The Seventieth Seven (Daniel 9:27)

I. Video. 

A. Video Title. What does Daniel 9:27 tell us about when the Messiah would come?

B. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Drs. John Ankerberg (M. Div., D. Min). Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).).

II. Introduction. The  Seventieth Seven. Dr. John F. Walvoord (A.B., M.A., Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., D.D., Litt. D., 1910-2002)

A. Daniel 9:27 (NASB). “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.”

B. It may be concluded that Daniel’s great prophecy of the seventy sevens comprehends the total history of Israel from the time of Nehemiah in 445 B.C. until the second coming of Jesus Christ. In the first period of seven sevens, the city and the streets are rebuilt. In the second period of sixty-two sevens which follows, the Messiah appears and is living at the conclusion of the period. In the parenthesis between the sixty-ninth seven and the seventieth seven, at least two major events take place: the cutting off of the Messiah (the death of Christ) and the destruction of Jerusalem in a.d. 70. Actually, the whole present age intervenes.

C. The final period of seven years begins with the introduction of a covenant relationship between the future “prince that shall come” and “the many,” the people of Israel. This covenant is observed for the first half of the future seven-year period; then the special liberties and protections granted Israel are taken away; and Israel becomes persecuted in their time of great tribulation. The beginning of the last three and one-half years of the seventy sevens of Daniel is marked by the desecration of the future temple, the stopping of the sacrifices, and the desolation of the Jewish religion. It is this period referred to by Christ as the great tribulation inMatthew 24:15-26.

D. The culmination of the entire prophecy of the seventy weeks is the second advent of Jesus Christ which closes the seventieth seventh of Israel as well as the times of the Gentiles pictured in Daniel’s prophecies of the four great world empires. For most of the period, the two great lines of prophecy relating to the Gentiles and Israel run concurrently, and both end with the same major event—the second advent of Jesus Christ, when oppressed Israel is delivered and the oppressor, the Gentile, is judged. With Israel today back in the land, the fulfillment of these prophecies may not be too long distant.

III. Verse examination (Daniel 9:27). Ryrie Study Bible, 1986, Dr. Charles C. Ryrie, Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., Litt. D., 1925-2016).

A. “he.” The prince of verse 26, the Antichrist previously introduced in 7:8, 24-26, who will make a pact with “many” (of the Jewish people) at the beginning of the tribulation period. But “in the middle of the week” (i.e. 3 1/2 years later) Antichrist will break the covenant and desecrate the Temple by demanding worship of himself. (See Ryrie notes on Matt 24:15 and 2 Thes 2:4. At Christ’s second coming, Antichrist and his false prophet will be cast into the Lake of Fire [Rev 19:20]).  

B. Ryrie notes Matt 24:15, 2 Thes 2:4, Rev 19:20.

1. Matt 24:15. “Abomination Of Desolation.” This is the man of sin (2 Thes 2:4), who at this midpoint in the Tribulation breaks the covenant he made with the Jewish people at the beginning of the Tribulation (Dan 9:27 ) and demands that they, and the world, worship him. Those who resist will be persecuted, and many will be martyred; that is the reason for the urgency of the instructions in vs 16-22.

2. 2 Thes 2:4. “takes his seat in the temple of God.” At the midpoint in the tribulation period the Antichrist will desecrate the rebuilt Jewish Temple in Jerusalem by placing himself there to be worshiped (Re: Matt 24:15). This is the climax of man’s great sin of self-deification, in open defiance of God.

3. Rev 19:20. The beast and his false prophet will be the first occupants of the “lake of fire;” other unbelievers, now in hades, will join them at the end of the Millennium (20:14). 

C. Other Ryrie related notes. 

1. Matt 24:3. “The Mount of Olives,” just E of Jerusalem across the Kidron Valley. “the disciples.”  Only Peter, James, John, and Andrew (Mk 13:3). Jesus answers,”what will be the sign of Your coming.” In verses 29-31, He speaks of the signs of the end of the age in verses 4-28. Verses 4-14 list the characteristics of the first half of the tribulation period, whereas verses 15-28 deal with the second half.

2. Matt 24:16-22.. 

a. 24:16: those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.

b. 24:18. pray that your flight will not be in the winter, or on a Sabbath.

c. 24:21. then, there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will. 

d. 24:22. “the elect.” Jews, Deu 7:6, 14:3; Isa 43:10;

3. God causes the Tribulation judgments to fall on the unbelievers of the earth.

a. Seal judgments. Rev 6:1; 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 8:1.

b. Trumpet judgments. Rev 8:7-13; 9:1-21; 11:15-19.

c. Bowl judgments. Rev 16:1-21.

4. My note. Notice that the time of the Tribulation is planned by God, and carried out by Jesus, God’s angels, and agents of God. By reading of the severity of the judgments, it is easy to see that the world is not in God’s tribulation now. The Tribulation will commence only upon God’s decision.

IV. Summary. Holman Christian Standard Bible. Michael Rydelnik (Th. M., D. Miss).

A. Daniel wrote his book with two purposes in mind. First, he wanted to assert that the God of Israel was sovereign, even over the powerful nations that surrounded His people. God’s chosen nation had been conquered and dispersed by a mighty empire that did not acknowledge God. What would happen now? Would Babylon’s yoke remain forever on Israel’s shoulders? Would God’s people never see their homeland again? Had God forgotten His promises? Daniel’s answer was that Babylon would fall to another empire, which in turn would fall to yet another great kingdom. History would continue in this pattern until God judged all Gentile nations and established His everlasting rule. Daniel’s message was obviously meant to uplift and encourage the weary hearts of the exiled Jews.

B. Yet Daniel also looked forward to the day when God would restore and reward Israel. Israel was suffering punishment for its disobedience; but when would the punishment end? Daniel’s message was both discouraging and encouraging. He predicted trouble ahead; Israel would suffer under Gentile powers for many years. But the encouraging news was that the time of trials would also pass away. The time was coming when God would gather His children to Him again. He would establish His messianic kingdom which would last forever. The God who directs the forces of history has not deserted His people. They must continue to trust Him. His promises of preservation and ultimate restoration are sure.

V.  My Bucket List shows the references that I consult, of theologians and printed resources, whenever I write an article that will be posted. Please go to the Pages of my site to find my Bucket List.

VI . My Websites To Follow.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity

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Daniel Prophecy – Chapter 12

I. Video. What can the book of Daniel tell us about God’s plan for our future?

II.  Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg,  (M. Div., D. Min.), (Dr. Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).

III. Overview. Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910- 2002) Daniel Commentary.

A. The material described as the fourth vision of Daniel beginning in chapter 10 has its climax in the great tribulation and the resurrection which follows, mentioned in the early verses of chapter 12. This is also the high point in the book of Daniel itself and the goal of Daniel’s prophecies relating both to the Gentiles and to Israel. It is comparable to Revelation 19, the high point of the last book of the Bible.

B. The chapter division at this point is unfortunate as the narrative of chapter 11 naturally extends through the first three verses of chapter 12. The first four verses of chapter 12 are the completion of the long section which began with chapter 10. They give in remarkably brief compass and restrained language the writer’s expectation of what the divinely appointed end would be like. It would be the climax of which Israel would be the centre, as is shown by the fact that Michael, the patron angel of Israel, is to play the decisive part on God’s behalf. The great tribulation will come to a head but Israel will escape, all those in Israel, that is to say, whose names are written in the book of life  (Phil 4:3; Rev 3:5). God already knows His own.

C. Added to the previous revelation are the important disclosures (1) that the time of the end has a special relationship to “the children of thy people,” that is, Israel, (2) that Israel will experience at that time a special deliverance to be realized by those in Israel who worship God, and (3) that the doctrine of resurrection which climaxes the time of the end is the special hope of those who are martyred.

D. The entire section from Daniel 11:36 to 12:3 constitutes a revelation of the major factors of the time of the end which may be summarized as follows: (1) a world ruler, (2) a world religion, (3) a world war, (4) a time of great tribulation for Israel, (5) deliverance for the people of God at the end of the tribulation, (6) resurrection and judgment, and (7) reward of the righteous. All of these factors are introduced in this section. Added elsewhere in the Scriptures are the additional facts that this time of the end begins with the breaking of the covenant by “the prince that shall come” (Daniel 9:26-27); that the “time of the end” will last for three and one-half years (Dan 7:25; 12:7; Rev 13:5); that the time of the end is the same as the time of Jacob’s trouble and the great tribulation (Jer 30:7; Mt 24:21). Many additional details are supplied in Revelation 6-19.

E. The fact that the opening section of chapter 12 is obviously eschatologically future, constitutes a major embarrassment to liberals who attempt to find Antiochus Epiphanes in 11:36-45. Chapter 12, which is naturally connected to the preceding section, clearly does not refer to Antiochus Epiphanes but to the consummation of the ages and the resurrection and reward of the saints. Nowhere does the attempt to make Daniel entirely history fail more miserably than here, as the detailed exegesis of these verses demonstrates.

F. The opening phrase of chapter 12, and at that time, makes clear that this passage is talking about the same period of time as the previous context, that is, “the time of the end” (11:40). The action here in verse 1 is not subsequent to the preceding events but coincides with them chronologically. Chapter 11 had dealt primarily with the political and religious aspects of the time of the end. Chapter 12 relates this now to the people of Israel. Here is stated in clear terms that this is the time of trouble for the people of Israel, “such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time.” To take the expression the children of thy people in any other sense than that of Israel is to ignore the uniform meaning of thy people throughout the book of Daniel. The people involved are a nation, that is, the nation Israel.

G. The unprecedented time of trouble here mentioned is a major theme of both the Old and New Testament. As early as Deuteronomy 4:30, it was predicted that “in the latter days” the children of Israel would be “in tribulation.” Jeremiah had referred to it as “the time of Jacob’s trouble,” in his lament, “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” (Jer 30:7).

H. Christ described the great tribulation as beginning with “the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet”(Mt 24:15), a reference to the breaking of the covenant and desecration of the temple in Daniel 9:27. Christ’s warning to the children of Israel at that time was that they should “flee into the mountains,” not taking time to secure clothes or food. Christ graphically described the period in these words, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened” (Mt 24:21-22). 

1. This description of the time of the end confirms Daniel’s revelation that the time of the end will be a period of trouble such as the world has never known, trouble of such character that it would result in the extermination of the human race if it were not cut short by the consummation, the second coming of Jesus Christ. This is made clear from a further study of Revelation 6-19, where the great catastrophies which overtake the world in the breaking of the seals, the blowing of the trumpets, and the emptying of the vials of divine judgment decimate the world’s population. All of these Scriptures agree that there is no precedent to this end-time trouble. 

2. Numerous other allusions in Scripture to this period indicate that it is indeed a time of supreme trial for Israel. Zehariah 13:8 declares of this period, “And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.” Zechariah goes on to picture the refining process until the people of Israel acknowledge the Lord as their God. The very next verses describe the final struggle for Jerusalem and the second advent of Christ which delivers Israel. This time of trouble is parallel to the warfare described in Daniel 11:40-45.

I. In their distress, the children of Israel are especially aided by Michael, the archangel (Jude 9). As the head of the holy angels, Michael is given the special responsibility of protecting the children of Israel. Although Calvin preferred the interpretation that Michael was the person of Christ,there is no justification for confusing Michael and Christ. Earlier in Daniel itself, mention was made of Michael in Daniel 10:13-21, where Michael participated in the angelic warfare which had prevented the messenger from reaching Daniel promptly. Michael was indeed a “great prince” among the angels whose activity is especially directed to the children of Israel in their time of great trouble.

J. Because of the purpose of God and the ministry of Michael, it is revealed to Daniel that “at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” This obviously refers to the end of the tribulation, at which time some of the children of Israel, who by miraculous divine protection had been preserved, will be delivered from their persecutors (Dan 7:18, 27). The repeated reference to “thy people,” twice in one verse, seems to limit this to the people of Israel, rather than to all the saints as Young and Leupold interpret it, after Calvin. This is in keeping with the whole tenor of Daniel which deals with Israel as Daniel’s people. The deliverance will not extend to all Israel, in that unbelieving or apostate Israel is excluded; and even here, it refers only to those actually living at the time of the return of Christ as many others may be martyred. The prophecy assures, however, that in spite of satanic efforts to exterminate the people of Israel, a godly remnant will be ready to greet their Messiah when He returns (Zee 12:10; 13:8-9). The people of Israel who have endured the times of the Gentiles ever since the days of Nebuchadnezzar will be delivered “at that time,” an expression repeated twice in this verse. (Ryrie Study Bible Luke 21:24 note: “the times of the Gentiles.” The period of Gentile domination of Jerusalem, which probably began under Nebuchadnezzar (587 B.C., was certainly in effect in A.D. 70 and continues into the Tribulation (cf Rev 11:2.)

K. The reference to “every one that shall be found written in the book” conveys the thought that those delivered have their names inscribed in the book of life (Rev 13:8; 17:8; 20:15; 21:27). At the second coming of Christ, not every individual Israelite is spiritually prepared for His return, as Ezekiel 20:33-38 makes clear, describing the purging out of the rebels in Israel at the time of the second advent. Although Israel as a nation will be delivered from their persecutors (Rom 11:26), individual Israelites will still face the searching judgment of Christ as to their spiritual preparation to enter the kingdom. For Jew as well as Gentile, the issue will be whether they have eternal life. 

IV. Scripture Text. Daniel Chapter 12. Link pasted from Bible Gateway

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+12&version=NASB1995

V. Verse Examination. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., Litt. D.,1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible.

A. 12:1. “at that time.” The time of the events of 11:36-45, the Great Tribulation. “Michael.” See note on 10:13. “such as never occurred” C.f. Jesus’ words in Matt 24:21.

B. 12:2. The verse predicts the resurrection of the righteous dead of OT times, as well as the righteous martyrs of the Tribulation at the second coming of Christ (Rev 20:4-6). Believers of the church age will already have been changed and raised at the Rapture (The resurrection of the wicked does not occur at the same time, but after the Millennium (Rev 20:5). 

C. 12:3. “Those who have insight ” will see through Antichrist’s deception. They will also lead others to the truth during the tribulation period.

D. 12:4. “seal up the book.” Not that its meaning was left to be unexplained, but that the book was to be kept intact so as to help those living in the future tribulation days. “many will go back and forth.” As the end approaches, people will travel about seeking to discover what the future holds.

E. 12:5. Likely two angels.

F. 12:7. The events of the Tribulation will be consummated when the “time, times, and half a time” (the last 3 1/2 years of that 7 year period) come to a close. These last 3 1/2 years constitute the Great Tribulation (cf Mt 24:21).

G. 12:8. Even Daniel did not understand all these prophecies.

H. 12:11. “the abomination of desolation.” At the midpoint of the tribulation “week” Antichrist will abolish the Jewish sacrifices (9:27; Matt 24:15 note). From that point to the end will be 1290 days. Normally 3 1/2 years (of 360 days per year) would include only 1260 days. The extra 30 days mentioned  here allow for the judgments that will take place after the second coming of Christ (See notes at Ezek 20:33-44; Joel 3:2-3; Matt 25:32). 

I. 12:12. Because the one who lives 75 days after the second advent (1335 days from the midpoint of the Tribulation) is called blessed, this must mark the beginning of the actual functioning of Christ’s millennial kingdom.

J. 12:13. “you will enter rest.” I.e., Daniel would die but is promised that he will “rise” (be resurrected) and receive his inheritance (portion) in our Lord’s millennial kingdom.

VI. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles; you can check it in my list of Pages.

VII. My Websites To Follow:

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity

https://untotheleastofthese.home.blog/ Book Prep

https://newsandcommentary38395276.wordpress.com/ Thy Kingdom Come

Daniel Prophecy – Chapter 11

I. Video. Who Is The Son Of Man In Daniel 7?

II. Video Data. Drs. John Ankerberg (M. Div., D. Min.), Darrell L. Bock (Th. M., Ph. D.), Walter C. Kaiser (B.D., M.A., Ph. D.) (Bock is a Messianic Jew).

III. Overview. Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002) Daniel Commentary.

The long introduction of chapter 10 to the fourth and final vision given to Daniel is followed in chapter 11 by the revelation of important events beginning with Darius the Mede (539 b.c.) and extending to the last Gentile ruler in the time of the end. Chapter 11 naturally divides into two major sections. The first, verses 1-35, describes the major rulers of the Persian Empire and then gives in great detail some of the major events of the third empire following Alexander the Great, concluding with Antiochus Epiphanes (175-164 b.c. ). The entire period from the death of Antiochus Epiphanes to the time of the end is skipped over with no reference to events of the present church age, and the second section, verses 36-45, deals with the last Gentile ruler who will be in power when Christ comes in His second advent. This is followed in chapter 12 by further prophecy of the last 1335 days, a period including the great tribulation, the second advent, and the beginning of the millennial kingdom.

IV. Scripture Text. Daniel Chapter 11. Link pasted from Bible Gateway.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+11&version=NASB

V. Verse Examination. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., Litt. D.,1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible.

A. 11:2. Here begins a remarkable section of detailed prophecy, first about Persia (v 2), followed by Alexander the Great, and others in following verses.

B. 11:3-4. “a mighty king.” Alexander the Great (see note on 8:8).

C. 11:5-20. This section traces the various struggles between the kings of the S (the Ptolemies of Egypt) and the kings of the N (the Seleucids of Syria). “The king of the South” in verse 5 is Ptolemy I (323-285 B.C.), who ruled Egypt, and “one of his princes” was Seleucus I Nicator, whose kingdom eventually stretched from Israel to India.

D. 11:6. Ptolemy II (285-246 B.C.) gave his daughter in marriage to Antiochus I, a Seleucid, but Antiochus deserted her and was later murdered.

E. 11:7-8. “one of his descendants … will come.” Ptolemy III (246-221 B.C.) invaded Syria in 246.

F.  11:9-13. A description of the seesaw struggles between the Selcucids and the Ptolemies between 223 and 200 B.C.

G. 11:15-20. Antiochus III (the Great) defeated the Egyptian army in Sidon (vv 15-16). He came to terms with Ptolemy V, and gave him his daughter in marriage (v 17). He annexed the coastlands of Asia Minor and unsuccessfully tried to invade Greece (v 18). He was defeated by the Romans at Magnesia in 190 B.C., was forced to pay tribute, and soon died (v 19). He was succeeded by his son Seleucus IV (Philopator) who heavily taxed the people of Israel (v 20).

H, 11:21-35. These verses describe the career of Antiochus IV (Epiphanes, 175-164 B,C,), who came to the throne by intrigue (v 21), made several expeditions into Egypt (vv 24-27), then turned his hatred on Israel ( v 28). The “ships of Kittim” (v 30) refer to Roman power that came from the west past Kittim (Cyprus) to defeat Antiochus in Egypt. Venting his anger on the Jews, Antiochus declared Mosaic ceremonies illegal, and erected in the Holy Place a statue of Zeus (v 31). Some Jews resisted and were martyred (vv 32-33) 

I. 11:36-45. This section gives details of Anti-christ’s future career. Though some refer the section entirely to Antiochus, the scope also requires reference to some details of Israel’s last days (10:14 and 12:1-2).

J. 11:37: “the gods of his fathers.” Antichrist will have no respect for religion or religious heritages. The phrase does not mean that Antichrist must be a Jew. He will be unkind, cruel and inhumane.

K. 11:38. Antichrist’s “god” will be military power and activity.

L. 11:40-45. In the tribulation period the “kings of the South” and “the king of the North” will attempt a pincer movement against Antichrist (v 40). But, with Israel as his base (v 41), he will first defeat Egypt, then Libya and Ethiopia (Sudan). “will follow” at his heels (v 43). Shall be part of his dominion. “rumors from the East and from the North (v 44). May relate to the armies of Rev 9:13-21; 16:12. The threat of these armies will cause Antichrist to return to Israel, making his headquarters between Jerusalem and the Mediterranean (v 45). But he will “come to his end” at the hands of the victorious, returning Christ (Rev 19:11-21). 

VI. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles; you can find it in my list of Pages.

VII. My Websites To Follow:

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity

https://untotheleastofthese.home.blog/ Book Prep

https://newsandcommentary38395276.wordpress.com/ Thy Kingdom Come

Daniel Prophecy – Chapter 10

I. Video. What does Daniel 9:27 tell us about when the Messiah would come?

II. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg,  (M. Div., D. Min.), (Dr. Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).

III. Overview.

Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002) Daniel Commentary.

The final three chapters of the book of Daniel record an extensive revelation of the prophetic future which is without parallel anywhere else in Scripture.  There is hardly anything in the Bible that is just like these chapters, especially like chapter 11. The word, the vision, and minute prediction are combined in a manner that is found nowhere else in the Scriptures.”The entire content of chapter 10, for instance, is introductory, indicating the extensive character of the prophecy to follow. The introduction actually extends through the first verse of chapter 11. The next section, 11:2-12:4, is divided into two major divisions. The first, 11:2-35, deals with the immediate future, from Darius to Antiochus; and the second, 11:36-12:4, with the far future, the end times just before the second advent of Christ. A final message and revelation is given to Daniel in 12:5-13. The last three chapters constitute the fourth vision of Daniel which gathers together the significant threads of prophecy, especially as they relate to the Holy Land and to the people of Israel.

IV. Scripture Text. Revelation Chapter 10. Link pasted from Bible Gateway. 

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+10&version=NASB

V. Verse Examination. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., Litt. D.,1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible.

A. 10:1. “the third year of Cyrus.” 536  B.C.

B. 10: 2. “three entire weeks.” Lit., weeks of years.

C. 10:4. Obviously Daniel was not among those who returned to build the Temple in Jerusalem in connection with Cyrys’s decree (9:25). His age (mid 80’s) and governmental duties prevented him. 

D. 10:12. Daniel’s prayer was heard on the first day of the three-week period, but the answer was delayed because of angelic warfare.

E. 10:13. “the prince of the kingdom of Persia.” A supernatural creature who tried to direct the human rulers of Persia to oppose God’s plan. Evil angels seek to influence the affairs of nations. “Michael,” which means “who is like God?” (v 21; 12:1; Jude 9; Rev 12:7), is the special guardian of the affairs of Israel (12:1) and is designated the archangel (Jude 9). “one of the chief princes” shows a hierarchy among the angels (cf Eph 1:21). “I had been left there with the kings of Persia.” The good angel (cf vv 5-6), with Michael’s help, was left in place of preeminence in influencing Persia. But the battle between good and evil angels over the control of nations continues (see v 20 and Rev 20:3).

F. 10:14. “the latter days.” Future days culminating in the events surrounding the second coming of Christ (cf 2:28; Gen 49:1).

VI. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.

Bucket List

VII. My Websites To Follow.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity

https://untotheleastofthese.home.blog/ Book Prep

https://newsandcommentary38395276.wordpress.com/ Thy Kingdom Come

Daniel Prophecy – Chapter 9

I. Video. The Tribulation Period, or 70th Week of Daniel

II. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg (M. Div., D. Min.); Dr. Renald Showers (Th. M., Th. D., (1935-2019).

III. Overview.

Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002) Daniel Commentary.

A. The third vision of Daniel the prophet, following the two preceding visions of chapters 7 and 8, concerns the program of God for Israel culminating in the coming of their Messiah to the earth to reign. Although other major prophets received detailed information concerning the nations and God’s program for salvation, Daniel alone was given the comprehensive program for both the Gentiles, as revealed to Daniel in preceding chapters, and for Israel, as recorded in Daniel 9:24-27. 

B. Because of the comprehensive and structural nature of Daniel’s prophecies, both for the Gentiles and for Israel, the study of Daniel, and especially this chapter, is the key to understanding the prophetic Scriptures. Of the four major programs revealed in the Bible—for the angels, the Gentiles, Israel, and the church, Daniel had the privilege of being the channel of revelation for the second and third of these programs in the Old Testament.

C. This chapter begins with Jeremiah’s prophecy of seventy years of the desolations of Jerusalem and is advanced by the intercessory prayer of Daniel. The chapter concludes with the third vision of Daniel, given through the agency of the angel Gabriel, which provides one of the most important keys to understanding the Scriptures as a whole. In many respects, this is the high point of the book of Daniel. Although previously Gentile history and prophecy recorded in Daniel was related to the people of Israel, the ninth chapter specifically takes up prophecy as it applies to the chosen people.III. Scripture Text. 

IV. Daniel Chapter . See the following link which was pasted from Bible Gateway.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+9&version=NASB1995

V. Verse Examination. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D.; 1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible. 

A. 9:1. “In the first year of Darius =  538 B.C., 67 years after Daniel had been taken from the land of Israel. This is the same Darius as in chapter 6.

B. 9:2. “in the books.” Daniel understood, from his knowledge of Jer 25:11-12, that it was about time for the “desolations of Jerusalem” to be finished.

C. 9:3-19. In this remarkable prayer of confession  (see Ezra 9 and Neh 9 for similar prayers), Daniel associated himself with the sins of his people 32 times. He approaches God on the basis of His loyal love (see note on Hos 2:19) in his covenant with Israel (v 4), confesses their sins (vv 5-10), acknowledges their deserved judgment (vv 11-14), and supplicates God for His mercy (vv 15-19).

D. 9:21. “about the time of the evening offering). About 3 PM (cf. Ex 29:39).

E. 9:24. “Seventy weeks. Lit.,70 sevens. Obviously years are meant, for Daniel had been thinking of the years of captivity (9:2). 490 days is 16 months, and 490 weeks is 9 1/2 years, both too short to accommodate the events of the prophecy. Furthermore, weeks of days are so specified in 10:2-3, where the Hebrew adds “days.” 

This period of 490 years concerns “your people” (the Jews) “and your holy city” (Jerusalem), 

“to finish the transgression.” To end the apostasy of the Jews, 

“to make an end of sin.” May mean either to atone for sin or to seal up sin in the sense of judging it finally. 

“to make atonement for iniquity.” Refers to the death of Christ on the cross, which is the basis for Israel’s future forgiveness (Zech 12:10; Rom 11:26-27). 

“to bring in everlasting righteousness.” In the millennial kingdom of Messiah (Jer 23:5-6). 

“to seal up vision and prophecy.”  To set God’s seal of fulfillment on all the prophecies concerning the Jewish people and Jerusalem. 

“to anoint the most holy place.” This anointing of the Holy of Holies in the millennial Temple. 

9:25. The 70 sevens begin with “a decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem,” the commandment of Artaxerxes Longimanus given in 445 B.C. (Neh 2:5). Earlier, Cyrus had authorized the rebuilding of the Temple (in 538 B.C.; 2 Chron 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4). “plaza and moat.” The public square and moat were rebuilt by the time the first seven weeks (49 years) were completed. 

9:26. Certain important events were to happen “after” the 62 weeks (plus the 7 weeks, or a total of 69 weeks): the crucifixion of “Messiah” and the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 by the Romans who are “the people of the prince who is to come.” Because these events were to occur after the 69 weeks had run their course and before the 70th week began, there must be a space of time between the conclusion of the 69th week and the beginning of the 70th. 

9:27. “he.” The prince of v 26, the Antichrist previously introduced in 7:8, 24-26, who will make a pact with “many” (of the Jewish people) at the beginning of the tribulation period. But “in the middle of the week” (i.e., 3 1/2 years later) Antichrist will break his covenant and desecrate the Temple by demanding worship of himself in it. See notes on Matt 24:15 and 2 Thes 2:4. At Christ’s second coming, Antichrist and his false prophet will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev 19:20).

VI. The end of the 69 weeks. 

A. Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002) Daniel Commentary., p 280; ‘The dates for the 69 weeks of Daniel 9:25 extended from the first of Nisan (March 5) 444 B.C. to the tenth of Nisan (March 30) A. D. 33… p 279, 280; culminating on the very day of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem shortly before His crucifixion. The computation is based upon the prophetic years of 360 days totaling 173,880 days. This would be exactly 483 years according to biblical chronology. 

B. Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost (Th. B., Th. M., Th.,D., 1915-2014), The Bible Knowledge Commentary, p 1363. The first two segments of the important time period  – 7 weeks (49 years) and the 62 sevens (434 years) – ran consecutively, with no time between them. They totaled 483 years and extended from March 5, 444 B.C. to March 30 A.D. 33. Each year was 360 days. P 1364, In Jewish reckoning each month has 30 days, and each year 360 days.

C. Dr. C.I. Scofield (D. D.; 1843-1921) Scofield Study Bible (1909, 1917, 1937, 1945, Editor, C.I. Scofield. Though not month and day dated, this Scofield Study Bible shows the year of A.D. 33, as being the year of the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem (John 12:12-19).

VII. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.

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VIII. My Websites To Follow.

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Daniel Prophecy – Chapter 8

How is God’s prophetic outline for the end times laid out in Daniel Chapters 6-12?

I. Video Data. Video Data. I. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg,  (M. Div., D. Min.), (Dr. Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).

II. Overview.

Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002) Daniel Commentary.

A. Two important factors mark Daniel 8 as the beginning of a new section. First, beginning with this chapter, the language returns to Hebrew instead of the Aramaic used by Daniel from 2:4 through 7:28. Second, the change of language is in keeping with the change in thought introduced by this chapter. From here to the end of Daniel, the prophecy, even though it concerns the Gentiles, is occupied with human history as it relates to Israel. Therefore, although many expositors divide the book of Daniel into two halves (1-6 and 7-12), there are also good reasons for dividing Daniel into three sections (1, 2-7, 8-12)

B. The first of Daniel’s own visions recorded in Daniel 7 is a broad summary of the times of the Gentiles, with emphasis on the climactic events culminating in the second coming of Christ to the earth. Beginning in chapter 8, Daniel’s second vision concerns the empires of Persia and Greece as they relate to Israel. Under the Persian government, Israelites went back to rebuild their land and their city, Jerusalem. Under Grecian domination, in particular under Antiochus Epiphanes, the city and the temple were again desolated. Daniel 9 presents Israel’s history from the time of Ezra and Nehemiah to the inauguration of the kingdom from heaven at the second coming of Christ immediately preceded by the time of great trouble for Israel. Chapters 10-11 reveal the events relating the Persian and Greek Empires to Israel, with emphasis on the Gentile oppression of Israel. The final section, 11:36—12:13, deals with the end of the age, the period of the revived Roman Empire, and the deliverance of Israel. It is fitting that the last five chapters of Daniel should be written in Hebrew, the language of Israel.

III. Scripture Text. Daniel Chapter 8. See the following link which was pasted from Bible Gateway.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+8&version=NASB1995

IV. Verse Examination. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D.; 1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible. 

A. 8:1. “third year.” 551. B.C., two years after the vision of chap 7, and before the fall of Babylon in 539. “a vision” concerning the second and third world empires — Medo-Persia (vv 3-4, 20) and Greece (vv 5-7, 21). 

B. 8:2. “Susa.” About 250 mi (400 km) East of Babylon.

C. 8:3. “a ram.” Medo-Persia (v 20). “the longer one coming up last.” Though Persia was the younger kingdom, under Cyrus it became the dominant one in 550 B.C.

D. 8:5. “goat.” Greece. “a conspicuous horn.” Alexander the Great, whose army swept through Asia Minor, Syria, and Mesopotamia from 334-331 B.C.

E. 8:8.  “the large horn was broken.” The death of Alexander at age 32, after which his kingdom was divided among his four generals. Cassander took Macedonia; Thrace and much of Asia Minor went to Lysimachus; Selecus took Syria; and Ptolemy claimed Egypt. 

F. 8:9. “small horn.” Not the same as the horn of 7:8, which will arise out of the restored Roman Empire. This little horn came out of Greece, and refers to Antiochus Ephiphanes, who came to the throne in 175 B.C., and plundered the Temple in Jerusalem, desecrating it by offering pig’s flesh  on the altar. “the Beautiful Land.” I.e., Israel.

G. 8:10-11. “the host of heaven.” God’s people, the Jews, who were horribly persecuted by Antiochus. The “Commander” is God. 

H. 8:14. Antiochus’s persecution of the Jews would last for 2300 days, the period from 171 B.C. (when peaceful relations between Antiochus and the Jews came to an end) to Dec 25, 165 B.C. (when Judas Maccabeus restored the Temple for the proper worship). 

I. 8:16. “Gabriel.” An angel, whose name means “hero of God,” and who often brought important messages to various individuals (9:21; Luke 1:19, 26). The only other good angel mentioned in name in the Bible is Michael 9 (see 10:13; Jude 9).

J. 8:23-25. These verses give added details concerning Antiochus and his persecution of the Jews (See 1 Macc 1-6). 

V. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.

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https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity

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Daniel Prophecy – Chapter 7

What does the book of Daniel tell us about the Antichrist?

I. Video Data. I. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg,  (M. Div., D. Min.), (Dr. Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).

II. Overview.

Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002) Daniel Commentary.

A. In the interpretation of biblical prophecy, the seventh chapter of Daniel occupies a unique place. As interpreted by conservative expositors, the vision of Daniel provides the most comprehensive and detailed prophecy of future events to be found anywhere in the Old Testament. Although its interpretation has varied widely, conservative scholars generally are agreed, with few exceptions, that Daniel traces the course of four great world empires, namely, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome, concluding in the climax of world history in the second coming of Jesus Christ and the inauguration of the eternal kingdom of God, represented as a fifth and final kingdom which is from heaven.

B. Interpreted in this way, the chapter forms a major outline of future events to which additional details are given later in the book of Daniel and in the New Testament, especially in the Revelation. Such a panorama of future events is of great importance to the student of prophecy, as it provides a broad outline to which all other prophetic events may be related. Conservative interpreters are agreed that this is genuine prophecy, that it is futuristic, that is, related to future events from Daniel’s point of view, and that its culmination is in the kingdom which Christ brings.

III. Scripture Text. Daniel Chapter 7. See the following link which was pasted from Bible Gateway.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel+7&version=NASB1995

IV. Verse Examination. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D.; 1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible. 

A.  7:1. “In the first year of Belshazzar = 553 B.C., that is 14 years before the fall of Babylon described in chap 5.

B. 7:3. “four great beasts.” Representing the rulers of the four world empires previously described in chap 2 (cf 7:17). 

C. 7:4. “like a lion…eagle.” Both symbols (of strength and speed, respectively) were used of Babylon (cf Jer 4:7, 13). 

D. 7:5. “resembling a bear.” A symbol of the Medo-Persian Empire, known for its strength and fierceness in battle (cf Isa 13:17-18). “raised up one on one side” indicates the superiority of the Persians in the empire. “three ribs” may represent three major conquests: Lydia (546), Babylon (539), and Egypt (525).

E. 7:6. “like a leopard.” Representing the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. After his death the empire had “four heads,” i.e., Asia Minor, Syria, Egypt, and Macedonia (cf 8:8.)

F. 7:7-8. “a fourth beast.” Rome. The 10 horns are explained in verse 24, and the little horn (Antichrist) in verses 24-25. 

G. 7:9. “Ancient of Days.” A reference to God as Judge (cf Isa 57 :15). 

H. 7:13-14. This is the first reference to Messiah as “Son of Man,” a title of our Lord used of  Himself often. See note on Matt 8:20 [The title “Son of God” is Jesus’s divine name (Mt 8:29). “Son of David,” His Jewish name (Mt 9:27), but “Son of Man” is the name that links Him to the earth and to His mission. It was His favorite designation to Himself (used more than 80 times) and was based on Dan 7:13-14. It emphasizes (1) His lowliness and humanity (Mt 8:20), (2) His suffering and death (Lk 19:10), and (3) His future reign as King (Mt 24:27).] At His second coming He will have “dominion” over this world.

I. 7:18. These “saints” probably include believers of all ages, and possibly angels. 

J. 7:24-27. Antichrist will march to power by subduing three of the 10 nations (v 24), will blaspheme  God (v 25), will try in some way to change times and laws in order to promote his anti-Christian program (v 25), and will persecute God’s saints (v 25) for the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation.

K. 7:24. The final form of the Roman world power will be a confederation of 10 nations who will arise simultaneously in the tribulation days.

V. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.

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Daniel Prophecy – Chapter 6

What is the prophetic outline to the Book of Daniel?

I. Video Data. I. Video Data. John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg,  (M. Div., D. Min.), (Dr. Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).

II. Overview.

Dr. John F. Walvoord (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002) Daniel Commentary.

A. The account of Daniel being cast into the lions’ den is one of the most familiar stories of the Old Testament. The fact that such an event should be given the same amount of space in Scripture as the panoramic view of world history recorded in chapter 7 leads to the conclusion that, from God’s viewpoint, this was an important event not only to Daniel but to all students of Scripture. From the standpoint of biblical scholarship, more attention has been directed to Darius the Mede, the king of Babylon at this time, than to the events of the chapter itself

B. With the successful conquest of Babylon and the surrounding territory, it now is appropriate for the new kingdom to organize, both from the standpoint of law and order and from the benefit of taxation which this would allow. In such an organization, it would not be unsuitable to use qualified men who had served previously in the Babylonian kingdom. The conquerors did what they could to set up a friendly relationship with the people in their power; and, although Belshazzar was slain, his father, Nabonidus, lived for some years afterward. Even some of the gods of Babylon were honored by the conquerors.

C. The organization of the new kingdom is detailed in the opening verses of chapter 6. One hundred and twenty princes or “satraps” were appointed. The point of introducing these facts in Daniel’s narrative is to give the setting for Daniel’s place of honor. Daniel himself was named one of the three presidents who would coordinate the work of the 120 princes. Of them, it was required to give financial accounts and protect the king’s interest. In such a function, an honest and capable administrator familiar with the territory and problems of taxation would undoubtedly be of immeasurable benefit to Darius. For this reason, Daniel, according to verse 3, was preferred above the others and had such “an excellent spirit” that the king thought to put all of the princes under him. All of this makes a great deal of sense and actually sets the stage for the supreme test of Daniel which followed.

III. Scripture Text. See the following link which was pasted from Bible Gateway.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+6&version=NASB1995

IV. Verse Examination. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D.; 1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible. 

A. 6:1. “120 satraps.” 120 assistants to Darius.

B. 6:2. “that the king might not suffer loss. I. e., have no financial loss. That is why he wanted someone trustworthy like Daniel.

C. 6:8. “The unchangeableness of Medo-Persian law is seen in Esther 1:19; 8:8. 

D. 6:10. “toward Jerusalem.” A practice suggested by David and Solomon (Ps 5:7; 1 Kings 8:33). Daniel’s example is one of legitimate disobedience to the government (cf. Acts 5:29; Rom 13:1-2). 

E. 6:16. “the lions’ den.” A large (v 24) underground cave with an opening at the top (v 23), and probably one on each side. 

F. 6:24. This cruel punishment is typically Persian.

IV.  Additional Information. Dr. Michael Rydelnik (Th. M., D. Miss.) The Moody Bible Commentary.

In one of the most well-known stories in the book, Daniel was cast into the lions’ den for his faith. Since Daniel was about 15 in 605 B. C., when the Babylonians brought him as a captive to Babylon, and since the events in Daniel 6 most likely took place in the second or third year after the Medo-Persian conquest of Babylon in 539 B. C., Daniel would have been approximately 82 years old when he was cast into the lions’ den. He was an old man, not a teenager, as is often pictured in Bible storybooks and sermons.

V. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.

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Daniel Prophecy – Chapter 5

What does Daniel tell us about a coming world empire and world leader?

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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.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+5&version=NASB

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.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/bucket-list/embed/. 

VIII.. My Websites To Follow.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity

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Daniel Prophecy – Chapter 4

What are the major prophetic divisions of Daniel?

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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.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+4&version=NASB

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.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/bucket-list/embed/. 

VIII.. My Websites To Follow.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity

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Daniel Prophecy – Chapter 3

What does the Book of Daniel tell us about the Revived Roman Empire?

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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.  

IV. Scripture Text. See below.

Daniel 3:1-30. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+3&version=NASB1995

V. Verse Examination. 

A. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D.; 1925-2016) Ryrie Study Bible. 

https://www.amazon.com/Charles-Caldwell-Ryrie/e/B001HMRTWW

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). 

B. Dr. Ron Rhodes  (Th.M., Th.D.) 40 Days Through

Daniel. http://www.ronrhodesresources.com/About_Me.html

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.

https://www.moodypublishers.com/authors/d/charles-dyer/

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.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/bucket-list/embed/

VIII. My Websites To Follow.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity

https://untotheleastofthese.home.blog/ Commentary Preparation

https://newsandcommentary38395276.wordpress.com/ Thy Kingdom Come

Daniel Prophecy – Chapter 2

What are the major prophetic passages in Daniel?

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.

IV. Scripture Text. Daniel Chapter 2.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+2&version=NASB1995

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.

3. Babylon: 605 B.C. – 539 B.C. 2 Tribes 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.

3. https://www.logos.com/search?filters=author-8987_Author&sortBy=Relevance&limit=30&page=1&ownership=all&geographicAvailability=all

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.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/bucket-list/embed/

IX. My Websites To Follow.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity

https://untotheleastofthese.home.blog/ Commentary Preparation

https://newsandcommentary38395276.wordpress.com/ Thy Kingdom Come

Daniel Prophecy – Chapter 1

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.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Daniel+1&version=NASB1995

V. Verse Examination.  

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.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/bucket-list/embed/. 

IX. My Websites To Follow.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity

https://untotheleastofthese.home.blog/ Commentary Preparation

https://thechurchoftheopendoor.wordpress.com/ Israel Website

https://success2693.wordpress.com/ Israel, History And Prophecy

Daniel Prophecy – Introduction

How does the information in the book of Daniel fit into the  information found in  Revelation?

I. Video Data.   John Ankerberg Show. Dr. John Ankerberg (M. Div., D. Min.), Dr. Jimmy DeYoung (M. Div., Ph. D., 1940-2021).

II. Introduction.  I apologize that I have had to republish this article. Please read the final parting thought on the Obadiah Prophecy, as it relates to God’s overall prophecies of Major and Minor Prophets.

A. 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.)

1. Daniel, like Ezekiel, was a Jewish captive in Babylon. He was of royal or princely descent (Daniel 1:3). For his rank and comeliness he was trained for palace service. In the polluted atmosphere of an oriental court he lived a life of singular piety and usefulness. His long life extended from Nebuchadnezzar to Cyrus. He was a contemporary of Jeremiah, Ezekiel (Daniel 14:20), Joshua, the high priest of the restoration, Ezra, and Zerubbabel.

2. Daniel is the indispensable introduction to New Testament prophecy, the themes of which are, the apostasy of the Church, the manifestation of the man of sin, the great tribulation, the return of the Lord, the resurrections and the judgments. These, except the first, are Daniel’s themes also.

3. But Daniel is distinctively the prophet of the “times of the Gentiles” (Luke 21:24). His vision sweeps the whole course of Gentile world-rule to its end in catastrophe, and to the setting up of the Messianic kingdom.

4. Daniel is in four broad divisions: Introduction. The personal history of Daniel from the conquest of Jerusalem to the second year of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:1-27; 1:21). The visions of Nebuchadnezzar and their results (Daniel 2:1-27; 4:37). The personal history of Daniel under Belshazzar and Darius (Daniel 5:1-27; 6:28). The visions of Daniel (Daniel 7:1-27; 12:13).

5. The events recorded in Daniel cover a period of 73 years (Ussher).

B. Dr. Charles C. Ryrie (Th. M., Th. D., Ph. D., Litt. D., 1925-2016). Ryrie Study Bible.

The Prophet. Daniel, whose name means “God is my judge,” was a statesman in the court of heathen monarchs. Taken captive as a youth to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 B.C., he spent the rest of his long life there as a governmental official and as a prophet to the true God. He claimed to have written this book (12:4), and Jesus Christ identified him as a prophet (Matt 24:15; Mark 13:14). Since he did not occupy the prophetic office, the book is found in the third division of the Hebrew Bible, the “Writings,” rather than in the second, the Prophets. Throughout his life, he was uncompromising and faithful to his God.

C. Dr. John F. Walvoord. (Th. B., Th. M., Th. D., 1910-2002). Daniel Commentary. 

The book of Daniel, according to its own testimony, is the record of the life and prophetic revelations given to Daniel, a captive Jew carried off to Babylon after the first conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar in 605 b.c. The record of events extends to the third year of Cyrus, 536 B.C., and, accordingly, covers a span of about seventy years. Daniel himself may well have lived on to about 530 b.c, and the book of Daniel was probably completed in the last decade of his life. Although Daniel does not speak of himself in the first person until chapter 7, there is little question that the book presents Daniel as its author. This is assumed in the latter portion of the book and mentioned especially in 12:4. The use of the first person with the name Daniel is found repeatedly in the last half of the book (7:2, 15, 28; 8:1,15, 27; 9:2, 22; 10:2, 7, 11, 12; 12:5). As most expositors, whether liberal or conservative, consider the book a unit, the claim of Daniel to have written this book is recognized even by those who reject it.

D. Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost.  (Th. B., Th., D., 1915-2014)Things To Come.

1. Page 314. The Gentiles In The Tribulation. There is a divine program for the Gentile nations that is to come to fulfillment in the tribulation period. A great body of prophecy is devoted to this subject, which must be developed in order to have a clear picture of the events of the tribulation.

2. Page 314. “The tribulation and the times of the Gentiles.” The time period that is called by the Lord “the Times of the Gentiles” in Luke 21:24, where He says: “Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled,” is one of the important time periods in prophetic Scriptures. The relation to Israel to the tribulation has been studied. Consideration is now given  to the events related to the Gentiles as attention is directed to the “times of the Gentiles.”

3. Page 315. “The duration of the times of the Gentiles.” “The times of the Gentiles” has been defined by the Lord as that period of time in which Jerusalem was under the dominion of Gentile authority (Luke 21:24). This period began with the Babylonian captivity when Jerusalem fell into the hands of Gentiles. It has continued unto the present time and will continue through the tribulation period, in which era the Gentile powers will be judged. The dominion of the Gentiles ends at the second advent of Messiah to the earth. 

4. Page 316. “The course of the times of the Gentiles.” The fullest description of the period is given to us in the prophet Daniel. What we have in Daniel is …. the course and character of Gentile powers, from the destruction of Jerusalem onto the appearing of Christ, together with the position of the remnant, and the sufferings of the Jewish people, while the Gentiles possess the dominion, until at last God, in His faithfulness in pursuance or His purposes, interposes, and for His own glory, works for the rescue and blessing of His elect earthly people. 

E. Dr Michael Rydelnik. (Th. M., D. Miss.) The Moody Bible Commentary. 

The book of Daniel is set during the Babylonian captivity. The book opens after King Nebuhadnezzar’s first siege of Judah (605 B.C.), when he brought Daniel and his friends to Babylon along with other captives of the Judean nobility. Nebuchadnezzar assaulted Judah again in 597 B.C. and brought 10,000 captives back to Babylon. In 586 B.C. he once again besieged Jerusalem, but this time destroyed the city and the holy temple, and exiled the people of Judah to Babylon.  Daniel’s ministry began with the arrival of the first Jewish captives in Babylon (605 B.C.), extended throughout the Babylonian captivity (539 B.C.), and concluded some time after the third year of the Medo-Persian king, Cyrus the Great (537/536 B.C.).

F. Dr. Ron Rhodes (Th.M., Th. D.) 40 Days Through Daniel. 

Page 8. Daniel was born into a royal family (1:3, 6 ) and was apparently physically attractive (1:4). He became one of the major prophets of the Old Testament; his name means “God is my judge.” He was uncompromising in his faithfulness to God. His contemporaries  acknowledged both his righteousness and his wisdom (See Ezekiel 14:14, 20: 28:3). There were actually three deportations involved in Babylon’s victory over Juday. The first took place in 605 B.C., and included Daniel and his friends. The second took place in 597 B.C., and included Ezekiel. The third took place in 586 B.C., when the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and the temple. 

G. Dr. Grant R. Jeffrey (Th. M., Ph. D., 1948-2012). Countdown To The Apocalypse. 

Pages 6-8. While serving in Babylon’s royal courts, Daniel saw remarkable visions and interpreted inspired dreams. Many of his visions foretold the upheaval in the world that came to pass more than two thousand years ago. In fact, the fulfillment of those prophecies verify that Daniel was truly God’s prophet. His predictions came true exactly as they were given. However, many of Daniel’s most intriguing prophecies describe events that are still to come. Daniel’s ancient Babylonian prophecies give us a precise time line that reveals the sequence of events and the amount of time that will separate the major developments of the last days. 

H. Dr. David Hocking. Daniel Commentary. (B. A. in Bible, Greek and Ancient History; M. Div. in Biblical Studies & Systematic Theology; Ph. D. in Biblical Studies and Languages; D. Min. in Pastoral Studies)

Introduction. Daniel predicts in detail all of the nations of the world from Babylon forward, to Antiochus Epiphanes. Daniel told of Medo-Persia before it existed. He talked about Greece before it came into being. He explained the break-up of the empire of Alexander the Great, and the four generals who followed him, as well as the coming Roman Empire. He described the battles of Prolemies and Seleucids over Israel in the break-up of Alexander’s Grecian Empire. He gives it blow by blow, and king by king. The historical accuracy of Daniel, Chapter 11, is unquestioned. Therefore, some people say there is no way he could have written this book before it happened. From the third century A.D., there have been people writing against this book. There isn’t a book in the Bible that is so clearly predictive in its prophecy, and so accurate! It has been substantiated by history outside of the Bible.

I. Dr. James A. Borland, (M Div., Th. M., Th. D. Th. D.) Liberty Commentary Bible.

The book of Daniel is most commonly divided into two parts, nearly equal in length – the historical and the prophetical.The historical portion begins with young Daniel’s capture by Nebuchadnezzar and his subsequent deportation to Babylon, and it ends with Daniel being freed after spending a night in a den of lions, some seventy years later. The prophetical portion covers visions and prophecies received by Daniel during the years of his historical sojourn in Babylon and Persia.

J. Dr. Stephen R. Miller (Th. D.; Ph. D.) The New American Commentary, Daniel Prophecy. 

Introduction. As the book opens, the reader is introduced to a young Daniel, being taken captive to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar in 605 B.C. Since Daniel, the author, also recorded the downfall of Babylon (539 B.C.) and subsequent events, he must have resided in Babylon from 605 B.C. until about 535 B.C. According to the testimony of the book, therefore, Daniel lived throughout the entire Neo-Babylonian period, and even into the time of Persian dominance. He lived a long, eventful life and a mystery that spanned about  seventy years. If Daniel was taken into captivity at about fifteen years of age, he would have lived to the age of about eighty-five years. Tradition has assigned two locations to Daniel’s tomb: in the royal vault in Babylon, a little west of the acropolis, and in one of the Synagogues of Susa. 

III. Parting Thought.

 A. We are now embarking on a very interesting and important part of Scripture. The Book of Daniel, as well as the other Old Testament Jewish books of prophecy were addressed to the nation of Israel. God gave prophecy to Jewish prophets who, In turn, gave those same words of God to Jews. Context is key to understanding Scripture; we will keep that key at the door of every prophecy that we unlock. As these prophecies become fulfilled in the Tribulation, and Kingdom Age of the Millennium, we will see how Gentiles enter the arena of judgment or blessing. In the Tribulation, unsaved Gentiles will come under the same judgments that God will be pouring out on the earth on all, Jews or Gentiles, who will have been left behind from the Rapture.  In the Kingdom Age, Gentile believers will be grafted into the blessings of Israel that will be fulfilled in accordance with the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant. We, who are saved Gentiles, are heirs of the Abrahamic Covenant, but will have to wait until the Kingdom Age when “heirs will  receive their blessings” upon the will of the Abrahamic Covenant “being probated.” Opening videos will continue to be a part of each article, but there may be difficulty in matching each article with a corresponding Daniel video. Needless to say, a great wealth of information can be obtained from each, and all, of the videos that will be posted.

B. You will notice a change in the title of one of the websites that is listed below in my bucket list. That which had been named “Equipping The Saints,” has been renamed as “Commentary Preparation.” The reason for the name change is that I will be creating articles that are more suited for a Bible commentary. I will be changing the content and format of articles that you may have already read. I will make each article much easier to read and understand. In time, books of articles will be completed and made available for publishing and distribution via bookstores and on-line purchases. However, anyone who follows my Commentary Preparation site, will have access to the finished commentaries as soon as each one has been published on my site. 

C. As you read through the Bible, it is important to understand that words are important to be understood by their proper meaning and in their proper context. Here are three words that have especially important meanings: Israel means Israel; church means church; Babylon means Babylon. It is also important to understand that prophecies of the Bible will be fulfilled.

D. Obadiah Prophecy. Dr. Walter L. Baker (B.A., Th. M., D.D.) Bible Knowledge Commentary. The Book of Obadiah contains a prophecy that is different from other Old Testament Words of God. In a sense, Obadiah is a miniature profile of the message of all the writing prophets. In his thumbnail sketch, the Prophet Obadiah spoke of God’s judgment on unbelieving Gentiles who oppressed the nation Israel. He also wrote of God’s grace to believing Israel. This double thread is woven throughout the Major and Minor prophets.

IV. My Bucket List shows the references, of people and documents, that I use when I write my articles.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/bucket-list/embed/

V. My Websites To Follow.

https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/ Eternity

https://untotheleastofthese.home.blog/ Commentary Preparation

https://thechurchoftheopendoor.wordpress.com/ Israel Website

https://success2693.wordpress.com/ Israel, History And Prophecy