{"id":115,"date":"2017-10-31T08:57:54","date_gmt":"2017-10-31T07:57:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/?p=115"},"modified":"2017-10-31T08:57:54","modified_gmt":"2017-10-31T07:57:54","slug":"the-time-of-the-gentiles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/2017\/10\/31\/the-time-of-the-gentiles\/","title":{"rendered":"The Time of the Gentiles"},"content":{"rendered":"

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all the nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.<\/em><\/p>\n

Luke 21:<\/em><\/span>24<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

An area of introductory material needed for the understanding of prophecy involves the understanding of the nature and the course of the Times of the Gentiles.<\/p>\n

A definition of the term<\/span> \u201cTimes of the Gentiles\u201d can be gleaned from Luke 21:24<\/a>: And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all the nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentile<\/em><\/span>s, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.<\/em><\/p>\n

The times of the Gentiles can best be defined as that long period of time from the Babylonian Empire to the Second Coming of the Messiah, during which <\/span>time the Gentiles will have dominance over the City of Jerusalem. This does not rule out temporary Jewish control of the city, but all such Jewish control will be temporary until the Second Coming of the Messiah. Such temporary control was exercised during the Maccabbean period (<\/span>164\u201363 b.c.), the First Jewish Revolt against Rome (a.d. 66\u201370), the Second Jewish Revolt against Rome, also known as th<\/span>e Bar Cochba Revolt (a.d. 132\u2013135), and since 1967 as a result of the Six-Day War. This, too, is temporary, as Gentiles will yet tread down Jerusalem for at least another 3\u00bd years (Rev. 11:1\u20132<\/a>). Any J<\/span>ewish takeover of the City of Jerusalem before the Second Coming of the Messiah must, therefore, be viewed as a temporary one and does not mean that the Times of the Gentiles have ended. The Times of the Gent<\/span>iles can only end when the Gentiles can no longer tread down the City of Jerusalem.<\/p>\n

The Old City of Jerusalem is biblical Jerusalem. But because the majority of the population of the Old City <\/span>are Arab citizens, it is still being trodden down by Gentiles. Jews were not allowed to live in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City from 1948, when it was controlled by Jordan, until after the Six-Day <\/span>War. Since then, the Jewish Quarter has been rebuilt and Jews are now living in it, but the majority of the Old City remains in Arab hands. The Arabs have religious control of the Temple Compound area<\/span>. So we must not try to explain the 1967 takeover of the Old City as signaling a phase and to assume that the Times of the Gentile have ended.<\/p>\n

The four main passages that deal with the Times of the Ge<\/span>ntiles clearly emphasize the fact that the Times of the Gentiles will end suddenly with the Second Coming of the Yeshua (Jesus) the Messiah. There is no phasing out, but a sudden end once-and-for-all.<\/span><\/p>\n

To understand the course of the Times of the Gentiles, the four passages that need to be studied and then combined are: Daniel 2:31\u201345<\/a>; Daniel 7:1\u201328<\/a>; Revelation 13:1\u201310<\/a>; and Revelation 17:7\u201314<\/a>. Each<\/span> subsequent passage builds and elaborates on the previous passage or passages.<\/p>\n

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I. Daniel 2:31\u201345<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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A. The Basic Content of Nebuchadnezzar\u2019s Dream\u2014Daniel 2:31\u201335<\/a><\/p>\n

You, O king, saw, and, behold, a great image. This image, which was mighty, and whose brightness was excellent, stood before you; and the <\/em>aspect thereof was terrible. As for this image, its head was of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of brass, its legs of iron, its feet part of iron, and part of clay.<\/em><\/p>\n

After a general description of the awesomeness of the image in verse 31<\/a>, Daniel describes the composition of the image in verses 32\u201333<\/a>. The image is described as having a head of gold, the breast and arms composed of silver, the belly and thighs of brass, legs of iron, culminating with the feet and toes of part iron and part clay.<\/p>\n

Two things should be noted concerning these metals. First, they increase in strength in that there is a gradual increase in strength as you move from top to bottom: silver is stronger than gold, but brass is stronger than silver, and iron is stronger than brass. Secondly, they decrease in value in that gold is more valuable than silver, silver is more valuable than brass, and brass is more valuable than iron. The fulfillment will be in the decrease of the character of authority and rule. Babylon was an absolute monarchy with the monarch above the law. In the Medo-Persian Empire, the monarch was not above the law; he did not have the authority to change his own decrees. The Hellenic kings had no dynastic or royal right to rule; they ruled by force of conquest and personal gifts. Imperial Rome was a republic which degenerated into mob rule; Rome ruled by force merging with the imperial form of government. Yet there will be an increase in strength of one empire over the other.<\/p>\n

Further details of the image are given in verses 34\u201335a<\/a>: You saw till that<\/em> a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon its feet that were <\/em>of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken i<\/em>n pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors.<\/em><\/p>\n

The image is seen as being destroyed by a stone<\/em> that smites the image upon its feet.<\/em> The origin of this Stone was that it c<\/em>ut without hands<\/em>, emphasizing His divine origin.<\/p>\n

The destruction of the image is described in verse 35b<\/a>: and the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote t<\/em>he image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.<\/em><\/p>\n

Daniel records that the stone<\/em> becomes a great mountain<\/em> that fills the entire earth.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

B. The Interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar\u2019s Dream\u2014Daniel 2:36\u201345<\/a><\/p>\n

First, there is Daniel\u2019s declaration of the interpretation in verse 36<\/a>: This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof be<\/em><\/span>fore the king.<\/em><\/p>\n

The First Gentile Empire is described in verses 37\u201338<\/a>: You, O king, are king of kings, unto whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory; and<\/em><\/span> wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the birds of the heavens has he given into your hand, and has made you to rule over them all: you are the head of gold.<\/em><\/p>\n

Daniel inter<\/span>prets the meaning of the head of gold<\/em> as being Nebuchadnezzar, the head of the Babylonian Empire. It was with this empire that the Times of the Gentiles began, when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem <\/span>and the Solomonic Temple in 586 b.c. Thus Babylon was the first of four Gentile empires to dominate Jerusalem. The actual grant given to Nebuchadnezzar included the whole inhabited earth, but he did n<\/span>ot chose to exercise this rule. This fact is affirmed by Jeremiah 27:5\u20138<\/a> and Ezekiel 26:7\u201314<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Second Gentile Empire is explained in verse 39a<\/a>: And after you shall arise another kingdom inferior to<\/em><\/span> you.<\/em><\/p>\n

The two arms of silver<\/em>, united into the breast of silver, represents the two nations of the Medes and the Persians, who established the Medo-Persian Empire. This kingdom<\/em> is declared to be inferi<\/em><\/span>or<\/em> to the Babylonian Empire. It lacked the inner unity of Babylon because the Medes and the Persians, though united, never fused into one people, and the government was not above the mistakes of law.<\/p>\n

<\/span>The Third Gentile Empire is described in verse 39b<\/a>: and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Medo-Persian Empire was followed by the Greek or Hellenistic Empir<\/span>e, symbolized by the belly and two thighs of brass, for the Third Gentile Empire territorially embraced both East and West. The two thighs may also represent Syria and Egypt, which arose out of the Hellenistic Empire and controlled Jewish territory and Jerusalem. Its gr<\/span>ant was the same as that of Babylon, but unlike Babylon, it did choose to take the grant.<\/p>\n

The rest of the image represents the Fou<\/span>rth Gentile Empire that goes through several stages, three of which are presented in verses 40\u201343<\/a>. The first stage is the United Stage in verse 40<\/a>: And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, fora<\/em><\/span>smuch as iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things; and as iron that crushes all these, shall it break in pieces and crush.<\/em><\/p>\n

But in verse 41<\/a>, this United Stage gives way to the Two-Division Stage, w<\/span>hich still has the strength of iron: And whereas you saw the feet and toes, part of potters\u2019 clay, and part of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron<\/em><\/span>, forasmuch as you saw the iron mixed with miry clay.<\/em><\/p>\n

Eventually, however, the Fourth Gentile Empire gives way to a Ten-Division Stage, seen in the ten toes in verses 42\u201343<\/a>: And as the toes of the fee<\/em><\/span>t were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. And whereas you saw the iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men; but they shall not cleave o<\/em><\/span>ne to another, even as iron does not mingle with clay.<\/em><\/p>\n

This part of the image is composed of iron<\/em> and clay<\/em>. Part of this Ten-Division Stage will be strong, and part will be b<\/span>rittle and weak. This lack of cohesiveness is especially evident in the toes<\/em>. Unity is impossible and the ten divisions take place because the different elements will not coalesce. The Fourth Gentile <\/span>Empire is unique from all the previous ones. It totally subdues and crushes all that precedes it. It is the Fourth Gentile Empire that is particularly emphasized by the text dealing with the Times of the Gentiles.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Fifth Empire is described in verses 44\u201345<\/a>: And in the days of those kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty thereof b<\/em><\/span>e left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God has made known to the king what shall come to p<\/em><\/span>ass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The Fifth Empire will not be Gentile, but Jewish. Two prominent symbols are used here, and they are consistent with their usage elsewhere. Whenever the word stone<\/em> is used symbolically<\/span>, it is always a symbol of the Second Person of the Trinity, God the Son<\/em>, the Lord Jesus, the Messiah of Israel. Whenever the word mountain<\/em> is used symbolically, it is always a symbol of a king, kingd<\/em><\/span>om, or throne<\/em>. Thus, following the Fourth Gentile Empire, God will set up His own Kingdom. The Kingdom is set up during the Ten-Division Stage (v. 44a<\/a>), and this brings to an end the domination of the<\/span> other kingdoms (v. 44b<\/a>). In the end, the image of Gentile domination will be smashed at the Second Coming of the Messiah. Once Gentile domination is thus smashed by the Messianic Stone, the Kingdom o<\/span>f God is set up by this Stone.<\/p>\n

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C. Summary<\/p>\n

To summarize the first passage dealing with the Times of the Gentiles, this is a period of time when four Gentile empires will follow one another in sequence with the Fourth Empire going th<\/span>rough several different stages. But eventually, this will give way to God\u2019s setting up His own Kingdom. While the Gentile empires are of human origin, the Kingdom of the Stone is of divine origin. While the Gentile empires are all temporary, God\u2019s Kingdom is eternal. This may be seen in chart form as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. The First Gentile Empire, The Babylonian Empire<\/p>\n

2. The Second Gentile Empire, The Medo<\/span>-Persian Empire<\/p>\n

3. The Third Gentile Empire, The Hellenistic Empire<\/p>\n

4. The Fourth Gentile Empire<\/p>\n

a. The United Stage<\/p>\n

b. The Two-Division Stage<\/p>\n

c. The Ten-Division Stage<\/p>\n

5. The Fifth Empire, The Messia<\/span>nic Kingdom<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>II. Daniel 7:1\u201328<\/a><\/p>\n

The second passage that deals with the Times of the Gentiles is found in Daniel 7:1\u201328<\/a>. Verses 1\u201314<\/a> describe four visions that Daniel saw and give their interpretation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>A. The Four Visions of Daniel<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>1. The Timing and Location\u2014Daniel 7:1<\/a><\/p>\n

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream and told the sum of the matters.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>2. The First Vision\u2014Daniel 7:2\u20136<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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a. The Great Sea\u2014Daniel 7:2\u20133<\/a><\/p>\n

The first vision begins with a vision of the great sea in verses 2\u20133<\/a>: Daniel spoke and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of heaven broke fort<\/em>h upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The great sea<\/em> is the Mediterranean Sea and represents the Gentile world. Other Scriptures where this is foun<\/span>d are: Isaiah 17:12\u201313<\/a>; Matthew 13:47\u201350<\/a>; Revelation 13:1<\/a>; and 17:1<\/a>, 15<\/a>. In verse 2<\/a>, the great sea<\/em> is troubled by the four winds. The winds themselves point to God\u2019s sovereignty and providence, while <\/span>the number is the same as the Gentile empires.<\/p>\n

Suddenly, in verse 3<\/a>, four beasts<\/em> arise from this sea, each one being different from the other. All four are Gentile and all four arise out of the Medite<\/span>rranean area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>b. The First Beast\u2014Daniel 7:4<\/a><\/p>\n

The first was like a lion, and had eagle\u2019s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand upon <\/em>two feet as a <\/em><\/span>man; and a man\u2019s heart was given to it.<\/em><\/p>\n

In verse 4<\/a>, the first beast is described as eagle winged and lion like, representing the Babylonian Empire (Jer. 4:7<\/a>, 48:40<\/a>, 49:19<\/a>, 22<\/a>; 50:17<\/a>, 44<\/a>; Ezek. 17:3<\/a>). <\/span>The latter part of verse 4<\/a> is probably a reference to Nebuchadnezzar\u2019s experience recorded in Daniel 4:1\u201337<\/a>. As much as it is possible for a man to become a beast, Nebuchadnezzar became one, and as cl<\/span>ose as a beast could become a man, so did Babylon eventually lose its beast like nature as it moved from the lust of conquest to the building of culture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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c. The Second Beast\u2014Daniel 7:5<\/a><\/p>\n

And, behold, another beast, a second, like to a bear; and it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth: and they said thus unto it, A<\/em>rise, devour much flesh.<\/em><\/p>\n

The second beast is described as bear like and represents the Medo-Persian Empire. The bear is lopsided, being raised up on one side, for although the Medes and the Persians were confederates, the Persians were by far the dominant power, making it a lopsided alliance. Furthermore, the bear is found to have three ribs in its mouth, having devoured the flesh. Historically, these three ribs represent the three kingdoms conquered by the Medo-Persian forces, which gave them their empire status: Lydia, Babylonia, and Egypt. The bear is less majestic than the lion, and is bulky and weighty. Medo-Persia conquered by sheer force of numbers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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d. The Third Beast\u2014Daniel 7:6<\/a><\/p>\n

After this I beheld, and, lo, another, like a leopard, which had upon its back four wings of a bird; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.<\/em><\/p>\n

The thir<\/span>d beast is described as leopard<\/em> like, representing the Hellenistic Empire. The leopard is also less majestic than the lion and less grand than the bear, but is swifter than both. With leopard<\/em> like spe<\/span>ed, Alexander the Great conquered the Medo-Persian Empire and greatly extended the Hellenistic Empire. At his death, however, the empire split into four kingdoms. The four wings<\/em> represent the four kin<\/span>gdoms rising out of Alexander\u2019s empire, and the four heads represent the four generals who took control of the four kingdoms: Ptolemy over Egypt, Israel, and Arabia Petrea; Seleucus over Syria, Babylonia, and as far east as<\/span> India; Cassander over Macedonia and Greece; and Lysimachus over Thrace and Bithynia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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3. The Second Vision\u2014Daniel 7:7\u20138<\/a><\/p>\n

The second vision describes the fourth beast. Unlike the other beasts, it is nondescript. While the others are given animal-like descriptions, none are given for this one: After this I saw in the night visions, and, behold, a fourth beast, terrible and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the r<\/em>esidue with its feet: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things.<\/em><\/p>\n

In verse 7<\/a>, this fourth beast is described as being diverse<\/em>; in other words, emphatically different from all the others. It completely subdues and breaks in pieces all that precedes it. It appears as far more ferocious than the previous three empires. The fourth beast has ten horns.<\/em><\/p>\n

But while it began with ten horns, an eleventh horn arises in verse 8<\/a>, a little one<\/em> that uproots three of the other ten. Having uprooted three horns, it begins to speak great things<\/em>. With the uprooting of three horns, seven of the original horns remain and the \u201clittle horn\u201d is now an eighth horn, rather than an eleventh.<\/p>\n

Once again, as in Daniel 2<\/a>, the uniqueness of the Fourth Empire is emphasized; it is stated that this empire will go through several stages. The interpretation will be discussed later. But for now it is enough to note that the fourth beast does represent a Fourth Gentile Empire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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4. The Third Vision\u2014Daniel 7:9\u201312<\/a><\/p>\n

The vision is of the Throne of God the Father, described by the title of the ancient of days<\/em> in verses 9\u201310<\/a>: I beheld till thrones were placed, and one that was ancie<\/em><\/span>nt of days did sit: his raiment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, and the wheels thereof burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands of thousands ministered unto him, a<\/em><\/span>nd ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.<\/em><\/p>\n

This third vision, which takes place in H<\/span>eaven, is of God the Father, ready to move out in judgment against the Fourth Empire. He is viewed as a judge and the books<\/em> of judgment is opened. He is surrounded by myriads of angels who will be res<\/span>ponsible to carry out these judgments.<\/p>\n

It is the Fourth Gentile Empire that is being judged in verses 11\u201312<\/a>: I beheld at that time because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke; I behel<\/em><\/span>d even till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed, and it was given to be burned with fire. And as for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

In verse 11<\/a>, it is the fourth beast, particularly the little horn, that is judged and destroyed. As for the other three beasts, in verse 12<\/a>, two things are stated: first: their dom<\/em><\/span>inion was taken away<\/em>; and secondly: their lives were prolonged for a season and a time<\/em>. The exact meaning of this will be discussed later under the third passage relating to the Times of the Gentiles.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>5. The Fourth Vision\u2014Daniel 7:13\u201314<\/a><\/p>\n

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, there came with the clouds of heaven one like unto a son of man, and he came even to the ancient of days, and they brought <\/em><\/span>him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The fourth vision begins with the setting up of the Kingdom of God following the destruction of the Fourth Gentile Empire. In verse 13<\/a>, t<\/span>he Second Coming of the Messiah is viewed, followed by the setting up of the Messianic Kingdom in verse 14<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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B. The Interpretation of the Visions<\/p>\n

Having described the four visions, which presented essentially the same overview of the four Gentile empires as, was found in Daniel 2<\/a>, he now gives the interpretation in verses 15\u201327<\/a>. The major emphasis will be upon the Fourth Empire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1. Daniel\u2019s Reaction and Request for the Interpretation\u2014Daniel 7:15\u201316<\/a><\/p>\n

As for me, Daniel, my spirit was grieved in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near unto one of<\/em><\/span> them that stood by, and asked him the truth concerning all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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<\/span><\/span>2. The Summary Interpretation\u2014Daniel 7:17\u201318<\/a><\/p>\n

These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, that shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and posse<\/em><\/span>ss the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.<\/em><\/p>\n

In verse 17<\/a>, Daniel is told that these four beasts represent four kingdoms. Nevertheless, it is the servants of the Most High who will possess the king<\/span>dom; whatever will be possessed by the four Gentile empires will be only temporary according to verse 18<\/a>. Whereas earlier the four beasts arose out of the sea, here they arise out of the earth<\/em>. Coming<\/span> out of the sea emphasizes their Gentile identity, while arising out of the earth emphasizes their humanity; these are human kingdoms, not divine kingdoms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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3. Daniel\u2019s Request Regarding the Fourth Beast\u2014Daniel 7:19\u201322<\/a><\/p>\n

Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth beast, which was diverse from all of them, exceeding terrible, whose teeth were of iron, and its nails of brass; which devoured, broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet; and concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, and before which three fell, even that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke great things, whose look was more stout than its fellows. I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.<\/p>\n

In verse 19<\/a>, the diverseness of the fourth beast is pointed out. It is important to note how the diverseness of the Fourth Empire is continually emphasized. For this diverseness, Daniel seeks a meaning.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, Daniel wishes to know the meaning of the ten horns in verse 20a<\/a>, and finally the little horn in verses 20b\u201322<\/a>. In requesting this, Daniel gives further information regarding the activity of the little horn: he causes three of the ten horns to fall in verse 20b<\/a>; he speaks great things in verse 20c<\/a>; he wars against the saints and is allowed to prevail over them in verse 21<\/a>. But finally, he is personally defeated by the coming of the Ancient of Days. Once the judgment is passed on the little horn by the Ancient of Days, he will be done away with and the kingdom will pass over to the saints in verse 22<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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4. The Interpretation of the Fourth Beast\u2014Daniel 7:23\u201326<\/a><\/p>\n

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 e<\/span>arth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 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. And he shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High; and he shal<\/span>l 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. But the judgment shall be set, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.<\/span><\/p>\n

As in Daniel 2<\/a>, the Fourt<\/span>h Empire is seen as going through several stages, though not always the same stages as found in chapter 2<\/a>. In verse 23a<\/a>, the Fourth Empire is seen in its United Stage, and it is in this first stage th<\/span>at its diverseness from the other previous three empires is seen. This is followed by the second stage, that of a One World Government Stage; in verse 23b<\/a>, it states that the Fourth Empire will devour<\/span> the whole<\/em> earth.<\/p>\n

This will be followed by the Ten-Kingdom Stage in verse 24a<\/a>, which will be followed by the little horn or the Antichrist Stage in verses 24b\u201326<\/a>. These verses state that he arises aft<\/span>er the Ten-Division Stage in verse 24b<\/a>. While the Fourth Empire is diverse from the previous three, the little horn is diverse from the other ten in verse 24c<\/a>. He eventually puts down three of these k<\/span>ings in verse 24d<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Verse 25<\/a> again points out his speaking great things, as seen here in his speaking against God and against the saints. He seeks to change the times and the seasons, and he will be al<\/span>lowed to rule for only a time and times and half a time, which, from other passages, means 3\u00bd years (Dan. 9:27<\/a>; 12:7<\/a>, Rev. 11:2\u20133<\/a>; 12:6<\/a>, 14<\/a>; 13:5<\/a>).<\/p>\n

But finally his domination is destroyed in verse 26<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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5. The Messianic Kingdom Established\u2014Daniel 7:27<\/a><\/p>\n

And the kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High<\/em>: his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.<\/em><\/p>\n

With the destruction of the little horn, the Messianic Kingdom is set up for the saints<\/em>. The term saints<\/em> in the Book of Daniel refers to righteous Israel or the Remnant of Israel, not to the Church.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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6. Daniel\u2019s Reaction to the Interpretation\u2014Daniel 7:28<\/a><\/p>\n

The chapter ends with Daniel\u2019s conclusion regarding his reaction to what he has just seen: Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my t<\/em><\/span>houghts much troubled me, and my countenance was changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.<\/em><\/p>\n

Daniel 7<\/a>, then, further develops with greater detail what was given in chapter 2<\/a>, especially in relat<\/span>ion to the Fourth Empire. The information found in chapter 7<\/a> could be viewed in chart form as follows:<\/p>\n

1. The Babylonian Empire<\/p>\n

2. The Medo Persian Empire<\/p>\n

3. The Hellenistic Empire<\/p>\n

a. The United Stage<\/span><\/p>\n

b. The Four-Division Stage<\/p>\n

4. The Fourth Empire<\/p>\n

a. The United Stage<\/p>\n

b. The One-World Government Stage<\/p>\n

c. The Ten-Division Stage<\/p>\n

d. The Antichrist Stage<\/p>\n

5. The Messianic Kingdom<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

III. Summary and Combination of Daniel 2<\/a> & 7<\/a><\/p>\n

In order to clearly understand the Times of the Gentiles, these two chapters of Daniel must be compared before looking at the two other passages involved. Daniel 2<\/a> and 7<\/a> describe the four Gentile empires with an emphasis on the last empire, which goes through several stages. Outlined side by side the comparison would be as follows:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Daniel 2<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

Daniel 7<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

\n

1. <\/span>The Babylonian Empire<\/p>\n

2. The Medo-Persian Empire<\/p>\n

3. The Hellenistic Empire<\/p>\n

4. The Fourth Empire<\/p>\n

a. The United Stage<\/p>\n

b. The Two-Division Stage<\/p>\n

c. The Ten-Division Stage<\/p>\n

5. The Messianic Kingdom<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

1. The <\/span>Babylonian Empire<\/p>\n

2. The Medo-Persian Empire<\/p>\n

3. The Hellenistic Empire<\/p>\n

a. The United Stage<\/p>\n

b. The Four-Division Stage<\/p>\n

4. The Fourth Empire<\/p>\n

a. The United Stage<\/p>\n

b. The 1-World Government Stage<\/p>\n

c. The Te<\/span>n-Division Stage<\/p>\n

d. The Antichrist Stage<\/p>\n

5. The Messianic Kingdom<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

In most of the features, the two passages present the same thing. Both agree that there are to be four Gentile empires, one following<\/span> the other, culminating with the destruction of the Fourth Empire by the Messiah and the setting up of the Messianic Kingdom. Both passages point out the diverseness of the Fourth Empire and the fact that it goes through several stages. It is in these stages that there is a slight difference between the two texts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel 2<\/a> shows three stages of the Fourth Empire, two of which are mentioned by Dani<\/span>el 7<\/a>. Daniel 7<\/a> mentions four stages of the Fourth Empire, two of which are mention by Daniel 2<\/a>. Combining the two outlines together, they would be viewed as follows:<\/p>\n

1. The Babylonian Empire<\/p>\n

2. The Me<\/span>do-Persian Empire<\/p>\n

3. The Hellenistic Empire<\/p>\n

a. The United Stage<\/p>\n

b. The Four-Division Stage<\/p>\n

4. The Fourth Empire<\/p>\n

a. The United Stage<\/p>\n

b. The Two-Division Stage<\/p>\n

c. The One-World Government Stage<\/p>\n

d. The T<\/span>en-Division Stage<\/p>\n

e. The Antichrist Stage<\/p>\n

5. The Messianic Kingdom<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

A. The Summary of the First Three Empires<\/p>\n

The First Empire is the Babylonian Empire, which included the head of gold and the lion-like beast. Different aspects of this empire are depicted by Daniel 1:1\u20135:30<\/a> and 7:4<\/a>. The Second Empire is the Medo-Persian Empire, represented by the arms and breast of silver and the bear like beast. Different aspects of this empire are described in Daniel 2:9a<\/a>; 5:31\u20136:28<\/a>; 7:5<\/a>; 8:1\u20137<\/a>; and 10:1\u201311:2<\/a>. This is followed by the Third Empire, the Hellenistic Empire, represented by the belly of brass and the leopard-like beast. The Third Empire started out as a unit under Alexander the Great but split into four divisions at his death. This empire is subject to considerable revelation in Daniel 2:39b<\/a>; 7:6<\/a>; 8:7\u201327<\/a>; and 11:3\u201335<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

B. The Fourth Empire: Imperialism<\/p>\n

This is followed by the Fourth Empire, which is emphasized as being diverse<\/em> from all the others. Daniel describes this empire in 2:40\u201343<\/a>; 7:7\u201312<\/a>, 19\u201327<\/a>; 9:27<\/a>; and 11:36\u201345<\/a>. It goes through five different stages, with Rome being merely the first of these five stages, for Rome cannot be viewed as the entire Fourth Empire. What made the Fourth Empire, beginning with Rome, different from all the previous empires? The key difference was in the type of government initiated by Rome, which was a government of \u201cImperialism.\u201d When the Babylonians conquered an area, they did not set up Babylonian rulers, but set up nationals to rule. In its conquest of Judah, Babylon first set up Zedekiah, and later Gedaliah was appointed to rule. Under Medo-Persia the same thing was done, and Jewish governors such as Zerubbabel and Nehemiah ruled. The Hellenists worked in the same way. Instead of sending in Greeks to rule, they allowed the Jewish high priests to rule throughout the period of Greek domination.<\/p>\n

But Rome began a new system called \u201cimperialism.\u201d This is what made the Fourth Empire diverse<\/em> from all the others. When Rome conquered, Romans were sent in to rule; for example, Pontius Pilate, Felix, and Festus. This was the policy of imperialism. Thus, a better name for the Fourth Empire would be imperialism, rather than Rome; Rome was merely the first of five stages of the Fourth Empire of Imperialism. Hence, the Fourth Empire will be referred to as the Imperialistic Empire.<\/p>\n

Both Daniel passages make it clear that the Fourth Gentile Empire begins with the end of the Third Empire and continues until the Messiah comes to set up His Kingdom. The long, continuous existence of the Imperialistic Empire is to go through five successive stages, and it is now necessary to study the stages individually in order to see where history fits into this development.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

1. The United Stage<\/p>\n

The first stage was the United Stage, which was the Roman Empire. While it has been common to call the Fourth Gentile Empire by that name, it is true only of the first stage of the<\/span> Gentile Empire of Imperialism. It has become customary to think in terms of a revival of the Old Roman Empire, but no such concept is really warranted. It is more consistent to simply follow through the five stages, with the Roman Empire being the first stage or the United Stage, which lasted <\/span>from 63 b.c. to a.d. 364. Neither of the Daniel passages allows for gaps or for a revival of the Old Roma<\/span>n Empire.<\/p>\n

2. The Two Division Stage<\/p>\n

The second stage of the Empire of Imperialism was the Two Division Stage. This stage was foreseen by Daniel 2<\/a>, but not by Daniel 7<\/a>. It is a stage that began in a.d. 364 when <\/span>Emperor Valentinian divided the Roman Empire into an east and west division. There was an earlier division in a.d. 285 that was short lived and the empire was reunited under Constantine in a.d. 312\u201331<\/span>3. However, the division in a.d. 364 was permanent. From that point on, the Empire of Imperialism was divided into an East-West balance of power. Since then, history continued to develop essentially o<\/span>n the axis of an East-West balance of power. When it began in a.d. 364, the Western Roman Empire was headquartered in Rome and the Eastern Roman Empire was headquartered in Constantinople. In the orig<\/span>inal division of the East-West axis, these two cities controlled the balance of power. Since then, the centers of the balance of power have shifted, but it has remained an East-West division.<\/p>\n

The east<\/span>ern division of power remained in Constantinople until 1453, when it collapsed in the Turkish invasion. When Constantinople fell, the political rulers, scribes, and scholars fled northward into Russia<\/span> and infiltrated the government there, setting up a Roman type of government of imperialism. The rulers called themselves Czars<\/em>, which is Russian for \u201cCaesar.\u201d After a while, Russia gave herself the o<\/span>fficial title of the Third Roman Empire. Eventually, the eastern balance of power was centered in the Soviet Union and included the Communist block of nations. With the collapse of European communism, the eastern balance shifted to Russia and the Commonwealth of Independen<\/span>t States, the CIS. At the time of this writing, things are still shifting with Islam becoming a major eastern power. However, the shifting is still going on and only time will determine how things will settle in the eastern balance of power.<\/span><\/p>\n

The western division of power remained in Rome from 364 to 476, when Rome fell. From <\/span>there it shifted to France, especially with the power gained by Charlemagne in 800. He called his domain the Holy Roman Empire of the Frankish Nation. In 962, Otto I of Germany defeated the Franks and<\/span> set up the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. The leaders named themselves \u201cKaisers,\u201d which is German for \u201cCaesar.\u201d Since then, especially after World War I, the western balance of power has been centered in the democratic nations of the West.<\/span><\/p>\n

So then, in 364 the Two-Division Stage began and continues to the present day. The centers of the balance of power may shift again, but it will remain<\/span> essentially an East-West balance until it gives way to the third stage.<\/p>\n

3. The One-World Government Stage<\/p>\n

The next three stages of the Empire of Imperialism are all future. At some point, the East-West balance of power will break down, leading to a one-world government. T<\/span>his stage is seen by Daniel 7<\/a>, but not by Daniel 2<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Daniel 7:23<\/a> clearly states that at some point the Fourth Empire devours the whole earth.<\/em> This is something that Rome never did. Some attempt to make<\/span> this expression mean the \u201cthen-known world,\u201d but it cannot be said that Rome even conquered the then-known world. As soon as one empire conquers up to a certain point of territory, it is very obvious that there is more territory beyond that. So it is foolish <\/span>to say that Rome conquered the then-known world; Rome did not even extend as far east as the empire of Alexander the Great. The Greeks went as far as the Indus River in India, and Alexander would have gone further except for the refusal of his generals who wished to go no further. But even the area beyond the Indus River was part of the then-known world. Rome did not even extend that far. Furthermore, Rome never fully conquered the Parthian Empire, and tha<\/span>t, too, was part of the known world. The area of Scotland was also part of the known world that Rome did not conquer. Rome had to build the Hadrian Wall in order to keep the nomads of northern Scotland from overrunning that part of Britain controlled by Rome. So by no means did Rome conquer the whole known world.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, other usages of the term in the Old Testament clearly teach universality (Gen. 8:9<\/a>; 9:19<\/a>; 11:1<\/a>; Is. 6:3<\/a>; 14:26<\/a>; 28:22<\/a>; 54:5<\/a>; Jer. 15:10<\/a>; Zech. 4:10<\/a>, 14<\/a>)<\/span>. Although in Daniel 2:39<\/a> the term is used of the Hellenistic Empire, it only states that such authority was given to it as it was to Babylon in Daniel 2:37\u201338<\/a>, but neither of these two empires chose <\/span>to exercise this authority. In the case of the Fourth Empire, the wording states that it will devour<\/em> the whole earth. The text demands that the Fourth Empire will at some time control the whole world <\/span>and will devour it. So if literal interpretation is maintained, then the Fourth Empire of Imperialism is yet to control the whole world in the formation of a one-world government, which is something that has not yet been accomplished.<\/span><\/p>\n

For this reason, Rome must not be seen as the totality Fourth Empire, but only as the first stage of the Empire of Imperialism. The third stage, which will be the On<\/span>e-World Government Stage, will happen at some point when the Two-Division, East-West Division Stage, collapses.<\/p>\n

How the East-West balance of power collapses to allow for the development of a one-world<\/span> government, I believe, is what Ezekiel 38\u201339<\/a> is all about. At some point, according to Ezekiel 38:1\u201339:16<\/a>, a confederation of Russia and her Moslem non-Arab allies will invade the Land of Israel. Eze<\/span>kiel describes a massive destruction of these forces in two ways. First of all, all of the invading armies that enter the Land of Israel will suffer a total destruction. Furthermore, Ezekiel points out that the land of Russia, the leader of the confederation, itself will suffer massive destruc<\/span>tion as God rains brimstone upon her land. With both her armies and land destroyed, Russia will cease to be a political force in world affairs. That is going to bring about a collapse of the eastern balance of power, allowing for the development of a one-world government of some kind. This one-world government will arise some time before the Tribulation starts, but not necessarily before the Rapture, since the Rapture could come any day. Some time before the Tribulation, there will be this<\/span> third stage, a One-World Government Stage.<\/p>\n

\n
\n

4. The Ten Division Stage<\/p>\n

This stage was seen by both Daniel 2<\/a> in the ten toes and by Daniel 7<\/a> in the ten horns. The Ten-Division Stage is clearly stated to come out of the One-World Government Stage. For some reason not given by the text, the One-World Government will divide into ten kingdoms that will cover the whole world, not merely Europe. It has become common today to refer to the ten kingdoms as being of Europe only, especially the Common Market. But the text does not allow for this kind of interpretation. At the very best, the European Common Market might become one of the ten, but it could hardly become all of the ten. A careful reading of the Daniel passage states that once the Fourth Empire rules the whole world, then this One-World Government will split into ten kingdoms. This requires the ten kingdoms to cover the entire world, not just the territory known as Europe. It would be a mistake to make too much of the European Common Market as being the Ten-Division Stage. It would be far more consistent with the text to view it as possibly one of the ten, but not the entire ten. More consistent with Daniel\u2019s prophecy is the suggestion of the Club of Rome that recommended that the world be divided into ten administrative districts to avoid a world economic collapse.<\/p>\n

This Ten-Division Stage will also occur some time before the Tribulation and will continue until the middle of the Tribulation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

5. The Antichrist Stage<\/p>\n

It is during the Ten-Kingdom Stage that the Antichrist will begin to rise to power. Eventually, he will be strong enough to uproot three of the ten kings, and the other seven w<\/span>ill simply submit to his authority. Once the other seven submit their authority to the Antichrist, this will begin the fifth and final stage of the Fourth Gentile Empire, the Antichrist Stage, which is the stage of Absolute Imperialism. In this sense he is <\/span>diverse<\/em> from the other ten. He will rule the entire world for the second half of the Tribulation, for a total period of time of 3\u00bd years.<\/p>\n

The c<\/span>ombined chart seen earlier on the two chapters in Daniel can now be redone with the added information as follows:<\/p>\n

1. The Babylonian Empire<\/p>\n

2. The Medo-Persian Empire<\/p>\n

3. The Hellenistic Empire<\/p>\n

a. The U<\/span>nited Stage<\/p>\n

b. The Four-Division Stage<\/p>\n

4. The Fourth Empire, The Empire of Imperialism<\/p>\n

a. The United Stage, The Roman Empire<\/p>\n

b. The Two-Division Stage, The East-West Balance of Power<\/p>\n

c. The One-World <\/span>Government Stage<\/p>\n

d. The Ten-Division Stage, The Ten Kingdoms<\/p>\n

e. The Antichrist Stage, Absolute Imperialism<\/p>\n

5. The Messianic Kingdom<\/p>\n

With this information in mind, it is now necessary to consider the o<\/span>ther two passages dealing with the Times of the Gentiles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

IV. Revelation 13:1b\u201310<\/a><\/p>\n

The third passage dealing with the Times of the Gentiles is found in Revelation 13:1b\u201310<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

A. The Description of the Beast\u2014Revelation 13:1b\u20132<\/a><\/p>\n

And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns, and seven heads, and on his horns ten diadems, and upon his heads names of blasphemy. A<\/em><\/span>nd the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his throne, and great authority.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The sea<\/em> in Revelation 13<\/a> is the same as the one in Daniel 7<\/a>, representing the Gentile world. Daniel 2<\/a> surveyed all the four empires. Daniel 7<\/a> summarized the four empires, and then focused its attenti<\/span>on on the Fourth Empire of Imperialism in its various stages. But Revelation 13<\/a> is completely focused on the Fourth Empire, emphasizing a particular stage of the Fourth Empire, namely, the fifth stage<\/span>, the Antichrist Stage.<\/p>\n

The beast<\/em> that John saw is the same beast that Daniel saw in chapter 7<\/a>, where it was nondescript. But here the beast<\/em> is given a description. In verse 1b<\/a>, the beast has ten horn<\/em><\/span>s and seven heads.<\/em> The ten horns are found in Daniel 7<\/a>, and they represent the ten kingdoms, which is the fourth stage of the Empire of Imperialism. While the Ten-Division Stage gives way to the fifth<\/span> stage, the ten kingdoms continue to exist to the end. The difference between the two stages is that, in the fourth stage, the world is divided into ten kingdoms ruled coequally by ten men, while in the fifth stage, the world in all ten divisions is ruled by the Antichrist, and the other kings are subject to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

A new element, introduced by Revelation 13<\/a>, is that the Beast has seven heads.<\/em> The me<\/span>aning of these seven heads will be explained in the fourth major passage to be discussed later in this study.<\/p>\n

In verse 2<\/a>, the Beast has a leopard like body, bear like feet, and a lion like mouth. This<\/span>, then, is the interpretation and explanation of the verse found in Daniel 7:12<\/a>: And as for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a tim<\/em><\/span>e.<\/em><\/p>\n

The dominion<\/em> of the first three empires was over, but their lives were prolonged. Their lives were prolonged in that the previous empires left their influence on the Fourth Empire. From the Daniel <\/span>7<\/a> passage, it is clear that the leopard-like body represents the Hellenistic influence; the bear like feet represent the Medo-Persian influences; and the lion-like mouth represents the Babylonian infl<\/span>uences. Thus, while their domain ended, their lives were prolonged.<\/em><\/p>\n

B. The Antichrist Stage\u2014Revelation 13:3\u201310<\/a><\/p>\n

The text concentrates on the fifth stage of the Fourth Empire, the Antichrist Stage in verses 3\u201310<\/a>. The death and resurrection of the Antichrist is viewed in<\/span> verse 3<\/a>: And I saw one of his heads as though it had been smitten unto death; and his death-stroke was healed: and the whole earth wondered after the beast.<\/em><\/p>\n

One of the heads<\/em> is smitten unto death and<\/em><\/span> the death-stroke was healed<\/em>. It is the seventh head that is smitten. The full meaning of the head and heads will be discussed with the fourth major passage dealing with the Times of the Gentiles.<\/p>\n

The<\/span> worship of the Antichrist is described in verse 4<\/a>: and they worshipped the dragon, because he gave his authority unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? and<\/em><\/span> who is able to war with him?<\/em><\/p>\n

The activities of the Antichrist are described in verses 5\u20137<\/a>: and there was given to him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and there was given to him authori<\/em><\/span>ty to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth for blasphemies against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, even them that dwell in the heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and there was given to him authority over every tribe and peop<\/em><\/span>le <\/em>and tongue and nation.<\/em><\/p>\n

These activities are similar to those recorded in Daniel 7<\/a>: first,<\/span> he speaks great things in verse 5a<\/a>; secondly, he reigns with absolute control for 3\u00bd years in verse 5b<\/a>; thirdly, he blasphemes against all Heaven in verse 6<\/a>; and fourthly, he wars against the saints <\/span>in verse 7a<\/a> and the nations in verse 7b<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The worship of the Antichrist is described again in verse 8<\/a>: And all that dwell on the earth shall worship him, every one whose name had not been written from <\/em><\/span>the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb that had been slain.<\/em><\/p>\n

The passage concludes with a warning to those that do so in verses 9\u201310<\/a>: If any man has an ear, let him hear. If any ma<\/em><\/span>n is for captivity, into captivity he goes: if any man shall kill with the sword, with the sword must he be killed. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n
\n

C. Summary<\/p>\n

What is seen in the Revelation 13<\/a> passage is the Fourth Gentile Empire of Imperialism viewed in its fifth and final stage, the Antichrist Stage, and his activities in the second half of the<\/span> Tribulation are described.<\/p>\n

The ten horns represent the ten kingdoms of the fourth stage, which precede the fifth stage of the Antichrist. But chapter 13<\/a> adds the fact that this beast has seven heads,<\/span> something that is not mentioned in any of the previous passages dealing with the Times of the Gentiles.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

<\/span><\/span>V. Revelation 17:7\u201314<\/a><\/p>\n

The fourth and final passage, which deals with the Times of the Gentiles, will focus on the seven heads and is found in Revelation 17:7\u201314<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

A. The Description of the Beast\u2014Revelation 17:7<\/a><\/p>\n

It is clear from verse 7<\/a> that the beast is the same as the fourth beast of Daniel 7<\/a>: And the angel said unto me, Wherefore did you wonder? I will tell y<\/em>ou the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.<\/em><\/p>\n

This beast has ten horns<\/em> and seven heads<\/em>. What the ten horns<\/em> represent was explained earlier: the fourth stage of the Fourth Empire, the ten kingdoms. What is about to be explained is what the seven heads<\/em> represent.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n

B. The Death and Resurrection of the Beast\u2014Revelation 17:8<\/a><\/p>\n

In verse 8<\/a>, as in Revelation 13<\/a>, the death and resurrection of the Antichrist is seen along with the subsequent worship of him: The beast tha<\/em>t you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss, and to go into perdition. And they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, they whose name has <\/em>not been written in the book of life f<\/em>rom the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast, how that he was, and is not, and shall come.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

C. The Explanation of the Seven Heads\u2014Revelation 17:9\u201310<\/a><\/p>\n

Here is the mind that has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits: and they are seven kings; the five are fallen, <\/em>the one is, the other is not yet come; and when he comes, he must continue a little while.<\/em><\/p>\n

Verse 9<\/a> states that the seven heads are seven mountains<\/em>. Unfortunately, too many Bible teachers have stopped here, ignoring the following verse, and consequently have concluded that seven mountains represent Rome, for Rome is a city sitting upon seven hills. However, a number of cities in the Middle East claim to sit upon seven hills or mountains. So this is not enough to pinpoint Rome as the place to which this passage refers. But the identification with Rome becomes totally unwarranted if the verse is seen in its complete context. The fact that the seven heads are said to be seven mountains shows that these mountains are to be taken symbolically. Whenever the word \u201cmountain\u201d is used symbolically, it is always a symbol of a king, kingdom, or throne. This is the case here.<\/p>\n

In fact, the very next verse, verse 10<\/a>, actually interprets the meaning of the seven mountains. Verse 9<\/a> does not end the sentence, since the sentence continues into verse 10<\/a>. Having stated that the seven heads are seven mountains in verse 9<\/a>, he clearly states in verse 10<\/a> that these seven mountains represent something other than real mountains: they are seven kings.<\/em> The meaning of mountains<\/em> here is quite consistent with its symbolic usage everywhere else in the Scriptures. In verse 9<\/a>, the seven heads are seven mountains<\/em>, and in verse 10<\/a>, the pronoun they clearly states that these seven mountains are to be viewed as seven kings. It is not the City of Rome that is meant, but seven kings<\/em> that are meant. Verse 10<\/a> further states that of these seven heads-mountains-kings<\/em>, five were fallen by John\u2019s day, one was present at that time, and one more was yet to come. If this refers to the City of Rome, then five hills should no longer be in existence; only one should be there now with another to arise in the future! Contextually then, this is an impossible interpretation.<\/p>\n

So while both the ten horns and seven heads are representative of kings, there is a difference between them. The ten horns are kings that are contemporary with each other; they all rise and reign at the same time. But the seven heads are chronological or sequential; one follows the other in chronological sequence, and no two are ever contemporary. At the time of the writing of the Book of Revelation, five had already gone into history and were no more. The sixth head-mountain-king<\/em> was present and in control, and there was one more to go.<\/p>\n

With this information in mind, what these seven heads represent can be deduced from a study of history. As has already been said, the Fourth Empire is the Empire of Imperialism. This is what was present in John\u2019s day, and hence, imperialism represents the sixth head. It was also the time of the first stage of the Empire of Imperialism, the United Stage or the Roman Empire Stage.<\/p>\n

Looking at Roman history, it is known that Rome went through five types of governments before it developed into the first stage of the Empire of Imperialism. They are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n

The Tarquin Kings<\/p>\n

The Counsulors<\/p>\n

The Plebians or Dictators<\/p>\n

The Republicans or Decimvers<\/p>\n

(Oligarchy of Ten) The Triumvirate<\/p>\n<\/td>\n

\n

754\u2013510 b.c.\u2014The First Head<\/p>\n

510\u2013494 b.c.\u2014The Second Head<\/p>\n

494\u2013390 b.c.\u2014The Third Head<\/p>\n

390\u201359 b.c.\u2014The Fourth Head<\/p>\n

59\u201327 b.c.\u2014The Fifth Head<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

These represent the five heads, which are fallen, and were a part of history by the time that John wrote his book. Before the Fourth Gentile Empire of Imperialism developed, these five types of governments preceded it. The sixth head was the one that was then present, which began in the year 27 b.c. and will continue into the middle of the Tribulation Period. So the sixth head is the first four stages of the Fourth Gentile Empire of Imperialism.<\/p>\n

There is one head still to come, the seventh head, which is the Antichrist Stage, the Absolute Imperialism Stage. Once the seventh head is established he must continue for a little while<\/em>; namely 3\u00bd years.<\/p>\n

Thus, the seven heads represent a chronological development from the Tarquin Kings to Absolute Imperialism. Five heads are fallen, the sixth head of Imperialism now exists, and one is yet to come, the Antichrist. An alternate view is that the five fallen heads represent five previous Empires: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, and Greece. Rome is the sixth, with the Antichrist destined to be the seventh.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

D. The Position of the Antichrist\u2014Revelation 17:11<\/a><\/p>\n

After the reference to his death and resurrection, John describes the position of the Antichrist in verse 11<\/a>: And the beast that was, and is not, is <\/em><\/span>himself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and he goes into perdition.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Antichrist\u2019s position as being also an eighth<\/em>, but of the seven<\/em>. He is of the seven<\/em> in that there are seven heads, and the <\/span>Antichrist is the seventh head. The heads are chronological and sequential, coming one after the other, with the Antichrist being the last to appear in the final period of the history of the seven heads.<\/span><\/p>\n

But he is also an eighth<\/em>. The way he is an eighth<\/em> is seen in his relationship to the ten horns. The ten horns represent the ten kingdoms that come out of the One-World Government, the fourth stage<\/span> of the Fourth Gentile Empire of Imperialism. These ten kings are contemporary and ruling together. But as was seen from Daniel 7<\/a>, when the Antichrist begins to take control, he uproots three of the t<\/span>en horns. He kills three of the ten kings, leaving seven for the remainder of the Tribulation Period. The Antichrist is contemporary with these seven, making him an eighth<\/em>. He is an eighth<\/em> contemporar<\/span>y king, ruling over the other seven kings who have submitted to his authority. Yet he is of the seven<\/em>, for he is the seventh head of the chronological ruling governments. The term \u201cseven\u201d refers to th<\/span>e heads<\/em>, while the term \u201ceight\u201d refers to the horns<\/em>.<\/p>\n

The word beast<\/em> in the Book of Revelation, then, is a reference to the Empire of Imperialism in its fifth and final stage, the Antichrist Stage. Hen<\/span>ce, it is proper to view the Beast both as the Fourth Gentile Empire in it final stage as well as personally of the Antichrist himself. In the Book of Revelation, the word will be used in both senses; sometimes it will be used to describe the Fourth Gentile Empire as a whole in its fifth and final form, while at other times, it wil<\/span>l be used to describe the Antichrist personally.<\/p>\n

E. The Explanation of the Ten Horns\u2014Revelation 17:12\u201313<\/a><\/p>\n

And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings, who have received no kingdom as yet; but they receive authority as kings, with the beast, for one <\/em><\/span>hour. These have one mind, and they give their power and authority unto the beast.<\/em><\/p>\n

In verse 12<\/a>, the ten horns are stated to be ten kings and to exist in the future, beyond John\u2019s time. In verse 13<\/a>, th<\/span>ey surrender their authority to the Antichrist.<\/p>\n

F. The Destruction of the Fourth Empire\u2014Revelation 17:14<\/a><\/p>\n

These shall war against the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings; and they also shall overcome th<\/em><\/span>at are with him, called and chosen and faithful.<\/em><\/p>\n

Finally, the Fourth Empire is destroyed by the Messiah Himself.<\/p>\n

VI. Summary of the Four Passages<\/p>\n

To summarize these four passages of Scripture dealing with the Times of the Gentiles three points should be noted.<\/p>\n

First, the entire period of the Times of the Gentile<\/span>s is to be composed of four Gentile empires: Babylonian, Medo-Persian, Hellenistic, and Imperialistic.<\/p>\n

Secondly, the Fourth Gentile Empire of Imperialism developed from five previous forms of Roman go<\/span>vernments: the Tarquin Kings, the First Head; the Counsulors, the Second Head; the Plebians, the Third Head; the Republicans, the Fourth Head; and the Triumvirate, the Fifth Head.<\/p>\n

Thirdly, the Fourth <\/span>Gentile Empire of Imperialism was to undergo five stages: the first four being the United Stage, Rome; the Two-Division Stage, East-West Balance of Power; the One-World Government Stage; and the Ten-K<\/span>ingdom Stage. These first four stages are all the Sixth Head. This will be followed by the fifth stage, the Antichrist Stage, the Absolute Imperialism Stage, which is also the Seventh Head.<\/p>\n

The unders<\/span>tanding of the course of the Times of the Gentiles is invaluable to the understanding of the course of Eschatology itself.<\/p>\n

Combining all these passages into outline form, it can be viewed as follows:<\/p>\n

<\/span>1. The First Gentile Empire, Babylonia<\/p>\n

2. The Second Gentile Empire, Medo-Persia<\/p>\n

3. The Third Gentile Empire, Hellenism<\/p>\n

a. The United Stage<\/p>\n

b. The Four-Division Stage<\/p>\n

4. The Fourth Gentile Empire, Imp<\/span>erialism<\/p>\n

a. The Developmental Prelude to the Fourth Gentile Empire<\/p>\n

1. The First Head, The Tarquin Kings<\/p>\n

2. The Second Head, The Counsulors<\/p>\n

3. The Third Head, The Plebians<\/p>\n

4. The Fourth Head, The Repub<\/span>licans<\/p>\n

5. The Fifth Head, The Triumvirate<\/p>\n

b. The Sixth Head<\/p>\n

1. The United Stage, The Roman Empire<\/p>\n

2. The Two-Division Stage, The East-West Balance of Power<\/p>\n

3. The One-World Government Stage<\/p>\n

4. The Ten<\/span>-Kingdom Stage, The Ten Horns (Ten Kings)<\/p>\n

5. The Seventh Head, The Antichrist Stage (The Little Horn becomes the Eighth Horn)<\/p>\n

5. The Messianic Kingdom<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all the nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Luke 21:24 Introduction An area of introductory material needed for the understanding of prophecy involves the understanding of the … <\/p>\n

\u201eThe Time of the Gentiles\u201c <\/span>weiterlesen<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-115","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-allgemein"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=115"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":116,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/115\/revisions\/116"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=115"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=115"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/buch.jehovah-shammah.de\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=115"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}