indicated here is the time from the desecration of the altar in the temple by Antiochus Epiphanes until the reconsecration of the

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temple ritual service and worship under Judas the Maccabee in 165 B.C. The duration of time here is 2300 days, during which time there were no evening and morning sacrifices. This specific numbering of days (verses 14 & 26) is necessary due to the fact that the Jewish sacrifices were prescribed for every day in the evening and in the morning. In the Hebrew way of calculating time the day begins in the evening (Exod. 12:18; Lev. 23:32 & Neh. 13:19).

The explanation given by the angel was that after this time had elapsed, the ritual temple service would be restored. This happened historically under Judas, the Maccabee.

THE APPEARANCE OF GABRIEL VERSES 15-19 While I, Daniel, was watching the vision and trying to understand it, there before me stood one who looked like a man. And I heard a man’s voice from the Ulai calling, “Gabriel, tell this man the meaning of the vision.” As he came near the place where I was standing, I was terrified and fell prostrate. “Son of man,” he said to me, “understand that the vision concerns the time of the end.” While he was speaking to me, I was in a deep sleep, with my face to the ground. Then he touched me and raised me to my feet. He said: “I am going to tell you what will happen in the time of wrath, because the vision concerns the appointed time of the end.” Daniel, amazed at the vision, was told by the angel Gabriel what it meant. In both the Old and the New Testaments the appearance of Gabriel to Daniel is recorded (Dan. 8:16-19; 9:21-23; 10:8-11 & Luke 1:19, 26). The name of Gabriel is mentioned four times in the Holy Scriptures — twice in the book of Daniel and twice in the Gospel of Luke. A careful consideration of these references indicate that Gabriel is a messenger of the saving grace of God. Gabriel consequently is

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revealed as God’s messenger. His message in both Daniel and Luke points to Jesus Christ, the one who would come.

THE RAM AND THE SHAGGY GOAT VERSES 20-22 “The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king. The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power.” Gabriel identifies the ram as the kings of the Medes and the Persians. Some details are revealed here:

• The ram with two horns represents the Medes and Persians.

• One of the two horns is higher than the other. Persia is the more dominant of the two.

• The one horn that emerged lastly (verse 3) is historically fulfilled by the Persion Kingdom as it followed directly on the kingdom of the Medes.

• The extent of the kingdom of the Medes and the Persians reached in all directions, as a consequence of which they became victorious over all surrounding nations.

• The shaggy goat was Greece (verse 21).

• The Greeks attacked Persia from their southern European homeland. The shaggy goat thus came from the west (verse 5). Greece lies to the west of Persia.

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• This attack of Greece on Persia would be very swift (verse 5).

• The large horn (verse 21) is the first king of Greece, Alexander the Great.

• The horn was broken. Alexander died. Four other horns followed in his place — his four generals.

THE PROTOTYPE OF THE ANTICHRIST VERSES 23-25 “In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a stern-faced king, a master of intrigue, will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. He will cause deceit to prosper, and will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.” It is necessary to read verses 9-12 in conjunction with verses 23-25, since the latter portion is a further explanation of the little horn (v 9); who is identified as a king (verse 23), who emerges in the latter part of the history of the Grecian Empire (verse 21). There is nobody other than Antiochus Epiphanes of the Syrian (Seleucian) part of the Grecian Empire who has so completely fulfilled this prophecy. He also serves as a prototype of the coming Antichrist (Dan. 7:8; 9:27; Matt. 24:15; 2 Thess. 2:3-10 & Rev. 13:1-8). Antiochus Epiphanes consequently fulfilled all the key factors of this description as the angel Gabriel conveyed it to Daniel.

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WE NOTE THAT THIS LITTLE HORN THAT WAS YET TO APPEAR:

• His appearance would transpire in the latter part (175 B.C.) of the Grecian Empire (verses 21-23)

• He was of extraordinary intelligence, a shrewd diplomat, and deceived and corrupted many (verse 25)

• He would attack the south (Egypt) and the east (Persia) and the beautiful Land (Palestine) and gain great victories (verse 9)

• He would specifically target the Jews and would do great harm to the holy nation, Israel (verse 24)

• He would abolish the daily ritualistic sacrifices in the Jewish temple (verse 11)

• He would rise up against God and prevent the worship of God (verse 11,12)

• He would eventually come to his end, but not by human hands, meaning that his death will not come by way of war. Antiochus died from a hideous disease (1 Macc. 6:1-16 & 2 Macc. 9:1-28). His end (death) would come by way of an intervention from heaven (v 25)

VERSES 26, 27 “The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.” I, Daniel, was exhausted and lay ill for several days. Then I got up and went

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about the king’s business. I was appalled by the vision; it was beyond understanding.

Daniel heard from Gabriel that the vision that he had seen would be fulfilled, but that it would only happen after a considerably long period of time.

The time specifically mentioned in terms of evenings and mornings, regarding the desecration of the temple and the re-consecration thereof which included restoring the worship of God, would also be fulfilled.

The whole period of the 2300 days can be placed in the time zone of 169 B.C.-163 B.C. This incorporates the time from when Antiochus Epiphanes robbed and stripped the temple for the first time, i.e. two years prior to the desecration of the temple (167 B.C.), until the death of Antiochus in 163 B.C. The time thus begins with the actions of Antiochus against the Jews and their temple, and ends not with the re-consecration of the temple in 165 B.C., but with the death of Antiochus, the one who desecrated the temple. Daniel was greatly disturbed by all that he had seen and heard, to such a degree that he became ill for days, before he was able to resume his normal activities.

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Chapter 9

DANIEL 9

THE SEVENTY “SEVENS” THE VISION OF THE SEVENTY WEEKS

n this chapter, in which the guilt and penalty of Israel are portrayed in strong terms, Daniel is trying to find an answer according to which he may understand all of this. Since the seventy years of

Jerusalem’s travail (time of punishment), as was prophesied by Jeremiah (Jer. 25:12 & 29:10) were almost done, why would Israel then still suffer in exile? At the time of Daniel’s prayer of supplication the angel Gabriel appeared to him with the answer.

This complex chapter is crucial to the understanding of Biblical prophecy. The main subject of the chapter is Daniel’s vision of the “seventy weeks.” This literally means seventy sevens of years. The total period of seventy sevens (= 490 years) is determined and measured off separately from all the other periods of time, and has a direct reference to the people of Israel and the holy city Jerusalem, for which Daniel had been praying (Dan. 6:11, 12 & 9:3-21).

DANIEL WAS STUDYING THE SCRIPTURES VERSES 1, 2 In the first year of Darius son of Xerxes (a Mede by decent), who was made ruler over the Babylonian kingdom — in the first year of his reign,

I

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I, Daniel understood from the Scriptures, according to the word of the Lord given to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.

The date of this prophecy of Daniel chapter 9 is indicated as in the first year of Darius, approximately 539/538 B.C. This was probably 66 or 67 years after Judah had been taken into captivity and exiled to Babylon.

Daniel who was engaged in studying the Scriptures, was reading from Jer. 25:12, and from this he understood that the desolation of Jerusalem would last for seventy years. Since the time determined by God was almost over, Daniel came to the conclusion that it was time for the desolation of Jerusalem to come to an end. It is possible that Daniel could also have read Scriptures such as Lev. 26:40-43; 1 Kings 8:46-53; Jer. 3:12-18 & Hosea 5:14,15; 6:1-11.

Daniel understood that the seventy years would last from 605 B.C. (when the Jews were taken into captivity) until possibly 536 B.C. This meant that the time of exile should have been over in approximately three years. The Scriptures referred to emphasize that Israel as a nation should repent and confess their sins before they could return to their homeland.

Daniel would certainly have taken into consideration the fact that Israel had failed to keep the Sabbatical year, and the year of Jubilee, on the appointed time (Lev. 25:1-12). These seventy years of captivity, during which Israel could not cultivate their lands, was God’s way of reclaiming the years that Israel was owing to him — thus the seventy years of exile.

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DANIEL’S PRAYER OF SUPPLICATION VERSES 3-19 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes. I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame — the men of Judah and the people of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. O LORD, we and our kings, our princes and our fathers are covered with shame because we have sinned against you. The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him; we have not obeyed the LORD our God and kept the laws he gave us through his servants the prophets. All Israel has transgressed your law and turned away, refusing to obey you. Therefore the curses and sworn judgments written in the Law of Moses, the servant of God, have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against you. You have fulfilled the words spoken against us and against our rulers by bringing upon us great disaster. Under the whole heaven nothing has ever been done like what has been done to Jerusalem. Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us, yet we have not sought the favour of the LORD our God by turning from our sins and giving attention to your truth. The LORD did not hesitate to bring disaster upon us, for the LORD our God is righteous in everything he does; yet we have not obeyed him. Now, O Lord our God, who brought your people out of Egypt with a mighty hand and who made for yourself a name that endures to this day, we have sinned, we have done wrong. O Lord, in keeping with all your righteous acts, turn away your anger and

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your wrath from Jerusalem, your city, your holy hill. Our sins and the iniquities of our fathers have made your people an object of scorn to all those around us. Now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of your servant. For your sake, O Lord, look with favour on your desolate sanctuary. Give ear, O God, and hear; open your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears your Name. We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy! O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name.” Daniel carried a heavy burden and he was concerned with Jerusalem and the people of Israel. He humbled himself in prayer while he sought the face of God. Daniel’s prayer can be divided into two sections. The first (verses 3-14) is the confession of sin. The second (verses 15-19) is a plea for grace and mercy.

• In the first section (verses 3-14) we take note of how Daniel turned to God in heartfelt supplication. He humbled himself in fasting and prayer, and in sackcloth and ashes (Ezek. 27:30, 31). He admitted and confessed that Israel was guilty of having contravened the Law of Moses (verses 11,13) and in ignoring the words of the prophets (verse 10), which they did not keep.

• In the second section (verses 15-19) we hear how Daniel sought the face of God; pleading for grace and mercy. Daniel reminded God of how he was merciful to Israel by delivering them from bondage in Egypt and by saving them with a strong hand and by making a name for himself. He confessed the unrighteousness of the people to God who is righteous in all that he does. Will God then not be merciful to Israel? Will He not hear, forgive and answer the prayer? After all, Jerusalem was his city and Israel his people who bear his Name.

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THE APPEARING OF THE ANGEL GABRIEL VERSES 20-23 While I was speaking and praying confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making my request to the LORD my God for his holy hill — while I was still in prayer, Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me in swift flight about the time of the evening sacrifice. He instructed me and said to me, “Daniel, I have now come to give you insight and understanding. As soon as you began to pray, an answer was given, which I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed. Therefore, consider the message and understand the vision.” While Daniel was still engaged in prayer, he was interrupted by the appearance of the angel Gabriel. This occurred at the same time that the evening sacrifice was usually kept in the temple ritual. Although the service in the temple had been done away with years before that time, Daniel nevertheless persisted in keeping the evening sacrifice.

Gabriel told Daniel that he had come to give insight to Daniel. God wanted Daniel to understand the time schedule. The three points of focus were the Messianic kingdom which would be set up; the time for the coming of the Messiah, and the appearance of the coming Antichrist. Thus we take note of:

• The coming of the Messianic kingdom (verse 24)

• The coming Messiah (verses 25, 26)

• The appearance of the Antichrist (verse 27)

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THE PREDICTION OF THE SEVENTY YEARS OF SEVEN YEARS PER WEEK VERSE 24(a) “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city…” The seventy periods of ‘sevens’ are literally seventy periods of seven years each. If the reference here was to days, it would have been stated as in Dan. 10:3,4. On the contrary, this vision dealt with an answer to Daniel’s prayer which enquired about the years (Dan. 9:2). Daniel was of the opinion that the exile would last for seventy years and then it would end, and that the kingdom would then be confirmed and established. Gabriel informed Daniel that before the kingdom of the Messiah could be established, not seventy years, but seventy periods of seven years each — ‘seventy sevens’ — a total of 490 years (70 times 7) came into question. This whole period which had been allotted deals exclusively with the people of Israel and the holy city, Jerusalem, for which Daniel had prayed. The Hebrew word ‘week’ simply means ‘seven’. These ‘weeks of years’ deal with rest for the land (Lev. 25:1-7), and has a specific bearing on Israel’s neglect to keep the prescribed Sabbaths — for which the seventy years of captivity was the punishment (2 Chron. 36:19-21).

THE PURPOSE OF THE SEVENTY WEEKS VERSE 24(b) “… to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy.” Daniel was informed by the angel Gabriel that the seventy sevens had six specific purposes:

• To finish transgression

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• To put an end to sin

• To atone for wickedness

• To bring in everlasting righteousness

• To seal up vision and prophecy

• To anoint the most holy

➢ To finish transgression: This matter was applicable to Daniel’s people (Jews) and the holy city (Jerusalem) only. It is important to remember that neither the heathen nor the Church is in question. What we have here is the finishing of the transgression of one group — the Jews. Their judgment was not complete because they had not yet turned to God in repentance as a nation.

➢ To put an end to sin: The sin of Israel is in question (Rom. 11:26,27).

➢ To atone for wickedness: Isaiah 53:6 teaches that the unrighteousness was laid on Jesus. However, this has no reference to the Jews in this dispensation. Should a Jew wish to be saved by the blood of Jesus, he has to become part of the body of Christ, where there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female (Gal. 3:26-28 & Col. 3:10, 11). When the body of Christ is a full complement and is taken out of this world, the Great Tribulation will be ushered in. At the end of this period of time, the Jews will collectively repent as a nation (Rom. 11:26), and then a nation will be born (rebirth, regeneration) in a single day (Is. 66:8 & Zach. 13:1).

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➢ To bring everlasting righteousness: There can be no everlasting righteousness until the Millennium reign has come, which cannot happen before (i) the sin of Israel has reached its full measure; (ii) Israel has been fully punished, and (iii) the New Covenant with Israel has been established (Jer. 31:31-34 & Heb. 8:8-13).

➢ To seal up vision and prophecy:

It would seem that vision and prophecy regarding the Jews have been sealed, but this is temporary (Rom. 11:25). Everything that God has spoken, all prophecies regarding Israel, will be fulfilled in the final fulfillment of all revelations, visions and written prophecies concerning them. Then only will all be sealed — visions and prophecies will cease (1 Cor. 13:8-10).

➢ To anoint the most holy: Many would want this statement to refer to Christ, but this is not a person, but a place which is under discussion. This reference is unquestionably to a holy place in the Millennium — the Millennium temple, of which the erection is still to come (Ezekiel 40 & 41). Jesus Christ himself will see to this.

THE BEGINNING OF THE SEVENTY SEVENS VERSES 25, 26 “Know and understand this: From the issuing of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble. After the sixty two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.”

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The seventy sevens are divided into three separate sections — firstly seven sevens (49 years); secondly, sixty two sevens (434 years), and thirdly, one seven (7 years). The total period is 490 years (70 times 7).

In Ezra 6:14 we read that three separate decrees were issued. The decree of Cyrus (2 Chron. 36:22, 23 & Ezra 1:1-4), which makes no mention of the restoration of Jerusalem. Only the house (temple) is mentioned. Then there was the decree of Darius (Ezra 6:1-12), and then that of Artaxerxes, king of Persia (Ezra 7:7-27). We believe that the third decree issued to Nehemiah by King Artaxerxes (Neh. 2:1-6:19) to rebuild Jerusalem for the Messiah, should be the decree which should be taken as the beginning of the 490 years.

• The first period of seven sevens — years (= 49 years), began in the month of Nisan (April) in the seventh year of the reign of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:7-27) in the year 457 B.C. This then marks the beginning for the counting of the seventy sevens (490 years). During this period of time Jerusalem would be restored in times of trouble (Dan. 9:25). Thirteen years later Artaxerxes made more concessions (Neh. 2:1-8). This took place under the leadership of Nehemiah (Neh. 2:1-6:19).

• The second period of sixty two sevens or 434 years, plus the 49 years (= seven sevens) has a total of 483 years, following which the Anointed would be destroyed (cut off), i.e. put to death. The word used means literally to be cut off in death (Heb.: karath) — Gen. 9:11 & Deut. 20:20. These two periods total 69 weeks (7+62) or 483 years, and leads to the crucifixion of Jesus. This calculation, beginning at 457 B.C., gives a total that comes to 26 A.D. It necessarily means that Christ’s death follows after 62 sevens, exactly as the prophecies had foretold: “After the sixty two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed will be cut off…” Christ was crucified in the year 30 A.D. He (Jesus Christ) was born in the time of Herod the Great, i.e. in 4 B.C. (Matt. 2:1, 13-15). His

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public ministry began when he was approximately 30 years old (Luke 3:23).

• The third period would consist of one seven year period of time. This is better known as ‘Daniel’s seventieth week’. The seventieth week did not follow directly and immediately after the 69th, as was the case with the 62 weeks that followed immediately after the 7 weeks. However, Daniel saw the appearance of the Antichrist as immediately after the death of Christ (Dan. 9:26, 27).

The Hebrew way of calculating time dates back to the time of Noah’s flood. According to the book of Genesis the flood took place in the 600th year of the life of Noah, on the 17th day of the 2nd month (Gen. 7:11). This deluge or great flood lasted until the 17th day of the 7th month (Gen. 8:4). It lasted for a period of 5 months with 30 days per month, a total of 150 days (Gen. 8:3). The indication is that as from the time of the flood a year was calculated to consist of 360 days, and not 365 days as we calculate it today. It is confirmed even in the New Testament that there are 30 days in a single month (Rev. 11:2, 3). Daniel 9:26 tells us what will happen between the 69th and the 70th week:

➢ An Anointed will be cut off: Jesus Christ did not die for himself, but for others (1 Pet. 2:24). Jesus Christ was rejected as the Messiah and had to be cut off (crucified).

➢ The city and sanctuary were destroyed: It is quite clear that when the Jews rejected Christ as their king (John 1:11), He refused to announce his kingdom. The day after his triumphant entry into Jerusalem He did visit the temple and cleanse it (Matt. 21:12-17). The following evening Jesus was on

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the Mount of Olives and made the following statement: Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled (Luke 21:24). We today, are living in this period of time.

➢ A long period of war: This destruction and trampling underfoot of Jerusalem (verse 26 & Luke 21:24) will continue until the end of the Great Tribulation with the Second Coming of Christ, after which the Millennium reign will ensue.

THE SEVENTIETH SEVEN VERSE 27 “He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of that ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on a wing of the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”

The third period, the 70th week of years, the seven years totaled with the 483 years, brings the 490 years as determined by God for Israel and the city of Jerusalem to an end. This period of time is also known as ‘Jacob’s trouble’ (Jer. 30:7), and also as the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21, 22 & Rev. 7:13-14).

In the middle of the seven years of the Great Tribulation the Antichrist who will have made a covenant with Israel, will break this covenant: one week, and the middle of this week — one of the best documented periods of time in the Bible (Dan. 4:16, 23, 25; 7:25; 9:27 & Rev. 11:2,3; 12:6; 13:5). This has tremendous implications regarding Israel (Matt. 24:15, 22 & 2 Thess. 2:3-9).

The breaking of this covenant will coincide with the setting up of an abomination that causes desolation in the temple (Dan. 9:27; Rev.

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13:14, 15). A terrible persecution of the Jews will ensue (Matt. 24:21, 22).

Jesus Christ, the Messiah, will not return for the Jewish nation to this earth before the end of the seven years of the Great Tribulation (Rev. 19:11-21). Only after Christ will have destroyed the Antichrist and his armies during his Second Coming as King, will He set up his Millennial Kingdom (Rev. 20 & Dan. 7:13, 14, 27, 28).

The interpretation of the seventy sevens by the angel Gabriel was aimed at giving details to Daniel regarding the return of Israel to their homeland after 70 years of captivity. In reality this will only be completed after the time period of the 490 years has fully elapsed.

What Daniel, however, did not fully understand at that time, was that the 490 years would in any case be interrupted between the 69th (483 years) and the 70th (490 years) week. This period of time (also called the prophetic gap) began when Jesus Christ was crucified and will last until the beginning of the 70th week (the Great Tribulation).

THE GREAT PARENTHESES OR GAP The period between the sixty ninth and seventieth week is called the prophetic parentheses of the mystery of the kingdom of heaven. There is no doubt that this was a mystery in the Old Testament. Careful research of the Old Testament will reveal this (Is. 9:5, 6). This refers to the birth of Christ, and then we read the following — on the throne of David. We are made aware of the Millennium reign directly after the announcement of the birth of Christ (Is. 11:1-9). No mention is made of the present ‘Church age’ which will precede the Great Tribulation and the Millennium. This mystery that faced the Old Testament prophets was revealed to the New Testament apostles (Matt. 13:11, 17). Although mentioned by Jesus, the mystery was not fully revealed to the apostles before the crucifixion of Jesus. Rom. 16:25, 26 speaks

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of the gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God… It refers to the Old Testament mystery which was revealed in New Testament times. Later on the mystery was fully revealed to Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles (heathen people) — Gal. 1:11, 12; Eph. 1:9, 10 & 3:1-12. The ‘Church age’ extends from the period from the crucifixion of Christ (Heb. 9:15-17) until the Rapture of the Church (1 Cor. 15:23, 51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-17). Directly following the Rapture the 70th week or Great Tribulation will ensue. The Old Testament prophecies did include an undefined interim period (Is. 9:6, 7; 11:1-9; 61:1-3; Luke 4:18-20). Jesus Christ called this prophetic gap the mystery of the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 13:11, 35). It was preserved as a secret from when the world began, but now revealed as the ‘church’ by both Paul and Peter (Eph. 2:11-18; 3:4-10; 1 Pet. 1:10-12). The term, ‘mystery of the kingdom of heaven,’ is Christianity (or Christendom). Within the ranks of Christendom, which is comprised of both believers and unbelievers, we find the true ‘church’ — those who are truly born again believers. This interim period or ‘Church age’ fits in between the 69th and 70th weeks, during the time of the rejection of Israel. In terms of God’s prophetic time line we find ourselves today in this period of time. It will only be when the fullness of the Gentiles has entered — when the full number of the Gentiles has come in (Rom. 11:25), that the Rapture will take place. After this has happened the Lord will again turn to Israel at the end of the Great Tribulation, and Israel as a nation will be saved collectively (Is. 66:8; Rom. 11:26).

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Chapter 10

DANIEL 10

DANIEL’S ENCOUNTER WITH

ANGELS

aniel chapters 10-12 is a complete vision in three parts. This vision incorporates events pertaining to the future regarding Israel’s position in the midst of world powers. The 10th chapter

mainly deals with the revelation of the appearance of an angel. Daniel 11 and 12, deal with this vision in itself, as well as the prophecies regarding that time element. Thus the two chapters (Daniel 11 & 12) cover the times of the nations (Gentiles) from the period of the Medes and the Persians until the coming of the kingdom of heaven, the Messianic kingdom and what follows after that.

VERSE 1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a revelation was given to Daniel (who was called Belteshazzar). Its message was true and it concerned a great war. The understanding of the message came to him in a vision.

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This prophecy was given in the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia. It dates the prophecy at approximately 533 B.C. — three years after the Jews were released from their captivity.

In this chapter we hear the words of an angel spoken to Daniel and not the prophecy in itself; the prophecy is found in the last two chapters.

This vision and word spoken to Daniel is true, but it does foresee a difficult time. Daniel understood that a long struggle was envisaged for the future.

VERSES 2, 3 At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over. Daniel humbled himself in fasting and prayer in preparation for the expected revelation. He was disturbed by the things that were revealed to him in connection with the trials awaiting his people. Daniel withheld himself during this time from enjoying tasty food or from anointing himself, because these were the signs of festivity and joy. He refrained from partaking in all of this, because he was sorrowful regarding the revelations that he received in connection with the trials that would befall his people Israel.

VERSES 4-6 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was standing on the banks of the great river, the Tigris, I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of the finest gold around his waist. His body was like chrysolite, his face like lightning, his eyes like flaming torches, his arms and legs like the gleam of burnished bronze, and his voice like the sound of a multitude.

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The first month is Nisan; our corresponding month is April/May. Consequently Daniel fasted during the Passover feast. He stood on the banks of the Tigris (Hiddekel) river. The first time that we read about this river is in Gen. 2:14. This was the river that flowed through the garden of Eden, and it separated into four streams, the Pishon, the Gihon, the Hiddekel (Tigris) and the Frat (Eufrates).

The angel Gabriel appeared to Daniel while he was standing on the banks of the river. Although the description of the angel reminds us of Christ (Rev. 1:13-15), it can also be applicable to Gabriel. Angels also wore linen clothes (Ezek. 9:2, 3, 11; 10:1, 2) with belts of gold. The appearance of a cherubim is also coupled with chrysolite (Ezek. 1:13-16; 10:8, 9, 20, 21; 28:13). The colour of chrysolite is like that of light, yellow-green precious stones.

THE STRUGGLE IN THE WORLD OF ANGELS VERSE 7-10 I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. Then I heard him speaking, and as I listened to him, I fell into a deep sleep, my face to the ground. A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees.

The appearance of this heavenly visitor had a tremendous influence on Daniel and the men with him. While they were filled with fear and fled, Daniel fell to the ground. This terrifying appearance came with a loud rush of words.

A hand of comfort touched Daniel, and although he was still trembling, he stood up and he was addressed with reassurance.

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VERSE 11-13 He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling. Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia.”

Daniel heard that this person was sent to him with a message from God. After Daniel was encouraged for the second time, he was told that from the first day that he had humbled himself before God, God had heard his prayers, but that the delay in answering these prayers was due to an intense struggle in the spirit world, in the world of angels. The result of this was that the answer to his prayers was delayed for twenty-one days. Thus there was opposition in the world of angels.

Daniel heard that the kingdoms of the earth each had its own representative angel. There were God’s holy angels and the opposing fallen angels, who were in a constant struggle with each other (Dan. 10:13, 20, 21; Jude verse 9 & Rev. 12:3, 4, 7-9).

It is quite certain that there really is such a struggle, as Paul tells and warns us in Eph. 2:2 and 6:11-18. From this we learn that Satan and his kingdom are organized in principalities and powers. These divisions coincide with earthly kingdoms. Satan though has his limits. He is not omnipresent, neither is he almighty or omniscient. Consequently he has to rely on his agents to control events on the earth.

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Daniel learned about holy angels and their struggle with fallen angels who influence the kingdoms of this world. The Bible gives enough information about this fact.

• Michael, the great ruler over Israel, had to come and lend help in the struggle against fallen angels in the battle between light and darkness (Dan. 10:12, 13, 20, 21 & 11:1, 2).

• Michael, the archangel, was involved in an argument with Satan (a fallen angel) about the body of Moses — disputing with the devil about the body of Moses (Jude verse 9).

• Michael and his angels will be engaged in a struggle with Satan and his angels in the middle of the Great Tribulation (Rev. 12:7-9).

• The Word of God (Christ) and his armies (holy angels) who will follow him from heaven at the time of Second Coming, are ultimately in opposition to Satan and his angels, and the Antichrist and his army (Rev. 19:11-21 & 20:1-10).

VERSE 14 “Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.” The ruler of Persia (fallen angel) tried to prevent the announcement of the decision of the divine council regarding the future of Israel. But Gabriel was supported by Michael, the angel-ruler of Israel (verses 21 & 12:1). Daniel could consequently receive the information about the people of Israel, namely that which would happen to them in the distant future.

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THE REACTION OF DANIEL VERSES 15-19 While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face towards the ground and was speechless. Then one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, “I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I am helpless. How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe. Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. “Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed,” he said, “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”

Daniel was so terrified by the vision and the announcement that he had heard, that he fell on his face to the ground and could not utter a word. One that looked like a man touched his lips, twice, and words of comfort and encouragement were spoken to Daniel in order to remind him that he was highly esteemed. This gave Daniel courage and strength, and enabled him to listen to the heavenly message from God to him.

VERSES 20, 21 So he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? Soon I will return to fight against the prince of Persia, and when I go, the prince of Greece will come; but first I will tell you what is written in the Book of Truth. (No one supports me against them except Michael, your prince.”) The messenger informed Daniel that the struggle against the force that opposed Israel had not yet ended. As soon as this struggle against the force of Persia ended, there would be another battle, namely that against the prince of Greece, in order to protect Israel against the Grecian world power. Both of these world powers, the Persians and

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the Greeks, had power over Israel, but despite this, God and his angels were at this time a sustaining factor in the protection of Israel. Daniel would find out what was recorded in the Book of Truth. This book contained the decisions of the council of God concerning Israel and her future (Dan. 7:10; 8:26; Ps. 139:16).

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Chapter 11

DANIEL 11

THE STRUGGLE BETWEEN THE

KINGS OF THE SOUTH AND THE NORTH

t is only when we acknowledge the fact that the Almighty reveals the future, that we will begin to accept and appreciate the wonderful detail of specific prophecies in this chapter, as a

testimony of God’s Divine knowledge and omniscience. God knows all about the future and He is able to reveal it. Christ testified that the book of Daniel was inspired and factually true (Matt. 24:15).

In this chapter we find history written beforehand concerning the wars between the kings of the North and of the South (Seleucus over Syria versus Ptolemy over Egypt). In this survey of history (Daniel 11) Daniel was to take note of world powers (heathen powers), with which Daniel’s people (Israel) would have to deal with (verse 14).

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PERSIA AND GREECE VERSES 1, 2 (And in the first year of Darius the Mede, I took my stand to support and protect him.) “Now then I tell you the truth: Three more kings will appear in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece.”

Daniel was told that in the Book of Truth (Dan. 10:21) was written that four more kings would still succeed in the kingdoms of the Medes and the Persians. Cambyses, Gaumata, and Darius 1 would succeed Cyrus; then a fourth, Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus in the Bible (Ester 1:1). The riches of Ahasuerus, as mentioned here in Dan. 11:2, is described in detail in Ester 1:1-7. He would use his riches to build an army against the Greeks. We should take note that there were other kings in Persia after Ahasuerus, but in this vision we are only concerned with those kings who preceded Ahasuerus. After this the focus would be shifted to Greece.

VERSES 3, 4 “Then a mighty king will appear, who will rule with great power and do as he pleases. After he has appeared, his empire will be broken up and parceled out towards the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the power he exercised, because his empire will be uprooted and given to others.” The then of verse 3 involves a time period of almost 1½ centuries. The Persian king whose empire was destroyed by Alexander the Great, was Darius 111 (Neh. 12:22). Within the scope of 12 to 13 years Alexander conquered the world of that time (336-323 B.C.). His sudden death at

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the age of 33 years resulted in the subdivision of his kingdom into four parts.

It will not go to his descendants was literally fulfilled, because his kingdom was divided among his four generals, and this effectively destroyed his kingdom. Seleucus took Syria; Ptolemy took Egypt. Lysimachus took Turkey and Kasander ruled over Macedonia/Greece. In the short period of 21 years the Grecian Empire was divided into four ‘kingdoms.’ The struggle between these four kingdoms would last for 150 years (Dan. 8:21-23).

Verses 5-20 portrays the problematic road of the two factions of the crumbling Alexandrian Empire (North against South), i.e. between the Ptolemies and the Seleucids. The North and the South are identified by these names as a result of their geographical positions with references to Palestine, the land of Israel.

VERSE 5 “The king of the South will become strong, but one of his commanders will become even stronger than he and will rule his own kingdom with great power.” The first king of the Ptolemy dynasty was Ptolemy I Lagi, a general of Alexander, and he chose Egypt for himself (322-285 B.C.). “One of his commanders will become even stronger” refers to Seleucus who was in Ptolemy’s service for some time, and who himself became ruler of Syria (the North) and became known as Seleucus I Nicanor (312-281 B.C.).

Henceforth there would at times be a covenant between the two factions and at other times struggle and conflict (more often than not). The small country of Israel would always be caught in the middle and

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subjected to one or the other in servitude, particularly because Israel was positioned between the two factions (countries).

VERSES 6-9 “After some years, they will become allies. The daughter of the king of the South will go to the king of the North to make an alliance, but she will not retain her power, and he and his power will not last. In those days she will be handed over, together with her royal escort and her father and the one who supported her. One from her family line will arise to take her place. He will attack the forces of the king of the North and enter his fortress; He will fight against them and be victorious. He will also seize their gods, their metal images and their valuable articles of silver and gold and carry them off to Egypt. For some years he will leave the king of the North alone. Then the king of the North will invade the realm of the king of the South but will retreat to his own country.” Fifty years later the daughter of Ptolemy II, Berenice, met and married Antiochus II, in order that there should be peace. Later on he divorced her, and she was murdered. “One from her family line will arise”, the brother of Berenice, Ptolemy III, became king of Egypt. He avenged her death by attacking Syria. In verse 8 we have a description of the spoils of victory that the king of Egypt took for himself. He even took the image of the god of Syria captive. History records ten or more years of a truce between the two factions/countries (verse 8).

VERSES 10-12 “His sons will prepare for war and assemble a great army, which will sweep on like an irresistible flood and carry the battle as far as his fortress. Then the king of the South will march out in rage and fight against the king of the North, who will raise a large army, but it will be defeated. When the army is carried off, the king of the South will be

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filled with pride and will slaughter many thousands, yet he will not remain triumphant.” In the verses of Scripture quoted, we take note of the ongoing battle, as the struggle between the two factions continued towards the end of the third century B.C. “Sweep like an irresistible flood’ depicts the influx of hostile armies attacking the country. In verse 11 we see the king of Egypt, Ptolemy IV, who dealt the armies of Antiochus a crushing blow in 217 B.C. The Egyptian king, however, became so over-indulgent regarding his success and his own importance, that he failed to use this victory to his advantage.

VERSES 13-17 “For the king of the North will muster another army, larger than the first; and after several years, he will advance with a huge army fully equipped. In those times many will rise against the king of the South. The violent men among your own people will rebel in fulfillment of the vision, but without success. Then the king of the North will come and build up siege ramps and will capture a fortified city. The forces of the South will be powerless to resist; even their best troops will not have the strength to stand. The invader will do as he pleases; no one will be able to stand against him. He will establish himself in the Beautiful Land and will have the power to destroy it. He will determine to come with the might of his entire kingdom and make an alliance with the king of the South. And he will give him a daughter in marriage in order to overthrow the kingdom, but his plans will not succeed or help him.” Antiochus III ruled during 200-187 B.C. He was one of the greatest Grecian-Syrian kings (verse 13-19). While he once again mustered a strong army and tried to conquer Egypt, he also invaded Palestine. Many Jews, due to their rebellion and participation in the politics of the day, were the reason why the people of Israel became entangled in the struggle of these great world powers. ‘In fulfillment of the vision’ —

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many Jews tried to bring about the fulfillment of the vision by means of their own efforts; yet, many died in the process. During this time, Antiochus III entered the Beautiful Land (Israel), and conquered many towns and cities. Antiochus III also gave his daughter, Cleopatra (not the more famous one of 150 years later!) to Ptolemy V of Egypt in marriage.

VERSES 18-20 “Then he will turn his attention to the coastlands and will take many of them, but a commander will put an end to his insolence and will turn his insolence back upon him. After this, he will turn back towards the fortresses of his own country but will stumble and fall, to be seen no more. His successor will send a tax collector to maintain the royal splendour. In a few years, however, he will be destroyed, yet not in anger or in battle.” After this Antiochus III invaded Asia Minor and the surrounding islands. The prophecy also foretold his war with the Romans in 190 B.C. at Magnesia where he was defeated by them. The battle took place between Sardis and Smyrna. He then had to return to his own country. The tax collector was his own son, Seleucus IV. His rule was relatively short in duration — merely 13 years, compared with that of his father who ruled for 37 years. He was succeeded by his brother, Antiochus IV, the persecutor of the Jews.

THE RULE OF ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES 1V VERSE 21-28 “He will be succeeded by a contemptible person who has not been given the honour of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a

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prince of the covenant will be destroyed. After coming to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power. When the richest provinces feel secure, he will invade them and will achieve what neither his fathers nor his forefathers did. He will distribute plunder, loot and wealth among his followers. He will plot the overthrow of fortresses — but only for a time. With a large army he will stir up his strength and courage against the king of the South. The king of the South will rage war with a large and very powerful army, but he will not be able to stand because of the plots devised against him. Those who eat from the king’s provisions will try to destroy him; his army will be swept away, and many will fall in battle. The two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will sit at the same table and lie to each other, but to no avail, because an end will still come at the appointed time. The king of the North will return to his own country with great wealth, but his heart will be set against the holy covenant. He will take action against it and then return to his own country.” Antiochus IV, Greek ruler of Syria, is also called EPIPHANES, the contemptible one. He was an extraordinarily evil person, called by the Jews a maniac, the mad one; the one who deceives and who lives with deceit. He ruled between 175-163 B.C.

In verses 21-24, his character and conduct are described in general. This was who he was and how he behaved and conducted himself. Antiochus Epiphanes knew how to subdue all opposition and how to maintain his rule (verse 21,22). The ‘prince of the covenant’ refers to the high priest of that time, Onias III, who was discharged by Antiochus and later on was murdered in 171 B.C. The Syrian kings reserved the right to appoint or dismiss the high priest in Jerusalem.

When he entered into a covenant with Egypt he became strong through his deceit, and although his army was small, Antiochus achieved much success (verse 23, 24). During his military campaign in

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170 B.C. against the young Egyptian king (Ptolemy VI), he was dealt a serious blow of defeat (verse 25).

Verses 26,27 predicted a struggle between the North and the South. Antiochus IV Epiphanes emerged victoriously from this battle, although he could not subdue all of Egypt.

Verse 28 describes the events that took place when Antiochus returned to his own country and when he heard of the insurrection in the eastern part of his kingdom. During his passage through Palestine he attacked Jerusalem and murdered 80,000 Jews.

THE RAGE OF ANTIOCHUS AGAINST THE NATION OF GOD AND THEIR RELIGION VERSES 29-35 “At the appointed time he will invade the South again, but this time the outcome will be different from what it was before. Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favour to those who forsake the holy covenant. His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. Those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. When they fall, they will receive a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time.” Antiochus planned a second invasion of Egypt (168 B.C.), but this time he was not as successful. A Roman army and fleet resisted him, and by

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command of Rome he was instructed to leave Egypt. As an embittered man he had to return to his own country, but he vented his hatred against the Jews when he passed through Palestine. In a hideous way he attacked Jerusalem and the temple and the insane Antiochus massacred many.

He desecrated the holy place and the citadel. He abolished the daily sacrifice and set up the abomination of evil by destroying the books of the Law and by sacrificing pigs on the holy altar in the temple and by sprinkling this blood on the holy place. He also erected an image of Jupiter in the temple of God. Many Jews were killed on the Sabbath, because he knew that the orthodox Jews would not defend themselves on this day. He even prohibited the Jews to perform circumcision.

It was during this time that the Jewish family of the priest Mattathias and his sons reacted. Later on in history they would become known as the Maccabees. Through them the Lord would bring about the liberation of the Jews. Judas Maccabees led a successful revolt (168-165 B.C.), and thus he helped those who had remained faithful (verse 34). The temple was again cleansed and purified, and the temple service was reinstituted.

Later on the Jewish feast of Hanukkah would be instituted to remember and celebrate the restoration of the temple ritualistic services. This happened in the month of Kislev (December, 165 B.C.), in conjunction with the burning of olive oil lamps for eight days (John 10:22, 23).

ANTIOCHUS IV EPIPHANES AS A PROTOTYPE OF THE COMING ANTICHRIST VERSE 36-46 “The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard of things against the God of gods. He

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will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place. He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all. Instead of them, he will honour a god of fortresses; a god unknown to his fathers he will honour with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts. He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honour those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price. At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand. He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape. He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and the Nubians in submission. But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many. He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.” After we have read Dan.9:27 and Matt. 24:15-21 it becomes clear that the abomination of desolation (evil) and the desecration of the temple (in Jerusalem) will be fulfilled in the days of the Great Tribulation. The abomination erected by Antiochus (Dan. 11:31) serves only as an indication of what will happen at that time on earth (2Thess. 2:3, 4 & Rev. 13:14,15) — referring to the events that will take place in the middle of the seven years of the Great Tribulation.

Although the events as told in Dan. 11:36-45 were mostly fulfilled in the time of Antiochus, there is a prophetic reference to the coming Antichrist who will bring about the fulfillment in the fullest sense of the word. What we have here is what is termed the Law of Double

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Reference — which means that what is said of one person or event will transcend the initial reference and will then be applicable in the fullest sense of the word on someone or something else.

Examples of this law are: Is. 14:4-15 where the king of Babylon is addressed initially, and then the focus turns to Satan himself. In Ezek. 28:2 the king (ruler) of Tyre is addressed, but in verses 12-19 the focus is again shifted to Satan himself. In the specific Scriptural reference (Dan. 11:36-45) the focus shifts to the Antichrist, who will act in like manner as did Antiochus (cf. Dan. 7:8, 20-22, 24-26; 12:7; Matt. 24:15-22; 2 Thess. 2:3-10; Rev. 11:2, 3; 12:14; 13:2-8, 12-18; 16:13-16 & 19:11-20).

SUMMARY:

• The military struggle that will rage is clearly noticeable in Daniel 11 (verses 10-13, 25, 40 & 44); as is the political struggle (verses 21-23, 27, 32), and the spiritual struggle (verses 28, 30, 31, 36-39). Israel is at the centre of it all, as the angel revealed it to Daniel.

• Israel is in the middle of the dramatic events that will unfold in the ages to come (Dan. 11:14, 16, 31-35, 41 & 45).

• In the person of Antiochus Epiphanes we find an example or prototype of the terror of the Antichrist — the last king of the heathen world who is to be revealed, the one who will hate Israel, the people of the Lord.

• In the final moments the Antichrist will find his end or destruction (Dan. 11:45), but not by human hands, but through Jesus Christ in the battle of Armagéddon (Rev. 16:13, 16 & 19:11-21).

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Israel will be downtrodden by heathen nations throughout the centuries, as happened in Daniel 11. This will be the case until the times of the nations (Gentiles) have been fulfilled (Luke 21:24). This will be fulfilled at the time of the visible Second Coming of Jesus Christ, our Lord!

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Chapter 12

DANIEL 12

THE WORDS THAT WERE SEALED

aniel was informed by the angel concerning what was recorded in the Book of Truth (Dan. 10:21). This chapter (Daniel 12) is a continuation of Daniel 11, which consequently implies that

both chapters are but one revelation. The main purpose of this revelation was to enlighten Daniel about what would befall Israel. Thus the book is concluded with reference to a specific time schedule, great distress regarding Israel, as well as a vision of a man who swore by the Ever-living God and the sealing of the book of Daniel.

VERSE 1 “At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people — everyone whose name is found written in the book — will be delivered.” Jesus Christ stated the following (Matt. 24:21,22): “For then there will be great distress, unequalled from the beginning of the world until now — and never to be equaled again. If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days would be

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shortened.” In the light of this statement those days will be shortened, but it is also clear that there will be a period of time on earth, which has never been equaled nor will it ever be equaled, regarding the travail of both Israel and the known inhabited world.

The name of Michael appears three times in the book of Daniel (10:13, 21 & 12:1). Michael, the archangel, as guardian of Israel, will at this time act on behalf of God’s people (Rev. 12:7-9). Michael also has special significance regarding the resurrection (Dan. 12:1-2; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17 & Jude 1:9). This will be a time of distress for Israel. These events will happen in the future in the days of the Antichrist. A specific period of time is in question (Dan. 12:7) — the latter three and a half years of the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:21; Rev. 7:13, 14).

It is quite clear that the nation of Israel will be saved at the end of this period (Zach. 12:8-11; 13:1, 9; 14:3, 4, 8, 9; Rom. 11:26 & Rev. 12:11, 13-17).

VERSES 2, 3 “Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” The book of Daniel is the first in the Old Testament that refers directly to the resurrection (cf. Job 19:25, 26; Ps. 16:10 & Is. 26:19). The dead shall be resurrected. Both the resurrection of the just and the unjust is mentioned, although their eternal destinies are radically different (John 5:28, 29).

There is a wonderful promise in verse 3: “… those who lead many to righteousness…,” means leading many to gain insight into God’s Word

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and ways, be it by means of teaching, example, or suffering, they will “shine like the stars for ever and ever.” Even Jesus Christ referred to this fact: “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” (Matt. 13:43). Daniel 12:3 thus confirms that there will be rewards for the righteous. Is the part of the righteous not like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day? (Prov. 4:18). These wise ones (righteous) who will step forward during this time, the time of the end, are like the men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what Israel should do (1 Chron. 12:32). In the end-times these teachers who will understand the Scriptures, will mainly be Jews (cf. Rev. 7:1-17). They will interpret the Word of God forcefully, in such a way that many Jews will be convinced to turn to God and repent.

THE SEALING OF THE BOOK “But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” Gabriel instructed Daniel to seal the book, meaning that the words of prophecy had to be sealed, or kept hidden for the majority of the Jewish people, and thus it will be until the time of the end, when many of these prophecies will be fulfilled, as a result of which many Jews will gain insight into what it all entails. In the end-times knowledge will increase allowing many people to understand prophecy. During this time the decisions of the council of God will be understood more clearly, because many will search the Scriptures, seeking after God’s truth in his Word — then knowledge about this truth will increase.

To those who believe in Christ Jesus there is no veil that will cover up the Scriptures and prohibit them from understanding what God says, as is the case with the Jews (2 Cor. 3:14-16). The Church of Jesus Christ understands prophecy and its details. For this reason the book of Daniel is not sealed to the Christian believer. Such a believer can see and understand how Biblical prophecy has been fulfilled in history: he

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also knows the end-times will be characterized by extraordinary events (‘many will go here and there — run to and fro’) — and there will be an exceptional increase in knowledge (about the Scriptures).

VERSES 5, 6 Then I, Daniel, looked, and there before me stood two others, one on this bank of the river and one on the opposite bank. One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?” We should bear in mind that Daniel was still standing at the river, the Hiddekel (Tigris — Dan. 10:4), and that Daniel chapters 10 to 12 incorporate only one vision, i.e. a continuation of events that Daniel was experiencing. The question was asked: “How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?” How long should we wait? The question was asked after Daniel had noticed two more heavenly visitors. The question was asked in Daniel’s presence, and it was of great importance that Daniel should hear this question, as well as the answer to it.

VERSE 7 The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand towards heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying: “It will be for a time, times and half a time. When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things will be completed.” Daniel heard the oath and saw how the angel lifted up his right hand. This was a well-known act when taking an oath (Gen. 14:22; Deut. 32:40). Daniel also saw how the angel lifted up his left hand. This was unusual; in this case a double lifting of the hand, both hands were lifted, to accentuate the certainty and importance of what was said.

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The oath was taken in the Name of the Ever-living God, God Almighty, the God of heaven and earth.

The time in question is recorded in the Book of Truth, i.e. a time, times and half a time — three and a half years. It literally means a year, two years, and half a year; in total 42 months or 1260 days of the terrible reign of the Antichrist. This was the time allotted to him during which he would finally break the power of the holy people, Israel (cf. Dan. 7:25; Rev. 11:2, 3; 12:14; 13:5). During this time Israel will flee to Edom and Moab (Is. 16:1-5; Dan. 11:41; Matt. 24:15-22 & Rev. 12:12-17). The Antichrist will not destroy the Jewish people entirely, although he will break the power of Israel. In this time period Israel will be scattered and be powerless to react against the tyranny of the Antichrist.

These events will prepare the scene on earth for the end of the dispensation and for the final restoration and establishment of the people of Israel, along with the concomitant Second Coming of Jesus Christ (Dan. 7:25-27; 9:24; Ezek. 37; Zach. 12:9-14; Rom. 11:25 & Rev. 19:11-21).

VERSES 8, 9

I heard, but I did not understand. So I asked, “My lord, what will the outcome of all this be?” He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end.” Daniel was confused and uncertain and wanted to know what would happen, especially regarding the end of all things. He did not understand the prophecy and furthermore he did not receive any more detail. Notwithstanding, Daniel was reminded of the fact that the words had to be sealed until the time of the end (verse 4).

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VERSE 10 “Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.” Many would be purified, made spotless and refined (in Dan. 11:35 the same three expressions are found), but none of the wicked would understand the things regarding the end-time. God’s children, the wise, will understand what is happening with the world, whereas the wicked who are not susceptible to spiritual matters, will be incapable of understanding the meaning of this message (this prophecy) — Rev. 22:11.

VERSES 11, 12 “From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1,335 days.”

In Daniel’s account of the events of the end-times provision for mourning is made following the coming of Messiah at the end of the Great Tribulation. These 30 days of mourning were added to the 1260 days of the latter part of this Tribulation, giving a total of 1290 days: “From the time that the daily sacrifice is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, there will be 1290 days. Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the end of the 1335 days.” The following calculation of time becomes clear. From the time that the Antichrist will abolish the daily sacrifice and desecrates the temple by erecting a statue (image) of himself, 1260 days will pass, until the true Messiah shall touch down on the Mount of Olives (Dan. 9:27 & Rev. 13:5). The national period of mourning of Israel will last for 30 days, as it was customary for leaders like Moses and Aaron (Num.

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20:29 & Deut. 34:8). After the 30 days had elapsed, the spiritual reunion between Israel and the Messiah will have been completed. At this point in time 1290 days will have gone by. A further 45 days will be taken up by the restoration of the throne of David in Jerusalem and by the judgment of the nations (Acts 15:16, 17 & Matt. 25:31, 32).

When the Messianic kingdom will begin formally, 1335 days would have elapsed since the beginning of the reign of terror of the false messiah (Antichrist), upon the erection of his statue in the temple. The Jews who survive this terrible period of time, will after the 1260 days of the Great Tribulation (Matt. 24:15-22) behold the coming of the true Messiah. After 1290 days (inclusive of 30 days for mourning), they will be spiritually reconciled to Him. After 1335 days, they will enter the promised kingdom of the Messiah. Then only will eternal righteousness dawn for them as the nation of God, while the Messiah will rule from Jerusalem (Is. 2:2-4). The additional time of 75 days (1260 to 1335) will consequently be necessary for important events prior to the introduction of the 1000 years of the Millennium Kingdom of Christ. This then will also be the time when the ‘sheep nations’ of Matt. 25:34 will hear the words: “Come, you who are blessed by my father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.”

VERSE 13 “As for you, go your way till the end. You will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to receive your allotted inheritance.” Daniel was informed of the impending end of his life, rest in his death. Death ensures for the true believer the resting of the physical body,

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although the spirit will continue to live in God’s presence (Eccl. 12:7; 2 Cor. 5:1, 8; Phil. 1:21-23; Heb. 12:22-24 & James 2:26).

At the same time Daniel heard that there was an eternal destination after the event of death. Life would continue. There will be a resurrection of the body. The promise of Jesus Christ to the faithful believers is: “Behold, I come soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.”(Rev. 22:12).

Daniel was assured of the fact that he would be part of certain things following his own resurrection (verse 13). The Lord God has reassured and selected those who will rule the world under the reign of the Messiah, when his kingdom shall come (Dan. 2:44, 45; 7:13, 14, 18, 27; Luke 22:30 & 1 Cor. 6:2-4).

Every believer who will receive his reward to reign with Christ, will reign with him in his kingdom — the eternal kingdom of Christ (Rev. 2:26, 27; 5:10; 20:4-6 & 22:4, 5).

AMEN

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References

It is to be mentioned that the Holy Word of God, The NIV (1998), was the

main source of reference for this book, DANIEL. This is a list of other

references that were used.

Alexander, P.

Handboek by die Bybel

Verenigde Protestante Uitgewers Afrikaanse Uitgawe Kaapstad 1973

Barclay, William

The Revelation of John

The Saint Andrew Press Edinburgh 1976

Barton, Bruce B.

Life Application Bible

Tyndale House Publishing, Inc Wheaton, Illinois 1991

Berkhof, Louis

Systematic Theology

Cox & Wyman Ltd. London 1958

Bullinger, E.W.

The Companion Bible

Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids Michigan 1990

Culver, Robert. D. Daniel and the Latter Days Moody Press, Chicago, 1954

Dake Finis, J.

Dake’s Annotated Ref. Bible

Atlanta Bible Research Foundation Inc. 1984

Dake Finis, J.

God’s Plan for Man

Atlanta Bible Research Foundation Inc. 1949

Dake Finis, J.

Revelation Expounded

Atlanta Bible Research Foundation Inc. 1963

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Die Bybel

Bybelgenootskap van Suid-Afrika 1957

Fruchtenbaum, Arnold G.

The Footsteps of the Messiah

Ariel Ministries P.O. Box 792507 San Antonio TX 98279-2507 2004

Gruden, Wayne Systematic Theology Zondervan Publication House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1994

The Pulpit Commentary Hendricksen Publishers, Peabody, Massachusetts

Geldenhuys, J.N.

Die Bybel met Verklarende Aantekeninge

Verenigde Protestante Uitgewers Kaapstad 1975

Hagee, John C.

The Life Plan Study Bible

The Life Plan Study Bible Thomas Nelson Bibles A Division of Thomas Nelson, Inc 2004

Halley, Henry H.

Halley’s Bible Handbook

Grand Rapids Zondervan Publishing House Michigan 1965

Horak, G.C.

Die Eskatalogiese Verwagting

Bloemfontein 1986

Kleynhans, Bennie

Daniël in die Eindtyd

Verenigde Gereformeerde Uitgewers Brakpan

Kok, J.

Bybelse Ensiklopedie

Verenigde Protestante Uitgewers,Kaapstad, 1975

159

Larkin, Clarence

Dispensational Truth

Rev. Clarence Larkin Est. Philadelphia 1918

Larkin, Clarence

The Spirit World

Rec. Clarence Larkin Est. Philadelphia 1921

Larkin, Clarence

The Book of Daniel

Rev. Clarence Larkin Est. Philadelphia 1929

Lombard, R.D.

Unlocking the Future

Marror P.O. Box 12557 Club View Centurion South Africa 2001

Malan, J.S.

Israel in the End-time

Trumpet Publishers Alberton 1993

Malan, J.S.

Revelation of the 1990’s

Trumpet Publishers Alberton 1993

Mijnhardt, C.F.

Afrikaanse Bybelkonkordansie

J.L. van Schalkwyk Beperk Pretoria 1943

Pentecost, J. Dwight

Things to come

Grand Rapids Zondervan Publishing House 1958

Prinsloo, B.H.

Lesings in Profesie

Raad van Christelike Onderwys VEK van God Pretoria 1979

Scofield, C.I.

The New Scofield Ref. Bible

Oxford University Press New York 1967

Smith, U. The Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation

Southern Publication Association,Nashville,Tennessee

Strong, J.

Systematic Theology

PA Judson Press Valley Forge, 1907

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Swaggart, J.

The Prophecies and Symbols of Revelation

World Evangelical Press Los Angeles 1991

Thiessen, Henry Clarence

Lectures in Systematic Theology

Grand Rapids William B. Eerdmans Pub. Company 1949

U.S. CENSUS BUREAU

2002

Van Eijk, R.K.

Openbaring

Raad van Christelike Onderwys VEK van God Pretoria 1979

Van Eijk, R.K.

So lyk die Toekoms

Soteria Pub. Pretoria 1989

Books written by Raymond D. Lombard English:

• The book of Revelation (Also translated into Chinese and French)

• The book of Daniel

• The Spirit World (Also translated into Chinese and Mongolian)

• The Names of God

• The Testimony

• Kingdom Theology

• Jesus Christ in the Old testament

• What does the Bible teach? Vol 1

• What does the Bible teach? Vol 2

Afrikaans: • Die boek Openbaring (Ook vertaal in Chinees en Frans)

• Die boek Daniël

• Die Geesteswêreld (Ook vertaal in Chinees en Mongools)

• Jesus Christus in die Ou Testament

• Die Name van God

• Die Getuienis

• Koninkryk Teologie

• Sinopsis van die Nuwe Testament

• Wat sê die Bybel? (Volume 1)

• Wat sê die Bybel? (Volume 2)

Audio and lectures are also available in Afrikaans.

For postal orders, please write to: Raymond Lombard Ministries P.O. Box 6 Parow 7499 South Africa

Email: info@raymondlombard.com Webpage: www.raymondlombard.com Telephone (office): +27 (0)21 939 1898