{"id":1099,"date":"2018-01-30T16:20:36","date_gmt":"2018-01-30T15:20:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/?p=1099"},"modified":"2018-01-30T16:26:13","modified_gmt":"2018-01-30T15:26:13","slug":"studies-in-the-book-of-daniel-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/2018\/01\/30\/studies-in-the-book-of-daniel-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Studies in the Book of Daniel"},"content":{"rendered":"

Studies in the Book of Daniel
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Installment XIV<\/span>
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THE SEVENTIETH WEEK OF YEARS
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Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy. 25 Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the anointed one, the prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troublous times. 26 And after the threescore and two weeks shall the anointed one be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and even unto the end shall be war; desolations are determined. 27 And he shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease; and upon the wing of abominations shall come one that maketh desolate; and even unto the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out upon the desolate“ (Dan 9:24-27).<\/p>\n

In order that we may get our bearings for the further study of Daniel 9:24-27, we must remember the salient points which have been discussed in this series of studies. As we have seen, Daniel was studying the prophecy found in the Book of Jeremiah. Doubtless he was using the prophecy of Isaiah 44:28 and related passages.<\/p>\n

It is quite evident that Daniel, though he was an inspired messenger of Jehovah, could make mistakes and draw erroneous conclusions when the Spirit of God was not speaking through him. As we see in 9:1 the time was the first year of Darius which was the 68th year of the Babylonian captivity. From Jeremiah Daniel knew that the seventy years of captivity would end within two years. He therefore doubtless rejoiced in the expectation of returning to his fatherland. As he read the prophecy of the return of the Jews from Babylonian captivity (Jer. 29:10-14), his eye became fixed upon what the prophet had said concerning the return from a world-wide dispersion (v. 14).<\/p>\n

This prophecy of Jeremiah is an illustration of the law of double reference–the blending of two similar events. Verse 10 speaks of the return of the captives from Babylon whereas verse 14 speaks of the Jews‘ return from a world-wide dispersion–a far greater return of the Jews to their homeland. Jeremiah spoke of both returns to the homeland, blending what he says about the return of the Jews from Babylon with the final restoration and conversion of Israel which will become an accomplished fact at the end of the Tribulation and at the beginning of the Millennium. It is quite certain that in reading the prophecy Daniel failed to note the difference between the two portions of the one prophecy. He, therefore, hastily concluded that the final restoration and conversion of the nation would be accomplished in the immediate future. He was thinking in terms of the seventy years of Babylonian captivity. The angel Gabriel, knowing that Daniel had drawn, an erroneous conclusion with reference to the final restoration and thinking that the entire prophecy would be shortly fulfilled, told Daniel to consider the facts and understand the truth regarding the final restoration and conversion of Israel.<\/p>\n

Since Daniel was thinking about the seventy years of Babylonian captivity, and since he was captivated with the idea of the establishment of the reign of righteousness upon the earth, Gabriel revealed to him the truth in terms that Daniel had been using. Instead of the coming of the Millennial Age at the end of the seventy years of Babylonian captivity, Gabriel said that there would be seven seventy-year periods for the establishment, of the Millennium on earth. In other words, therefore, Gabriel said that there would be 490 years for the fulfillment of the prophecy: „seven seventies are decreed upon thy people and upon thy Holy city …“ to bring in the age of righteousness.<\/p>\n

The initial date was the year when the decree to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple was given. Cyrus, King of Persia, as we have already learned, was the one who issued the said decree. In the Ussher chronology the year 536 B.C. was the initial date of the 490-year period from the issuing of the decree unto „the anointed one, the prince.“ There were to be seven sevens and sixty-two sevens of years in this period from the date of the issuing of the decree to the Messiah–483 years.<\/p>\n

What is the significance of the expression „anointed one, the prince“? Various answers are given by commentators. Since however, the angel Gabriel told Daniel that the Messiah would be „cut off, and shall have nothing,“ it is most probable that the cutting off of Messiah has reference to His crucifixion.<\/p>\n

Does the 484th year follow the 483rd year? No, because the angel speaks about the destruction of the Temple and the city, which were destroyed in the year A.D. 70. Moreover, at the end of the 490th year the Millennial Kingdom will be established. The seventieth week of years, therefore, does not follow the sixty-ninth. This prophecy, studied in the light of related passages, is seen to pass over an indefinite period of years which in the New Testament is known as the Christian Dispensation. Thus, at the end of the Christian Dispensation the seventieth week begins.<\/p>\n

Some Outstanding Events Of The Tribulation<\/center><\/p>\n

Moses, the Prophets, the Psalmists, and the writers of the New Testament give much information concerning the Day of Jehovah and the Kingdom Age. In fact these subjects loom large on the prophetic horizon. On account of the abundance of material given in the Scriptures concerning prophetic themes, the student of the Word of God must be careful noting especially those phrases that show the relationship of events, movements, and outstanding individuals. In this connection let me emphasize the value of the Golden Rule of Interpretation, which is, „When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning, unless the facts of the immediate context studied in the light of related passages and axiomatic and fundamental truths indicate clearly otherwise.“ Observing the fundamental principles of this rule will pay great spiritual dividends.<\/p>\n

The Chronological Frame-work of the Great Tribulation<\/center><\/p>\n

The Great Tribulation, being the seventieth week of Daniel 9:27, will continue seven years. It is divided into two sections: The first three and one-half years will be a time of terrific judgments and suffering; the second half will witness judgments far more intense than those of the first half. The two halves of the Tribulation are mentioned in Revelation 11:2,3: „And the court which is without the temple leave without, and measure it not; for it hath been given unto the nations: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months. 3 And I will give unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.“ The two witnesses of this passage engage in their ministry of 1260 days. Since they will be killed in the middle of the Tribulation obviously their ministry is in the first half. The second half of the Tribulation is a period of forty-two months during which the Antichrist will hold high carnival.<\/span><\/p>\n

There will be three series of judgments as follows: the seal, (Revelation, chapter 6); the trumpet, (Revelation, chapters 8 and 9); the bowl, which covers the last three and one-half years, and which are more intense than the other judgments (Revelation, chapter 16).<\/p>\n

At the breaking of first seal, something definite takes place upon the earth. Likewise at the breaking of each of the first six seals, something definite takes place upon the earth; but at the breaking of the seventh seal, nothing takes place upon the earth. On the contrary the seven angels of the trumpet judgments prepare to blast forth. At the blowing of each of the first six trumpets something definite takes place upon the earth, but at the blowing of the seventh trumpet nothing takes place upon the earth. On the contrary the seven angels of the bowl judgments prepare to pour out God’s wrath upon the earth–during the second half of the Tribulation. When each of the seven angels pours out his bowl of wrath something definite takes place upon the earth.<\/p>\n

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Studies in the Book of Daniel
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Installment XV
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THE GREAT TRIBULATION, A PERIOD OF UNPARALLELED SUFFERING
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AND DESTRUCTION<\/center><\/center><\/center><\/center><\/center><\/p>\n

Most of the Prophets, foretell the Great Tribulation. „Wail ye; for the day of Jehovah is at hand; as destruction from the Almighty shall it come. 7 Therefore shall all hands be feeble, and every heart of man shall melt: 8 and they shall be dismayed; pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman in travail: they shall look in amazement one at another; their faces shall be faces of flame. 9 Behold, the day of Jehovah cometh, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger; to make the land a desolation, and to destroy the sinners thereof out of it. 10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light; the sun shall be darkened in its going forth, and the moon shall not cause its light to shine. 11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity: and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible. 12 I will make a man more rare than fine gold, even a man than the pure gold of Ophir. 13 Therefore I will make the heavens to tremble, and the earth shall be shaken out of its place, in the wrath of Jehovah of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger. 14 And it shall come to pass, that as the chased roe, and as sheep that no man gathereth, they shall turn every man to his own people, and shall flee every man to his own land“ (Isa 13:6-14).<\/p>\n

Again the same prophet in chapter 24, verses 1-6, paints in lurid colors another picture of it: „Behold, Jehovah maketh the earth empty, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. 2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the creditor, so with the debtor; as with the taker of interest, so with the giver of interest to him. 3 The earth shall be utterly emptied, and utterly laid waste; for Jehovah hath spoken this word. 4 The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the lofty people of the earth do languish. 5 The earth also is polluted under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. 6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are found guilty: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left“ (Isa 24:1-6).<\/p>\n

The Lord Jesus describes it in Matthew 24:21: „for then shall be great tribulation, such as hath not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be.“<\/p>\n

Israel Being Gathered Back to the Land of Their Fathers<\/center><\/p>\n

Not only did Moses and the Prophets foretell the world-wide dispersion of Israel, but most of them foretell their being gathered to the land of their fathers. This regathering, according to Zephaniah, begins before the Tribulation: „Gather yourselves together, yea, gather together, O nation that hath no shame; 2 before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of Jehovah come upon you, before the day of Jehovah’s anger come upon you. 3 Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah’s anger.“ (Zeph. 2:1-3).<\/p>\n

Without doubt Zephaniah saw the present return of the Jews to their homeland. But the return will not be complete until the Second Coming of Christ.<\/p>\n

Three World Wars in the Tribulation<\/center><\/p>\n

There have already been two world wars and there may be a third before the Tribulation. Let us hope that there may not be. But according to the prophetic Word, there will be three world wars in the Tribulation.<\/p>\n

The first of these world wars is set forth in symbolic form as a rider on a red horse in Revelation 6:3,4: „And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, Come. 4 And another horse came forth, a red horse: and to him that sat thereon it was given to take peace from the earth, and that they should slay one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.“<\/p>\n

The second one, which breaks out in the middle of the Tribulation, is recorded in Daniel 11:40-45: „And at the time of the end shall the king of the south contend with him; and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass through. 41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries; and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps. 44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him; and he shall go forth with great fury to destroy and utterly to sweep away many. 45 And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.“<\/p>\n

The third and last one is graphically pictured in Revelation 19:11-16: „And I saw the heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and he that sat thereon called Faithful and True; and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 And his eyes are a flame of fire, and upon his head are many diadems; and he hath a name written which no one knoweth but he himself. 13 And he is arrayed in a garment sprinkled with blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and pure. 15 And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And he hath on his garment and on his thigh a name written, KINGS OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.<\/p>\n

Rebuilding the Temple<\/center><\/p>\n

At Sinai the Lord had Moses set up a tabernacle as His temporary dwelling place among His people Israel. King David wanted to build a more permanent structure for God’s dwelling place with his people. Since, however, the king had fought many wars, the Lord refused to allow him that privilege, but He did allow David to make preparation for his son Solomon to build a magnificent house for God. This Temple was the center of Hebrew religion, to which all Israel came. From year to year this Temple was the gathering place of all Jewry, but it was destroyed by the Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar. At the close of the captivity Zerubbabel, the governor of the nation, rebuilt the Temple on a far less magnificent scale than that of Solomon’s. Later King Herod repaired Zerubbabel’s Temple, even surpassing it in grandeur. This building was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70. From that day to the present patriotic and devout portions of the nation have lived in hopes of building another Temple.<\/p>\n

Isaiah foresaw in vision the Jews of the end time vigorously constructing a Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, around which the nation can rally. Herein is the prophetic prediction: „Thus saith Jehovah, Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will ye build unto me? and what place shall be my rest? 2 For all these things hath my hand made, and so all these things came to be, saith Jehovah: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word. 3 He that killeth an ox is as he that slayeth a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as he that breaketh a dog’s neck; he that offereth an oblation, as he that offereth swine’s blood; he that burneth frankincense, as he that blesseth an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations: 4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did that which was evil in mine eyes, and chose that wherein I delighted not. (Isa. 66:1-4).<\/p>\n

Jesus presupposed the existence of the Temple in the Tribulation: „When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let him that readeth understand)“ (Mat 24:15).<\/p>\n

One World Government<\/center><\/p>\n

In Daniel chapter 7 God presents the four world empires–Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome–under the symbolism of vicious and ferocious beasts. Not one of the empires had taken possession of the possessions given it by the Almighty. The fourth one, the nondescript monster, will seize world dominion for a short time. This prophecy is found in Daniel 7:23-25. „Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 24 And as for the ten horns, out of this kingdom shall ten kings arise: and another shall arise after them; and he shall be diverse from the former, and he shall put down three kings. 25 And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High; and he shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and half a time.“<\/p>\n

According to this prediction, the fourth beast will devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. Our present civilization is doomed to be largely wrecked and overthrown.<\/p>\n

One Religious System<\/center><\/p>\n

The present day trend or tendency is toward unification and co-operation. This statement is especially true of religion. Those who do not have the prophetic outlook and strong fundamental convictions are feeling that men can lay aside their peculiar tenets and can unite with others, notwithstanding some minor differences.<\/p>\n

It is the conviction of many Bible students that the effort to unite different religious groups is well on the way to a world church.<\/p>\n

In Revelation 17:1-6 one sees a world religion: „And there came one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls, and spake with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the judgment of the great harlot that sitteth upon many waters; 2 with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, and they that dwell in the earth were made drunken with the wine of her fornication. 3 And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness: and I saw a woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations, even the unclean things of her fornication, 5 and upon her forehead a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE HARLOTS AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I wondered with a great wonder.“<\/p>\n

The head of this ecclesiastical system appears to be the one designated by John as the false prophet who will work hand and glove with the World ruler. „And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat upon the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought the signs in his sight, wherewith he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast and them that worshipped his image: they two were cast alive into the lake of fire that burneth with brimstone“ (Rev 19:19-20). One can see the close cooperation of the world ruler and the false prophet (Rev. 13:11-18)<\/p>\n

Haggai Saw the World Kingdom<\/center><\/p>\n

„Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, I will shake the heavens and the earth; 22 and I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms; and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations; and I will overthrow the chariots, and those that ride in them; and the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.“ (Hag. 2:21,22).<\/p>\n

John also saw the kingdom of the world becoming the kingdom of the Lord and His Christ: „The kingdom of the world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ: and he shall reign for ever and ever“ (Rev. 11:15b).<\/p>\n

The Antichrist<\/center><\/p>\n

According to Daniel 7:17,23 a beast when used symbolically signifies both a king and a kingdom. The last world ruler is the personal Antichrist and his world kingdom are set forth in Revelation 13:1-10. He will be slain by the triumphant Christ at His Second Coming.<\/p>\n

In several places in the Old Testament a world-wide revival is foretold. Read such passage as Isaiah 17:7,8; 24:11-16b; 28:8,9. God promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that He would bless all nations in and through the seed of Abraham–the Jewish people and the Messiah.<\/p>\n

God fulfills every promise and carries out every threat and warning that He has given.<\/p>\n

In the first part of the Tribulation there will burst forth upon the world a spiritual awakening. This will be such a great revival and turning to God that John, in Revelation, chapter 7, speaks of it as „a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes and peopled and tongues …“ (Rev. 7:9). Who will conduct this revival? The answer is, the 144,000 Jews who are sealed against all injuries and all calamities, because the gospel is to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Rom. 1:16).<\/p>\n

The Conversion of Israel<\/center><\/p>\n

The prophetic Scriptures abound in predictions and references of Israel’s return to the land of their fathers, (I discuss these themes in my recent volumes, <\/span>Messiah: His Glorious Appearance Imminent <\/i><\/span>and <\/span>Messiah: His Final Call to Israel<\/i><\/span>. Israel is discussed in the Jewish section of the Roman Letter–chapters 9, 10 and 11–chapter 11 especially gives information concerning the spiritual condition of Israel, its past, present, and future. „For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in“ (Rom. 11:25).<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Second Coming
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The Lord Jesus and His apostles have much to say in regard to His ascension to glory and His final return to earth at the end of the Tribulation. Jesus and the apostles went out to the Mount of Olives after His having taught them for a period of forty days following His Resurrection. He charged them to remain in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit would come to them and lead them into all the truth: „And when he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they were looking stedfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven“ (Acts 1:9-11). We therefore look for the Lord Jesus to return according to the Word. Since no man knows the day nor the hour when He will return, let us avoid all guessing and speculation regarding His Second Coming. Everything points to the conclusion that His Coming must be near.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The Millennium
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At the end of the Tribulation the Lord Jesus will return and set up His Kingdom of righteousness as the prophets foretell: The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. 2 And it shall come to pass in the latter days, that the mountain of Jehovah’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. 3 And many peoples shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of Jehovah from Jerusalem. 4 And he will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.“ (Isa 2:1-4).<\/span><\/p>\n

„And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, the old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, 3 and cast him into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over him, that he should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years should be finished: after this he must be loosed for a little time. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as worshipped not the beast, neither his image, and received not the mark upon their forehead and upon their hand; and they lived, and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 The rest of the dead lived not until the thousand years should be finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: over these the second death hath no power; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years“ (Rev 20:1-6).<\/p>\n

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Studies in the Book of Daniel<\/p>\n

Installment XVI<\/p>\n

THE GLORY OF GOD<\/p>\n

The last three chapters of Daniel (10-12) discuss the last vision of the Book. Chapter 10 is an introduction to chapters 11 and 12.<\/p>\n

Rationalistic critics stumble over the prepositional phrase, „In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia“ (Dan. 10:1), and see a contradiction between this phrase and the one in Daniel 1:21: „And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus.“ This supposed contradiction vanishes when the statements are read and accepted at their face value. These critics read into this verse that Daniel died in the first year of Cyrus, the Persian king. But the Holy Spirit did not say anything about Daniel’s death in the first year of Cyrus. On the contrary, the Spirit showed that Daniel occupied a position of prominence and responsibility until the close of the Babylonian regime. In Daniel 10:1 the Spirit simply states that Daniel had his last vision.<\/p>\n

The Word Revealed<\/p>\n

„In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision“ (Dan. 10:1).<\/p>\n

Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Persian reigned as co-Rexes over the Medo-Persian Empire two years. Upon the death of Darius, Cyrus reigned as Sole-Rex. His name appears in Isaiah 44:28 and in 45:1. Cyrus was the king who issued the decree in the third year of his reign that the Jews of the captivity who wished to return to the home land could do so (II Chron. 36:22,23; Ezra 1:1-4). Approximately fifty thousand returned under the leadership of Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah.<\/p>\n

Daniel speaks of himself in the third person, in the verse quoted above, but in verse 2ff he shifts his point of view from the third person to the first–„I Daniel.“ Why the abrupt change? Some critics see in this change the hand of an editor or another writer. A more probable explanation is that Daniel wanted to retain his identity as the one who occupied such a high position in the Babylonian regime.<\/p>\n

On this occasion something was revealed to Daniel which was true and certain, as are all God’s revelations to man, and which can be relied upon one hundred percent. Daniel informs us that „he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.“ He wanted us to know that he understood this special revelation, being able to understand visions.<\/p>\n

Daniel’s Fast<\/p>\n

„In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled“ (Dan. 10:2,3).<\/p>\n

On this occasion Daniel sought rest and quietude for meditation and prayer, being depressed by the conditions as they existed. He therefore betook himself to a place beside the Hiddekel river, the Tigris. This vision was given to him on the twenty-fourth day of the first month. He informs us that he had mourned for three whole weeks. The Passover feast had been observed on the fourteenth of the first month. The feast of unleavened bread followed the Passover, from the fourteenth to the twenty-first day: „In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at even, ye shall eat unleavened bread, until the one and twentieth day of the month at even“ (Ex. 12:18). Daniel not only observed the feast of unleavened bread, but he fasted and mourned for three whole weeks.<\/p>\n

Weeks of what? of days or years? The Jews used the word week as a numeral adjective indicating seven of the events, items, or objects which were under consideration. In Daniel 9:24-27 we learn from the facts of the context that a week meant seven years. But in Daniel 10:3,4 it is clear from the context that a week means a week of days–seven days.<\/p>\n

A Theophany<\/p>\n

„And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel, 5 I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, a man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with pure gold of Uphaz: 6 his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like unto burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude (Dan. 10:4-6).<\/p>\n

Daniel lifted up his eyes and saw above the river a glorious celestial being. Bible students are divided on the identity of this one. Some say he was one of the mighty angels, whereas others are convinced that this one was none other than the glorified Son of Man, the Son of God. By studying the description of this glorious Being and comparing it with that which is described in Revelation 1:10-18, a person cannot avoid, in my judgment, the conclusion that this one was and is the Son of God in His preincarnate state, whom Daniel saw on this occasion.<\/p>\n

For the convenience of the reader I shall quote Revelation 1:10-18: „I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day, and I heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet 11 saying, What thou seest, write in a book and send it to the seven churches: unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamum, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And having turned I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 and in the midst of the candlesticks one like unto a son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about at the breasts with a golden girdle. 14 And his head and his hair were white as white wool, white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire; 15 and his feet like unto burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace; and his voice as the voice of many waters. 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as one dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying, Fear not; I am the first and the last, 18 and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.“<\/p>\n

Daniel’s Weakness<\/p>\n

„And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great, quaking fell upon them, and they tried to hide themselves. 8 So I was left atone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength“ (Dan. 10:7,8).<\/p>\n

When the vision of the Son of God appeared to Daniel on this occasion, those who were with him fled, leaving him alone. They therefore did not see the vision. A great quaking fell upon them and they fled to hide themselves. The sight of the vision terrified Daniel so that there remained no strength in him. This experience reminds one of that which the Apostle Paul had on his way to Damascus. The reader will do well to read Acts, chapters 9,22, and 26 for a clear picture of the conversion of the Apostle Paul.<\/p>\n

Daniel Reassured<\/p>\n

„Yet heard I the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground. 10 And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. 11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, thou man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright; for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. 12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day that thou didst set thy heart to understand, and to humble thyself before thy God, thy words were heard: and I am come for thy words‘ sake (Dan 10:9-12).<\/p>\n

When Daniel was lying in a deep sleep with his face toward the ground, a hand touched him and set him upon his knees and upon the palms of his hands. Who touched him? Some writers say that it was the Son of God who had appeared to him in the vision. Others say that it was an angel. The one who touched Daniel said to him, „O Daniel, thou man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright; for unto thee am I now sent: and when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.“ It is quite unlikely that this one was the Son of God, because he said that he had been sent to Daniel, and also because he said that he had been delayed twenty-one days, by satanic opposition.<\/p>\n

Daniel was greatly beloved. Why was he thus esteemed by the Lord? Like Abraham, he was a man of great faith and chose the things which delight the heart of God. Daniel stood trembling before the heavenly visitor, but he allayed Daniel’s fear: „Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel; for from the first day that thou didst set thy heart to understand, and to humble thyself before thy God, thy words were heard: and I am come for thy words‘ sake“ (Dan. 10:12). Anyone who trusts and is seeking the things of God, the Lord will put spiritual powers into operation in his behalf.<\/p>\n

The Unseen World<\/p>\n

„But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days; but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days“ (Dan. 10:13,14).<\/p>\n

In Daniel 10:13,14 God used Daniel to pull aside the veil hiding the great unseen world of spirits from man’s gaze. That there is a host of evil spirits is seen in Isaiah 24:21 „And it shall come to pass in that day, that Jehovah will punish the host of the high ones on high, and the kings of the earth upon the earth.“ Also, evil spirits are seen in such passages as Ephesians 6:10-20.<\/p>\n

Elisha and his young attendant were in Dothan, in the plain of Dothan, when the Syrian army with all their war chariots and equipment poured into the valley as they were preparing to storm the city. It seems that they were just beginning their campaign, having arrived during the night. The next morning when the young man awoke, he saw from the city wall the great host marshaled against the city. The sight of such a formidable enemy terrified the young man, who reported to the Prophet what he had seen. Elisha, by faith, prayed, and said, „Jehovah, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And Jehovah opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha“ (II Kings 6:17).<\/p>\n

The prince of the kingdom of Persia doubtless had vast hosts of evil spirits that formed the policies and the general direction of the nation. But Satan and all his hosts can only do that which the Almighty allows. Jesus told the Apostles that Satan had asked permission to sift them as wheat. We see from this statement that Satan must ask permission from God to touch the people of God. Thus Satan’s activities are limited by the Almighty. In a real and true sense the world lies in the evil one (I John 5:19).<\/p>\n

„The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, And delivereth them“ (Ps. 34:7).<\/p>\n

There is also a mighty host of good angels. The writer of Hebrews refers to this heavenly host as ministering spirits sent forth to do service for those who shall inherit salvation (Heb. 1:14). There are various ranks and orders of these angels. See Ephesians 3:10 and I Peter 3:22.<\/p>\n

Daniel Strengthened<\/p>\n

„And when he had spoken unto me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and was dumb. 16 And, behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I retain no strength. 17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither was there breath left in me. 18 Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me. 19 And he said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he spake unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.“ (Dan. 10:15-19).<\/p>\n

When the angel spoke to Daniel, he set his face toward the ground and was dumb. And one in the likeness of the sons of men touched his lips. Then Daniel was enabled to speak and said, „0 my lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I retain no strength.“ This vision affected Daniel as the Apostle John was affected when the glorified Lord Jesus appeared unto him. See Revelation chapter 1. Then one whose appearance was like that of a man touched him, saying, „0 man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he spake unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.“<\/p>\n

Introduction to Vision of Chapters 11 and 12<\/p>\n

„Then said he, Knowest thou, wherefore I am come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I go forth, lo, the prince of Greece shall come. 21 But I will tell thee that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me against these, but Michael your prince.<\/p>\n

„And as for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen him“ (Dan. 10:20-11:1).<\/p>\n

Then the heavenly visitor asked Daniel if he knew why he had come to him. Before Daniel could reply to this rhetorical question, the messenger said, „And now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I go forth, lo, the prince of Greece shall come.“ This language seems to imply that the angel intended to convey the idea that he would resume the conflict with the prince of Persia and win a signal victory. He would also have to fight against the prince of Greece.<\/p>\n

The angel said that he would tell Daniel that which is inscribed in the writing of truth. We are not to think that there is a large volume of Scripture in heaven, though the inspired Biblical writers occasionally spoke of the will of God in terms of a material Book:<\/p>\n

„Thine eyes did see mine unformed substance;
\nAnd in thy book they were all written,
\nEven the days that were ordained for me,
\nWhen as yet there was none of them“ (Ps. 139:16).<\/p>\n

„And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the back, close sealed with seven seals“ (Rev. 5:1).<\/p>\n

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weiter<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Studies in the Book of Daniel Installment XIV THE SEVENTIETH WEEK OF YEARS Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and … <\/p>\n

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