B. The use of the names for kingdom in the Hebrew and Greek notes a system of governance ruled by a king.

Transcription

1 Studies in Daniel The Kingdoms of This World: What Is A Kingdom Part 1 April 3, 2016 Dan. 4:1 37 INTRODUCTION Context is important to understanding anything in life. The cost of a product can be misunderstood when taken out of context. Quotes can be misconstrued when taken out of context. Scripture can be made flexible when taken out of context. This life, also, can be misunderstood when divorced from the context of God s plan and purposes. The book of Daniel provides context for what God is doing in the world. Unfortunately, there are many believers today who are operating in association with the world, apart from this context. According to the book of Daniel, and supported elsewhere in Scripture, we are living in the time of the Gentiles. God is allowing men to run the kingdoms of this world, for a time. An understanding of this truth should aid the believer in maintaining focus upon God s purpose for the Church in the midst of the working out of God s plan. Today, we ll consider the kingdoms of this world and in doing so will answer the question: What is a kingdom? I. KINGDOMS ARE SYSTEMS OF GOVERNANCE SPAWNED BY THE WORLD SYSTEM. A. With the advent of the world system, satan was allowed to formulate kingdoms to operate his system. Matt. 4:8 1. Scripture tells us these kingdoms belong to the world system. vs.8 2. Satan was able to put on a graphic demonstration of all the kingdoms that would ever exist. vs. 8 a) Shew is the word dieknusin which looks at the act of demonstrating something. cf. John 5:20 (used of the Father demonstrating things to the Son) b) The kingdoms are seen differently by Matthew and Luke. (1) Matthew looks at the kingdoms as belonging to the world system. Matt. 4:8 cf. Is.23:17; Jer. 25:26 (2) Luke looks at the kingdoms as spanning the inhabited world. Lk. 4:5; Is.37:20; Jer. 15:4; 24:9 c) Luke adds in his gospel that satan did this in a moment of time. (1) Moment is the word stigme is a brand mark burned into the skin. Help Word Studies Cf. Gal. 6:17 (2) Time is the Greek word chronos (sequence of order). Cf. Gal. 4:4 (of the ripe time for something to occur) 3. He tempted the Lord to act independent of the Father to take possession of the kingdoms. Cf. Lk. 4:5; Matt. 4:8 B. The use of the names for kingdom in the Hebrew and Greek notes a system of governance ruled by a king.

2 1. There are several words used to describe a kingdom. a) Mamlakah is the prominent Hebrew word used in Scripture for kingdom with the emphasis upon the reign of kingdom upon the earth. Cf. Gen. 10:10 (of Nimrod s kingdom) b) Maleku is an Aramaic used in Daniel from chapter 2 to the end of the 7th chapter for kingdom. Cf. Dan. 4:17 (of the most High ruling in the kingdoms of men) 2. The Greek word for kingdom is basileia. a) Basileia denotes the regal, rule from heaven, as opposed to the rule of men upon the earth. Cf. Matt. 3:2; John 18:36 b) Kingdoms in the Roman empire functioned differently than in the Old Testament. (1) The Roman empire was governed by a caesar. Cf.John 19:12 (2) Kings governed provinces. Cf. Lk. 3:1(tetrarch was a ruler over a fourth of a province); Matt. 2:1,22; Mk. 6:23; Acts 12:1,20 21 (Herod); Acts 25:26 (Agrippa) C. Kingdoms are different from nations. 1. The term nations and kingdoms are used together in many contexts in Scripture distinguishing the two. a) The two are seen distinctly opposing ones of the same kind in the Tribulation Period. Matt. 24:7 b) Nations and kingdoms distinguished in historical books. 1st Kings 18:10; 1st Chron. 16:20 c) Israel traveled through nations and kingdoms. Ps. 105:13 d) There will be one kingdom and many nations during the Millennial reign of Christ. Ps. 22:28 2. A nation is seen in Scripture as a sovereign country consisting of people of similar cultures and ethnic background who may or may not be governed by a king. a) Nations are seen in Scripture as deriving from the sons of Noah. cf. Gen. 10:20, 31,32 b) God divided the nations at Babel. Gen. 10:5; Acts 17:26 3. Kingdoms can be the governmental construct of a nation. a) Israel was divided into two nations that functioned with two kingdoms. Ez. 37:22 b) The nation of Greece functioned with Cf. Dan. 8:22; Ez. 37:22 D. The kingdoms of this world are characterized by the rule of unrighteous despotism. 1. It s rulers are kings who rule by fiat (decree).

3 a) Pharaoh made a decree that the male children of Israel be destroyed at birth. Cf. Ex. 1:16,22 b) Nebuchadnezzar made a decree that all men worship him. Dan. 3: c) Herod made a decree that all children under the age of two years old be slain. Matt. 2:16 d) Ceasar decreed that all be taxed. Lk. 2:1 2. Kings in the kingdoms of the world take advantage of the people under their rule as Israel was warned when they desired a king. Cf. 1st Sam. 8:20 ( they wanted a king like the gentiles had); vs (God warned them of what a king would do to them) 3. Kings rule as monarch (sole ruler) as evidence by the use of singular pronouns. a) Abimelech, king of Gerar referred to the kingdom he was ruling as his kingdom. Gen. 20:9 b) Nebuchadnezzar referred to the Babylonian empire as his kingdom. Dan. 4:18, 36 c) King Ahasuerus was seen as possessing a kingdom. Cf. Est. 3:8 4. Kings of the kingdoms of the world rule according to their own whelms as illustrated in Scripture. a) The wrath of a king will normally lead to the death of those who raise it. Prov. 16:14; 20:2 b) Kings are beyond questioning. Ecc. 8:4 II. DOMINIONS ARE SEEN IN SCRIPTURE AS THE EXERCISE OF VAST AUTHORITY BY A KINGDOM. A. Sholtan is a word that is used in the book of Daniel to denote the expansion of a kingdom beyond its borders to other nations. 1. The verb form of Sholtan is shalat is used in the Old Testament of the exercising of authority over a thing. Cf. Ps. 119: The Greek word used to translate dominion is kurios to exercise lordship. Cf. Rom. 6:9 B. The noun form of the word sholtan is used to describe expanded authority of a kingdom. 1. Sholtan is used in Scripture to describe the extent of Nebuchadnezzar s reach. Dan. 4:22 2. Sholtan is used in Scripture to describe the extent of the man of lawlessness rule in the future. Dan. 11:3 III. GOD HAS ALLOWED THE KINGDOMS OF THIS WORLD TO BE UNDER SATANIC CONTROL UNTIL AN APPOINTED PERIOD. A. Scripture states that God is in ultimate control of all the kingdoms of the earth.

4 1. Hezekiah proclaimed that the Lord God of Israel was God of all kingdoms of the earth. 2 Kings 19:15 2. Nehemiah noted God s bringing the kingdoms of the gentiles under Israel s subjugation. Ne. 9:22 3. Cyrus, king of Persia attributed his acquisition of the kingdoms of the earth to the Lord God of heaven. 2 Chron. 36:23 B. Satan has been allowed to rule the kingdoms under God s authority for a period in God s decree. Lk. 4:5 Is. 14:16 19 CONCLUSION

5 Studies in Daniel The Kingdoms of This World: The Extent of Satan s Kingdom Part 2 April 10, 2016 Dan. 4:1 37 INTRODUCTION Disney boast of the fact that under its theme parks exist a mass of maze of tunnels and operations that span the length of its parks. It is said that the The underground city houses the everyday utilities to run Disney world as well as check cashing service, hair salon, cafeterias, rehearsal rooms and offices that keep Disney functioning all out of sight of the everyday tourist. Satan s operation of the world is similar in function. His minons operate behind the scenes in running the world system. They are so effective at it that the people of the world are incapable of factoring in their role in world events. I. THE BOOK OF DANIEL PROVES THE POINT THAT GOD IS IN SOVEREIGN CONTROL OVER THE KINGDOMS OF THE EARTH. A. The phrase the most high God is used throughout the book of Daniel. 1. The Hebrew translation is Elyon which notes an elevation, high, lofty, supreme. KJV lexicon Gen. 14:18,19 2. The Aramaic translation is illi or supreme. Cf. Dan. 4:32,34; 5:18,21; 7:27 3. The phrase is used four times in the New Testament Greek is hoopsistos the highest. Acts 7:48; 16:17 B. He ruleth in the kingdom of men. 1. Ruleth is the Aramaic word shallit which notes divine control to have mastery over. Cf. Dan. 4:17, 25, 26; 5:21 2. The Hebrew word mashal notes that Jehovah s power allows him to rule over the affairs of men. Ps. 66:7; Ps. 103:19 C. He giveth it to whosover He desires. Dan. 4:17, 25, The word giveth is the Aramaic word qum to appoint over. Strong s lexicon Dan. 5:18 2. The Hebrew word is nethan to bestow, give, provides. 3. God gave men authority to rule throughout Scripture. a) He gave the land of Canaan to the children of Israel. Gen. 17:8; Deu. 34:4; Lev. 20:24 b) He gave the Philistines into the hand of David. 1st Sam. 17:44 46 c) He gave Nebuchadnezzar his authority. Dan. 5:18; cf. Jer. 20:4; 32:28 (Israel); Ez. 29:19 (Egypt) II. SCRIPTURE TEACHES THAT SATAN HAS A KINGDOM. Lk. 11:18

6 A. The Lord was accused of casting out demons by Beelzebub. Vs. 17 B. In pointing out the fallacy of satan casting out his own demons, the Lord verified satan having a kingdom. Vs The anarthorous use of basaleia with pasa notes every quality of kingdom. Cf. Matt. 12:25 2. The passive use of divided against (diamerizo) 3. Brought to desolation is the word for wilderness will make itself deserted. C. The Lord uses a first class condition to assure the dismantling of satan s kingdom. Lk. 11:18 1. If (since) satan s kingdom is divided to be divided into opposing parts, to be at variance, in dissension Joseph Thayer lexicon 2. His kingdom a) The use of the possessive pronoun autou notes a personal possession of a kingdom belonging to him. b) The articular use of baselia is used to particularize satan s kingdom. D. Scripture describe the products of satan s kingdom. 1. Satan is identified in Scripture as being the prince. a) A prince is one who rules over a particular entity. (1) The Hebrew word for prince is sar and notes a head person (of any rank or class). Strong s lexicon (a) The anarthorus use of sar is used to note specific spirit beings who are manipulating kingdoms from behind the scenes. (i) The angel Gabriel was delayed in reaching Daniel because of the prince over the dominion of Persia. Dan. 10:13 (ii) The angel Gabriel also describe a prince heading up the kingdom of Yavan (Greece). Dan. 10:20 (2) The Greek word for prince is archon. (a) The word is used to note one who rules.. (i) Used of Nicodemous who was a ruler over the Jews. John 3:1 (ii) Used of Jairus who was a ruler over the synagogue. Lk. 8:41 (b) The articular use of the word notes that satan is the chief ruler over the world. Cf. John 12:31,16:11

7 b) Satan is seen as being the prince of this world. John 16:11 c) Satan is seen in Scripture as being the prince over the authority of the air. Eph. 2:2 (1) Prince is ton archonta is used to note that satan is ruler in a different realm. Cf. Acts 23:5 (word is used of the chief priest of Israel) (2) The use of the article before prince notes his supreme position; places where the word is used without the article notes underlings spirit beings. (3) The power is tes exousias better translated the authority the one possessing the right to rule. Cf. Col. 1:13 (classified as the darkness) (4) The air is a phrase that pertains to the 1st heaven. (a) The word air is aer in the Greek and is used to denote the lower and denser air as distinguished from the higher and rarer air Joseph Thayer lexicon (b) The phrase the air is used in Scripture of the sky. Cf. Rev. 16:17 (of an angel pouring a vial into the air) 2. Satan is identified in Scripture as having a throne. Is. 14:13; Rev. 2:13 a) The Hebrew word for throne is kisse which notes the royal seat of a ruler from which he operates his kingdom. Cf. Matt. 35:31; Zec. 6:13 b) Thronos is the Greek translation for throne and it notes the seat from which a king operates. Cf. Rev. 13:2; 2:13 3. Satan is seen in Scripture as acting as a ruler. a) He has been given the right to rule. Lk. 4:7 (1) Power is exousia the right to rule which one acquires. Cf. Matt. 21:23 (religious rulers inquired of the Lord as to the authority He had to do the things He was doing) (a) The Lord gave His disciples authority over spirit beings. Lk. 10:19 (b) The apostle Paul was given authority for the benefit of the church. 2 Co. 13:10 (2) Given is paradidomi is the handing over of someone or something by someone; to entrust; to commit to; to betray. Cf. Matt. 11:27 (of the Father giving the Son things) (a) The Luke 4 passage is a verb (per. m/p indic.) which denotes that satan was given something with the abiding result that he maintains it.

8 (b) He possesses the right to give the authority to whomever he desires. Lk. 4:7; Rev. 13:2

9 Studies in Daniel The Kingdoms of This World: The Extent of Satan s Kingdom II Part 3 April 17, 2016 Ez. 28:1 14 INTRODUCTION I. THE ORIGIN OF SATAN S GOVERNMENTAL EXPERIENCE. A. Satan s original role was over the government of God. Ez. 28:14 1. Satan is an anointed cherub. a) Anointed is mimshach one of expansion. (hapox) b) Cherub is the highest form of spirit being that God created. Cf. Ez. 28:15; 1:5; Ps. 99:1 2. The term holy mountain is used in Scripture of the government of God. a) Mountain is the Hebrew word har which is used of an organized system of governance. Cf. Is. 65:25 (characterized in the future by the absence of carnivorous animals); Joel 2:1 b) Holy is the word kadeshi is used to indicate that which is dedicated to God. cf. Ex. 3:5 (of ground); Ex. 26:33 (of the holy of holies) c) God s government will be set up on earth in the future. Is. 11:9; Zech. 8:3 B. Satan maintained his heavenly rule. 1. Seen in Michael s inability to rebuke him, but later able to dispose him. Jude 9; Rev. 12:7 a) As an arch angel, Michael has inferior authority to satan. b) Rebuke is epitimao which means to censure; to tax with fault. Joseph Thayer 2. Seen in his shaking of the kingdoms. Cf. Is. 14:16 (The word shake is in the hifphil which in Hebrew notes to cause to something to be moved by violent agitation; used specifically of fear being the cause. Cf. Ez. 31:16 (of Pharaoh being cast down to hell)) 3. Seen in his orchestration of world events. Rev. 12:3 a) Seven heads of the dragon signifies his control over. Cf. Rev. 12:3; 17:9 b) Ten horns are consistent with the authority over the ten kingdoms given the fourth beast of Daniel s dream which is the last gentile kingdom. Dan. 7:7, 20,24; Rev. 13:1;17:7,12,16

10 II. SATAN IS AIDED IN HIS RULE OF THE WORLD BY FALLEN ANGELS. A. Fallen angels are described as hosts in Scripture. 1. Hosts is the Hebrew word tsaba which is used in Scripture of an organized army. Cf. Num. 1:52;33:1 2. The term is equated with angels in Scripture. Ps. 148:2; 1st Sam. 15:2; Is. 31:4 B. Fallen angels are described in Scripture as watchers. Dan. 4:13,17,23 1. Ayar is the word used for watcher. a) The word originated as a place of walking, guarded (city). Cf. Gen. 4:17; 10:11; Lev. 25:29(walled city); Num. 20:16 (bordered city) In its primary use it may have applied to any place of look out, especially such as was fortified; to any place in which shepherds defended themselves and their flocks in the wilderness from wild beast, robbers, etc. Wilson s Old Testament Word Studies b) The word qaddiysh is used to distinguish good from bad. Cf. Dan. 9:24 2. Ayar is used in Daniel chapter 4 of spirit beings used by God to conduct earthly judgement. Dan. 4:13,23 C. Prince (sar) is used of those beings behind certain kingdoms. 1. Scripture revealed at that time that a spirit being ruled over the kingdom of Persia.Dan. 10:13 2. Scripture revealed at that time that a spirit being ruled over Greece. Dan. 10:20 D. Fallen angels are seen as sons of God. Job 38:7; Gen. 6:2,4; Job 1:7; 2:1 E. Paul describes three classes of spirit beings aligned with satan in his kingdom. Eph. 6:12 1. The principalities is the articular use of archon those who rule. a) It is translated in the New Testament principalities. Col. 2:15 b) These beings are not visible to the naked eye. Col. 1:16 c) Their wisdom for operation runs contrary to God s. 1st Co. 2:6,8 2. The powers is the articular use of exousia the ones who have been given the right to rule. Cf. Col. 1:16; 2:15; 3:10; Rom. 8: World rulers is a compound word of: a) World komos is an organized system that is aligned against God; complete with its shadow rulers and alternate objectives. Cf. John 12:31; 16:11; 1st Co. 1:20 b) Rulers is the word krator that which gasps; to hold fast; lay hold upon. Cf. Rev. 20:2 (of angel taking hold of satan); Matt.

11 26:4 (of Jesus being taken); Rev. 1:8; 4:8 (used with the word pas (all) of God having all power). F. Satan s manipulation of the kingdoms seen in Scripture. 1. Seen in the king Ahab. 2 Chron. 18:1 34 a) The earthly event: Ahab desires to go to battle with Jehoshaphat. Vs. 1 3 b) He consults his lying prophets influenced by a demon. Vs. 4 11; c) He rejects the counsel of God which leads to his demise. vs Seen in the king of Tyre. Ez. 28:1 III. SATAN S KINGDOM WILL BE PUT DOWN. 1st Co. 15:24 A. God will put down this authority when His Son takes control of the kingdoms of the earth. vs The Son will put an end to three areas that satan currently has control over. vs.24 a) Rule the word archee which note ones governing b) Authority is the word exousia, which is the right to rule c) Power is the word for ability, which is utilized in running the kingdoms of the earth. 2. The Son will turn the kingdom back over to the Father at the conclusion of His kingdom. 1st Co. 15:25 28 CONCLUSION B. The Son will put down all rule, authority and power at His coming at the end of the Tribulation Period. 1. The world will be aligned in war. Dan. 11: A chief king will be the predominant figure upon the earth. Dan.7:8 3. The earthly kingdoms will be cast down. Dan. 7:9. 4. The Son will set up His kingdom. Dan. 7:10 13; Rev. 11:15