The Purpose of the Prophecies

Daniel 12:1-13

“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.  And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:1-2)

When the Antichrist’s kingdom begins to unravel, he will blame Israel for the problems for continuing to worship God rather than his state religion, in an effort to distract people from the failure of his leadership.  It is a tactic that has been used throughout history.  As a result almost the entire world will turn on Israel.  They will go through a period of trouble like they have never experienced, as Jeremiah 30:7 describes it.  “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.”

Throughout history the two archangels, Michael and Gabriel have stood against Satan’s power, keeping evil from completely taking over the world, with Michael being especially responsible for protecting God’s people.  For a time he will be restrained from protecting them allowing the Antichrist to come to power and force people to choose between trusting God or just following tradition, as we find in II Thessalonians 2:7-10.

“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.  And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”

A post on Facebook asked how 6 million Jews can be a threat to 1.2 billion Moslems, yet they are viewed as such a threat.  When the Antichrist turns the entire world against them Michael will stand up to preserve them for three and a half years, using the earth itself as we see in Revelation 12:6-8.  “And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days.  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.”

The human powers will be destroyed completely, and Satan himself imprisoned for a thousand years according to Revelation 20:1-3.  “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.”

For a thousand years, Christ will reign and from the description it seems that the world will function as God originally designed it to function.  At the end of the time, Satan will be released, giving mankind one last chance to choose whether to serve God.  After that the judgment will come, with some being eternally condemned and others to everlasting life.  Revelation 20:11-15 describes this judgment.

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3)

While those who have never had their names written in the book of life are cast into the lake of fire, those who have will be richly rewarded, standing out like stars in the night sky.

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” (Daniel 12:4)

Daniel was to close up the prophecy until the times came, although over time they would know more about it as things happened.  In Acts 1:7 Jesus told his disciples, “… It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.”  He repeatedly told us that he was going to come secretly, when he was not expected.  He will not tell us in advance when these things will happen.  That we see so many that have been fulfilled does not enable us to set a time table, but it does provide reassurance that God is still keeping his promises, and knows what is going on, and I believe that is the purpose for the prophecies.

“Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river.  And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?  And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.” (Daniel 12:5-7)

Once again it was stressed that the extreme persecution will only last three and a half years, “for a time, times, and an half.”  It will be very reassuring to those who are alive when that day comes to know that it will be such a short time.

“And I heard, but I understood not: then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things? 

And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.  Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.” (Daniel 12:8-10) 

Daniel asked for more detail but God told him it was not to be known until the end.  In the mean time people would decide whether they would serve God or not.  The message was primarily for those who are alive at the time., and Daniel was not to get so caught up in prophecy that he neglected other subjects as many prophetic speakers have done.

“And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.  Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty days. 

But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days.” (Daniel 12:11-13)

The details would have no impact on Daniel, or others who lived before all these things happened, other than providing some encouragement.  They would all die, and later stand for judgment at the end, whether they understood the prophecy or not.  For those who would go through it, the knowledge that they only had to survive about three and a half years might give them the courage to go on.

Reign Of The King Of The North

Daniel 11:36-45

“And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done.  Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all.  But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.” (Daniel 11:36-38)

When that northern king we know as the Antichrist comes to power, he takes over by trickery.  Once he is in power he will ignore any constitutional limitations using something like our executive orders to bypass the legislature so he just does as he pleases.  He promotes himself as greater and more powerful than any god, the most powerful man on earth, and regularly takes actions to destroy faith in God, completely ignoring the traditional religion of his land.

He will consider himself so much superior to anyone else that desires of God, of other powers or even of his lovers mean nothing to him.  If they disagree or want something else he will just replace them with someone else.  The only thing he will respect is power, the God of force and will set up a god of his own to be worshipped.

Revelation 13:1-8 describes the antichrist in a figurative sense.  “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority. 

And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast.  And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.  And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.  And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”

In order to consolidate his power, he will set up a new religion worshiping himself, and the Devil who empowers him.  Fortunately his power will be limited to forty two months, or three and a half years.

“Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain.” (Daniel 11:39)

Revelation 13:11-16 describes how he will use a false teacher who poses as being from God, but whose doctrine is from Satan, the Dragon.   While he will claim to be acting for the people, his real focus will be on making a profit by giving others control of different areas.  “And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.  And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.  And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.  And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads:”

Everything about his administration will be  built on fraud and deceit,  even using fake miracles to convince people that he has real power according to II Thessalonians 2:9-10.  “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”  The fraud will begin to break down when he is unable to do what he promised.

“And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over.  He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, even Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.” (Daniel 11:40-41) 

When they realize his apparent power is only a sham, the southern kingdom will rebel, leading to powerful effort to quash the rebellion.  In the fighting many countries will be defeated, and Israel will be occupied, but the region south and east of the Dead Sea will be ignored as having little significance.  Matthew 24:15-22 and Revelation 13:13-14 describe Israel as having been forced to flee to the region for protection, where they stay for three and a half years after the Antichrist broke the treaty the previous administration wade with them.

“And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.  And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.” (Revelation 13:13-14)”

“He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape.  But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at his steps.” (Daniel 11:42-43 

The Anti-christ’s primary target is the rebellious southern kingdom and he will wipe out Egypt.  Ethiopia and Libya will join forces with him to avoid destruction themselves.  Since the Jews will never embrace his false religion, he will then proceed to try to destroy them completely.  Ezekiel 38:1-6 describes the forces marshaled against Israel.

“And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet: Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.”

“But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.  And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” (Daniel 11:44-45)

The unrest will not be limited to the southern kingdom, and as he learns about the problems in the north and east, he will declare war on Israel in an attempt to distract the people from the problems in his administration by focusing them on the destruction of Israel, much like Hitler did to retain control of Germany.

In Ezekiel 39:1-5, God describes the results of the attack on Israel,  “Therefore, thou son of man, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and leave but the sixth part of thee, and will cause thee to come up from the north parts, and will bring thee upon the mountains of Israel: And I will smite thy bow out of thy left hand, and will cause thine arrows to fall out of thy right hand. Thou shalt fall upon the mountains of Israel, thou, and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee: I will give thee unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured.  Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord GOD." 

Revelation 19:17-21 describes the same event.  “And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.  And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.  And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.”

Despite all his power and efforts to destroy everything relating to God, the Antichrist, his false religion, and his empire will be destroyed, and Satan himself imprisoned.

The Little Horn Seizes Power

Daniel 11:21-35

“And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries.  And with the arms of a flood shall they be overflown from before him, and shall be broken; yea, also the prince of the covenant.” (Daniel 11:21-22)

As we saw in the previous post, repeated efforts by the southern kingdom to take over the northern kingdom will lead to the northern kingdom attacking and occupying the territory in a “peace keeping“ move.  The northern kingdom will then turn and try to occupy some islands and be stopped by another world power.  They will be forced to return home where the entire coalition  collapses and is replaced by a raiser of taxes.

My guess is that the king of the north refers to some group like NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which has conducted many such “peace keeping” operations.  That does not mean that it will be NATO, but only that it is a group with similar intentions.  When their efforts are stymied, leading to their collapse, an economic union similat to the European Economic Union or the United Nations, the “raiser of taxes”, takes power for a brief time.

According to these verses, that organization will then be taken over by an evil person who uses deceptive means to gain power even though people would not normally place him such a position.  His accession to power will be like an unstoppable flood, sweeping everything before him.  Revelation 6 describes him as a fake Messiah riding a white horse during this period, promising peace and prosperity to everyone.

“And after the league made with him he shall work deceitfully: for he shall come up, and shall become strong with a small people.  He shall enter peaceably even upon the fattest places of the province; and he shall do that which his fathers have not done, nor his fathers' fathers; he shall scatter among them the prey, and spoil, and riches: yea, and he shall forecast his devices against the strong holds, even for a time.” (Daniel 11:23-24)

In both Daniel 7 and 8 we read about a little horn that destroys three other kingdoms.   Here this ruler is described as having only a relatively small people behind him who breaks his treaty once he is in power, peaceably gaining entrance into the richest parts of the empire, using government support programs and policies to gain control while maintaining a strong threat of military action against any opposition.

Daniel 2, 7, and 8 make it clear that the little horn will come from remains of the old Roman and Greek empires.  Ezekiel 38 narrows his source down to the area of northern Europe including southern Russia and Hungary.  That the verse here describes him as leading a small people implies that he comes from one of the smaller countries in the region, and probably not from Russia itself.  

“And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army; and the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army; but he shall not stand: for they shall forecast devices against him.  Yea, they that feed of the portion of his meat shall destroy him, and his army shall overflow: and many shall fall down slain.” (Daniel 11:25-26)

Though the southern empire had been conquered by his predecessors, this ruler decides to again attack them, and the southern kingdom assembles a great force to repel them.  The southern kingdom will be defeated as a result of betrayal by some of the southern forces as a result of negotiations with the north.  There will be great losses and the once again the defeat will be unstoppable.  This is the period described by the red horse of Revelation 6.

“And both these kings' hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.  Then shall he return into his land with great riches; and his heart shall be against the holy covenant; and he shall do exploits, and return to his own land.” (Daniel 11:27-28)

While a treaty will be signed, neither will have any intention of keeping it.  It just provides a brief respite from the fighting, a lull before God’s judgment begins.  There is a brief period of prosperity, but the northern king will become very resentful of the covenant between God and Israel and the blessings they incur as a result, much like what happened in Germany just before World War II.

“At the time appointed he shall return, and come toward the south; but it shall not be as the former, or as the latter.  For the ships of Chittim shall come against him: therefore he shall be grieved, and return, and have indignation against the holy covenant: so shall he do; he shall even return, and have intelligence with them that forsake the holy covenant.” (Daniel 11:29-30) 

Angered by their failure to keep treaty, the northern kingdom will launch an unsuccessful attack on the southern kingdom.  They will blame the traditional Jews for their failure and begin to negotiate with the non traditional Jews.

“And arms shall stand on his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.  And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. 

And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.  Now when they shall fall, they shall be holpen with a little help: but many shall cleave to them with flatteries.  And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” (Daniel 11:31-35)

There will be a concerted effort to destroy the traditional Jewish faith in God.  They will deliberately make a mockery of the sacrifices using military and police forces to prevent believers from interfering and rewarding those who give up their religion.  Teachers and religious leaders who stand up for the traditional beliefs, and their followers will be killed, although there will be small efforts to protect them.  There will be a lot of pressure for them to just give in and some will, as a test to separate out those who are only following tradition and don’t really believe.

According to Revelation 12:13-17 this is actually a Satanic effort to destroy faith in god using human forces.  “And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child.  And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.  And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood.  And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth.  And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Angered by their failure to destroy the Jewish faith, their attention will be turned to those whose faith is based on the old Jewish faith, the Christians.  Every effort will be made to destroy them.  Again we have what happened in Nazi Germany as an example, when Christians were killed for suspicion of supporting the Jews..

Revelation 6:9-11 gives only a little detail.  “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?  And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.”

A Prophecy For The Present Time?

Daniel 10:20-11:20

“Then said he, Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with the prince of Persia: and when I am gone forth, lo, the prince of Grecia shall come.  But I will show thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.” (Daniel 10:20-21)

The angel Gabriel was the one who had talked to Daniel before, and is probably the one speaking here.  He had been delayed three weeks by the prince or head of Persia, literally the Satanic angel directing Persia, and knows he has to return to limit Satan’s attack on God’s people.  As soon as the Persian power is broken, the there will be a similar spirit pushing Greek power.

Satan’s goal has always been to gain control, and he has his demonic spirits there trying to control every government or other earthly power.  Power attracts Satan and exposes its holders to his influence.   Many people think America’s problems can be solved by political change, never understanding that Satan is trying to gain control of both parties.  Ephesians 6:12 warns, “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”  It is God who limits governments and power brokers through his angels.  Without his intervention, wickedness would have absolute control.

The two archangels, Michael and Gabriel are the only two powerful enough to withstand wickedness at that top level.  They know what is going on and Gabriel will reveal part of it to Daniel before he returns to the fight.

“Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, even I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him.” (Daniel 11:1) 

Following God’s orders, Gabriel had been responsible for ending Belshazzar’s reign and bringing the Medo-Persian empire to power, directing his decisions as Daniel 2:21 states.  “And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.”   

Contrary to what many believe, God regulates the entire world, limiting how far things go, according to Acts 17:26-27.  “And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation: That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us.”   God allows cultures to continue as long as a significant percentage demonstrate an interest in God, allowing them to be destroyed when the culture prevents people from turning to him.

“And now will I show thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia.” (Daniel 11:2) 

Three Persian kings would complete their reigns after Cyrus.  The fourth would over extend himself encouraging various groups to attack Greeks.  The Peloponnesian wars would lead to a united Greek empire under Philip of Macedon.

“And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will.  And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.” (Daniel 11:3-4) 

Philip’s son, Alexander the great would conquer the entire Persian Empire and extend its  boundaries to include most of what the Roman Empire would later hold in the east.  After his death, the kingdom would be divided among his generals, since he had no heirs.  

“And the king of the south shall be strong, and one of his princes; and he shall be strong above him, and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion.  And in the end of years they shall join themselves together; for the king's daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement: but she shall not retain the power of the arm; neither shall he stand, nor his arm: but she shall be given up, and they that brought her, and he that begat her, and he that strengthened her in these times.” (Daniel 11:5-6)

Much of the prophecy from this point has yet to be completed and can only be defined in broad general strokes.  What is clear is that there would be attempts to form a united power, including both north and south.  Both would give up a great deal in the effort to make peace, with the south losing almost all its power and being taken over much as Egypt was conquered by the Romans when Cleopatra was made queen.

“But out of a branch of her roots shall one stand up in his estate, which shall come with an army, and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail: And shall also carry captives into Egypt their gods, with their princes, and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold; and he shall continue more years than the king of the north.  So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom, and shall return into his own land.” (Daniel 11:7-9) 

Centuries after Rome conquered Egypt, Moorish forces conquered much of southern Europe, carrying slaves back to Egypt and north Africa and carrying away much of their wealth, leading to centuries of conflict between the two cultures.

“But his sons shall be stirred up, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces: and one shall certainly come, and overflow, and pass through: then shall he return, and be stirred up, even to his fortress.  And the king of the south shall be moved with choler, and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north: and he shall set forth a great multitude; but the multitude shall be given into his hand.  And when he hath taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up; and he shall cast down many ten thousands: but he shall not be strengthened by it.” (Daniel 11:10-12)

The balance of power swung back and forth, with the people of the South invading the north in anger, killing thousands and for a time holding power.  The present immigration and attempts to gain power by angry Muslim extremist groups in European countries is very possibly part of this prophecy.

“For the king of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after certain years with a great army and with much riches.  And in those times there shall many stand up against the king of the south: also the robbers of thy people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision; but they shall fall. 

So the king of the north shall come, and cast up a mount, and take the most fenced cities: and the arms of the south shall not withstand, neither his chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to withstand.  But he that cometh against him shall do according to his own will, and none shall stand before him: and he shall stand in the glorious land, which by his hand shall be consumed.” (Daniel 11:13-16)

Ultimately, the north will unite to put an end to the constant fighting by the Southern group,  invading and taking over, some what like the peace keeping efforts of the United Nations.   In the process they will have the support of  many nations that are not directly involved in the conflict.  There will be no one able to stand against the coalition.

“He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him; thus shall he do: and he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her: but she shall not stand on his side, neither be for him. 

After this shall he turn his face unto the isles, and shall take many: but a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease; without his own reproach he shall cause it to turn upon him.” (Daniel 11:17-18)

The northern kingdom or coalition will establish a treaty with Israel, the daughter of women, but it is purely a union of convenience for Israel, freeing them from surrounding enemies.  After signing the treaties, the northern kingdom uses their power to take over some island countries and another large country is able to thwart their empire building.  Any guess as to what country that will be is pure speculation.

“Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land: but he shall stumble and fall, and not be found.

Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.” (Daniel 11:19-20)

Defeated by that power the northern king or coalition returns to their homes but the coalition collapses and ceases to exist.  Another would be leaders claims the his place for a short time, and the only thing he is noted for is raising taxes.  Within just a short time he will be destroyed politically, leaving the door open for the Antichrist to come to full power.

Lacking the perspective of completed history or a special gift for prophecy, I can only share what I understand the scriptures to say and compare it to what I see around us.  I will be watching to see how this prophecy plays out.  Will it be fulfilled in our day?  I don't know.

Circumstances of Daniel’s Final Vision

Daniel 10:1-19

“In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed unto Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, but the time appointed was long: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.” (Daniel 10:1)

This prophecy, the last of Daniel’s recorded prophecies, was received two full years after Cyrus became king, about 537 BC, and about six or eight years after the prophecy in Daniel 9.  The events were and are sure to happen, but they were far in the future and only Daniel understood the vision.  It is probable even he had only a limited understanding.

“In those days I Daniel was mourning three full weeks.  I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.’ (Daniel 10:2-3) 

Daniel started fasting and praying the first month of Cyrus’s third year, about a year after Cyrus gave the order permitting the rebuilding of Jerusalem.  In his late eighties or early nineties, he was unable to accompany the group that went, but he could still spend his time praying for them, mourning that he was unable to go and avoiding things that focused on his personal pleasure.

“And in the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel; Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.” (Daniel 10:4-6)

On the twenty fourth day of the month, Daniel was out near the Hiddekel or Tigris river near it’s junction with the Euphrates.  It was while he was there he saw this final vision, starting with a vision of a man very similar to the vision John had of Christ almost six hundred years later in Revelation 1:13-16.

“And I Daniel alone saw the vision: for the men that were with me saw not the vision; but a great quaking fell upon them, so that they fled to hide themselves.  Therefore I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.  Yet heard I the voice of his words: and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I in a deep sleep on my face, and my face toward the ground.” (Daniel 10:7-9) 

Daniels’s companions heard or saw enough to know something was going on and fled to places of concealment, not seeing the vision itself, somewhat like Saul’s companions at the time of his conversion.  Acts 9:7 tells us, “And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.”  Saul’s companions heard the noise but didn’t see anyone.  Acts 22:9 tells us they saw the light, but couldn’t distinguish what the sounds said.   “And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.”

Daniel was left alone to see the vision, and he became totally aware of his own unrighteousness, much like John describes in Revelation 1:17a. “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead…”  Daniel immediately found himself in deep trancelike state.  This sense of the prophet’s unworthiness on seeing a vision of God is common to almost every such event in the Bible, from Adam hiding himself in the garden, to Abraham in Genesis 17, to Moses in Exodus 34:8 and Isaiah  in Isaiah 6:5.

This leads me to the conclusion that many of those who glory in wonderful visions of God may have in fact have seen Satan instead.  In II Corinthians 11:13-15 Paul warned, “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.  And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.”  A true vision of God never results in pride.

“And, behold, an hand touched me, which set me upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands.  And he said unto me, O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak unto thee, and stand upright: for unto thee am I now sent. And when he had spoken this word unto me, I stood trembling.” (Daniel 10:10-11)

Before giving the vision or it’s explanation, God reassured Daniel that he was not in trouble but that God had a special message for him.  God gave both Isaiah and John similar reassurances.  In Re 1:17-19 John recounts his experience.  “And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.  Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter;”  Even after God’s reassurance Daniel was still shaking.

“Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words.  But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.” (Daniel 10:12-13)

God had heard and answered Daniel’s prayer on the first day and sent the angel Gabriel to deliver his message.  Satan had done his best to stop him, delaying Daniel’s receiving it for twenty one days, until Michael, another of the archangels, came to help him.  Even then it had taken three more days.  

If two of the archangels acting on God’s behalf could be delayed by Satan, it is pretty arrogant for an average Christian to think he can bind Satan by saying a few words.  II Peter 2:10b-11 says, “…Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.  Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.”  Their behavior only demonstrates their spiritual ignorance.

“Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.  And when he had spoken such words unto me, I set my face toward the ground, and I became dumb.” (Daniel 10:14-15)

Though he could delay the message, Satan could not stop it.  The prophecy is to inform Daniel and Israel what is to happen far into the future.  While the rest of the world would be affected, the prophecy was primarily about Israel.  Daniel was speechless learning what God was offering to show him, just staring at the ground.

“And, behold, one like the similitude of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spake, and said unto him that stood before me, O my lord, by the vision my sorrows are turned upon me, and I have retained no strength.  For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, straightway there remained no strength in me, neither is there breath left in me.” (Daniel 10:16-17)

One of the angels touched his lips trying to get him to say something.  Daniel simply didn’t know what to say to the angel or to God when just the knowledge of what God was doing for him had knocked for a loop, literally taking his breath away.

“Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. 

And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.” (Daniel 10:18-19)

One of the angels touched Daniel, encouraging him not to fear what he would see.  Finally Daniel was able to ask them to continue, after receiving their encouragement.

God’s Judgment on Israel

Daniel 9:20-27

“And whiles I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the LORD my God for the holy mountain of my God; Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation.” (Daniel 9:20-21)

Daniel was praying, asking God to forgive Judah and fulfill Jeremiah’s prophecy when God sent him another vision of the angel Gabriel coming to bring more prophecy.

“And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding.  At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.” (Daniel 9:22-23)

Gabriel announced that God had sent him to show Daniel what was to come because He was greatly beloved of God.  In Daniel 1, sixty years before, Daniel had purposed in his heart to serve God and had been unswerving in that commitment.  As a result, he had a tremendous impact on the nation of Babylon, causing the entire nation to hear about God.

John 14:21 declares, “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.” For sixty years Daniel had demonstrated his love for God by his obedience.  Love is a two way street, and God has promised to demonstrate his love in return.

God loves those who do not love him as well as those who do, but he has to show his love in a different way.  Hebrews 12:6  declares, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.”  Disobedient children will always be chastened or punished and corrected because of God’s love.  Judas wanted to know how God would reveal his love to them without showing it to the world the same way.  
 
“Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.” (John 14:22-24) 

Real love will produce obedience to God just as it does to our parents.  Just like a loving parent, God will express his appreciation by a desire to be with and hold child, except that God does it from the inside making his presence felt inside us, and providing the same sense of comfort a physical parents love does to his children.  Disobedience, on the other hand, demonstrates a selfish lack of love and  prevents him from being able to show his love that way, so he only display his love by chastening.  As Hebrews 12:11 points out, chastening is never pleasant, although it is a demonstration of God’s love.

Because of Daniel’s demonstration of his love by obedience, God could show his love by revealing secrets to Daniel others could not receive.  He could share his plans for Israel so Daniel would not be troubled about what was going to happen to Israel.

“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.” (Daniel 9:24) 

Daniel had understood from Jeremiah’s prophecy that their captivity would last seventy years because of their sin.  Nearly sixty years had passed and only a few had really turned to God.  God revealed that there would be a period of seventy sevens or four hundred ninety years that God would work on Israel to bring them to a point of righteousness, finish the prophecies, and anoint the Messiah king.

“Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.” (Daniel 9:25)

The four hundred ninety year period would be broken up into three separate periods’  the first would start when the command was given to rebuild Jerusalem would last seven weeks, or forty nine years.  It would be a period of continuous turmoil, and we find this period described in Ezra, Nehemiah and Esther.  Israel fluctuated between serving god and not serving him throughout the period.

After the death of Nehemiah would be a period of sixty two sevens or four hundred thirty four years.  During the period, Israel would be conquered by the Greeks, and later the Romans.  It was a period of considerable turmoil, with various leaders including the Macabbees trying to set up a Jewish kingdom between the Greek and Roman empires.  Joel, Obadiah and Malachi present our only scriptural record from the period, although a number of Jewish writings have survived.

Christ was to be born at the end of this sixty two week period, and would grow and have a brief ministry.  Daniel gave this prophecy in Babylon, and it was the reason the wise men knew what the star that appeared when Christ was born meant, although it took almost two years to discover it and make the journey.

“And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.  And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” (Daniel 9:26-27)

At the end of his ministry, the Messiah, Christ would be executed, but not for any crime he had committed, and not long after that the Roman Emperor would order the city destroyed, including the temple.  This occurred in 60 AD, and until 1948, the nation of Israel ceased to exist.  

Daniels view was much like looking across a series of mountain ridges.  You can see the peaks, but it is impossible to see what lies between them or even make a good estimate of the distance between them, and especially of the more distant ridges.  We have been in the valley between those peaks since about 60 AD, but the final seven years has yet to happen.

In 1948 the nation of Israel was re-established and Jews started returning to it from around the world. In Ezekiel 37, in the vision of dry bones,  this is pictured as the bones moving together and beginning to grow flesh, but they have not yet come to life, because the nation has not yet turned to God.

When the final seven years of the four hundred ninety starts, the Jews will reestablish the old Jewish worship of God, including the sacrifices.  The world ruler of that day will make a treaty with them, but half way through the final seven years, known as the “time of Jacob’s trouble” or the tribulation, the treaty will be broken, and the last three and a half years will be a time when the Jews are severely persecuted.  At the end of that time, as we saw in Daniel 8, the Lord will set up his kingdom and judge the world.

Although the entire world will be affected by the Tribulation period, it is primarily judgment on the nation of Israel, to make them turn to God and keep the promises they made in Moses‘ day.

Daniel Reads Jeremiah’s Prophecies

Daniel 9:1-19

“In the first year of Darius the son of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, which was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans; In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the LORD came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.” (Daniel 9:1-2)

About six years after his vision in Daniel 8, and shortly after the Medo-Persian forces took over Babylon, Daniel was reading Jeremiah’s prophecy in Jeremiah 25:8-12.  “Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts; Because ye have not heard my words, Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.  

Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the candle.  And this whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years.  And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the king of Babylon, and that nation, saith the LORD, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans, and will make it perpetual desolations.”

The people of Jerusalem would be captives in Babylon for seventy years.  The first group, including Daniel had been taken about 605 BC.  Belshazzar was killed and Darius became king around 550-545 BC, or about sixty years before.  Suddenly Daniel realized that the captivity might end soon.  In fact Cyrus the Great would free the Jews to return and rebuild Jerusalem in 538 BC, less than a year after he conquered Babylon.  Daniel learned that their captivity had been the result of years of disobedience against God.  Please understand that all the dates are only approximations, as there was no universal system of dating at the time, and even their ways or recording years varied from group to group.

“And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: And I prayed unto the LORD my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments; We have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts and from thy judgments: Neither have we hearkened unto thy servants the prophets, which spake in thy name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land. 

O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of faces, as at this day; to the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and unto all Israel, that are near, and that are far off, through all the countries whither thou hast driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against thee. 

O Lord, to us belongeth confusion of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against thee.  To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him; Neither have we obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in his laws, which he set before us by his servants the prophets. 

Yea, all Israel have transgressed thy law, even by departing, that they might not obey thy voice; therefore the curse is poured upon us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God, because we have sinned against him. 

And he hath confirmed his words, which he spake against us, and against our judges that judged us, by bringing upon us a great evil: for under the whole heaven hath not been done as hath been done upon Jerusalem.  As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come upon us: yet made we not our prayer before the LORD our God, that we might turn from our iniquities, and understand thy truth.

Therefore hath the LORD watched upon the evil, and brought it upon us: for the LORD our God is righteous in all his works which he doeth: for we obeyed not his voice.” (Daniel 9:3-14)

As Daniel studied, he realized that God had promised that if they turned their backs on God, he would bring them into captivity, and that because they had done so, God had kept his promise.  They had no one to blame but themselves for their problems.  God had been entirely right in bringing this judgment on them.   Rather than break his promise as many believed he had in fact fulfilled it.  Their belief was the result of a failure to study the entire scripture, picking only the parts they liked.  He began to pray, telling God he now understood why God had allowed these things to happen.

“And now, O Lord our God, that hast brought thy people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and hast gotten thee renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.  O Lord, according to all thy righteousness, I beseech thee, let thine anger and thy fury be turned away from thy city Jerusalem, thy holy mountain: because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and thy people are become a reproach to all that are about us.” (Daniel 9:15-16) 

In his prayer, he acknowledges how God had miraculously given them a land of their own and they had been unappreciative, turning away from him.  He asks that God would forgive them, because he now understood that their sin had brought reproach on Gods reputation.

“Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake.  O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousnesses, but for thy great mercies.  O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God: for thy city and thy people are called by thy name.” (Daniel 9:17-19)

God had invested a great deal into Israel.  Daniel was asking him not to give up on them and cut his losses, but to give them another chance even though they were still not doing what they should.  He was not asking it for benefit to himself, but that God’s reputation for mercy not be sullied because of a wicked group’s disobedience.  To allow Israel to be destroyed would make it appear God had failed to those who didn’t know the whole story.

The Vision Of The Ram And Goat

Daniel 8:1-27

“In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, even unto me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first.” (Daniel 8:1) 

About two years after the prior vision, around 552 BC, Daniel had a second vision.  Once again is shared in his own words.

“And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai. 

Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last. 

 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great. 

And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes.  And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.  And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand. 

Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.  And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land. 

And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.  Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.  And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practiced, and prospered. 

Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?  And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.  
And it came to pass, when I, even I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man.  And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision. 

So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end shall be the vision.  Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright.” (Daniel 8:2-18)

In the vision, Daniel was by the river Ulai in Elam, the region of the border between present day Iraq and Iran.  As in his previous vision, he asked the meanings of what he was seeing, and was answered by other characters within the vision.  In this case, Gabriel, one of the archangels was assigned to explain the meaning.  In the vision. Daniel was aware he was dreaming, but Gabriel set him up and explained it.

“And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.  The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.” (Daniel 8:19-20)

The vision came just about six years before the city was taken by the joint forces of the Medes and Persians.  Initially it would be ruled by Darius the Mede, but  about ten years later would be taken over by the much stronger and longer lasting Persian Empire under Cyrus the Great, the bigger horn, in 539 BC.

“And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.  Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.” (Daniel 8:21-22)

Philip of Macedon had organized the Greek city states, and in 331 BC. His son Alexander the Great conquered the Persian empire.  Later he made Babylon his capital and invaded India, but his generals were concerned about the overextension of his supply lines and persuaded him to withdraw.  When he died of a fever shortly after his return to Babylon, the kingdom was split between four of his generals, becoming four separate small empires including the Phoenicians . The vision then fast forwards more than two thousand years to the time of the end, to events which have not yet occurred in 2014 AD.

“And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.  And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.

And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” (Daniel 8:23-25)

The little horn is to come out of the old Greek Empire, leaving many to speculate that since he also came from the Roman Empire, the antichrist would be from the Mediterranean area.  Unfortunately, most western Historians have focused almost exclusively on western civilization and ignored other areas.  As we saw in the prophecy in Daniel 2, Rome would split into an eastern Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the western or Roman Empire eventually becoming known as the Holy Roman Empire.

The Byzantine Empire would encompass nearly all of the ancient Greek Empire and stretching into Eastern Europe, including Russia.  For a time Constantinople would be the capital of the entire Roman Empire but after splitting it, Rome was restored as capital of the western  empire and Constantinople continued as the Eastern capital.  It is now known as Istanbul, in present day Turkey.

Understanding the Byzantine Empire’s relationship to the Roman Empire gives us a perspective of the prophecy in Ezekiel 38. In Ezekiel 38:2-4, God says, “Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal: And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:”

Today the people of Magog are known as the Magyar of southern Russia and Hungary.  Meshech is an ancient name for Moscow, and Tobolsk is derived from Tubal. Other verses list some of the allies who will accompany this leader in his attack on Israel, and Daniel 11 gives more detail which implies the Antichrist may well come from this region.  In any case, Russia will be deeply involved in the end time events.

Interestingly, the old Byzantine Empire, originally controlled and held together by the Greek or Eastern Orthodox Church has largely been taken over by Islamic groups which are now beginning to gain power in Europe.  Many of those groups are violently anti Christian and anti Israel.  Ezekiel 38:16 promises, “And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land, that the heathen may know me, when I shall be sanctified in thee, O Gog, before their eyes.”

Daniel 8:13-14 is very specific that the time period of the transgression of desolation or judgment on Israel will last two thousand three hundred days, or almost seven years.  Later prophecies will give additional time frames.

“And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told is true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it shall be for many days.” (Daniel 8:26) 

While the vision would surelly come to pass, it would not happen until far into the future, and was to be shut up for the time them present.  Many details are still not clear to us, as they have not happened yet, but those that we do understand give additional reassurance of the power and foreknowledge of God.  We have reason for our hope.  Daniel was overcome by what he had seen, but even with the explanation, the meaning was still a mystery.

“And I Daniel fainted, and was sick certain days; afterward I rose up, and did the king's business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood it.” (Daniel 8:27)

The Vision Of The Four Beasts

Daniel 7:1-28

“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, and told the sum of the matters.” (Daniel 7:1) 

About fifty years after being taken captive, Daniel had a vision.  Over the years he had given a number of prophecies, but a few including this one were obviously for the future, and he recorded them for future generations.  It is described in Daniel’s own words.

“Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea.  And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.

 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. 

And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. 

After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. 

After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns. 

I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. 

I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.  A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 

I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.  As concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. 

I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.  And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. 

I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.  I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.” (Daniel 7:2-16)

 In his dream, Daniel was upset by the sight of the little horn destroying and controlling the others,  the entire beast being destroyed, millions being judged, and a person like the Son of man being given power over all the world.  He asked one of the onlookers in the dream what was going on and what it meant and it was explained to him.

“These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.  But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.” (Daniel 7:17-18)

The four beasts represented four great empires, just as the different materials had done in Nebuchadnezzar’s first dream.  Again it started with the Babylonian Empire, which would end with Belshazzar’s death within about eight years.  It would be replaced by the Persian Empire in 539 BC, which would be far less considerate of other peoples customs and beliefs, focusing more on extracting what they could get as exemplified by the ribs and the command to devour much flesh.

The Greek empire would conquer the Persian Empire about 331 BC, under Alexander the great, eventually splitting into four separate nations under his generals and ultimately being overtaken by the Roman Empire  around 202 BC.  The Roman empire would technically end in 475 AD.

“Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass; which devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows. 

I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 

And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.  And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.” (Daniel 7:19-25) 

The Other Empires started with rulers who wanted to expand their power.  The Roman Empire started as a republic, a democracy with laws to protect the rights of the minorities.  Over time it degenerated into a pure democracy with nothing to limit the power of the majority, who then enslaved those who opposed them.  The majority became increasingly demanding and less willing to do their part, eventually selecting leaders to make all the decisions for them as long as it benefited themselves.

This led to an increasingly violent and tyrannical system with only official Roman citizens considered as having rights and Rome attempting to control everything including people’s beliefs, forcing people to accept Catholicism or be killed.  When the empire collapsed, it split into two main divisions with the catholic church splitting as well to form the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.  The Byzantine and Holy Roman Empires would continue to wield great power for many centuries.  Structurally, the Byzantine Empire was very similar to the Holy Roman Empire, largely held together by Greek Orthodox religion while the Holy Roman Empire was held together by the Roman Catholic religion, the clay of Nebuchadnezzar’s vision.

Ten major world powers will grow out of the remnants of the Holy Roman and Byzantine Empires in the last day, and according to Revelation, will form a world government.  The little horn also arises from among them, destroying three of those world powers to gain control.  Though it arises out of the remnants of the Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches, the government will be opposed to God, although not to religion, with Revelation telling us the leader will be worshiped himself as a god.  The government will try to destroy all who believe in God, both Jews and Christians.

“But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end.  And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.  Hitherto is the end of the matter.” (Daniel 7:26-28a)

Despite the efforts of this little horn, often referred to as Antichrist,  God’s judgment will still occur.  His power will only last three and a half years, contrary to what many have taught.  We will see why in Daniel’s later prophecies.  Even with God’s explanation, Daniel was troubled by the vision.

“As for me Daniel, my cogitations much troubled me, and my countenance changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.” (Daniel 7:28b)

Protected From The Lions

Daniel 6:16-28, II Chronicles 36:22-23

Jealous because Darius was thinking about putting Daniel in charge of running the empire, the other leaders had sought a way to prevent his promotion.  Since they didn’t believe Darius would just  exclude Daniel over some minor matter, they proposed a law that would appear relatively harmless or even desirable, while making some innocuous things Daniel did illegal, lying to Darius about the purpose of the law, somewhat like what frequently happens with our government.  Once the law was passed, they selectively enforced it to have Daniel arrested and executed.

Realizing he had been deceived, and that the law would do more harm than good, Darius did everything in his power to change it, but like the congressmen who voted for the Affordable Health Care Act (Obamacare),  He discovered it was a lot harder to undo than it had been to pass.  Darius was forced to  implement the law even though he found it totally unacceptable.  There was no way of getting it changed in time to prevent the harm.

“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.” (Daniel 6:16) 

Forced to obey the law he had signed, Darius reluctantly ordered Daniel cast into the lion enclosure.  Before having him lowered into the pit, Darius made it clear this had not been his idea and encouraged Daniel that the God who he served every day would deliver him some way.  Obviously, the other leaders were not the only ones who had observed how faithfully Daniel served God.

“And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 

Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of music brought before him: and his sleep went from him.” (Daniel 6:17-18)

Having made the commitment to keep the law, Darius had the entrance to the lion’s enclosure sealed off so there could be no question as to whether Daniel had been rescued.  He was convinced that God was capable and would deliver Daniel, and didn’t want anyone to think he had saved him.  In spite of his belief, Darius couldn’t relax.  Believing God can is not the same as knowing he will.  A sovereign God is not obligated to do what we want. Normally he would have had musicians play to help him relax, but that night he stayed up fasting and praying.

“Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions.  And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?” (Daniel 6:19-20)

Like little boy on Christmas morning, as soon as he reasonably could, Darius rushed to the lions’ den to find out if God had answered his prayers and saved Daniel.  I can only imagine the turmoil he experienced when he asked Daniel if God had protected him from the lions.   Until Daniel spoke there was still considerable uncertainty.

“Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever.  My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt. 

Then was the king exceeding glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God.” (Daniel 6:21-23)

When Daniel responded, telling him that God had sent his angel and made the lions unable to attack because of Daniel’s obedience, the king was overcome with relief, ordering that Daniel be freed as soon as possible.  Because Daniel trusted his God to point of obeying him even when it was against the law, he had suffered no injury from a night surrounded by hungry lions.

“And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.” (Daniel 6:24)

Angry at the deception and abuse of their power, Darius had the ones who had pushed the law cast into the same den of lions where Daniel had spent the night, and he didn’t follow the Jewish law which forbid executing the children for their parent’s sin.  He executed their entire families.  The lions caught the people before their bodies even hit the ground, snatching them out of the air like a cat or dog catching a ball and killing them.  It was quite clear that God had protected Daniel.

“Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.  I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.  He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.” (Daniel 6:25-27) 

Almost seventy years before, Daniel had committed himself to serve God.  Partly due to his influence, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, had made their stand for God as well.  Nebuchadnezzar had turned to the Lord as a result of the former slave’s stand for God, and the entire Babylonian kingdom had heard about God.  When the Babylonian Empire was conquered by the Medo-Persians empire, Darius came to believe in god through Daniel’s testimony, and ordered the entire empire show proper respect for God, citing what he had done for Daniel  

“So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.” (Daniel 6:28)

Taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 BC, Daniel would retain a position of authority from 603 or 604 BC until the Cyrus the Great of Persia took over the Medo-Persian empire and made it just the Persian empire in 539 BC.  During that time he had a great deal of influence in how the Jews were treated in their captivity.  Over eighty years old when Cyrus took over, Daniel seems to have retired from government service but continued to serve God,  making the prophecy of Daniel 10 three years after Cyrus became king.

“Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth hath the LORD God of heaven given me; and he hath charged me to build him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? The LORD his God be with him, and let him go up.” (II Chronicles 36:22-23)

We are told little about Cyrus’s reign other than what Ezra tells us about his sending the Jews to rebuild Jerusalem, but it seems probable that Daniel was instrumental in his decision.  He would reign until 529  BC and be succeeded by his son Cambyses, also known as Ahasuerus in contemporary Jewish and Ethopic writings.  

Darius Promotes Daniel

Daniel 6:1-15

“It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage.  Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” (Daniel 6:1-3)

Darius realized that one man could not keep track of everything that went on in the empire.  He chose a hundred twenty leaders to administer and be responsible  for the various provinces.  Over those princes he placed three executive officers, or presidents to handle specific areas of administration much as a large company might have a vice president in charge of finances and another in charge of labor relations or other areas. While they each work together, they can specialize in their particular areas.  In cases where the best choices for one branch may conflict with those of another, the vice president in charge of finances usually has the final say in what is done.

Because he had such a good and unselfish attitude, Daniel was able to work well with the various people involved and his innate good sense made him an obvious choice for the top position.  Darius thought about making him the chief executive officer, responsible for the operation of the entire empire.  Darius was giving Daniel exactly what Belshazzar had promised him.

“Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him.  Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” (Daniel 6:4-5)

Selfish and ambitious people are always seeking to increase their prestige and power, and while cream naturally rises to the top, they are not content to settle for the natural rise.  Frequently they think it is easier to pull those above them down than to work their way up, and especially if the man they want to replace seems better qualified.  They look for any mistakes or questionable actions to exploit whether related to his job or not.  It is why we have so many negative political campaigns.

The other leaders were afraid that Darius might follow through and place Daniel incharge of the entire empire, and began looking for som mistake or indiscretion they could use to discredit him.  Finally they concluded that any thing they charged him with would have to be related to God‘s law, because his whole life was centered around obeying God.

“Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever.  All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. 

Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not.  Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.” (Daniel 6:6-9)

Knowing that God’s law forbid worshipping any other God, they decided to make it against the law to pray to him, but they were afraid Darius might catch on if they just outlawed praying to God.  To increase the liklihood of his passing the law, they appealed to Darius’ pride.  They proposed a law that every request by any person had to be directed through the king, giving him the final say in every detail of people’s lives and making it clear he was better qualified than they were to make their decisions.  It was the same kind of pride that makes government officials think they are better qualified to decide what a farmer should grow or what kind of house people should build and allows  a man to become a dictator.

Decisions based on our own emotions have no solid basis and seldom turn out good.  Had Darius thought about the law he was signing. He would have realized that technically, every child who needed to go to the bathroom or wanted a cookie had to ask him first.  It would become a real problem to deal with all the requests, but enamored with the belief people would be dependent on him for every decision, he ignored the consequences, just as law makers do today.  Under Medo-Persian law, once a decree had been signed, it could not be changed, making it crucial that all the ramifications of a law be considered before it was signed.

One of the reasons for making it necessary to get both houses of congress and the president all to approve a bill was to minimize the number of laws that were implemented without proper consideration of the consequences, with the Supreme court to check that the proper procedures had been followed.  Darius had no such system in place, and made the decision with no further consideration.  It never occurred to him that they had an ulterior motive in asking for such a law.

“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” (Daniel 6:10)

Although he knew the law had been signed, Daniel made no changes in his service for God.  He didn’t spend a lot of time trying to plan his defense or staging a protest, nor did he make a public show of his prayer to call attention to the law.  He just went on like he always had, following Jesus’ command in Mark 13:11, “But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.”  It is exactly the opposite of the advice handed out by several Christian legal advisors in recent years.

“Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God.  Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? 

The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 

Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.” (Daniel 6:11-13)

With the law approved, the leaders immediately went to Daniel’s house to see if he would comply since the law was designed specifically to get him in trouble.  As soon as they were sure, they went to Darius, accusing Daniel of having no respect for the laws,, or for Darius because he didn’t immediately submit, much like politicians today.

“Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him. 

Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed.” (Daniel 6:14-15)

Realizing the consequences of the law he’d passed, Darius did everything in his power to get it changed, but like congress today found that it was much harder to fix a bad bill than it is to do the job right in the first place.  As has been asked, “if you don’t have time to do it right the first time, when will you ever find the time to do it right later?”    

The Writing On The Wall

II Kings 25:27-30, Daniel 5:1-29

“And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the year that he began to reign did lift up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah out of prison; And he spake kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings that were with him in Babylon; And changed his prison garments: and he did eat bread continually before him all the days of his life.  And his allowance was a continual allowance given him of the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.” (II Kings 25:27-30)

About six years after invading Egypt, Nebuchadnezzar died and his son, Awil -Marduk became king, about 562 BC.  A couple of years later, thirty seven years after the collapse of Jerusalem and Jehoiachin’s captivity, Awil-Marduk, translated here as Evilmerodach, finally freed him, giving him a little prestige and providing a pension for the rest of his life.

Awil-Marduk was assassinated after three years and two other kings reigned for a total of three more years.  The kingdom was then seized by a Syrian warrior prince, Nabu-Na’id, who appointed Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson Belsharusur or Belshazzar as co-regent to rule in Babylon.  The prophecies in Daniel 7and 8 were given during his reign.

“Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand.  Belshazzar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. 

Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them.  They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.” (Daniel 5:1-4)

Belshazzar held a state dinner for over a thousand Babylonian leaders.  In an effort to emphasize his power, he ordered that the feast be served in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, to demonstrate that even God had not been able to stop his grandfather, and to make it clear their gods were greater.

 “In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king's palace: and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote.” (Daniel 5:5)

Even before the dinner was over, part of a man’s hand appeared writing on the wall next to one of the candlesticks so the writing was clearly visible to everyone, and the king saw the fingers doing the writing..

“Then the king's countenance was changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another.  The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spake, and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom. 

Then came in all the king's wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation thereof. 

Then was king Belshazzar greatly troubled, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were astonied.” (Daniel 5:6-9)

Thoroughly shaken by the sight of a disembodied hand inscribing words in the plaster of the palace wall, Belshazzar demanded that the educated and religious men tell him what the writing meant.  None of them were familiar with the style of writing and thus they were unable to tell him what it meant.

“Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house: and the queen spake and said, O king, live for ever: let not thy thoughts trouble thee, nor let thy countenance be changed: There is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; whom the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers; Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and he will show the interpretation.”(Daniel 5:10-12)

The queen mother remembered that some fifty years before, Nebuchadnezzar had dreamed a dream and Daniel had been able to interpret it for him.  As a result Daniel had been made the head of the intellectual society, and had served faithfully over the years, frequently interpreting dreams and sharing prophecies that later turned out to be true.  She knew he was still alive and was sure he would be able to interpret the writing, because the power of God was on him.

“Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry?  I have even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom is found in thee. 

And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not show the interpretation of the thing: And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.” (Daniel 5:13-16) 

Belshazzar was familiar with the stories, and after making sure Daniel was the right man, explained what he wanted, offering Daniel a gold chain as a sign of his prestige and a position similar to that of the secretary of state if he could interpret the dream, not realizing Daniel had little desire for political advancement.

“Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.” (Daniel 5:17)

After fifty years as one of the most influential men in Babylon, another title, and a gold chain didn’t mean very much to Daniel, and especially not when he considered what the writing meant.  He would answer the king’s question with no concern for reward, because his gift was not given for him to profit from.

 “O thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour: And for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew; and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he set up; and whom he would he put down.

But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him: And he was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses: they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointeth over it whomsoever he will. “ (Daniel 5:18-21)

Daniel then reminded Belshazzar of how God had given his grandfather Nebuchadnezzar the kingdom of Babylon and how after a time he had gotten proud and discounted God’s part in his success.  As a result, about twenty five years before, there had been a period when he had been insane and unable to rule, until he recognized God’s power, as described in Daniel 4.

“And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this; But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified: Then was the part of the hand sent from him; and this writing was written.

And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.   This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God hath numbered thy kingdom, and finished it. Da 5:27 TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.  PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” (Daniel 5:22-28)

Belshazzar had known about the events surrounding his grandfather’s insanity, and had ignored the causes, exhibiting the same kind of pride himself.  As a result, he was found unfit to be king and God was going to terminate the kingdom.  It was already divided between himself and Nabu-Na’id, and would be taken over by a joint attack by the Medes and Persians.

“Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.” (Daniel 5:29) 

Impressed by Daniel’s interpretation, Belshazzar kept his promise announcing Daniel’s promotion to the leaders at the dinner, and giving him the gold chain as a symbol of his authority.  Unfortunately the promotion turned out to be meaningless.

“In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain.  And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.” (Daniel 5:30-31)

That very night the Medes and Persians temporarily diverted the river, and used the riverbed to invade the city and kill Belshazzar and the defenders who resisted.  Sixty two year old Darius the Mede became king in Belshazzar’s place.  It was during his reign that the prophecies in Daniel 9 and 11 were written.