I. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg, (M. Div., D. Min.), (Dr. Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).
II. Introduction. Dr. C.I. Scofield (D. D.; 1843-1921) Scofield Study Bible (1909, 1917, 1937, 1945, 1984, 1998, 2002, 2006, Editor, C.I. Scofield, Editorial Revision 1967 Committee Members: Charles L. Feinberg, Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., John F. Walvoord, Th. B., Th. M., Th. D.).
VS 1-4: Belshazzar defiles the temple vessels. VS 5-9 The handwriting on the wall. VS 10-30 Daniel interprets the writing.
III. Overview. Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002) Daniel Commentary.
A. Almost seventy years have passed since the events of chapter 1 of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar himself had died in 562 B.C. Daniel does not record his immediate successors, and extra biblical literature is somewhat confused. A plausible account of Berosus, in his third book, found in a fragment preserved by Josephus summarizes the history between Nebuchadnezzar’s death in 562 B.C. and the fall of Babylon 539 B.C.
B. According to Berosus, Nebuchadnezzar died after a reign of 43 years and was followed by his son Evil-Merodach. Because his rule was arbitrary and licentious, he was assassinated by Neriglisar after he had reigned only two years. The next four years Neriglisar occupied the throne. At his death his son Laborosoarchod, who was only a child, reigned for nine months until a conspiracy resulted in his being beaten to death. The conspirators appointed Nabonidus, one of their number, who reigned for seventeen years before being defeated by Cyrus the Persian. Nabonidus fleeing Babylon went to Borsippa but was forced to surrender to Cyrus. Nabonidus was allowed to live in Carmania until the time of his death, but he was not allowed to come to Babylonia.
C. The account of Berosus preserved by Josephus is supported by other evidence such as the short fragment of Abydenus preserved by Eusebius.
IV. Scripture Text. See below. Link pasted from Bible Gateway.
V. Verse Examination. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D.; 1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible.
A. 5:1 See Walvoord overview.
B. 5:2 “vessels.” See 1:2. “father.” The term, “father,” can simply mean a predecessor on the throne, or in this case it may indicate that Belshazzar’s mother, the wife of Nabonidus, was the daughter of Nebuchadnezzar.
C. 5:4. Belshazzar was evidently trying to boost morale in the face of the Persian armies already outside the walls of Babylon.
D. 5:7. “third ruler.” After Nabonidus and Belshazzar.
E. 5:10. “the queen.”Belshazzar’s mother.
F. 5:22-23: Daniel accused Belshazzar of pride, desecrating the vessels from God’s Temple and idolatry.
G. 5:25. The writing was not in an unknown language, though possibly in an unusual script and perhaps also mixed up as anagram. In any case, the meaning was unknown until Daniel interpreted it.
H. 5:28: “PERES.” the singular of “PHARSIN” (v. 25; “U” means “and.”).
I. 5:30. Though the city had been under a long siege, the Babylonians thought they were secure, having stored 20 years of supplies, and having the Euphrates River flowing through the city. The night of the banquet the enemy had diverted the water of the Euphrates by means of a canal linked to a lake, which enabled the soldiers to enter under the gates. Both Herodotus and Xenophon describe this. The date was Oct 12, 539 B.C.
J. 5:31. “Darius.” His identity is uncertain. He may have been Gubaru, a governor under Cyrus the king of Persia or Darius may be another name of Cyrus, himself; or he may have been Cambyses, son of Cyrus, who served as ruler of Babylon.
VI. Summary. Dr. Orville J. Nave, Nave’s Study Bible, 1978 (D.D., LL. D., 1841-1917). Orville J. Nave (Editor). Anna Seamans Nave (Editor).
In this chapter of Daniel we have considered: 1 Belshazzar’s feast. 5 The handwriting on the wall. 8 The king’s wise men were unable to interpret the writing. 10 Daniel is sent for. 17 He reproves the king, 25 and interprets the writing. 30 The kingdom is transferred to the Medes.
VII. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.
I. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg, (M. Div., D. Min.), (Dr. Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).
II. Introduction. Dr. C.I. Scofield (D. D.; 1843-1921) Scofield Study Bible (1909, 1917, 1937, 1945, 1984, 1998, 2002, 2006, Editor, C.I. Scofield, Editorial Revision 1967 Committee Members: Charles L. Feinberg, Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., John F. Walvoord, Th. B., Th. M., Th. D.).
VS 1-3 The King’s proclamation to all nations. VS 4-18 Nebuchadnezzar’s vision of a great tree. VS 19-27 Daniel interprets the dream. VS 28-37 The dream fulfilled; the king’s restoration.
III. Overview. Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002) Daniel Commentary.
This chapter which occupies such a large portion of the book of Daniel is more than a profound story of how God can bring a proud man low. Undoubtedly, it is the climax of Nebuchadnezzar’s spiritual biography which began with his recognition of the excellence of Daniel and his companions, continued with the interpretation of the dream of the image in chapter 2, and was advanced further by his experience with Daniel’s three companions.
In the background of this account is the obvious concern of Daniel the prophet for the man whom he had served for so many years. Daniel, a man of prayer, undoubtedly prayed for Nebuchadnezzar and eagerly sought some evidence of God’s working in his heart. While the experience of Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 4 was not what Daniel had anticipated, the outcome must have approximated Daniel’s fondest hope. IV. Scripture Text. See below. Link pasted from Bible Gateway.
V. Verse Examination. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D.; 1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible.
A. 4:1 This chapter is a public decree or state paper of Nebuchadnezzar.
B. 4:6 Notice that these wise men were still in the king’s employ, though they had miserably failed him before.
C. 4:8 Daniel did not appear immediately, perhaps of his own choosing, or perhaps Nebuchadnezzar did not summon him for fear that Daniel might tell him something that he did not want to hear. “in whom is a spirit of the holy gods.” The king may only be acknowledging his own gods’ supposed work in Daniel life, or (since gods may be properly translated by the singular, God) it may indicate his recognition of the true God or Israel.
D. 4:13 “an angelic watcher, or a holy one.” I.e., an angel (see vv 17 and 23).
E. 4:15 “a hand of iron and bronze.” Either foe restrains (as for a madman) or for preservation to prevent the stump’s being dug up.
F. 4:16 “seven periods of time.” Seven years because of the length to which his hair grew (v 33).
G. 4:19 “Daniel … was appalled.” Not because the dream was unintelligible to him but because of the reluctance to announce God’s judgment to the king, whom he apparently had grown to love.
H. 4:27 After interpreting the dream, Daniel counseled the king to abandon his despotic ways and acknowledge the rule of God.
I. 4:29 “the royal palace.” Nebuchadnezzar was admiring the great city he had helped build, possibly from the top terrace of his famous “Hanging Gardens.”
J. 4:33 “like cattle.” The king’s illness was boanthropy (imagining himself to be an animal and acting accordingly), a condition that has been observed in modern times. Probably the king was kept in one of the royal parks during his insanity.
K. 4:34-37 The king acknowledged God’s absolute sovereignty, and his kingdom was restored to him.
VI. Summary. Dr. Orville J. Nave, Nave’s Study Bible, 1978 (D.D., LL. D., 1841-1917). Orville J. Nave (Editor). Anna Seamans Nave (Editor).
In this second chapter of Daniel we have considered: 1 Nebuchadnezzar proclaims God’s dominion. 4 His dream, which the magicians could not interpret. 8 Its recital to Daniel, 19 and his interpretation thereof. 28 The fulfillment of the dream.
VII. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.
What does the Book of Daniel tell us about the Revived Roman Empire?
NEW WEBSITE – THY KINGDOM COME – SEE THE LINK AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE – PLEASE FOLLOW THE NEW SITE.
I. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg, (M. Div., D. Min.), (Dr. Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).
II. Introduction. Dr. C.I. Scofield (D. D.; 1843-1921) Scofield Study Bible (1909, 1917, 1937, 1945, 1984, 1998, 2002, 2006, Editor, C.I. Scofield, Editorial Revision 1967 Committee Members: Charles L. Feinberg, Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., John F. Walvoord, Th. B., Th. M., Th. D.).
VS 1-7: Nebuchadnezzar’s pride: the image of gold. VS 8-18: Daniel’s three companions refuse to worship the image. VS 19-25: Daniel’s companions protected in the fiery furnace. VS 26-28: Nebuchadnezzar recognizes the deliverance to be of God. VS 29-30: Nebuchadnezzar’s decree and the promotion of the three Hebrew young men.
III. Overview. Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002) Daniel Commentary.
The account of the golden image which was erected on the plain of Dura records Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction to the revelation of chapter 2 in which he was symbolized by the head of gold. The astounding courage and deliverance of Daniel’s companions, who refused to worship the image, has inspired the people of God in similar times of trial. The chapter as a whole, however, is often regarded as merely providing historical insight into the characteristics of this period. Works devoted to study of the prophecies of Daniel often omit consideration of chapter 3 entirely as do S. P. Tregelles and Robert D. Culver. Others, such as Geoffrey R. King, interpret the chapter as not only history but parable and prophecy. The introduction of the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar in chapter 3 immediately following Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the great image depicting Gentile times, even if its parabolic implications are ignored, obviously is intended to convey not only spiritual truth in general, but characteristics of the times of the Gentiles. Its study, accordingly, not only provides spiritual insights but contributes to the overall presentation of prophecy in Daniel.
3:1: “an image of gold.” Probably the image was in human form (though not necessarily an image of Nebuchadnezzar) overlaid with gold, rather than with solid gold (Isa. 40:19). It was 90 x 9 ft (27×2.7 m), probably including a pedestal. 3:2: “satraps.” Leaders of the various provinces. 3:5: “horn.” A wind instrument. “trigon.” A triangular instrument with four strings that played high notes. “psaltery.” Another triangular instrument whose strings were beneath the sounding board. 3:6: The command to “worship” shows that this act had not only a political significance but a religious one as well, requiring the recognition of Nebuchadnezzar’ gods (v. 12). 3:12: “they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image.” Strictly forbidden by the law (Ex. 20:3-5). 3:17-18: They do not make any conditions with God; deliverance or martyrdom were equally possible in His plan. 3:25: The fourth form Nebuchadnezzar saw in the furnace was like a divine being. It may have been an angel or possibly a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, though the king would not have known who He was. But, Nebuchadnezzar realized that this being was mightier than his gods, who would never have delivered men. 3:27-30: There can be no natural explanation for such complete deliverance (cf. v. 22). Their faith brought deliverance, protection, reward, and glory to God (cf. 1 Peter 4:14).
Daniel 3:6. But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire.”
The penalty for refusing to bow down and worship the image was incineration in what was apparently an industrial-sized oven used for smelting metals and baking bricks. This is punishment that Nebuchadnezzar had elsewhere used for two Judean false prophets, Zedekiah and Ahab (Jer 29:22). The code of Hammurabi (section 25, 110, and 157 ) indicates that this may have been a common Babylonian means of execution.
C. Dr. Charles H. Dyer (Th.M., Ph. D.) The Moody Bible Commentary.
Jeremiah 29:22. Because of them a curse will be used by all the exiles from Judah who are in Babylon, saying, “May the Lord make you like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire, Jeremiah singled out two of the false prophets in Babylon, “Ahab the son of Koliah,” and “Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah” who were “prophesying”….falsely and committing “adultery with their neighbors’ wives.” The Lord would judge them by delivering “them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.” For rebellion against Babylon, they would be publicly executed, “roasted in the fire,” a form of execution often used in Babylon (cf. Dn 3:6, 11, 15, 17, 19-23). Their death by fire would give rise to a “curse” the captives would use. These false prophets had said Nebuchadnezzar would not capture the city; when Babylon captured Jerusalem they were among the first to die for their insolence against mighty Babylon.
VI. Summary. Dr. Orville J. Nave, Nave’s Study Bible, 1978 (D.D., LL. D., 1841-1917). Orville J. Nave (Editor). Anna Seamans Nave (Editor).
In this third chapter of Daniel we have considered: 1-3 Nebuchadnezzar dedicates a golden image, 4-12 and commands all to worship it. 13-18 Their declaration before the king. 19-23 They are cast into the fiery furnace. 24-25 Their miraculous preservation. 26-30 The king thereupon acknowledges the God of Israel.
VII. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed a bill into law that will legalize abortions up to birth, even though he claims to be a practicing Catholic.
As LifeNews reported, the bill will legalize abortions up to birth and allowing non-doctors to kill babies in abortions. The legislation guarantees “the fundamental right of reproductive autonomy,” even though women already have reproductive autonomy and choice prior to the decision to end a baby’s life in an abortion as reproduction has already taken place.
The radical measure also could lead to forcing New Jersey residents to fund abortions with their tax dollars. If the state Department of Banking and Insurance deems abortion funding necessary, then state residents could be compelled to pay for killing unborn children in abortions with their tax funds.
The bill also allows “all qualified health care professionals,” to conduct abortions. Although abortion advocates have said for decades that abortions should be “between a woman and her doctor,” the legislation now allows non-doctors to do abortions — putting the life and heath of women at risk.
Earlier this week, Murphy said he will sign the bill this week, calling the need for killing more babies in abortions “more urgent than ever.”
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Marie Tasy, the director of New Jersey Right to Life, told LifeNews this is a “shameful legacy” for a supposedly Catholic governor to leave.
“By signing a bill that enshrines abortion into law with no gestational limits, Governor Murphy signed the death warrant for thousands of innocent children. The heavy handed abuse of the legislative process and backroom deals that were employed to get this bill passed display arrogance, disrespect for the public, and will carry a shameful legacy for this Governor and the politicians that sponsored and voted for this egregious bill,” she said.
The state’s Catholic bishops are also critical. They expressed “profound disappointment and deep concern” about the legislation.
“We have failed as a society when a response to any pregnancy is fear rather than joy,” the seven New Jersey prelates said in a joint statement. “Sadly, too often this fear is born out of the mother’s uncertainty that she will not be able to provide for herself and her child the resources necessary to live a flourishing life.”
“We must do better,” the statement continued. “Therefore, we urge all Catholics and people of good will to actively participate in breaking down the economic, employment, social, racial, and emotional barriers that lead mothers into thinking abortion is a better option than life.”
The seven bishops of New Jersey are Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, Bishop Kevin Sweeney of Paterson, Bishop David O’Connell of Trenton, Bishop James Checchio of Metuchen, Bishop Dennis Sullivan of Camden, Bishop Kurt Burnette of the Eparchy of Passaic, and Bishop Yousif Habash of Our Lady of Deliverance of Syriac Catholic Diocese.
The prelates charge that the New Jersey lawmakers who voted for the bill “rushed through this Act in the waning moments of their terms” because they “did not want citizens to understand fully its inhuman and lethal consequences.”
They also re-emphasized the Church’s commitment to helping pregnant women.
“The Catholic Church is committed to broadening and increasing awareness about the abundant resources and programs we offer that include life-affirming health and prenatal care, emotional support, assistance in bearing and raising her child, and basic needs such as housing, food, and clothing to pregnant mothers seeking or considering alternatives to abortion,” the bishops’ said.
ACTION ALERT: Send your complaints to Governor Murphy by going here.
New Jersey governor Phil Murphy defines himself as a person who “grew up in a family that was middle class on a good day.” According to his website, he was “the youngest of four children with only one parent who graduated high school. His upbringing—where religion, a strong work ethic, education, and civic awareness were pillars of family life—shaped his values, his priorities, and the leader he is today.”
The governor does not state in his biographical data that he is Catholic, but according to him his parents were “strict Roman Catholics and big fans of politics.”
So we did a little digging to discover whether or not Catholic principles affected this man in any way given the fact that he is a strong, public supporter of assisted suicide and Planned Parenthood, among other things. Lo and behold, Murphy claimed his Catholic identity in a tribute he and his wife wrote upon the death of Monsignor Philip Lowery, who was a pastor, a mentor, and head of chaplains for the New Jersey State Police.
So yes, even as a professed Catholic, Murphy seems to have separated himself from the teachings of the Catholic Church. This is tragic for his soul, sends a false message to the people of New Jersey, and must not go unnoticed by the bishops of the state whose flock depends on them for leadership in times such as this.
It called on the Catholic leaders in New Jersey to deny him communion.
“We prayerfully call upon the bishops of New Jersey to enforce Canon 915. We respectfully ask them to join together in a statement advising Governor Murphy that, if he does currently receive the body and blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, he may no longer receive Him until such time as he repents of his public support for the killing of the innocent and the vulnerable,” ALL said.
Murphy has been rebuked before by a Catholic bishop, when he signed a bill legalizing assisted suicide.
Bishop James Checchio of New Jersey’s Diocese of Metuchen was quick to condemn the governor’s action. Checchio described the new law as part of a “dangerous and frightening trend” and “a brazen attack against the sanctity of human life.”
Speaking before the vote, Marie Tasy, executive director of New Jersey Right to Life, asked why lawmakers want to expand abortions when New Jersey already has the highest abortion rate in the U.S., according to the report.
“Why do we want to have more?” Tasy asked, pointing to the nearly 50,000 abortions that occur in the state every year. This is a “really radical bill,” she said.
According to New Jersey Right to Life, the original bill would invalidate all current and future laws that restrict abortions and allow nurse practitioners and midwives to abort unborn babies. The pro-life organization warned that the legislation also would get rid of the 1974 state conscience clause that protects pro-life medical workers from being forced to help abort unborn babies.
New Jersey Right to Life pointed to a recent USA Today editorial by the governor and Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver in which they admit the bill “expressly allows late term abortions” and keeps parents from being informed if their underage daughter has an abortion.
“They don’t care that the people of NJ don’t support such an extreme edict!” the pro-life organization responded.
According to NJ Advance Media, several Republicans tried to amend the bill in committee to include parental consent for minors but Democrats blocked the action.
It’s “a human trafficker’s best friend. Sex slaves get pregnant. Human traffickers have to pay for the abortions as a result. But this legislation will require all New Jersey taxpayers to pay for the abortions of sex trafficking victims,” said the Rev. Gregory Quinlan of Center for Garden State Families, last year.
I. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg, (M. Div., D. Min.), (Dr. Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).
II. Introduction. Dr. C.I. Scofield (D. D.; 1843-1921) Scofield Study Bible (1909, 1917, 1937, 1945, 1984, 1998, 2002, 2006, Editor, C.I. Scofield, Editorial Revision 1967 Committee Members: Charles L. Feinberg, Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., John F. Walvoord, Th. B., Th. M., Th. D.).
“Nebuchadnezzar’s Vision of the Statue.” VS 1-13: The forgotten dream. VS 14-18: Daniel requests time; seeks mercy from God. VS 19-30: The mystery revealed to Daniel. VS 31-35: The dream: the great image. VS 36-38: The interpretation: first world empire, Babylon under Nebuchadnezzar (cp. 7:4). VS 39: Second and this world empires: Medo-Persia (cp. 7:5: 8:20) and Greece (cp. 7:6; 8:21). VS 40-43: Fourth world empire: Rome (cp. 7:7; 9:26). VS 44-45: Christ’s kingdom to be established on earth (see Mt. 3:2 note). VS 46-49: Daniel promoted.
III. Overview. Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002) Daniel Commentary.
Beginning with the second chapter of Daniel, the grand outline of the program of God for the period of Gentile supremacy and chastisement of Israel is presented for the first time. Tregelles, in his introduction to chapter 2 of Daniel, observes, “The book of Daniel is that part of Scripture which especially treats of the power of the world during the time of its committal into the hands of the Gentiles, whilst the ancient people of God, the children of Israel, are under chastisement on account of their sin.
V. Verse Examination. Daniel 2:1-49. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D.; 1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible).
2:2: “magicians.” Textual scribes of the religious ritual. “conjurers.” Enchanters. “sorcerers.” Those who deal in magic potions ; also enchanters. “Chaldeans.” Not all the Babylonians (as in 1:4) but a class of wise men priests.
2:4: “Aramaic” was the common language of the Assyrian Empire, and was used in both the neo-Babylonian and Persian empires as a diplomatic and commercial language. It is used appropriately in the Gentile-related portion of the book (2:4-7:28).
2:5: “The command from me is firm,” or the thing is gone, or the dream is certain to me. It is uncertain whether or not the king had forgotten the dream. If not, he was putting the wise men to the ultimate test, asking them to recall the past in order to give credence to their predictions about the future.
2:10-11: In effect, the wise men admitted that their previous interpretations were inaccurate and deceptive.
2:14-15: Apparently Daniel, keeping himself untainted by the heathen magic, had not gone to the king with the Babylonian wise men.
2:18: “mystery.” Something unknown (the dream and its interpretation in this instance) but later revealed and containing higher or deeper information. See note on Eph 3:3.2:27-30: Daniel disclaimed any natural or magical ability but credited the Lord with the revelation of the dream.
2:35: “the stone…filled the whole earth.” To refer this to the first coming of Christ and the victory of the gospel in the whole world is contrary to such verses as Matt:13:24-30, 36-43 and 2 Tim 3:1-13. It is a reference to the future millennial kingdom of Christ.
2:37-38: ‘The gold head of the image (v. 32) is interpreted as representing Babylon.
2:39: “The “beast and … arms of silver” v. 32) represented the kingdom that followed Babylon, i.e., the kingdom of the Medes and Persians (538-333 B.C.). The “belly and … thighs of bronze” (v. 32) stood for Greece (333-63 B.C.; cf. 8:20-21).
2:40: The “fourth kingdom (legs and feet, v. 33) was Rome.
2:41: “divided.” Better, composite, for it was composed of strong peoples (iron) and weak ones (clay).
2:42: “the toes.” Explained in verse 44 as 10 kings (or kingdoms) that will exist concurrently at the time God sets up His kingdom at the second coming of Christ (7:24). The present age of the church is omitted in the vision (not an unusual phenomenon; cf. Isa. 6:1-2).
2:44: This does not refer to the first coming of Christ (which would make the kingdom = the church), since Christ did not destroy the Roman Empire at His first coming, nor were there 10 kings ruling at the same time.
2:49: “the king’s court.” The royal offices, the chancellery.
VI. Summary. Dr. Orville J. Nave, Nave’s Study Bible, 1978 (D.D., LL. D., 1841-1917). Orville J. Nave (Editor). Anna Seamans Nave (Editor).
In this second chapter of Daniel we have considered:
VS 1-9: Nebuchadnezzar, forgetting his dream, requires his wise men to show it. VS 10-13: They (wise men) being unable are condemned to die. VS 14-18: Daniel obtains some respite. VS 19: The dream is revealed to him (Daniel).VS 20-23: His (Daniel’s) thanksgiving. VS 24-30: He (Daniel) is brought before the king. VS 31-35: The dream. VS 36:-45: Its (the dream’s) interpretation. VS 46-49: Daniel’s promotion.
VII. Parting Thought.
A. Daniel’s prophecy is of the world empires that will face Israel from the time of his prophecy, until the time of the revived Roman Empire which will be present during the Tribulation (Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome, and Final World Empire). In the following information, Dr.John Walvoord shows the preceding world empires that affected Israel, prior to the time of the Babylonian Empire’s overthrow of Israel.
B. Dr. John Walvoord’s Chart of World Empires Of The Bible In The History Of Israel (Every Prophecy Of The Bible).
1. Egypt: Gen 46 – Deu 34. Jacob and Family in Egypt until Exodus.
2. Assyria: 722 B.C. – 605 B.C. 10 Tribes of Israel in Captivity.
4. Medo-Persia: 539 B.C. – 331 B.C. Captives of Israel Return 536 B.C.
5. Greece: 321 B.C. – 63 B.C. Israel under Control of Syria.
6. Rome: 63 B.C. – A.D. 70. Israel under Rome. Jerusalem Destroyed A.D. 70. Decline of Rome in Church Age. Rome to Be Revived after the Rapture.
7. Millennial Kingdom Final World Empire.
Re: Daniel 2:44-45, The Millennial Kingdom, The Final World Empire, see the following comments from Walvoord’s Daniel Commentary.
The crux of the interpretation of the entire symbolic vision is found in the prediction of a kingdom which the God of heaven will set up. According to verse 44, this is a kingdom which will never be destroyed, will never be left to other people, shall destroy and break in pieces the preceding kingdom, and will stand forever. The kingdom which shall not be destroyed is indeed the kingdom of God…, the kingdom of God which is here mentioned is that which was introduced by Christ at His first coming….. There is certainly no evidence, nineteen hundred years after Christ, that the kingdom of God has conquered the entire world. Not only is there no scriptural evidence whatever that the first coming of Christ caused the downfall of Gentile world power, which is still very much with us today, but express prophecies relating to the second advent of Christ, picture just such a devastating defeat of Gentile power….Revelation 19:11-21 is a picture of the second coming of Christ, is expressly the time when Jesus Christ assumes command as King of kings and Lord of lords. It is declared that at that time “He should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron” (Rev 19:15).
C. Dr. John Walvoord’s Eschatological Works.
1. John Flipse Walvoord (1910–2002) was a renowned American theologian, pastor, teacher, and author. In 1928 Walvoord entered Wheaton College, majoring in Greek and minoring in Latin. With additional course work one summer at the University of Colorado, he was able to complete his undergraduate degree in 1931 with honors. Upon entering the Evangelical Theological College (today, Dallas Theological Seminary), Walvoord pursued a regular curriculum of seminary studies, graduating with both a ThB and a ThM degree in 1934. By 1936 he completed a ThD degree.
2. Along with the presidency of Dallas Theological Seminary, Walvoord was editor of Bibliotheca Sacra for 33 years and contributed a total of 127 articles between 1937 and 1990. Furthermore, he authored 30 books including, The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook available in Libronix. He is also the editor of several works such as The Bible Knowledge Commentary and Systematic Theology, and served on the committee that produced the New Scofield Reference Bible.
D. Daniel 2:44: Scofield Study Bible note: This passage fixes, in relation to other predicted events, the time when the millennial kingdom will be established. It will be “in the days of those kings,” that is the days of the ten kings (compare 7:24-27) symbolized by the image of the image. The ten kings did not exist at the advent of Messiah, nor was the federation even possible until the dissolution of the Roman Empire and the rise of the present nationalistic world system.
E. Daniel 2:44-45: The method by which the millennial kingdom will be established is repeated from vv. 34-35, that is the Striking Stone will crush the statue that represents the world powers that are hostile to God (Ps. 2:1-6, “Christ the Coming King;” Zech 14:1-9,”The Lord’s triumphant return to earth to bring deliverance; The kingdom set up on earth”.)
F. The Ryrie Study Bible shows the context of Zech 14 as, “The Lord’s second coming to Jerusalem. The prophecy is Messianic and relates to Israel. This takes place at the end of the Tribulation when Israel believes it will be decimated, and calls on Messiah (Jesus), in faith, to save them, Zech 12:10 (Ryrie note: At the second coming of Christ, Israel will recognize Jesus as her Messiah, acknowledging with deep contrition that He was the One whom their forefathers pierced (John 19:37). Prophecy is being fulfilled from Matt 23:39, “for I say to you, from now on you will not see Me until you say, “Blessed is He who comes in the Name of the Lord,” (Re: Psalm 118:26). Gentiles who will be left behind from the Rapture (1 Thes 4:13-18) will also witness the events of the Tribulation and Second Coming of Christ, which will initiate the Kingdom Age (Matt 3:2, “the Kingdom is at hand.” The kingdom was near, “but not here,” which was based on Israel accepting God’s choice of her king, with “Jesus” being God’s choice (Deu 17:15); but Israel did not accept Jesus as their King at that time, nor since then.
G. The kingdom will not come (Matt 6:10) until at the end of the Tribulation. The Matt 23:39 prophecy was spoken by Jesus to Jews (Matt 23:29), with the meaning of “Jew,” being Israel, which is the blood line of “Jacob, Israel” (Gen 28:13-14; 35:9-12). The words that Jesus spoke in Matt 23:39 were to Jews, and not to “the church,” or to any Gentiles, and related only to “Jews, Israel.” The words that God spoke to the Jewish prophets of the Old Testament were spoken to Jews, about the nation of Israel, and were to be fulfilled in Jews, and not in the Church or in any Gentiles. The Church will not be present during the Tribulation; un-raptured Gentiles and Jews will be present. Only un-raptured Gentiles and Jews will see the fulfillment of Matt 24:29-30, when “the whole world” will see the return of Christ to earth to set up His earthly kingdom (Zech 14:1-5, 9). It is important to remember that “salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22), and comes only through Jesus (John 14:6).
H. In the closing video we see Paul Wilbur leading the singing of the fulfillment of the prophecy of Matt 23:39, which is about believing Jews calling on the Name of Jesus (Zech 12:10).
VIII. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.
What can the book of Daniel tell us about God’s plan for our future?
I. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg, (M. Div., D. Min.), (Dr. Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).
II. Introduction. Dr. C.I. Scofield (D. D.; 1843-1921) Scofield Study Bible (1909, 1917, 1937, 1945, 1984, 1998, 2002, 2006, Editor, C.I. Scofield, Editorial Revision 1967 Committee Members: Charles L. Feinberg, Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., John F. Walvoord, Th. B., Th. M., Th. D.).
Daniel’s Early Life in the Babylonian Court. vs 1-7, Daniel in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar. vs 8-21, Daniel’s resolve.
III. Overview. Consider the points of focus that are provided by highly respected theologians of this first chapter of Daniel.
A. Dr. Stephen R. Miller (Th. D.; Ph. D). The New American Commentary, Daniel. The first chapter of the book serves primarily as an introduction; it sets the scene for the other stories and the visions (chs. 7-12) that make up the rest of the book. Here, the reader is furnished information concerning Daniel’s identity, his circumstances, his character, and how he rose to his position of responsibility in Babylon.
B. Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002). Daniel Commentary. The first chapter of Daniel is a beautifully written, moving story of the early days of Daniel and his companions in Babylon. In brief and condensed form, it records the historical setting for the entire book. Moreover, it sets the tone as essentially the history of Daniel and his experiences in contrast to the prophetic approach of the other major prophets, who were divine spokesmen to Israel. In spite of being properly classified as a prophet, Daniel was in the main a governmental servant and a faithful historian of God’s dealings with him.
C. Dr. James A. Borland, (M Div., Th. M., Th. D. Th. D.) Liberty Commentary Bible. DANIEL’S REMOVAL TO BABYLON BY NEBUCHADNEZZAR. 1. The subjugation of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, vs 1-2. 2. The test of Daniel’s character, vs 3-7. 3. The determination of Daniel to be true to his God, vs 8-13. 4. The faithfulness of God to His obedient children, vs 14-21.
IV. Scripture Text. Daniel 1 (NASB 1995). Link pasted from Bible Gateway.
Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., Litt. D., 1925-2016). Ryrie Study Bible. 1:1 “in the third year.” 605. B.C. 1:2. The captivity came because of Israel’s idolatry and failure to keep the sabbatical year for the land. “the vessels of the house of God.” Taken as a prize and as proof of Nebuchadnezzar’s gods. “Shinar.” Babylonia. 1:3 “officials.” Lit., eunuchs. The word does mean those who were castrated; it also stood for officials in general. It is uncertain whether Daniel and his friends were emasculated. 1:4. “literature and language.” Various subjects such as agriculture, astrology, astronomy, mathematics, and the Akkadian language. 1:5 The accession year of Nebuchadnezzar was the first year of the youths’ training; the first full year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign was the second year of training; the second year of his reign was the third year of training. 1:7 In order to make these young men more Babylonian, their names were changed. In each case, the Hebrew name contains a name of the true God (either “el” or “iah,” and abbreviation for Yahweh), and the Babylonian name contains the name of a heathen god. 1:8 “he would not defile himself.” By eating meat that doubtless had not been slain in accordance with the Mosaic Law and that, along with the “wine,” had been offered to a pagan God (cf. Ex. 34:15). 1:17 Only God, not human wisdom, can instruct how to interpret “visions” and “dreams” accurately. 1:21 “continued.” Daniel, who was among the first captives taken, lived to see the official end of the Exile in the “first year of Cyrus king of Persia” (Ezra 1:1). Daniel did not die then but lived a few years longer (10:1).
VI. Summary.
Dr. Orville J. Nave, Nave’s Study Bible, 1978 (D.D., LL. D., 1841-1917). Orville J. Nave (Editor). Anna Seamans Nave (Editor).
1. Jehoiakim’s captivity. 3. Daniel and three others selected to be taught the learning of the Chaldeans. 8. They refuse to eat the king’s meat. 17. Their great attainments in wisdom.
VII. Parting Thought.
A. In the Book of Daniel, we learn of the faithfulness of Daniel to God. As children in Sunday School, we learned about Daniel in the fiery furnace (Dan 3) and Daniel in the Lion’s den (Dan 6). But, there is much of the Book of Daniel that is not taught to maturing Christians. Daniel, being a Jew, was given by God, prophecy that related to Israel, such as God’s people Israel in the Times of the Gentiles (Daniel 8:1-12:13). During the times of the Gentiles, there is not a Jewish king of Israel. During the times of the Gentiles, Israel will come under great oppression from the Antichrist during the Tribulation (Dan 9:24-27). Matthew 24:4-31, Mark 13:1-37, Luke 21:5-36, Revelation 6:-19, and Zechariah 12:1-14:21) also describe Israel coming under oppression during the Tribulation by the Antichrist, Satan, and the unbelieving world that is left behind from the rapture. God gave prophecies to other Jews about God and Israel, such as: the dispersion of Israel, the overthrow of Jerusalem by Babylon, the Tribulation and the Kingdom Age. The Jewish prophecies were spoken by God to Jewish prophets, which were then made known to the Jews of Israel. Due to the proximity of Gentiles to the fulfillment of the Jewish prophecies, such prophecies have affected Gentiles, and will affect Gentiles. In the Church age, God gave a prophetic ministry, “to some,” that is described in Ephesians 4:11-12. The church age prophets’ ministry is to be, “equipping the saints for the works of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ.” The ministries of Jewish and church age prophets are clearly defined in Scripture.
B. God’s relationship with Israel is clearly stated in Deuteronomy 14:2:
“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for His own possession out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.”
C. The longevity of God’s relationship with Israel is unending, per Jeremiah 31:35-36:
35 Thus says the Lord, Who gives the sun for light by day And the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, Who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar; The Lord of hosts is His name: 36 “If this fixed order departs From before Me,” declares the Lord, “Then the offspring of Israel also will cease From being a nation before Me forever.”
D. The provisions for Israel, and only Israel, are stated in Psalm 147:19-20:
19 He declares His words to Jacob, His statutes and His ordinances to Israel. 20 He has not dealt thus with any nation; And as for His ordinances, they have not known them. Praise the Lord!
E. The point of focus, as it relates to Israel being identified as the recipient of God’s prophecies, are shown for each of the following Jewish prophets (and other Jewish prophets) to be spoken to Jews:
1. Isaiah 1:1, “The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz concerning Judah and Jerusalem, which he saw during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.” Isaiah 2:1, “The word which Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem., “
2. Jeremiah 2:1-2, “Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 2 “Go and proclaim in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord,…”
3. Ezekiel 2:3, “Then He said to me, “Son of man, I am sending you to the sons of Israel, to a rebellious people who have rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me to this very day.”
4. Daniel 9:20: “Now while 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 in behalf of the holy mountain of my God,”
F. Believers in Christ are clearly identified as “The Church,” per the following verses:
1. Col 1:24, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church,”
2. 1 Cor 12:27, “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”
3. Eph 5:23, “For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church, He Himself being the Savior of the body.”
G. Israel is Israel, and the church is the church. Israel is mentioned in both the old and new testaments.
1. Acts 2:36, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified.”
2. Philippians 3:5, “circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee;”
H. The church was not mentioned in the Old Testament, due to its being a “mystery,” which means that it was not known until it was revealed by God.
Ephesians 5:32, “This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.” [Mystery” refers to some aspect of God’s plan that was previously hidden, but which now, in the gospel, has been made known (Moody Study Bible).] My note: “mystery,” as noted in the Bible is not like a “murder mystery, which is meant to be confusing;” but is informaiton that had not been disclosed, until God determined to make such information clearly known.
VIII. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.
Eternity 