Daniel 11:36. Daniel 11:36a-The Prophecy of the Absolute Power of the Antichrist During During the Last Three and a Half Years of the Seventieth Week

Transcription

1 Daniel 11:36 Daniel 11:36a-The Prophecy of the Absolute Power of the Antichrist During During the Last Three and a Half Years of the Seventieth Week Daniel 11:36 Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done. (NASB95) (ו ) Then the king will do as he pleases is composed of the conjunction wa (waw), then which is followed by the third person masculine singular qal active perfect form of the verb ʿā śā(h) (ע ש ה) (aw-saw ), will do and then we have the preposition k- (ך ) (kee), as and its object is the masculine singular construct form of the noun rā ṣôn צ ון) (ר (raw-tsone ), pleases and this is followed by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû ( ה ו) (who), he and then we have the articular masculine singular form of the noun mě lěḵ (מ ל ך) (meh-lek), the king. wa The conjunction wa is functioning as a marker of a sequence of events. This means that it is introducing a statement that marks the next prophetic event that will take place after the prophetic events recorded in Daniel 11:35. mě lěḵ The articular noun mě lěḵ means the king and is used with reference to the governmental head of the final stage of the Roman Empire during the seventieth week. This is indicated by the prophetic statements in Daniel 11:36-12:3 which correspond to the prophecies in our Lord s Olivet Discourse and in the book of Revelation regarding the Antichrist. The articular construction of this noun emphasizes the uniqueness of this king whose character and actions are described in Daniel 11: The description of this king does not correspond to any king in history but does correspond to the description of the Antichrist in Daniel 7, Matthew and Revelation 13. ʿā śā(h) The verb ʿā śā(h) means to do in the sense of performing an action indicating that this king will do as he pleases William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 1

2 The qal stem is stative expressing a state indicating that this king will exist in the state of doing as he pleases. The perfect conjugation of this verb is a future perfect expressing a future state resulting from actions that will have been completed by that time. Here it is expressing the future state of this king doing as he pleases as a result of his actions that will be completed by that time. ḵi r e ṣōnʹ The noun rā ṣôn means will, wish referring to a strong desire which implies choice. Here it denotes that this unique king will do as he pleases or desires. The noun rā ṣôn is modified by the third person masculine singular pronominal suffix hû, which means his referring to this unique king. It is functioning as a possessive personal pronoun. The noun rā ṣôn is also the object of the preposition k-, which is functioning as a marker of correspondence indicating that this unique king will do as or according to his desire. Translation of Daniel 11:36a Daniel 11:36a Then, a unique king will do according to his desire. Exposition of Daniel 11:36a The elect angel continues to communicate to Daniel this prophetic revelation from God regarding His prophetic program for Israel during the Times of the Gentiles. Here in verse 36, the angel s first prophetic statement is that a unique king will do according to his desire. This language was used to describe Alexander the Great in Daniel 11:3 and Antiochus Epiphanes IV in Daniel 11:16. In each instance, it refers to the absolute political and military power of these two individuals. Here in Daniel 11:36, this first prophetic statement speaks of the absolute political and military power of this unique king. The character and actions of this king described in Daniel 11:36-45 do not correspond to any king in history but rather corresponds to the descriptions of the character and actions of Antichrist during the seventieth week which are recorded in Daniel 7, Matthew 24-25, 2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 13. In other words, the description of the character and actions of this king in Daniel 11:36-45 correspond to the prophecies of the Antichrist in Daniel 7, Matthew 24-25, 2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 13. In 417 A.D. Jerome commenting on Daniel 11:36-45 writes that The Jews believed that this passage has reference to the Antichrist alleging that after the small help of Julian a king is going to rise up who shall do according to 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 2

3 his will and shall lift himself up against all that is called god, and shall speak arrogant words against the God of gods. 1 The king in Daniel 11:36 does not refer to Antiochus Epiphanes IV. Those who believe that this king in Daniel 11:36 is a reference to Antiochus Epiphanes IV in the second century B.C. argue that by stopping the sacrifices and offering a pagan sacrifice Antiochus fulfilled the prophecy in Daniel 11:36 that this king will magnify himself above every god and speak monstrous things against the god of gods. Some argue that when Antiochus gave himself the title God Manifest he fulfilled this prophecy in Daniel 11:36. However, Antiochus did not set up an image of himself to be worshipped or demand the world worship him as will be the case with Antichrist according to Revelation 13. Antiochus simply set up an image of Zeus. The prophecy in Daniel 11:37 that he will show no regard for the gods of his fathers was not fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes IV since his policy was to compel the Jews to worship the god of his fathers or be executed. The prophecy in Daniel 11:38 that he will honor a god of fortresses, a god whom his fathers did not know was not fulfilled by Antiochus since he was devoted to the god of his country Zeus who was the god of his fathers. Furthermore, the king mentioned in Daniel 11:36 is clearly distinguished from the king of the north who is mentioned in Daniel 11:40 and we know from history that Antiochus Epiphanes IV in Daniel 11:21-35 is the despicable king of the north. Let s first take a look at Daniel 7. Daniel 7:7-8 mentions the Antichrist, identifying him as the little horn. Daniel 7:23-25 interprets Daniel 7:7-8. Daniel 7:1 During Belshazzar s, Babylon s king, first year, Daniel saw a dream specifically visions in his mind on his bed. Then, he wrote down the dream. He declares the beginning of the account. 2 Daniel began to speak and said, I was in a trance like state, staring because of my vision during the night as behold the heaven s four winds were blowing violently against the great sea. 3 Then, four great beasts, one different from the other, came up out from the sea. (Author s translation) After seeing in his vision, the four winds of heaven blowing violently against the great, Daniel saw four great beasts, which were different from each other, coming up out from the sea. These four beasts in Daniel chapter seven correspond to the enormous gold statue of a man in Nebuchadnezzar s vision recorded in Daniel chapter two. Daniel 7:17 tells us that these four great beasts are kings. The ancient Orientals regarded kings and kingdoms synonymously. 1 Jerome's Commentary on Daniel. Translated by Gleason L. Archer, Jr. Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Book House, Page William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 3

4 In Scripture, heathen nations are often depicted by wild beasts in order to express the animal like character of these nations which are unregenerate and deceived by sin and Satan. Here in Daniel chapter seven the Holy Spirit is depicting the unregenerate heathen nations as wild animals in order to convey to the reader God s viewpoint of these nations. These four beasts in Daniel chapter seven correspond exactly to the four metals in the image of Nebuchadnezzar s vision in Daniel chapter two. Like the prophecy in Daniel chapter two, the prophecy that appears in Daniel chapter seven also deals with the Times of the Gentiles from God s perspective. Daniel 7:4 The first beast was like a lion with eagle s wings attached to it. I was in a trance like state staring when its wings were torn off. Then it was lifted up from the ground for the purpose of it standing on two feet like a human being. A human mind was also given to it. (Author s translation) The first beast symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar s Babylon since it corresponds to the head of gold in Nebuchadnezzar s dream in Daniel chapter two, which Daniel identified as being Nebuchadnezzar s Babylon (See Daniel 2:37-38). Further confirmation comes from history itself since both the lion and the eagle were both national symbols of Babylon (See Jeremiah 4:7, 13; Ezekiel 17:3). Nebuchadnezzar is elsewhere compared to both the lion (Je. 4:7; cf. 49:19; 50:44) and the eagle (Ezk. 17:3, 11 12). Cf. v 4 with 4: Just as gold is the most precious metal on earth so the lion is the king of the wild beasts of the earth. The fact that this first beast was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man and was given a human mind indicates that this refers to the conversion of Nebuchadnezzar after being humbled by God and in particular its speak of him after being disciplined by God for seven years and being restored to power by God (Daniel 4). Though the king became a believer as a result of God miraculously delivering Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from his power, Nebuchadnezzar was still thinking arrogantly and conducting himself as an unregenerate person in rebellion against God. The discipline broke this arrogant mentality and sinful behavior in rebelling against God. That this description of the first beast in Daniel 7:4 as standing on two feet like a human being and being given a human mind is a reference to Nebuchadnezzar thinking and acting in accordance with the will of God as a believer. This is indicated by the fact that of all four beasts, the first beast was distinguished as having its beast-like character transformed into a human being. Remember, the four beasts all describe the empires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome as beasts in order to convey God s viewpoint of these nations. In Scripture, heathen nations are often depicted by wild beasts in order to express the animal like character of these nations which are unregenerate and deceived by sin and Satan. Here in Daniel chapter seven the Holy Spirit is depicting the unregenerate heathen 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 4

5 nations as wild animals in order to convey to the reader God s viewpoint of these nations. Therefore, the fact that these four empires are described as beasts emphasizing their unregenerate character and the first beast was transformed from a wild beast to a human being would indicate that Nebuchadnezzar was not only saved but he was obedient to God and no longer in rebellion against him after being disciplined for seven years. The description of the first beast as being transformed from a wild beast to a human being here in Daniel 7:4 indicates that Nebuchadnezzar after the discipline was loving his neighbor as himself after this discipline in contrast to the kings of these heathen empires which followed Babylon. The tearing off the wings of the first beast would be a reference to the end of the discipline administered to him by God as a believer since the eagle s wings correspond to the description of Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4:33 when he was disciplined by God for seven years. If you recall, Daniel 4:32 tells the reader that Nebuchadnezzar was driven away from mankind so that his dwelling place was among the beasts of the field. He even ate grass like cattle for seven years until he acknowledged that God was sovereign over him. Daniel 4:33 records that Nebuchadnezzar was driven away from mankind and even habitually ate grass like cattle. Furthermore, he was continually drenched with the dew from heaven until his hair became extremely long like eagle s feathers likewise his nails like a bird s claws. This description in Daniel 4:33 would indicate that the eagle s wings on the first beast speak of Nebuchadnezzar being disciplined and the tearing off the wings would indicate the end of that discipline after seven years. Daniel 7:5 Next, another beast, a second one, resembling a bear with it raised up to one side with three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. Then, they issued orders to it, Arise, devour much flesh! (Author s translation) The bear symbolizes Medo-Persia since she conquered Babylon according to Daniel chapter five and human history. It corresponds to the silver arms chest of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar s dream in Daniel chapter two. In Daniel 2:39, Daniel informed Nebuchadnezzar that after his kingdom there will arise another kingdom which will be inferior to his kingdom. Since Daniel told the king at the end of Daniel 2:38 that he was the head of gold of the statue in his dream, this second kingdom is represented by the silver arms and chest of the statue. History records that this part of the statue represented the Medo-Persian Empire. It was inferior since it lacked the inner unity of Babylon because the Medes and the Persians, though united, never fused into one people. Daniel chapter five and human history record Medo-Persia conquered Babylon and absorbed this nation into its empire and replaced Babylon as a world-wide empire. In Daniel chapter five, the God of Israel sent a message to Belshazzar through Daniel that his empire was being handed over to the Medes and Persians. This took place that very night William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 5

6 The fact that the bear was raised up on one side refers to the one-side merging of the Median and Persian empires in that over time Persia became more dominant over Media (Daniel 10:13). The three ribs in the mouth of the bear represent the kingdoms of Egypt, Assyria and Babylon, which had preceded the empire, represented by the bear and were conquered by Medo-Persian Empire. Like a bear, the Medo-Persian army was powerful and fierce (Isaiah 13:15-18). The commands to arise, devour much flesh indicates that the Medo-Persian empire was under the sovereign authority of God. It implies that God has sovereignly ordained the Medo-Persian Empire continue its conquests over the nations of the earth. These commands portray the Medo-Persian Empire conquering many nations and peoples to extend its domain. Those commanding the bear must refer to the Trinity since the interpretation of the vision indicates that the God of Israel is sovereign over the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome, which are depicted as a lion, bear, leopard and a non-descript beast respectively. Daniel 7:6 After this, I was staring in a trance like state as behold, another one, was like a leopard with it having four bird s wings on its back. Also, the beast had four heads. Indeed, governmental dominion was given to it. (Author s translation) The leopard represents Greece since it corresponds to the bronze belly and thighs of Nebuchadnezzar s image in Daniel chapter two and was noted for its speed and cunning in attacking its prey, which characterized Alexander the Great s conquests that were without precedent in the ancient world. The four wings on this leopard emphasizes a speed beyond its capacity, which characterized Alexander the Great s lightening fast conquest of the civilized world from Macedonia to Africa and eastward to India. The four heads depict the four-fold division of Alexander s empire after his death between four of his generals (Daniel 8:8, 22). The fact that governmental dominion was given to this kingdom indicates that it did not achieve its conquests by ordinary means but that it achieved its rapid success because of the God of Israel. This would indicate that Alexander was truly a man of destiny and that God gave him is rapid success so that the world was at his feet by the age of 32. Daniel 7:7 After this, I was continuing to stare in a trance like state because of these night visions as behold, a fourth beast, intimidating, yes even terrifying as well as extremely powerful, possessing two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured as well as crushed. Specifically, it violently crushed the rest with its feet. Indeed, it was characterized as different from all the beasts which were before it in the sense of possessing ten horns. (Author s translation) 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 6

7 The fourth beast if you notice is not likened to some known animal but rather is non-descript and distinct from the previous three beasts. Daniel describes this fourth beast as intimidating, even terrifying as well as extremely powerful, possessing two large rows of iron teeth. It devoured and crushed. Specifically, it violently crushed the other three beasts. In fact, Daniel says that it was characterized as different from the other three beasts which appeared before it in the sense it possessed ten horns. This fourth beast represents the Roman Empire since it corresponds to the legs of iron in the image that appeared in Nebuchadnezzar s dream in Daniel chapter two, which we noted represented the Roman Empire. The mention of this fourth beast possessing large iron teeth and violently crushing the other three beasts characterized the Roman Empire. The Roman armies were known for their iron armor which led some to refer to them as the Iron Legions of Rome, emphasizing their strength and invincibility. The Roman armies were also known for violently crushing countries and civilizations enslaving many peoples. Daniel describes this fourth beast as having ten horns, which makes this beast different from the previous three. These ten horns refer to ten kings according to Daniel 7:24. These ten horns correspond to the ten toes of Nebuchadnezzar s image in Daniel chapter two that referred to the Revived Roman Empire that will consist of a ten nation confederation during Daniel s Seventieth Week. The ten horns do not represent a fifth kingdom but rather they grow out of the head of the fourth kingdom and are the last development of the fourth beast, which corresponds to the ten toes on the image in Nebuchadnezzar s dream in Daniel chapter two. The Roman Empire broke into pieces and shattered to pieces more kingdoms and brought them into greater subjection than Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece. The Roman Empire deserved its representation as the iron empire since it subdued and destroyed the remnants of the preceding empires as well as many other nations. The ten horns mentioned in Daniel 7:24 correspond to the toes in Daniel 2:42 and were ten kingdoms, out of which one horn will arise who will destroy three of the other kingdoms and lead the other seven and persecute believers in Jesus Christ. Daniel 7:26 says that this one horn called the little horn will be destroyed by God. Daniel 2:44-45 teaches that this ten nation confederation depicted as ten toes of the feet of the statue will be destroyed by the Second Advent of Christ, which is depicted as a stone cut of the mountain without hands. The ten toes of the image indicated that the final stage of the Roman Empire will consist of a ten-division federation. Daniel 7:23-24 signifies that eventually the Roman Empire will consist of a federation of ten divisions with ten equal rulers (See Revelation 17:12). Since the Roman Empire has never in its history consisted 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 7

8 of a ten-division federation with ten equal rulers, we can conclude that this stage of the Empire s existence will take place in the future during the Tribulation period. Also, Daniel 2:45 records that in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom, i.e. the millennial reign of Jesus Christ, which has never taken place in history but is yet future. Therefore, sometime in the future, after the rapture of the church, a revived form of the Roman Empire will be established. Daniel 7:8 I was contemplating in a trance like state because of these horns as behold, another little horn emerged out from among them. Then, the first three originating from the horns was torn out by being in the presence of it. In fact, behold, on this horn, were eyes like a human being s eyes as well as a mouth speaking boastfully. (Author s translation) Daniel continues his description of the fourth beast by telling the reader that a little horn emerged out from among the ten horns of the fourth beast. He then describes the first three of the ten horns were torn out by being in the presence of the little horn. He continues to describe this little horn as possessing eyes and a mouth like a human being. It spoke boastfully with its mouth. The little horn refers to the Antichrist since it is identified with the Revived Roman Empire and in Daniel 7:19-26, he is described as waging war against God s people up to the time of the Second Advent of Christ, which corresponds to the depiction of the Antichrist in Revelation (Daniel 7:11, 20-26; 8:25; Revelation 13:1-10; 19:20). Daniel 7:9 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state when thrones were set up. Then, the One Ancient in Days sat. His clothing was white like snow. Also, the hair of His head was like lamb s wool. His throne was fiery flames. Its wheels were a blazing fire. (Author s translation) After describing four great beasts in verses 1-8, which represent the worldempires of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome, the scene shifts in verse 9 where Daniel describes the Father as sitting on His throne in judgment. This indicates that despite the ferocity of these four great world-empires, the Father is sovereign over all of them. This scene in verse 9 reminds the reader that God is still sovereign over the nations of the earth. In fact, He has permitted these four great world-empires to appear in the pages of history. Also, this verse is reminder to the reader that the little horn which speaks of the Antichrist who will rule the final form of the Roman Empire during Daniel s Seventieth Week is also under the sovereign authority of God. He will be permitted to come to world-power because the Father has sovereignly decided that he will do so. Therefore, we can see that Daniel 7:9 serves as an encouragement to God s people during the Times of the Gentiles, which will come to an end at the Second Advent of Jesus Christ. God s wants His people during the dispensations which take place during the Times of the Gentiles to know for certain that He is in control and that none of these tyrannical empires and their rulers can rule without His say so William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 8

9 The One Ancient in Days is a reference to the Father. This expression appears only in the book of Daniel (7:9, 12, 22) and is not intended to suggest that God ages. Instead it expresses the qualities of wisdom and venerability which one who is advanced in days would possess. It also speaks of the eternality of God the Father and His authority over every creature and all creation (cf. Job 36:26). This expression the One Ancient in Days refers to God the Father since in Daniel 7:13 one like a Son of Man came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. The Ancient of Days is said to give the Son of Man dominion and an eternal kingdom. The Gospels record the incarnate Son of God, Jesus Christ employing the title Son of Man with regards to Himself (Matthew 9:6; 11:19; 12:32; 13:37; 17:22; Mark 2:28; 8:31; 10:33; 13:26; Luke 9:22; 11:30; 12:8; 21:27; 24:7; John 3:13; 6:53; 12:23; 13:31). The New Testament teaches that the Father rewarded His Son Jesus Christ with authority over every creature and all of creation and to judge both men and angels (Ephesians 1:20-22; Colossians 1:16-18; Philippians 2:6-11). Thus, the Ancient of Days or the One Ancient in Days must be a reference to the Father. His clothing was white like snow speaks of the holiness of the Father and the statement the hair of His head was like lamb s wool speaks of the Father s infinite wisdom. In Daniel 7:9, the statements His throne was fiery flames and Its wheels were a blazing fire both speak of the Father as having the authority to judge His creatures, both men and angels. They speak of judgment because fire in the bible is associated with judgment (Revelation 1:14-15; cf. Exodus 3:2; Deuteronomy 4:24; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8; 1 Timothy 6:16; Hebrews 12:29). The wheels on the Father s throne recall the description of the glory of God which Ezekiel saw in Ezekiel 1:4-28. They are symbolic of the fact that God s execute His judgments swiftly. It also speaks of the fact that His judgment is universal in creation. There is no creature who is not accountable to Him. Daniel 7:10 A river composed of fire was flowing, yes issuing forth from His presence. A thousand times a thousand were continually rendering worshipful service to Him. In fact, ten thousand times ten thousand were continually standing in His presence. The court convened resulting in scrolls being opened. (Author s translation) In Daniel 7:9, Daniel presents to the reader a description of the Ancient of Days, who is the Father whereas here in Daniel 7:10 he presents a description of the scene around the throne of the Ancient of Days, which is composed of four statements. Since this scene appeared to Daniel in a vision, these statements are describing in symbolic terms that the Father is the judge of all His creatures. Thus, they also emphasize in symbolic terms that He is sovereign over all of His creatures and all of His creation William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 9

10 The first statement describes in symbolic terms that the Father issues judgments of nations and people. Men are raised up by God to be a ruler of a nation and they are deposed by the Father as well. Nations rise and fall and this too, is due to the judgments of the Father. The second statement also describes symbolically that the Father receives worshipful service from an innumerable amount of individuals whose identity is not revealed to Daniel. The third statement intensifies and advances up this second statement and describes symbolically that another host of innumerable unidentified individuals are standing around the throne of the Father waiting to render Him worshipful service as well. The fourth and final statement describes the Supreme Court of Heaven being convened resulting scrolls being opened which contain information regarding the evidence against an individual who Daniel 7:11 reveals is the little horn, who we noted is the Antichrist. This evidence against the Antichrist would be the record of his blasphemous actions during Daniel s Seventieth Week and his persecution and murder of God s people. Therefore, since Daniel 7:11 speaks of God judging the Antichrist, this scene described in Daniel 7:10 is that of the Father passing judgment against the Antichrist. Also, since Daniel 9:27 and Revelation 13:1-10 make clear that Antichrist will be the leader of ten-nation European confederacy and eventually a world-wide ruler during the Seventieth Week of Daniel, the scene described in Daniel 7:10 is also during the same period of time. Daniel 7:10 is thus describing in symbolic terms a future event that will take place at the end of Daniel s Seventieth Week in which the Father will pass judgment on the Antichrist which will result in his death and being deposited in the eternal lake of fire. So the scene described in symbolic terms Daniel 7:9-10 is of future events that will take place at the end of Daniel s Seventieth Week. In fact, these verses are describing symbolically the events will take place which will bring to an end the Times of the Gentiles, which will be followed by Jesus Christ s judgment of the Jews followed by the Gentiles. At His Second Advent just prior to His millennial reign, the Lord Jesus Christ will first judge Israel when He lands on planet earth. This judgment involves the removal of unregenerate Israel from the earth leaving only regenerate Israel to enter into the Millennial reign of Christ (Ezek. 20:37-38; Zech. 13:8-9; Mal. 3:2-3, 5; Matt. 25:1-30). This will be immediately followed by the Lord Jesus Christ judging the Gentiles, which involves the removal of unregenerate, anti-semitic Gentiles from the earth (Matt. 25:31-46). Also, since Daniel 7:9-10 records events in symbolic terms which will take place at the end of Daniel s Seventieth Week, the innumerable unidentified individuals rendering worshipful service to the Father and those standing around His throne waiting to do so must be both regenerate human beings and elect angels. Those who are regenerate human beings would include regenerate Israel from Old Testament dispensations including Daniel s Seventieth Week. It also would 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 10

11 include regenerate Gentiles from every dispensation up to and including Daniel s Seventieth Week. Lastly, it would also include elect angels as well. Therefore, Daniel 7:9-10 does not describe the Great White Throne Judgment of all unbelievers throughout human history recorded in Revelation 20:11-15 since this takes place after the millennial reign of Christ and Satan s final rebellion which occurs just after the millennium. The events in Daniel 7:9-10 take place immediately prior to the Second Advent of Christ which terminates Daniel s Seventieth Week. In fact, Revelation 19:20-21 record Antichrist and the false prophet being thrown into the Lake of Fire. Then, Revelation 20:1-4 records Satan being imprisoned during the millennial reign of Christ. Revelation 20:7-10 records the final rebellion of Satan which takes place after the millennium followed by Satan being cast into the Lake of Fire where the Antichrist and the false prophet are still alive and suffering punishment. Then, Revelation 20:11-15 records the Great White Throne Judgment in which every unregenerate person in history is thrown alive into the eternal lake of fire. So the chronology of these events in Revelation indicates quite clearly that Daniel 7:9-10 records in symbolic terms the scene prior to the judgment of Antichrist at the end of Daniel s Seventieth Week and prior to the Second Advent of Jesus Christ, which brings to completion the Times of the Gentiles. Obviously the Antichrist is unregenerate and like every unregenerate human being exposed to the gospel of Jesus Christ but rejects it in unbelief he will be thrown into the Lake of Fire because of this rejection of Jesus Christ as Savior. Daniel 7:11 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state at that time because of the sound coming from the boastful words which the horn was making a habit of speaking. I was continuing to stare in a trance like state when the beast was killed. In fact, its body was destroyed. Specifically, it was given over to the consuming fire. (Author s translation) Following the vision of the Ancient of Days in verses 9-10, Daniel receives further revelation regarding the little horn and the fourth beast from which he came from. Here in verse 11, Daniel resumes a discussion of the little horn which he left off describing in verse 8. Daniel tells the reader in verse 11 that he was continuing to stare in a trance like state at that time because of the sound coming from the boastful words which the little horn was speaking. This parallels his last statement at the end of verse 8 in which he emphatically state that this little horn had eyes like a human being s eyes as well as a mouth speaking boastfully. So this would indicate to the reader that verses 9-10 are parenthetical. These verses are also indicating to the reader who is behind the destruction of the fourth beast and the little horn, namely the Ancient of Days. Then, in verse 11, after telling the reader he was continuing to stare in trance like state because of the sound of the boastful words which the little horn was 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 11

12 making it a habit of speaking, he describes the destruction of the fourth beast, from which the little horn had originated. Daniel describes the beast being killed. Then emphatically states that its body was burned and specifically it was given over to the consuming fire. Remember that this fourth beast had ten horns from which emerged the little horn. So when this fourth beast is killed and burned with fire, all the horns including the little horn perished as well since they were attached to this fourth beast. The fact that a river of fire was coming out from throne of the Ancient of Days and that the body of this fourth beast was given over to the consuming fire makes clear that the destruction of the fourth beast and the little horn was the direct result of the Ancient of Days judging them. As we have noted in previous studies, the Ancient of Days describes in symbolic terms God the Father. The little horn is a reference to the Antichrist. The fourth beast is the Roman Empire and specifically the final form of this empire since the Antichrist will rule this final form of the Roman Empire during Daniel s Seventieth Week. Daniel 7:11 does not speak of the death of the Antichrist because Revelation 19:11-21 makes clear that he will be taken alive at the Second Advent of Christ and deposited into the Lake of Fire. Rather, it speaks of the destruction of the final revived form of the Roman Empire during Daniel s Seventieth Week. This description of the fourth beast in Daniel 7:11 corresponds with the destruction of the image in Nebuchadnezzar s dream in Daniel chapter two (Daniel 2:34-35; cf. 44:45). Specifically, it corresponds to the supernatural rock striking the feet of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar s dream. In Daniel 2:34-35, Daniel describes for Nebuchadnezzar the statue in his dream being destroyed by a rock cut out but not by human hands, which resulted in the rest of the image becoming like chaff from the summer threshing floors. The iron, clay, bronze, silver and gold which composed this enormous statue were crushed as one when the rock hit its feet. As we noted the feet were composed partly of iron and partly of clay which is symbolic of the final form of the Roman Empire which will be prominent during Daniel s Seventieth Week. In Daniel 2:44-45, Daniel says that this supernatural rock crushed into pieces the iron, bronze, clay, silver as well as gold, which represents Jesus Christ destroying the Revived Form of the Roman Empire under Antichrist at His Second Advent, as well as any remembrance of the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. Jesus Christ s victory over these previous Gentile kingdoms will be total and complete but also it will be total and complete over all these previous Gentile kingdoms. His Second Advent will result in the destruction of any remnants of these previous Gentile world powers. Furthermore, His millennial government will cause these other forms of government to be totally and completely forgotten William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 12

13 Therefore, Daniel 7:11 and Daniel 2:34-35 and Daniel 2:44-45 are describing in symbolic or apocalyptical terms the Lord Jesus Christ destroying the Revived Form of the Roman Empire under Antichrist at His Second Advent, which terminates not only Daniel s Seventieth Week but also the Times of the Gentiles. In Daniel chapter 2 and 7, the Holy Spirit through Daniel is describing a violent overthrow and destruction of Antichrist and the final form of the Roman Empire. This indicates that Jesus Christ will violently overthrow and destroy this final form of Gentile power. Daniel 7:12 On the other hand, the rest of the beasts, their governmental dominion was taken away, though for their benefit an extension of life was granted for a period of time, yes an appointed period of time. (Author s translation) Daniel contrasts the killing of the fourth beast with the first three beasts whose governmental dominion was taken away by the Ancient of Days, though an extension of life was granted to these beasts for an appointed period of time. Though the first three beasts were permitted to live for an appointed period of time by the Ancient of Days, this does not imply that the first three beasts continued to live after the death of the fourth beast since each beast continued to exist in the beast which followed it. The empires of Babylon, Medo-Persian and Greece which are represented by the first three beasts were absorbed into the Roman Empire represented by the fourth beast. So the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece continued to exist in some form in the Roman Empire though they were no longer world-empires. The customs, ideologies, religions and philosophies of Babylon were absorbed into the Medo-Persian Empire when the latter conquered the former. In the same way, the customs, ideologies, religions and philosophies of Medo-Persia were absorbed into the Alexander s Greece when the latter conquered the former. The customs, ideologies, religions, and philosophies of the Greeks were absorbed into the Roman Empire. The customs, ideologies, religions and philosophies of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome will be found to some extent in the Revived Form of the Roman Empire which will exist during Daniel s Seventieth Week. Therefore, when the final form of the Roman Empire appears during Daniel s Seventieth Week in the future, the remnants of Babylon, Medo-Persian and Greece will be destroyed along with it. This corresponds to what we read in Daniel chapter two where the rock struck the iron and clay feet of the statue and not only crushed the iron and clay feet but also the gold head, silver chest and arms, the bronze belly and thighs and the iron lower legs. This not only represents Jesus Christ destroying the Revived Form of the Roman Empire under Antichrist at His Second Advent as well as His millennial kingdom erasing completely any reminder of the kingdoms of Babylon, Medo William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 13

14 Persia, Greece and Rome but it also indicates that remnants of these four kingdoms will be found in the Revived Form of the Roman Empire. That remnants of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome will be found in the Revived Form of the Roman Empire during Daniel s Seventieth Week under Antichrist is indicated by the fact that the body of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar s dream emphasized the continuity and integral relationship of the kingdoms represented in the statue. This means that though one kingdom might pass away, elements of it would be found in the kingdom, which follows it. History records that the Roman Empire and civilization incorporated much of the Greek culture, even identifying their gods with those of the Greeks. Also Persian and Babylonian cults and customs spread throughout the Roman Empire. The Greek language became the language of trade, commerce and government communication in the eastern half of the Roman Empire and even in the city of Rome itself. The fact that the iron lower legs belong to the statue indicates that Rome represented by the iron lower legs would incorporate the language, customs, culture and gods of Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece. Thus, in a sense these three previous kingdoms in a sense were not completely destroyed. However, Christ s Second Advent will destroy any remembrance of these former kingdoms as depicted in the rock cut out of a mountain without human hands striking the image on the feet and destroying the entire image. Therefore, the Lord Jesus Christ s victory over this ten-nation confederacy under Antichrist during Daniel s Seventieth Week will be total and complete but also it will be total and complete over all these previous Gentile kingdoms. His Second Advent will result in the destruction of any remnants of these previous Gentile world powers. Furthermore, His millennial government will cause these other forms of government to be totally and completely forgotten. So Daniel is telling the reader in Daniel 7:12 that in contrast to the fourth beast representing Rome, the first three beasts representing Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece will have their world-wide governmental dominion taken away from them one by one and will be permitted to exist in the kingdom which succeeds it as a world-wide empire. In other words, unlike the first three beasts, the fourth beast will not have its world-wide governmental dominion taken away from it and given to another Gentile kingdom and then be permitted to exist in a Gentile kingdom which succeeds it. Thus, the Roman Empire demise will not result in another Gentile power succeeding it and remnants of it will not be absorbed into another world-wide Gentile power as was the case with Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece. The death of the Roman Empire will bring about the demise of Babylon, Medo- Persia and Greece since remnants of it were absorbed into the Roman Empire. Unlike Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome, the final world-wide Gentile 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 14

15 power, the Revived Form of the Roman Empire will be destroyed by Jesus Christ Himself. Therefore, in Daniel chapter two, we read that when the rock struck the feet of the statue in Nebuchadnezzar s dream, the entire statue was destroyed. This as we noted teaches in symbolic terms that when the Second Advent of Christ destroys Antichrist and the Revived Form of the Roman Empire, all remnants of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome will be destroyed as well. Since Daniel chapter two speaks of the Times of the Gentiles from the human perspective and chapter seven from God s perspective, we can infer that the destruction of the fourth beast in chapter seven corresponds to the rock striking the feet of the statue in chapter two. In chapter two the destruction of the feet of the statue was followed by the millennial kingdom and in chapter seven the destruction of the fourth beast was followed by millennial kingdom as made clear by the interpretation given to Daniel in Daniel 7: Daniel 7:13 I was continuing to stare in a trance like state because of these visions as behold One like a Son of Man was coming upon the clouds of heaven. Specifically, He went up to the One Ancient in Days in the sense that He approached His presence. (Author s translation) On the heels of the destruction of the fourth beast and the little horn associated with this beast, Daniel sees a vision of one like a Son of Man coming upon the clouds of heaven, going up to and approaching the presence of the Ancient of Days. This is symbolic of the Lord Jesus Christ and His ascension (Acts 1:9-11; Ephesians 4:10; Hebrews 4:14; 9:24) and session (Ephesians 1:20; Hebrews 1:3) at the right hand of the Father 40 days after His resurrection. The Lord Jesus Christ s interprets this vision as being a reference to Himself (Matthew 24:30; 24:64; Mark 13:26; 14:62; Luke 21:27). The noun bǎr means son but in the sense of a divine being, who does not originate from planet earth. This noun describes the familial relationship with the Ancient of Days. This is indicated by the fact that this person described by Daniel in his vision was coming with the clouds of heaven. This implies deity since the clouds of heaven are often referred to the Old Testament as signifying God s presence (Exodus 13:21ff. 1 Kings 8:10ff.; Isaiah 19:1; Jeremiah 4:13; Nahum 1:3; Ezekiel 10:4; Psalm 18:10, 12; 97:2-4; 104:3ff.). Leupold writes the clouds are the mark of both the heavenly and the divine. 86 The incarnate Son of God Jesus Christ describes Himself as coming with the clouds at His Second Advent (Matthew 24:30; 26:64; Acts 1:11; Revelation 1:7). Lastly, Daniel 7:14 describes this Son of Man as receiving an eternal kingdom from the Ancient of Days and Daniel 7:27 describes this son of man as the 86 Leupold, H.C. Exposition of Daniel; page 308; Baker Book House; Grand Rapids, Michigan; 1949; Reprinted 1969 by Baker Book House Company William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 15

16 Highest One whose kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom. Therefore, the noun bǎr, Son denotes the divine nature of this person coming upon the clouds of the earth s atmosphere. The noun bǎr is the object of the preposition k-, which is used as a marker of comparison indicating that it is comparing this person to a son or divine being. It is also in the construct state meaning that it is governing the noun ʾěnāš, which means man describing this divine person coming with the clouds of heaven as a human being. Thus, these two words signify that Daniel is describing someone who is both divine and human. The construct state of bǎr indicates a genitive relationship. Specifically, it indicates a type of attributive genitive used in conventional idioms of construct forms with some noun in the genitive case to represent the nature, quality, character or condition of a person. Therefore, this construction indicates that this son, who was a divine person, was a human being as well. This construction could be rendered literally a son of man or human son, a son who is a human being. Therefore, this expression Son of Man indicates that Daniel is describing a person who is both divine and human approaching the Ancient of Days in order to receive an eternal kingdom on the earth. It is speaking of the hypostatic union of Jesus Christ. So this scene in Daniel 7:13 is actually symbolically describing what took place after Jesus Christ s death, resurrection and ascension. It thus precedes the Second Advent of Christ and His subsequent millennial reign since Daniel 7:14 records the Son of Man receiving an eternal kingdom from the Ancient of Days after coming with the clouds of heaven and entering the presence of the Ancient of Days. Jesus Christ ascended into heaven upon the clouds of heaven and He will return at His Second Advent in the same manner (Acts 1:9-11). Daniel 7:14 Then, governmental dominion was given to Him as well as honor and in addition sovereignty in order that each and every person belonging to the nations, ethnicities as well as language groups would serve Him. His governmental dominion is an eternal governmental dominion which can never be taken away so that His kingdom is one which can never be destroyed. (Author s translation) After one like a Son of Man was coming upon the clouds of heaven and approached the presence of the Ancient of Days, Daniel tells the reader governmental dominion, honor as well as sovereignty was given to the Son of Man by the Ancient of Days. The purpose of which was so that each and every person belonging to the nations, ethnicities and language groups on earth would worshipfully serve Him. Then, Daniel tells the reader that the governmental dominion of the Son of Man is an eternal one which can never be taken away from 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 16

17 Him by any of God s creatures with the result that His kingdom is one which is indestructible. So this vision Daniel received as recorded in Daniel 7:14 teaches us that the Lord s governmental dominion and kingdom will not only be universal in the sense that each and every person belonging to the nations, ethnicities and language groups on the earth will worshipfully serve Him but it is also eternal in nature. Thus, as Daniel states it is indestructible. The New Testament teaches that the Father rewarded His Son Jesus Christ with authority over every creature and all of creation and to judge both men and angels (Ephesians 1:20-22; Colossians 1:16-18; Philippians 2:6-11). Daniel 7:14 also reveals that God will restore the rulership of the earth to a human being of His own choosing, namely the Lord Jesus Christ, which will fulfill His purpose for mankind. Daniel 7:15 As for me, Daniel, my soul was distressed in the midst of my body. Specifically, the visions in my mind caused me to be terrified. (Author s translation) Daniel shares with the reader the emotional affect that these visions produced in his soul. These visions he received from God the Holy Spirit caused his soul to be distressed because of the four beasts. Daniel 7:19-21 indicates that Daniel was primarily occupied with the ten horns of the fourth beast and specifically the little horn. He sensed that these beasts and the little horn represented some type of evil. The vision of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man would have caused reverential fear in Daniel since he would have sensed these two subdued to the four beasts and the little horn. These visions would have distressed the soul of Daniel because they were a supernatural revelation from God regarding the future of planet earth. They were revelation regarding the future of his people the Jews as well as the Gentiles. God the Holy Spirit was giving Daniel a composite picture of the future of planet earth and didn t know it until an elect angel interpreted the vision for him. So in effect, Daniel is telling the reader that he was emotionally and intellectually and spiritually overwhelmed by what he saw in the visions. He did not know what they meant which leads to his asking an elect angel to give him the interpretation of these visions. Daniel 7:16 I went up to one from those standing nearby in order to request from him the truth regarding all this. Consequently, he spoke to me in order to make known to me the interpretation of these events. (Author s translation) The visions which Daniel received as recorded in Daniel 7:2-14 caused him distress in his soul and specifically caused him to be terrified as recorded in Daniel 7:15. This resulted in Daniel seeking an interpretation or the meaning of this vision he received from God. Here in Daniel 7:16, he tells the reader that he went up to an unidentified individual who was from those standing nearby the throne of the 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 17

18 Ancient of Days in this vision in order to request the interpretation of the vision. This individual as one of the innumerable individuals standing before the throne of the Ancient of Days who are mentioned as appearing in the vision in Daniel 7:10. Since Daniel 7:9-10 records events in symbolic terms which will take place at the end of Daniel s Seventieth Week, the innumerable unidentified individuals rendering worshipful service to the Father and those standing around His throne waiting to do so must be both regenerate human beings and elect angels. Those who are regenerate human beings would include regenerate Israel from Old Testament dispensations including Daniel s Seventieth Week. It also would include regenerate Gentiles from every dispensation up to and including Daniel s Seventieth Week. Lastly, it would also include elect angels as well. Daniel does not identify for the reader this individual who gave him the interpretation of the vision but it would appear to be the elect-angel Gabriel since he is the one who gives him the interpretation of the visions recorded in Daniel chapter eight (see 8:16, 21). Gabriel also appears to Daniel to give him the prophecy of the seventy weeks in Daniel chapter nine (see 9:21). So in Daniel 7:16, this unidentified individual who is more than likely the elect archangel Gabriel spoke to Daniel in order to make known to him the interpretation of the events which appeared to him Daniel in the vision. The interpretation is recorded in Daniel 7: Daniel 7:17 ʻThese great beasts which are four in number are four kings who will arise from the earth s inhabitants. (Author s translation) We must remember that the ancient Orientals regarded kings and kingdoms synonymously. This is made clear to the reader in Daniel 7:23 which records the angel telling Daniel that the fourth beast will be a fourth kingdom on the earth. He does this after telling him here in Daniel 7:17 that the four great beasts represent four kings. Thus, a comparison of these two verses supports the idea that in the mind of Daniel, kings and kingdoms were synonymous. The interpreter s statements in Daniel 7:17-18 serve as a summary interpretation of the vision, or in other words, they summarize the interpretation for Daniel. Then, in Daniel 7:19-27, in response to Daniel s request, Gabriel gives more details regarding the fourth beast and the significance of the ten horns and the identity of the little horn. In Scripture, heathen nations are often depicted by wild beasts in order to express the animal like character of these nations which are unregenerate and deceived by sin and Satan. Here in Daniel chapter seven the Holy Spirit is depicting the unregenerate heathen nations as wild animals in order to convey to the reader God s viewpoint of these nations. Therefore, the fact that these four empires are described as beasts emphasizing their unregenerate character and the first beast was transformed from a wild beast to a human being would indicate that 2014 William E. Wenstrom, Jr. Bible Ministries 18