Daniel. Future History Chapter 8

Transcription

1 Daniel Future History Chapter 8 T HE FUTURE WHAT IS IT TO BRING? This is the age old question that all people ask in one form or another. Many make their living by claiming to be able to answer it. After all, don t investment counselors endeavor to foretell the future when they recommend you put your money one place or another? Certainly when we play the stock or commodities market, we are trying to anticipate what an investment will be doing in the future, which by the way can certainly be a great way to lose money. But everyone wants to know the future. We expect physicians to foretell the future. When a serious illness arise, we expect them to be able to tell us what the outcome will be. And when they re wrong, some people sue. Then of course there are weathermen, who these days don t even seem to be able to tell us tomorrow s weather, much less next week s. But everyone wants to know the future. Yes, many want to know the future, and so fortune tellers, psychic readers, channelers, palmists, the American Association of Professional Psychics and all sort of occult practitioners abound. In spite of the fact Scripture prohibits involvement with these people, many still consult them. And of course there are the so called theologians who will tell you when the Antichrist will appear, or when the Rapture will happen or where God will bring destruction next, even though Scripture says that only the Father knows the times of the last things. But everyone wants to know the future. Even as Christians we want to know the future. And some are constantly finding books on the shelves that tell that the Lord will return at 5:00 pm on the 31 st of February or how the latest news bulletin is the fulfillment of prophecy. But we do know the future. Christ will take home His church and will later set up His Millennial Kingdom. But even we want to know more about the future. VIII Another Vision A. A Livestock Vision Verses 1-8, B. The Little Horn Verses 9-14, C. The Cost of Knowledge Verse 27 Introduction: One of the greatest comforts we can have, after the knowledge of our salvation, is the fact that God is in control over not only all men and all government, but also of all that is yet to come. We may want to know the future but we don t have to. This morning we are going to look at some Future History, that which is a proof of His control. As we have previously noted very often in the Old Testament we find what is sometimes referred to as the future past tense. This is when a future event is being discussed, but because

2 God says it will happen, the past tense is used. This means the event is as much as a fact as if it has already happened. This grammatical form is similar to the very concept of faith. God said it, I believe it. And while much prophecy still has to be fulfilled, we know it will be because so much of what is biblical prophecy has already come to pass. As we examine the text, as we did last time, we will review Daniel s dream and the interpretation simultaneously. Consequently, as we do so, we ll see an often discussed prophetic phenomenon: multiple fulfillments. We will come across this as we look at the little horn found here and discuss the possibility of it being different that the one seen in the last chapter. By the way, remember that with this chapter the language returns to the Hebrew. This is why some feel this is the start of the second part of the book and not chapter 7. Second, we will consider what we can take from the passage tied to our own walk. As previously noted, part of the problem with studying prophecy is that often there is no application discussed. Now there is a tendency to focus on the negative, the truth that things are going to get worse, and this is certainly a valid assessment. But for us, as we will depend on the fact that God holds all in His hands, we find a basis of comfort, and hope. As things become more difficult we can rejoice, for this means the work of the Lord will be advanced and we have the opportunity to help in effort. It does seem of late we have become repetitious, constantly referring to the truth that God is in control. And this is true. But, the way we are able to continue to walk on water, to not be overwhelmed by the waves, is to frequently remind ourselves of what a faithful, loving and all powerful God we serve. It is only as we remember Whom we serve that we will be able to move mountains. He said to them, Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there, and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. (Matthew 17:20 ESV) And this isn t faith in faith but faith in God who is the foundation of all that is miraculous. A. A Livestock Vision: This next vision was received during the final days of the Babylonian empire. Belshazzar was still sitting on the throne. His fall was still in the future. This vision fills in some of the details of Nebuchadnezzar s one of the statue and Daniel s recorded in the last chapter. In the vision Daniel is at the Shushan castle, the suite that was later to become the seat, or at least the summer capital, of the Persian Empire. Leupold goes on to note; When the vision appeared to Daniel, nothing concerning the future importance of this site was known. but since the fortunes of Persia were involved, the future center of Persian life and activity was the best background. 1 1 Leupold, H. C., Exposition of Daniel, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1969, pg ) 89 (

3 The citadel of Susa was the acropolis (upper fortified area) and palace complex, which was distinguished from the surrounding city. Several archaeological investigations have been conducted at the site since the mid-nineteenth century. Xerxes had made extensive renovations in the palace structures. 2 So with the background speaking of Persia, suddenly there appears in a vision a two-horned ram who stood near Daniel. This creature symbolizes the future Medo-Persian empire. Again we find a distinction between the two elements of this government, one being stronger that the other. As previously noted, the Persian aspect was the dominant. But the Medo-Persian empire was soon over taken by the one-horned goat. Verse 21 tells us that this is the king of Greece. Now we no longer need speculate as to the identity of the third power. We know for sure it is Greece and the one-horned goat speaks of Alexander himself. It is Greece that will overthrow the Medo-Persian Empire. But Alexander would fall and the authority of Greece would be taken over by his four generals, Ptolemy, Seleucus, Lysimachus and Cassander. And so the large horn is broken off and replaced by four new horns speaking of these generals. Remember, as previously noted, horns in Scripture speak of power in one form or another. Here the power is either political or military, or possibly both. So, having moved into the eighth chapter of Daniel, we no longer need to speculate about the bulk of the interpretation of the visions and dreams examined. We find here the future history of three kingdoms, Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece. In each case the prophecy given was the prophecy fulfilled. This being the case we can have complete confidence in that which is sill to come. B. The Little Horn: 3 Now from the midst of these horns comes an even greater one. A new power arises on the face of the earth. Here the question becomes who, or what is the little horn in Chapter Eight versus Chapter Seven? The vision changes from the previous prophecies. First, since in is written in Hebrew versus Aramaic, we can assume what is foretold is meant for the Israel and affects her directly. So here is a second little horn. This could mean Daniel is identifying this as a different individual or power from the one in the previous chapter. The actions of this one are the desecration of the sanctuary and the persecution of the Jewish people. Now this certainly sounds like the Antichrist. But the best understanding seems to be that this horn is not connected to Rome, the resurrected Roman Empire yet to come. Instead this horn arises out of Greece. As Boice notes 4 one of the best reasons for holding this view is because the Antichrist rises out of the ten nation confederacy while this individual rises out of the midst of the Greek generals. Note he doesn t replace them, he comes from them. His focus, the destruction of the Jewish people and the temple. And this individual is generally recognized to be the Greek king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes (God Manifest). 2 Walton John H., ed., Archaeological Study Bible, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI Boice, James Montgomery, Daniel, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1989, pg Ibid., p ) 90 (

4 In 170/169 BC he invaded Egypt. In Jerusalem he tried to impose religious and cultural uniformity by suppressing Jewish worship. Already in 175 BC, at the beginning of his reign, he had expelled the godly high priest Onias III and had replaced him with Onias hellenizing younger brother Jason. He put an end to the daily sacrifices at the temple, forbade the circumcision of Jewish infants, and made it a crime to possess a copy of the Jewish Scriptures. All this came to a head in December 168 BC when Antiochus seized Jerusalem by treachery. He had been turned back from Alexandria by the Roman commander Popilius Laenas and now took out his frustration in a bitter and repressive campaign against Jews. He sent his general Apollonius into the city with 20,000 troops and there erected an idol of Zeus in the temple area. He desecrated the altar by offering swine upon it. This was the greatest affront to faithful Judaism that could possibly be imagined, and the idol became known to the Jews as the abomination of desolation. 5 And so with the actions of Antiochus we see the fulfillment of the prophecy. This is not the work of the Antichrist. But his actions certainly foreshadow those of the Antichrist. Two traits of Antiochus characterize Antichrist s rule: his treachery and intrigue, in order to catch his victims unawares and unprepared; his overweening pride, which led him to claim divine honors. And in verse 19 we read there will be a fulfillment at the end of time. This means a second fulfillment at the hands of Antichrist. It is because of this parallel between these two events that it seems safe to think that in type there is a double fulfillment of this prophecy. One refers to Antichrist but he is foreshadowed by the other, Antiochus. Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate. So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand) (Daniel 11:31; Matthew 24:15 ESV). We find a number of similar double fulfillments in Scripture. There are the two comings of Messiah, the first as the suffering servant, the second as the ruling king. Give me not up to the will of my adversaries; for false witnesses have risen against me, and they breathe out violence. Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land (Psalms 27:12; Jeremiah 23:5 ESV). We see the coming of Elijah as the herald of the king, first in type, as John the Baptizer, and the second which is yet to occur. Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear (Matthew 11:11 15 ESV). 5 Ibid. ) 91 (

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction (Malachi 4:5 6 ESV). And so here too we have the type of Antichrist and in the future Antichrist himself. And some 2,300 days and evenings later, or approximately three years, assuming that the number 2,300 encompasses both the day and the evening, Judas Maccabaeus on December 14, 164 BC, reconstructed the temple. 6 This reconstruction seems to have taken place about three years after Antiochus began the repression of Jewish worship. Keep in mind that these periods are not clear, but this seems to be the best understanding we can find. And just as Daniel foretold, Antiochus died of natural or possibly divine causes. And so as Antiochus falls to no human hand so Antichrist will fall to the hand of God. 7 The Cost of Knowledge: Daniel s final comment was to let the reader know that he was physically ill as a result of the vision. He was overwhelmed by the knowledge of the suffering that was yet to come for the Jewish people and had an extremely difficult time dealing with the painful future. Why did his people need to go through such tribulation? And in the days to come, he will see that there was even more suffering than this vision foretold. Therefore he went to the Lord in prayer. And it is that concern we will examine next week. Conclusion: It is sure easy to become focused on the negative. When I first taught this I said: It appears we are on the edge of war again. Now I taught this in early Déjà vu! Remember this world isn t the one God created. It is the remains after fallen man has messed around with it for an extended period of time. Things are going to get worse. Nothing is as we desire it to be. And there are times when just like Daniel we re sickened by what we find. But just as is the case with those who see glasses half full versus half empty, we can also see this day as one of great opportunity for believers. This doesn t occur by simply wearing rose colored glasses and ignoring reality. It also doesn t mean that, as some do, we must try to find in Scripture some way we are exempt from the real world. One time when I was watching a few minutes of Donahue I saw a few comments from one evangelist who was caught up in the financial scandals of the day. She was saying she didn t think anything about the fact she and her husband had so much money, after all she had been tithing and giving to ministry. And of course Scripture teaches we can receive tenfold for what we give. When someone writes to me using this absurd kind of interpretation, I am inclined to send a letter saying, If you need so much money why don t you send something to me and then you will receive the tenfold blessing. Somehow though I doubt they d send me anything, because I suspect they know what they are saying isn t Biblical. Anyway instead of trying to find some way of making our personal space more comfortable we should be focusing on the openness of those around us. If we truly become aware of their needs, we will have the opportunity of letting them know what God will do for them. For ex- 6 Archer, Jr., Gleason L., The Expositor s Bible Commentary, Daniel, Zondervan, 1985, p Boice, p ) 92 (

6 ample I had a client who was a ten year-old girl. She is a believer. As I worked with her I also worked with her mother, and it was my hope over time the mother would see the need for the Lord in her life. As far as I know, she still hasn t. The most important message we can give to those around us isn t that we have life knocked, or that these aren t difficult times. It is that we have someone to go to in the midst of our trials. Can you think of any examples of this truth in your own life? We can let others see how we handle struggles. This means we must we willing to let the Lord work in our lives, not demand that our lives run smoothly. We must remember that life isn t going to be what we want it to be. Instead, we must desire to be what God wants us to be. After all Paul said: I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:14 15, ESV). Finally, the reason we can rise above our circumstances is because we understand no matter how difficult things are this world is temporal. The day will come when all this will be behind us. We look forward to that day. Let us keep things in perspective. We all get so caught up in the mundane, we forget that our real purpose is to be who the Lord wants us to be. Let us truly live agape and be more concerned with the needs of others than our own. Yes, it is difficult to see the world becoming worse around us. It s hard to see individual lives damaged, not just by because of our fallen natures, but by the corrupted nature of others. So many people are living damaged lives because they were, and still are, victims of others. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:10, 13 ESV). Daniel was overwhelmed with pain as he came to realize that things weren t going to get better for his people. And we too can let ourselves become paralyzed if we focus on the negativity of the big picture. But we are not called to be overwhelmed. We also know all things are in God s hand and as with the birth pangs in pregnancy, all the pain and sorrow will end and the result will bring forth a restored Israel, It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come, and say: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore (Isa 2:2 4 ESV). ) 93 (

7 a new heaven and earth, and, an for all who love the Lord, spending eternity with Him. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (Revelation 21:1 4 ESV), We bring a message of hope and comfort to a world in pain. The message isn t accept Christ and all your trials will be over. It is accept Christ and all your sins are forgiven. Accept Christ and you have a Father who will never fail you. Accept Christ and you will always have someone who loves you and will be there for you in the midst of pain and trying circumstances. Accept Christ and someday all your tears will be wiped away. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the LORD has spoken (Isaiah 25:8 ESV). Each one of us comes in contact with many people at work, at the store, everywhere we look. We need to see them not as adjuncts to our life, but as individuals who have hopes and needs, as individuals who need a vital relationship with the God of Heaven. We have a message of life to those who are dead. Let us rejoice that the Lord has entrusted us with that message, and walk in remembrance that it is this commission that should be the driving force of all our actions. Let us give to others the unconditional love of God which we have received. And so someday we will all stand before the Lord and have an eternity of joy with Him. When all my labors and trials are o er, And I am safe on that beautiful shore, Just to be near the dear Lord I adore Will through the ages be glory for me. When by the gift of His infinite grace, I am accorded in heaven a place, Just to be there and to look on His face Will through the ages be glory for me. Friends will be there I have loved long ago; Joy like a river around me will flow; Yet, just a smile from my Savior, I know, Will through the ages be glory for me. Chorus: O that will be glory for me, Glory for me, glory for me; When by His grace I shall look on His face, That will be glory, be glory for me. 8 8 Gabriel, Charles H., The Celebration Hymnal, O That Will Be Glory, Word/Integrity, Nashville, TN,1997 #769. ) 94 (

8 Daniel Future History Chapter 8 VIII Another Vision A. A Livestock Vision Verses 1-8, B. The Little Horn Verses 9-14, C. The Cost of Knowledge Verse 27 Introduction: (Matthew 17:20) A. A Livestock Vision: B. The Little Horn: (Daniel 11:31; Matthew 24:15; Psalms 27:12; Jeremiah 23:5; Malachi 4:5 6)

9 C. The Cost of Knowledge: Conclusion: (Romans 7:14 15, 24-25; 2 Peter 3:10, 13; Isaiah 2:2 4; Revelation 21:1 4; Isaiah 25:8) Personal Application: This week meditate on the joy of an eternity with the Lord. How can that impact your day, your week, your life? Prayer for the Week: Father I can never praise You enough for what You have already done for me and for the hope of the blessings yet to come. Amen.