 
# Contents

‎Overview

Chapter 1 – Seeking God in Captivity

Chapter 2 – Revealer of Secrets

Chapter 3 – Fiery Furnace Trial

Chapter 4 – Chastising of Nebuchadnezzar

Chapter 5 – Writing on the wall

Chapter 6 – Daniel in the Lion's Den

Chapter 7 – Vision of the Four Beasts

Chapter 8 – Hanukkah

Chapter 9 – The 70 Weeks

Chapter 10 – Jesus Christ visits Daniel

Chapter 11 – Tale of Two Kings

Chapter 12 – Time of the End

Bibliography

Statement of Faith

About the Author

# Overview

**DISCLAIMER:**

This book was written prior to discerning Paul's letters. I noticed Paul's doctrine is significantly different from Jesus Christ. While you may find references to Paul's letters in this book, it will never be used supersede Christ's words. If you notice any, please let me know.

Paul taught salvation by grace through faith (Eph 2:8) while Jesus taught salvation by keeping God's commandments (Matt 19:16-19; Rev 22:14). Paul preached the gospel of grace of God (Acts 20:24), instead Jesus preached the gospel of the Kingdom of God (Matt 4:17). Paul taught where sin abounds, grace abounds (Rom 5:20) but the grace Jesus taught is conditional (Matt 22:1-14), reversible (Matt 18:21-35) and expiring (Luke 13:6-9). Paul being the master builder built his own foundation and called it as Jesus (1Cor 3:10) while Jesus said, His sayings are the foundation upon which we must build our lives (Luke 6:46-49). Paul taught we are adopted by God for which we have no part to play to become His son (Eph 1:5) but Jesus taught, we must be born of God to become His son (John 1:13; John 3:5) and free from sins to dwell in His house (John 8:34-36). Paul taught faith is imputed for righteousness (Rom 4:11) but Jesus taught faith is not imputed for righteousness but obedience is required (Matt 7:21-23; Luke 6:46). Paul taught we are predestined according to the purpose of Him (Eph 1:5,11), but Jesus taught we will be taken away from Christ by the Father for bearing no fruits (John 15:2). Btw, the fruits mentioned by Paul is 'fruit of the Spirit' which are attributes of a good person (Gal 5:22-23) but the 'fruit of the Word' is obedience to His teachings (Luke 8:11-15). Paul taught we can't earn our salvation (Eph 2:8-9), while Jesus taught we must be worthy to receive salvation (Luke 20:35-36). Paul taught commandments of God brings death (Rom 7:7-25) while Jesus taught commandments of God brings life (Matt 19:16-19). Paul said, sin dwells inside him and blames his wrongdoings on his sins (Rom 7:17, Rom 7:19) while Jesus said, we need to be sinless (John 8:34-36) and even cut off our body parts (Mattt 18:8-9) and keep our garments undefiled for our names to get not blotted from the book of Life (Rev 3:4-5). Paul preached Christ abolished the law (Eph 2:15), while Jesus said, He didn't come to abolish but to fulfill (Matt 5:17). Paul's salvation is wide gate and easy way just by calling on Jesus name and believing in heart (Rom 10:9-13) but salvation from Jesus Christ is through the narrow gate and difficult path (Matt 7:13-14) by being righteous and holy.

Many who profess to be followers of Christ exalt a man's letter to be equal with Christ's words and even use it to deny His teachings. They declare Paul's letters also as scripture, thus rejecting Christ's words on what constitutes Scripture (Luke 24:44-45).

The book of Daniel is one of the most prophetic books in the Old Testament. It has been sealed until the time of the end. Undoubtedly, now is the time of the end.

(Dan 12:4) "But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."

(Luke 12:56) "Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how [is it] you do not discern this time?

Therefore, let us not be hypocrites without discerning this time and let us unseal the book of Daniel.

# Chapter 1 - Seeking God in Captivity

The first chapter of Daniel is an introduction to who Daniel is and a quick overview of the situation he is in. It is indeed a tough situation.

## Captivity

(Dan 1:1-2) IN the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the articles of the house of God, which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the articles into the treasure house of his god.

Jehoiakim, king of Judah reigned from 608 to 598 BC. The third year of his reign is 605 BC when Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it after defeating the Egyptian army in the Battle of Carchemish. The battle of Carchemish is mentioned in the below passage of the Bible as well.

(2Chr 35:20-24) After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Necho king of Egypt came up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates; and Josiah went out against him. But he sent messengers to him, saying, "What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I have not come against you this day, but against the house with which I have war; for God commanded me to make haste. Refrain from meddling with God, who is with me, lest He destroy you." Nevertheless Josiah would not turn his face from him, but disguised himself so that he might fight with him, and did not heed the words of Necho from the mouth of God. So he came to fight in the Valley of Megiddo. And the archers shot King Josiah; and the king said to his servants, "Take me away, for I am severely wounded." His servants therefore took him out of that chariot and put him in the second chariot that he had, and they brought him to Jerusalem. So he died, and was buried in one of the tombs of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

At this time, which is 605 BC, Jehoiakim was made as a vassal to the Babylonians.

## Daniel and his friends

(Dan 1:3-7) Then the king instructed Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, to bring some of the children of Israel and some of the king's descendants and some of the nobles, young men in whom there was no blemish, but good-looking, gifted in all wisdom, possessing knowledge and quick to understand, who had ability to serve in the king's palace, and whom they might teach the language and literature of the Chaldeans. And the king appointed for them a daily provision of the king's delicacies and of the wine which he drank, and three years of training for them, so that at the end of that time they might serve before the king. Now from among those of the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. To them the chief of the eunuchs gave names: he gave Daniel the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-Nego.

There were a 5 qualities required to service the king.

  1. No blemish

  2. Good-looking

  3. Gifted in all wisdom

  4. Possessing knowledge

  5. Quick to understand

It is interesting to see how the king is looking for certain things that are only found in the one true God.

(Prov 2:6) For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

**Sons of Judah:** The chief of eunuchs gave pagan names based on Babylonian gods to the sons of Judah.

## Daniel's Veggies

(Dan 1:8-17) But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, "I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king." So Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, "Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. "Then let our appearance be examined before you, and the appearance of the young men who eat the portion of the king's delicacies; and as you see fit, so deal with your servants." So he consented with them in this matter, and tested them ten days. And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king's delicacies. Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.

Daniel doesn't want to defile with the kings delicacies. The above verses by no way advocates a vegetarian lifestyle. It is infact wrong to say Daniel was a vegetarian because, he must have ate lamb for Passover before his captivity. Daniel doesn't want to be defiled by kings delicacies. This means, either the king's food may contain meat that are unclean to consume according to Mosaic law or the meat may be sacrificed or presented to idols before consumption.

## God's Wisdom and Understanding

(Dan 1:18-20) Now at the end of the days, when the king had said that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. Then the king interviewed them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah; therefore they served before the king. And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the king examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.

Wisdom and Understanding is from God.

(Eccl 2:26) For God gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight; but to the sinner He gives the work of gathering and collecting, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and grasping for the wind.

He gives wisdom and knowledge and joy to a man who is good in His sight. Daniel and his companions were good in His sight by not defiling themselves with the king's delicacies and God gave wisdom and knowledge to them, though they were only of youth, they excelled all the others more than 10 times.

## Retirement of Daniel

(Dan 1:21) Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.

Daniel continued to work until the first year of King Cyrus. From historical records, we know the first year of king Cyrus as king of Babylon is from 539 BC. If Daniel had come in his youth around ~15 years old as a captive, then he should be ~80 years or above during the first year of king Cyrus.

# Chapter 2 - Revealer of Secrets

The second chapter of Daniel is about God's plan to exalt those who obey Him and keep His commandments.

(1Pet 5:6) Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Nebuchadnezzar, king of the greatest empire in the world in his time, prostrated, gave an offering and incense to a captive of Judah.

## Forgotten Dream

_(Dan 2:1-6) Now in the second year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; and_ _his spirit was so troubled_ _that_ _his sleep left him_ _. Then the king gave the command to call the magicians, the astrologers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. And the king said to them, "_ _I have had a dream, and my spirit is anxious to know the dream_ _." Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in Aramaic, "O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation." The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, "My decision is firm:_ _if you do not make known the dream to me_ _, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap. However, if you tell the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts, rewards, and great honor. Therefore tell me the dream and its interpretation."_

The king had a dream and forgot it. It is not unusual to forget dreams. However, for Nebuchadnezzar it was different that day because his spirit was troubled and woke up and his sleep left, but the dream that troubled his spirit is unknown to him. He not only want to know what the dream is, but also its interpretation.

## Unknown Dream

_(Dan 2:7-11) They answered again and said, "Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will give its interpretation." The king answered and said, "I know for certain that you would gain time, because you see that my decision is firm: if you do not make known the dream to me, there is only one decree for you!_ _For you have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me till the time has changed._ _Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation." The Chaldeans answered the king, and said, "_ _There is not a man on earth who can tell the king's matter_ _; therefore no king, lord, or ruler has ever asked such things of any_ _magician_ _,_ _astrologer_ _, or_ _Chaldean_ _. "It is a difficult thing that the king requests, and there is no other who can tell it to the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh."_

It is the expectation for the king that these magicians, astrologers or Chaldeans must say the dream because they seem to have something supernatural. However, the king rightly found that they speak lying and corrupt words till the time has changed. If you carefully read what the Chaldeans said, they acknowledged that no one can tell it to the king and what they tell doesn't come from above, otherwise, they would have known this.

## Wrath of the king

_(Dan 2:12-16) For_ _this reason the king was angry and very furious_ _, and gave the_ _command to destroy all the wise men of Babylon_ _. So the decree went out, and they began killing the wise men; and they sought Daniel and his companions, to kill them. Then with counsel and wisdom Daniel answered Arioch, the captain of the king's guard, who had gone out to kill the wise men of Babylon; he answered and said to Arioch the king's captain, "Why is the decree from the king so urgent?" Then Arioch made the decision known to Daniel. So_ _Daniel went in and asked the king to give him time_ _, that_ _he might tell the king the interpretation._

As we read earlier, the magicians, astrologers and Chaldeans are speaking with their own imagination and not the truth. So, the king was furious and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. Then, Daniel asked the king for time, so that he might tell the king the interpretation. Daniel had faith that God of Heaven will reveal the dream and it;s interpretation.

## Revealer of Secrets

_(Dan 2:17-19) Then Daniel went to his house, and made the decision known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, that they might_ _seek mercies from the God of heaven concerning this secret_ _, so that Daniel and his companions might_ _not perish_ _with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Then the_ _secret was revealed_ _to Daniel in a night vision. So Daniel blessed the God of heaven._

Daniel and his companions sought the mercy of God in heaven that they might live if the secret is revealed to them and not perish with the other wise men of Babylon. But God not only saved Daniel and his companions but all the other wise men of Babylon where also saved because of Daniel.

_(Dan 2:20-23) Daniel answered and said: "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,_ _For wisdom and might are His._ _And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him. I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers;_ _You have given me wisdom and might_ _, And have now made known to me what we asked of You, For You have made known to us the king's demand."_

Daniel blessed the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. H continued to praise God of His attributes which are also found in other verses.

  1. He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; - _(Acts 1:7)_ _And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority._

  2. He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding. - _(Prov 2:6)_ _For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;_

  3. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him. - ___(Job 12:22)_ _He uncovers deep things out of darkness, And brings the shadow of death to light._

Daniel then thanked God and praised Him for He had made known to them the king's demand.

_(Dan 2:24-27) Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had appointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said thus to him: "Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon; take me before the king, and_ _I will tell the king the interpretation_ _." Then Arioch quickly brought Daniel before the king, and said thus to him, "I have found a man of the captives of Judah, who will make known to the king the interpretation." The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, "Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and its interpretation?" Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, "_ _The secret which the king has demanded, the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, and the soothsayers cannot declare to the king_ _._

When Daniel had known the dream which was revealed by God, he then spoke to the guard to in order to save the wise men of Babylon. He then made known to the king, that the wise men, astrologers, magicians and soothsayers cannot declare to the king his dream, so that the king can glorify God.

## The Dream & its Interpretation

_(Dan 2:28-36a) "But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and_ _He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days_ _. Your dream, and the visions of your head upon your bed, were these: As for you, O king, thoughts came to your mind while on your bed, about_ _what would come to pass after this_ _; and He who reveals secrets has made known to you what will be. But as for me, this secret has not been revealed to me because I have more wisdom than anyone living, but for our sakes who make known the interpretation to the king, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart. You, O king, were watching; and behold, a great image! This great image, whose splendor was excellent, stood before you; and its form was awesome. This image's_ _head was of fine gold_ _, its_ _chest and arms of silver_ _, its_ _belly and thighs of bronze_ _, its_ _legs of iron_ _, its_ _feet partly of iron and partly of clay_ _. You watched while_ _a stone was cut out without hands_ _, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image_ _became a great mountain_ _and filled the whole earth. This is the dream._

Source: ridingthebeast.com

The dream has a great image whose splendor was excellent.

  * Head was of fine gold,

  * Chest and arms of silver,

  * Belly and thighs of bronze,

  * Legs of iron

  * Feet partly of iron and partly of clay

The below tabulation will explain the dream, its interpretation and it's fulfillment.

During the time of Jesus, Rome exactly had 10 senatorial provinces where Roman Senate appoints the governor (proconsul) who are the 10 toes who don't have a kingdom of their own. This is similar to what is found in Revelation 12. The clay don't mix with iron or they mingle with seed of men but don't adhere with each other is the political marriages yet they don't adhere to each other. A good well known example is Constantine fighting against his own father-in-law. Jesus Christ came to earth to set His Everlasting Kingdom on earth.

(Matt 12:28) "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you.

(Luke 17:20-21) Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."

The Kingdom of Heaven has already come and it is within us. It has been ever since that way since 33 AD to all believers.

_(John 18:36) Jesus answered, "_ _My kingdom is not of this world_ _. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews;_ _but now_ _My kingdom is not from here."_

_(Rev 11:15) Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "_ _The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ_ _, and He shall reign forever and ever!"_

Christ also adds that His Kingdom is not of this world. But during the sounding of the seventh angel, the kingdoms of the world will become the kingdoms of our God and Christ.

## Daniel's Promotion

_(Dan 2:46-49) Then_ _King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, prostrate before Daniel, and commanded that they should present an offering and incense to him_ _. The king answered Daniel, and said, "Truly your God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you could reveal this secret." Then the_ _king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts; and he made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon_ _, and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. Also Daniel petitioned the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego over the affairs of the province of Babylon;_ _but Daniel sat in the gate of the king_ _._

God made the greatest king of his time, Nebuchadnezzar to prostrate before Daniel and to give promotion to be a ruler over the whole province of Babylon. But Daniel humbled himself by sitting at the gate of the king.

# Chapter 3 - Fiery Furnace Trial

The third chapter of Daniel is about a trial for those who obey Him and being with them during the trial and promote them.

## Idolatry

_(Dan 3:1-7) Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was_ _sixty cubits and its width six cubits_ _. He set it up in the_ _plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon_ _. And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. So the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Then a herald cried aloud: "_ _To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace._ _" So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music,_ _all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped_ _the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up._

Having praised the God of heaven in the previous chapter, King Nebuchadnezzar fell into idolatry by creating his own god and forced all his subjects to worship it.

## Wolves in our lives

_(Dan 3:8-12) Therefore at that time certain_ _Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews_ _. They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, "O king, live forever! You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon:_ _Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego_ _; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up."_

There will always be wolves in our lives. As a preacher said, if we don't have wolves in our lives, maybe we aren't sheep. The Chaldeans complained against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. It is interesting to note that Daniel is completely missing from the scene and this chapter. It is possible that knowing such a dedication is against God, he might have skipped such situations even though he is invited among all.

We may also need to avoid events that are clearly against God in order to avoid trials and tribulations.

## Trial

_(Dan 3:13-18) Then Nebuchadnezzar,_ _in rage and fury_ _, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, "Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And_ _who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?_ _Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "_ _O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up._ _"_

The king was in rage and fury because the three friends of Daniel didn't worship the image set by him. So, the king asked them again and another chance to save themselves by worshiping the image.

(Matt 10:28) "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

The reply of the three friends to the king is very bold indeed and the faith they have on God is unbreakable. Most of us think of faith in God as He will save us in times of trouble but forget that is not the true faith. True faith goes beyond, even if God doesn't save us, we will still have faith in Him. These three men had this strong and unshakable faith in God.

## The Fourth Man

_(Dan 3:19-29) Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace_ _seven times more_ _than it was usually heated. And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Therefore, because the king's command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of_ _the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego_ _. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, "_ _Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?_ _" They answered and said to the king, "_ _True, O king." Look!_ _" he answered, "_ _I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God._ _" Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here." Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king's counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them._

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were bound and thrown in fire, they were loose and walking in midst of fire along with a fourth man who was like Son of God.

(Matt 18:20) "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

However, we can know that if two or three gathered in His name, He will be in their midst, even it is in the midst of a fiery furnace.

When God was with the three friends of Daniel, fire didn't harm them. God is capable of saving us from any trouble even fire. However, there is something much more important than saving the body from fire and our hope of escaping the troubles of this world. It's our faith towards God even in the midst of fire and trials and His work of saving and refining our souls.

## The Promotion

_(Dan 3:28-30) Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, "Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this._ _Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon_ _._

God promoted Daniel in the earlier chapter. However, his friends, who also obeyed God didn't get a promotion but was recommended by Daniel to be under him. But God had a different plan to promote them further and He did used the king Nebuchadnezzar.

Today, many seek promotions and higher roles in work places and yet they are not ready to go into the fiery furnace to be a witness for Him.

# Chapter 4 - Chastising of Nebuchadnezzar

The fourth chapter of Daniel is about Nebuchadnezzar, a king who praised with his lips and God chasten him how to praise truly with his heart.

## Praise with lips

(Dan 4:1) Nebuchadnezzar the king, To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked for me. How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation.

Nebuchadnezzar is praising God with his lips only but his heart is not towards Him. This we can understand when Daniel advised the king to break off his sins after he interprets.

(Dan 4:27) Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity."

God chastens Nebuchadnezzar to make him know that He truly rules.

## Dream of the Tree

_(Dan 4:4-18) I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace. I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. Therefore I issued a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream. Then the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in, and I told them the dream; but they did not make known to me its interpretation. But at last Daniel came before me (his name is Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god; in him is the Spirit of the Holy God), and I told the dream before him, saying: "_ _Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians_ _, because I know that the Spirit of the Holy God is in you, and no secret troubles you, explain to me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and its interpretation. "These were the visions of my head while on my bed:_ _I was looking, and behold, A tree in the midst of the earth, And its height was great._ _The tree grew and became strong; Its height reached to the heavens, And it could be seen to the ends of all the earth. Its leaves were lovely, Its fruit abundant, And in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, The birds of the heavens dwelt in its branches, And all flesh was fed from it. "I saw in the visions of my head while on my bed, and there was_ _a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven._ _He cried aloud and said thus: '_ _Chop down the tree and cut off its branches, Strip off its leaves and scatter its fruit._ _Let the beasts get out from under it, And the birds from its branches. Nevertheless leave the stump and roots in the earth,_ _Bound with a band of iron and bronze_ _, In the tender grass of the field. Let it be wet with the dew of heaven, And let him graze with the beasts On the grass of the earth. Let his heart be changed from that of a man, Let him be given the heart of a beast, And let seven times pass over him. '_ _This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men._ _' "This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen. Now you, Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able, for the Spirit of the Holy God is in you."_

The dream is a about a high tree in the midst of the earth. An angel came and commanded the following:

  * Chop off the tree

  * Cut off it's branches

  * Strip off it's leaves

  * Stump and roots left

  * Stump bound with a band of iron and bronze

Bible identifies trees to people. We see this in Judges 9 when Jotham spoke to the men of Shechem. The dream itself identifies a little when the watcher refers to the tree as him.

  * He will be wet with the dew of heaven

  * He will graze with the beasts on the grass of the earth.

  * His heart will be changed from that of a man, and the heart of a beast will be given

  * Seven times will pass over him

## The Interpretation

_(Dan 4:19-27) Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for a time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, and said, "Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you." Belteshazzar answered and said, "My lord, may the dream concern those who hate you, and its interpretation concern your enemies!_ _The tree that you saw,_ _which grew and became strong, whose height reached to the heavens and which could be seen by all the earth, whose leaves were lovely and its fruit abundant, in which was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and in whose branches the birds of the heaven had their home–_ _it is you, O king_ _, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth. And inasmuch as the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, 'Chop down the tree and destroy it, but leave its stump and roots in the earth, bound with a band of iron and bronze in the tender grass of the field; let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let him graze with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him'; this is the interpretation,_ _O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses_ _. And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree,_ _your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules_ _. Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity."_

To determine what does seven times mean, we need to decipher using the clues provided in the fulfilment.

(Dan 4:33b) his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws.

Source: flickr.com

It is often interpreted by scholars as seven years. However, Bible doesn't say that. It simply says seven times.

In humans, nails grow at an average rate of 3 mm (0.12 in) a month. The rate or speed of hair growth is about 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) per month for humans, or about 6 inches (15 cm) per year. Hence, a seven years of uncut nails will be 10 inches and 3.5 feet of hair. A 10 inch nail is too much to consider like the claws of a bird and 3.5 feet of hair will not resemble like eagle features. Hence, based on the Bible clues, "times" does not refer to a year.

To have nails like the claw of birds, it must be greater than 1.5 inches on a relative scale. Hence, "seven times" must be more than 12 months. Eagles have features from 12 to 21 inches (32-54 cm). We had to assume the existing hair was about 3 inches. To grow an extra 9 to 18 inches, it will take from 1.5 years to 3 years. Hence, after considering the existing hair and the clues provided, we can safely conclude the "seven times" as somewhere between 1 to 3 years.

**Here this is the riddle:** Seven times of "what" is between 1- 3 years that will pass over him?

(Jer 25:11) 'And this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.

If God is punishing the king, seven times of 70 (each day for one year these nations had to serve), then it is 490 days (1.3 years).

## Fulfillment and Repentance

_(Dan 4:28-37) All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. At the end of the twelve months he was walking about the royal palace of Babylon. The king spoke, saying, "_ _Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?_ _" While the word was still in the king's mouth, a voice fell from heaven: "King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you! And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and_ _seven times shall pass over you_ _, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar; he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen;_ _his body was wet with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles' feathers and his nails like birds' claws_ _. And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven And among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand Or say to Him, "What have You done?" At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and splendor returned to me. My counselors and nobles resorted to me, I was restored to my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down._

After 12 months, when Nebuchadnezzar was walking in his royal palace, he spoke pride words and the God of heaven immediately fulfilled the prophecy when the words were still in his mouth.

_(Isa 2:11-12) The lofty looks of man shall be humbled,_ _The haughtiness of men shall be bowed down_ _, And the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts Shall come upon everything proud and lofty, Upon everything lifted up– And it shall be brought low_

_(Prov 16:5)_ _Everyone proud in heart is an abomination to the LORD_ _; Though they join forces, none will go unpunished._

Nebuchadnezzar finally praise, extol and honor the God of heavens after be was driven like an animal and repented for his pride.

# Chapter 5 - Writing on the wall

The fifth chapter of Daniel is about the overthrow of Belshazzar and Cyrus receiving the kingdom. The entire chapter happened on a single day. Based on historical accounts it happened around October 539 BC. It is important to note that Daniel is around 80 years of age. In this blog we had to go a bit deeper into historical records to clear up all doubts that could arise.

## Feast of Belshazzar

_(Dan 5:1-3) Belshazzar the king made a_ _great feast_ _for a thousand of his lords, and drank wine in the presence of the thousand. While he tasted the wine, Belshazzar gave the command to bring the_ _gold and silver vessels_ _which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken_ _from the temple which had been in Jerusalem_ _, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might_ _drink from them_ _. Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple of the house of God which had been in Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone._

Belshazzar made a great feast and drank wine from the vessels from the temple of Jerusalem which belongs to God. Moreover, they praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood and stone.

## Writing on the wall

_(Dan 5:5-7) In the same hour the_ _fingers of a man's hand_ _appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the_ _wall of the king's palace_ _; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Then the king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other. The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke, saying to the wise men of Babylon, "_ _Whoever reads this writing, and tells me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around his neck; and he shall be the third ruler in the kingdom._ _"_

While the king was drinking from the vessels that belong to the temple at Jerusalem, in the same hour, the fingers of a man's hand appeared and wrote opposite on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace. The king was troubled and offers the following to anyone who can read and interpret.

  * Clothed with purple

  * Chain of gold

  * Third ruler in the kingdom

Clothed in purple refers to luxury as we read in gospels.

_(Luke 16:19) "There was a certain rich man who was_ _clothed in purple_ _and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day._

Gold chain is a symbol of honor as we read in the Joseph account.

_(Gen 41:42) Then Pharaoh took his signet ring off his hand and put it on Joseph's hand; and he clothed him in garments of fine linen and put a_ _gold chain around his neck_ _._

But why did he offer as the third ruler? why not second? Based on historical accounts, Belshazzar is the son of the king ruling along with the king. Hence, when his father, the king was not in the city, the younger king ruled since he is the second ruler in the kingdom. Being the second ruler, the highest post he can offer is the third ruler in the kingdom.

## Daniel was called

_(Dan 5:8) Now all the king's wise men came, but they could not read the writing, or make known to the king its interpretation. Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his countenance was changed, and his lords were astonished. The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came to the banquet hall. The queen spoke, saying, "O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change. There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and_ _King Nebuchadnezzar your father_ _–your father the king–made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this_ _Daniel_ _, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now_ _let Daniel be called_ _, and he will give the interpretation."_

How is that the queen is aware of Daniel while the king Belshazzar isn't? The reason is because, Belshazzar is the younger king, the son of the king who is taking care of the kingdom in his father's absence being the second ruler in the kingdom. This is common in those days when the king goes to war, the second ruler takes care of the kingdom. Hence, when the Bible refers to queen here, she is the queen and the mother of Belshazzar and she may have been in the days of Nebuchadnezzar. Some scholars suggest the queen referred here Nitocris, a daughter of Nebuchadnezzar, which makes her very familiar with Daniel and how God worked through him. So, she asks Belshazzar to call Daniel for interpretation.

## Interpretation of the Writing

_(Dan 5:13-28) Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, "Are you that Daniel who is one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. Now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not give the interpretation of the thing. And I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and explain enigmas. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and have a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. Then Daniel answered, and said before the king, "_ _Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another; yet I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation_ _. O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor. And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down. But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses._ _But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this_ _. And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified. Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written. And this is the inscription that was written:_ _MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN._ _This is the interpretation of each word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians."_

Firstly, what we notice is the way Daniel ditches the gifts for something God reveals. " _Let your gifts be for yourself and give your rewards to another_ ". God need people like Daniel who don't use His gifts for personal gain.

Secondly, Daniel preaches to the king and mentions his wrong doing and sin. He even mentions the wrongdoings of Nebuchadnezzar and preached to him what he did. We understand this because, Daniel said " _have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this_ ".

Finally, Daniel tells the truth of the king's own death to himself and did not hide it or speak in a politically correct way.

Most of today's church pastors go behind material and personal gains using God, do not preach about sin, suffering and tribulations, and speak in a politically correct way to make sure Scripture does not offend them. These pastors must learn from Daniel for not going after personal gains, to be bold before anyone for His sake and rebuke sin directly.

_(Dan 5:29) Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a chain of gold around his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the_ _third ruler in the kingdom_ _._

Daniel was clothed with purple, being put a chain of gold around his neck, he was declared as the third ruler in the kingdom.

Fulfillment

(Dan 5:30) That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain.

The very night when Daniel interpreted the writing on the wall, Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans was slain.

## Cyrus or Darius?

(Dan 5:31) And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

The kingdom of Belshazzar was divided and given to Darius the Mede being 62 years old. However, there is one small problem to solve. According to historical records, the king who actually attacked Babylon where Belshazzar is slain is Cyrus and not Darius and it was Cyrus who is 62 years old when he attacked Babylon. This is a scribal error. We can see a similar error elsewhere as well.

For example,

  * _(Dan 11:1) And I in the first year of_ _Cyrus_ _stood to strengthen and confirm him. - LXXE (Septuagint - heavily quoted by Disciples and Apostles in NT, translated into Greek 300 years before Christ._

  * _(Dan 11:1) "Also in the first year of_ _Darius the Mede_ _, I, even I, stood up to confirm and strengthen him.) - NKJV (Masoretic Text)._

The above verses in Daniel 11:1 clearly indicates there were two copies with one copy with which Septuagint was translated had Cyrus and the other copy had Darius the Mede. Although Darius the Mede eventually received the kingdom 17 years later, here in Daniel 5:31, it is referring to Cyrus and not Darius the Mede and the mistake here is a scribal error. I do believe all scripture is inspired by God and very accurate. However, we must also understand that the scribes who copy them manually aren't perfect and could have scribal errors just like the Wicked Bible print of King James Version 1631.

(Dan 1:21) Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus.

The first chapter also confirms that Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus which is 539 BC when he attacked and became king of Babylon.

# Chapter 6 - Daniel in Lion's Den

‎The sixth chapter of Daniel is about his promotion and the trial for Daniel's faith in his old age.

## Darius or Cyrus?

_(Dan 6:1-2) It pleased_ _Darius_ _to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss._

As we saw earlier in the previous chapter, Cyrus had been mistaken as Darius the Mede for identity. When Darius became king in 522 BC, Daniel will be around 100 years old. However, if the king mentioned here is Cyrus, then Daniel would have been around 85 years old.

_(Dan 1:21) Thus Daniel continued until the_ _first year of King Cyrus_ _._

Based in Daniel chapter 1, he continued only until the first year of king Cyrus, which is 539 BC and he would be already 85 years old by that time. It is not possible for the king mentioned here to be Darius because he becomes king 17 years later. Hence, it is most logical to consider it is a scribal error where Cyrus is mistaken as Darius the Mede.

## Deception of Daniel's Enemies

_(Dan 6:3-9) Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, "_ _We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God._ _" So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: "King Darius, live forever! All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter."_ _Therefore King Darius signed the written decree_ _._

When the king (Cyrus?) thought of making Daniel above the governors and satraps, they deceived the king to have a decree in such a way Daniel had to remove his first place to God or lose his life. Many good Christians experience similar trials even today. Some had to lose their jobs mostly in the west and yet some had to lose their life for their faith in Christ.

## The cost of Daniel's disobedience to king

_(Dan 6:10-17) Now when_ _Daniel knew that the writing was signed_ _, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God,_ _as was his custom since early days_ _. Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. And they went before the king, and spoke concerning the king's decree: "_ _Have you not signed a decree that every man who petitions any god or man within thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?_ _" The king answered and said, "The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter." So they answered and said before the king, "That Daniel, who is one of the captives from Judah, does not show due regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day." And the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him; and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. Then these men approached the king, and said to the king, "Know, O king, that it is the law of the Medes and Persians that no decree or statute which the king establishes may be changed." So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, "_ _Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you."_ _Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed._

Now, Daniel was given a choice. Stop praying to God or face the lion's den. How many of us will face lion's den or punishments/persecutions and continue to disobey authorities on matters that are clearly against God?

## Mouth of lions shut

_(Dan 6:18-24) Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep went from him. Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, "Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?" Then Daniel said to the king, "_ _O king, live forever!_ _"_ _My God sent His angel and shut the lions' mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you._ _" Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God. And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions–them, their children, and their wives; and the lions overpowered them, and broke all their bones in pieces before they ever came to the bottom of the den._

God sent His angel and shut the mouth of lions and Daniel was not hurt. The king was glad for Daniel. Then, the king put the accusers of Daniel and their families into the lion's den and they all were killed.

## King praised God of Daniel

_(Dan 6:25-28) Then King Darius wrote: To all peoples, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, And steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, And His dominion shall endure to the end. He delivers and rescues, And He works signs and wonders In heaven and on earth, Who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions._ _So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian_ _._

The king finally praised the God of Daniel. As we saw earlier, Daniel continued until the first year of Cyrus and the king mentioned here is Cyrus rather than Darius. It is also possible there could be another Darius or Darius is simply a title. Irrespective of who the king is, the story is true and the account of Daniel is true because it is mentioned by Christ Himself.

# Chapter 7 - Vision of the Four Beasts

The seventh chapter of Daniel is the vision of the four beasts, the four kingdoms before the kingdom of God in Earth.

## Introduction

_(Dan 7:1) In the_ _first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon_ _, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts._

Belshazzar was Coregent of Babylon, governing the country after his father, King Nabonidus, went into exile in 550 BC which is based on Wikipedia. This suggests clearly that the time when this vision appeared to Daniel is 550 BC.

_(Dan 7:2) Daniel spoke, saying, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the_ _four winds_ _of heaven were stirring up the_ _Great Sea_ _._

The most important fact which we often overlook is the location on which this prophecy is set. The Great Sea is the Mediterranean as per the Bible.  
E.g.,

_(Num 34:6) 'As for the western border, you shall have the_ _Great Sea_ _for a border; this shall be your western border._

Hence, the prophecy is centered around the Great Sea or that which symbolizes the Great Sea.

_(Dan 7:3) "And_ _four great beasts_ _came up from the sea_ _, each different from the other._

Sea or waters represents peoples and nations.

(Rev 17:15) Then he said to me, "The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues.

_(Dan 7:17) 'Those_ _great beasts_ _, which are four, are_ _four kings_ _which arise out of the earth._

It seems as though the 4 beasts are the kingdoms that follow immediately during or after Daniel's time namely the Babylonian Empire for the first beast, Medo-Persian Empire for the second and Macedonian for the third and finally the antichrist empire. But after careful consideration of the interpretation given in this chapter itself, this does not represent kingdoms during or immediately after Daniel's time but during the end-times just before the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

_(Dan 7:11-12) "I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking;_ _I watched till the beast was slain_ _, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame._ _As for the rest of the beasts_ _, they had their_ _dominion taken away_ _, yet their_ _lives were prolonged for a season and a time._

Because these nations or kingdoms are to be existing in end-times, we can only speculate what these beasts might be assuming the second coming of the Lord is very soon (which is of-course a fair assumption). Please do understand the drawbacks in identifying the beasts without having a reference point in the timeline. The only reference point with is our Lord's second coming is something no one knows.

## First Beast - British Empire

_(Dan 7:4) "The_ _first_ _was like a_ _lion_ _, and had_ _eagle's wings_ _. I watched till its wings were_ _plucked off_ _; and it was_ _lifted up from the earth_ _and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a_ _man's heart_ _was given to it._

Based on the description provided by the above verse, the following characteristics apply to the first beast.

  * Like a lion

  * Had eagle's wings but later plucked.

  * Stood on 2 feet like a man and a heart of a man was given.

What does it mean to be like a lion?

_(Judg 14:18) So the men of the city said to him on the seventh day before the sun went down: "What is sweeter than honey? And_ _what is stronger than a lion?_ _" And he said to them: "If you had not plowed with my heifer, You would not have solved my riddle!"_

_(Ps 7:2) Lest they_ _tear me like a lion_ _, Rending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver._

_(Ps 10:9) He_ _lies in wait secretly_ _,_ _as a lion in his den_ _; He lies in wait to catch the poor; He catches the poor when he draws him into his net._

_(Prov 28:1) The wicked flee when no one pursues, But the righteous are_ _bold as a lion_ _._

_(Prov 30:30) A_ _lion, which is mighty among beasts_ _And_ _does not turn away_ _from any;_

The Bible identifies what it means to be a kingdom like a lion:

  * Stronger Kingdom

  * Tears the enemy nations.

  * Secretly waits until the right opportunity.

  * A bold Kingdom

  * It is mighty among all nations

There is one nation, undoubtedly identified as a lion in modern times by all the world nations. It is the British Empire.

_Source: The Empire Needs Men!, 1915 (Ref:_ nam.ac.uk _)_

The above picture is how the British Empire identified itself.

Source: World War II (Ref: italianmonarchist.blogspot.com)

The enemies also identified Britain as a lion.

**What does eagle's wings mean and what does it mean to be plucked?**

_(Isa 40:31) But those who wait on the LORD Shall_ _renew their strength_ _; They shall mount up with_ _wings like eagles_ _, They_ _shall run and not be weary_ _, They shall_ _walk and not faint_ _._

_(Ruth 3:9) And he said, "Who are you?" So she answered, "I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant_ _under your wing_ _, for you are a close relative."_

_(Ruth 2:12) "The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose_ _wings you have come for refuge_ _."_

_Source: Side by side - Britannia! Britain's Day Dec. 7th 1918 / James Montgomery Flagg 1918  
American Lithographic Co. N.Y. (ref: _loc.gov _)_

Eagle's wings are compared to renewing of strength who run and not be weary, who walk and not faint. In general wings are symbolic representation to refuge and protection. The bald eagle is the symbol of US. Britain had eagle's wings which can be identified as US since it was a British colony. The New world is a place of refuge and new beginning for many Britons who migrated there. It was plucked in July 8, 1776. US also identified Britain as a lion based on the above picture.

**What does it mean to have a heart of a man?**

_(Dan 4:16) Let his_ _heart be changed from that of a man_ _, Let him be given the heart of a beast, And let seven times pass over him._

_(Dan 4:34) And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and_ _my understanding returned to me_ _; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation._

The heart of a man is about having understanding. Instead of behaving like a lion which tears the enemies into pieces and does not turn away, it stood on two feet and behaved like a man. It is possible it could symbolize the abolition of slavery and eventually giving freedom to all nations, rather than devouring and tearing them into pieces.

## Second Beast - Soviet Union

_(Dan 7:5) "And suddenly another beast, a second, like a_ _bear_ _. It was_ _raised up on one side_ _, and had_ _three ribs in its mouth_ _between its_ _teeth_ _. And they said thus to it: '_ _Arise, devour much flesh!_ _'_

Based on the description provided by the above verse, the following characteristics apply to the second beast.

  * Like a bear

  * It raised up on one side

  * It had 3 ribs between its teeth

  * It was instructed to devour much flesh.

What does it mean to be like a bear?

_(Prov 28:15) Like a roaring lion and a_ _charging bear_ _Is a wicked ruler over poor people._

_(Isa 59:11) We all_ _growl like bears_ _, And moan sadly like doves; We look for justice, but there is none; For salvation, but it is far from us._

_(Lam 3:10) He has been to me_ _a bear lying in wait_ _, Like a lion in ambush._

A bear charges, growls and will lie in wait. The world identifies Russia with Bear.

_Source: Punch magazine, 1911 (ref:_ Wiki _)_

_The Russian Bear is a widespread symbol (generally of a Eurasian brown bear) for Russia, used in cartoons, articles and dramatic plays since as early as the 16th century, and relating alike to Tsarist Russia, the Soviet Union and the present-day Russian Federation (Ref:_ Wiki _)._

Source: _Ref:_ kontrmaidan.ru

While Britain is no longer referred as a lion, Russia however, is referred as a bear. Even the Russians themselves refer Russia as Bear.  
E.g,

  * _'Russian Bear' Will Show Turkey Its Place (Ref:_  sputniknews.com _)_

  * _Western nations want to chain 'the Russian bear' - Putin (Ref:_ rt.com _)_

**What does it mean to rise up on one side?**  
Unlike the European colonies, Russia did not have such or not widely known. Instead, it grew slowly from one side adding territories to it. The below visual is a good representation of how Russia grew from one side.

**What are the three ribs in the mouth of the bear and what does it mean?**

_(Hos 13:8)_ _I will meet them like a bear deprived of her cubs; I will tear open their rib cage_ _, And there I will devour them like a lion. The wild beast shall tear them._

The 3 ribs mentioned here is a result of the bear deprived of her cubs. It is possible that the Soviet Union is deprived of her cubs when it broke and the three ribs could be it's involvement in other countries and tear them open. Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation is a good example for 1 rib. Are we yet to see the other 2 ribs?

Devouring much flesh could represent huge casualties. Could Russia's involvement in Syria represent this?

Just like the British Empire which lost it's dominion, Soviet Union also lost its dominion. It broke up into 15 nations. However, Russia still exists but without the dominion.

## Third Beast - League of 4 Nations

_(Dan 7:6) "After this I looked, and there was another, like a_ _leopard_ _, which had on its back_ _four wings of a bird_ _. The beast also had_ _four heads_ _, and_ _dominion_ _was given to it._

Based on the description provided by the above verse, the following characteristics apply to the third beast.

  * Like a leopard

  * It had 4 wings of a bird

  * It had 4 heads.

  * Will have a dominion

What does it mean to be like a leopard?

_(Hos 13:7) "So I will be to them like a lion; Like a_ _leopard_ _by the road I will_ _lurk_ _;_

_(Hab 1:8) Their horses also are_ _swifter than leopards_ _, And more fierce than evening wolves. Their chargers charge ahead; Their cavalry comes from afar; They fly as the eagle that hastens to eat._

A leopard lurks and it is swift.

**What does it mean to have 4 wings of a bird?**

_(Ruth 3:9) And he said, "Who are you?" So she answered, "I am Ruth, your maidservant. Take your maidservant_ _under your wing_ _, for you are a close relative."_

_(Ruth 2:12) "The LORD repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the LORD God of Israel, under whose_ _wings you have come for refuge_ _."_

As we saw earlier, wings are symbolic representation of refuge and protection. Hence, these 4 wings can be colonies or territories under the rule of beasts where people can get refuge or protection.

**What are the 4 heads?**

_(Rev 17:9) "Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven_ _heads_ _are seven_ _mountains_ _on which the woman sits._

_(Dan 2:44-45) And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a_ _kingdom_ _which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the_ _mountain_ _without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold–the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure."_

The 4 heads are 4 nations. Hence, the third kingdom is a group of 4 nations.

Based on the above description the third kingdom will be a league 4 nations and 4 conquered lands or colonies where people can find refuge and protection. This beast is not yet arisen and we can expect this beast in this century if the assumptions are correct.

## Fourth Beast - Final Caliphate

_(Dan 7:7) "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible,_ _exceedingly strong_ _. It had huge_ _iron teeth_ _; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the_ _residue with its feet_ _. It was different from all the beasts_ _that were before it_ _, and it had_ _ten horns_ _._

Based on the description provided by the above verse, the following characteristics apply to the fourth and the final beast.

  * Dreadful, terrible and exceedingly strong.

  * Iron teeth

  * It was devouring, breaking in pieces and trampled the residue with its feet.

  * Different from all the beasts that were before it.

  * It had 10 horns.

What does iron teeth mean?

_(Ps 124:6) Blessed be the LORD, Who has not given us as_ _prey to their teeth_ _._

_(Dan 2:40) "And the fourth kingdom shall be_ _as strong as iron_ _, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others._

Iron teeth represents the crushing power on their conquered lands and enemies.

**What are the 10 horns?**

_(Dan 8:20) "The ram which you saw, having the two_ _horns_ _–they are the_ _kings_ _of Media and Persia._

_(Dan 8:21) "And the male goat is the kingdom of Greece. The large_ _horn_ _that is between its eyes is the first_ _king_ _._

_(Rev 17:12) "The_ _ten horns_ _which you saw are_ _ten kings_ _who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast._

Horns in the book of Daniel and Revelation represents kings. This future kingdom will be exceedingly strong and crush their conquered lands and enemies. The trampling of residue could represents a complete annihilation of the defeated army or genocide on the conquered lands. It will have 10 kings. Based on the the clues in Revelation, the final beast before the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, as mentioned in Revelation 17 is the final Caliphate. The final Caliphate will have 10 kings which is 8th and is of the 7th kingdom.

## Little Horn

_(Dan 7:8) "I was considering the horns, and there was_ _another horn_ _, a little one, coming up among them, before whom_ _three of the first horns were plucked out_ _by the roots. And there, in this horn, were eyes like the eyes of a man, and_ _a mouth speaking pompous words_ _._

The little horn mentioned here is the man of lawlessness or the antichrist. He will come as one of the 10 kings or rulers and before him 3 will be plucked out by the roots. He speaks pompous words and has a eyes of a man.

_(2Thess 2:3-4) Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and_ _the man of sin is revealed_ _, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God._

_(1John 2:18) Little children, it is the last hour; and as you have heard that the_ _Antichrist is coming_ _, even now many antichrists have come, by which we know that it is the last hour._

In the final Caliphate, of the 10 kings, 3 will be plucked out by roots before the antichrist and he will speak pompous words.

Judgment of God

_(Dan 7:9-12) "I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, Its wheels a burning fire; A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, And the books were opened. "I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. "As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away,_ _yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time_ _._

The above verse is a clear indication that the beasts will continue to live as sovereign countries but without dominion.

## Second Coming of Christ

_(Dan 7:13-14) "I was watching in the night visions, And behold, One like the_ _Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven!_ _He came to the Ancient of Days, And they brought Him near before Him. Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed._

The second coming of our Lord and savior is mentioned in various places in Scriptures.

_(Rev 19:11) Now I saw_ _heaven opened_ _, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war._

_(Mark 13:26) "Then they will see the_ _Son of Man coming in the clouds_ _with great power and glory._

_(1Thess 4:17) Then we who are alive and remain shall be c_ _aught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air_ _. And thus we shall always be with the Lord._

This is the time of the sounding of the seventh angel.

_(Rev 11:15) Then the_ _seventh angel_ _sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "_ _The kingdoms of this world_ _have_ _become_ _the kingdoms of our Lord and of His_ _Christ_ _, and He shall reign forever and ever!"_

Truth of the 4th Beast and the Little Horn

_(Dan 7:15-18) "I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. I came near to_ _one of those who stood by_ _, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and_ _made known to me the interpretation_ _of these things: Those great beasts, which are four, are four kings which arise out of the earth. But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.'_

Daniel, wanting to know the truth of the interpretation and asks one of those who stood by and he reveals that the four beasts are four kingdoms and the saints of the Most High will receive and posses the kingdom forever.

_(Dan 7:19-22) "Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, with its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet; and the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his fellows. I was watching; and the_ _same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them_ _, until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom._

Daniel then wished to know the truth of the fourth kingdom. Daniel watched the antichrist from the final Caliphate making war against the saints of the Most High and prevailing against them. The saints of the Most High God don't wage war. This is clearly not the message of Christ.

_(Eph 6:12-13) For we do_ _not wrestle against flesh and blood_ _, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand._

What it means is that, the saints of the Most High God will be persecuted and even the elect will be deceived. This is not the saints of God waging war with the antichrist as we read the truth of the vision.

_(Dan 7:23-24) "Thus he said: 'The fourth beast shall be A fourth kingdom on earth, Which shall be different from all other kingdoms, And_ _shall devour the whole earth, Trample it and break it in pieces_ _. The ten horns are ten kings Who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first ones, And shall subdue three kings. He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And_ _shall intend to change times and law_ _. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time._

The final beast will devour the whole earth while the remaining beast will co-exist, either as a vassal of a subdued and trampled nation.

**What does it mean to change times and law?**  
The law is the law of God, given to Israelites through His servant Moses. The intend to change times refers to disprove prophecies. A good example can be found in the below verse:

_(Dan 2:9) "if you do not make known the dream to me, there is only one decree for you! For you have agreed to speak lying and corrupt words before me_ _till the time has changed_ _. Therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can give me its interpretation."_

The spoke in the above verse, referring to the magicians, soothsayers who speak lies until the time has changed. Hence, the phrase intend to change times refers to changing the prophecies mentioned by God to His prophets.

_(Dan 7:26-28) 'But the court shall be seated, And they shall take away his dominion, To consume and destroy it forever. Then the kingdom and dominion, And the_ _greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven_ _, Shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,_ _And all dominions shall serve and obey Him_ _.' This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart."_

As we saw earlier, at the sound of the 7th trumpet, all nations, tribes and kingdoms will become His. This is referring to the Millennial Kingdom and not the New Heaven and New Earth because the old earth along with it's kingdoms are reserved for fire until the day of judgement. The judgment mentioned here in this chapter is not the final judgment but the judgment of the beast before His second coming as we say in  Revelation 19 - Marriage of the Lamb.

_(2Pet 3:7) But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are_ _reserved for fire until the day of judgment_ _and perdition of ungodly men._

The real question is, will we be part of His Kingdom?

_(Rev 21:27) But there shall_ _by no means enter it anything that defiles_ _, or_ _causes an abomination or a lie_ _, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life._

Let us therefore not defile ourselves with any uncleanness or abominations or lie but let us separate ourselves to live holy before God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

# Chapter 8 - Hanukkah

The eighth chapter of Daniel is the vision of desolations and rededication of the Temple which is celebrated by Jews until this day as Hanukkah.
Introduction

Source: Shushan Location (bible-history.com)

_(Dan 8:1-2) In the_ _third year of the reign of King Belshazzar_ _a vision appeared to me–to me, Daniel–after the one that appeared to me the first time. I saw in the vision, and it so happened while I was looking, that I was in_ _Shushan_ _, the citadel, which is in the_ _province of Elam_ _; and I saw in the vision that I was by the_ _River Ulai_ _._

Belshazzar was Coregent of Babylon, governing the country after his father, King Nabonidus, went into exile in 550 BC which is based on Wikipedia. This suggests clearly that the time when this vision appeared to Daniel is 552 BC.

## Dream & Interpretation

The below tabulation helps to compare and understand the vision and its interpretation.

The vision is about the latter time of indignation or anger. This is not referring to end times. Hence, we need to understand what indignation it is referring to. The indignation or latter time refers to the hellenization which is the historical spread of ancient Greek culture and, to a lesser extent, language, over foreign peoples conquered by Greece or brought into its sphere of influence, particularly during the period following the campaigns of Alexander the Great. This involves Greek customs that are sinful and contrary to the law given by God.

Antiochus IV Epiphanes (Source: wiki)

Antiochus IV Epiphanes who ruled the Seleucid Empire from 175–164 BC is identified as the little horn who stopped the daily sacrifices and caused the transgression of desolation by dedicating the temple to Zeus and trampled it underfoot.

## 2300 days of Desolation

(Dan 8:14) And he saith unto me, Till evening--morning two thousand and three hundred, then is the holy place declared right (YLT).

The Young's Literal Translation says, it is just evening-morning 2300. This means the 2 sacrifices done each day. Hence, the actual number if days is: 1150. If we read Maccabees, which is never read by Christians, we can understand it fulfills with great accuracy.

_(I Mac 1:54) Now the_ _fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and fifth year_ _, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of Juda on every side_

_(I Mac 4:52,53) Now on the_ _five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth year_ _, they rose up betimes in the morning, And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which they had made._

Based on the above verses from Maccabees, we infer the following:

  * **Abomination of desolation setup:** 15th day of the 9th month of the 145th year

  * **Morning-Evening sacrifices restored:** 25th day of the 9th month of the 148th year

Total time frame without daily sacrifices = 3 years and 10 days (or 1090 days). However, the prophecy says it is 1150 days. Now, the question is which one is true? The easiest way is to compare against itself because the prophecy must be true.

According to Maccabees, the daily sacrifices were stopped for 3 years and 10 days but according to prophecy, it is 1150 days. Hence, 3 years should be 1140 days, which gives 38 months in total for 3 years. However, 3 years have only 36 months on a 360-day/year calendar. Hence, some Bible scholars had suggested that it is possible for 2 months been added as intercalations months.

_(1 Mac 44;45) For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the land, And_ _forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the sabbaths and festival days_ _._

It may also be as simple as the daily sacrifice was stopped 2 months prior to the abomination of desolation being set up. Hence, with two possibilities, both undoubtedly supporting the fulfillment of the prophecy in this chapter.

Conclusion

_(Dan 8:26-27) "And the vision of the evenings and mornings Which_ _was told is true_ _; Therefore_ _seal up the vision_ _,_ _For it refers to many days in the future_ _." And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick for days; afterward I arose and went about the king's business. I was_ _astonished by the vision_ _, but no one understood it._

Finally, Daniel was told to seal up the vision since it refers to some 300 years after his time. While hanukkah is still celebrated world wide for the dedication of the Temple, who about your Temple which is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit?

# Chapter 9 - The 70 Weeks

‎The ninth chapter of Daniel is the prophecy of seventy weeks.
Introduction

_(Dan 9:1-3) In the_ _first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus_ _, of the lineage of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans– in the first year of his reign I, Daniel, understood by the books the number of the years specified by the word of the LORD through Jeremiah the prophet, that_ _He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem_ _. Then I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes._

The first year of king Darius 522 BC. The chapter is generally divided into Daniel's prayer and the response to his prayer by angel Gabriel. The response is of prophetic nature. However, it is important for us to understand for what this response is for. The important clue is why he began to pray to the Lord: that is, 70 years of desolations of Jerusalem was accomplished

## Prayer of Daniel

_(Dan 9:4-19) And I prayed to the LORD my God, and made confession, and said, "O Lord, great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him, and with those who keep His commandments, we have sinned and committed iniquity, we have done wickedly and rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and Your judgments. Neither have we heeded Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings and our princes, to our fathers and all the people of the land. O Lord, righteousness belongs to You, but to us shame of face, as it is this day–to the men of Judah, to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, those near and those far off in all the countries to which You have driven them, because of the unfaithfulness which they have committed against You. O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him. We have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets. Yes, all Israel has transgressed Your law, and has departed so as not to obey Your voice; therefore the curse and the oath written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against Him. And He has confirmed His words, which He spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing upon us a great disaster; for under the whole heaven such has never been done as what has been done to Jerusalem. As it is written in the Law of Moses, all this disaster has come upon us; yet we have not made our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand Your truth. Therefore the LORD has kept the disaster in mind, and brought it upon us; for the LORD our God is righteous in all the works which He does, though we have not obeyed His voice. And now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and made Yourself a name, as it is this day–we have sinned, we have done wickedly! O Lord, according to all Your righteousness,_ _I pray, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain_ _; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all those around us. Now therefore, our God, hear the prayer of Your servant, and his supplications, and for the Lord's sake_ _cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate._ _O my God, incline Your ear and hear; open Your eyes and see our desolations, and the city which is called by Your name; for we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous deeds, but because of Your great mercies. O Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act!_ _Do not delay for Your own sake, my God, for Your city and Your people are called by Your name._ _"_

Daniel begins confessing the sins of his people. He requests God to turn His anger and fury away from His city Jerusalem and let His face shine on His sanctuary which is desolate and not to delay. In summary, Daniel prays God to change the desolations of Jerusalem.

## Reply to Daniel's Prayer

_(Dan 9:20-24) Now while I was speaking, praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God, yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, reached me about the time of the evening offering. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, "O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you skill to understand. At the beginning of your supplications the command went out, and I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved; therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision:_ _Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy_ _._

What are the 70 weeks determined for?

  * To finish the transgression

  * To make an end of sins

  * To make reconciliation for iniquity

  * To bring everlasting righteousness.

  * To seal up vision and prophecy

  * To anoint the Most Holy

## Command to restore Jerusalem

It seems 3 kings had issued 4 times over a period of 94 years to restore Jerusalem. However, after closer look, that is not the case and one stands out as we see in the tabulation with Scripture references below.

Hence, the command to restore Jerusalem was fulfilled by Artaxerxes I in 445 BC and it was indeed restored during the days of Ezra and Nehemiah.

## The 70 weeks

Let us carefully understand what this 70 weeks is for. We need to remember, most of these are fulfilled in Christ to all who believe but some are not yet fulfilled in the world.

**To finish the transgression**

_(Heb 9:15) And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the_ _redemption of the transgressions_ _under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance._

Christ is the mediator of the new covenant for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant.

**To make an end of sins**

(1John 3:9) Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.

Being born of God is an end of sin, for those who are born of God cannot sin. This is because, we now have His seed remaining in us. If you believe you have His seen within you and yet sin, may be you are not born of God yet. Repent.

**To make reconciliation for iniquity**

_(2Cor 5:18-20) Now all things are of God, who has_ _reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ_ _, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God._

God reconciled us to Himself through Christ.

**To bring everlasting righteousness.**

_(Rom 3:21-22) But now the_ _righteousness of God_ _apart from the law_ _is revealed_ _, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God,_ _through faith in Jesus Christ_ _, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;_

Righteousness of God is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. We now have His righteousness in us through Christ.

**To seal up vision and prophecy**

_(Matt 13:11-15) He answered and said to them, "Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: '_ _Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive_ _; For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.'_

The visions and prophecies about the kingdom of Heaven were sealed through parables by which Christ spoke with the people.

**To anoint the Most Holy**

_(Lev 6:25) "Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, 'This is the law of the sin offering: In the place where the burnt offering is killed, the_ _sin offering_ _shall be killed before the LORD. It is_ _most holy_ _._

The sacrifice/sin offering is most holy according to the law. Jesus Christ is the sin offering who was sacrificed for our sins. He is the Most Holy.

_(Luke 4:18-21) "The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because_ _He has anointed Me_ _To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD." Then He closed the book, and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all who were in the synagogue were fixed on Him. And He began to say to them, "Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing."_

Christ who is the Most Holy was anointed by God to preach the good news.

## 69 Weeks

_(Dan 9:25-26a) Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until_ _Messiah the Prince_ _, There shall be_ _seven weeks and sixty-two weeks_ _; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times. And_ _after the sixty-two_ _weeks_ _Messiah shall be cut off_ _, but not for Himself;_

The 70 weeks were split into 7 weeks and 62 weeks (which is 69 weeks) and the final 1 week. We had determined earlier that the going forth of the command to build Jerusalem was by Artaxerxes I in 445 BC. Hence, after 7 weeks it is (445 BC + (7 x 7 x 360) / 365.25) ~397 BC and then 62 weeks later it is (445 BC + (69 x 7 x 360) / 365.25) = 31 AD (based on biblical 360 day/year count) - which is based on Sir Robert Anderson's The Coming Prince book.

Hence, after 69 weeks i.e., 31 AD, which is also the historically most agreed date for the crucifixion and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Messiah (who is Jesus Christ) was cut off (or killed, resurrected and ascended to Heaven to be seated at the right hand of God).

_(Dan 9:26) And_ _after_ _the sixty-two weeks_ _Messiah shall be cut off_ _, but not for Himself; And the_ _people of the prince_ _who is to come Shall_ _destroy the city and the sanctuary_ _. The_ _end of it_ _shall be with_ _a flood_ _, And_ _till the end of the war_ _desolations are determined._

After 69 Weeks

_(Dan 11:22) "With the force of a_ _flood_ _they shall_ _be swept away_ _from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant._

_(Nah 1:8) But with an overflowing_ _flood_ _He will make an_ _utter end of its place_ _, And darkness will pursue His enemies._

Here the flood represents the people being swept away, representing the scattering of Jews.

Source: 70 AD, Wikipedia

Here, we read 4 events happening after 62 weeks but before the final 1 week.

## 70th Week

_(Dan 9:27) Then he shall confirm_ _a covenant with many for one week_ _; But in the middle of the week He shall_ _bring an end to sacrifice and offering_ _. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate."_

The prince who is to come, is the man of sin, shall establish a covenant with many for 7 years. We also notice the sacrifice and drink-offering is taken away. The question is, how can it be taken away on 70th week when the city and sanctuary is destroyed? The answer is, it will be rebuilt.

Hence, the next important event we are to look for is rebuilding the Temple. This does not mean God acknowledges and accepts the old Covenant but this is simply a sign for us to watch.

# Chapter 10 - Jesus Christ visits Daniel

The tenth chapter of Daniel was about a message being revealed to Daniel regarding Persia and Greece.

## No Passover in Exile

_(Dan 10:1-3) In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia_ _a message was revealed_ _to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision. In those days I, Daniel, was mourning_ _three full weeks_ _. I ate no pleasant food, no meat or wine came into my mouth, nor did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled._

It is the 3rd year of king Cyrus of Persia, a message was revealed to Daniel which is true, but the appointed time was long. It is mentioned that Daniel understood the message and the vision.

_(Dan 10:4-6) Now on the_ _twenty-fourth day of the first month_ _, as I was by the side of the great river, that is, the Tigris, I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz! His body was like beryl, his face like the appearance of lightning, his eyes like torches of fire, his arms and feet like burnished bronze in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude._

The exact date is also mentioned here which is the 24th day of the 1st month. It is also mentioned that Daniel didn't eat any meat or wine for the past 21 days (or 3 weeks) which is from 2nd to 23rd day of the first month. One thing interesting to note is that, the 14th day of the first month is the Passover which requires to eat meat (or the Passover Lamb). Hence, the above verses prove Daniel (or any Jew) didn't celebrate the Passover in captivity.

It is possible Daniel grieved in his heart and didn't eat meat or drank wine to be merry because he was unable to celebrate the Passover. It was only during the period of Ezra when the Temple was built, the Passover was finally celebrated once again.

_Ezra 6:19 And the_ _descendants of the captivity kept the Passover_ _on the fourteenth day of the first month._

The passages also explain 7 descriptions of the man in the vision.

  1. Clothed in linen

  2. Girded with gold of Uphaz

  3. Body like beryl

  4. Face like appearance of lightning

  5. Eyes like torches of fire

  6. Arms and feet like burnished bronze in color

  7. His sound of his words like voice of a multitude.

The above descriptions closely resembles the descriptions of Jesus Christ mentioned by John in the book of Revelation.

Rev 1:13-16 and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band. His head and hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes like a flame of fire; His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters; He had in His right hand seven stars, out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His countenance was like the sun shining in its strength.

## Heavenly Warfare

_(Dan 10:7-14) And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision; but a great terror fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Therefore I was left alone when I saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me; for my vigor was turned to frailty in me, and I retained no strength. Yet I heard the sound of his words; and while I heard the sound of his words I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground. Suddenly, a hand touched me, which made me tremble on my knees and on the palms of my hands. And he said to me, "O Daniel, man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." While he was speaking this word to me, I stood trembling. Then he said to me, "_ _Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come._ _"._

The above passages are the narration of the event, which is the interaction between the man in the vision and Daniel. From the above passages, we understand Daniel is greatly beloved in the sight of God. We also understand the following passages.

  * The Lord heard Daniel's prayer on the first day itself.

  * The man came because of Daniel's words

  * The Prince of Persia withstood 21 days.

  * Michael is one of the chief princes

  * Michael came to help the man in the vision because he was left alone with kings of Persia.

  * The man came to make Daniel understand what will happen to Israelite people in latter days.

The above points mentioned by the man in the vision is one of the most puzzling information found in the Bible.

We find a similar war in heaven:

Rev 12:3,7-9 And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. .. And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Dan 10:21 "But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince.

Here the dragon which is represented as the Roman Empire and the devil, the old serpent who is the power behind it. Michael is the prince for the Israelite people an he is fighting for God's people in heaven with the accuser. Similar to the war mentioned in Revelation 12, Daniel also mentions an event in heavenly realms. Because the prince of Persia and Greece are not on the side of one of the chief prince, the archangel Michael, these princes of the kingdoms could be the fallen angels.

## Jesus Christ, the King of Israel

_(Dan 10:15-19) When he had spoken such words to me, I turned my face toward the ground and became speechless. And suddenly, one having the likeness of the sons of men_ _touched my lips_ _; then I opened my mouth and spoke, saying to him who stood before me, "My lord, because of the vision my sorrows have overwhelmed me, and I have retained no strength. "For how can this_ _servant of my lord_ _talk with you, my lord? As for me, no strength remains in me now, nor is any breath left in me." Then again, the one having the likeness of a man_ _touched me and strengthened me_ _. And he said, "O man greatly beloved, fear not! Peace be to you; be strong, yes, be strong!" So when he spoke to me I was strengthened, and said, "Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me."_

The one with the likeness of man touched Daniel to strengthen him so that he has the strength to listen. Daniel addressed the one with the likeness of man as his master by addressing him as 'my lord' and considers himself as his servant. The other places where Daniel addressed as 'my lord' is the king.

Lev 25:55 'For the children of Israel are servants to Me; they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Isa 41:8 "But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, The descendants of Abraham My friend.

God calls Israel as His servant. Is it possible that the one with the likeness of a man is Jesus Christ? The last verse of this chapter is incomplete and it is only complete after including the first verse of the next chapter. The next chapter is also a continuation of this chapter.

Dan 11:1 "Also in the first year of Darius the Mede, I, even I, stood up to confirm and strengthen him.)

Most translations translate as above giving a meaning that the one with the likeness of man stood up to confirm and strengthen Darius. However, if you read Septuagint which is translated into Greek 300 years before Christ, it gives an entirely different translation and the meaning drastically changes.

Dan 11:1 And I in the first year of Cyrus stood to strengthen and confirm [him].

The above verse refers to the one with the likeness of man in the first year of Cyrus (not Darius), stood up to strengthen and confirm him.

Now, what does the Bible say regarding Cyrus and who will strengthen him? What has to be confirmed regarding Cyrus?

_Isa 45:1 Thus saith the Lord God to my anointed_ _Cyrus_ _, whose right hand I have held, that nations might be obedient before him; and I will break through the strength of kings; I will open doors before him, and cities shall not be closed. ... (5) For I am the Lord God, and there is no other God beside me;_ _I strengthened thee_ _, and thou hast not known me. ... (13) I have raised him up in righteousness, And I will direct all his ways;_ _He shall build My city And let My exiles go free_ _, Not for price nor reward," Says the LORD of hosts._

It is Lord God who will strength Cyrus and confirm the promise to His people through Cyrus who will build His city and turn the captivity of His people. Hence, the one with the likeness of a man is Jesus Christ who is God Himself, the King of Israel.

The next obvious question we have is: If the one with the likeness of man is Jesus Christ, how can the fallen angels referred as the prince of Persia can withhold Christ and why should Michael come to His aid?

_Heb 2:5-9 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels. But one testified in a certain place, saying: "What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him?_ _You have made him a little lower than the angels_ _; You have crowned him with glory and honor, And set him over the works of Your hands. You have put all things in subjection under his feet." For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him._ _But now we do not yet see all things put under him._ _But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels,_ _for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor,_ _that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone._

Jesus was made a little lower than angels and for His suffering of death, God crowned Him with glory and honor and put all things in subjection under His feet. However, even now, we do not yet see all things put under Him as the author of Hebrews mentioned.

_Matt 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "_ _All authority_ _has been given to Me in heaven and on earth._

_1Cor 15:24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He_ _puts an end to all rule and all authority_ _and power._

Rev 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!"

Today, all authority is given to Christ but He hasn't yet put an end to all world authorities. He will do so when He comes a second time. As we see, the kingdoms of this would are still not under the authority of Christ. In Daniel's time, the kingdom of Persia or Greece wasn't under the authority of Christ nor was He glorified for He hasn't yet died on the cross and Michael the archangel had to come to help and uphold Christ. But today, because of Christ's death, He has authority over everything that is seen and unseen even death. All descriptions given in the Bible regarding the one with the likeness of man is Jesus Christ.

## Heavenly Warfare Again

_(Dan 10:20-21) Then he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? And now I must_ _return to fight_ _with the prince of Persia; and when I have gone forth, indeed the prince of Greece will come. "But I will tell you what is noted in the Scripture of Truth. (No one upholds me against these, except Michael your prince._

The one with the likeness of a man was left alone with the kings of Persia for 21 days and Michael came to help. Now he had to return to fight again. After he had gone, prince of Greece will come. No one except Michael, the prince of the people of Israel will uphold him.

_Eph 6:12 For_ _we do not wrestle_ _against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places._

_Col 2:15 Having_ _disarmed_ _principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it._

Paul in his letters mentioned 2 important points which helps us understand what is going on ion the last 2 verses of Daniel 10. Firstly, our fight is not with flesh and blood. Secondly, Christ disarmed principalities and powers, and had victory over them. However, in Daniel's time, they weren't disarmed because Christ wasn't crucified to have victory over them.

# Chapter 11 - Tale of Two Kings

The eleventh chapter of Daniel was about a tale of two kingdoms until the great tribulation. Because of more details in the prophecy, historical details are also required to compare. Since I am not a history expert, I had heavily relied upon Wikipedia to see historical records. Please keep in mind, not all will be recorded in history. When God wants to reveal certain things to His people, those information may not be relevant or important for others. As the famous saying goes, "History is written by the victors" and even historical records may not be reliable.

## Cyrus, not Darius the Mede

_Dan 11:1 "Also in the first year of_ _Cyrus_ _, I, even I, stood up to confirm and strengthen him.)_

As we saw in the earlier chapter, it was the first year of Cyrus (not Darius the Mede) who was strengthened and the promise to turn the captivity was confirmed by God. Septuagint records it as Cyrus and not Darius. Since Septuagint was written 300 years before Christ and most of the New Testament quotes from it, the king mentioned here must be Cyrus. It also doesn't make any sense when the vision in Daniel 10 was only during the 3rd year of Cyrus but the event mentioned as a past event in Daniel 11:1 which is actually a continuation of the previous chapter, is actually a future event 20 years later, if Darius was the king. However, if Cyrus was the king, then it perfectly makes sense because, he was strengthened in the first year as in Dan 11 and the vision happened 22 years later in Dan 10. Hence, undoubtedly, the king mentioned here is Cyrus and not Darius. We also saw that the one who had the likeness of man is Jesus Christ and He spoke all future events in Daniel's time with extreme details.

## Four Persian Kings

_Dan 11:2 "And now I will tell you the truth: Behold,_ _three more kings will arise_ _in Persia, and the_ _fourth shall be far richer_ _than them all; by his strength, through his_ _riches_ _, he shall_ _stir up all against the realm of Greece_ **.**

The three more kings who will arise in Persia are as follows:

  * Cambyses II (530 – 522 BC)

  * Bardiya (522 BC)

  * Darius I the Great (521 – 486 BC)

The fourth king is Xerxes I the Great (485 - 465 BC) is identified by scholars as the husband of Queen Esther and the richest king of Persia as per jewishencyclopedia.com. He is also mentioned in the book of Esther.

_Esth 1:1 NOW it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this was the Ahasuerus who reigned over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces, from India to Ethiopia), ... (4) when he showed_ _the riches of his glorious kingdom_ _and the splendor of his excellent majesty for many days, one hundred and eighty days in all._

It was during his time, the second invasion of Greece happened with the intention of conquering all of Greece.

## Alexander the Great

_Dan 11:3-4 "Then_ _a mighty king shall arise_ _, who shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. And when he has arisen, his kingdom shall be broken up and divided toward the four winds of heaven, but not among his posterity nor according to his dominion with which he ruled;_ _for his kingdom shall be uprooted_ _, even for others besides these._

After 135 years later, Alexander the Great from Greece who conquered all of Persia. After him, his kingdom was broken into 4 kingdoms among his generals.

  * Ptolemy I Soter (305 BC–30 BC), Ptolemaic Kingdom

  * Cassander (302 BC - 294 BC), Antipatrid Dynasty

  * Lysimachus (306 BC – 281 BC), Kingdom of Lysimachus

  * Seleucus I Nicator (312 BC – 63 BC), Seleucid Empire

The southern and northern is with respect to Israel. As we can see, the southern kingdom is Ptolemaic Kingdom and the northern kingdom is Seleucid Empire.

## Agreement and Murder

_Dan 11:5-8 "Also the_ _king of the South shall become strong_ _, as well as one of his princes; and he shall gain power over him and have dominion. His dominion shall be a great dominion. And at the end of some years they shall join forces, for the daughter of the king of the South shall go to the king of the North to make an agreement; but she shall not retain the power of her authority, and neither he nor his authority shall stand; but_ _she shall be given up_ _, with those who brought her, and with him who begot her, and with him who strengthened her in those times. But from a branch of her roots one shall arise in his place, who_ _shall come with an army_ _, enter the fortress of the king of the North, and deal with them and prevail. And he shall also carry their gods captive to Egypt, with their princes and their precious articles of silver and gold; and he shall_ _continue more years than the king of the North_ _._

You can read the following from Wikipedia of Berenice (Seleucid queen)

Berenice (275 BC–246 BC), also called Berenice Phernophorus was the daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus and his first wife Arsinoe I of Egypt. Around 252 BC, following the peace agreement of 253 BC between Antiochus and Ptolemy to end the Second Syrian War, she married the Seleucid monarch Antiochus II Theos, who divorced his wife Laodice I and transferred the succession to Berenice's children. In 246 BC, when Ptolemy died, Antiochus II took up again with his first wife, Laodice. Antiochus died shortly thereafter, many suspect from poisoning. Queen Berenice claimed the regency for her infant son Antiochus however, she and her son were both killed by Laodice. Berenice's brother, Ptolemy III Euergetes, succeeded their father and set about to avenge his sister's murder by invading Syria and having Laodice killed.

As the Scripture says, Ptolemy III Euergetes reigned 3 years longer from 246–222 BC while Seleucus II Callinicus (king of the North) reigned from 246 to 225 BC.

## Family Feud

Dan 11:9-10 "Also the king of the North shall come to the kingdom of the king of the South, but shall return to his own land. However his sons shall stir up strife, and assemble a multitude of great forces; and one shall certainly come and overwhelm and pass through; then he shall return to his fortress and stir up strife.

We can read from history of what happened in Wikipedia of Seleucus II Callinicus and the accurate fulfillment of the prophecy.

Ptolemy III, who was Berenice's brother and the ruler of Egypt, invaded the Seleucid Empire and marched victoriously to the Tigris or beyond. He received the submission of the Seleucid Empire's eastern provinces, while Egyptian fleets swept the coast of Asia Minor. Seleucus managed to maintain himself in the interior of Asia Minor. When Ptolemy returned to Egypt, Seleucus recovered Northern Syria and the nearer provinces of Iran. However, Antiochus Hierax, a younger brother of Seleucus, was set up as a rival in Asia Minor against Seleucus by a party to which Laodice herself adhered.

## Fourth Syrian War

Dan 11:11-12 "And the king of the South shall be moved with rage, and go out and fight with him, with the king of the North, who shall muster a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into the hand of his enemy. When he has taken away the multitude, his heart will be lifted up; and he will cast down tens of thousands, but he will not prevail.

The event described here is the Battle of Raphia fought on 22 June 217 BC, is part of Fourth Syrian War. You can read more on Wikipedia page on Battle of Raphia.

The Battle of Raphia, also known as the Battle of Gaza, was a battle fought on 22 June 217 BC near modern Rafah between the forces of Ptolemy IV Philopator, king and pharaoh of Ptolemaic Egypt and Antiochus III the Great of the Seleucid Empire during the Syrian Wars. It was one of the largest battles of the Hellenistic kingdoms and was one of the largest battles of the ancient world. The battle was waged to determine the sovereignty of Coele Syria.

## Fifth Syrian War

Dan 11:15 "For the king of the North will return and muster a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come at the end of some years with a great army and much equipment. Now in those times many shall rise up against the king of the South. Also, violent men of your people shall exalt themselves in fulfillment of the vision, but they shall fall. So the king of the North shall come and build a siege mound, and take a fortified city; and the forces of the South shall not withstand him. Even his choice troops shall have no strength to resist.

The event described here is the Battle of Panium fought around 200 BC, which is part of Fifth Syrian War. You can read more on Wikipedia page on Battle of Panium.

The Battle of Panium (also known as Paneion) was fought in 200 BC between Seleucid and Ptolemaic forces as part of the Syrian Wars. The Seleucids were led by Antiochus III the Great, while the Ptolemaic army was led by Scopas of Aetolia. The Seleucids won the battle. Details of this battle are not clear, but it is known today that a major factor in the Seleucid victory was that the Seleucid army used the cataphract in a decisive manner. The cataphracts attacked the Egyptian cavalry on the flanks and drove the enemy cavalry off, leaving the backs of the enemy infantry to the front of the line exposed. The Seleucid cataphracts then attacked their infantry in the rear, thus leading to an Egyptian rout. The specific equipment used by these relatively early cataphracts is not clearly known. Apparently Antiochus the Younger, the firstborn son of Antiochus III, was in command of the cavalry, leading the successful attack on the Egyptian flanks and rear.

## Israel in Seleucid's hands

Dan 11:16-20 "But he who comes against him shall do according to his own will, and no one shall stand against him. He shall stand in the Glorious Land with destruction in his power.He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do. And he shall give him the daughter of women to destroy it; but she shall not stand with him, or be for him. But a ruler shall bring the reproach against them to an end; and with the reproach removed, he shall turn back on him. Then he shall turn his face toward the fortress of his own land; but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found. "There shall arise in his place one who imposes taxes on the glorious kingdom; but within a few days he shall be destroyed, but not in anger or in battle.

At the end of Fifth Syrian war in 195 BC, Ptolemy V signed a conciliatory treaty with Antiochus in 195 BC, leaving the Seleucid king in possession of Coele-Syria and agreeing to marry Antiochus' daughter Cleopatra I. Israel is part of Coele-Syria region.

We do not know what that reproach was, nor does history records anything particular. However, Cleopatra I went on to become the sole ruler of Egypt before his son and even stopped an invasion against his brother in Seleucid Empire which her husband started.

It is also believed that Seleucus IV Philopator imposed taxes as we read in his Wikipedia page. However, history does not record any specifics on taxation.

## The Vile Person

Dan 11:21-24 "And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. With the force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time.

The following is the description of Antiochus IV Epiphanes in Wikipedia.

Antiochus IV Epiphanes was a member of the Hellenistic Greek Seleucid dynasty and was the son and potential successor of King Antiochus III, and as such he became a political hostage of the Roman Republic following the Peace of Apamea in 188 BC. His older brother Seleucus IV followed his father onto the throne in 187 BC, and Antiochus was exchanged for his nephew Demetrius I Soter (the son and heir of Seleucus). King Seleucus was assassinated by the usurper Heliodorus in 175 BC, but Antiochus in turn ousted him. Seleucus' legitimate heir Demetrius I Soter was still a hostage in Rome, so Antiochus seized the throne for himself with the help of King Eumenes II of Pergamum, proclaiming himself co-regent with another son of Seleucus, an infant named Antiochus (whom he then murdered a few years later).

## Sixth Syrian War

Dan 11:25-27 "He shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the South with a great army. And the king of the South shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand, for they shall devise plans against him. "Yes, those who eat of the portion of his delicacies shall destroy him; his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. "Both these kings' hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time.

As mentioned in Syrian Wars, the causes for this war is uncertain. We also read the following from Antiochus IV Epiphanes's Wikipedia page.

The guardians of King Ptolemy VI of Egypt demanded the return of Coele-Syria in 170 BC, but Antiochus launched a preemptive strike against Egypt, conquering all but Alexandria and capturing King Ptolemy. To avoid alarming Rome, Antiochus allowed Ptolemy VI to continue ruling as a puppet king. Upon Antiochus' withdrawal, the city of Alexandria chose a new king, one of Ptolemy's brothers, also named Ptolemy (VIII Euergetes). The Ptolemy brothers agreed to rule Egypt jointly instead of fighting a civil war. In 168 BC, Antiochus led a second attack on Egypt and also sent a fleet to capture Cyprus. Before reaching Alexandria, his path was blocked by a single old Roman ambassador named Gaius Popillius Laenas who delivered a message from the Roman Senate directing Antiochus to withdraw his armies from Egypt and Cyprus, or consider himself in a state of war with the Roman Republic. Antiochus said that he would discuss it with his council, whereupon the Roman envoy drew a line in the sand around Antiochus and said: "Before you cross this circle, I want you to give me a reply for the Roman Senate." This implied that Rome would declare war if the King stepped out of the circle without committing to leave Egypt immediately. Weighing his options, Antiochus decided to withdraw. Only then did Popillius agree to shake hands with him.

## Maccabean revolt

Dan 11:28-34 "While returning to his land with great riches, his heart shall be moved against the holy covenant; so he shall do damage and return to his own land. At the appointed time he shall return and go toward the south; but it shall not be like the former or the latter. For ships from Cyprus shall come against him; therefore he shall be grieved, and return in rage against the holy covenant, and do damage. So he shall return and show regard for those who forsake the holy covenant. And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits. And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue.

We read the following about Antiochus IV Epiphanes from his Wikipedia page.

According to the authors of the Books of Maccabees, while Antiochus was busy in Egypt, a rumor spread that he had been killed. In Judea, the deposed High Priest Jason gathered a force of 1,000 soldiers and made a surprise attack on the city of Jerusalem. Menelaus, the High Priest appointed by Antiochus, was forced to flee Jerusalem during a riot. King Antiochus returned from Egypt in 167 BC, enraged by his defeat; he attacked Jerusalem and restored Menelaus, then executed many Jews (2 Maccabees 5:11–14). Antiochus decided to side with the Hellenized Jews in order to consolidate his empire and to strengthen his hold over the region. He outlawed Jewish religious rites and traditions kept by observant Jews and ordered the worship of Zeus as the supreme god (2 Maccabees 6:1–12). This was anathema to the Jews and they refused, so Antiochus sent an army to enforce his decree. The city of jerusalem was destroyed (168 BC) because of the resistance, many were slaughtered, and Antiochus established a military Greek citadel called the Acra.

You can read more about Maccabean Revolt in Wikipedia. The result is the Jewish sovereignty, later developed into the Hasmonean dynasty. The Jewish festival of Hanukkah celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple following Judah Maccabee's victory over the Seleucids.

## Until the Time of the End

_Dan 11:35 "And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white,_ _until the time of the end_ _; because it is still for the_ _appointed time_ _._

This is a gap mentioned in the prophecy of Daniel where those of understanding shall fall. This is to refine them, purify them and make them white. This is a general persecution upon all of God's people until the end of time, so that only some of those who are with understanding will be refined, purified and be white while the rest will fall.

Prov 9:10b "... And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

In other words, some of the Christians who have sound knowledge of God will fall and depart from their faith. This is also mentioned by Paul in his letter to Timothy.

1Tim 4:1-3 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

## Antichrist

Dan 11:36-37 "Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all.

What Antichrist will do?

  * Exalt and magnify himself above every god

  * Speak blasphemies against the God of gods

  * Will prosper till the wrath has been accomplished

  * What has been determined shall be done

What Antichrist will not regard?

  * Will not regard the God of his fathers

  * Will not regard the desire of women (i.e., homosexual).

  * Will not regard any god, but exalt himself above them all

## A foreign god of fortress

Dan 11:38-39 But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain.

Antichrist will exalt himself above every god and honor a god of fortress which his fathers did not know. As we see in Revelation 7, Antichrist must come from the tribe of Dan.

He will go against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god. There seems to be a similarity of how Al-Qaeda, ISIS and all Islamic terrorist groups fight against United States of America, which is currently the strongest fortress in the world. He shall acknowledge and advance its glory. He shall cause them to rule over many, which is similar to a Caliphate ruling over several Muslim nations. He will also divide the land for gain. Which land? It's Israel. Antichrist will divide Israel for gain.

## Nation that persecutes Jews in End-Times

_Dan 11:40-45 "_ _At the time of the end_ _the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. He shall also_ _enter the Glorious Land,_ _and many countries shall be overthrown; but these_ _shall escape_ _from his hand:_ _Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon._ _He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the_ _land of Egypt shall not escape_ _. He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the_ _Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels_ _. But news from the east and the north shall trouble him; therefore he shall go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many._ _And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain_ _; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him._

The below map shows who will escape from the king of the North.

Source: American Bible Society

Israel, Egypt, Libyans, Ethiopians and many other countries will be overthrown. So far, we haven't seen this happening. The kings of the North and South are no more. Will these kingdoms be revived for the fulfillment of the prophecy? I believe they will. It is during this time the great tribulation will happen as we see in the very first verse of the next chapter.

Dan 12:1 "At that time Michael shall stand up, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble, Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is found written in the book.

Hence, we can be clear of the nation and it's borders that will persecute Jews during the time of the end. Let's see the borders of the kingdom of the North.

Source: Wikipedia

In today's map, the king of the North comprises of the following 7 nations or parts of some nations.

  * Iran (Persia)

  * Iraq (Babylon)

  * Syria (Assyria)

  * Egypt (Egypt)

  * Eastern Libya (Libya)

  * Northern Sudan (ancient land of Ethiopia)

  * Southern Turkey (Gog and Magog)

Let us therefore keep a watchful eye of recent events in middle-east so that we can discern times and seasons which God expects us to know.

# Chapter 12 - Time of the End

The twelfth and the final chapter of Daniel is about the end-times.

## Great Tribulation & Resurrection

_Dan 12:1-4 "At that time_ _Michael_ _shall_ _stand up_ _, The great prince who stands watch over the sons of your people; And there shall be_ _a time of trouble,_ _Such as never was since there was a nation, Even to that time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, Every one who is_ _found written in the book_ _. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to_ _everlasting life_ _, Some to_ _shame and everlasting contempt_ _. Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and_ _seal the book_ _until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and_ _knowledge shall increase_ _."_

The role of Michael the archangel in great tribulation is unclear and not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. However, there are faint references as restrainer which could be Michael the archangel. The term used for stand up is the Hebrew word amad, which actually means to "stand aside," "stand still," "desist," or "be inactive.".

2Thess 2:5-8 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And now you know what is restraining, that he may be revealed in his own time. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming.

Some believe the restrainer in the above verse is the Holy Spirit. However, the restrainer is not the Holy Spirit for several reasons. Holy Spirit is given to God's people and not to evil doers for doing any restraining for society as a whole and there is no reference in Scripture for it. However, Michael is already referred as prince of the people of Israel. Hence, when Michael, the restrainer stood up or taken out of the way, the lawless one will be revealed and then the great tribulation, where the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. Daniel also prophesied the first and second resurrection.

Today, we can see the increase in knowledge and people running to and fro, which clearly indicates this is the end times.

## A time, times & half-a-time...

_Dan 12:5-7 Then I, Daniel, looked; and there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank. And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "_ _How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?_ _" Then I heard the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for_ _a time, times, and half a time_ _; and when the power of the holy people has been completely shattered, all these things shall be finished._

Daniel saw two others in the vision and asked the man who is clothed in linen and was above the waters of the river (or identified as Jesus Christ), who long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be and he replied, a time, times and half a time. We see the same phrase and the same event in chapter 7 as well.

Dan 7:25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time.

Hence, the great tribulation will be for a time, times and half a time which is generally understood to be 3.5 years or 1260 days.

## Go your way

_Dan 12:8-13 Although I heard, I did not understand. Then I said, "_ _My lord, what shall be the end of these things?"_ _And he said, "_ _Go your way_ _, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, made white, and refined, but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand. And from the time that the_ _daily sacrifice is taken away_ _, and the_ _abomination of desolation is set up_ _, there shall be_ _one thousand two hundred and ninety days_ _. Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the_ _one thousand three hundred and thirty-five days_ _. But you, go your way till the end; for you shall rest, and will arise to your inheritance at the_ _end of the days_ _."_

Daniel wants to know the conclusion of all these things but he was responded with a blunt 'No' saying the words are sealed until the end of time. However, for John it was told that the words are not to be sealed for the time is at hand.

Rev 22:10-11 And he said to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still."

Daniel is told that he will arise to his inheritance at the end of days in resurrection. Will we raise to our inheritance at the end of days when Christ returns? Or, are we ready to wait until 1335 days going through Great Tribulation?

# Bibliography

  * All Scripture verses are quoted from New King James Version (NKJV).

  * All references quoted inline along with website link for easy access and the benefit of the reader. (Last accessed: 28-May-2016).

  * Cover Picture - Daniel in the Lions' Den, Henry Ossawa Tanner (United States, Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh, 1859-1937)

# Statement of Faith

Being a Protestant Christian, it is easy for me to simply say, I believe the Bible. But, there are lots of different interpretations of the Bible and several deceptions without sound doctrine which created thousands of denominations. Hence, I had put forward a Circle of Discernment to discern every interpretation from the Bible to avoid deceptions.

_Source: File:_ _Circle-of-Discernment.png -_ https://trumpet-call.org

Circle of Discernment is another way of saying, all interpretations must match God's spoken words, Christ's teachings, Scripture (Law, Psalms and Prophets) and the teachings of apostles and disciples in the authoritative order. If you cannot find the conclusion of your interpretation taught by Christ, or found in Scripture, or spoken by God in the authoritative order, then your interpretation is wrong. Similarly, if you interpret Scripture that does not agree with Christ, then your interpretation is wrong.

Christ did not gave anyone authority to change His canon of Scripture (Luke 24:44-45). He included only 28 books from the Christian Bible: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, I & II Samuel, I & II Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi and Psalms. Just like there are weightier matters of the law (Matt 23:23), Gospels and Revelation are the weightier books in the New Testament. We need to listen and obey Christ's teachings for which Father will require of all who reject His Words spoken through His Son (Deut 18:19). It is blasphemy to exalt and glorify a man's letter and make it equal with Christ's words.

# About the Author

Felix Immanuel is a born again Christian, trying to live a Christ-like life. He is a software professional who write blogs in trumpet-call.org focused on the spiritual growth of Christians. God had blessed him with his wife and two daughters. He currently live in Canberra, Australia.

