DANIEL. Notes & Commentary from Classes Conducted at West Side Church of God in Christ Rockford, Illinois. Maurice A. West June 2013 March 2014

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1 THE BOOK OF DANIEL Notes & Commentary from Classes Conducted at West Side Church of God in Christ Rockford, Illinois Maurice A. West June 2013 March 2014

2 Preface Blessings upon you, people of the most high God! We have now come into a study of one of the most difficult books of the Bible. The scholars are literally over the place trying to understand what was written and even trying to figure out who wrote these things. Daniel was greatly loved by God, as the Apostle John was also, and in His love He shared deep mysteries with them that those that were not at their same level cannot understand. As you prepare to read this study, it is my prayer that it will be a blessing to you. I hope this study encourages you to dig deeper into the Word of God. Pastor Maurice A. West

3 THE LEGAL DISCLAIMERS There will be various translations of the Scriptures used in our study. If we depart from the King James Version, which will be our standard, what follows are the typical translations used: Amplified Bible Copyright 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation NIV New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. NKJV Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. NLT New Living Translation copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois All rights reserved. Message Bible Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. At various times in this study, you may also find the following designations referring to reference material used to assist in putting together this study. Direct quotations will be shown in italicized text. {Adam Clarke} Adam Clarke s Commentary on the Whole Bible {David Guzik} Pastor David Guzik. Enduring Word Ministries {JF&B} The Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary {Matthew Henry} Matthew Henry s Commentary on the Whole Bible in One Volume {Dake} Dake s Annotated Reference Bible If other references, commentators, Internet sources, or Bible translations are used they will be identified in the text. INTRODUCTION WRITER: Like in other studies, I really thought this would be one of the easiest areas to resolve. The one whose name is on the book wrote the book right? Wrong, if you listen to some of the liberal scholars. There are some that believe that this is a fictional work that was written within years of Christ to encourage the Jewish people. The traditional view, which I believe, is that a Hebrew named Daniel wrote it during the Babylonian Captivity about 600 years before Christ. The difference in the two dates is huge because the later date ( years before Christ) makes many of the prophecies of the book no longer relevant because some of them will have already occurred. If that s the case, to me it nullifies the entire book, which I believe is the real plan Maurice A. West Page 1 of 118

4 T HE B OOK OF D ANIEL {Cooper P Abrams III The liberal unbelieving scholars (so called by themselves) of the 18th and 19th Century rejected Daniel as the writer of the Book. Their chief premise was that the prophecies in Daniel of the fall of the Babylonian Empire followed by the Persian, Greek and Roman Empires was proof that the Book was written during the Roman period because no could have known of the session of these empires in their correct order. They denied that God could reveal coming history to a man many years in advance. They purported other supposed discrepancies in the Book, however their arguments have been proven invalid by many modern archaeological discoveries. It is clearly established Daniel could and did write the Book. In Daniel 12:4, he claims to have written the Book and this is verified in the New Testament by Christ s reference to him. (Matt. 24:15, Mk. 13:14). {David Malick Those who hold to a late date (usually 165 B.C.) see this work as historical fiction designed to encourage the resistance movement against the tyranny of Antiochus Epiphanes. However, Mr. Malick presents much evidence in favor of a sixth century date including the fact that the Lord Jesus Himself identifies Daniel as the prophet who spoke of the abomination of desolation plus the controversy regarding his authorship is relatively recent coming from the last 300+ years. {Adam Clarke} The rabbins have endeavored to degrade Daniel, and have placed his prophecies among the hagiographa, books which they consider to possess a minor degree of inspiration; and it is probable that he meets with this treatment from them because his prophecies are proofs too evident that Jesus Christ is the true Messiah, and that he came at the very time that Daniel said the Prince Messiah should come. But the testimony and sayings of such men are infinitely overpowered by the testimony of Ezekiel, [who refers to Daniel many times in his work]; and the testimony of our Lord, who gives him the title of prophet, Matthew 24:15, without the slightest intimation that he was to wear this title with abatement. Perhaps we now see the real plan in degrading Daniel s authorship they cannot come to grip with the fact that he prophesied when Christ would come. So in summary, our study s focus will be on the Hebrew slave who rose to political prominence 600+ years before Christ and this slave s name was Daniel, the author of this book. Let me add a final reference on this because this is a major issue with this book: {Bruce K. Waltke} This is of greatest importance for at least three reasons. First, the sovereignty of the revealed God in this book is at stake. If Daniel s God was able to predict the future, then there is reason to believe that the course of history is completely under Yahweh s sovereignty. On the other hand, if the predictions are fraudulent, then one must remain agnostic about Daniel s God. Second, the divine inspiration of the Bible hangs in the balance. If the book contains true predictions, then there is firm reason to believe that this book ultimately owes its origin to One who can predict the future. On the contrary, if it is a Maurice A. West Page 2 of 118

5 spurious, fraudulent, although well-intentioned piece of literature, then the reliability of other books in the canon of Scripture may legitimately be questioned. Third, one s understanding of the nature of Jesus Christ depends on the answer to the date of the book. Jesus Christ regarded the Book of Daniel as a prophetic preview of future history and indeed of the divine program for a future that still lies ahead (Matt. 24:15-16; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20). If he is wrong in His interpretation of the book, then He must be less than the omniscient, inerrant God incarnate. On the other hand, if His appraisal is right, then His claim to deity cannot be questioned in this regard. {Bruce K. Waltke, The Date of the Book of Daniel. DATE: With the authorship in question, the date of its writing was also in question. However, we are leaning to the earlier date at the conclusion of the Babylonian Captivity, which occurred during the Sixth Century B.C., when Daniel was a very old man. {Dake} Written from Babylon and Shushan about 606 or 616 to 536 B.C. STATISTICS: {Dake} The Book of Daniel is the 27th book of the Bible. It contains 12 chapters and 357 verses. This is a book of prophecy Dake says it contains 139 prophetic verses. OTHER THOUGHTS: We have begun our study with controversy, but there are other wonderful things about this book that we need to mull over before going into it. In this book, we will deal with a LOT of history and controversy. {David Guzik} Daniel describes events of the second century before Jesus (especially the period B.C.) with such precision that critics believe it had to have been written after that period, during the time of the Maccabees (in between the Old and New Testaments). Supposedly, the purpose for writing Daniel at that time was to inspire God s people on to victory during the Maccabean wars. I believe we will also be amazed at the precision and accuracy of the prophecies Daniel received. {Trent Butler, Holman Bible Dictionary} Daniel combines characteristics of prophecy, wisdom, and apocalyptic writing into a unique type of literature. Matthew identified Daniel as a prophet (Matthew 24:15). The book addresses a current situation with a call for moral uprightness, as did the prophets. It also points to hope for the future rising out of God s words and promises. It focuses on the nations as well as Israel, as did the other prophets. It does not, however, use the literary forms of the prophets, particularly the standard formulas such as, Thus says the Lord ; nor does it represent a collection of prophetic sermons. As did the wisdom writers, Daniel served in a royal court counseling a ruler. He was highly educated. The book seeks to instill moral wisdom in young persons. Yet it does not string proverbs or wisdom poetry together nor delve into the problems Job or Ecclesiastes tackled. It is wisdom literature and more Maurice A. West Page 3 of 118

6 Many things appear to separate Daniel into unrelated parts. The position of the person Daniel differs in various portions of the book. He is more central in Daniel 1-2 and Daniel 4-7 than in the rest of the book. In Daniel 1-6 Daniel is spoken of in the third person in the form of a biography. In Daniel 7-12, however, Daniel speaks in the first person in the form of autobiography (except Daniel 10:1). In Daniel 1-6 the dreams or phenomena come to heathen kings, but in Daniel 7-12 Daniel has the visions. In Daniel 1-6 Daniel is the one who interprets the dreams, but in 7 12 someone else interprets the dreams and visions to Daniel. Daniel 1-6 have simplicity, whereas Daniel 7-12 are complex. The Book of Daniel acts as a unit despite these differences in languages used and types of literature employed. Each of the twelve chapters contributes to this unity. The unifying theme is that God expects His followers to maintain fidelity in face of threats, wars, legal pronouncements, or changing customs. God judges mankind constantly, and He also provides His presence and strength. God continuously judges. (Holman Bible Dictionary. AUTHOR S NOTE: Throughout the text, I have added what I call SAINTS PRINCIPLES (key themes directed to all Christians) and LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES (key themes directed primarily to church leaders especially pastors). The intention of these principles is to point out truths, strictly from my point of view, based on something that has occurred in the passage Maurice A. West Page 4 of 118

7 Chapter 1 This first chapter sets the historical stage upon which we are introduced to Daniel. He is now a teenager between 14 and 17 years old but he is a young man of integrity. He fears God more than man in spite of the horrors he has experienced thus far in life. THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY BEGINS 1 In the third year of the reign of JEHOIAKIM king of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon unto Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. Before we can go any further, we must spend some time establishing where we are historically comparing Scripture with Scripture to see how the Book of Daniel fits with Old Testament historical books. As you see from the chart, Jehoiakim was one of the last kings. By this time, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had been destroyed and carried into captivity by the Assyrians some 100 years earlier. They went into captivity because of their continual sin. Now Judah, the Southern Kingdom, is on the brink of facing the same fate for the same reason. When we look at these two verses, here is our background. Please note that this is a necessary step in our understanding of this book before we go forward. Jehoiakim was the son of Josiah, the last of the kings of Judah that pleased God. (See 2 Kings 23:25 for the testimony of King Josiah and 2 Chronicles 35:25 for the lamentation of Jeremiah over King Josiah.) After Josiah died in battle with Necho, king of Egypt, the people made Jehoahaz, his son, king (2 Chronicles 36:1). However, Necho, took Jerusalem, made Eliakim, Jehoahaz s brother, the king, changed his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz into captivity into Egypt (2 Chronicles 36:4). Nebuchadnezzar began the siege against Jerusalem while working under his father, Nabopolassar, but did not become king of Babylon until the next year when his father died. Jeremiah 25:1 NKJV The word that came to Jeremiah concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon). Nebuchadnezzar began the siege because of Jehoiakim s rebellion against paying tribute to him after Nebuchadnezzar had defeated Necho and the other nations of the region. 2 Kings 24:1 NLT During Jehoiakim s reign, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon invaded the land of Judah. Jehoiakim surrendered and paid him tribute for three years but then rebelled. The city fell in the fourth year of Jehoiakim s reign Maurice A. West Page 5 of 118

8 At the conclusion of the siege begins the seventy-year Babylonian Captivity prophesied by Jeremiah. Jeremiah 25:11 NKJV And this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. There are varying accounts by the commentators but the captivity began between B.C. (One thing every Christian must understand is the Babylonian Captivity it is key to understanding the latter part of the Old Testament.) Nebuchadnezzar carried away key people out of Jerusalem, including Jehoiakim, to take them to Babylon. Daniel and his companions were carried away in this first captivity. (Nebuchadnezzar came two more times and carried people back to Babylon. Everyone wasn t taken but the old, poor, or disabled were left to tend the land something their status wouldn t allow them to do well. 2 Chronicles 36:6-7 NLT Then King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and captured it, and he bound Jehoiakim in bronze chains and led him away to Babylon. 7 Nebuchadnezzar also took some of the treasures from the Temple of the Lord, and he placed them in his palace in Babylon. {David Guzik} Why did Nebuchadnezzar come against Jerusalem? Because the Pharaoh of Egypt invaded Babylon. In response the young prince Nebuchadnezzar defeated the Egyptians at Charchemish, then he pursued their fleeing army all the way down to the Sinai. Along the way, he subdued Jerusalem, who had been loyal to the Pharaoh of Egypt. This happened in 605 B.C. and it was the first, but not the last encounter between Nebuchadnezzar and Jehoiakim. There would be two later invasions (597 and 587 B.C.). Now we have the beginning of the Captivity, which is where the Book of Daniel begins. The trip to Babylon (known as Shinar in this verse) was long and treacherous. {Dr. Edwin M. Yamauchi} Though the direct distance between Babylon and Jerusalem is about 500 miles, the travelers would have had to traverse 900 miles, going northwest along the Euphrates River and then south. According to Ezra 7:9, it took Ezra four months to cover this distance. DANIEL IN THE BABYLONIAN COURT 3 And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king s seed, and of the princes; NLT Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah s royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. This verse gives us the pedigree of Daniel (he was of the king s seed and of the princes) and the fulfillment of a prophecy given by Isaiah to Hezekiah many years prior to this: 2 Kings 20:17-18 NKJV Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and what your fathers have accumulated until this day, SHALL BE CARRIED TO BABYLON; nothing shall be left, says the Lord. 18 And they shall take away SOME OF YOUR SONS who will descend from you, whom you will beget; and they shall be eunuchs Maurice A. West Page 6 of 118

9 in the palace of the king of Babylon. {Adam Clarke} This word eunuchs signifies officers about or in the palace whether literally eunuchs or not. There s nothing in the text that indicates that Daniel was a eunuch but he did become an officer of the palace. 4 Children in whom was no blemish, but well favored, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans. NLT Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men, he said. Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon. Not only was Daniel of the king s seed, he was strong, healthy, good looking, intelligent, gifted, and trained for service. He already had a tremendous pedigree before he came to Babylon and he was selected because of his history to move to the next level. SAINTS PRINCIPLE: We may hate our past but God uses it in our future. 5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king s meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king. Now that the candidates are selected, the indoctrination and training process begins so that there will be no ties back to their homeland and they will only think of Babylon. First, they were given the special privilege of eating and drinking what the king ate. {David Guzik} In the ancient world much more than the modern world, there was a huge difference between the food enjoyed by the elite and what common people ate. This was a great benefit and was intended to help them view themselves at a different level than others, though they were slaves. I m sure those that ate of the common food would look at anyone who turned this down as mentally unstable. However, there was a problem with this in the sight of God. Next, they began a three-year training program. In this period of time they would learn the language and literature of Babylon (v. 4) and learn the etiquette required to be a courtier in the presence of the greatest king of that time. When this program was complete, they would be ready to stand before the king and do his bidding. This must have been an intense program in order for them to learn all of this in a three-year period. They could not stand before this king fumbling at their skills (Babylonian language or literature) or the consequences could be fatal. 6 Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: {Adam Clarke} There were no doubt several noble youths from other provinces: but the four mentioned here were Jews, and are supposed to have all been of royal extraction. 7 Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel the name of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego. The next step in their indoctrination into the Babylonian way of life was to change their names. These new names paid homage to their pagan gods. {David Guzik} The purpose Maurice A. West Page 7 of 118

10 of the food, names and education was simple. This was an effort at total indoctrination, working to make these young Jewish men leave behind their Hebrew God and culture. The name change was the final step indicating complete dominion and power over these Hebrew slaves. 8 But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. Daniel immediately takes the mantle and becomes the spokesperson for he and his peers. He did not object to his new name, even though this book carries his Hebrew name and it s the name he s typically called throughout the book. He did not object to the Babylonian education. None of these two were at variance with the Laws of God. However, now they want him to eat their food and drink their wine. There were a number of problems with this: {JF&B} It was the custom to throw a small part of the [food] and wine upon the earth, as an initiatory offering to the gods, so as to consecrate to them the whole. To have partaken of such a feast would have been to sanction idolatry, and was forbidden even after the legal distinction of clean and unclean meats was done away. {Adam Clarke} [The Babylonians] ate unclean beasts, which were forbidden by the Jewish law. {Adam Clarke} [The Babylonians] ate, as did the heathens in general, beasts which had been strangled, or not properly blooded. So even if the food was prepared correctly and the animals were clean animals, they were still offered to idols prior to their preparation. Now before we begin to roll our eyes about this, there are only a few commands given to the Gentile Christians in the New Testament but let s just look at one Acts 15:29 NKJV That you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell. In other words, we have the same requirement to uphold the sanctity of God over dumb idols. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. NLT Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel. SAINTS PRINCIPLE: When you maintain your integrity before God, favor is the result. So many believe that favor is automatic but this type of favor requires determination and WORK on our part. (Compare Joseph in prison.) He needed favor to keep his life and to keep this defiled food from being forced upon him. Remember, he s a slave. {David Guzik} God will never abandon us when we stand for Him. Daniel entrusted himself to God, and God came through - though it was no doubt a stretching experience for Daniel and his friends. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said unto Daniel, I fear my lord the king, who hath appointed your meat and your drink: for why should he see your faces worse liking than the Maurice A. West Page 8 of 118

11 children which are of your sort? then shall ye make me endanger my head to the king. NLT But he responded, I am afraid of my lord the king, who has ordered that you eat this food and wine. If you become pale and thin compared to the other youths your age, I am afraid the king will have me beheaded. Ashpenaz was no fool. He understood the implications of not handling Nebuchadnezzar s prized possessions properly. He was not going to put his life on the line for a religious zealot slave. There needed to be a compromise for both sides to come out ahead. Here we ll see an initial glimpse of the wisdom of Daniel. 11 Then said Daniel to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, NLT Daniel spoke with the attendant who had been appointed by the chief of staff to look after Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, Unless there is an error in the text (and the other translations don t seem to support this), Daniel turns his attention from the prince of the eunuchs (the chief of staff) to the steward, Melzar, who was responsible for their day-to-day care. Melzar, which was a title rather than his name, (Adam Clarke, master of the inn or hotel, the name of an office ) had to recognize the relationship that Daniel had with Ashpenaz or he would have ignored the challenge set forth in the next verse. 12 Prove thy servants, I beseech thee, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink. NKJV Please test your servants for ten days, and let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. {JF&B} Pulse The Hebrew expresses any vegetable grown from seeds, that is, vegetable food in general. Remember, the indoctrination and training process was to extend for three years. By selecting a 10-day period for the test, if there was any negative change in their appearance, there was ample time to correct it by forcing them to eat the king s provisions. This short period would keep everyone from any severe punishment by the king. 13 Then let our countenances be looked upon before thee, and the countenance of the children that eat of the portion of the king s meat: AND AS THOU SEEST, DEAL WITH THY SERVANTS. Wow! Would you give such a decision over to the hands of the unsaved without great faith in God? Daniel didn t put any stipulations on the test except to allow Melzar to do what he wanted based on what he saw. Not only did he trust God to intervene in their bodies but also he trusted God to intervene in Melzar s heart. 14 So he consented to them in this matter, and proved them ten days. God had to touch Melzar s heart to come to this point because (1) {Dake} 10 days is not long enough to be able to tell a difference because of the eating of certain foods and (2) Daniel had no power in this negotiation and Melzar had it all. However, God was working behind the scene Maurice A. West Page 9 of 118

12 SIDE ROAD: James 3:17 NKJV But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. The behavior of Daniel shows all the attributes of wisdom expressed by James. Too often, we show none of these attributes in working to get our way. In choosing our method, we don t get our way and we often stain the name of Christ. It is of no use for a man to say, I have made up my mind upon certain things, and to keep doggedly fighting over those matters, while, at the same time, the whole of his life is unkind, ungenerous, and unlovable. Yes, by all manner of means be a martyr if you like; but do not martyr everybody else. (Spurgeon) Don t slander the entire Body of Christ with your actions! 15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king s meat. {David Guzik} There was no biological reason why a vegetarian diet should make them appear better and fatter. Perhaps their diet would have made them appear the same as the other Jewish young men who ate the king s food, but not better and fatter. Because they stood for God, He stood for them. 16 Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat, and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse. NKJV Thus the steward took away their portion of delicacies and the wine that they were to drink, and gave them vegetables. Daniel s wisdom and determination has kept these four young men from violating the standards that God had set. I wonder how many others in Babylon that were taken captive with them made that same choice? It s tough to eat vegetables when there s meat nearby but then you have to ask yourself, How bad do you want Him? He only receives us through our obedience. 17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. The word children gives the wrong impression of these young men. Other translations call them young men or youths. At the time of the Captivity, Daniel and his companions were probably in their late teens. Because they took a stand for God, He blessed them exceedingly abundantly above all they could ask or think. In the same manner He blessed Joseph and Solomon. He blessed them with knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom. However, we ll see in coming verses the magnitude of God s blessing with this knowledge and skill. Remember, this was a three year program and they would have needed God to get through it, let alone excel in it. In addition, Daniel had a special blessing in his understanding of ALL visions and dreams. {JF&B} God thus made one of the despised covenant-people eclipse the Chaldean sages in the very science on which they most prided themselves. [Just like] Joseph in the court of Pharaoh (Ge 40:5; 41:1-8). Daniel, in these praises of his own understanding, speaks not through vanity, but by the direction of God, as one transported out of himself. 18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he should bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. NLT When the training period ordered by the king was completed, the chief of staff brought all the young men to King Maurice A. West Page 10 of 118

13 Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel and his companions were not the only ones brought into this final test before the king. Based on verse 19, there were others that were included. 19 And the king communed with them; and among them all was found none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the king. NLT The king talked with them, and no one impressed him as much as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. So they entered the royal service. So I wonder what happened to the other Hebrews; those that did not take a stand because they were not among those that God stood for? We know there were others from verse 3 (and probably others from other nations). Favor is not fair because it s not freely dispensed. There s an expectation that goes with it: Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding gives FAVOR: but the way of transgressors is hard. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding, that the king enquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm. Amplified Bible And in all matters of wisdom and understanding concerning which the king asked them, he found them ten times better than all the [learned] magicians and enchanters who were in his whole realm. {David Guzik} These young men from Jerusalem were immersed in the study of Babylonian culture, literature and religion; yet they remained faithful to God. The work of the prophets like Jeremiah, Zephaniah and Habakkuk had not been in vain. They were in Babylon, but not of Babylon. These young men give the answer to success in today s business world don t forget who you are (and Who s you are) and that God is counting on you to maintain your integrity at all costs. 21 And Daniel continued even unto the first year of king Cyrus. Amplified Bible And Daniel continued there even to the first year of King Cyrus [at the close of the seventy years exile of Judah in Babylonia, which Jeremiah had foretold]. {David Guzik} Daniel had a long, successful career in the worst of circumstances. He worked for tyrants who thought nothing of killing their staff and advisors, much less firing them. His employer suffered the worst kind of hostile takeover when the Medo-Persian Empire conquered the Babylonian Empire. The seeds of his great success are evident in the very first chapter of the Book of Daniel Maurice A. West Page 11 of 118

14 Chapter 2 Daniel and his companions have successfully completed the king s training course and are now living in Babylon. Now comes another test of their faith. To fail this test would cost them their lives but it would have cost us also. With this test comes an awesome revelation of future events extending to the end of time. NEBUCHADNEZZAR S DREAM 1 And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams, wherewith his spirit was troubled, and his sleep brake from him. NLT One night during the second year of his reign, Nebuchadnezzar had such disturbing dreams that he couldn t sleep. There is a bit of confusion in this verse that can be quickly remedied if we study the text. Since we re now into the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, the question comes as to where we are in relation to the training of Daniel and his companions. Did this occur during their training period, as Dake suggests, or is this after the training period, as Clarke and others suggest? Part of the answer is in the text. As we get deeper into this chapter, we ll find that Nebuchadnezzar intended to destroy the wise men of Babylon (v. 12). Included in that number was Daniel and his companions (v. 13), showing that they had completed their training and were now part of that elite group, as we saw at the end of Chapter 1. However, how do we deal with the time stamp in this verse because the numbers don t seem to add up? Two sources will give us our answer, even though it s still difficult because we re not used to the politics that went on three millenniums ago: {JF&B} The solution of this difficulty is: Nebuchadnezzar first ruled as subordinate to his father Nabopolassar, to which time the first chapter refers (Dan. 1:1); whereas the second year in the second chapter is dated from his sole sovereignty. The very difficulty is a proof of genuineness; all was clear to the writer and the original readers from their knowledge of the circumstances, and so he adds no explanation. A forger would not introduce difficulties; the author did not then see any difficulty in the case. Nebuchadnezzar is called king (Da 1:1), by anticipation. Before he left Judea, he became actual king by the death of his father, and the Jews always called him king, as commander of the invading army. {Adam Clarke} The second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar is, the second year of his reigning alone, for he was king two years before his father s death. This was therefore the fifth year of his reign, and the fourth of the captivity of Daniel. If we follow the logic of the commentators, Daniel and his companions have served as wise men for one year and are still very young approximately years old. 2 Then the king commanded to call the magicians, and the astrologers, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, for to shew the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. Amplified Bible Then the king commanded to call the magicians, the enchanters or soothsayers, the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans [diviners], to tell the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, like many of us have Maurice A. West Page 12 of 118

15 had, that was disturbing and troubling but he could not recall anything about the dream. So he called all those that worked in what we call curious or dark arts to tell him what he dreamed. He wasn t interested in the interpretation, yet. Right now, he just wanted to know the dream. It s obvious that Daniel and his companions were not among those that were called and this will be shown in later verses. (Perhaps their age, national origin, or inexperience may have kept them from being called with this group.) In this verse, the word Chaldeans is used for the second time in this book and it s time to define who they were. {JF&B} [They were] a certain order of priest-magicians, who wore a peculiar dress, like that seen on the gods and deified men in the Assyrian sculptures. Probably they belonged exclusively to the Chaldeans, the original tribe of the Babylonian nation. {Adam Clarke} The Chaldeans were the most ancient philosophers of the world; they might have been originally inhabitants of the Babylonian Irak; and still have preserved to themselves exclusively the name of Chaldeans, to distinguish themselves from other nations and peoples who inhabited the one hundred and twenty provinces of which the Babylonish government was composed. However, there is some confusion here also because the Jewish people referred to the entire Babylonian people as the Chaldeans. This was especially true in Jeremiah s book but it was also even seen in this book. Therefore, when we come to this word again, you need to look at the context to see who the writer is referring to. 3 And the king said unto them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream. Nebuchadnezzar was anxious to hear what the dream was and its interpretation. It had taken his sleep and he wanted to know what did this. This is an insight into the character of Nebuchadnezzar that he would mobilize the kingdom for something that seemed so petty. After all, he s the king and he can sleep whenever he wants. However, God is behind this and the dream has troubled him down to his soul and he must have an answer. 4 Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation. Amplified Bible Then said the Chaldeans [diviners] to the king in Aramaic [the Syrian language], O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation. The Chaldeans may be great philosophers and great thinkers but they re not good listeners. Nebuchadnezzar already told them that he didn t know the dream. But the reality is that they could not believe that he would make such a request of them and their response was based on what they thought he meant. There s another point that occurs in the original text at this verse. {David Guzik} From Daniel 2:4 to 7:28, the text is in Aramaic - not Hebrew This was the language of the Babylonian Maurice A. West Page 13 of 118

16 Empire. Other commentators also attest to this. This proves Daniel s superiority in his training in that he was comfortable using the language of the Babylonian court in the text. 5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. NLT But the king said to the astrologers, I am serious about this. If you don t tell me what my dream was and what it means, you will be torn limb from limb, and your houses will be turned into heaps of rubble! We have another insight into the character of Nebuchadnezzar. He s a cruel and harsh man who makes unreasonable demands regardless of how lives may be impacted. This is not a threat but a royal decree (continued in the next verse) that the army will soon begin to carry out. However, maybe it s not so harsh and cruel but the result of having to deal with the arrogance and pretentiousness of these frauds for many years. 6 But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream, and the interpretation thereof. Amplified Bible But if you show the dream and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. So show me the dream and the interpretation of it. Nebuchadnezzar is not concerned about how hard this might be or if it s possible at all. His wise men have made claims to hidden and dark knowledge and he expects them to come through. To him, it shouldn t be a big deal based on the claims they ve made about themselves in the past. 7 They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation of it. Because we don t have much history with Nebuchadnezzar, we don t know if the wise men are stalling for time or if they ve seen this type of behavior out of him before and expect him to change his decree. It may be a little of both. 8 The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. Amplified Bible The king answered, I know with certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see the thing is gone from me and because you see that my word [against you] is sure: 9 But if ye will not make known unto me the dream, there is but one decree for you: for ye have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, till the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that ye can shew me the interpretation thereof. Amplified Bible If you will not make known to me the dream, there is but one sentence for you; for you have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me [hoping to delay your execution] until the time is changed. Therefore tell me the dream, and I will know that you can tell me the interpretation of it. The more I read the text, it seems that Nebuchadnezzar had a problem with the wise men of his kingdom before this time. He Maurice A. West Page 14 of 118

17 accuses them of preparing lying and corrupt words to speak to him so the history between the king and his wise men doesn t appear to be very positive. 10 The Chaldeans answered before the king, and said, There is not a man upon the earth that can shew the king s matter: therefore there is no king, lord, nor ruler, that asked such things at any magician, or astrologer, or Chaldean. NLT The astrologers replied to the king, No one on earth can tell the king his dream! And no king, however great and powerful, has ever asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer! Uriah Smith in his book The Prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation has another point of view about Nebuchadnezzar s decree, Some have severely censured Nebuchadnezzar in this matter, as acting the part of a heartless, unreasonable tyrant. But what did these magicians profess to be able to do? To reveal hidden things, to foretell event, to make known mysteries entirely beyond human foresight and penetration, and to do this by the aid of supernatural agencies. There was therefore nothing unjust in Nebuchadnezzar s demand that they should make known his dream. When they declared that none but the gods whose dwelling was not with flesh could make known the king s matter, it was a tacit acknowledgement that they had no communication with these gods, and knew nothing beyond what human wisdom and discernment could reveal. They made a claim to fame that they could not fulfill at this critical time. 11 And it is a rare thing that the king requireth, and there is none other that can shew it before the king, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh. NLT The king s demand is impossible. No one except the gods can tell you your dream, and they do not live here among people. Now the hand of God behind this dream becomes obvious. We have a just right for God moment here. Luke 1:37 For with God nothing shall be impossible. God is about to use this dream to bring a powerful revelation into the future of all mankind, elevate Daniel to a position of prominence, AND save the lives of the frauds because He s such a merciful God. Remember, Daniel made a HUGE stand for God in Chapter 1 and God is not finished blessing him for the stand he took to obey God (and, no doubt, the devil is still stinging from it so he wants to use this to kill Daniel and his companions). SAINTS PRINCIPLE: When you decide that your obedience to God is more important than life itself, there is no telling of the blessings that will overtake you (Hebrews 11:8). 12 For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. {David Guzik} Though he was a despot, Nebuchadnezzar knew that false religious is worse than useless. He knew that it was a curse, and he didn t want wise men who could not bring him wisdom from God. 13 And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they sought Daniel and his fellows to be slain. We Christians have to be careful when we criticize other religions as false and want them done away with or censored by the government. I remember that in the late 1970s when the massacre / mass suicide at the People s Temple site in northwestern Guyana Maurice A. West Page 15 of 118

18 took place, Christians called for an end to such cults and investigations into splinter religious groups. However, the result was that ALL churches came under heavy scrutiny by the government and ALL churches felt the impact. Nebuchadnezzar s call for the death of the wise men included all wise men including those that truly heard from God and who were not even part of the events earlier in this chapter. 14 Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch the captain of the king s guard, which was gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon: The captain of the king s guard was the chief executioner for the king. Adam Clarke said that his role was to behead those that had displeased the king. But there is something more exciting in this verse look at the attitude of Daniel. A man that is about to be executed does not approach the executioner but rather runs from him. {David Guzik} Daniel calmly and discretely deals with the crisis. Daniel s calmness in this crisis showed what kind of man he really was. In one sense, crises do not make the man, they reveal the man. 15 He answered and said to Arioch the king s captain, Why is the decree so hasty from the king? Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. Daniel and his companions were not called to the original meeting so they didn t have insight as to why this urgent and awful decree came forth. However, even though their advice was not desired, they are to be judged with those that gave unwise counsel. 16 Then Daniel went in, and desired of the king that he would give him time, and that he would shew the king the interpretation. {JF&B} perhaps not in person, but by the mediation of some courtier who had access to the king. His first direct interview seems to have been Daniel 2:25. The king granted this request because, for once, someone said they would actually do it. The dream greatly disturbed Nebuchadnezzar and he was desperately looking for someone with an answer. Daniel needed time just as we do today. He and his companions needed to seek God and carefully wait before Him for an answer just as we must do. {David Guzik} This wasn t just a stalling tactic. Daniel knew that it takes time to listen to the Lord and to wait upon Him, and Daniel was willing to take the time if the king would grant it. 17 Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: 18 That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. Though Daniel appeared calm in this situation, failure would have meant his life. That could not be and he needed his prayer team to join him to find the answer. The situation was dire; it was life or death. This was not a time for calmness in his seeking God! GOD REVEALS NEBUCHADNEZZAR S DREAM 19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. We don t know how the dream and interpretation came to Daniel except by the words night vision. Regardless of how it got there, God came through as He always does. They used Maurice A. West Page 16 of 118

19 the method that Jeremiah told the people about in his book Jeremiah 29:13 NKJV And you will seek Me and FIND ME, when you search for Me WITH ALL YOUR HEART. 20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his: 21 And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding: 22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. 23 I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king s matter. Daniel received an answer from God that is what his faith is telling him. Because he believes God, he praises God for the answer. {David Guzik} Our level of faith is often indicated by how long it takes us to start praising God. If we won t praise Him until the answer is in hand, then we don t have much faith. Greater faith is able to praise God when the promise is given and received. 24 Therefore Daniel went in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon: he went and said thus unto him; Destroy not the wise men of Babylon: bring me in before the king, and I will shew unto the king the interpretation. The executions had been put on hold until Daniel got back to the king so it s only natural for Daniel to return to the chief executioner to let him know that he has an answer. If you were Daniel, would you have this much faith? What if the answer was wrong? No, faith says, I ve got it! even before a confirmation comes forth. Faith needs no confirmation! DANIEL INTERPRETS THE KING S DREAM 25 Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation. {David Guzik} Arioch tries to glorify himself and Daniel for the answer to the king s dream. But Daniel refused to take credit, recognizing that the credit went to God, who revealed this dream to Daniel. Actually, Arioch did not find Daniel. Daniel found him when he was intent on killing Daniel and his companions. 26 The king answered and said to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? It seems that Nebuchadnezzar finds this a little unbelievable. After all, his wise men couldn t do it and gave excuses for why they couldn t do it. It seems incredible to him that this young person that he captured from Jerusalem would be able to do what all of his wise men could not. 27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; NLT Daniel replied, There are no wise men, enchanters, magicians, or fortunetellers who can reveal the king s secret. Daniel is gradually building up to giving full credit Maurice A. West Page 17 of 118

20 to God and showing His superiority over the idols worshipped by the wise men. But if there is one thing we should have learned about Daniel by now is that he is a man of great wisdom in spite of his youth. 28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed, are these; NLT But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the future. Now I will tell you your dream and the visions you saw as you lay on your bed. Now all the praise goes to God for the revelation of the dream and its interpretation. {Adam Clarke} There is a God in heaven - To distinguish him from those idols, the works of men s hands; and from the false gods in which the Chaldeans trusted. 29 As for thee, O king, thy thoughts came into thy mind upon thy bed, what should come to pass hereafter: and he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee what shall come to pass. Message Bible While you were stretched out on your bed, O king, thoughts came to you regarding what is coming in the days ahead. The Revealer of Mysteries showed you what will happen. 30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but for their sakes that shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that thou mightest know the thoughts of thy heart. Message Bible But the interpretation is given through me, not because I m any smarter than anyone else in the country, but so that you will know what it means, so that you will understand what you dreamed. SIDE ROAD: Daniel prepares to bring the interpretation by exalting the king ( as for thee he that revealeth secrets maketh known to thee ) and abasing himself ( But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living ) in the next verse. By so doing, the king can objectively listen to what the Lord has revealed to him without any thoughts of an impure motive from Daniel. Also, as we go into this dream, I will use the Message Bible translation, as appropriate, to give the clearest contemporary picture of what Daniel is saying to Nebuchadnezzar. NEBUCHADNEZZAR S DREAM 31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. 32 This image s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, 33 His legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. 34 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. 35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great Maurice A. West Page 18 of 118

21 mountain, and filled the whole earth. 36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. Message Bible What you saw, O king, was a huge statue standing before you, striking in appearance. And terrifying. The HEAD of the statue was pure gold, the CHEST and ARMS were silver, the BELLY and HIPS were bronze, the LEGS were iron, and the FEET were an iron-ceramic mixture. While you were looking at this statue, a stone cut out of a mountain by an invisible hand hit the statue, smashing its iron-ceramic feet. Then the whole thing fell to pieces iron, tile, bronze, silver, and gold, smashed to bits. It was like scraps of old newspapers in a vacant lot in a hot dry summer, blown every which way by the wind, scattered to oblivion. But the stone that hit the statue became a huge mountain, dominating the horizon. This was your dream. THE DREAM INTERPRETED DANIEL S 1 ST PROPHECY 37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. NLT Your Majesty, you are the greatest of kings. The God of heaven has given you sovereignty, power, strength, and honor. This prophecy is Daniel s first and sets the stage for his future visions. Most of them, like this one, deal with the world stage and often deal with the end times. 38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold. Message Bible He has put you in charge of men and women, wild animals and birds, all over the world you re the head ruler, you are the head of gold. Nebuchadnezzar was the head of gold in the image. The commentators are divided as to why he was the head of gold. Some say because Babylon was called the golden city. Others, probably more correctly, say it is because, in examining world powers {David Guzik} Nebuchadnezzar was an absolute monarch, the succeeding empires progressively less so. They were larger and lasted longer than Babylon, but none held as much centralized power as Nebuchadnezzar did. Because the dream was for the future, it made no comparison to world leaders prior to Nebuchadnezzar. 39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. The second kingdom of silver is generally thought to be the Medo-Persian Empire, which will come during Daniel s captivity in Babylon. {JF&B} That Medo-Persia is the second kingdom appears from Dan. 5:28 and Dan. 8: Maurice A. West Page 19 of 118

22 Politically (which is the main point of view here) the power of the central government in which the nobles shared with the king, being weakened by the growing independence of the provinces, was inferior to that of Nebuchadnezzar, whose sole word was law throughout his empire. The third kingdom of brass is said to be Greece under Alexander the Great. {David Guzik} The third kingdom, of bronze, is the one which shall rule over the whole earth. Indeed, Alexander s Grecian Empire was the largest among those compared in the image (except the final government of the Messiah). {JF&B} The Greeks (the third empire, Dan. 8:21; 10:20; 11:2-4) were celebrated for the brazen armor of their warriors. Jerome fancifully thinks that the brass, as being a clear-sounding metal, refers to the eloquence for which Greece was famed. Though Alexander demanded to be addressed as king of all the world, he didn t live long enough to have a kingdom to match Nebuchadnezzar s. Upon his death, at age 33, it was divided into four pieces with each of his generals taking a part. 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all things: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. Amplified Bible And the fourth kingdom [Rome] shall be strong as iron, since iron breaks to pieces and subdues all things; and like iron which crushes, it shall break and crush all these. The fourth kingdom will be the Roman Empire. The text gives us the character of this kingdom rather than its size. This is where the controversy regarding the authorship of this book comes in. {David Guzik} Liberal commentators do not believe that the fourth kingdom is Rome, but they say it is Greece, and that the second and third kingdoms are Media and Persia respectively, instead of the Medo-Persian Empire as a whole. They interpret this way because they believe it was impossible for Daniel to predict the rise of these empires. This is almost exactly the way that Adam Clarke interprets the fourth kingdom even though he is not considered a liberal commentator. However, I have found that when dealing with prophecy, this is not the time for private interpretation (2 Peter 1:20) but you have to flow with the mainstream of Bible scholars and not just a few. The accepted view (until the prophecy comes to pass and we know differently or it s confirmed) is that the fourth kingdom is Rome. Now, in defense of Adam Clarke, he views the legs of iron as the generals of Greece after the death of Alexander the Great and then they will be absorbed in the Roman government, which also partook of the iron nature; strong, military, and extensive in its victories. The view of the legs being fully the Roman Empire is the view shared by Matthew Henry, JF&B, Dake, and David Guzik, among others. But since this kingdom is said to be behind us (in both views), arguing about it is only an academic exercise. 41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 43 And whereas thou sawest Maurice A. West Page 20 of 118

23 iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. NLT 41 The feet and toes you saw were a combination of iron and baked clay, showing that this kingdom will be divided. Like iron mixed with clay, it will have some of the strength of iron. 42 But while some parts of it will be as strong as iron, other parts will be as weak as clay. 43 This mixture of iron and clay also shows that these kingdoms will try to strengthen themselves by forming alliances with each other through intermarriage. But they will not hold together, just as iron and clay do not mix. You thought that the fourth kingdom was confusing? But when we compare Scripture with Scripture, it will begin to make sense. Focus on the feet and toes (10 of them) and let s bring in another Scripture. Revelation 17:12-14 NLT 12 The ten horns of the beast are TEN KINGS who have not yet risen to power. They will be appointed to their KINGDOMS for one brief moment to reign with the beast. 13 They will all agree to give him their power and authority. 14 Together they will go to war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord of all lords and King of all kings. And his called and chosen and faithful ones will be with him. John saw these 10 kingdoms in the future (after the other kingdoms of the image were past) just like Daniel did. We will see them again later in Daniel and, again, Daniel s prophecy will agree with John s. John s prophecy puts the 10 kings at the time of the end of times beyond the period we re currently living in. This last kingdom is the combination of kingdoms that will be in power at the time of Antichrist. Many for years have tried to call the European Union (EU) this End Times kingdom. Before that, they accused the United Nations (UN). The EU currently has 28 countries as member states and 5 more that are candidate countries for membership. That s far above 10. The UN has 193 member states. Prophecies are part of God s mysteries and they will not be interpreted so easily. However, Dake provides some insight that may help us in the future as we watch End Times prophecy unfold: The kings represented by the 10 toes will seek to mingle themselves with the seed of men; that is, they will seek to be popular with their subjects and rule more or less by their wishes. The result will be that the clay will be broken up, the iron becoming predominant. Absolute monarchs will finally emerge from this mixture and they will be true kings in deed and not in word, having power to act as individuals. They will give their power to the beast after 3 of them are defeated (Dan. 7:23-24; Rev. 17:12-17). When you view Dake s interpretation, the ten kingdoms could come from either the EU or the UN so we must continue to watch, pray, and dig deeper into the Scripture to understand the mystery behind this. 44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Amplified Bible And in the days of these [final ten] kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall its sovereignty be left to another people; but it shall break and crush Maurice A. West Page 21 of 118

24 and consume all these kingdoms and it shall stand forever. {JF&B} Rather, in the days of these kings, answers to upon his feet (Dan. 2:34); that is, the ten toes (Dan. 2:42), or ten kings, the final state of the Roman empire. For these kings cannot mean the four successional monarchies, as they do not coexist as the holders of power; if the fourth had been meant, the singular, not the plural, would be used. The falling of the stone on the image must mean, destroying judgment on the fourth Gentile power, not gradual evangelization of it by grace; and the destroying judgment cannot be dealt by Christians, for they are taught to submit to the powers that be, so that it must be dealt by Christ Himself at His coming again. 45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure. Amplified Bible Just as you saw that the Stone was cut out of the mountain without hands and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold, the great God has made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter. The dream is certain and the interpretation of it is sure. Who is this Stone? This Stone is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ: Isaiah 8:14 Amplified Bible And He shall be a sanctuary [a sacred and indestructible asylum to those who reverently fear and trust in Him]; but He shall be a Stone of stumbling and a Rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them shall stumble thereon; and they shall fall and be broken, and be snared and taken. 1 Peter 2:7-8 Amplified Bible To you then who believe (who adhere to, trust in, and rely on Him) is the preciousness; but for those who disbelieve [it is true], The [very] Stone which the builders rejected has become the main Cornerstone, 8 And, A Stone that will cause stumbling and a Rock that will give [men] offense; they stumble because they disobey and disbelieve [God s] Word, as those [who reject Him] were destined (appointed) to do. DANIEL AND HIS FRIENDS PROMOTED 46 Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odors unto him. What I finding amazing, now that the dream and its interpretation are complete, is that the king allowed Daniel free space to fully tell all without interruption or questions. Nebuchadnezzar shows that he accepts all that Daniel has shown him by falling upon his face and worshipping this young slave he captured that he nearly executed. He also commands others to do as he has done to this young slave. 47 The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret. Some of the commentators had a problem with the prior verse and interjected what wasn t there that Maurice A. West Page 22 of 118

25 Daniel refused the king s worship. However, we see that the king now clarifies his worship in announcing that Daniel s God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings. 48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon. {JF&B} One reason for Nebuchadnezzar having been [given] such a dream is here seen; namely, that Daniel might be promoted, and the captive people of God be comforted: the independent state of the captives during the exile and the alleviation of its hardships, were much due to Daniel. 49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king. Daniel didn t forget his prayer partners but boldly made a request of Nebuchadnezzar, which he granted. But Daniel {Adam Clarke} was the chief officer in the palace; and the greatest confidant and counselor of the king Maurice A. West Page 23 of 118

26 Chapter 3 Daniel and his companions are now well entrenched in the Babylonian society operating in their positions of authority given at the end of Chapter 2. They are also older being between years old. In spite of their young age, they will face a great test here. NEBUCHADNEZZAR S GOLDEN IMAGE 1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was threescore cubits, and the breadth thereof six cubits: he set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. Amplified Bible Nebuchadnezzar the king [caused to be] made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits or ninety feet and its breadth six cubits or nine feet. He set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. We need to establish the setting for this verse before moving forward. There is much speculation on when this took place but no firm answer. JF&B says it was 19 years after the prior chapter. Matthew Henry says it was about the seventh year of Nebuchadnezzar, a year before Jehoiachin s captivity, in which Ezekiel was carried away or 5 years after the prior chapter. Adam Clarke says it was closer to the end of Nebuchadnezzar s reign. All do agree that there is no hard evidence for any of the dates but we know it s after Chapter 2. The image of gold was probably not a huge figure of a man because of the odd dimensions. Most say that it was probably an image on top of a pillar. Whether it was solid gold or gold plated was also debated but irrelevant to the point Daniel is trying to make in this chapter. SIDE ROAD: Daniel, in these first three chapters, has focused on commitment, commitment, and more commitment to GOD. This was lacking in the Jewish nation, which caused them to go into captivity. This is the last chapter where this will be emphasized. For the next three chapters after this, the emphasis will be on the rulers of the kingdom where God s people are in captivity. Yes, God is concerned about the natural state of His people! 2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the princes, the governors, and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. NLT Then he sent messages to the high officers, officials, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the provincial officials to come to the dedication of the statue he had set up. Everyone in the empire was not invited to the dedication of this statue. The intent of this meeting was to test the allegiance of the officials that Nebuchadnezzar had put in place and we can figure out from verse 8 the possible instigators who prompted Nebuchadnezzar to do this. Adam Clarke gives us insight to the attendees: Princes - Satraps ({David Guzik} a Persian word that means protector of the realm [referring] to a specific category of public officials ) or [private] counselors who had free access to the presence of the king. (We ll see this word satrap again in Daniel.) Governors - lieutenants or viceroys. Captains [those] set over provinces that had been [added] to the kingdom by conquest Maurice A. West Page 24 of 118

27 T HE B OOK OF D ANIEL Judges the nobles, the assistants to the king in making laws, statutes, etc. Treasurers - those who kept the current coin, or were over the mint in Babylon. Counselors - men whose business was to explain the law. Sheriffs - probably civil magistrates. And all the rulers of the provinces - all other state or civil officers, not only to grace the solemnity, but to maintain order. A lot of time and expense went into bringing officials from all over the empire to this one location to satisfy King Nebuchadnezzar s paranoia. The world does things equally as foolish as this because (1) they don t trust those that have been entrusted to their care and (2) they don t have access to the omniscience (infinite knowledge of all) of God. Since we do, we shouldn t engage in the same nonsense. 3 Then the princes, the governors, and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together unto the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. {JF&B} [They stand] in an attitude of devotion. Whatever the king approved of, they all approve of. There is no stability of principle in the ungodly. I have heard many preach from this chapter and the excitement in the service is overwhelming but do we leave there and apply the principle of this chapter in our lives and workplaces? This is where we must take a stand for God and Him only regardless of the potential for personal loss. 4 Then an herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, O people, nations, and languages, The wording the herald uses indicates that Nebuchadnezzar had a diverse group of officials belonging to the various nations he had conquered. 5 That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet (similar to a trumpet), flute, harp, sackbut ({Dake} another type of harp ), psaltery ({Dake} another stringed instrument ), dulcimer (Amplified Bible bagpipe ), and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up: 6 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. {JF&B} No other nation but the Jews would feel this edict oppressive; for it did not prevent them worshipping their own gods besides. It was evidently aimed at the Jews by those jealous of their high position in the king s court, who therefore induced the king to pass an edict as to all recusants [those who refuse to obey], representing such refusal of homage as an act of treason to Nebuchadnezzar as civil and religious head of the empire. In the same manner, those that don t have a real commitment to God feel no guilt in passively accepting any and all unholy dictates passed down within Corporate America because God is only one more of their many Maurice A. West Page 25 of 118

28 gods. They satisfy their guilt by saying (falsely) that God gave them the job and surely He wants them to keep it. Don t let this hypocrisy be in you! 7 Therefore at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. {David Guzik} Nebuchadnezzar s grand idolatry was accompanied by music elaborate and wellproduced music. This reminds us of the great power in music, both for good and for evil. THE DISOBEDIENCE OF CERTAIN JEWS 8 Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews. We have no idea how many people were assembled there in the plain of Dura. We don t know how they were spread out but obviously the fact that someone has not complied was not readily noticeable. It s also not surprising that the Chaldeans would be the ones to lodge this complaint. They were thoroughly and completely humiliated in the prior chapter and then forced to answer to a young Jewish slave. They lost their access to the king and had to go through this young fellow for any requests. They obviously missed the fact that if there had been no Daniel, they would have been dead at this time. But time has erased part of their memory and bitterness lives on. However, they probably have a healthy fear and respect for Daniel so they go after those closest to him instead of directly confronting him who was probably also standing. 9 They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever. Judas Iscariot came with a kiss, Satan approached Eve with a question, and they come with flattery. Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 10 Thou, O king, hast made a decree, that every man that shall hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image: 11 And whoso falleth not down and worshippeth, that he should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. This pattern of reminding a person of what they said, as if they had forgotten, is a pattern repeated throughout Scripture by those with evil intentions. They remind him that it s a decree but remember, Nebuchadnezzar is an absolute monarch, so he can break his decrees as he sees fit. But he didn t see fit to do that at this time. 12 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. Notice the demonically inspired accusation against the Jews. They went from accusing the Jewish people as a whole ( certain Jews ) to naming Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego specifically. Then they remind him that these are men that HE has put in positions of power. (The underlying thought is, You d think they would appreciate you more, O King! ) Then they went to the pattern often used when people hate. They compounded the crime to make the offense appear more shocking: Maurice A. West Page 26 of 118

29 (1) They don t regard YOU (NLT - They pay no attention to you); (2) They don t serve YOUR gods; (3) They won t worship the golden image that YOU have set up. If they had said, There are three men still standing it may not have stirred up Nebuchadnezzar as much but they appealed to his arrogance and added to their crime by painting a picture of their attitude behind their actions. Their crime was standing when everyone else bowed down. {David Guzik} Though their actions were not public, neither were they hidden. These men must have known they would be discovered, yet they obeyed God rather than man. {C.H. Spurgeon} You will not be able to go through life without being discovered: a lighted candle cannot be hid. There is a feeling among some good people that it will be wise to be very reticent, and hide their light under a bushel. They intend to lie low all the wartime, and come out when the palms are being distributed. They hope to travel to heaven by the back lanes, and skulk into glory in disguise. Ah me, what a degenerate set! SAINTS PRINCIPLE: There is a price for promotion! They rode on the coattails of Daniel to positions of prominence but now they must stand on their own with their own conviction. But it is obvious that Nebuchadnezzar built his empire on those that he conquered. By putting them in positions of authority, he could count on their support to keep the empire in tact. So, where are the other Jews that received some position of authority? Are these three men plus Daniel the only ones of the thousands of Jews in Babylon that received a promotion? Probably not. 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. Nebuchadnezzar was furious and in a rage but God gave His people grace and, instead of them being executed immediately, he called them to be interrogated. Look how he behaved in Chapter 2 when he got mad (verse 12). 14 Nebuchadnezzar spake and said unto them, Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, do not ye serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I have set up? God is so good! He gave Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego favor with the king so that he calmed down enough to interrogate them and give them another chance. He s setting this up as a just right for God moment. {JF&B} Notwithstanding his fury, his past favor for them disposes him to give them the opportunity of excusing themselves on the ground that their disobedience had not been intentional; so he gives them another trial to see whether they would still worship the image. Pastor David Guzik makes an interesting point in that it s easier to stand in the midst of the masses but what will you do when you come face-to-face with impending death in the face of a madman? Peter was bold around his fellow disciples but when confronted face-toface warming himself by the fire, he wilted and denied Christ Maurice A. West Page 27 of 118

30 15 Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, ye fall down and worship the image which I have made; well: but if ye worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands? Look at the arrogance of Nebuchadnezzar! The interpretation of his dream in the prior chapter probably added to it even though it was not meant as flattery but as a fact. He is about to find out who is that God that will deliver them out of his hands. {David Guzik} We can imagine the enormous pressure on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego to compromise. Everything in front of them - the king, the furnace, the music, their compatriots, their competitors - all of it conspired to convince them to compromise. Yet God was more real to them than any of those things. 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. NKJV Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. Someone once said that there is nothing more dangerous than a person who does not fear death. Nebuchadnezzar has before him three men in that category. They fear God much more than they fear him. They would not mount a defense because the accusation was true and they were not going to bow down. It didn t require prayer, soul-searching, or deep thought. They were not going to bow! 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. NLT If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. These men appreciate and understand the awesome power of God. They make one of the strongest declarations of unwavering commitment found in the Bible. 18 But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. NLT But even if he doesn t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up. This verse is so unlike the Church today. They understood the power of God but they submit themselves to the will of God. If God chooses to make them a spectacle of pure submission for those Jews that may have their faces to the ground, they were fine with that. Whatever God does is not going to change their commitment to Him. This is a time where we have to go and examine our own faith practices. Will we buckle under the pressure of the devil s attacks, sickness, financial disaster, etc., or will we stand regardless of what is thrown our way? 19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. NLT Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. If Maurice A. West Page 28 of 118

31 we view this incident as taking place not long after Chapter 2, these three Hebrew men are probably in their middle twenties. Nebuchadnezzar has been a part of their life since they arrived in Babylon. He personally interviewed and tested them after their three-year training period in Chapter 1 (1:19). Based on the recommendation of Daniel, he promoted them in Chapter 2 (2:49). He probably attempted to speak to them in a fatherly manner earlier in this chapter but now his true feelings cannot be hidden. His anger has consumed him and he has commanded for the furnace to be heated with greater intensity than usual. GOD S MIRACULOUS DELIVERANCE 20 And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. NKJV And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. Nebuchadnezzar s rage is going to cost him in more ways than just public humiliation. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Amplified Bible Then these [three] men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics or undergarments, their turbans, and their other clothing, and they were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. The intent of this verse and the next is to show the urgency required to obey the king because of his great wrath. 22 Therefore because the king s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flames of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The mighty men of valor, hand picked and probably great warriors, were slain obeying the foolish order of the king. God spared the king but punished those that attempted to punish His servants. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. NLT So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. The miracle has already begun. If the mighty men of valor were slain just trying to get Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the furnace, shouldn t they have been slain with the mighty men? 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counselors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. Message Bible Suddenly King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in alarm and said, Didn t we throw three men, bound hand and foot, into the fire? That s right, O king, they said. The king is not confused about his order. The miracle he s witnessing brings out a question that didn t need an answer. 25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Message Bible But look! Maurice A. West Page 29 of 118

32 he said. I see four men, walking around freely in the fire, completely unharmed! And the fourth man looks like a son of the gods! This is a verse where we often get excited and well-meaning preachers will tell us how this heathen king had a revelation of the pre-incarnate Christ but that s not entirely true. He saw a strange being in the fire and, with no knowledge of God, calls this being a son of God. {Adam Clarke} A most improper translation. What notion could this idolatrous king have of the Lord Jesus Christ? [The words he used] signifies a son of the gods, that is, a Divine person or angel; and so the king calls him in Daniel 3:28. NEBUCHADNEZZAR HUMBLES HIMSELF FOR A SEASON 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. A moment ago, these men were the lowest scum of the earth in the eyes of Nebuchadnezzar. He wanted every officer of the kingdom to see what happens when you violate his commands. But now he calls them, ye servants of the most high God. I wonder how long they would have stayed in the furnace if Nebuchadnezzar had not called them out? 27 And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them. Look at the complete thoroughness of God s deliverance. They didn t smell like fire. None of their hair was singed. There was no evidence of having been in this raging blast furnace upon their clothes. And the wondrous thing is that EVERYONE saw the wonder working power of God! 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king s word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. {JF&B} This decree promulgated throughout the vast empire of Nebuchadnezzar must have tended much to keep the Jews from idolatry in the captivity and thenceforth. God used Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to help keep His people in the midst of their punishment. What a gracious, loving God we serve! 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province of Babylon. The king could not rebuke them or punish them so he promoted them! Psalm 75:6-7 For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. 7 But God is the judge: he puts down one, and sets up another Maurice A. West Page 30 of 118

33 Chapter 4 {Adam Clarke} Nebuchadnezzar, after having subdued all the neighboring countries, and greatly enriched and adorned his own, became so intoxicated with his prosperity, as to draw down upon himself a very remarkable judgment, of which this chapter gives a particular account, in the very words of the edict which the Babylonish monarch issued on his restoration to the throne. NEBUCHADNEZZAR S TESTIMONY 1 Nebuchadnezzar the king, unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 2 I thought it good to shew the signs and wonders that the high God hath wrought toward me. 3 How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation. The events of this chapter probably took place around the end of Nebuchadnezzar s reign when the land was at peace and he was settled as the king. This is the assumption of the Jewish historian Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews, Book X. In the footnote to his chapter on this account, he states that Nebuchadnezzar reigned one year after the events of this chapter and then died. If that is the case, this puts the beginning of this chapter (starting at verse 4) at the 34 th year of Nebuchadnezzar s 43-year reign (the judgment was seven years; it started one year after his dream and he reigned one year afterward). Since Daniel s captivity closely aligned with Nebuchadnezzar s reign (they re off by about one year), this is the 33 rd year of his captivity so Daniel is approximately 50 years old based on his captivity starting when he was 17. This chapter is a state document from the Babylonian archives that Daniel has put into his writings. Because it is a state document, Daniel is called by his Hebrew and by his Babylonian names probably to be clear on who is discussed in this chapter. Nebuchadnezzar s testimony of verses 1-3 could easily have been at the end but he begins with praise and then tells us what he s praising God for. Isn t it remarkable how God can change ANYONE even Nebuchadnezzar! NEBUCHADNEZZAR S SECOND DREAM 4 I Nebuchadnezzar was at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace: NLT I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living in my palace in comfort and prosperity. {Adam Clarke} I had returned to my palace in Babylon after having subdued Syria, Phoenicia, Judea, Egypt, and Arabia. It was probably these great conquests that puffed him up with pride, and brought that chastisement upon him which he afterwards describes. This verse points to the timing of this chapter. Nebuchadnezzar spent most of his life fighting wars and conquering but now he s at rest and able to enjoy one of the magnificent palaces he built. { Nebuchadnezzar II had three palaces in Babylon, all located to the east of the Euphrates, on its left bank, in the northern part of the city. The grand, or northernmost, palace was set on a large terrace structure, suggesting that the hanging gardens took the form of a terraced slope descending to the river, bordered by a park Maurice A. West Page 31 of 118

34 5 I saw a dream which made me afraid, and the thoughts upon my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. It s interesting how God used dreams in the relationship of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel. In fact, their major recorded dealings had to do with his dreams. 6 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream. 7 Then came in the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers: and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known unto me the interpretation thereof. These are the same groups that Nebuchadnezzar called for in Chapter 2 that failed him at that time also. But then, they were so bold as to tell him that if he told them the dream, they would interpret it. Well, now he has done just that and they have failed again. 8 But at the last Daniel came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my God, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and before him I told the dream, saying, Amplified Bible But at last Daniel came in before me he who was named Belteshazzar, after the name of my god, and in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God and I told the dream before him, saying, Notice the level of respect that Daniel (remember, he s a slave) receives from the king. The text implies that there was great relief from Nebuchadnezzar just from Daniel s presence. He s now confident that his dream will be interpreted and he exhibits none of the rage that he showed in Chapter 2. 9 O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in thee, and no secret troubleth thee, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation thereof. By calling Daniel, Belteshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar is recognizing and honoring his god Bel because Daniel s Babylonian name means Bel s prince. {David Guzik} This means that what he saw previously with Daniel and the three Hebrew young men was enough to impress him, but not enough to convert him. Being impressed with God isn t the same as being converted. 10 Thus were the visions of mine head in my bed; I saw, and behold a tree in the midst of the earth, and the height thereof was great. 11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height thereof reached unto heaven, and the sight thereof to the end of all the earth: 12 The leaves thereof were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all: the beasts of the field had shadow under it, and the fowls of the heaven dwelt in the boughs thereof, and all flesh was fed of it. 13 I saw in the visions of my head upon my bed, and, behold, a watcher and an holy one came down from heaven; 14 He cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit: let the beasts get away from under it, and the fowls from his branches: 15 Nevertheless leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth: 16 Let his heart be changed from man s, and let a beast s heart be given unto him; and let seven times Maurice A. West Page 32 of 118

35 pass over him. 17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men. NLT While I was lying in my bed, this is what I dreamed. I saw a large tree in the middle of the earth. 11 The tree grew very tall and strong, reaching high into the heavens for all the world to see. 12 It had fresh green leaves, and it was loaded with fruit for all to eat. Wild animals lived in its shade, and birds nested in its branches. All the world was fed from this tree. 13 Then as I lay there dreaming, I saw a messenger, a holy one, coming down from heaven. 14 The messenger shouted, Cut down the tree and lop off its branches! Shake off its leaves and scatter its fruit! Chase the wild animals from its shade and the birds from its branches. 15 But leave the stump and the roots in the ground, bound with a band of iron and bronze and surrounded by tender grass. Now let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him live with the wild animals among the plants of the field. 16 For seven periods of time, let him have the mind of a wild animal instead of the mind of a human. 17 For this has been decreed by the messengers; it is commanded by the holy ones, so that everyone may know that the Most High rules over the kingdoms of the world. He gives them to anyone he chooses even to the lowliest of people. 18 This dream I king Nebuchadnezzar have seen. Now thou, O Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation thereof, forasmuch as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known unto me the interpretation: BUT THOU ART ABLE; for the spirit of the holy gods is in thee. Nebuchadnezzar has come a long way from Daniel 2:26b Art thou able to make known unto me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? There he had NO FAITH in Daniel but now he has total faith in Daniel. DANIEL INTERPRETS THE DREAM 19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonied for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spake, and said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream, or the interpretation thereof, trouble thee. Belteshazzar answered and said, My lord, the dream be to them that hate thee, and the interpretation thereof to thine enemies. Amplified Bible Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished and dismayed and stricken dumb for a while [concerned about the king s destiny], and his thoughts troubled, agitated, and alarmed him. The king said, Belteshazzar, let not the dream or its interpretation trouble or alarm you. Belteshazzar answered, My lord, may the dream be for those who hate you and its message for your enemies. Daniel sees clearly the magnitude of this dream and it troubles him because of his concern for the king and for the welfare of the people. Though he was a slave, he enjoyed a peaceable life under Nebuchadnezzar and the bondage of the Hebrews was not as cruel as it could have been. A change in the administration, which this dream predicted, at least for seven years, could be a change in their lives. This still applies for the New Testament tells us: Maurice A. West Page 33 of 118

36 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NKJV 1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for KINGS and ALL WHO ARE IN AUTHORITY, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. No kingdom or nation could stand the impact of the leader being incapacitated for seven years. Daniel saw the dream and its impact but did not know what the outcome could be. Therefore, he was greatly troubled by what he saw. 20 The tree that thou sawest, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached unto the heaven, and the sight thereof to all the earth; 21 Whose leaves were fair, and the fruit thereof much, and in it was meat for all; under which the beasts of the field dwelt, and upon whose branches the fowls of the heaven had their habitation: 22 IT IS THOU, O king, that art grown and become strong: for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth. Daniel does not mince words in his interpretation. He s had his time of anguish and now it s time to be courageous. No doubt Nebuchadnezzar understood that if he s the tree, he would also be cut down. Once he understood the tree, everything else fell into place. 23 And whereas the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven, and saying, Hew the tree down, and destroy it; yet leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field, till seven times pass over him; There are things in this portion of the dream that need to be brought out before we go to Daniel s interpretation: (1) the king saw a watcher and an holy one coming down from heaven Who is this watcher and holy one? This is not God but an angel (called by the Lord Jesus holy angels in Matthew 25:31, Mark 8:38, and Luke 9:26 and by John in Revelation 14:10). We know that this one (Adam Clarke says it s two angels but the number is irrelevant) is coming with a decree FROM the Most High. (2) leave the stump of the roots thereof in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass Though Nebuchadnezzar s rule was to be destroyed, it was to be for a season. {JF&B} The kingdom is still reserved secure for him at last, as a tree stump secured by a hoop of brass and iron from being split by the sun s heat, in the hope of its growing again. (3) till seven times pass over him We understand the length of seven times as being seven years from the Jewish historian Josephus looking back at history. {Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, Book 10, Chapter 10, Section 6} Daniel was the only person that explained it; and as he foretold, so it came to pass; for after he had continued in the wilderness the forementioned interval of time, while no one durst attempt to seize his kingdom during those SEVEN YEARS, he prayed to God that he might recover his kingdom, and he returned to it Maurice A. West Page 34 of 118

37 24 This is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the most High, which is come upon my lord the king: Though earlier the dream spoke of watchers, they were carrying out the decree that came from God Himself directed specifically to King Nebuchadnezzar. It was a specific decree fulfilled in verses That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. Amplified Bible You shall be driven from among men and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field; you shall be made to eat grass as do the oxen and you shall be wet with the dew of the heavens; and seven times [or years] shall pass over you until you learn and know and recognize that the Most High [God] rules the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whomever He will. Though this was a terrible prophetic dream, it held the hope of an ending ( seven times till thou know ) and a new beginning in the next verse. 26 And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots; thy kingdom shall be sure unto thee, after that thou shalt have known that the heavens do rule. Amplified Bible And in that it was commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be sure to you after you have learned and know that [the God of] heaven rules. The purpose of this terrible event was to humble the king and could have been avoided if he had humbled himself. In spite of his pride and arrogance, God allowed him to continue to rule (after the judgment period) and for his kingdom to continue in spite of his absence. {Adam Clarke} No new king was set up; Evil-merodach his son was regent during his father s insanity. 27 Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities by shewing mercy to the poor; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquility. NKJV Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity. Daniel counseled the king as any preacher would counsel any sinner. First, you HAVE to stop sinning. In this case, Daniel brought up the specific sins of Nebuchadnezzar that especially angered God. Second, he told him what to do in response to the things he stopped doing. Every sinner must be counseled to give up their sin and replace sin with acts of righteousness. But he was also clear these actions may lengthen your current peace no promises Maurice A. West Page 35 of 118

38 THE DREAM FULFILLED 28 All this came upon the king Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. God gave Nebuchadnezzar a full year to consider the dream and the words of Daniel. Instead, he is now walking around his palace feeling very full of himself and has done nothing in response to God. 30 The king spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty? NLT As he looked out across the city, he said, Look at this great city of Babylon! By my own mighty power, I have built this beautiful city as my royal residence to display my majestic splendor. If there was a more obvious way to NOT obey the Lord s direction through his prophet, I can t think of it. Nebuchadnezzar did everything that Daniel advised him not do and HE became the cause of the negative things that occurred in his life. 31 While the word was in the king s mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying, O king Nebuchadnezzar, to thee it is spoken; The kingdom is departed from thee. 32 And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field: they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee, until thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will. These are the exact words from Nebuchadnezzar s own dream words that needed no interpretation from Daniel or others. He ignored God s Word but that did not make it untrue; it came to pass. 33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled upon Nebuchadnezzar: and he was driven from men, and did eat grass as oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown like eagles feathers, and his nails like birds claws. This verse covers the seven year period and shows us Nebuchadnezzar s judgment because he refused to listen to the prophet. NEBUCHADNEZZAR PRAISES GOD 34 And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honored him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: Interesting! The heathen king, after seven years of judgment, praised God at the end of it. Too often, Christians come to the end of our trial and question God, fuss at God, and focus on what we think should have been. 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? Do you ask God, Why are you doing this? Why am I going through this? I ll be honest and tell you that I recently have. The only thing Nebuchadnezzar knew about God was what he learned from watching the Hebrews and from what he went through. Yet, he says, None can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? Therefore, I repent of my questions for God can do what He likes and I submit to His Maurice A. West Page 36 of 118

39 will. Luke 22:42 NKJV Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done. 36 At the same time my reason returned unto me; and for the glory of my kingdom, mine honor and brightness returned unto me; and my counselors and my lords sought unto me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent majesty was added unto me. NLT When my sanity returned to me, so did my honor and glory and kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored as head of my kingdom, with even greater honor than before. Look at the goodness of God! He could have restored Nebuchadnezzar and that would have been the end but He gave him even greater honor than he had before. When you recognize His goodness, it makes you want to do as Nebuchadnezzar did in the next verse. 37 Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase. The Message Bible gives a great rendering of this verse and an appropriate ending to this chapter. Message Bible And that s why I m singing I, Nebuchadnezzar singing and praising the King of Heaven: Everything he does is right, and he does it the right way. He knows how to turn a proud person into a humble man or woman. Are we singing when God brings us out of our trials? The heathen king, the one whose historical claim includes the destruction of Jerusalem, the city of God, shows us that this should be our response Maurice A. West Page 37 of 118

40 Chapter 5 In this chapter, we will see the end of the Babylonian Empire. This is significant because it signals the near conclusion of the Jewish Captivity. Isaiah and Jeremiah had prophesied all of this before it even began. BACKGROUND Because this chapter is a number of years after the prior chapter, it s important to fill in the missing historical events that get us here. We re now 23 years after the prior chapter if the historians dates for the deaths of Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar are correct. The text states, in a number of translations, that Belshazzar, the king of this chapter, was the son of Nebuchadnezzar. This is not true. There were a number of kings after Nebuchadnezzar but Belshazzar was the last of the kings of the Babylonian empire and there is no evidence that he was directly or indirectly related to Nebuchadnezzar. Here s a quick summary of the kings after Nebuchadnezzar (who died in 562 B.C.) up to Belshazzar. Evil-merodach { (also known as Amel-Marduk) was the son and successor of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon (2 Kings 25:27; Jer. 52:31, 34). He seems to have reigned but two years (B.C ). He was murdered by Neriglissar, his brother-in-law, who succeeded him (Jer. 39:3, 13). Neriglissar { King of Babylon from 560 to 556 BC. He was the son-in-law of Nebuchadnezzar II. He is traditionally listed as a king of the Chaldean Dynasty, however it is not known if he was a Chaldean or native of Babylon, as he was not related by blood to Nabopolassar and his successors. [He is mentioned in Jeremiah 39:13]. Labashi-Marduk { king of Babylon (556 BC), and son of Neriglissar. Labashi-Marduk succeeded his father when still only a boy, after the latter s four-year reign. Most likely due to his very young age, he was unfit to rule, and was murdered in a conspiracy only nine months after his inauguration. Nabodinus {dictionary.reference.com/browse/nabonidus} King of Babylonia from 556 until 539 BC, when Babylon fell to Cyrus, king of Persia. After a popular rising led by the priests of Marduk, chief god of the city, Nabonidus, who favored the moon god Sin, made his son Belshazzar coregent and spent much of his reign in Arabia. Returning to Babylon in 539 BC, he was captured by Cyrus general Gobryas and exiled. Belshazzar The controversy surrounding this king is whether he was really the king and, for many years, whether he even existed. Because of the controversy of his existence, scholars were reluctant to accept Daniel s book as authentic. There had been nothing said about this man in archeological excavations until the mid-1800 s and he was not mentioned in historical texts. Prior to that, he was only known from his reference in Daniel and in the writings of Josephus. { Though he is referred to in the Book of Daniel as the son of Nebuchadnezzar, the Babylonian inscriptions indicate that he Maurice A. West Page 38 of 118

41 was in fact the eldest son of Nabonidus, who was king of Babylon from 555 to 539. His father spent most of his reign in Arabia and most speculate that he appointed Belshazzar as co-regent while he was absent. So the references to his reign in other parts of Daniel are really to the time of his co regency. But was he really the king? {Nabonidus, Belshazzar, and The Book Of Daniel: An Update, William H. Shea} Although the custom of co regency was not generally practiced in Babylonia, Daniel, who employed these dates to express that relationship, came from the kingdom of Judah where this custom was practiced. It is suggested, therefore, that Daniel did what Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Nehemiah, and the writer of 2 Kings did: He evaluated this specific situation in Babylonia in terms of his own political heritage. Dr. Shea goes on to speculate that Belshazzar probably elevated himself to king when he learned of his father s defeat at the hands of the Medo-Persian forces. This great feast was to celebrate his elevation. So if he was king, he was king for less than a week. So as we begin this chapter, we don t really know if Belshazzar was really the king or if he was the regent appointed by his father to handle the affairs of state in his absence. Regardless, when the enemy (the Medes and the Persians) took the city, they regarded him as the king and killed him as the king. (They later captured his father and exiled him.) SIDE ROAD: This is where I have a concern with those that assume biblical offices (apostle, prophet, pastor, man of God, etc.) without a divine mandate. These are not titles that you can use wherever you see fit. If you put on the label of apostle, the devil will attack you as an apostle because he now has that right because of what you put on (see 1 Kings 22:30-33 and 1 Corinthians 4:9-13). Why is all of this important? Sometimes the world has a better grasp on the natural aspects of the Word than we do even though we understand and grasp the spiritual impact. Since our objective is to study, we need to be prepared with both the natural and spiritual impact. BELSHAZZAR S FEAST 1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. NLT Many years later King Belshazzar gave a great feast for 1,000 of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. As stated in our background, this feast was probably on the occasion of his ascension to the throne. It was a foolish feast because history records that the Medo-Persian forces had already taken part of the Babylonian Empire and were massing not far from the city. Belshazzar knew this but still had the feast because he boasted in the strength of the city though part of his army had already gone down in defeat. 2 Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. People will do foolish things when they get alcohol in their system. Why, o saint, do you even dare question whether a saint should be involved in such? Maurice A. West Page 39 of 118

42 his father Nebuchadnezzar {David Guzik} Nebuchadnezzar was not the direct father of Belshazzar. Either he was his grandfather through his mother s side, or he was his father in the sense of having previously occupied the throne Belshazzar now sat on. Either usage of the term father was accepted in ancient times. 3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them. There is no indication that these vessels had been used by anyone before this time. Nebuchadnezzar probably stored them away as his prized possessions from Jerusalem. But now Belshazzar brings the holy vessels for the purpose of praising all gods but the true and living God. This will prove to be a problem. 4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. The last record we have of Nebuchadnezzar was of his seven-year period of insanity. It was during that time that he learned to humble himself before God and he wrote it in the state documents of Babylon. Belshazzar ignores those writings and impudently shakes his finger at God through his actions, blaspheming the only true and living God. 5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king s palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. Sometimes, God shows extreme patience and mercy. But it s the other times that should concern us so that we ll have a healthy fear of Him and obey Him. God came against Belshazzar in the same hour of his blasphemy sending a disembodied hand writing words directly into the plaster of the wall. 6 Then the king s countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. Amplified Bible Then the color and the [drunken] hilarious brightness of the king s face was changed, and his [terrifying] thoughts troubled and alarmed him; the joints and muscles of his hips and back gave way and his knees smote together. We have a picture of the complete and total fear that grabbed the drunken king and immediately sobered him. Hebrews 10:31 NKJV It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and shew me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. Look how quickly his right mind has returned in spite of the drunken stupor he was in just moments ago! That s the impact of God stepping in to man s situation. There s a lot of discussion of the term third ruler in this verse. {David Guzik} Archaeologists have discovered why Belshazzar offered the interpreter of the dream the third place in the kingdom. The real king was Nabonidus, and his some Maurice A. West Page 40 of 118

43 Belshazzar ruled as second in the kingdom. Belshazzar couldn t give away the second place in the kingdom, because he was the second in the kingdom at the time. The best he had to offer was the third place. This is in line with what I said earlier regarding the role of Belshazzar and whether he was king or not. 8 Then came in all the king s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof. Of course they couldn t read the writing. The hand of God has written this and only the godly can figure out what God is doing. 1 Corinthians 2:14 NLT But people who aren t spiritual can t receive these truths from God s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. 9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonished. Message Bible So now the king was really frightened. All the blood drained from his face. The nobles were in a panic. Belshazzar expected his wise men to read the message and the party could go on. But they have no answer and he s really afraid. THE WISE COUNSEL OF THE QUEEN 10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed: Let s look at a few things in this verse. First, who is this queen? Was this Belshazzar s wife? No, we ll see from the context that she has the wisdom and knowledge of experience and age. Most speculate that she is the Queen Mother, that is, the mother or grandmother of Belshazzar and someone who was related somehow to Nebuchadnezzar. {JF&B} The queen mother, or grandmother, Nitocris, had not been present till now. She was wife either of Nebuchadnezzar or of Evil-merodach; hence her acquaintance with the services of Daniel. Second, she obviously was not invited to the party because she s just now coming in. However, this was not unusual for this time. It was normal at that time for women and men to have feasts in separate locations but verse 2 says that women were present. She just wasn t invited. Third, she comes in with confidence evidencing her experience in these types of matters and shows none of the fear that Belshazzar shows. 11 There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; NLT There is a man in your kingdom who has within him the spirit of the holy gods. During Nebuchadnezzar s reign, this man was found to have insight, understanding, and wisdom like that of the gods. Your predecessor, the king your predecessor King Nebuchadnezzar made him chief over all the magicians, enchanters, astrologers, and fortune-tellers of Babylon. {JF&B} She remembers and repeats Nebuchadnezzar s language (Da. 4:8, 9, 18). As Daniel was probably, Maurice A. West Page 41 of 118

44 according to Oriental custom, deprived of the office to which Nebuchadnezzar had promoted him, as master of the magicians (Da. 4:9), at the king s death, Belshazzar might easily be ignorant of his services. She revealed the answer to his dilemma to him while chastising him for not appreciating his gift like Nebuchadnezzar did. No doubt, Belshazzar s arrogance told him that he didn t need to embrace anything Nebuchadnezzar did. That was foolish! 12 Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and shewing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will shew the interpretation. NLT This man Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, has exceptional ability and is filled with divine knowledge and understanding. He can interpret dreams, explain riddles, and solve difficult problems. Call for Daniel, and he will tell you what the writing means. In an unusual manner and giving him honor, the queen refers to Daniel by his Hebrew name and by his Babylonian name like Nebuchadnezzar did in the prior chapter. {Dake} The queen had absolute faith in Daniel for he had never failed. DANIEL IS BROUGHT IN 13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry? 14 I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee. 15 And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing: 16 And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom. Do you see the arrogance and the doubt in the ability of Daniel in the words of the king? He even demeaned him in his opening by reminding him that he was a slave. It was in this atmosphere that he offers the same reward that he offered his wise men but he s already insulted God s man. (See 2 Kings 1 for the foolishness of insulting the man of God.) 17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation. Message Bible Daniel answered the king, You can keep your gifts, or give them to someone else. But I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means. Daniel doesn t show the same respect and honor to this king that he showed to Nebuchadnezzar just as this king showed him little respect as God s servant. {David Guzik} Remember that Daniel was troubled when he had to give Nebuchadnezzar bad news (Daniel 4:19). This isn t the case here. Daniel is not impressed with this successor of Nebuchadnezzar Maurice A. West Page 42 of 118

45 18 O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honor: 19 And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down. 20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: 21 And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will. Daniel begins with a recap of the famous king Nebuchadnezzar and his dealings with God. Everything has been captured in this book in the chapters prior to this time and the humbling experience in chapter 4 was captured in Babylonian state documents. (Though we re dealing with a time over 2,600 years ago, the details of the governing of this civilization were kept on cylinders that have been found over the years. These cylinders corroborate what Daniel has said in his book.) 22 And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; Don t tell God you didn t know, when you did know. But even if you didn t know, there is punishment waiting for you. Luke 12:47-48a NKJV 47 And that servant who knew his master s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48 But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. Doing the will of God is more important than your excuse, for your excuse will only change the level of punishment. You will still be punished. 23 But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: Daniel was not present when this went on but speaks in the word of knowledge of the sins that Belshazzar has committed and how he rebelled against God. {Adam Clarke} And the highest evidence of this rebellion was, the profaning the sacred vessels of the Lord s house. 24 Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written. 25 And this is the writing that was written, Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin. {Adam Clarke} It should be observed, that each word stands for a short sentence; MENE signifies Numeration; TEKEL, Weighing; and PERES, Division. Daniel will interpret the words in coming verses. 26 This is the interpretation of the thing: Mene; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. This is why Paul exhorts us in Ephesians to not sleep. We have a set period of time to do the things that must be done for God, for our families, and for ourselves. Because we don t Maurice A. West Page 43 of 118

46 know what that number is, we must live a life of preparation and urgency. Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 27 Tekel; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. {David Guzik} A mighty army and brilliant tactics overcame the Babylonian Empire, yet it still fell from within. The armies of the Medes and Persians could only conquer because Belshazzar and his kingdom were found lacking in spiritual and moral value. 28 Peres; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians. {JF&B} Herodotus and Xenophon (see below) confirm Daniel as to the suddenness of the event. Cyrus diverted the Euphrates into a new channel and, guided by two deserters, marched by the dry bed into the city, while the Babylonians were carousing at an annual feast to the gods. {David Guzik} They still would not have been able to enter had not the bronze gates of the inner walls been left inexplicably unlocked. { Hēródotos was an ancient Greek historian who lived in the fifth century BC (c BC). He has been called The Father of History and was the first historian known to collect his materials systematically, test their accuracy to a certain extent, and arrange them in a well-constructed and vivid narrative. { Xenophōn, c BC, was a Greek historian, soldier, mercenary, philosopher and a contemporary and admirer of Socrates. He is known for his writings on the history of his own times, the 4th century BC, preserving the sayings of Socrates, and descriptions of life in ancient Greece and the Persian Empire. 29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. Some of the commentators spent too much time worrying about why Daniel accepted these things. He understands that he s a slave and does as he s told but he also has revelation knowledge of the next verse so all this honor will be very short lived. THE END OF THE BABYLONIAN EMPIRE 30 In THAT NIGHT was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. Whether he was the king or not, he acted as the king and he was punished as the king. 31 And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old. Those that believe the Book of Daniel is false use this verse as part of their evidence. Darius was not a name but a title, which means the Maintainer. A number of Medo-Persian kings carried this title. The commentators debated who this person really was: {Adam Clarke} This is supposed to be the same as Cyaxares, son of Astyages and maternal uncle of Cyrus, to whom he gave the throne of Babylon, after himself had had the honor of taking the city Maurice A. West Page 44 of 118

47 {David Guzik} Darius was a sub-king under Cyrus the Persian. He is referred to in secular history as Gubaru. {JF&B} That is, Cyaxares II, the son and successor of Astyages, B.C. Though Koresh, or Cyrus, was leader of the assault, yet all was done in the name of Darius; therefore, he alone is mentioned here. {Josephus} Now, after a little while, both himself and the city were taken by Cyrus, the king of Persia, who fought against him... but when Babylon was taken by Darius, and when he, with his kinsman Cyrus, had put an end to the dominion of the Babylonians, he was sixty-two years old. He was the son of Astyages, and had another name among the Greeks. Regardless of who this person is the Babylonian-Chaldean rule is finished. POSTSCRIPT What fascinates me, as we close this chapter, is that God revealed this to His people over 200 years before it occurred through His prophets. He called the nations by name before they existed and the leader by name probably before his great-great grandparents were born. But the people refused to take heed. Isaiah 13:17-19 NLT 17 Look, I will stir up the MEDES against BABYLON. They cannot be tempted by silver or bribed with gold. 18 The attacking armies will shoot down the young men with arrows. They will have no mercy on helpless babies and will show no compassion for children. 19 Babylon, the most glorious of kingdoms, the flower of Chaldean pride, will be devastated like Sodom and Gomorrah when God destroyed them. When Isaiah wrote this, there was no Babylonian Empire to become the most glorious of kingdoms. Isaiah 45:1-2 NKJV 1 Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to CYRUS, whose right hand I have held to subdue nations before him and loose the armor of kings, to open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut: 2 I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. In the chapter we just concluded, one of the things that helped the Medo-Persian army gain access to Babylon was the fact that someone left the main gate, made of bronze, open Maurice A. West Page 45 of 118

48 Chapter 6 {Adam Clarke} Darius the Median, who succeeded Belshazzar in the kingdom of Babylon, having heard of Daniel s extraordinary wisdom and understanding, [makes] him the chief of the three presidents who were over the whole empire, and purposed also to make him prime minister. This great partiality of the king towards a stranger of Jewish extraction, and who had been carried captive into Chaldea, raised up a great many enemies to Daniel; and a scheme was even contrived by the presidents and princes to ruin him, which succeeded so far that he was cast into a den of lions, but was miraculously delivered. A PLOT AGAINST DANIEL 1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; NLT Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. Unlike prior chapters, this chapter continues right from Chapter 5 as we witness the organization of the new Medo-Persian Empire. Darius (see my notes from the last chapter on this man) was not an absolute ruler like Nebuchadnezzar so he established 120 governors to rule the various provinces of the kingdom. 2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. NLT The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king s interests. Adam Clarke believes that Daniel was first because his provinces included the seat of government. But notice why Darius did this he s protecting himself so he can keep his job. SIDE ROAD: How is it that a man that had been put on the shelf and forgotten about by those that intimately knew him was now immediately thrust into one of the most significant roles in the NEW kingdom? Yes, it is the favor of God but the favor of God is working with man s situation. First, Daniel had, as the King James Version states, an excellent spirit. This triggered the opportunity for God to work. Second, he had foretold the demise of the previous king and the advent of this new kingdom not just in Chapter 5 but also in Chapter 2. Since he maintained the right spirit when he was put on the shelf God honored him in the new kingdom. SAINTS PRINCIPLE: God honors those that will keep themselves even in difficult situations. 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm. Message Bible But Daniel, brimming with spirit and intelligence, so completely outclassed the other viceregents and governors that the king decided to put him in charge of the whole kingdom. Let s set the stage for this verse. If we assume that Daniel was 17 when he came on the scene in Chapter 1 (605 B.C. the start of the Babylonian Captivity), then he is now about 83 years old, since most agree that this is now 539 B.C. He is an old man (for his day and our day) but brimming with spirit and intelligence. This is quite a testimonial to his consistency for he has now been a slave in a foreign land for 66 years. In spite of his age and his pedigree (Hebrew slave), the king has thoughts of making Daniel his second in command. God has honored Daniel with long life AND vitality Maurice A. West Page 46 of 118

49 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. NLT Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. Do you want the favor of God? Expect suffering to go with it. Expect backstabbing to go with it. Expect plots from those that are with you to go with it. (Compare 2 Corinthians 11:23-28) But their plots did not succeed because of the intervention of God and because of the faithfulness of Daniel. They tried to find something, ANYTHING, in his work but they were unsuccessful. Is that our testimony on our jobs? 5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. Now Daniel has more to add to his testimony. He s not only faithful and trustworthy in his secular affairs but those that know him also know he has a spiritual side where he s also faithful and trustworthy. What about us? Young people often call upon me to explain the actions of religious leaders who have publicly disgraced themselves (as if I know what they were thinking). What troubles me is that this is often. This was not Daniel! If they plan to get him, they will need to think hard and long how to do it. {David Guzik} The world may not know the intricacies of doctrine or the intimacies of worship of God but they can tell a bad temper, selfishness, conceitedness or dishonesty when they see it. 6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counselors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. Darius was a new king and not as strong as his successor, Cyrus, will be. Remember from verse 2 that he s concerned about keeping his job and these men have been established for that purpose. Therefore, he s going to listen when they show up even if they lie in saying All the presidents of the kingdom have consulted together. Daniel would have seen right through this but was not consulted. JF&B says that text implies that this was a hastily called meeting to pressure Darius to act without thought. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. {David Guzik} The decrees of a Persian king were unchangeable because he was thought to speak for the gods, who could never be wrong and never needed to change their minds. 9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree. DANIEL S RESPONSE TO THE PLOT 10 Now when Daniel KNEW that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times Maurice A. West Page 47 of 118

50 a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime. None of the other translations could add to what has been said here. Daniel knew that a decree was signed and posted. He knew the consequences of violating that order. In spite of that, he not only continued his practice of prayer but he continued it with his windows opened toward Jerusalem, toward the place where the Temple once stood. He did this in the same manner that he always did and he did it completely without the fear of man. SIDE ROAD: {C.H. Spurgeon Suppose the law of the land were proclaimed, No man shall pray during the remainder of this month, on pain of being cast into a den of lions, how many of you would pray? I think there would be rather a scanty number at the prayer-meeting. Not but what the attendance at prayer-meetings is scanty enough now! but if there were the penalty of being cast into a den of lions, I am afraid the prayer-meeting would be postponed for a month, owing to pressing business, and manifold engagements of one kind and another. 11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. These evil treacherous men came with the expectation that they would see Daniel praying. These men that didn t know God expected God s man to be in prayer. And how about us? Does the world expect us to have spent some time with God today? 12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king s decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. NLT So they went straight to the king and reminded him about his law. Did you not sign a law that for the next thirty days any person who prays to anyone, divine or human except to you, Your Majesty will be thrown into the den of lions? Yes, the king replied, that decision stands; it is an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked. They bring up the decree first to trap the king in his own decree. Through all of this, he didn t see their evil intentions. Remember, he trusts these men to watch his back but who s going to watch them? 13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. Here we go again with that Daniel. We heard this in the last chapter from the late, but not great, King Belshazzar. Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah (Daniel 5:13). The last one that used those words is now dead. But the demonic force causing this continues to go after one of the main problems he continues to have even after successfully sending the people of God into captivity Daniel. They further accuse him by saying that he has no respect for the king or for his laws. These are strong accusations and would have been met with great fury in a man of a lesser character than Darius Maurice A. West Page 48 of 118

51 DARIUS RESPONSE TO THE PLOT 14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he labored till the going down of the sun to deliver him. {David Guzik} There is a lot to like about King Darius, and one of the admirable things about him is that he is displeased with himself. Instead of blaming others, he knew that he was at fault. We can be sure that he wasn t happy with Daniel s enemies, but he knew that ultimately he was responsible. Not only did Darius take responsibility for his actions, he worked to correct what he had done. However, David Guzik says that the custom at that time was for the executions to be carried out on the evening of the day that accusation was made valid so he could do nothing to stop it. 15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. These men are pretty full of themselves. They are convinced that they have Daniel right where they want him. However, they obviously didn t understand the respect and admiration the king had for Daniel. If there had been no miracle in the lion s den, these men were still writing their own death sentence. Psalm 9:16 NKJV The Lord is known by the judgment He executes; the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Psalm 7:15 NKJV He made a pit and dug it out, and has fallen into the ditch which he made. DANIEL IN THE LIONS DEN 16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee. NLT So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you. Again, the stupidity of this conspiracy is that these men didn t appreciate how much Darius respected and admired Daniel. He saw his consistent walk with God. He believed in Daniel s God based on what he had seen in Daniel. No matter what happened, these men were finished and their arrogance and jealousy blinded them to that fact. 17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. {Adam Clarke} All this precaution served the purposes of the Divine Providence. There could be no trick or collusion here; if Daniel be preserved, it must be by the power of the Supreme God. Though their intention was to make sure that Daniel could not escape, this same thing proved the power of God Maurice A. West Page 49 of 118

52 18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep went from him. NIV Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night without eating and without any entertainment being brought to him. And he could not sleep. Gesenius Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon translates instruments of music as dancing girls, concubines, and music. JF&B says this agrees with the ancient historians portrayal of Darius as devoted to wine and women, vain, and without self-control. However, his love for Daniel made him change his whole character. Has our love for God changed our character to the point where He is pleased with our lives? Have we impacted the character of others? 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? He said the right words when he came to Daniel in the den but his lamentable voice (a voice of anguish and distress) says that he really didn t believe; he just wished that all would be well. 21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. What excitement Darius must have felt when he heard Daniel s voice! He probably isn t hearing a word he says but is listening to a voice that should have belonged to eternity. Hebrews 11:33 NKJV who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, STOPPED THE MOUTHS OF LIONS. 22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. Now Daniel gives the praise to God. HE sent His angel. HE stopped the lions mouths. Why? God found innocence in Daniel and knew that he had no intention of causing the king any harm. However, Daniel writes another reason in the next verse. 23 Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. Daniel believed God and God responded to his faith. His faith made the king happy ( exceedingly glad ) and caused his deliverance. His faith caused no manner of hurt to be found on him. His faith caused the destruction of his enemies. 24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den. Amplified Bible And the king commanded, and those men who had accused Daniel were brought and cast into the den of lions, they, their children, and their wives; and before they ever reached the bottom of the den, the lions had overpowered them and had Maurice A. West Page 50 of 118

53 broken their bones in pieces. This was to be the fate of the conspirators no matter what happened to Daniel. But why were the wives and children also involved in their punishment? {JF&B} Among the Persians, all the kindred were involved in the guilt of one culprit. The Mosaic Law expressly forbade this (De 24:16; 2Ki 14:6). THE KING HONORS GOD 25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men TREMBLE AND FEAR BEFORE THE GOD OF DANIEL: for he is the living God, and steadfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. 27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions. This has been the pattern throughout the first part of this book: God s people are opposed, they stand strong, God comes through, and the king acknowledges the true and living God. Unfortunately, Darius testimony is of the God of Daniel and not the God of Darius. Relying on someone else s holiness will not bring you into favor with God (compare Acts 19:13-15). 28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. The commentators say that Darius lived two more years and then Cyrus took the throne upon his death. Cyrus was the one that had been spoken of in prophecy for centuries before this time. This also ends the historical portion of the Book of Daniel. Had the focus of this book been history, this would have been the last chapter and Daniel would live on into his upper 80 s Maurice A. West Page 51 of 118

54 Chapter 7 The first six chapters of this book are in chronological order and focus on the history of Daniel and Babylon. As we enter this chapter, this order is dismissed for the sake of sharing the visions that Daniel saw during his lifetime. This first vision of four beasts focuses on the fourth beast and a little horn on that beast who will be revealed as the Antichrist. BACKGROUND In our study of the chapters ahead, which will be difficult, we will use the following ground rules used with any Bible study and some specific to the study of prophecy: 1. Take everything literally (the verse means what it says) unless it s clear from the text that it s symbolic. Don t jump to symbolism first like, for example, so many have with the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and, by doing so, have penalized themselves from God s great gift. 2. Remember that in prophecy, the prophet is telling us the story based on his or her knowledge, culture, etc. By comparison to our times, the Bible writers were primitive and some things they saw would make sense to us today but they had difficulty describing them. But be careful to not put words in their mouths based on what we think they were seeing. 3. Rarely, if ever, should you deviate from what the Church as a whole is saying regarding the understanding of prophetic passages. The Word of God is not for our private interpretation but holy men and women have already spent time before God (over many centuries) working to understand what s here. 4. I ve found it best to read the whole chapter first and try to visualize what the prophet saw before going back to a verse-by-verse view. DANIEL S VISION OF THE FOUR BEASTS 1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters. NLT Earlier, during the first year of King Belshazzar s reign in Babylon, Daniel had a dream and saw visions as he lay in his bed. He wrote down the dream, and this is what he saw. We re now going back in time from the last chapter. Remember that Daniel counted the years of the reign of Belshazzar based on his time as co-regent with his father when, in fact, he may have only really been the king for about a week. (See my notes on Chapter 5.) Daniel did as we should do when he heard from God he wrote down what he received. 2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. Amplified Bible Daniel said, I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of the heavens [political and social agitations] were stirring up the great sea [the nations of the world]. The Amplified Bible has provided some interpretation in the midst of the text. In eschatology, which is the theological name for {Wikipedia} the study of the end of things, whether the end of an individual life, the end of the age, or the end of the world. [it] is the study of the destiny of humankind as it is revealed by the Bible and prophetic studies, the sea is usually symbolic of masses of people and wind is symbolic of {Dake} Maurice A. West Page 52 of 118

55 wars, strife, and judgments from God. But we re getting ahead of ourselves because this will be defined for us later in this chapter. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. NKJV And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other. These four beasts are the focus of this dream/vision and this chapter. Therefore, we have to pay close attention to them. There was a specific number of them four; they were great beasts; they came up out of the great sea (v. 2) (the term used for the Mediterranean Sea, as Daniel saw it in his vision); and they were different from each other. The focus of the latter part of the chapter, though, will be on the fourth beast and little time in the text is spent on the first three. 4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man s heart was given to it. Amplified Bible The first [the Babylonian empire under Nebuchadnezzar] was like a lion and had eagle s wings. I looked till the wings of it were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand upon two feet as a man, and a man s heart was given to it. The commentators agree that this first beast represents Babylon beginning under Nebuchadnezzar. {Adam Clarke} The beast like a lion is the kingdom of the Babylonians; and the king of Babylon is compared to a lion, Jeremiah 4:7; Isaiah 5:29; and is said to fly as an eagle, Jeremiah 48:40; Ezekiel 17:3, Ezekiel 17:7. The lion is considered the king of the beasts, and the eagle the king of the birds; and therefore the kingdom of Babylon, which was signified by the golden head of the great image, was the first and noblest of all the kingdoms; and was the greatest then in being. The wings of the eagle denote the rapidity with which the lion Nebuchadnezzar, made his conquests; for in a few years, by his own arms, he brought his empire to such an extent, and raised it to such a degree of eminence, as was truly surprising. Because this beast is historical even to Daniel (Nebuchadnezzar was long dead by this time and now we re in the time of the last king of Babylon), there is not much said about it in the text. Perhaps this beast was obvious to Daniel especially the latter part where the wings of it were plucked and it was made to stand upon two feet as a man. This represents the beginning of the end of the kingdom that started with Nebuchadnezzar s seven-year period of insanity after which he humbled himself and his heart and mind returned. (Remember, Daniel prophesied the occurrence of this to Nebuchadnezzar.) After Nebuchadnezzar, the kingdom continued but never regained the glory it saw in his days Maurice A. West Page 53 of 118

56 5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. Amplified Bible And behold another beast, a second one [the Medo- Persian empire], was like a bear, and it raised up itself on one side [or one dominion] and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth; and it was told, Arise, devour much flesh. With this second beast, again, Daniel may have already understood it as the Medo-Persian Empire, which was rising to prominence at that time. {Adam Clarke} This was the Medo- Persian empire, represented here under the symbol of the bear, as the largest species of these animals was found in Media, a mountainous, cold, and rough country, covered with woods. The Medes and Persians are compared to a bear on account of their cruelty and thirst after blood, a bear being a most voracious and cruel animal; the bear is termed by Aristotle an all-devouring animal; and the Medo-Persians are known to have been great robbers and spoilers. See Jeremiah 51: The Persians were notorious for the cruelty of their punishments. But the ribs being between the teeth of the bear may show how Babylon, Lydia, and Egypt were ground and oppressed by the bear. Per Dake, the fact that the bear raised up itself on one side showed that the Persian influence in the combined empire was stronger than the Medes Cyrus the Persian was greater than Darius the Mede. No specific king is identified with this beast but it relates to a kingdom. (Verse 17 says these are kings in some translations but verse 23 says they are kingdoms or world powers.) 6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. Amplified Bible After this I looked, and behold, another [the Grecian empire of Alexander the Great], like a leopard which had four wings of a bird on its back. The beast had also four heads [Alexander s generals, his successors], and dominion was given to it. {Dake} A leopard is a fit symbol of the Grecian Empire founded by Alexander the Great. The leopard is known for its swiftness. This together with the four wings of a fowl symbolizes the swiftness of Alexander s conquests double swiftness of Alexander over Nebuchadnezzar s conquests The four heads symbolize the four divisions of the Grecian Empire after the death of Alexander. Again, this beast refers to a kingdom. Alexander is represented by the leopard because of the amazing speed of his conquests. The four heads are the generals that reported to him and divided the kingdom after his death. { The rise of Rome put an end to Macedonian kingdoms. This opened the door for the next beast. 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. Amplified Bible After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast [the Roman empire] terrible, powerful and dreadful, and exceedingly strong. And it had great iron teeth; it devoured and crushed and trampled what was left with its feet Maurice A. West Page 54 of 118

57 And it was different from all the beasts that came before it, and it had ten horns [symbolizing ten kings]. Now we come to the most dreadful of all of the four beasts and the most difficult to understand. This beast is so terrible that Daniel could not compare it to any animal of his time. Look at its depiction: terrible, powerful and dreadful, and exceedingly strong The prior beasts had none of these adjectives used to describe them. They were swift or bloodthirsty but this beast is the complete package. It is powerful and strong and it invokes fear because it is a terrible and dreadful beast. The fearful aspect shows its satanic roots. it had great iron teeth When we hear of iron teeth, we can look back to Chapter 2 and recall the iron legs in Nebuchadnezzar s great statue. Iron teeth signify its unbreakable resolve to devour other nations. devoured and crushed and trampled what was left with its feet {Adam Clarke} This is allowed, on all hands, to be the Roman empire. It stamped the residue, that is, the remains of the former kingdoms, with its feet. It reduced Macedon into a Roman province about one hundred and sixty-eight years before Christ; the kingdom of Pergamos about one hundred and thirty-three years; Syria about sixty-five; and Egypt about thirty years before Christ. And, besides the remains of the Macedonian empire, it subdued many other provinces and kingdoms; so that it might, by a very usual figure, be said to devour the whole earth, to tread it down, and break it to pieces. The picture of this beast is one of utter destruction. What it could not devour, it crushed and trampled the remaining under its feet. it had ten horns This and the little horn of the next verse are the biggest interpretation issues of this beast. So many have tried to determine the ten horns and figure out whether they are kings or nations and of what period. {David Guzik} There is an unmistakable correspondence between these horns and the ten toes of the dream image (ch. 2), and the mention of iron in the teeth suggests the legs and toes of iron in that image. And this is not the only time the Scripture speaks of ten horns (see Revelation). 8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. This little horn is the focus of the rest of this chapter and we will soon figure out that this is the Antichrist. Since it s a little horn this may signify that it comes out of a small kingdom or he is a ruler of not much experience but nothing is clear about this. Three of the other horns (kings) are plucked up by the roots, a forcible, painful removal of them from power done by the little horn. This horn has intelligence eyes like the eyes of man and a mouth speaking great things (blasphemy, arrogance, haughtiness, and boasting). Compare what we know so far about this little horn to what Apostle John saw on the Isle of Patmos: Revelation 13:1 And I stood upon the sand Maurice A. West Page 55 of 118

58 of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. It s interesting that in Revelation 13:2, John describes this beast as being like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. All that Daniel saw in the first three beasts was contained in the beast of the Revelation. 9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. Amplified Bible I kept looking until thrones were placed [for the assessors with the Judge], and the Ancient of Days [God, the eternal Father] took His seat, Whose garment was white as snow and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was like the fiery flame; its wheels were burning fire. Before we do anything else, let s figure out who is this Ancient of Days. I used to think it was the Lord Jesus Christ especially when comparing His appearance to what John saw in Revelation 1: But the problem with that is in verse 13 of this chapter. Therefore, I had to agree with the commentators, barring any other evidence, that this must be God the Father in human form. But the Lord Jesus said a number of things about the Father including: John 1:18a NKJV No one has seen God at any time. John 6:46 NKJV Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father. John 14:9 NKJV Jesus said to him, Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, Show us the Father? So to understand Who this is, we ll need to understand what the Lord Jesus meant. For the sake of this text, I believe He was speaking of those who had physically seen the Father versus those that saw Him in a vision like Daniel. Plus, this is only a representation of Daniel s understanding since the Lord Jesus said that God (the Father) is a Spirit (John 4:24). 10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. Amplified Bible A stream of fire came forth from before Him; a thousand thousands ministered to Him and ten thousand times ten thousand rose up and stood before Him; the Judge was seated [the court was in session] and the books were opened. The prophet saw this from his perspective, as they all did. It is amazing that 550 years before Christ, Daniel understood the final judgment. He wrote this part as one that was familiar with it. Now we are 2,000 years after Christ and we still don t get it. Notice how this scene is so similar to the scene the Apostle John saw in Revelation 20: Maurice A. West Page 56 of 118

59 11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame. NLT I continued to watch because I could hear the little horn s boastful speech. I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed and its body was destroyed by fire. The little horn of the fourth kingdom continues to speak great words in Daniel s vision. The Apostle John agrees in Revelation 13:5 NKJV And he was given a mouth speaking GREAT THINGS and BLASPHEMIES, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. John says he has a set time and Daniel continued to watch until that time was ended, he was destroyed, and he was cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 19:20). 12 As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. The other beasts lost their dominion as each succeeding kingdom came to power but they continued to exist. The fourth beast will be overcome by the Lord Jesus and will not continue into the Millennial Kingdom (the thousand year reign of Christ on earth in Revelation 20). {David Guzik} When Jesus sets up His kingdom, the empire of the Antichrist will be completely crushed, yet some nations will continue into the Millennium. 13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. Amplified Bible I saw in the night visions, and behold, on the clouds of the heavens came One like a Son of man, and He came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. Daniel saw Someone in human form come on the clouds of heaven to the Ancient of Days. In looking at the terminology, we know who this Someone is Matthew 24:30 NKJV Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. The Lord Jesus is here speaking of Himself while Daniel saw the pre-incarnate Christ coming to the Eternal Father. (See also Matthew 26:64 and Revelation 1:7.) 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. Though Christ reigns on earth for 1,000 years, He continues to reign after the earth is remade in Revelation 21. His kingdom is unending although His subjects will only be the saints after the 1,000 years (Revelation 19:7-10). DANIEL S VISION IS EXPLAINED 15 I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. Daniel did not understand what he had seen and he only gave us what he saw without any real understanding. Remember, he s giving us HIS perspective or view. 16 I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. Dake speculates that this one that Maurice A. West Page 57 of 118

60 stood by was probably the Angel Gabriel who helped Daniel with visions in Chapters 8 and 9. This makes sense because one who stands in the presence of God (Luke 1:19) would be one of the few who could bring clarity to this vision without God speaking to Daniel Himself. 17 These great beasts, which are four, are four KINGS, which shall arise out of the earth. NLT These four huge beasts represent four KINGDOMS that will arise from the earth. Some translations called these four kings and others called them four kingdoms. The latter is probably correct because the first beast was not just Nebuchadnezzar but his successors until the second beast came. The third beast was not just Alexander the Great but it had four heads indicating the division of his kingdom into four parts after his death (this was a prophecy in Daniel s day but we look back now and see it as a fact). This is a point of controversy among the commentators. However, the fourth beast is the one that really shows itself to be different. If the thinking of the rest of the Church is correct, this beasts starts with the original Roman Empire (centuries ago) and continues with a revised Roman Empire to be taken over by Antichrist (still to occur). But this is part of the problem in interpreting Bible prophecy. 18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever. NLT But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever. This is an opportunity for a praise break in the midst of our reading and in the midst of life s situations. It s not going to be like this always. The time is coming when trouble will be over and GOD S PEOPLE can claim the victory and rule forever and ever! However, we must wait for the One who is coming on the clouds before this occurs. 19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; The last part of this chapter focuses on understanding this dreadful beast. Daniel, like us, wants to know what this kingdom is and what the Lord is trying to tell him. It s important in understanding Bible prophecy to watch what the text is saying before jumping to a wrong conclusion. This verse brings out a characteristic of the fourth beast that was not mentioned before his nails of brass. Some think it might have been added in the text but I only want to use that explanation as a last resort. Also, this helps to describe the look of the beast but does not give us further insight into understanding the beast. 20 And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. NKJV and the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance was greater than his Maurice A. West Page 58 of 118

61 fellows. We learn an additional fact about the little horn in this verse his appearance was greater than his fellows. Even the appearance of this horn was different than the rest of them. Something made it stand out from the rest of the horns. This something is what those that will remain on earth during the Great Tribulation will need to look for to identify the Antichrist. But here s a better idea give your life to Christ now and live for Christ now so you can avoid this and claim the promises of 1 Thessalonians 4: I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; This small verse sets a lot of the commentators on edge. To them, to understand this verse you need to know the identity of the little horn. To this I disagree. John said in 1 John 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there MANY ANTICHRISTS; whereby we know that it is the last time. Since this horn fights against God s holy people, it is either the Antichrist or the spirit of antichrist. In either case, we understand that there are MANY antichrists, those that will fight against the Lord Jesus and His people. But the prophecy of prevailing against the holy people, the saints, is only given to this little horn. That doesn t mean that our fight won t be continuous. 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. NLT until the Ancient One the Most High came and judged in favor of his holy people. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom. The fight of the little horn against the people of God will continue until the Ancient of Days came. That means whether this fight is now or points to the Great Tribulation (the preferred approach), this fight will have an end. Once that end comes, look at the blessing WE will possess the kingdom, the kingdom of Christ! 23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. Amplified Bible Thus [the angel] said, The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all other kingdoms and shall devour the whole earth, tread it down, and break it in pieces and crush it. {David Guzik} This initial description of the fourth beast fits well with the Roman Empire of ancient history. It did devour the whole civilized earth, and dominate it completely for about a thousand years. This explains the character of this kingdom but it does not explain the identity of this kingdom. For that we need to read further. 24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. NKJV The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; he shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings. The context of this verse seems to imply that some time after verse 23, these ten kings shall arise. If that is so, they represent a resurgence or resurrection of this kingdom. And then the little horn shall Maurice A. West Page 59 of 118

62 arise after them. Another clue is given us here regarding this little horn he shall be different from the first ones. But the questions are, How shall he be different? Will he speak a different language? Will he have a different national origin? Will he be a different race than the others? The text does not give us enough clarity to have answers to these questions. However, that does not stop some from speculating. Some feel that a SPIRITUAL kingdom of the little horn will replace the ten POLITICAL kingdoms of the original ten horns. Others feel that the little horn may be a kingdom not part of the original Roman Empire of centuries past. Others (many, in fact) go so far as to align the little horn with the Papacy of the Catholic Church. This is all presumption but the Bible has told us this because of Daniel s fascination with the little horn and as a warning to the Church. 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. Amplified Bible And he shall speak words against the Most High [God] and shall wear out the saints of the Most High and think to change the time [of sacred feasts and holy days] and the law; and the saints shall be given into his hand for a time, two times, and half a time [three and one-half years]. With this verse, we have a number of very definite clues to the little horn : he shall speak words against the Most High [God] We saw this in verse 8 but Daniel continues to be fascinated with the characteristics of the little horn. Since this characteristic is repeated, it must be a defining or prevailing characteristic of the little horn. He is boastful, arrogant, and aggressive in his campaign against God. (I use he because the text uses he.) He will not only blaspheme but also blaspheme greatly. Many years ago when I first read this verse, I couldn t believe that the world would allow such a person to get away with public blasphemy. But that was a different time even though it wasn t that long ago. In less than a generation we ve seen the acceptance of public blasphemy by comedians, politicians, and even liberal clergy. I believe we re at a point where blasphemy against the true and living God will be ENCOURAGED while blasphemy against other gods will be met with arrests and journalistic crucifixion. Perhaps we re already there. [he] shall wear out the saints of the Most High How can this be since Paul said we don t wrestle against flesh and blood? We have to be spiritual minded and look at the power behind the power of the little horn. He will be a natural figure motivated by principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. He will declare war against God s spiritual people (the Church) and against God s natural people (the Jews). Because of the power he will hold, his personal vendetta will become a political and public vendetta, which is plainly described in the Book of Revelation. But be careful, there will be all out assaults as described in Revelation but this verse points to subtlety and craft and a continual wearing down of the saints. {David Guzik} This speaks of a cruel and systematic pressure, coming Maurice A. West Page 60 of 118

63 from the word to wear away or to wear out, as friction wears clothes or shoes. To wear out the saints means to harass them continually so that life becomes a wretched existence. think to change the time [of sacred feasts and holy days] and the law His focus will be on the Law of God. At one time America boasted of Judeo-Christian values. These values were founded in Biblical Law. We can no longer boast in that when homosexuality (against God s Law) is congratulated by the President of the United States, child abuse becomes a joke in Hollywood movies (I just noticed this on television recently), and Christians are persecuted for speaking against other religions for any reason at all. {JF&B} The times and laws here meant are those of religious ordinance; stated times of feasts. Perhaps there are included the times assigned by God to the duration of kingdoms. He shall set Himself above all that is called God (2Th 2:4), putting his own will above God s times and laws (Da 11:36, 37). But the times of His willfulness are limited for the elect s sake (Mt 24:22). and the saints shall be given into his hand for a time, two times, and half a time [three and one-half years] This part of the verse is vitally important because it tells us that there will be a SEASON of intense suffering for the saints. But I want you to focus on that period of 3½ years. This will come up again in Daniel and many times in Revelation so let s make sure we re correct about this. {JF&B} The original word for time denotes a stated period or set feast; or the interval from one set feast to its recurrence, that is, a year. The accepted view of the Church is that times in the King James Version refers to two years. 3½ years equals 42 months and, if you count each month as 30 days as they did in that time, 1260 days (see Revelation 11:2-3; 12:6, 14). This will be important for us to remember in latter chapters but we also have to be careful that we didn t FORCE the prophecy to fit. 26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. NIV But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. So this little horn will be against God and God s people but he will only continue for a season and then be cut off permanently. This will be the final destruction of the earthly kingdoms. But this verse also speaks of the end of Satan versus the end of Antichrist. Antichrist will meet his end at the beginning of the 1,000-year reign of Christ (Rev. 19:20) but Satan receives a second chance at deception at the conclusion of the 1,000-year reign and will then be completely destroyed forever (Rev. 20:10). 27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. NLT Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him. We shall reign with Christ during His 1,000-year reign so don t even think twice about Satan being Maurice A. West Page 61 of 118

64 released at the end of that period. His kingdom will be absolutely majestic. All the majesty contained in earthly kingdoms shall be in Christ s kingdom and there will be complete obedience to Him. {David Guzik} We again notice that the kingdom and dominion shall be given to the saints. It is something received, not achieved. The church does not convert the world to Jesus kingdom and give the kingdom to Jesus; He gives it to them. 28 Hitherto is the end of the matter. As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart. NLT That was the end of the vision. I, Daniel, was terrified by my thoughts and my face was pale with fear, but I kept these things to myself. Daniel believed the vision and was troubled by many things in the vision. How do we know he believed? The vision impacted his physical body. But he learned to do something that we should do he kept these things to himself. No one around him could help him with the vision so he just wrote it down for future generations. Friend, I m writing this in The times are ripe but the little horn has not appeared. We ve been taught that for him to appear, prayer must be removed from the earth by the Rapture of the Church (1 Thess. 4). Prepare yourself now so you can be ready when He comes! Maurice A. West Page 62 of 118

65 Chapter 8 This chapter brings us to Daniel s second vision and more beasts and another (or the same?) little horn. There is a lot of controversy in the Church regarding this chapter. Preamble: {Adam Clarke} We now come once more to the Hebrew [language], the Chaldee part of the book being finished. As the Chaldeans had a particular interest both in the history and prophecies from Daniel 2:4 to the end of chap. 7, the whole is written in Chaldee, but as the prophecies which remain concern times posterior to the Chaldean monarchy, and principally relate to the Church and people of God generally, they are written in the Hebrew language. As we have done in the past, we ll allow the text to reveal the secrets that are visible. For the most part of this chapter, we ll wait until the angel (later in the chapter) explains a part of the vision to make comments. With this chapter, we need to establish a new ground rule. I told you earlier that we would follow the direction of the Church in understanding or interpreting Daniel s prophecies. The understanding of these prophecies is not for our own private interpretation no matter how spiritual we think we are. It would be arrogant for us to come up with a different view based on our own understanding. Have we researched the original Hebrew scrolls? Have we read the cylinders that were unearthed in Babylon? Do we have a certain amount of expertise in the history of 2500 years ago? If you could answer, Yes to all three of these questions, then I would be willing to listen to your view. I used to say that one filled with God s Holy Spirit is superior in knowledge to the most learned scholar. But that was arrogant on my part and assumes that none of the scholars have any real relationship with God. How could I come to that conclusion? No, I must respect their scholarship and respect their relationship. But as we come into this chapter, there are three different views held by different parts of the Church. All of the scholars holding these divergent views can answer, Yes to the above questions. Therefore I feel it s necessary for me to present all of these views and then we must each ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in the right direction. All of these views have to do with the identity of the little horn. When we come to that part of the chapter, I will share their views and their reason for holding these views. It s important to know this because even some translations such as the Amplified Bible have built one of these views into their translation. And I will show you that also. DANIEL S VISION OF A RAM AND A GOAT 1 In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first. This is now two years after the vision that Daniel saw in the previous chapter. Remember that Daniel s counting of the reign of Belshazzar is really counting the years of his co-regency with his father. (There is some controversy as to whether this was early during the time when Belshazzar s father left for Arabia Maurice A. West Page 63 of 118

66 or was it right before the fall of Babylon. In either case, this timing is not important to the vision and the commentators are all over the place on this.) At this time, if we take the view that this is early in the time that Belshazzar s father left for Arabia, Babylon is still a strong empire firmly entrenched as the leader of the world. 2 And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai. Message Bible In the vision, I saw myself in Susa, the capital city of the province Elam, standing at the Ulai Canal. We have to watch the text especially when studying prophecy. The text says, I saw in a vision so everything after this is part of the vision so he may or may not have actually been in Shushan at the time. {JF&B} [Shushan] though then comparatively insignificant, it was destined to be the capital of Persia after Cyrus time. Therefore Daniel is transported into it. Shushan was also the location of one of Daniel s residences from where he wrote this book. 3 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. Amplified Bible And I lifted up my eyes and saw, and behold, there stood before the river a [single] ram which had two horns [representing two kings of Medo-Persia: Darius the Mede, then Cyrus]; and the two horns were high, but one [Persia] was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last. We ve come back to the horns again, symbolic of kings or rulers. 4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became GREAT. As the Amplified Bible tells us, this is the Medo- Persian Empire. 5 And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. Amplified Bible As I was considering, behold, a he-goat [the king of Greece] came from the west across the face of the whole earth without touching the ground, and the goat had a conspicuous and remarkable horn between his eyes [symbolizing Alexander the Great]. Notice how the Amplified Bible puts their view of the prophecy in their translation. However, there is nothing to say that they are inaccurate. All agree that this is Alexander the Great. 6 And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power. 7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon Maurice A. West Page 64 of 118

67 him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. NLT The goat charged furiously at the ram and struck him, breaking off both his horns. Now the ram was helpless, and the goat knocked him down and trampled him. No one could rescue the ram from the goat s power. A part of this verse that is not explained later in the chapter is the King James Version s use of the word choler and why the goat exhibited that to the ram. The word itself simply means anger or wrath. Why did the goat exhibit this toward the ram? {Dake} [This comes from a Hebrew word meaning bitter.] This shows the hatred of Medo- Persia by the Greeks who had been invaded by Xerxes...before and the growing enmity between the two powers. {JF&B} Alexander represented the concentrated wrath of Greece against Persia for the Persian invasions of Greece; also for the Persian cruelties to Greeks, and Darius attempts to seduce Alexander s soldiers to treachery. 8 Therefore the he goat waxed VERY GREAT: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. NLT The goat became very powerful. But at the height of his power, his large horn was broken off. In the large horn s place grew four prominent horns pointing in the four directions of the earth. This is explained in verse 21 but, in advance of that, Alexander died at age 33 and his kingdom was divided into four major parts. 9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed EXCEEDING GREAT, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. NLT Then from one of the prominent horns came a small horn whose power grew very great. It extended toward the south and the east and toward the glorious land of Israel. Pay attention to this verse because this begins the main controversy (a significant one) regarding this chapter, which I ll address soon. The key, though, is that this little horn came forth out of the four notable horns. A question to consider: If God showed Daniel a little horn in Chapter 7, would He change the identity of this little horn in Chapter 8, IF it s the same horn? Some of the commentators look at the various prophecies of Daniel as progressive, that is, each one gives more details to the original prophecy that Daniel revealed to Nebuchadnezzar. A second question to consider: If this little horn is different than the one in Chapter 7, why didn t God use a different symbol? Clearly, He used different symbols for the Greek and Medo-Persian empires in this chapter and He uses the angel to tell us who they are. But is He using the same symbol and then changing who is behind that symbol? Or is the focus on the fact that a horn refers to a king or kingdom. I don t know and refuse to speculate because the more I ve studied this, I have moved back and forth in my thinking. This is the controversy of this chapter with multiple Church views of what the vision means Maurice A. West Page 65 of 118

68 SIDE ROAD: {The following material was taken from Selected Studies on Prophetic Interpretation, by William H. Shea. Why Antiochus IV is Not the Little Horn of Daniel 8 ; 1982.} [The] three views on the interpretation of the various elements in Daniel 8:9-14 may be summarized as follows: Element View #1 View #2 View #3 1. Little horn Antiochus IV Rome Future Antichrist days Literal days past Prophetic years Literal days future 3. Temple Earthly Heavenly Earthly 4. Cleansing From past defilement Judgment From future defilement This brief review of the various interpretations, as proposed by the three main schools of prophetic interpretation, makes it clear that widely varying conclusions concerning the nature of the events predicted in this passage of prophecy have been reached. I included this summary from Dr. Shea s extensive research to summarize the three views of this chapter that are accepted by various elements of the Church. As you ll see, the three views of the Church have to do with the elements above: the little horn (v. 9), the 2300 days (v. 14), the Temple sanctuary (v. 14), and the cleansing of that sanctuary in the same verse. These are the key differences in different factions on how they interpret this chapter. For us to understand it, it is not a matter of choosing sides but praying for the interpretation as God gave Daniel (v. 16). VIEW #1 OF THE LITTLE HORN ANTIOCHUS IV EPIPHANES 1 Wherever I bring up this view for comparison, the number 1 will be used in this format. First, who in the world is Antiochus Epiphanes (an-tay-uh-kuhs eh-pihf-uh-neez)? { In 175 [BC]...a new ruler, Antiochus IV, ascended to the throne of [the Syrian portion of the Greek Empire]. As did many rulers, he appended the title Epiphanes ( God Manifest ) to his name; but many people referred to him instead as Antiochus Epimames ( The Madman ). [The most notable thing of his reign that caused this view is the following:] In the Jews s Holy Temple, he placed a statue of Zeus--the god he believed was manifest in his own royal being--and sacrificed swine on the altar. He stripped the Temple of its sacred vessels, including the seven-branched golden menorah, and stole the silver and gold coin. He also fought against the Jewish culture and adherence to God s Law. He is mentioned in the First Book of Maccabees (an Apocryphal book). This is only a small excerpt of the life of this man so I encourage you to go to the link and search that web site using his name for a better understanding. {JF&B} [This little horn is] not to be confounded with the little horn of the fourth kingdom in Da 7:8. The little horn in Da 7:8 comes as an eleventh horn after ten preceding horns. In Da 8:9 it is not an independent fifth horn, after the four previous ones, but it arises out of one of the four existing horns. This horn is explained (Da 8:23) to be a king of fierce countenance, Antiochus Maurice A. West Page 66 of 118

69 Epiphanes is meant. Greece with all its refinement produces the first, that is, the Old Testament Antichrist. Antiochus had an extraordinary love of art, which expressed itself in grand temples. He wished to substitute Zeus Olympius for Jehovah at Jerusalem. Thus first heathen civilization from below, and revealed religion from above, came into collision. Identifying himself with Jupiter, his aim was to make his own worship universal (compare Da 8:25 with Da 11:36); so mad was he in this that he was called Epimanes (maniac) instead of Epiphanes. None of the previous world rulers, Nebuchadnezzar (Da 4:31-34), Darius (Da 6:27, 28), Cyrus (Ezr 1:2-4), Artaxerxes Longimanus (Ezr 7:12), had systematically opposed the Jews religious worship. Hence the need of prophecy to prepare them for Antiochus. The struggle of the Maccabees was a fruit of Daniel s prophecy (1 Maccabees 2:59). He is the forerunner of the final Antichrist, standing in the same relation to the first advent of Christ that Antichrist does to His second coming. The sins in Israel which gave rise to the Greek Antichrist were that some Jews adopted Hellenic customs (compare Da 11:30, 32), erecting theaters, and regarding all religions alike, sacrificing to Jehovah, but at the same time sending money for sacrifices to Hercules. {David Guzik} A little horn which grew exceeding great: This was fulfilled in one of the four successors to Alexander the Great. Since the dominion of this horn was extended toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land, we can identify the historical fulfillment of this little horn in Antiochus IV Epiphanes who ruled over Syria and Israel s land under the Seleucid dynasty. i. Israel s land was fought over between the dynasties of Seleucid and Ptolemy, but the Seleucids gained power over the region in the days of Antiochus III (198 B.C.). ii. Antiochus IV gained the throne by murdering his brother, the former king Seleucus Philopator. The son of Philopator was the rightful heir to the throne, but Antiochus IV had him held hostage in Rome. Antiochus IV legitimized his rule mainly through flattery and bribery. iii. Antiochus IV assumed the title Epiphanes meaning, illustrious and alluding to deity. The Jews turned it into Epimanes meaning, madman. The Glorious Land: In the Hebrew, the same term is used for the land of Israel in Ezekiel 20:6 (the glory of all lands), Ezekiel 25:9 (the glory of the country), and in Daniel 11:16 and 11:41. Similar wording is used in Psalm 48:2. i. We can rightly see the Glorious Land as the center of the world: - It is the nerve center of civilization since the days of Abraham - It is the truth center from which flowed God s revelation to man - It is the storm center of warring nations since the days of Joshua - It will be the peace center of the earth during the millennial reign of Jesus - It will be the home center for the Jewish people forever more Maurice A. West Page 67 of 118

70 Antiochus Epiphanes is an accurate and dramatic fulfillment of this prophecy in history - so much so that critics insist that the Book of Daniel must have been written after his time. - Antiochus Epiphanes exerted his dominion toward the south, toward the east, and toward the land of Israel; - Antiochus Epiphanes murdered other rulers and persecuted the people of Israel (cast down some of the host and some of the stars to the ground, and trampled them); - Antiochus Epiphanes blasphemed God and commanded idolatrous worship directed towards himself (exalted himself as high as the Prince of the host); - Antiochus Epiphanes put a stop to temple sacrifices in Jerusalem (by him the daily sacrifices were taken away); - Antiochus Epiphanes desecrated the temple (the place of His sanctuary was cast down); - Antiochus Epiphanes opposed God and seemed to prosper (he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered). The Amplified Bible holds this view, as do many of the commentators including Matthew Henry. However, others have written whole books to counter this view, as they all have toward each other. The key to this view is the acceptance of the little horn of this chapter as different from the little horn of the prior chapter and there is evidence (look at the source of each) to say that this may be true. Also, this little horn came out of Greece, Turkey, Syria, or Egypt, the four parts of Alexander s empire. VIEW #2 OF THE LITTLE HORN THE ROMAN EMPIRE 2 Wherever I bring up this view for comparison, the number 2 will be used in this format. Among our commentators, Adam Clarke was one that believed that the little horn was the Roman Empire but he is only representative of a number of people in the Church that hold this view including many of his contemporaries such as Bishop Thomas Newton, a noted Anglican theologian of that time, and Sir Isaac Newton, the great physicist and mathematician. {Adam Clarke} Out of one of them came forth a little horn - Some think that Antiochus Epiphanes is meant; but [Bishop Thomas] Newton contends that it is the Roman government that is intended; and although very great at its zenith, yet very little in its rising. Waxed - great toward the south - The Romans made Egypt a province of their empire, and it continued such for some centuries. Toward the east - They conquered Syria, and made it a province. Toward the pleasant land - Judea, so called Psalm 106:24; Jeremiah 3:19; Daniel 11:16, Daniel 11:41. It is well known that they took Judea, and made it a province; and afterwards burnt the city and the temple, and scattered the Jews over the face of the earth. Part of the problem with those that held this view was that they believed that the 2,300 days of verse 14 were 2,300 years and that they began in 457 B.C. when the Roman Empire began. Using this, they expected the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus in Well, the fact that Maurice A. West Page 68 of 118

71 we re discussing it almost 200 years later says that there is a problem with this view even though there are many that still hold to it. VIEW #3 OF THE LITTLE HORN THE ANTICHRIST 3 Wherever I bring up this view for comparison, the number 3 will be used in this format. Many hold this view because they interpret the little horn of Chapter 7 to be the same little horn of Chapter 8. To them, everything in this chapter has to do with events surrounding the Second Coming of Christ. They also have a problem with the fact that the only claim to this that Antiochus Epiphanes had was the fact that he desecrated the Temple. They also look at the 2,300 days of verse 14 as literal days and this number approximates the middle point of the Tribulation Period but the fact that it is not exact is a problem. Finally, the strongest point may be in verse 25 where the little horn will stand against the Prince of princes, which the average Christian would interpret as the Lord Jesus Christ. Among our commentators, Dake strongly holds this view. In summary, I think the weakest view is 2 because most of the events are past and so many things have happened to hurt their credibility. (Instead of spending time on it here, search the Internet for The Great Disappointment. This was an event that seriously hurt the cause of Christ in the middle 1800 s.) 10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. For those that believe the little horn is the Antichrist, this Scripture seems to clearly support that. But look at how other translations look at this verse: NLT Its power reached to the heavens, where it attacked the heavenly army, throwing some of the heavenly beings and some of the stars to the ground and trampling them. This translation seems to clearly support the approach that this little horn is the Antichrist because of its spiritual battle in the heavens but it s not completely clear. Amplified Bible And [in my vision this horn] grew great, even against the host of heaven [God s true people, the saints], and some of the host and of the stars [priests] it cast down to the ground and trampled on them. However, this translation has shown that it supports the idea that the little horn is Antiochus Epiphanes and supports this view in how it translates the verse. SIDE ROAD: I find the fact that a certain prophetic view is built into a translation of the Scripture troubling. However, I found in the midst of this study that the vision had a parallel interpretation, as you ll see later in this chapter. 11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of the sanctuary was cast down. Later in this chapter, an angelic Maurice A. West Page 69 of 118

72 messenger, Gabriel, will explain certain parts of this prophecy to Daniel. However, since this verse is not explained later, let s focus on it now. the prince of the host The Hebrew word used for prince means prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, or captain and has been translated primarily as prince and captain in the King James Version { The word used for host is straightforward and means that. It is not clear in the text who this is even though the commentators and other translations want to make this the host of heaven or, in one case, the high priest. This could be because the Levites have been called the hosts of priests and the leader of them is the high priest. More likely, if we follow the character of the little horn in this chapter and the prior, this could be the Prince of the Angelic Hosts, which would be the Lord Jesus Himself. by him the daily sacrifice was taken away the word sacrifice is not in the original text but was added by the translators to give meaning to this verse. The Hebrew word for daily means continuity, perpetuity, to stretch. It goes from this word to another word translated as taken away but that word is most often used for to lift up oneself or to rise. However, I m going to follow my own rules and yield to the rest of the Church, which focuses on the accuracy of this verse. My only concern though is that the Lord is giving clues to His people and if the interpretation of the clues are inaccurate, we will be swept into deception. the place of the sanctuary was cast down this is the clearest part of this verse and must refer to Jerusalem. However, we ll see later that this can be a problem also. 12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered. NKJV Because of transgression, an army was given over to the horn to oppose the daily sacrifices; and he cast truth down to the ground. He did all this and prospered. Amplified Bible And the host [the chosen people] was given [to the wicked horn] together with the continual burnt offering because of the transgression [of God s people their abounding irreverence, ungodliness, and lack of piety]. And righteousness and truth were cast down to the ground, and it [the wicked horn] accomplished this [by divine permission] and prospered. When you look at history, Antiochus Epiphanes did exactly as this verse said. He made the Jewish people and their religious rites his personal vendetta. However, prophecies in the Book of Revelation tell us that this will also be the mission of Antichrist against the Jews. So I m leaning toward a dual interpretation of the little horn. 13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? Amplified Bible Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one that spoke, Maurice A. West Page 70 of 118

73 For how long is the vision concerning the continual offering, the transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of both the sanctuary and the host [of the people] to be trampled underfoot? We don t know if this is the first time we hear from Gabriel because it s not clear in the text. Also, since Gabriel does not explain this verse and the next later in this chapter, we ll look at it now. I believe that understanding the next verse is key to understanding the identity of this little horn and may put to rest the confusion by these various factions. But before we go forward, the question asked by these two saints simply is this, {JF&B} How long shall the daily sacrifice be suspended? Daniel didn t ask this question but this question is vital to understanding this prophecy so the Lord puts it out there. 14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. Amplified Bible And he said to him and to me, For 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed and restored. Daniel didn t ask the question, but the saint directed the answer to him. But before addressing this, days are important in End Times Prophecy. Revelation Chapter 11 has a number of days and months which all equate to 3½ years the second half of the Tribulation Period. Here we have 2,300 days or 6.3 years. It doesn t fit to the days in the Book of Revelation so let s see how those that hold the different views handle this. 1 This viewed claimed the little horn was Antiochus Epiphanes. {David Guzik} The date when the temple was cleansed is well established as December 25, 165 B.C. If we count back 2,300 days from then, we come to the year when Antiochus Epiphanes began his persecution in earnest (171 B.C.). This is very clear, if these dates are accurate, and provides the strongest support that this little horn is Antiochus Epiphanes. 2 This viewed claimed the little horn was the Roman Empire. {Adam Clarke} Though literally it be two thousand three hundred evenings and mornings. Yet I think the prophetic day should be understood here, as in other parts of this prophet, and must signify so many years. If we date these years from the vision of the he-goat, (Alexander s invading Asia), this was A.M. 3670, B.C. 334; and two thousand three hundred years from that time will reach to A.D. 1966, or one hundred and forty-one years from the present A.D Adam Clarke s interpretation of this verse shows the error of this view. Though there were other parts that would support the Roman Empire as the little horn, it could not be fit into the 2,300 days. 3 This viewed claimed the little horn was the Antichrist of the Book of Revelation. {Dake} No Scripture says that the abomination of desolation will actually be in the temple 1,260 days. So if v 14 says the daily sacrifice will be taken away after 2,300 evenings and mornings this settles the question, and we have to guess about the additional 110 days making up the 1,260 days of the whole period. Even though I started this study a strong supporter of the fact that the little horn is the future Antichrist, I find some problems with Dake s interpretation of this Maurice A. West Page 71 of 118

74 verse. The verse says 2,300 days. Some of the commentators split that in half with the view that it referred to 2,300 morning and evening sacrifices or 1,150 days. But it doesn t say that. All the translations that we typically use, except for the Message Bible, refer to 2,300 days. The Message Bible says 2,300 sacrifices, evening and morning. But if we take that approach, yes, it becomes 1,150 days and Dake said we have to guess about the additional 110 days needed to equal the 3½ years of the Book of Revelation. That s a lot if you re in the midst of the horrible judgment of the Great Tribulation (the second half of the Tribulation Period). If you re being hunted and marked for death, that s almost four months that you have to guess about. That s a problem but let s not make a judgment until we hear what Gabriel has to say to Daniel in the next few verses. THE VISION EXPLAINED BY GABRIEL 15 And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. God often tries to meet us where we are so this angelic being appears looking like a man (meaning this is probably not his usual appearance). 16 And I heard a man s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. God spoke to Gabriel in a language and voice that would not terrify Daniel because, as we ll see at the end of this chapter, this vision has already shaken him physically. SIDE ROAD: Since Gabriel will be with Daniel again in the next chapter, let s understand his résumé: (1) He is an angel according to Luke 1:19; (2) He stands in the presence of God Luke 1:19; (3) He appears three times in Scripture (twice with Daniel; once with Zachariah, the soon-to-be father of John the Baptist; and once appearing to Mary to bring her the news that she would be the mother of our Savior). The Catholic Church refers to him as an archangel or a higher order of angels. The King James Version Bible refers only to the angel Michael in this rank in Jude 1:9 but it is clear from Gabriel s actions in the Scripture that each time he appears, what he has to share is significant. 17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision. NLT As Gabriel approached the place where I was standing, I became so terrified that I fell with my face to the ground. Son of man, he said, you must understand that the events you have seen in your vision relate to the time of the end. When you pull this verse out of the rest of the passages, it naturally seems that this vision is an End Times vision but the Medo-Persian Empire and the Greek Empire belong to ancient history. Therefore, we can t make a quick judgment based on these few words the time of the end. {David Guzik} The answer is that though this prophecy is fulfilled in Antiochus Epiphanes it also has a later Maurice A. West Page 72 of 118

75 fulfillment in the Antichrist, referring to the time of the end. Antiochus Epiphanes is sometimes called the antichrist of the Old Testament. He prefigures the Antichrist of the end times. 18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. NLT While he was speaking, I fainted and lay there with my face to the ground. But Gabriel roused me with a touch and helped me to my feet. There is no indication that Daniel had seen an angel before this time so he did as we would probably do when he heard the voice of God and saw this man appear he passed out. 19 And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be. Twice in this verse, the word end is used but, for Antiochus Epiphanes, these events are BEFORE the first coming of Christ. However, the Antichrist comes just before the FINAL coming of Christ the time of the end. 20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia. We saw this in verse And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. We saw this in verses Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power. {Adam Clarke} The four kingdoms which shall arise out of the Macedonian empire shall not be of Alexander s power or family, nor have his strength and dignity. Alexander s family was murdered within 15 years of his death and the four governors of his provinces stood up to take four parts of the kingdom as kings. Remember, at the time that this was given to Daniel, none of this had happened yet. In fact, Alexander was still approximately 200 years from being born. 23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up. Amplified Bible And at the latter end of their kingdom, when the transgressors [the apostate Jews] have reached the fullness [of their wickedness, taxing the limits of God s mercy], a king of fierce countenance and understanding dark trickery and craftiness shall stand up. In this verse, the view of the little horn being Antiochus Epiphanes and the future Antichrist come together. It appears that this vision has dual meaning resident in both of these evil men. {David Guzik} The prophecy in this passage reads equally true of both Antiochus and Antichrist. This is an example of a prophetic passage that has both a near and far fulfillment. Antiochus was only a shadow of the Antichrist to come, which is why many rejected him as being the little horn. He also did not appear in the latter time of their kingdom as there were about a dozen kings after him. However, I believe the dual meaning of this verse is clear warning the Jews then about a coming evil king and warning the Church and the Jews later about the coming Antichrist Maurice A. West Page 73 of 118

76 24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. Antiochus, as Antichrist will be, was empowered by Satan to destroy the Jewish people. All of these attributes were resident in both men but in Antiochus, they were not as prominent as they will be in the Antichrist. 25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand. Amplified Bible And through his policy he shall cause trickery to prosper in his hand; he shall magnify himself in his heart and mind, and in their security he will corrupt and destroy many. He shall also stand up against the Prince of princes, but he shall be broken and that by no [human] hand. {David Guzik} History tells us that Antiochus Epiphanes died of disease, not by the hand of man. In a similar way, no man will defeat the coming Antichrist, but the hand of Jesus will strike him down (Revelation 19:20). 26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days. NLT This vision about the 2,300 evenings and mornings is true. But none of these things will happen for a long time, so keep this vision a secret. The central part of this vision was the 2,300 days. It s a timetable that will be vital to those caught in the vision. It speaks to the fact that the main part of the vision MUST be directed toward Antiochus Epiphanes. But it s also, at that time, a future vision. In Daniel s time, the earliest part of the vision was a few years away. The parallel part of the vision (the Antichrist) was, in his time, millennia away and still has not occurred. 27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it. Now that we ve come to the end of the vision, I must reject the interpretation that this refers to the Roman Empire and embrace the fact that it has a dual meaning Antiochus Epiphanes and more strongly toward the future Antichrist of the Book of Revelation. Daniel had a great love for his people, the Jewish people. He saw the results of their sin in this vision and the punishment they would endure and it made him literally sick. SAINTS QUESTION: Do you love God s people to the point where their sin makes you physically ill ill enough to pray for their recovery? Conclusion: {David Guzik} Some see this Antiochus and Antichrist connection, and some do not. Martin Luther wrote, This chapter in Daniel refers both to Antiochus and Antichrist. I must agree that there is a connection but, to this day, we still don t understand this chapter clearly Maurice A. West Page 74 of 118

77 Chapter 9 Daniel figures out through reading Jeremiah that the end of the Captivity is at hand and intercedes on behalf of his people. His answer, though, is interesting because it contains one of the most far-reaching, yet confusing, prophecies of the entire Bible. DANIEL REALIZES THAT IT S TIME FOR GOD TO WORK 1 In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; This chapter occurred at the same time as Chapter 6. Daniel was an influential figure during the reign of Darius. He was appointed as prime minister at this time and suffered being thrown into the lions den. (See my notes on Chapter 6.) Daniel has introduced some information in this verse that we did not have before when he says this about Darius the son of Ahasuerus. These four words are important to understanding other parts of the Old Testament. This was also the name of Esther s husband in the Book of Esther and the timeline in my study of that book suggests that the Ahasuerus of this book and the Ahasuerus of Esther could be the same people. However, that will require a separate study at another time. 2 In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. NLT During the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, learned from reading the word of the Lord, as revealed to Jeremiah the prophet, that Jerusalem must lie desolate for seventy years. At face value, this verse seems to be simplistic but why didn t others figure out that the timing of the prophecy was at hand? Had they become too relaxed in their Babylonian life? The timing was vital as we ll see shortly. In my notes on Chapter 5, I stated that Daniel has been a slave now for about 66 years so, yes, the Babylonian Captivity, probably the most pivotal event in Jewish history since the Exodus, is nearing the end. Look at Jeremiah s prophecy: Jeremiah 25:11-12 And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the Lord, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations. {JF&B} The Babylonian captivity is a turning point in the history of the kingdom of God. It terminated the free Old Testament theocracy. Up to that time Israel, though oppressed at times, was; as a rule, free. From the Babylonian captivity the theocracy never recovered its full freedom down to its entire suspension by Rome; and this period of Israel s subjection to the Gentiles is to continue till the millennium (Re 20:1-15), when Israel shall be restored as head of the New Testament theocracy, which will embrace the whole earth Maurice A. West Page 75 of 118

78 There is one thing that should be understood because it will impact this entire chapter. Daniel saw that the 70 years were coming to an end because of his time in Babylon. But he also knew that God could choose to end it right at 70 years or at approximately 70 years or He could choose to count the 70 years based on a later period when Nebuchadnezzar carried people away. (There were three different times when the Jews were carried captive from Israel to Babylon. No doubt, Daniel wanted the Lord to use the earliest time versus the latest, which was 18 years later.) Also, understanding a prophecy does not mean that you ll do what s necessary with that information. Daniel did what was necessary and began to seek God so that the Captivity would end on time. DANIEL S PRAYER FOR HIS PEOPLE 3 And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: NLT So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes. Daniel set himself to intensely seek God so that He would fulfill His Word, restore their worship, and free His people. Look at his method for seeking God: prayer and fasting with humility (wearing of sackcloth) and repentance (ashes). It doesn t matter how great we may think we are in Christ, we, without Him, still come far short of the holiness of God. Well does the Scripture say: Isaiah 64:6b But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. SAINTS PRINCIPLE: We must HUMBLE ourselves before God if we expect to obtain the answers we need from Him in prayer. 4 And I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; We re not going to go into a lot of details on Daniel s prayer because it is so clear but look at his attitude as he opens his prayer I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession If there was anyone living for God among the captives, it was Daniel, but he included himself in the number that needed to confess. The theme of the prayer is the greatness, goodness, and mercy of God and the rebellion and sin of ALL of His people. {David Guzik} Daniel began his prayer where we all should by recognizing the greatness and goodness of God. Sometimes we approach God as a stingy person who must be persuaded to give us something. But Daniel knew the problem was not with God. God keeps His covenant and mercy with those who love Him. 5 We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Look again WE have sinned. 8 O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee. The other translations add or replace confusion with shame. When we lose the shame for sin (or have we already?) we ll end up in the kind of predicament the Children of Israel (God s people) were in bondage Maurice A. West Page 76 of 118

79 9 To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; NLT But the Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. What a picture of the God we serve! He is a God of mercy and forgiveness. SAINTS PRINCIPLE: Never let the devil paint a different picture of Him and if we are to be His people, we must be like this also. 19 O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name. Message Bible Master, listen to us! Master, forgive us! Master, look at us and do something! Master, don t put us off! Your city and your people are named after you: You have a stake in us! Daniel closes his prayer by reminding the Lord of His covenant with His people. God did not forget. Actually, we are the ones that forget but by praying in this manner, he s begging for the restoration of that covenant relationship. {C.H. Spurgeon} Brethren, if there be only one among us that can pray as Daniel did, with intensity, the blessing will come. GABRIEL COMES WITH A WORD FOR DANIEL 20 And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God; Isaiah 65:24 Amplified Bible And it shall be that before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking I will hear. This promise of Isaiah is demonstrated in this verse and the next. Daniel has not finished his prayer but God hurries to answer him. As a side note, I ve always found this verse interesting because Daniel, God s man for that time, was not only praying for the sins of the people but for his own sins. There is no indication in the Scripture that he was a sinful man or ever sinned but perhaps he had. Personally, I believe he wanted to make sure that he had not offended the Lord in sins of omission (things he should have done but didn t) or in presumptuous sins (taking too much for granted or showing overconfidence in himself). David wrote in Psalm 19:13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression. The Amplified Bible helps us understand this verse by saying at the end, and I shall be innocent and clear of great transgression. I believe that we would have less trouble in the church if we would deal with presumptuous sins ( Not me! I could not have sinned! ) before they grow to great transgressions. 21 Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. NLT As I was praying, Gabriel, whom I had seen in the earlier vision, came swiftly to me at the time of the evening sacrifice. {Adam Clarke} Gabriel himself was ordered on this occasion to make more than usual speed. Gabriel appeared to Daniel as a man in the prior chapter but now comes in his angelic form with urgency bringing Daniel one of the Maurice A. West Page 77 of 118

80 greatest prophecies of the Bible. This prophecy does not answer WHEN the Captivity will end but it shows that the end of the Captivity will start a new prophecy that will lead to Messiah. 22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. {David Guzik} Daniel studied the passage in Jeremiah, but still didn t understand much. In this case, understanding came more through prayer. 23 At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision. A few men in the Bible had a special relationship with God beyond what others experienced. Two of them were Daniel (Daniel 9:23, 10:11, and 10:19) and the Apostle John (John 13:23). This special relationship gave them insight to some of the most awesome prophetic words in the Scripture. Daniel didn t pray for this vision but it was given out of the favor of God toward him because he was greatly beloved of God. SIDE ROAD: The amazing thing about the next four verses is that they are some of the most controversial verses in the Bible and, per some commentators, have contributed to the idea that many believe the Book of Daniel is not authentic. But those that believe in the truth of this book must digest these four verses slowly and carefully. The main thing to understand is that the accepted approach by the church is that the weeks spoken of in these verses are weeks of years, i.e., every day represents a year (see Leviticus 25:8). THE SEVENTY WEEKS PROPHECY 24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Amplified Bible Seventy weeks [of years, or 490 years] are decreed upon your people and upon your holy city [Jerusalem], to finish and put an end to transgression, to seal up and make full the measure of sin, to purge away and make expiation and reconciliation for sin, to bring in everlasting righteousness (permanent moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) to seal up vision and prophecy and prophet, and to anoint a Holy of Holies. The Amplified Bible simplifies this verse (or at least does the math for us) but it s not simple at all. First, this prophecy is addressed to the Jewish people because the angel is speaking to Daniel (your people) and Jerusalem (upon your holy city [Jerusalem]). I ve heard others try to bring America into it but it has nothing to do with us its focus is the Jewish people. Second, the entire prophecy is about 490 years but these are not all consecutive years. Third, which we ll see in the next verse, to understand it you HAVE to know when it started because much of it is history now. Daniel had been praying about the 70 years of captivity of God s people. Gabriel brought him a message dealing with 70 WEEKS. As stated earlier, the commentators and Bible scholars generally agree that the seventy weeks are seventy weeks of years. We re going to need to take Maurice A. West Page 78 of 118

81 our time with these passages because in these four little verses, the timetable for the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus and the length of the Tribulation are brought out. These 490 years have six purposes, which are also brought out in this verse. We need to understand the purpose of this entire period before we can focus on one part of this period. 1. To finish the transgression {JF&B} Literally shut up ; remove from God s sight, that is, abolish. The seventy years exile was a punishment, but not a full atonement, for the sin of the people; this would come only after seventy prophetic weeks, through Messiah. The people that JF&B are talking about are the people of God Israel. {McGee} The cross provided the redemption for sin for the sin of the nation, but not all accepted it. Today the word has gone out to the ends of the earth that there is a redemption for mankind. But in that last week we are told that God says, And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications (Zech. 12:10). And in Zechariah 13:1: In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. That has not been opened yet. The transgression of Israel will be at an end and they will accept Jesus Christ as their Messiah. 2. To make an end of sins The sins of Israel and the sins of all mankind will be dealt with in this 490-year period because it points to the first and second coming of Christ. 3. To make reconciliation for iniquity During this 490-year period, God has provided a means of reconciliation back to God through the death and resurrection of Christ. 4. To bring in everlasting righteousness {JF&B} Namely, the restoration of the normal state between God and man; to continue eternally. Jeremiah 23:5-6 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. The everlasting righteousness to be brought in is not only the righteousness that we experience through Jesus Christ but Jesus Christ Himself. 5. To seal up the vision and prophecy {McGee} All will be fulfilled, which will vindicate [prove] this prophecy as well as all other prophecies in Scripture. 6. To anoint the most Holy {JF&B} Messiah was anointed with the Holy Ghost (Ac 4:27; 10:38). So hereafter, God-Messiah will anoint or consecrate with His presence the holy place at Jerusalem after its pollution by Antichrist. The commentators and even the various translations disagree about this last point. Some say it is the Most Holy PLACE of the Millennial Temple while others say it is the Most Holy ONE, which is the Lord Jesus. All of this will be done through these 490 years or seventy weeks Maurice A. West Page 79 of 118

82 25 Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. Amplified Bible Know therefore and understand that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem until [the coming of] the Anointed One, a Prince, shall be seven weeks [of years] and sixty-two weeks [of years]; it shall be built again with [city] square and moat, but in troublous times. Here is the start of the controversy with this prophecy. Pastor David Guzik shows us the issues with the starting point: The Bible presents FOUR possible decrees that might fulfill this description: - Cyrus made a decree giving Ezra and the Babylonian captives the right to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple in 538 B.C. (Ezra in 1:1-4 and 5:13-17) - Darius made a decree giving Ezra the right to rebuild the temple in 517 B.C. (Ezra 6:6-12) - Artaxerxes made a decree giving Ezra permission, safe passage, and supplies to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple in 458 B.C. (Ezra 7:11-26) - Artaxerxes made a decree giving Nehemiah permission, safe passage and supplies to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and the walls in 445 B.C. (Neh. 2:1-8). Daniel s concern, which began this chapter, is that he wanted to know when the Captivity would end. The first verse that Pastor Guzik mentions is the one that is typically accepted as concluding the Captivity: Ezra 1:1-2 NKJV Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, 2 Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. However, it may not be the verse that begins the prophecy of the Seventy Weeks of Years. Why is all of this important? This prophecy is one of the most specific in the Bible IF we can get the starting point correct. It is said that some Jewish scholars were converted to Christianity after first accepting the Book of Daniel and then understanding this prophecy. It points specifically to Jesus Christ of Nazareth as the Messiah. God was telling His people through this prophecy that Messiah (the Lord Jesus Christ) clearly was to die at a certain period. This is something the Jews of our Lord s time were not taught and did not believe. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. Amplified Bible And after the sixty-two weeks [of years] shall the Anointed One be cut off or killed and shall have nothing [and no one] belonging to [and defending] Him. And Maurice A. West Page 80 of 118

83 the people of the [other] prince who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood; and even to the end there shall be war, and desolations are decreed. At the end of the second series of weeks, Messiah will be killed triggering other events including the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, by Rome the people of the prince that shall come, and a period of continual warfare. Since the first part of this prophecy is history, let s look at it based on the date of the Crucifixion. There are some clues to its exact date but let me warn you that God s mysteries are typically intentionally vague (Mark 4:11-12). Even when the dates seem clear, there are often issues to force us to seek God for guidance. Luke 3:1-2 NKJV Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. We know when this was because of the historical date of Tiberius Caesar. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica (on line), and other sources agree, Tiberius Caesar reigned from A.D. The 15 th year of that reign was 29 A.D. and this was when the Word of the Lord came to John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ. This should be clear but I found some that dated the started of his reign back to 11 A.D. when he reigned as co-regent with his father. It is accepted that the ministry of Jesus Christ was roughly 3½ years but the Bible does not clearly state this. However, we have evidence in John s gospel of 3 annual Passovers that the Lord attended (John 2:13, 6:4, 11:55) and His ministry began before the first one. With these two dates, assuming that John the Baptist started his ministry around the same time as the Lord or a little earlier, that puts the Crucifixion at around 33 A.D. (It s interesting, at least to me, that I already found two sources, before I went through this, that dated the Crucifixion as 33 A.D.) But remember, this date has issues Maurice A. West Page 81 of 118

84 Regardless of the issues, let s say we put the date of the Crucifixion at 33 A.D. Remember the Seventy Weeks of Years prophecy has three parts: 7 weeks (49 years); 62 weeks (434 years); and 1 week (7 years) totaling 490 years. So let s go back 483 years ( ) from 33 A.D. to arrive at the commandment of verse 25. This means it must have been given around 450 B.C. Depending on if the actual date of the Lord s Crucifixion was 33 A.D. or 30 A.D., either one of the last two decrees by Artaxerxes could have been the starting point (see the figure above). Remember, Bible prophecy is not intended for date setting and in this case it had to be within a seven-year span (1 week) and both could fall into that. Regardless, the prophecy was clear enough for Israel to be looking for Messiah around the time of the ministry of Jesus Christ His coming should NOT have been a surprise! Before we look at the last verse, the Bible clearly separates a 49-year period from the 434-year period. Scholars say that this was the duration of the complete rebuild of Jerusalem with the walls and the infrastructure or, as verse 25 says, the streets. These were troublous times. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. NLT The ruler will make a treaty with the people for a period of one set of seven, but after half this time, he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. And as a climax to all his terrible deeds, he will set up a sacrilegious object that causes desecration, until the fate decreed for this defiler is finally poured out on him. Unfortunately, I had to separate this from verse 26 where it actually starts so let s go back to that. After Messiah is cut off, the text says the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city (Jerusalem) and the sanctuary (the Temple); and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. The people of the prince that shall come were the Romans. This means that this future prince, the Antichrist, the Beast, will have his familial and ethnic roots from one of the countries of the Roman Empire, which does not give us much in the way of specifics. Let s break down this final verse on this prince: He shall make a seven-year covenant or treaty with Israel the Antichrist will be a person of such prominence and influence that he will do what others have attempted to do for YEARS. He will solve the problem of the Middle East. He shall, halfway through this treaty, break it and reveal his true nature by a sacrilegious act called the Abomination of Desolation. The Lord Jesus also spoke of this event (Mt. 25:15) but it is greatly misunderstood. is a good web site to help you gain an understanding of it. This 3½ year period (or 1,260 days using a 360 day year) is repeated throughout Scripture (Revelation 11:3 and 12:6). It will be the worse period in the history of mankind known as the Great Tribulation Maurice A. West Page 82 of 118

85 What the Antichrist will do will signal the last 3½ years in the history of the world and will end with the return of Jesus Christ. Daniel received this nearly 3,000 years ago! As I conclude this chapter, let me repeat that Bible prophecy is not intended for date setting but gives us an accurate approximation of when the Lord will do something. There is no reason, using this prophecy, why the first coming of the Lord Jesus Christ should have confused anyone. They just needed to do like Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38) and stay close enough to God to see that He was up to something Maurice A. West Page 83 of 118

86 Chapter 10 This chapter introduces us to the final vision in Daniel. It will be revealed primarily in Chapter 11 but this chapter sets the stage and gives us valuable insight of what happens behind the scenes in the spirit world. DANIEL RECEIVES HIS FINAL RECORDED VISION 1 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision. NKJV In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar. The message was true, but the appointed time was long; and he understood the message, and had understanding of the vision. There are time indicators in this verse that will help us with what s going on and to see where we are in history. This is the THIRD YEAR of Cyrus who is important because of what happened in his first year (mentioned in Chapter 9 and repeated here): Ezra 1:1-2 NKJV Now in the FIRST YEAR of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying, 2 Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth the Lord God of heaven has given me. And He has commanded me to build Him a house at Jerusalem which is in Judah. What s important is that TWO YEARS have passed since the Jews were released from captivity to begin rebuilding the Temple. This is FIVE YEARS after the vision of the 70 Weeks of Years of the prior chapter. Finally, Daniel has now probably been retired from public service for TWO YEARS. Notice Daniel 1:21 NLT Daniel remained in the royal service until the FIRST YEAR of the reign of King Cyrus. Perhaps after Cyrus made his proclamation, Daniel saw the answer to his prayer in Chapter 9 and no longer saw the need for him to be in public service. The fact that Daniel is no longer a public figure will enable him to do what he does in verse 3. Now that we understand the timing of this verse, Daniel received something from God that was true, the appointed time was long, but unlike in the past, it was something he understood. The commentators, for the most part, agree that Chapters are all part of the same vision so this begins the last vision in the Book of Daniel. 2 In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks. NLT When this vision came to me, I, Daniel, had been in mourning for three whole weeks. The NLT translation best aligns with the text in the rest of this chapter. Daniel was involved in a period of consecration, which all translations call a period of mourning. (It is this verse and the next from which the idea of today s Daniel fast is gleaned.) Later, it is called a time of chastening. Daniel received a revelation and needed answers so he went into this consecration period. {David Guzik} Why Maurice A. West Page 84 of 118

87 was Daniel in mourning? Some think it was because so few Jews had returned with Ezra from exile. Others believe it was because Ezra faced severe opposition in rebuilding the temple. This is one idea but we know from later in the text that he asked for understanding (verse 12) and then went into this period of consecration. SIDE ROAD: The next verse tells us what Daniel did. So many of the commentators got wrapped up on the idea of the Daniel fast. Dake said that verse 3 implies that he was on a total fast, not on a diet as some today call a Daniel s fast. David Guzik said, It would be wrong to call what Daniel did fasting. The Biblical idea of fasting is to abstain from food altogether. It s amazing how we can strain at gnats. Let s accept the text as it is Daniel never called it a fast. He was in mourning. But if people want to spend time in consecration to God, let s allow them to do so in the manner they choose without artificially imposed rules. 3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled. NLT All that time I had eaten no rich food. No meat or wine crossed my lips, and I used no fragrant lotions until those three weeks had passed. {Adam Clarke} This fast was rather a general abstinence; living all the while on coarse and unsavory food; drinking nothing but water; not using the bath, and most probably wearing haircloth next the skin, during the whole of the time. Because Daniel was no longer in public service, where appearances, especially at this time, were so important, he could engage in this consecration period. His established a protocol or code of behavior for his consecration that took his focus away from the daily priorities of the flesh but allowed him to totally seek God. 4 And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; Amplified Bible On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was on the bank of the great river Hiddekel [which is the Tigris]. There s a lot in this verse that may or may not be important at this time but which needs to be brought out. The commentators point out that Daniel began his fast in line with Passover (the 14 th day of the first month of the Jewish calendar) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (the 15 th to 21 st days of the Jewish calendar). (See Leviticus 23:5-6.) These feasts point to the other great event in the life of the Jews, the Exodus from Egypt, so it was probably not a coincidence that he chose this time to seek God. This is probably why some feel that his period of mourning had to do with the plight of the Jews who had returned to build the Temple. If Daniel began his fast on the first day of this first month (roughly aligning with April), he did not receive an answer until three days after he finished his fast. This is only the second time in the Bible (since Genesis 2) that the Tigris River is mentioned by its ancient name of Hiddekel. We may or may not get an understanding of why Daniel chose to call it by that name but it s a fact to put aside until we understand why Maurice A. West Page 85 of 118

88 DANIEL S VISION OF CHRIST 5 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: NIV I looked up and there before me was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist. Who is this person? Some call him the angel Gabriel, or another mighty angel, while others refer to him as the Lord Jesus. There are more clues in the next verse that may help. 6 His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude. Amplified Bible His body also was [a golden luster] like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and his feet like glowing burnished bronze, and the sound of his words was like the noise of a multitude [of people or the roaring of the sea]. Since the prophecies of Daniel and the Revelation are so closely linked, let s put them together to figure out who this is. Clothed in linen Daniel 10:5-6 Revelation 1:13-16 A belt of fine gold around his waist His body also was [a golden luster] like beryl His face had the appearance of lightning His eyes as lamps of fire His arms and his feet like glowing burnished bronze His words was like the noise of a multitude [of people or the roaring of the sea] Clothed with a garment down to the foot (KJV) A gold sash across his chest (NLT) Nothing similar mentioned. His face was like the sun in all its brilliance. (NLT) And his eyes were like flames of fire. (NLT) His feet glowed like burnished (bright) bronze (Amplified) His voice thundered like mighty ocean waves (NLT) All indications are that this is the pre-incarnate Son of God because there are so many similarities. In the previous chapter, Daniel received the timetable of Messiah. Here he has a vision of Messiah. In my assertion, I must admit that I m going contrary to many learned commentators but the similarities are too great for this to be an angel of even the highest order. Before leaving these verses, let s address two unclear items in the text: Fine Gold of Uphaz (verse 5): {International Standard Bible Encyclopedia} A gold-bearing region, mentioned in Jeremiah 10:9; Daniel 10:5, otherwise unknown. The Jerusalem Talmud states that there were seven kinds of gold, good gold, pure, precious, gold of Uphaz, purified, refined, and red gold of Parvaim (2 Chronicles 3:6). That of Uphaz, which is so called from the place from which it comes, resembles flashes of fire fed with pitch (M. Schwab, The Talmud of Jerusalem, V, 207 f) Maurice A. West Page 86 of 118

89 Beryl (verse 6): After reviewing all of the definitions that explored the mineral composition of beryl, it comes down to the fact that it s main use until recently was as a precious gem. 7 And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves. Message Bible I, Daniel, was the only one to see this. The men who were with me, although they didn t see it, were overcome with fear and ran off and hid, fearing the worst. This is similar to the account of Saul s conversion on the road to Damascus except those men at least heard something. These men felt a holy dread, a terror, come upon them so that their only response could be was to flee (run for their lives). The glory of God is obviously beyond what we understand, which is why I m convinced that this certain man is none other than the Lord Jesus. It reminds of a quote I read recently: {Dr. A. Okechukwu Ogbonnaya, Ph.D. Precepts for Living } God s glory is described as kabowd (ka-vode), revealing unique honor. This hints at abundance, splendor, dignity, and reputation unlike anyone else. The Lord didn t just stand apart from false gods but could cause even the most noble person to know why they needed to bow before Him. 8 Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength. NLT So I was left there all alone to see this amazing vision. My strength left me, my face grew deathly pale, and I felt very weak. 9 Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground. The vision of the pre-incarnate Christ in His glory was physically taxing on Daniel. No wonder many in the Old Testament would live under the fear that no one can see God and live (see Judges 13:22 for an example). DANIEL S HELPER, GABRIEL APPEARS 10 And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands. There is some controversy here. Who touched Daniel? The one who touched him will be the one who will lead him in understanding the vision through the rest of this chapter and in the next two. I believe the person that touched him is Gabriel. Let s look at the similarity. In the Revelation, John sees the Lord Jesus in His glory on Patmos. He falls before Him in Chapter 1 and worships Him. In Revelation 19:10, John is overcome by the visions he has seen and falls to worship the one that is guiding him. However, this person rebukes him and says that he is of those that have the testimony of Jesus. The transition from the words of the Lord Jesus in Chapters 1-3 to this saint is completely unclear when did the redeemed man show up? I believe it s the same way in this verse. Daniel has seen the Lord, become overcome by this vision, and now Gabriel has arrived to lead him through the vision. There are more clues in the text that I ll bring out. {Dake} In 8:13-19 Gabriel is instructed by another person to make the vision known to Daniel. The same is no doubt true here. The person described in verses Maurice A. West Page 87 of 118

90 directs Gabriel to make this revelation known to Daniel. The fact is clear in 10:11-12 that someone sent him. 11 And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling. All indications are that this is Gabriel. His mannerisms and words are similar to his approach in prior chapters: (1) he touched him (see Daniel 8:18; 9:21) and (2) he addressed him as greatly beloved (see Daniel 9:23). Also, he was sent while the Messianic vision that Daniel saw appeared. The Lord Jesus was sent in His mission to the lost sheep of the house of Israel but in no other place in Scripture is He sent. 12 Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. When Daniel set his heart to understand what God was saying, everything else in his body followed. There is also a great principle here on the importance of waiting on God Daniel s answer was on the way on the FIRST day but the devil got in the way. SIDE ROAD: We still don t know when Daniel received this message or what the message was. However, the timing says that he probably received BEFORE his consecration period. Likewise, we don t know if his vision of Messiah occurred at the time he received the message. Exact timetables are not always clear in prophetic books because that is not their purpose. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. NLT But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Here we have another verse that can be viewed with controversy or used as an insight into the working of the spiritual realm. I choose the latter. First, the person speaking is an angel and the only one that could block his way would be another angel. For that reason, we know this is no longer the Christ speaking because NONE are able to block His way. Gabriel is speaking about the demonic forces standing behind the throne of Persia. The Apostle Paul spoke of this also in Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. In my notes from that study, we defined principalities as demonic forces and dominions dealing with nations and governments and the rulers of the darkness of this world as demon spirits who are worldrulers governing the blindness and darkness of the world at large. (Look at Ezekiel 28:11-19 for an example similar to this passage.) Second, there was a twenty-one day warfare that was only resolved when Michael, called an archangel in Jude 1:9, and, the prince that stands for Israel in Daniel 12:1, showed up to help him. Michael remained behind to insure that Gabriel got the message through Maurice A. West Page 88 of 118

91 Don t be carnal when reading this verse! This was warfare in the spirit world because what Daniel was about to receive was vitally important and it would impact the work of the demons in that region. Daniel s consecration and affliction put him in the midst of the warfare this was Old Testament spiritual warfare clearly defined! The demons didn t know the message but they watched what God was doing with Daniel in the past so they had concern about this message and their future. (Notice how Legion, in Mark 5 and Luke 8, was concerned about leaving that particular country and possible banishment to the abyss. They were in an area where they could work comfortably.) 14 Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days. The vision that will be shared in the next two chapters is for days that are relatively near (but beyond Daniel s life) and far into the future (beyond where we are today). 15 And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb. Daniel was on the ground, was helped up, and now he is back on the ground. This vision is overwhelming. He is speechless. We may not have the same mind toward this vision unless we have the same love and concern Daniel had for Israel. (Oh, that we would have that for Christ s Church! Lord, let me embrace this!) 16 And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength. NLT Then the one who looked like a man touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing in front of me, I am filled with anguish because of the vision I have seen, my lord, and I am very weak. When Gabriel appeared to Zacharias in Luke 1, he demonstrated that he had the power to make a person mute. It seems here that he also had the power to loose his tongue. He is probably the one that Daniel is referring to since he s had many dealings with Gabriel, who appeared each time in human form. 17 For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me. {Adam Clarke} He could not breathe freely; he was almost suffocated with sorrow. 18 Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, NLT Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I felt my strength returning. Gabriel touched him again and Daniel received strength. 19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me. If the angel said, Fear not then part of Daniel s issue was fear. It Maurice A. West Page 89 of 118

92 probably was not fear of the angel but fear of the events of the vision and, perhaps, fear of the vision of Christ in His glory. But a WORD dispelled his fear and strengthened him. 20 Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come. Amplified Bible Then he said, Do you know why I have come to you? And now I will return to fight with the [hostile] prince of Persia; and when I have gone, behold, the [hostile] prince of Greece will come. Daniel was greatly beloved of God to the point it became part of his name with the angel. Gabriel had been sent to reveal key future events to Daniel so that they could be recorded for Israel and the Church. This was why he came and he paid a price to get there and will pay a price when he s finished. When Gabriel is finished with his work with Daniel, his work will continue in spiritual warfare. The removal of the demonic spirit behind Persian was necessary to allow the demonic spirit behind Greece to come to prominence for a season. We may be seeing an insight into how God rules the affairs of the earth behind the scenes: Psalm 75:7 NKJV But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another. 21 But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince. Amplified Bible But I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth or the Book of Truth. There is no one who holds with me and strengthens himself against these [hostile spirit forces] except Michael, your prince [national guardian angel]. {Dake} This refers to the revelation of the war between Medo-Persia and Greece already recorded in Scripture (Daniel 2:39; 7:5-6; 8:3-8, 20-25) Maurice A. West Page 90 of 118

93 Chapter 11 In this chapter, Gabriel recounts the vision that Daniel received. It is a vision of continual warfare between the Syrian Kingdom and the Egyptian Kingdom. It was important, though, because they both used Israel as the object of their rage in all the wars. This will be a difficult chapter because the majority of this prophecy is now considered ancient history. Preamble: I m going to give another long preamble in this chapter as in Chapter 8. This is a difficult chapter for most people because it includes so much history but it was prophecy in Daniel s time. However, this history directly impacts the Jewish people God s people so it s important to Daniel. {J. Vernon McGee} Chapters all deal with the same vision, and therefore chapter 11 is a continuation of the previous chapter. It is a very important chapter because it fills in some of the details of the Seventy Weeks [prophecy] of Chapter 9, which specifically concerns Daniel s people, Israel. It also fills in some of the details of the last three of the four nations symbolized in the multimetallic image of chapter 2 and in the beasts of chapter 7. The very importance of this chapter caused Satan to hinder the angel in coming to give Daniel the answer to his prayer, because this prophecy does concern two of the nations which were all-important in relation to Daniel s people. The two nations were Persia and Greece. A further notable contribution of this chapter is that it bridges prophetically part of the gap between the Old and New Testaments. We speak of the intertestamental period between the Old and New Testaments as being a period of silence, which is not exactly accurate. The intertestamental period was the time of Israel s greatest travail. They suffered at the hands of both Syria and Egypt. As these two nations warred against each other, Palestine was caught in the middle as the armies of these two nations seesawed back and forth, up and down, across the land of Israel. This prophecy is rather complicated and goes into prophecy a little more deeply than the average person likes to go into it. Most people seem to like the exciting, sensational part of prophecy, but they do not want to dig down into the Word of God to see what it really says. This is probably the most controversial chapter in Daniel and it s the reason why some liberal scholars of the 19 th century believed that the book was a fraud written about 100 years before Christ to encourage the Jews to fight against Syrian tyranny. But don t forget that the Lord Jesus quoted from this book. That was one of the rules the early church used to determine if a book was sacred and, as a reminder from the Introduction, the Book of Daniel qualified. The next thing we ll have to do is get our map for this region and for this time ( years before Christ). The map will guide us into understanding where Israel is in all of these conflicts. Notice that Israel/Palestine sits right in the path of the coming wars between Egypt (called the king of the south in this chapter) and Syria (called the king of the north). But first, Persia must be moved out of the way. Finally, to help us through this, I m going to add some time stamps based on history assuming that Daniel is now living in 536 B.C. (most are within 2 years of this Maurice A. West Page 91 of 118

94 date so it falls into the category of good enough ) and he went into captivity at age 17 in the year 605 B.C. (we talked about this in Chapter 1). Therefore, he s now 86 years old but 536 B.C. is our perspective for the other dates to be brought up in this chapter. { The Medo-Persian empire is considered the most powerful of the ancient empires. At the height of its power, during the reign of Darius I the Great, the empire controlled more than 2.9 million square miles of land and spanned three continents: Asia, Africa and Europe. Its control extended eastward into India and reached westward to Greece. Its capitals were Persepolis and Susa, with its kings sometimes residing in Babylon. It is estimated that in 480 B.C. the empire had 50 million people living until its control. This huge amount was roughly 44% of the world s population at the time - making Persia the largest empire by population percentage. GABRIEL CONTINUES TO SPEAK WITH DANIEL REGARDING PERSIA 1 Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him. Amplified Bible Also I [the angel], in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood up to confirm and to strengthen him [Michael, the angelic prince]. We begin this chapter with Gabriel yet speaking from the previous chapter. In that chapter, we only heard of the vision but now Gabriel will give us the details. (The translators inappropriately placed the chapter break here.) He tells Daniel how that helped Michael in the past in the overthrow of Babylon. This brought in Cyrus who released the Jews from their seventy-year captivity. Again, we see God working behind the scenes in putting down one and exalting another (Psalms 75:7). 2 And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia. Message Bible But now let me tell you the truth of how things stand: Three more kings of Persia will show up, and then a fourth will Maurice A. West Page 92 of 118

95 become richer than all of them. When he senses that he is powerful enough as a result of his wealth, he will go to war against the entire kingdom of Greece. Some get wrapped up on the fact that there were more than four Persian kings after this time. But Gabriel is just focusing on the actions of the fourth king. This is the king that will stir up Greece and that s the real point. The table below will be a helpful reference as we go through the Persian kings (information is from the following sources: & -! persian-kings-137/artazerxes-i & The king that stirred up the Greeks was Xerxes I, who would later marry Esther. In Daniel 8:7, the prophecy says that Greece was moved with choler against the Medo-Persian Empire. Xerxes started this. Ruler / King Dates reigned (BC) Notes Cyrus the Great Conquered the Median Empire in 549 B.C. and the Babylonian empire in 539. Issued a decree allowing the Jews in captivity to return to Jerusalem. Cambyses II Also known as Ahasurerus in Ezra 4-6 Pseudo Smerdis 521 Known as the imposter (Artaxerses in Ezra 4:7-23). Only ruled for a few months. Darius I Rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem the Great resumes and is completed (Ezra 6:15). Xerxes I Also known as Ahasurerus. There is a lot of historical controversy with this man because some say he was the husband of Esther but she would have been a very old woman by this time (see Esther 2:5-6 for a time stamp). Artaxerxes I Authorized his cupbearer Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem s walls. This is the last Persian king mentioned in the Bible. Darius II Nothius His reign was known for frequent revolts. Artaxerxes II Longest reigning Persian king. Artaxerxes III Murdered the royal family after he came to power to secure his reign. Artaxerxes IV Arses There was nothing notable about his reign except for constant rebellion and upheaval. Darius III Last king of the empire. Alexander the Great defeats him in 331 B.C. Persia subsequently falls and Alexander captures Babylon. 3 And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. NLT Then a mighty king will rise to power who will rule with great authority and accomplish everything he sets out to do. We know that this is Alexander the Great from the outcome of his kingdom in the next verse. He did according to his will because he didn t have the resources needed to fight against Persia. {Dake} He had only 35,000 soldiers and $75,000 to start the war with but in 13 years he conquered the whole Persian Empire. 4 And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: Maurice A. West Page 93 of 118

96 for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those. Amplified Bible And as soon as he has fully arisen, his [Alexander the Great s] kingdom shall be broken [by his death] and divided toward the four winds [the east, west, north, and south] of the heavens, but not to his posterity, nor according to the [Grecian] dominion which he ruled, for his kingdom shall be torn out and uprooted and go to others [to his four generals] to the exclusion of these. So far, everything Gabriel has shown Daniel should not be new to him or us because we ve seen it before. However, at this time it doesn t occur until 200 years in the future! (Alexander the Great, known as Alexander III King of Macedon, began conquering the known world in 336 one month before his twentieth birthday.) The specifics of what happened and the prediction that a small army out of the peninsula of Greece could make this type of impact in the world was unbelievable to those that didn t know God so they concluded that no one could see this prophecy with such detail. SIDE ROAD: By now we should understand that the entire Book of Daniel, except in certain areas, is a progressive revelation of the future kingdoms that will impact the Jews Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and an unnamed future kingdom ruled by Antichrist. This started with Nebuchadnezzar s dream in Chapter 2, continued with the Four Beasts vision of Chapter 7, became more detailed in the Ram and Goat vision of Chapter 8, was augmented by the 70 Weeks of Years prophecy of Chapter 9, and is being fully detailed in this chapter. What happened to Alexander s kingdom? He died young (presumably murdered by poison) and none of his family shared in any of his success for they were all killed in the struggle for power. { In Asia the Macedonian commanders who served Alexander fought each other for power. Perdiccas and Meleager were murdered, Antigonus rose to control most of Asia, but his growth of power brought the other Macedonian generals in coalition against him. He was killed in battle and the Macedonian Empire split into four main kingdoms - the one of Seleucus (Asia [primarily Syria and Babylonia]), Ptolemy (Egypt), Lysimachus (Thrace [southeastern Europe]), and Cassander (Macedonia, including Greece). Seleucus was a Greek general whose dominion was based in Syria and he started the SELEUCID DYNASTY a Greek state based in Syria that continued to promote Greek customs. It included Phoenicia, Asia Minor, northern Syria and Babylonia. In the text, he and his successors are represented as the king of the north. The other person we ll focus on is Ptolemy. He was the founder of the PTOLEMIC DYNASTY, which ruled Egypt for over 3 centuries and was the most enduring of the four divisions. In the text, he and his successors are represented as the king of the south. Their wars are the key to the rest of this chapter. In between them is Israel who will be pulled in both directions by both states. As we go into the wars between these two dynasties, the table on the next page may be helpful Maurice A. West Page 94 of 118

97 THE REIGNS OF PTOLEMY I AND SELEUCUS I 5 And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion. Amplified Bible Then the king of the South (Egypt) shall be strong, but one of his princes shall be stronger than he is and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion. {JF&B} Here the prophet leaves Asia and Greece and takes up Egypt and Syria, these being in continual conflict under Alexander s successors, entailing misery on Judea, which lay between the two. Holy Scripture handles external history only so far as it is connected with God s people, Israel. Beginning with this verse, we have history that started right at 300 years before Christ. For us to appreciate this, remember Daniel is seeing things 200 years in the future from his time. By comparison, it is like a prophet in 1800 prophesying of an attack on this country, at a time of peace, killing thousands innocently (9/11/2001). Then the king of the South (Egypt) shall be strong, but one of his princes shall be stronger than he is {David Guzik} This was fulfilled in Ptolemy I he had a prince named Seleucus, who rose to power and took dominion over the region of Syria. He became more powerful than his former Egyptian ruler. We see that the division of Alexander s kingdom was progressive and not immediate. We also see the beginning of these two warring powers Maurice A. West Page 95 of 118