Daniel 7
This begins the second section of the book. Here Daniel is given
several dreams and visions which are interpreted by an angel and
foretell things that are yet to come. These revelations speak of
world empires in relation to the nation of Israel and God's
unfolding plans. Daniel saw four beasts in 1-8. They were
impressive, yet the end of them was when the thrones were set, the
Ancient of Days come and His kingdom and saints reign 9-14. Note:
The connection with the 'son of man', the coming kingdom, and the
role of His saints is all related to the last days and the second
coming of Jesus Christ 11-14,21-22,26-28. These successive world
powers will continue and will end with the coming of God's kingdom
that will rule over all 15-28. The fourth beast was (in the past)
and will be in the future with its end when the Lord comes 23-28.
Note: The saints are said to be the target and overcome 21, 25.
This can not be the church, for Jesus said the gates of hell will
not prevail against the church (Matthew 16:18). Note: I do not know
the meaning of all the details of these chapters, though a broad
understanding can be gained by us all.
Daniel 8
Daniel has another vision, this time of a ram and a goat 1-14. The
interpretation applies to both the Medo-Persian Empire and Greece
15-21. Greece was lead by four after the death of Alexander the
great 22. A leader of Greece (Antiochus Epiphanies 175BC) is seen
in later king 23-27. He was known for his hated of the Jews and
desecration of the temple 13-14,24. This vision also applies to the
future world ruler (or Antichrist) who will appear in the last days
and was fore seen in the ruler of the past 26-27. Note: Here is an
example in Scripture of 'dual prophecy' which means there is a
fulfillment and yet a greater fulfillment that occurs beyond the
first one. It may even be separated in time by centuries.
Daniel 9
Daniel sees in God's Word, the years of desolation Jerusalem would
face at the hand of God. Those years had been fulfilled so he
turned his attention to the Lord in prayer and confession to see
what was next in regard to God's people (the Jews) 1-3. Daniel
prays and confesses his sins and the sins of the people 4-11. He
acknowledged that all that had come upon them was deserved because
of their sins and unfaithfulness to the Lord 4-14. He repents on
behalf of the people 15-16 and asks for the Lord to look on
them again with His favor 17-19. In response to his prayer and
petitions, the Lord reveals to Daniel the whole time frame and plan
the Lord has for His people 20-27. All will be complete and
fulfilled in a 490 year time table 24-27. If I read this correctly
483 years have expired, as the time clock stopped with the
rejection of Messiah (the Anointed One) and His being cut off (put
to death) 26. The Jews were dispersed worldwide and have faced
conflict since 26b. The 'he' of verse 27 can be a reference to the
coming Antichrist. Note: This prophecy can not have already been
fulfilled, because when it is, all of the six blessings of verse 24
will have been fulfilled. One of those is 'seal up vision and
prophecy',or to fulfill all of them, so nothing is left to be
fulfilled. No biblical student can say 'everything God has said has
been fulfilled' with nothing left to fulfill. God has a plan for
His ancient people Israel that is yet future, just as surely as He
has a plan and future for the church. They are distinct and yet
both culminate in Jesus Christ !
Daniel 10
This is an amazing chapter, which sets the stage for the further
revelation Daniel was to receive in regard to his people (the Jews)
14. Daniel's answer to prayer was hinder by a 'spiritual conflict'
12-13. Daniel was fearful, trembling, and weak as he is fasting and
seeking the Lord 1-9. He is strengthen by this heavenly being
(angel ?) 18-19. Note: Daniel is 'highly esteemed' 11,19. Before
this angel leaves to rejoin the 'battle' he will tell Daniel what
is written in the 'Book of Truth' 21. Note: Michael 13,21b, is an
archangel (Jude 9) and is 'assigned' the role of watching over the
Jewish people and nation of Israel (Daniel 12:1). There is
much insight into things unseen in the entire Word of God. God
reveals them to us, because He wants us to know these things
(Deuteronomy 29:29). The Lord is the One who can speak 'peace' to
us in the midst of all that would trouble us. May He be our
strength and portion both now and forever 18-19.
Daniel 11
The angel continues to reveal to Daniel what is to happen with the
world powers in relation to Israel. This is a difficult chapter to
follow, unless you know something of world history. Note: I have a
hard time to understand this chapter. One commentary suggests that
this chapter makes know Israel's future to the Maccabees and
beyond. 'Syrian and Egyptian relations foretold to 165BC.' The king
of the south and king of the north are nations in their
relationship to Israel. Since their was a period of 400 years (of
silence) between the testaments (Malachi to Matthew), this prophecy
would encourage and comfort God's people to show them that God was
still at work in a through world events. Greece would be a world
power. The Ptolemies (South) and the Seleucids (North) would be
'players' in these events. The Jews are 'caught in the middle' of
these struggles 16,28,31. Antiochus Epiphanies 21-35 was an
antisemitic ruler. He purposefully did things to defile the Jews
and the temple. His actions 'foreshadow' a future end-time ruler
who will do much the same things in relation to the Jewish people
and temple 36-45. This is the man of sin, known as the anti-christ
(2 Thessalonians 2:1-12). Note: Here is another example of a
dual-prophecy (more than on fulfillment or application in the word
coming to pass). I leave this chapter for your further study and
consideration. There is much here for our instruction, since every
word of God is inspired and profitable (2 Timothy 3:16-17; Romans
15:4).
Daniel 12
In the midst of all these conflicts and turmoil the Lord speaks
this word of hope 1-3 to conclude this prophecy. There is a
resurrection and reward that awaits God's people who are faithful
to Him and also a judgment for the godless. God will deliver His
people and the kingdom of God will come and be established on this
earth. The prophecies of Daniel are 'sealed' until the time of the
end 4,9. Daniel's question of timing probably refers to the final
word in 11:31-45 when the leader (whose actions are therein are
described) is brought to a final end 45. The response reveals that
God's people will be brought to a place where they are powerless 7.
God will, through these events, purify many. Those wise will have
insight into these things 10. Again, the book is said to be
'closed' until the time of the end 9. This suggests that when the
end draws near, it will be able to be understood (and seen as
coming to pass, just as the Lord has said). Verse 11 speaks to the
'abomination that causes desolation' that is set up. The 1290 days
equal 3 ½ years (as calculated by the Jewish calendar -360 days per
year), from the time this 'abomination' is set up 12. Note: This
may indicate that this 'abomination' is set up half way through the
final seven years which God decreed for His people (the Jews) -
(see: Daniel 9:24-27). I do not know the meaning of reaching the
1335 days (or 45 days later) 12b ? Daniel is reassured with a hope
for his future according to God's plan 13. This book ends, not with
Daniel's death, but with the resurrection and a future inheritance.
Note: What a great word of comfort to know the Lord and to have
assurance that even though we may not understand or live to see all
that God has foretold, yet we have an 'everlasting hope' because of
God's grace to us in Christ ! (Romans 5:1-2; 8:28-30, Philippians
3:20-21, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 21:1-8).