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Page 1: Heremeneutics & Biblical Prophecy - TorahResource · Heremeneutics & Biblical Prophecy 1 Interpreting Daniel’s ... the king. 3 The king said to them, ... who reveals mysteries,
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Heremeneutics & Biblical Prophecy 1

Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy

A Seminar Presented byTim Hegg

TorahResource

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Copyright © 2011TorahResource

All rights reserved

Visit us at:http://www.torahresource.com

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Table of Contents

A Study of the Book of Daniel

Outline 33Chapter 1 34Chapter 2 36Chapter 3 38Chapter 4 39Chapter 5 41Chapter 6 43Chapter 7 45Chapter 8 49Chapter 9 52Chapter 10 59Chapter 11 61Chapter 12 66

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33

Studying the Book of Daniel

A General Outline of Daniel

I. Chapter One – Setting the Scene – Historical BackgroundA. Historical background of the exile to BabylonB. Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and AzariahC. The Torah Integrity of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah

II. Chapter Two – Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the ImageA. Dream revealed to Daniel by GodB. Image represents 5 kingdoms

1. Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome2. The eternal kingdom of God = fulfillment of Abrahamic Covenant

III. Chapter Three – Nebuchadnezzar’s Golden StatueA. Command that all worship the StatueB. Refusal by Hananiah, Mishael, and AzariahC. God rescues them from the furnace of fireD. The appearance of a fourth person in the fire = Son of God

IV. Chapter Four – Nebuchadnezzar’s Second DreamA. Great tree that reached to the heavens, gave fruit to allB. Great tree chopped down; stump remains bound by iron & bronzeC. Daniel interprets the dream:

1. Tree and stump represent Nebuchadnezzar2. He will be as a animal in the field for seven periods of time

D. Dream fulfilledV. Chapter Five – Belshazzar’s Great Feast – Writing on the Wall

A. Mene, Mene, Tekel, uPharsinB. Babylonian Empire to be taken over by Medes and PersiansC. Invasion by Medes and Persians; Belshazzar killed that very night

VI. Chapter Six – King Darius, His Statue, Daniel in the Lion’s DenA. Darius erects a statue; requires all to worship himB. Daniel refuses and thrown into the lion’s denC. Daniel is rescued by GodD. The sovereignty and majesty of Daniel’s God is proclaimed

VII. Chapter Seven – Daniel’s Vision in the 1st year of BelshazzarA. Four Beasts – parallel with Nebuchadnezar’s first dreamB. Gives additional details of the Roman Empire & God’s eternal King-

dom: “little horn” grows out of one 10 hornsC. “Little horn” – end-times Anti-MessiahD. Vision of the heavenly thrones & the Son of Man

VIII. Chapter Eight – Vision of the Ram, Goat, Little hornA. Gives additional details re: Medo-Persian & Roman EmpiresB. “Little horn” = ruler as foreshadow of end-times Anti-MessiahC. 2300 evenings & days and the Holy Place is restored

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy34IX. Chapter Nine – 70 Sevens & 69 Sevens

A. 70 sevens brings in complete righteousnessB. Coming of Messiah proclaimed – 7 + 62 = 69 sevens

X. Chapter Ten – Vision of a TheophanyA. Man dressed in linen & Daniel’s reactionB. Disclosure of what will happen to Israel in the “latter days”C. Preparation for the revelation given in Chapter 11

XI. Chapter 11 – Vision Pertaining to the “Latter Days”A. The demise of the Medo-Persian EmpireB. The rise of Alexander the GreatC. The death of Alexander and division of his kingdom into fourD. War between the Ptolemies and the Selucids (two of Alexander’s

four generals)E. The rise of Antiochus Epiphanes as the foreshadow of the end-times

Anti-Messiah1. His campaigns against Egypt (the land of the South)2. His campaign against the Holy Land3. His fight against the kings of the North & the South

XII. Chapter 12 – The Final Deliverance of Israel & EternityA. The coming great distress, greater than any previous distressB. The deliverance of the righteous (living and dead)C. Final vision: two men and the Man dressed in linen

1. seal up the vision2. blessing to those who wait: 1290 days; 1335 days

Daniel 1 – Faith & Faithfulness

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 The Lord gave Jehoia-kim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the vessels of the house of God; and he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and he brought the vessels into the treasury of his god. 3 Then the king or-dered Ashpenaz, the chief of his officials, to bring in some of the sons of Is-rael, including some of the royal family and of the nobles, 4 youths in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court; and he ordered him to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. 5 The king appointed for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service. 6 Now among them from the sons of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7 Then the commander of the officials assigned new names to them; and to Daniel he assigned the name Belteshazzar, to Hananiah Shadrach, to Mishael Meshach and to Azariah Abed-nego.

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 35

Hebrew Name Meaning Babylonian

Name Meaning

Daniel El is my Judge Belteshazzar Bel protects the king

Hananiah Yah has shown Grace Shadrach The command

of Aku

Mishael Who is what El is? Meshach Who is what

Aku is?

Azariah Yah is (my) Helper Abed-nego Servant of

Nebo

8 But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king’s choice food or with the wine which he drank; so he sought permission from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God granted Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials, 10 and the commander of the officials said to Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has appointed your food and your drink; for why should he see your faces looking more haggard than the youths who are your own age? Then you would make me forfeit my head to the king.” 11 But Daniel said to the overseer whom the commander of the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king’s choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see.” 14 So he listened to them in this matter and tested them for ten days. 15 At the end of ten days their appearance seemed better and they were fatter than all the youths who had been eating the king’s choice food. 16 So the overseer continued to withhold their choice food and the wine they were to drink, and kept giving them vegetables.

Lessons for the soulA. The victory of Nebuchadnezzar over Jehoiakim was orchestrated by

God as punishment for Jehoiakim’s idolatry (cf. 2Chr 33:6–7, etc.)B. When God punishes a nation, even the righteous within that nation

suffer. But there is no need to fear. God is with those who cling to Him.

C. Even in great hardship, we must strive to obey God.D. Wisdom knows how to appeal to authorities.E. God blesses obedience to Him.

Lessons in Interpreting Prophetic TextsA. The primary purpose of the Prophetic texts is to teach us how we

should be living for God now and how we can grow strong in faith in order to face the challenges of the future.

B. The structure of prophetic texts is often done to highlight this fact.

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Daniel 2 – Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream1 Now in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar had dreams; and his spirit was troubled and his sleep left him. 2 Then the king gave orders to call in the magicians, the conjurers, the sorcerers and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came in and stood before the king. 3 The king said to them, “I had a dream and my spirit is anxious to understand the dream.” … 7 They answered a second time and said, “Let the king tell the dream to his servants, and we will declare the interpretation.” … 10 The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on earth who could declare the matter for the king, inasmuch as no great king or ruler has ever asked anything like this of any magician, conjurer or Chaldean. 11 Moreover, the thing which the king demands is difficult, and there is no one else who could declare it to the king except gods, whose dwelling place is not with mortal flesh.” 12 Because of this the king became indignant and very furious and gave orders to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. 13 So the de-cree went forth that the wise men should be slain; and they looked for Daniel and his friends to kill them. … 16 So Daniel went in and requested of the king that he would give him time, in order that he might declare the interpreta-tion to the king. 17 Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, about the matter, 18 so that they might re-quest compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven; 20 Daniel said, “Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, For wisdom and power belong to Him. 21 It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understand-ing. 22 It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. 23 To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, For You have given me wisdom and power; Even now You have made known to me what we requested of You,For You have made known to us the king’s matter.”

Lessons for the soulA. God hears the prayers of His faithful servantsB. What is impossible for man is not impossible for God!C. God deserves our prayers and our praise.

Lessons in Interpreting Prophetic TextsA. Note how Daniel’s praise incorporates elements that will show up

throughout the book:1. God is the One Who “changes the times and the epochs”2. God is the One Who “removes kings and establishes kings”

B. The glory and majesty of the God of Israel is the primary message of all prophetic texts.

27 Daniel answered before the king and said, “As for the mystery about which the king has inquired, neither wise men, conjurers, magicians nor di-viners are able to declare it to the king. 28 However, there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will take place in the latter days. This was your dream and the visions in your mind while on your bed. … 31 You, O king, were looking and be-hold, there was a single great statue; that statue, which was large and of ex-traordinary splendor, was standing in front of you, and its appearance was awesome. 32 The head of that statue was made of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of bronze, 33 its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 You continued looking until a stone was cut out without hands, and it struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 37

crushed them. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were crushed all at the same time and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away so that not a trace of them was found. But the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. … 37 “You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom… 38 … You are the head of gold. 39 After you there will arise another kingdom inferior to you, then another third kingdom of bronze, which will rule over all the earth. 40 Then there will be a fourth kingdom as strong as iron; inasmuch as iron crushes and shatters all things, so, like iron that breaks in pieces, it will crush and break all these in pieces. 41 In that you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter’s clay and partly of iron, it will be a divided kingdom; but it will have in it the toughness of iron, inasmuch as you saw the iron mixed with common clay. 42 As the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of pottery, so some of the kingdom will be strong and part of it will be brittle. 43 And in that you saw the iron mixed with common clay, they will combine with one another in the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, even as iron does not combine with pottery. 44 In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever. 45 Inasmuch as you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands and that it crushed the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and the gold, the great God has made known to the king what will take place in the future; so the dream is true and its interpretation is trustworthy.”

Gold = Babylonian Empire

Silver = Medo-Persian Empire

Bronze = Greek Empire

Iron = Graeco-Roman Empire

Iron & Clay = Weakened Roman Empire

Stone “cut without hands”

The Kingdom that never ends is God’s sovereign rule

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy38

V 44 – “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which will never be destroyed”

I. Does the kingdom of God begin during the era of the Roman Empire?A. No, the Kingdom of God has always existed, for it is the rule of God

over His creation.B. Consider that the stone is cut from an existing mountain (v. 45). It is

always there, but particularly revealed at a given time.C. “without hands” means by divine, not human, powerD. “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom” – The Aramaic has יקים

(yeqim), haphel of קום, (qum) which often means “to establish” or “confirm” that which already exists. (cp. Dan 9:12)

II. The kingdom of God was revealed to Israel and established within Is-rael, but it was through the work of Yeshua that everything was accom-plished to bring about the establishment of the kingdom of God among “all the families/nations of the earth.”

III. It is by the death, resurrection, ascension, and intercession of Yeshua that the Abrahamic promise is being fulfilled.

Daniel 3 – Nebuchadnezzar’s Arrogance

1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, the height of which was sixty cubits and its width six cubits; he set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. … 4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed: “To you the command is given, O peoples, nations and men of every language, 5 that at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up. 6 But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.” … 8 For this reason at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and brought charges against the Jews. … 12 “There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.” 14 Nebuchadnezzar responded and said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready, at the moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon, psaltery and bagpipe and all kinds of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, very well. But if you do not worship, you will im-mediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire; and what god is there who can deliver you out of my hands?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden im-age that you have set up.”

Lessons for the SoulA. God sometimes brings us into very difficult circumstances in order

to show the world His greatness.B. True faith grows strong before the circumstances require it. Grow

your faith in times of ease in order to be prepared for times of war (both physical and spiritual).

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 39

C. True faith has already answered the question of whether to obey or not to obey, before the challenge is every faced.

D. Even the obvious acts of God (like Daniel being able to give and interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream) will not move the heart of those who are enemies of God unless God opens their hearts to the truth.

Lessons in Interpreting Prophetic TextsA. Note how Nebuchadnezzar’s question (“what god is there who can

deliver you out of my hands?”) sets up the following narrative.B. A major theme in biblical prophecy is the rebellion of man against

God.1. God humbles the arrogant who rebel against Him2. God exalts the humble who trust in Him

23 But these three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, fell into the midst of the furnace of blazing fire still tied up. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up in haste; he said to his high officials, “Was it not three men we cast bound into the midst of the fire?” They replied to the king, “Certainly, O king.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men loosed and walking about in the midst of the fire without harm, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!”

“the fourth is like a son of the gods” – לבר אלהין – a possible play on terms. For Nebuchadnezzar, he recognized the fourth to be different than the three, and presumed him to be some kind of god-like being. This anticipates the vision in Chapter 7 where we find בר אנש, “Son of man,” Who sits on a throne beside the Ancient of Days.

28 Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation or tongue that speaks anything offensive against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego shall be torn limb from limb and their houses reduced to a rubbish heap, inasmuch as there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way.” 30 Then the king caused Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego to prosper in the province of Babylon.

Lessons for the soulA. Can we trust God for that which seems impossible?B. God blesses those who cling to Him.C. Viewing God as great may not be the same as accepting Him as the

only God Who exists. Nebuchadnezzar admitted God’s greatness, but it appears that he had not confessed Him to be the only God.

Daniel 4 – Nebuchadnezzar’s Demise

10 Now these were the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed: I was look-ing, and behold, there was a tree in the midst of the earth and its height was great. 11 The tree grew large and became strong and its height reached to the sky, and it was visible to the end of the whole earth. Its foliage was beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field found shade under it, and the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches, and all living creatures fed themselves from it. 13 I was looking in the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed, and behold, an angelic watcher, a holy one, descended from heaven. 14 He shouted out and spoke as follows: “Chop down the tree

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy40

and cut off its branches, strip off its foliage and scatter its fruit; let the beasts flee from under it and the birds from its branches. 15 Yet leave the stump with its roots in the ground, but with a band of iron and bronze around it in the new grass of the field; and let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him share with the beasts in the grass of the earth. 16 Let his mind be changed from that of a man and let a beast’s mind be given to him, and let seven periods of time pass over him.” 17 This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers and the decision is a command of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men.”

Lessons in Interpreting Prophetic TextsA. In apocalyptic texts, key words and symbols may be used initially as

foreshadowing important events described later in the prophecy.1. the tree is great & covers the whole earth = primary ruling nation2. angelic watcher = angel guardian – foreshadow of Michael, Gabriel,

etc. (Chapters 8, 10–12)3. band of iron & of bronze – this connects to the 2nd & 3rd kingdoms

of the statue, and the further descriptions in Chapters 7 & 8.4. seven periods of time = a complete period to accomplish what God

intends.B. Proper interpretation requires understanding any given passage

within the context of the whole book.

20 The tree that you saw, which became large and grew strong, whose height reached to the sky and was visible to all the earth … 22 it is you, O king; for you have become great and grown strong, and your majesty has become great and reached to the sky and your dominion to the end of the earth. 23 In that the king saw an angelic watcher, a holy one, descending from heaven … 24 this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king: 25 that you be driven away from mankind and your dwelling place be with the beasts of the field, and you be given grass to eat like cattle and be drenched with the dew of heaven; and seven periods of time will pass over you, until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes. 26 And in that it was commanded to leave the stump with the roots of the tree, your kingdom will be assured to you after you recognize that it is Heaven that rules. 27 Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: break away now from your sins by doing righteousness and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity. 28 All this happened to Nebuchadnezzar the king. 29 Twelve months later he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon. 30 The king reflected and said, ‘Is this not Babylon the great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?’ 31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: sovereignty has been removed from you … 33 Immediately the word concerning Nebuchad-nezzar was fulfilled; and he was driven away from mankind and began eat-ing grass like cattle, and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws. … 34 But at the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven and my reason returned to me, … 36 And my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom, and my counselors and my nobles began seeking me out; so I was reestablished in my sovereignty, and surpassing greatness was added to me.

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 41Lessons in Interpreting Prophetic Texts

A. How should we categorize the prophecy of the Tree?1. Unconditionally fulfilled2. Conditionally fulfilled3. Sequentially fulfilled

B. It appears to have been conditionally fulfilled, for Daniel exhorted Nebuchadnezzar to humble himself, but he refused. As a result, his demise was secured and the vision came to pass.

C. How does this 2nd dream of Nebuchadnezzar function within the overall scope of Daniel?1. establishes that God is the One Who controls the outcome of his-

tory, and particularly the One Who controls the destiny of nations, including those who rule over the nations.

2. establishes that God is able, if He so wills, to change the heart of a world ruler: “The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes.” (Prov 21:1)

3. This is the primary message of all prophecy.

Daniel 5 – Babylon Conquered

1 Belshazzar the king held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he was drinking wine in the presence of the thousand. 2 When Belshazzar tasted the wine, he gave orders to bring the gold and silver vessels which Nebu-chadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem, so that the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines might drink from them. 3 Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken out of the temple, the house of God which was in Jerusalem; and the king and his nobles, his wives and his concubines drank from them. 4 They drank the wine and praised the gods of gold and silver, of bronze, iron, wood and stone.

I. The arrogance of Belshazzar is clear: he has not learned anything from his “father,” Nebuchadnezzar.

II. He tries to “dethrone” God by using the holy vessels robbed from the Jerusalem Temple, and praising the “gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.” The materials probably reflect items taken from the Temple (cf. v. 23).

III. The list also parallels Nebuchadnezzars Dream-StatueA. Gold = BabylonB. Silver = Medo-PersiaC. Bronze = GreeceD. Iron = RomeE. Stone = the Kingdom of God

5 Suddenly the fingers of a man’s hand emerged and began writing opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace, and the king saw the back of the hand that did the writing. 6 Then the king’s face grew pale and his thoughts alarmed him, and his hip joints went slack and his knees began knocking together. 7 The king called aloud to bring in the conjurers, the Chal-deans and the diviners. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Any man who can read this inscription and explain its interpretation to me shall be clothed with purple and have a necklace of gold around his neck, and have authority as third ruler in the kingdom.” 8 Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the inscription or make known its interpreta-tion to the king.

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13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. … 17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Keep your gifts for yourself or give your rewards to someone else; however, I will read the inscription to the king and make the interpretation known to him. 18 O king, the Most High God granted sover-eignty, grandeur, glory and majesty to Nebuchadnezzar your father. … 20 But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit became so proud that he behaved arrogantly, he was deposed from his royal throne and his glory was taken away from him… 21 … until he recognized that the Most High God is ruler over the realm of mankind and that He sets over it whomever He wishes. … 22 Yet you, his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this, 23 but you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heav-en … the hand was sent from Him and this inscription was written out. … 25 Now this is the inscription that was written out: ‘MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.’ 26 This is the interpretation of the message: ‘MENE’—God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it. 27 ‘TEKEL’—you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. 28 ‘PERES’—your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians.” 29 Then Belshazzar gave orders, and they clothed Daniel with purple and put a necklace of gold around his neck, and issued a proclamation concerning him that he now had authority as the third ruler in the kingdom. 30 That same night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was slain.

Lessons for the SoulA. God hates idolatry in all of its formsB. If we fail to accept the lessons God teaches to us through the lives of

others, we are destined to repeat their mistakes.C. God may work in ways we could never imagine to accomplish His

purposes.Lessons in Interpreting Prophetic Texts

A. In apocalyptic literature, symbols are cryptic – there may be play on words to develop the meaning intended.

B. מנא מנא תקל ופרסין 1. Mene, Mene, Tekeil, uPharsin – measure of weight/coinage2. Mene = 50 or 60 shekels

a. Note Hebrew מנה menah “to reckon, count”b. Daniel uses the Hebrew word to offer a double-meaning

3. Tekel (Aramaic) = Shekel (Hebrew)a. the word תקל (tekeil) can also mean “to weigh”b. Note Hebrew nif. of קלל (qalal) which is תקל, (teiqal) “you are

light (not heavy)”C. Pharsin from פרס (pereis, being plural or dual) = half-shekel, thus 2

half-shekels1. the root meaning פרס (paras) is “to divide”2. the word paras (פרס, paras) also means “Persia”3. thus, the double-meaning as applied in Daniel’s interpretation

mene = God has numbered (מנה, menah) your kingdom and put an end to it. tekel = You have been weighed (תקל, tekeil) on the scales and found deficient (light).pharsin = Your kingdom has been divided (פרס, paras) and given to the Medes and Persians

menemene

tekelpharsin

100 =

= 2

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 43

Chapter 6 – Darius, King of Medo-Persia

1 It seemed good to Darius to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, that they would be in charge of the whole kingdom … 4 Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God.” 6 Then these commissioners and satraps came by agreement to the king and spoke to him as follows: “King Darius, live forever! 7 All the commissioners of the kingdom … have consulted to-gether that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den. 8 Now, O king, establish the in-junction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.” 10 Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giv-ing thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. 12 Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king’s injunction, “Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions’ den?” The king replied, “The statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.” 13 Then they answered and spoke before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the injunction which you signed, but keeps making his petition three times a day.” 14 Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to res-cue him. 15 Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed.” 16 Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” … 19 Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den. 20 When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Dan-iel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.”

Lessons for the SoulA. Daniel continued his life of faithfulness even during great trial.B. Grow your faith now if you want to be strong in times of trouble.C. Daniel knew that he served a God Who is able to deliver.D. If previous prophecies have been fulfilled in exactly the way they

were given, we can be assured that prophecies for the end-times will also be fulfilled.

E. The greatest lesson to learn from prophetic texts is that God is in con-trol of all things, and we must live now in light on that truth.

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy44

Lessons in Interpreting Prophetic TextsA. The prophecies fulfilled in the near future give insight into the

prophecies that relate to the distant future.B. The overthrown of Babylon by Medo-Persia makes certain that Dan-

iel’s interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream-statute was correct.C. This made it clear that Medo-Persia would also fall to another

power.

The Whole Story Nebuchadnezer’s Demise

Chapter 2 Chapter 3

“one like the Son of God”

Chapter 4

Babylon Conqueredby Medo-Persians

Balshazzar

Balshazzar, “son of Nebuchadnezer”

Chapter 5

מנא מנא תקל ופרסין

Medo-Persian EmpireThe Whole Story

Chapter 2 Chapter 6

Daniel’s God is provento be more powerful

than the “gods”of Darius

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 45

Chapter 7 – Daniel’s First Vision

1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel saw a dream and visions in his mind as he lay on his bed … 2 Daniel said, “I was looking in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the great sea. 3 And four great beasts were coming up from the sea, different from one another. 4 The first was like a lion and had the wings of an eagle. I kept looking until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man; a human mind also was given to it. 5 And behold, another beast, a second one, resembling a bear. And it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth; and thus they said to it, ‘Arise, devour much meat!’ 6 After this I kept looking, and behold, another one, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird; the beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it. 7 “After this I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrifying and extremely strong; and it had large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed and trampled down the remainder with its feet; and it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8 While I was contemplating the horns, behold, another horn, a little one, came up among them, and three of the first horns were pulled out by the roots before it; and behold, this horn possessed eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth uttering great boasts.

The vision of the 4 beasts is interrupted with a vision of the heavenly throne room

9 I kept looking until thrones were set up, and the Ancient of Days took His seat; His vesture was like white snow and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was ablaze with flames, its wheels were a burning fire. 10 A river of fire was flowing and coming out from before Him; thousands upon thousands were attending Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; the court sat, and the books were opened. 11 Then I kept looking because of the sound of the boastful words which the horn was speaking; I kept looking until the beast was slain, and its body was destroyed and given to the burning fire. 12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but an extension of life was granted to them for an appointed period of time. 13 I kept looking in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven one like a Son of Man was coming, and He came up to the Ancient of Days and was presented before Him. 14 And to Him was given dominion, glory and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations and men of every language might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed.

The Interpretation of the 4 Beasts Given

25 He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of the Highest One, and he will intend to make alterations in times and in law; and they will be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. 26 But the court will sit for judgment, and his dominion will be taken away, annihilated and destroyed forever. 27 Then the sovereignty, the dominion and the great-ness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting king-dom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.’

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy46

I. Four beasts come “out of the sea” / “from the earth” = from the nations of the worldA. Lion with wings = Babylon

1. animal given the mind of a man2. experience of Nebuchanezzar

B. Bear = Medo-Persia1. raised on one side2. Persia stronger than Media

C. Leopard = Greece1. Alexander the Great

a. 4 wings = points of the compass N-S-E-W, means Alexander expands his empire in all directions and does so quickly.

b. 4 heads = Alexanders 4 Generals who each rule over parts of Macedonia after Alexander’s death.

D. Non-descript Beast – Different than all the others because this per-tains to the end of times.1. Patterned after Antiochus Ephiphanes

a. iron teeth – connects to Graeco-Roman (legs of iron)b. the Anti-Messiah will arise from one of the 10 horns, which

represent 10 world powersc. he subdues 3 horns (just as Antiochus subdued Cassander,

Lysimachus, and Ptolemy)d. described as having “eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth

uttering great boasts” means that the 4th “kingdom” is marked by a prominent individual

e. in his arrogance he claims to control the whole world, but his rule is cut short by the coming of Messiah

2. Different from Antiochus: the eternal kingdom is ushered in im-mediately after the Anti-Messiah is destroyed

The 4th BeastRecapitulation – Four BeastsThe Whole Story

Chapter 2 Chapter 7

Lion with wingsBabylon

Bear devouring ribsMedo-Persia

Leopard with fourwings and four heads

Greece

Nondescript Beast Graeco–Roman as

representing end-timesruling powers

Alexander the Great4 wings = N/S/E/W

4 heads = 4 Generals

Added Information

“One like the Son of Man”coming on the clouds brings the

Eternal Kingdom

Iron teeth; 10 horns1 little horn before whom 3 of the 10 are uprooted

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 47

Note the structure of Daniel 7

• Vision of the Four Beasts, vv. 1–8

• Vision of the heavenly throne room, vv. 9–14• Description of the Ancient of Days• little horn destroyed & given to the fire• Description of Son of Man coming with the clouds

(cf. Matt 24:30; 26:64; Mark 13:26; 14:62)

• Inquiry about the Fourth Beast, 10 horns, little horn, vv. 19–22• Holy ones of the Most High receive the eternal kingdom• Detailed interpretation: Fourth Beast & the little horn, vv. 23–27• little horn destroyed & Holy ones enter the eternal kingdom

The End-Time Anti-Messiah

I. He will speak against (לצד, letzad) the Most HighA. the term לצד, letzad (literally “to the side of”) could also have the

sense of “to set the Most High aside,” or to “speak as though he is himself God.”

B. 2Thess 2:4 – “so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, display-ing himself as being God.”1. Then is it necessary for the Temple to be rebuilt before the end-

times Anti-Messiah will be revealed?2. “temple of God” = to;n nao;n tou` qeou` ton naon tou theou3. Hebrew היכל (heichal) is often used of the whole courtyard or temple

complex, and in the Lxx, naos is sometimes used to translate heichal when it refers to the nave or courtyard of the sanctuary proper.

“Then he brought me to the nave (היכל/naov~) and measured the side pil-lars; six cubits wide on each side was the width of the side pillar.” (Ezek 41:1)

“The nave (היכל/naov~) and the sanctuary (קדש/a{gio~) each had a double door.” (Ezek 41:23)

“Then David gave to his son Solomon the plan of the porch (naov~) of the temple….” (1Chron 28:11)

Moreover, the eastern gate of the inner court (naov~) of the temple, which was of brass, and vastly heavy, and had been with difficulty shut by twenty men…. (Josephus, Wars 6.293)

C. Thus, when Paul (2Thess 2:4) writes that “he [the Anti-Messiah] takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God,” it is possible to understand “temple of God” to mean “the temple court” or even “the temple mount.”

D. It is not necessary for the Jerusalem Temple to be rebuilt in order for the Anti-Messiah to “take his seat in the temple of God,” for this phrase could refer to the place where the Temple courts of the 2nd Temple existed, i.e., the Temple mount. Paul’s words could just as well mean “he takes his seat [establishes his presence] in the place of the Temple courts [the Temple Mount].”

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy48

II. He will intend to make alterations in times and law A. in times:

1. acting as though he controls earth’s events2. Cf. Dan 2:21 – “It is He [God] who changes the times and the ep-

ochs….”3. he tries to put himself in the place of God as the one who controls

all things.B. in law:

1. Paul refers to the Anti-Messiah as “the man of lawlessness” (2Thess 2:3)

2. Just as Antiochus sought to do away with the Torah, so the end-times Anti-Messiah will seek to replace God’s instructions with his own.

III. But his tyranny is already decreed by God for a fixed timeA. time, times, and half a time – Aramaic עדן (‘idan, “time period”) does

not necessarily mean “a year.” It is a general term for a period of time without specific duration.

B. We would expect a constant doubling: 1, 2, 4 = 7, which would sym-bolize a complete time period. But instead, the last element is only a half rather than being doubled: 1, 2, ½ = 3 ½

C. This indicates that though he thinks he is in control, his rule is cut short by God.

“Unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” (Matt 24:22, cp. Mk 13:20)

IV. His utter destruction is immediately followed by the establishment of the eternal kingdom ruled by the Most High and His holy ones.

V. We see that the Fourth Beast, which brings the little horn, represents his-tory up to the final judgment.

Daniel 7 – Revealing the End-time Anti-Messiah

LionBear

Leapord

Son of Man = Messiah

little horn =Anti-Messiah

This is why the vision of the thrones was included in the middle of describing the Four Beasts: to emphasize that the Son of Man comes on the clouds to defeat Satan & his anti-Messiah, and to win eternal victory for His people.

4th Beast little horn DESTROYS

“And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory.” (Matt 24:30, cf. 26:64; Mk 13:26; 14:62)

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 49

Chapter 8 – Illustrating the End-Time Anti-Messiah

3 Then I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, a ram which had two horns was standing in front of the canal. Now the two horns were long, but one was longer than the other, with the longer one coming up last. 4 I saw the ram butting westward, northward, and southward, and no other beasts could stand before him nor was there anyone to rescue from his power, but he did as he pleased and magnified himself. 5 While I was observing, behold, a male goat was coming from the west over the surface of the whole earth without touching the ground; and the goat had a conspicuous horn between his eyes. 6 He came up to the ram that had the two horns, which I had seen standing in front of the canal, and rushed at him in his mighty wrath. 7 I saw him come beside the ram, and he was enraged at him; and he struck the ram and shattered his two horns, and the ram had no strength to withstand him. So he hurled him to the ground and trampled on him, and there was none to rescue the ram from his power. 8 Then the male goat magnified himself exceedingly. But as soon as he was mighty, the large horn was broken; and in its place there came up four conspicuous horns toward the four winds of heaven. 9 Out of one of them came forth a rather small horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Beau-tiful Land. 10 It grew up to the host of heaven and caused some of the host and some of the stars to fall to the earth, and it trampled them down. 11 It even magnified itself to be equal with the Commander of the host; and it removed the regular sacrifice from Him, and the place of His sanctuary was thrown down. 12 And on account of transgression the host will be given over to the horn along with the regular sacrifice; and it will fling truth to the ground and perform its will and prosper. 13 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to that particular one who was speaking, “How long will the vision about the regular sacri-fice apply, while the transgression causes horror, so as to al-low both the holy place and the host to be trampled?” 14 He said to me, “For 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the holy place will be properly restored.”…19 He said, “Behold, I am going to let you know what will occur at the final period of the indignation, for it pertains to the appointed time of the end. 20 The ram which you saw with the two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia. 21 The shaggy goat repre-sents the kingdom of Greece, and the large horn that is between his eyes is the first king. 22 The broken horn and the four horns that arose in its place represent four kingdoms which will arise from his nation, although not with his power. 23 In the latter period of their rule, when the transgressors have run their course, a king will arise, insolent and skilled in intrigue. 24 His power will be mighty, but not by his own power, And he will destroy to an extraordinary degree and prosper and perform his will; He will destroy mighty men and the holy people. 25 And through his shrewdness he will cause deceit to succeed by his influence; and he will magnify himself in his heart, and he will destroy many while they are at ease. He will even oppose the Prince of princes, but he will be broken without human agency. 26 The vision of the evenings and mornings which has been told is true; but keep the vision secret, for it pertains to many days in the future.

I. This vision gives details not included in Chapter 7II. Focused upon 2nd and 3rd KingdomsIII. The Ram = kings of Media & Persia (v. 20)

A. Two horns, one longer than the otherB. Longer horn = Persia; shorter horn = MediaC. “butting westward, northward, & southward = the rapid conquests

of Cyrus and Darius

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy50

IV. The He-goat = king of Greece (v. 21)A. The single horn = first king = Alexander the GreatB. He-goat destroys the RamC. Single horn broken; four spring up in its place = the sudden death of

Alexander & the division of his kingdom among his four Generals (Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, Ptolemy)

V. The little hornA. grows from one of the four horns = Antiochus Epiphanes, descended

from the SeleucidsB. first to take a divine epithat: Qeo;~ jEpifanhv~ = “God Manifest”C. “caused some of the host of heaven and stars to fall”

1. Israel is symbolically represented as “the host of the Lord” (Ex 7:4; 12:41)

2. striking Israel is viewed as striking God (Zech 2:8)D. desecrates the Temple [“cast down” = making it unfit for use] and

causes sacrifice to cease

13 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to him, “How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled—the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation, and the surrender of the sanc-tuary and of the host that will be trampled underfoot?” 14 He said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary will be reconse-crated.” (8:13–14)

E. “2300 evenings and mornings” = 2300 days ~ 6 years 1. 171 BCE – Rebellion led by Jason

a. Onias III, legitimate high priest, murderedb. illegitimate “priesthood” in control of the Temple

2. 168 BCE – Temple taken by Antiochus Epiphanesa. statue of Zeus erectedb. pagan sacrifices offered

3. 165 BCE – Temple rededicated by Maccabees4. 171–165 BCE = ~ 6 years

F. “his power will be mighty, but not by his own power” 1. v. 24 = demonically empowered2. “he will be broken without human agency” v. 25

a. Antiochus died suddenly of disease in 164 BCEb. The Maccabees’ victory over the forces of Lysias was quite

obviously by the miraculous hand of God.VI. The Primary Lesson

A. God is in control of history and will bring all things to the conclusion He has decreed.

B. The fulfillment of the “near event” makes certain the reality of the “distant event”

C. Even the most fierce enemy cannot stand against God.D. This is a call for God’s people to be strong in faith during times of

tribulation and persecution.

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 51

Daniel 8 – Illustrating the End-time Anti-Messiah

Primary Focus on the Graeco-Roman Empire

Antiochus Epiphanes is the “little horn” who is a foreshadow of

the end-times Anti-Messiah

The “near event,” when it comes to pass, verifies that the “distant event” will also take place. The “near event” describes the character of the “distant event.”

The Little Horn of Daniel 7 & 8The Distant Prophecy Illuminated by the Near Prophecy

Daniel 7 – Distant Daniel 8 – Neardifferent from the 10 horns no comparison to 4 horns given

horn “comes up” horn “goes out”uproots 3 of the 10 previous horns does not uproot any horns“eyes as the eyes of a man and a

mouth speaking great things” no personal traits given

Divine destruction of the little horn is emphasized

hardly any emphasis put upon his death

battles against the people of God right up to the final judgment no mention of universal judgment

holy ones who are persecuted receive the kingdom no reward mentioned

End-times Anti-Messiah Antiochus Epiphanes

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy52

Chapter 9 – The Seventy Sevens & the Messiah’s First Coming

General OutlineI. Daniel’s prayer, vv. 3–19

A. based upon his reading of Jeremiah 25:9–11 (v. 2)B. confesses the sins of Israel (vv. 3–14)C. seeks God’s mercy regarding 70 years of exile, vv. 15–19

II. Gabriel’s appearance, vv. 20–23A. Daniel’s prayer has been heardB. A message is delivered using the figure of 70 years

III. The Vision of the Seventy Sevens, vv. 24–27A. Seventy sevens encompass the complete story

(the “distant prophecy”)B. Sixty-nine sevens encompass Messiah’s 1st coming

(the “near prophecy”)

Daniel 9:24–2724 Seventy sevens have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniq-uity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place. 25 So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven sevens and sixty-two sevens; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress. 26 Then after the sixty-two sevens the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desolations are determined. 27 And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.

Understanding the Word “Seven” in Daniel 9:24–27

IV. “Seventy Sevens”A. שבעים שבעים – Shavuim shiv’imB. The word שבעים (shavuim) is masculine plural

1. Everywhere else in the Tanach, whenever the noun שבוע (shavu’a), “week,” is in the plural, it is feminine – שבועות, shavu’ot

2. In Daniel, however, the plural of שבוע, shavu’a, is always masculineC. The use of the masculine plural may well indicate that the word is to

be understood differently.D. It should be taken to mean “a group of sevens,” but the context will

determine what kind of seven is meant.E. Thus, “seven” may describe different kinds of “groups of seven” in

different contexts.

This understanding of the word “seven” allows us to consider that the “70 sevens” and the “69 sevens” refer to two different kinds of “seven.”

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 53V. The “Seventy sevens” of v. 24 give the complete picture, until the very

end of the ages when everlasting righteousness has become a reality.VI. The “Sixty-nine sevens” span the time from the issuing of a decree to

rebuilt Jerusalem to the appearance of the Messiah.VII. As is Daniel’s pattern, he first gives the vision that pertains to the

whole, and then the vision that emphasizes significant events within the whole.

VIII. Daniel 9:24 – The Seventy Sevens

24 Seventy sevens have been decreed for your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to make an end of sin, to make atonement for iniq-uity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the most holy place.

A. to finish (לכלא) the transgression – Israel repents and turns to God in faith = fulfillment of the New Covenant (Jer 31:31ff)

But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the LORD, “I will put My Torah within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. They will not teach again, each man his neighbor and each man his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” declares the LORD, “for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more.” (Jer 31:33–34)

B. to make an end (לחתם) of sin – perhaps specifically the sin of idolatry

They will no longer defile themselves with their idols, or with their detestable things, or with any of their transgressions; but I will deliver them from all their dwelling places in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them. And they will be My people, and I will be their God. (Ezek 37:23)

C. to atone (לכפר) for iniquity – to apply Yeshua’s atonement to repentant Israel

For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and bring you into your own land. Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances. (Ezek 36:24–27)

D. to bring (להביא ) everlasting righteousness – Israel will never again turn from the Lord

In that day I will also make a covenant for them, with the beasts of the field, the birds of the sky and the creeping things of the ground. And I will abol-ish the bow, the sword and war from the land, and will make them lie down in safety. I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in justice, in lovingkindness and in compassion, And I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness. Then you will know the LORD. (Hosea 2:18–20)

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy54

E. seal (לחתם ) vision and prophecy – to confirm vision and prophecy

Behold, days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah. (Jer 33:14)

F. to anoint (למשח ) the Most Holy (the word “place” is added by the translators)1. to affirm Yeshua as the holy Messiah & King of Israel 2. Priests: for קדשים cf. Ex 30:29 where Aaron and his sons are , קדש

called “most holy.”3. Kings: “Then the men of Judah came and there anointed David king

over the house of Judah.” (2Sam 2:4)G. In the same way, the “anointing of the Most Holy” could mean the

universal confession of Yeshua to be the Messiah and King.

I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn. (Zech 12:10)

And the LORD will be king over all the earth; in that day the LORD will be the only one, and His name the only one. … And it will be that whichever of the families of the earth does not go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, there will be no rain on them. (Zech 14:9, 17)

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Yeshua every knew will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Yeshua Messiah is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Phil 2:9–11)

IX. If the 70 sevens of Dan 9:24 encompass the final fulfillment of all things in Yeshua, then what is the “group of seven” to which it refers? Consider the pattern of “sevens” in the Tanach:

1. seven days = a week, concluded by the Shabbat (שבת)2. seven years = a sabbatical year (שמטה, shemitah)3. seven sabbatical years = a Jubilee (יובל, yovel)

7 days = Shabbat: people rest7 years = Shemitah: land rests

7 Shemitot = Jubilee: land & people rest}Illustrated by

Shavuot

Festival Shabbat (day)

49 days = Seven Shabbats (weeks)

Shavuot( once a year)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 557 Days = Shabbat7 Years = Shemitah

7 Shemitot = Jubilee > Redemption70 Jubilees = Complete Redemption

If 7 Sabbatical years bring the Jubilee, which speaks of redemption (everything returns to its rightful owner),

what would 70 Jubilees bring?

70 Jubilees is the span of time in which complete redemption is accomplished

Exodus from Egypt

Enter the

LandFirst

Jubilee

40 yrs 1372 yrs1461 BCE(?)

1421 BCE (?)

70 x 49 = 3430 yrs

Yeshua’sbirth

1BCE (?)

28 Jubilees 42 Jubilees2058 yrs

70 Jubilees

Yeshua returns

1372 BCE (?)

The Jubilee is the First Year of the next cycle

1 …………………………… 501 ……………………………

Alternative Methods for Calculating the Jubilee

2 x 49 = 98 years

The Jubilee is a Year Unto Itself

1 …………………………… 1 ……………………………

2 x 50 = 100 years

50 50

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy56

Daniel 9:25-27 – The 69 Sevens

So you are to know and discern that from the issuing of a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Prince there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; it will be built again, with plaza and moat, even in times of distress. Then after the sixty-two weeks the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing, and the people of the prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary.

I. The 69 Sevens (7 + 62) are distinct from the previous 70II. The 70 comprise the whole story; the 69 are a significant part of the story.III. The ambiguous term “sevens” can be used in different ways:

A. a grouping of 7 Sabbatical years = Jubilees (9:24)1. each unit of “seven” = 49 years2. 70 x 49 = 3430 years

B. a grouping of 7 years = a Sabbatical year (9:25–27)1. each group of “seven” = 7 years2. (7 + 62) 69 x 7 = 483 years

IV. There is no “70th” week which must complete the 69A. The 69 Sevens (7 + 62) are different in kind and purpose:

1. kind: one unit of seven years (Shemitta), not Jubilees2. purpose: the coming of Messiah by Whom the consummation of all

things would be realizedB. This is why the 70 Sevens (Jubilees) is given first, and then the 69

Sevens (Shemitta) follow.

Exodus from Egypt

Enter the

LandFirst

JubileeYeshua’s

birth28 Jubilees 42 Jubilees

70 Jubilees

Yeshua returns

Decreeto rebuild

69 x 7483 yrs

408 BCE

Decree byArtaxerxes I

(Ezra 7:12–26)457 BCE

7 x 7 = 49 yrs

walls, streets, and channelcompleted

62 x 7 = 483 yrs

27 CE

Yeshua anointed by the Ruach

30 CE

Yeshua crucified

“after”62 x 7 = 434 yrs

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 57

Daniel 9:26

and people of a prince who is to come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. And its end will come with a flood; even to the end there will be war; desola-tions are determined.

I. “people of a prince” – The Hebrew text is without the definite articles (“the”) and thus is more general.A. Jewish revolt against Rome began in 66, with Vespasian as command-

er of the Roman armies.B. By 67, the northern regions of the Land had fallen to him, and he

turned his attention to Judea and Jerusalem.C. Emperor Galba was murdered (Jan 15, 69) and in July, 69, Vespasian

returned to Rome, leaving his son, Titus, in charge of the Roman armies.

D. Thus, “people of a prince” refers to the Roman armies first led by Vespasian and then by Titus.

II. “come with a flood” indicates the utter destruction that would come to the city and the sanctuary.

III. “desolations are determined” indicates that the carnage would be great and that God would give Jerusalem into the hands of her enemies.

Daniel 9:27I. “he will make a firm covenant”

A. Who is the subject? The “prince” of v. 26 = TitusB. “make a covenant” – normally = כרת ברית, “to cut a covenant.” Here

it is והגביר ברית, “and he will enforce (make strong) a covenant.”C. This would indicate that the covenant he enforces is an

existing covenant, not a new one.II. “with the many” = the established priesthood in Jerusalem

A. the phrase includes the article (“the”) – לרביםB. Hebrew רבים could also mean “great ones” = priestsC. Both Vespasian and Titus (as well as previous Roman officials) had

maintained an agreement with the Jewish people, that allowed Jews to maintain their religion.

D. The 1st Jewish revolt (66 CE) was started by the Zealots and main-tained by them.

E. The priestly caste was against the revolt, and Titus was willing to “stand down” if they could overcome the Zealots and stop the revolt.

F. But the Zealots prevailed, so Titus continued the siege.III. “for one week” = one period of seven = seven years

A. This continues the period immediately following the 69 sevens in which each “seven” = 7 years.

B. Cf. v. 25, “But after sixty-two sevens, the Messiah will be cut off and have nothing.”

C. The 1st Revolt began in Aug–Sept of 66 CE. D. Jerusalem fell in Aug of 70 CE (9th of Av)E. Three fortresses remained after the fall of Jerusalem:

1. Herodium, Machaerus, and Masada2. The last fortress to be overtaken by the Romans was Masada, which

was taken on April 6, 73 CEF. Thus, the revolt and war against the Jews lasted 7 years = “one

period of seven” translated “week” in most English Bibles.

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy58

Daniel 9:27

And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering;

I. “in the middle of the week …”A. The agreement for the Jewish people to maintain their religion was

abolished when the Zealots were defeated and Jerusalem over-thrown in 70CE.

B. 70CE comes in the middle of the seven years of revolt.C. Even shortly before the Temple was destroyed, the daily sacrifices

ceased for lack of priests who could perform the sacred duties.D. When the Temple was finally destroyed, all sacrifices and offerings

ceased.

and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.

Another Translation:The one who brings devastation will come on the wing of abominations, even for a complete and determined destruction, which will be poured out upon that which is appalling.

II. “wing of abominations”A. “on the wing of abominations” – שקוצים “abominations,” describes

idols and idolatrous practicesB. indicates that the Roman forces were empowered by demonic/Sa-

tanic forcesC. “complete destruction” = this is what happened in 70 CED. “determined” = in accordance with God’s planE. “poured out upon that which is appalling” = the destruction came

upon the Jerusalem Temple and its corrupt priesthood, which, from God’s standpoint, had become appalling.

Summary: Daniel 9:24–27

I. Two Distinct Timelines are GivenA. 70 Jubilees encompass the whole story from the Exodus to the Final

RedemptionB. 69 Shemittot, contained within the period of 70 Jubilees, encompass

the time of Yeshua’s 1st coming1. prophecy of Yeshua’s birth & death (“cut off”)2. prophecy of the Jewish revolt in 663. prophecy of the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE

(under Vespasian & Titus)4. prophecy of the final subjugation of Israel in 73 CE

II. Further Details about the Destruction in 70 CEA. Determined by divine decreeB. Empowered by demonic forces (“wing of abomination”) C. Complete destruction

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 59

Daniel 9 – Lessons

Lessons for the SoulA. Daniel was meditating on the Jeremiah’s prophecy of the 70 year

exile and it was from this that he understood God’s faithfulness. Our faith is strengthened when we look back to see God’s word fulfilled.

B. Daniel’s prayer of confession (vv. 2–19)C. he affirms God’s eternal character: holy, faithful, righteous, lovingD. he confesses that God is just to punish Israel for their sinE. he seeks God’s mercy in the midst of times of tribulation F. The Messiah comes before the Temple is destroyed.G. The victory of God and His people is assured in spite of the coming

apocalypse. Therefore, do not fear but trust in God.Lessons in Interpreting Prophetic Texts

A. In prophetic texts, the large view is often given first, and subsequent prophecies focus in on a certain aspect of the bigger picture.

B. The prophet often describes one period of time in the future, and next describes a significant event that occurs within that time same time period.

Daniel 10 – Vision of King Yeshua

4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz. 6 His body also was like beryl, his face had the appear-ance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult.

Daniel 10:4–6 Revelation 1:13–15

dressed in linen a robe reaching to the feet

girded with a belt of pure gold girded with a golden sash

body was like beryl head & hair white like white wool, like snow

eyes were like flaming torches eyes were like a flame of fire

arms and feet like polished bronze feet were like burnished bronze

his words like the sound of a tumult.

voice was like the sound of many waters

8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength. 9 But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground.

Revelation 1:17When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man.

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy60

10 Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said to me, “O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words.

I. Note it says “a hand touched me.” If this were the hand of the Man pre-viously described, we would expect “his hand touched me.”

II. Note it says “I have now been sent to you.”III. It is reasonable to presume that the hand that touched Daniel was that of

an angelic being, sent to him by Yeshua in response to his prayers. IV. This seems necessary since in v. 13 the one who touched Daniel needs

the help of the archangel Michael, which hardly applies to Yeshua.

13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.”

I. “prince of the kingdom of Persia” is the demon helping PersiaII. This gives us a glimpse into the warfare taking place among the unseen

angelic hosts.A. “So it will happen in that day, that the LORD will punish the host of

heaven on high, and the kings of the earth on earth.” (Is 24:21)B. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rul-

ers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Eph 6:12)

C. “And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war…” (Rev 12:7)

III. “twenty-one days” = the time of Daniel’s prayer and fastingIV. “what will happen to your people” – once again, Israel is the primary

focus of the prophetsV. “in the latter days” – generally a reference to the final era of earth’s

history

15 When he had spoken to me according to these words, I turned my face to-ward the ground and became speechless. 16 And behold, one who resembled a human being was touching my lips; then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who was standing before me, “O my lord, as a result of the vision anguish has come upon me, and I have retained no strength. 17 For how can such a servant of my lord talk with such as my lord? As for me, there remains just now no strength in me, nor has any breath been left in me.”

I. Often angelic beings, when they appear to mankind, take on the form of a human.

II. This is most likely the same angel who touched Daniel previously, and who was standing against the “prince of Persia.”

III. Daniel’s loss of strength indicates the majestic nature of the vision.

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 61

18 Then this one with human appearance touched me again and strengthened me. 19 He said, “O man of high esteem, do not be afraid. Peace be with you; take courage and be courageous!” Now as soon as he spoke to me, I received strength and said, “May my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.” 20 Then he said, “Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come. 21 However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince. 11:1 In the first year of Darius the Mede, I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him.

I. Once again, the battle between world powers is described as a battle between spiritual beings, good and evil.

II. “prince of Greece” = the demon who aids Greece (Alexander; Antiochus) to wage war against the people of Israel

III. “Michael your prince” – Michael is described as the angel who guards the people of Israel.

IV. “I arose to be an encouragement…” – the overthrow of Babylon was divinely orchestrated through His archangel.

Daniel 10 – Lessons

Lessons for the SoulA. We must never forget nor consider unimportant the spiritual battles

that are being fought in the spiritual realm.B. We enter that battle field by sanctifying God’s Name upon the earth,

by thought, word, and deed.C. Prayer is an essential weapon in this warfare.

Lessons in Interpreting Prophetic TextsA. This long introduction to the vision of Chapter 11 alerts us to the

solemnity of that vision.B. Properly interpreting prophetic texts requires careful attention to

parallel texts that describe the same subjects and events.C. A grasp of general biblical truth and theology is important in

ascertaining the meaning of a particular biblical passage.

Daniel 11 – The Kings of Persia & the Rise of Greece

2 And now I will tell you the truth. Behold, three more kings are going to arise in Persia. Then a fourth will gain far more riches than all of them; as soon as he becomes strong through his riches, he will arouse the whole empire against the realm of Greece.

I. If Daniel received this vision during the reign of Cyrus (cf. 10:1), then the four kings would be:A. Cambyses (529–522 BCE)B. Smerdis (522–521 BCE)C. Darius I Hystaspes (521–486 BCE, cf. Ezra 5–6)D. Xerxes I (486–465 BCE, cf. Ezra 4:6)

II. Xerxes I amassed one of the largest armies in the ancient worldA. Attacked Greece in 480 BCEB. Was roundly defeated by the GreeksC. The Persian Empire never returned to strength as a world power

(Xerxes I is the Ahasureus of the book of Esther)

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy62

Alexander the Great

3 And a mighty king will arise, and he will rule with great authority and do as he pleases. 4 But as soon as he has arisen, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four points of the compass, though not to his own descendants, nor according to his authority which he wielded, for his sovereignty will be uprooted and given to others besides them.

I. This gives more details to the previous vision in 8:5A. “do as he pleases” – Alexander the Great conquered the “then-

known” world.1. invaded Persian in 334 BCE and in 10 years conquered it fully2. died suddenly in 323 BCE

II. Alexander changed the culture of the worldA. He is best remembered for his military campaigns.B. His greatest impact, however, was the establishment of the Helle-

nistic culture which affected every nation and people group he had conquered.

Civil War Following Alexander’s Death5 Then the king of the South will grow strong, along with one of his princes who will gain ascendancy over him and obtain dominion; his domain will be a great dominion indeed. 6 After some years they will form an alliance, and the daughter of the king of the South will come to the king of the North to carry out a peaceful arrangement. But she will not retain her position of power, nor will he remain with his power, but she will be given up, along with those who brought her in and the one who sired her as well as he who supported her in those times. 7 “But one of the descendants of her line will arise in his place, and he will come against their army and enter the for-tress of the king of the North, and he will deal with them and display great strength. 8 Also their gods with their metal images and their precious vessels of silver and gold he will take into captivity to Egypt, and he on his part will refrain from attacking the king of the North for some years. 9 Then the latter will enter the realm of the king of the South, but will return to his own land.

I. “king of the south” – Ptolemy Soter, son of LagusA. ruled Egypt from 322 – 305 BCEB. died – 285 BCE

II. “one of his princes” – SeleuceusA. ruled over Babylonia (Syria)B. Antigonus took Babylonia from himC. Seleucus returned to Ptolemy, who appointed him a generalD. Seleucus recovered Babylonia in 312 BCEE. the dominion of the Seleucids well exceeded that of Ptolemy

III. “after some years” – alerts us to a span of timeIV. “form an alliance” – the leaders to which this refers were:

A. Ptolemy II Philadelphus – 285–246 BCEB. Antiochus II (qeov~) – 261–246 BCE

V. “the daughter of the king of the South will come to the king of the North to carry out a peaceful arrangement.A. The daughter of Ptolemy II, Berenice, married Antiochus II Theos in

about 252 BCEB. Ptolemy II required Antiochus II to divorce his wife, Laodiceia, be-

fore the political marriage to his daughter

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy 63

C. Within a few years Ptolemy II died, and Antiochus II took back his former wife, Laodiceia.

D. Laodiceia, in revenge against Antiochus II, murdered both him and Berenice, as well as their infant son.

VI. “one of the descendants of her line will arise in his place…”A. Ptolemy III Euergetes (246–221 BCE), who ruled Egypt, defeated

Seleucus Callinicus (247–226 BCE) who ruled Syria.B. Ptolemy III Euergetes was the brother of Berenice, son of and succes-

sor to Ptolemy Philadelphus.C. He sacked the fortress of Seleucus Callinicus and executed Laodiceia,

the murderess of his sister.D. He plundered idols and vessels of gold and silver, and brought them

back to Egypt, for which he received the name Euergetes, “Benefac-tor” (literally, “Doer of Good”)

VII. “…will enter the realm of the king of the South…”A. After two years, Seleucus Callinicus regained control of Syria, and

invaded Egypt, but was completely defeated and retreated to his home land in the north.

VIII. Vv.10–19 describe military campaigns between Egypt and SyriaA. Seleucus III died and was succeeded by Antiochus III (Great)B. He fought against Ptolemy Philopator (221–203 BCE) and gained

control of territory as far south as Gaza.C. He was defeated by Ptolemy Philopator at the battle of Raphia (217

BCE), though he escaped to the desert.D. Ptolemy Philopator and his queen died mysteriously in 203 BCE, and

he was succeeded by his infant son, Ptolemy V Ephiphanes.E. Antiochus III renewed his campaigns against Egypt in 201 BCE,

including Egyptian garrisons stationed in the Land.F. Some Jewish fighters joined Antiochus III in his fight against Egypt.

But when Rome entered the fray to support Egypt, Antiochus III entered a diplomatic settlement, giving his daughter Cleopatra to the child king, Ptolemy V

G. The marriage did not give Antiochus III what he intended because Cleopatra sided with her husband against her father.

H. Antiochus III met with a major defeat at Thermopylae in 191 BCE and again at Magnesia in 189 BCE.

I. Antiochus III was followed by Seleucus IV Philopater (187–175 BCE) 1. Seleucus IV was murdered by Heliodorus (Dan 11:20)2. The legitimate heir of Seleucus IV was Demetrius, but he was be-

ing held in Rome as a hostage. A younger son of Seleucus IV (also named Antiochus), was an infant in Syria.

3. Antiochus IV Ephiphanes (175–164 BCE), brother of Seleucus IV, pretended to be the guardian of the infant Antiochus, but instead he usurped the throne (“by intrigue,” cf. 11:21)

4. Young Antiochus was murdered by Andronicus, who was subse-quently executed by Antiochus IV.

IX. “the prince of the covenant” (v. 22) may refer to Onias III, the legitimate high priest in Jerusalem whom Antiochus IV had murdered in 172 BCE. This fomented the Maccabean revolt.

X. Antiochus IV Epiphanes was successful in his campaigns and was even-tually victorious over Egypt (the south).

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Interpreting Daniel’s Prophecy64

XI. Rome, fearing his advancements, declared war against him, and Antio-chus IV was forced to concede Egypt to Roman power. “Ships of Chit-tim [Kittim]” (11:30) is usually understood to refer to Rome (note the Lxx translation).

XII. Antiochus IV turned his attention toward the Land of Israel, bringing strong persecutions against the Jews (note the historical references in 1 & 2 Maccabees).

XIII. Many Jews sided with Antiochus IV in hopes of sparing their lives (cf. 11:32–35), but ultimately God have the victory to the Maccabees.

Daniel 11:35–39

35 Some of those who have insight will fall, in order to refine, purge and make them pure until the end time; because it is still to come at the ap-pointed time. 36 Then the king will do as he pleases, and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will speak monstrous things against the God of gods; and he will prosper until the indignation is finished, for that which is decreed will be done. 37 He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all. 38 But instead he will honor a god of fortresses, a god whom his fathers did not know; he will honor him with gold, silver, costly stones and treasures. 39 He will take action against the strongest of fortresses with the help of a foreign god; he will give great honor to those who acknowledge him and will cause them to rule over the many, and will parcel out land for a price.

I. Vs. 35 “until the end time” – this seems to indicate that the prophecy is to be understood as a portend for the eschaton, the era that concludes earth’s history.

II. As in the previous visions (Chs. 7–9), the figure of Antiochus Epiphanes is used as a type foreshadowing the end-time Anti-Messiah.A. “magnifies himself above every god” – forbids any worship but that

of himself (cp. Nebuchadnezzar, Darius)B. “speaks monstrous things against the God of gods” – particularly

against the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and against His Mes-siah, Yeshua.

C. “he will prosper until the indignation is finished” – the period of time allotted by God, which will be “cut short.”

III. Vs. 37 – “show no regard for the god of his fathers” – A. The Hebrew could be taken to mean: “show no regard for the God

of his fathers,” since ויתבא יהלא, Elohei avotav can refer either to pagan gods (plural) or to the One true God.1. 1Chron 33:12 – “When he was in distress, he entreated the LORD

his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers .”[ויתבא יהלא]

2. The context, however, would favor taking the phrase as “gods of his fathers,” referring to pagan gods.

IV. Vs. 37 – “show no regard for the desire of women”A. “desire of women” refers to a pagan female deity (?)B. will not be maneuvered through political marriages (?)C. will be celibate (?) or homosexual (?)D. will promote misogyny – the misuse of women (?)

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V. V. 37 – “nor will he show regard for any other god”A. he will promote himself as the only object of mankind’s worshipB. he will set himself up above all others (whether moral or divine)

VI. V. 38 – “But instead he will honor a god of fortresses”A. “if he shows no regard for any other god,” then the phrase “god of

fortresses” must be understood differently.1. he makes war itself into a god2. he glories only in the destruction and in fear that he can impose on

nations through war3. in the place of any god, he will honor war as his god4. he gives his great wealth to his war machine

VII. V. 39 – “with the help of a foreign god…”A. Satan and his demonic powers that empower himB. he rewards those who serve him by giving them power to rule

Daniel 11:40–42

40 At the end time the king of the South will collide with him, and the king of the North will storm against him with chariots, with horsemen and with many ships; and he will enter countries, overflow them and pass through. 41 He will also enter the Beautiful Land, and many countries will fall; but these will be rescued out of his hand: Edom, Moab and the foremost of the sons of Ammon. 42 Then he will stretch out his hand against other countries, and the land of Egypt will not escape.

I. “king of the South” / “king of the North” – symbolic of the major pow-ers existing the world at time of the Anti-Messiah’s wars

II. “Beautiful Land” is Israel – he will invade IsraelIII. “Edom, Moab, sons of Ammon”

A. historically the enemies of IsraelB. those who side with him against Israel will be spared from his over-

powering devastationIV. “Egypt will not escape”

A. unlike what took place in the time of Antiochus Epiphanies, who was repelled by Egypt

B. Indicates that the end-time Anti-Messiah will much more powerful that he anti-type, Antiochus Epiphanes

Daniel 11:43–45

43 But he will gain control over the hidden treasures of gold and silver and over all the precious things of Egypt; and Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels. 44 But rumors from the East and from the North will disturb him, and he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many. 45 He will pitch the tents of his royal pavilion between the seas and the beautiful Holy Mountain; yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him.

I. “gain control…” – his war against all world powers will be successfulII. “Libyans and Ethiopians will follow at his heels” – even those who were

not initially aligned with him against Israel will join him in his attempts to annihilate Israel

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III. “pitch his royal tents…”A. he will make his final stand against IsraelB. “between the seas and the beautiful Holy Mountain” – between the

Mediterranean Sea and JerusalemIV. “he will come to his end” – because Yeshua will fight for Israel

(Zech 14:1–5)

Daniel 12 – Final Deliverance & Eternal Blessing1 Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued. 2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake, these to everlasting life, but the others to disgrace and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who have insight will shine brightly like the brightness of the expanse of heaven, and those who lead the many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. 4 But as for you, Daniel, conceal these words and seal up the book until the end of time; many will go back and forth, and knowledge will increase.”

I. “Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise”A. Daniel brings us back to the reality of the spiritual warfare that is

taking place.B. Michael, the archangel, aids the Messiah in fighting for Israel

II. “And there will be a time of distress…”A. the language here makes it clear that this goes beyond anything that

took place during the time of Antiochus EpiphanesB. this is the “great tribulation,” (Matt 24:21), the “time of Jacob’s

trouble” (Jer 30:7).

“Alas! for that day is great, There is none like it; And it is the time of Jacob’s distress, But he will be saved from it.” (Jer 30:7)

“For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.” (Matt 24:21)

III. “everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.”A. This is the “book of life”B. Those written therein are those who are “in Messiah Yeshua”

IV. The resurrectionA. “Many of those who sleep in the dust of the ground will awake…”

1. Why “many” and not “all”?2. The primary focus is upon those who die during the time of tribu-

lation.3. The word “many” (רבים) can have the sense of a “great host” or

even equivalent with “all”B. This gives a picture of the general resurrection of the dead.

V. “Those who have insight … those who lead the many to righteousness”A. those who are given eyes to believe = those of true faithB. those who help lead others to the truth and thus to faith

VI. “seal up the book until the end of time…”A. the word is true and guarded so that all will come to passB. the prophecy brings us to eternity

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5 Then I, Daniel, looked and behold, two others were standing, one on this bank of the river and the other on that bank of the river. 6 And one said to the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?” 7 I heard the man dressed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, as he raised his right hand and his left toward heaven, and swore by Him who lives forever that it would be for a time, times, and half a time; and as soon as they finish shattering the power of the holy people, all these events will be completed.

I. “two others”A. Angels who assist the MessiahB. “man dressed in linen” (cf. 10:5) – the Messiah Yeshua

II. “How long will it be until the end of these wonders?”A. the question relates to the duration of the time of tribulationB. “time, times, and a half of time,” (cf. 7:25) – It will be shortened be-

cause of God’s mercy for His people.III. “all these events will be completed”

A. never again will God’s wrath be poured upon His peopleB. the beginning of eternity will be ushered in

8 As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. 10 Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. 11 From the time that the regular sacrifice is abolished and the abomination of desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days. 12 How blessed is he who keeps waiting and attains to the 1,335 days! 13 But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.”

I. “what will be the outcome of these events?”A. Daniel seeks to know more precisely when and how these events

will take place.B. Cf. 1Pet 1:11 – the prophets sought to know what time and what

kind of time was meant by the things revealed to them.II. God tells Daniel that the answers to these questions are reserved for the

time when the events actually take place.A. the time of tribulation will bring a purging, cleansing, or refiningB. the righteous will have understanding, meaning they will entrust

themselves to God Who controls all things.C. the wicked will not understand and will continue in their wicked-

nessD. the righteous will have their hope set upon the resurrection and the

portion allotted to them in the world to come.III. How long with the tribulation last?

A. 1290 days / 1335 days – perhaps symbolic numbersB. the blessing is assured to those who persevere in their faith

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