| Daniel 1:1-2:23 | Daniel 2:24-3:30 | Daniel 4 |
| Daniel 5 | Daniel 6 | Daniel 7 |
| Daniel 8 | Daniel 9:1-11:1 | Daniel 11:2-35 |
| Daniel 11:36–12:13 |
| Statue of Nations | Statue of Nations 2 | Writing on the Wall |
| Daniel in the Lions Den | The Four Beasts | The Four Beasts 2 |
| The Goat | 70 Weeks Chart | 70 Weeks Graph |
| Timeline of Daniel 11 | Timeline of Alexander’s Kingdom |
Daniel 1:1–2:23
Babylon conducted 3 sieges of Jerusalem. Ezekiel was taken in the second siege, but Daniel was taken in the first; he was a young man (probably a teen) at the time.
Some have called the book of Daniel the “key to prophecy.” If we can understand this book, we’ll have that key that unlocks the doors to many other prophetical truths.
“Daniel, sometimes referred to as the “Apocalypse of the Old Testament,” presents a majestic sweep of prophetic history. The Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans will come and go, but God will establish His people forever. Nowhere is this theme more apparent than in the life of Daniel, a young God-fearing Jew transplanted from his homeland and raised in Babylonia. His adventures—and those of his friends—in the palace, the fiery furnace, and the lion’s den show that even during the Exile God has not forgotten His chosen nation. And through Daniel, God provides dreams—and interpretations of dreams—designed to convince Jew and Gentile alike that wisdom and power belong to Him alone!” – Wilkinson, B., & Boa, K. (1983). Talk thru the Bible
Daniel and his three Hebrew friends, are young, good looking, and gifted, they obviously have tons of potential, and it’s for that reason they are taken to Babylon, to serve in the palace of the King. They will be taught the Babylonian language, the Chaldean ways, trained for three years and then their service will begin. In the meantime, they won’t be given bread and water, no, these young men will be in the presence of royalty, so they will be fed well. But, this creates a conflict between the Law of the Lord to the Jews, and the commandments of men in the world…the Babylonian menu was not kosher.
The battle of the belly is a base battle, but it reveals much about a person. Our flesh loves the delicacies of life…but Daniel loved the Lord more. We read those awesome words that go down in history for us all:
Daniel 1:8 (NKJV) “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s delicacies, nor with the wine which he drank; therefore he requested of the chief of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”
That’s where it begins, in the heart. If we can purpose in our hearts NOT to defile ourselves with the “king’s delicacies,” the things of this world, we may live in the midst of a bad place like Babylon…and yet, we’ll be able to stay pure!
The chief of the Eunuch hesitated at Daniel’s request, fearing for his own life, but Daniel wisely asked for a 10-Day test; Daniel knew God would show Himself strong, which He did.
Daniel 1:15 (NKJV) “And at the end of ten days their features appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the young men who ate the portion of the king’s delicacies.”
Most Bible teachers believe this fattening of the flesh to be Divine intervention.
So Daniel and his friends were able to stick to water and vegetables, I’ll be the first to admit, doesn’t sound too appealing to me. But O the power of love, what a difference a heart for God makes! Daniel and his friends exemplify those beautiful practices of discipline and self-denial.
What would make King Nebuchadnezzar fall, face-down prostrate before Daniel? What would bring him to the realization that Daniel’s God is the God of gods, the Lord of lords? This account in chapter 2 of Daniel, is stunning, to say the least.
The King had a dream and he REALLY wanted the interpretation, but in order to make sure the guys weren’t making it up, he required that the wise men not only interpret the dream, but disclose the dream. Of course they couldn’t, they were right in saying that no man can do such a thing…so the king commenced in killing the wise men.
Enter Daniel, the young man who has this intimate and personal relationship with God. He knows God is able to reveal the secret, so he gets to work – him and his friends start praying. And what God reveals is one of most important prophecies in the Bible, because part of it has indeed come to pass, so we know we can trust Him, and part of it is yet to come (we’ll also see that in the 70-Weeks of Daniel).
In Daniel 2:20-23 Daniel praises God for revealing the dream to Him! Next comes the interpretation of the dream.
Daniel 2:24-3:30
Daniel reveals and interprets the dream as God answer their prayers.
First the Babylonian Kingdom (considered to be the strongest because the king had absolute power).
Then the Medo-Persian Kingdom.
Then the Grecian Kingdom.
Then the Roman Empire.
Then the Revived Roman Empire (taking us to the last days).
And then, the final Kingdom of all, when the Rock, Jesus Christ conquers, rules, and reigns forever and ever.
Daniel 2:44 (NKJV) “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.
(I picture the Rock to be much larger)
What a witness Daniel was! Do you ever wonder why Daniel was used in such a great way? Why did God reveal this dream to him?
Well…we always start with God’s grace and providence, but we need to also note Daniel’s heart for God, his prayer-life, and especially the fact that when it “happened” – Daniel did not dare to touch the glory (Daniel 2:30). Maybe the reason things like this don’t happen as frequently, is because we lack in these areas of prayer and heart, and maybe even God knows, we’ll somehow take the credit. Let’s do our best to rectify all that, even now.
Daniel 3 is an epic chapter in the Bible. God speaks to us through the stand Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego made. The world has an agenda FULL of idols they command us to bow down to. Nebuchadnezzar was not content being the head of gold, he wanted to embody the entire image – 90 feet tall – he wanted everyone to worship him, no doubt under the influence of the devil. I’m assuming that Daniel was on a mission as an ambassador out of the country, or not identified, for surely he wouldn’t have bowed down (as we’ll see in chapter 6).
Meanwhile, back in Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego are arrested for not worshipping the image and given one final chance to change their minds – if not – they would be thrown into the fiery furnace. The three Hebrew men let the king know that a discussion was not necessary, they would never worship the image. I’ve always loved their reasoning.
Daniel 3:17–18 (NKJV) “If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
They knew that God was able, no doubt about it, God could deliver them. They knew the promise of:
Isaiah 43:2 (NKJV) “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”
They knew God was able to deliver them from the fire, they knew God would be with them in the fire, but they weren’t 100% sure IF God would choose to do so. Sometimes God allows His people to be martyrs, and to suffer for His sake, His higher purposes…so they tag the truth with those words, “But IF NOT, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods…”
If not. If God DOESN’T do what we want Him to do, it doesn’t change who He is, may we embrace this, and never ever compromise.
In this case God DID choose to deliver, and the only thing that burned was bonds that held them. I can’t be dogmatic, but I believe Jesus was the one who entered into their trials, and walked among them. Of course this was another testimony to the power of the God of Israel, and Nebuchadnezzar was floored, once again. He realized there’s no god, like this God. But he needed to go deeper and understand that there IS no other God but this God!
What a witness…Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were able to give!
Daniel 3:28 brings to mind Romans 12:1, we must give God our bodies!
Daniel 3:28 (NKJV) “Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, ‘Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!’”
Romans 12:1 (NKJV) ‘I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”
Our bodies are neutral, they can be used for both good or bad, let’s do our best to make sure we offer them to God, to be used as tools, vessels, and even weapons of righteousness!
Halley’s Bible Handbook, “According to the Septuagint, this incident (in Daniel 3) occurred in the 18th year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign, after Daniel and his three friends had been in Babylon for about 20 years. That was 586 B.C., the same year Nebuchadnezzar burned Jerusalem. The Septuagint version of the book of Daniel (as well as other Greek versions) includes, among other additions, between 3:23 and 3:24 a section that contains a prayer of Azariah (the Hebrew name of Abednego; 1:7) and a song by all three men in the fiery furnace. It embodied a popular tradition but was never regarded as a part of the Hebrew Bible.”
Although we can’t verify the above information, it is interesting to consider…the prayer and song make sense to me.
Daniel
King Nebuchadnezzar has another dream, but this one turns out to be more of a nightmare. None of the other wise men were able to make known to the king the meaning of the dream, but he knows he can count on Daniel for the interpretation because Daniel has proven himself to be someone with God’s hand upon his life, someone in whom is the Holy Spirit, who receives revelation, illumination, and interpretation from God (Daniel 4:8-9).
Now, I could be wrong on this, but it IS possible that the other “wise-men” knew what the dream meant, but lacked the boldness to share it…because the dream is rather straight-forward. Part of sharing God’s message is the willingness to speak both good and bad news (Joseph also experienced this – Genesis 40). God’s messengers need courage and boldness.
Daniel spoke:
Daniel 4:22 (NKJV) “It is you, O king, who have grown and become strong; for your greatness has grown and reaches to the heavens, and your dominion to the end of the earth.”
King Nebuchadnezzar had risen to the top of the world, but he would lose his sanity, become like a beast, living and sleeping outdoors, eating grass, until he realized that the, “…Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.” All kings need to acknowledge the King of kings, all people in any position need to realize that – God put you there, and hence, honor Him.
Daniel gave the king good counsel, the dream was a warning:
Daniel 4:27 (NKJV) “Therefore, O king, let my advice be acceptable to you; break off your sins by being righteous, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor. Perhaps there may be a lengthening of your prosperity.”
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about God, is HE IS Merciful. Even if He declares His coming judgment, there is hope, that if we turn from our sins, He will relent from the just punishment we deserve (Jonah discovered this).
King Nebuchadnezzar did good for 1 year…but then he forgot. And one day as he’s looking out at his kingdom and all its glory, he took the credit for it…that he was the one who built it, by his power, and for his honor:
Daniel 4:30 (NKJV) “The king spoke, saying, ‘Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?’”
While the words were still in his mouth…God judged him. The dream became a reality. The king lost his mind, his throne, his place in his home; like a vagabond, without food, long unkept hair, untrimmed nails…the “best” became a beast. We all need to know – – this is who we are without God.
It took some time, but eventually the king’s eyes were opened. Nebuchadnezzar learned a few things.
Daniel 4:34–35 (NKJV) “And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation. 35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him, “What have You done?”
Do I know that God rules in the kingdom of men? Do I know that God rules in my own life? Help me Lord.
Nebuchadnezzar also learned that God is able to put down those who walk in pride (Daniel 4:37).
Daniel 5
By this time Daniel had been in Babylon close to 70 years. He was aged and no longer in a position of prominence in the palace.
Belshazzar was the grandson of King Nebuchadnezzar and co-regent with his father Nabonidus.
The party’s on, a thousand in number, but they’re mocking the living God with the vessels taken from the Temple, led by someone who should have known better. In the middle of their idolatrous feast, a hand appears and writes on the wall…it’s the hand of God. The king and his company suddenly transition from mocking – to – shaking in their boots. Their hearts sink, what can this mean? None of the “wise-men” know.
In desperation her memory is jogged, the queen remembers someone able to help. I love the way she describes Daniel.
Daniel 5:11–12 (NKJV) “There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father—your father the king—made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. 12 Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.”
The formerly brazen king met a bold Daniel who scolded Belshazzar for not acknowledging the fact that the LORD, the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, not them.
Daniel 5:22 (NKJV) “But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this.”
Daniel rebukes the king for the self-confidence he had – for history tells us that the Medo-Persians were on the move, surrounding Babylon, but the king considered his kingdom invincible. Daniel tells him, the writing’s on the wall, the number of your days are done, you didn’t measure up, the kingdom will be stripped from you and given to the Medes and Persians. Sure enough, that night, it all went down!
Halley’s Bible Handook, “Until 1853, no mention of Belshazzar had been found in Babylonian records; Nabonidas (556-539 B.C.) was known to have been the last king of Babylon. To the critics this was one of the evidences that the book of Daniel was not historical. But in 1853 an inscription was found on the cornerstone of a temple built by Nabonidas in Ur, which read: “May I, Nabonidas, king of Babylon, not sin against thee. And may reverence for thee dwell in the heart of Belshazzar, my firstborn, favorite son. From other inscriptions it has been learned that Nabonidas spent much of his time outside of Babylon (at Teman in northern Arabia), that Belshazzar was in control of the army and the government as coregent with his father, and that it was he who surrendered to Cyrus. This explains how making Daniel the “third ruler” in the kingdom was the highest honor Belshazzar could bestow (5:16, 29).”
It’s critical for us to to know that God rules in the kingdom of men, and in our own lives as well. It’s not us. He gives us everything we have, He keeps our heart beating, He grants us life and provision every single day, without Him we’re done! We must guard our hearts with the realization and warning of Daniel’s declaration:
Daniel 5:23b (NKJV) “…and the God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.”
Daniel 6
Although Daniel is now an elderly man, his anointing is as strong as ever. King Darius, the ruler of Medo-Persia, recognizes God’s hand upon Daniel, and in the structure of his government, appoints him as one of only three governors. So profound was Daniel’s character and giftedness, King Darius was even considering to set him over the entire realm. The Bible says, “an excellent Spirit” was given to Daniel, this is how he was distinguished above the others.
In light this, the other governors and satraps, had it in their hearts to bring Daniel down. Some of this was probably motivated by those ugly tag-twins of envy and jealousy, but certainly his opposition was Satanic in origin. The last thing Satan wanted was a godly man like Daniel in such a high-ranking position. The problem was, they could not find fault with Daniel.
Oh that we’d glean from such a life. That we’d be completely filled with the Spirit. That we’d be blameless and holy, men and women of steadfast integrity.
The only way these enemies of Daniel could cause him to disobey, is if they legislated laws that contradicted the Law of God…which is exactly what they did.
Daniel 6:7 (NKJV) “All the governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions.”
They made a law that said it was illegal to petition or pray to anyone other than King Darius.
I’ve always loved Daniel 6:10. This allows us to see behind the scenes. What was it that made Daniel the man that he was?
There’s no doubt that his prayer life was a huge factor!
Daniel 6:10 (NKJV) “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.”
Even though it was now against the law in Medo-Persia, that didn’t stop Daniel from praying the way he always had (since he was a youth), morning, noon, and night.
On a personal note, this has always been the goal of my heart. Yes, we pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) but how awesome it would be to have some special time with the Lord, morning, noon, and night. I have struggled to do this, but I won’t ever give up in following Daniel’s example.
Of course the enemies of Daniel found fault, brought him to the king, who could not over-rule the law, and Daniel was cast into the lion’s den. But the king fasted from food and music, he couldn’t sleep all night, and in the morning they discovered that the living God had chosen to deliver Daniel from the mouth of the lions.
Daniel 6:20, 22 (NKJV) “And when he came to the den, he cried out with a lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, ‘Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?’ ‘My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.’”
After Daniel’s deliverance the king cast those accusers of Daniel into the den, and the lions overpowered them and broke all their bones, before they ever reached the bottom. It’s tragic to read that their wives and children were devoured as well. Perhaps their families were somehow part of the “opposition.” Or perhaps it’s just another lesson of how our sins as leaders, husbands, dads, and moms, have a profound effect upon our families.
The lion, in this case, represents the Devil who seeks to destroy us and our family (1 Peter 5:8; 2 Timothy 4:17). God will protect us as we pray to Him.
It all turned out for the glory of God, as King Darius sent a decree to all the people of his vast kingdom:
Daniel 6:26 (NKJV) “I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men must tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and steadfast forever; His kingdom is the one which shall not be destroyed, and His dominion shall endure to the end.”
Amen!
Daniel 7
In Daniel 7 we go back in time, to the first year of Belshazzar’s reign which would be right around 553 B.C., when Belshazzar was made coregent with Nabonidus. At this time Daniel was 68 years-old, and has a dream about four beasts:
1. A lion with eagle’s wings
2. A bear
3. A leopard
4. A devouring beast with 10 horns and iron teeth
The nations represented here in Daniel 7 are the same nations represented in Daniel 2, the image of gold, silver, bronze, and iron. When we view these four kingdoms through man’s eyes, they look so glorious, but they’re actually monstrous. We might see these conquering kings as valuable, powerful victors, but God sees them as terrible beasts.
After the four kingdoms, Daniel sees the final kingdom, when the Son of Man, Jesus Christ, receives the throne from His Father, and rules and reigns forever and ever. This is one of few chapters in the Bible, that has the interpretation given to us (for the most part).
It’s fascinating when you consider just a few of the details of these prophecies.
In the ancient Babylonian artwork you’ll find the winged lions everywhere, within their architecture and currency. When Daniel describes the lion having his wings plucked off, he’s referring to the time Nebuchadnezzar lost his sanity, due to his pride, and roamed about like a beast. Eventually his mind was restored and a man’s heart was given to him (Daniel 4).
The kingdom of Medo-Persia is represented by the bear which was raised on one side. This illustrates the dominance of Persia over Media, although they were joined, the Persians were stronger than the Medes. It had three ribs in its mouth, which most scholars believe represents the three major empires conquered by the Medo-Persians (Babylon, Egypt, and Libya). The command is given for the bear to devour much, and this is exactly what they did. Notice how much larger their kingdom was in comparison to Babylon.
The leopard with four wings represents Greece and illustrates the speed of Alexander the Great’s conquest. Beginning at the young age of 20 years old, he set out to conquer the world, and he did indeed conquer the then known world 11 years later. Before the age of planes, trains, and automobiles – this is extremely impressive. This beast also had four heads, which undoubtedly represents the division of Alexander’s kingdom into four provinces after Alexander’s sudden and unexpected death at the age of 33. After Alexander’s death in 323 B.C., his generals fought over the conquered land. After more than 40 years of struggles and warfare, the four major divisions emerged. Egypt under the Ptolemies, Syria under Seleucids, Macedonia under the Angitgonids, and Pergumum under the Attalids.
The 4th beast, which represents Rome and the revived Roman Empire, is not pictured with any animal type descriptions, but it is seen as dreadful, and terrible, exceedingly strong, with huge iron teeth, devouring, breaking in pieces and trampling the residue. This kingdom is different, in that it will one day be revived, and united, after being divided, hence the 10 horns. In the last of the last days, the Roman Empire (European Union) will eventually be led by a man speaking pompous words who will persecute the saints (in this context representing the Jews) for a time, a times, and half a time (3 1/2 years) this is the second-half of the Tribulation Period. It’s then that Jesus Christ will return, and set up His throne from Jerusalem for 1,000 years on planet earth, followed by the eternal rule forever and ever (Revelation 20-21).
Daniel 7:27 (NKJV) “Then the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.”
Serve and obey who? King Jesus!
Daniel 8
The vision and events of Daniel 8 occurred 2 years after the dreams of Daniel 7; this brings us to 551 B.C.. The vision of Daniel is that of a ram with two horns, one horn higher than the other. This ram conquered vast land in all directions, but was conquered suddenly by a male goat that came from the west.
We read next:
Daniel 8:8 (NKJV) “Therefore the male goat grew very great; but when he became strong, the large horn was broken, and in place of it four notable ones came up toward the four winds of heaven.”
The angel Gabriel gave Daniel (and us) the interpretation – the ram was symbolic of Medo-Persia, the higher horn referring to the Persians who were stronger than the Medes. Their land conquest was vast. But Alexander the Great led the Greeks in their swift conquest of the Medo-Persian kingdom, and beyond. When Alexander the Great died, his kingdom was divided between his four generals.
This prophecy was spoken in 551 B.C. – the Medo-Persians conquered the world 12 years later. the Greeks conquered the world 220 years later! These are awesome, astounding and amazing prophecies etched in history.
The other prophecies would be fulfilled in dual fashion. We read in:
Daniel 8:9 (NKJV) “And out of one of them came a little horn which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the Glorious Land.”
Daniel goes on to describe events that took place at the hands of a man by the name of Antiochus Epiphanes, the ruler of Syria, 175-163 B.C. This man opposes Israel (the “Glorious Land” – Daniel 8:9)
Warren Wiersbe, “…known as one of the cruelest tyrants in history. Antiochus gave himself the name “Epiphanes,” which means “illustrious, manifestation,” for he claimed to be a revelation (epiphany) of the gods. He even had the word theos (god) put on the coins minted with his features on it, and his features on the coins came to look more and more like the Greek god Zeus. The angry king attacked Jerusalem and plundered the temple. In 168 he sent an army of 20,000 men to level Jerusalem. They entered the city on the Sabbath, murdered most of the men, and took the women and children as slaves. The remaining men fled to the army of the Jewish leader Judas Maccabeus. But the king wasn’t satisfied, so he issued an edict that there would be one religion in his realm and it wouldn’t be the Jewish religion. Any Jew found possessing a copy of the law of Moses was slain. He prohibited the Jews from honoring the Sabbath, practicing circumcision, and obeying the Levitical dietary laws, and he climaxed his campaign on December 14, 168 B.C., by replacing the Jewish altar with an altar to Zeus— and sacrificing a pig on it! When Antiochus stopped the daily sacrifices in the temple and substituted pagan worship, this was called “the abomination that makes desolate” (“the transgression of desolation,” Dan. 8: 13). This concept is found in Daniel 9:27; 11:31; and 12:11, and is used by Jesus in Matthew 24:15 and Mark 13:14. What Antiochus did was a foreshadowing of what the Antichrist will do when he puts his image in the temple and commands the world to worship him (2 Thessalonians 2; Revelation 13).”
If Daniel was right in his prophecies regarding Medo-Persia, Greece, and the abomination of desolation committed by Antiochus Ephiphanes, then you can be sure he’s right about the rest! This evil ruler of Syria was fueled by Satan himself (Daniel 8:24) and is a picture of the Antichrist who will rise at the end of time.
Daniel 8:17b (NKJV) “…understand, son of man, that the vision refers to the time of the end.”
The Antichrist will rise, but will be brought down by Jesus Christ. Daniel tells us that the Antichrist will be broken, but not my human power (Daniel 8:25) it will be the power of God unleashed at the mere words spoken by the Son of God (Revelation 19:11-21).
Daniel didn’t understand ALL the details…but as we get closer to the last of the last days, this type of “knowledge” is increasing (Daniel 12:4) and we understand it more and more.
If you have time to read all the Bible references you’ll see things more clearly.
If you’re interested in the prophecy in Daniel 8:14 of the 2,300 days, then listen to the explanations given by Warren Wiersbe:
Warren Wiersbe, “The Hebrew text literally reads ‘2,300 evenings and mornings,” because burnt offerings were sacrificed at the temple each morning and each evening of every day. But does this mean 2,300 days or 1,150 days, 2,300 divided by two? And what date or event signals the beginning of the countdown? Some students opt for 2,300 days, that is, about six years, if you use 360 days for the year. Others prefer 1,150 days , which give us slightly over three years. But what is the starting point for the countdown? The six-year advocates begin with 171 BC, when Antiochus deposed the true high priest. Subtract six years and this takes you to 165 when Judas Maccabeus defeated the enemy and reconsecrated the temple. However, the three-year advocates begin with the establishment of the pagan altar in the temple on 25 Kislev, 168, and this takes us to 165. Either approach meets the requirements of the prophecy.”
Yes…God is in the details…every single day!
Daniel 9:1–11:1
In the first year of Darius (539 B.C.) Daniel was reading the scroll of Jeremiah and understood that the sentence of Israel’s captivity was 70 years. He was no doubt reading the scroll of Jeremiah.
Jeremiah 25:11–12 (NKJV) “And this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 ‘Then it will come to pass, when seventy years are completed, that I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their iniquity,’ says the LORD; ‘and I will make it a perpetual desolation.”
Daniel was a man of wisdom and visions, but he was also a man of the Word. He read the scroll, did the math and realized that up to that point, Israel had been in captivity 66 years. So he began to pray. He set his face to seek the Lord, meaning he was focused. He fasted, wore sackcloth and ashes, confessed their sins, and made supplication. He included himself in that confession, “we have sinned,” “we have done wickedly.” They were all guilty and God had given them what He promised in His Word – He had given them innumerable warnings.
Daniel 9:11 (NKJV) “Yes, all Israel has transgressed Your law, and has departed so as not to obey Your voice; therefore the curse and the oath written in the Law of Moses the servant of God have been poured out on us, because we have sinned against Him.”
If they disobeyed He would discipline them, if they despised His discipline it would reach this point of dispersion. We read in:
Leviticus 26:33–34 (NKJV) “I will scatter you among the nations and draw out a sword after you; your land shall be desolate and your cities waste. 34 Then the land shall enjoy its sabbaths as long as it lies desolate and you are in your enemies’ land; then the land shall rest and enjoy its sabbaths.”
This is why Israel was sentenced to precisely 70 years, for they failed to keep the Sabbath for the soil (see Leviticus 25:4-5), 70 years. We read that in:
2 Chronicles 36:20–21 (NKJV) “And those who escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon, where they became servants to him and his sons until the rule of the kingdom of Persia, 21 to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths. As long as she lay desolate she kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years.”
Daniel knew the time was drawing near…so he prayed. He prayed for God’s anger to be turned away, His fury from Jerusalem, for the glory of His name and the good of His people.
We’re not sure how long Daniel was praying, but while he was still speaking the angel Gabriel showed up, who had been sent to him to bless him beyond his wildest imagination. Not only would Israel be set free and experience restoration as a nation, Daniel was given this amazing prophecy about the first and second coming of the Messiah (Daniel 9:24-27). Bible students refer to these verses as the 70-Weeks of Daniel.
70-Weeks were determined for the Jews (Daniel’s people). The word translated weeks literally means sevens. So it’s actually 70 seven-year periods to finish – everything, and to anoint and crown the most holy as king – King Jesus.
In Daniel 9:25 we have the starting point, March 14, 445 B.C when the command was given to restore and build Jerusalem, until the Messiah comes (this is when Jesus entered Jerusalem on a donkey presenting Himself as King) there would be 7-weeks + 62 weeks = 69 weeks (483 years). This totals 173,880 days and takes us to April 6, 32 A.D. – the very DAY Jesus entered into Jerusalem!
This prophecy predicted the very day, Messiah would come!
Daniel 9:26 tells us that the Messiah would be cut-off (killed) but not for Himself (wow – predicting Jesus vicarious atonement). We also see how the Romans would sack the city of Jerusalem, and that the Romans are called “people of the prince who is to come.” This is how we know the antichirst will rise from the revived Roman Empire.
Daniel 9:27 gives us the final week, the final 7-year period, which is to take place in the future. Since the days of Jesus’ earthly ministry we have been living in the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24; Romans 1:25), but God will again deal with the Jews in large numbers during the Tribulation Period. In the beginning of that 7-year period Israel will embrace the antichrist, but half-way through, he will commit the abomination of desolation, enter the Temple and claim to be God, it’s then that Israel’s eyes will be opened to their Messiah (Mark 13:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:4).
The chart above and below gives us visuals.
In Daniel 10 he once again seeks the Lord. His 3-week fast consisted of no delicacies, neither did he anoint himself, it was time set apart for the Lord. At that time Daniel saw a certain man clothed in linen – his description is glorious. Some believe him to be the Lord Jesus Christ and that’s a strong possibility because of the fact that he does resemble the description in Revelation 1:12-16, and his touch, and words strengthen Daniel. Others believe it to be only an angel, considering the fact that this “man” needed the help of Michael the Archangel to fight off demons. Jesus, the second Person of the Trinity, does not need Michael’s help – unless, as in the days of His incarnation, He emptied Himself of His Divine privileges.
It’s wonderful the way God’s love for Daniel is articulated, “O Daniel, man greatly beloved…” (Daniel 10:10). I believe this is true for all of us.
Does it help you to know that God knows the future? Does it help to know that you are victorious – that WE are victorious in Christ? I sure hope so!
John 16:33 (NKJV) “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
The messenger was sent to give Daniel more insight into the future kingdoms of the world; Daniel 11 is given with meticulous detail, as to the future, it would be necessary to strengthen the Jews in trying times.
Daniel 11:2-35
We come now to one of the most detailed prophecies in the entire Bible. Daniel 11 is an absolutely amazing chapter within the Word; I actually read a number of teachers who say that there are 130 prophecies fulfilled in this section! It was all written 50, 100, 200, and 400 years before these things took place – in incredible detail
Prophecies already fulfilled:
1. Regarding Persia (Daniel 11:2)
2. Regarding Greece (Daniel 11:3–4)
3. Regarding Egypt and Syria (Daniel 11:5–20) (Ptolemy and Seleucid dynasties)
The Ptolemy line provided the rulers in Egypt, and the Seleucid line the rulers in the north (Syria).
4. Regarding Antiochus IV and Syria (Daniel 11:21–35)
The four future kings alluded to in Daniel 11:2 would be identified as:
1. Cambyses (529–522 b.c.) (Cyrus’ son)
2. Pseudo-Smerdis (522–521 b.c.)
3. Darius I Hystapes (521–486 b.c.)
4. Xerxes (485–465 b.c.), the Ahasuerus of the book of Esther.
In these verses we have amazing details on exactly how these battles would take place, where they would take place – the different people are precisely mentioned. When I taught this chapter at Calvary Chapel El Monte it took me 3 Sundays, and close to 30 pages of notes. If you would like me to send them to you, please email at manny@calvarychapelelmonte.com.
Towards the end of this chapter in Daniel 11:31, there is a bit of history that we might be more familiar with, and that is the Abomination of Desolation committed by Antiochus IV. He entered the temple and polluted the altar by sacrificing a pig upon it. He took away the daily sacrifices and other aspects of the Jewish law and set up an image of Zeus in the holy place. This is a foreshadowing of what the Antichrist will do in the future temple (2 Thessalonians 2:4).
At that time the Lord raised up a group of brothers eventually known as the Maccabees who flourished in the 2nd century B.C., in the priestly family of Jews who organized a successful rebellion against the Seleucid ruler Antiochus IV, and reconsecrated the defiled Temple of Jerusalem.
“The name Maccabee was a title of honor given to Judas, a son of Mattathias and the hero of the Jewish wars of independence, 168–164 BCE. Later the name Maccabees was extended to include his whole family, specifically Mattathias (his father) and Judas’s four brothers—John, Simon, Eleazar, and Jonathan.” – Britannica.com
This Jewish victory over Antiochus IV is the reason for the Holiday Hanukkah.
“The eight-day Jewish celebration known as Hanukkah or Chanukah commemorates the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt.” – History.com
Hanukkah, or the Feast of Dedication/Lights was celebrated by Jesus (John 10:22) and is still widely celebrated today. This miraculous Jewish victory is the heart behind Daniel 11:32.
Daniel 11:32 (NIV) “With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him.”
The key for us resisting the enemy, is genuinely knowing our God. The King James Version tells us that we will carry out great exploits (achievements, deeds, triumphs).
Daniel 11:32 (NKJV) “Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits.”
This chapter is a powerful testimony to the fact that God is in the details and knows the end from the beginning. May we know our God and serve Him accordingly. It is there we find our strength. It is very possible that the Maccabee brothers were inspired by the book of Daniel – they were able to read of their very victory…in advance!
Daniel 11:36–12:13
We now transition from Antiochus to Antichrist.
Pastor Chuck Smith, “From verse 36 on…is a direct reference to the future, the Antichrist that is coming.”
There are some similarities mentioned here, in that they both exalt themselves and commit abomination, but this king clearly refers to the Antichrist in that he magnifies himself above every god, and speaks blasphemies against the God of gods. We even read in:
Daniel 11:37a (NKJV) “He shall regard neither the God of His fathers…nor regard any god.”
That can’t be Antiochus IV, because he set up an altar to Zeus, the god of his fathers.
Daniel 11:38-39, refers to the fact that the Antichrist honors a god of fortresses, a god his fathers did not know, a foreign God. This Hebrew word speaks of a “strange” god, even an “alien” God. Many believe this to be a reference to the devil himself.
The antichrist will conquer by peace and power, but Edom and Moab will escape his hand (Daniel 11:41). Most Bible students believe this to be modern day Jordan, and in particular, a place called Petra. Petra is located in the Jordanian desert. It once was home for, among other people, the Edomites, descendants of Jacob’s brother, Esau. Ancient societies carved out building facades in the sheer rose red colored cliffs. These facades give entrance to cavernous chambers that once served as living and commercial quarters.
Petra is the place where many Bible students believe God will house the people of Israel who flee from the Antichrist during the Tribulation Period. (Revelation 12; Isaiah 16). Those Jews will be supernaturally protected from the evil world dictator for 3 1/2years, just before Christ returns to set up His millennial reign on earth.
We read here in Daniel 11:42 about Egypt not escaping his hand. In Daniel 11:43 we see the Ethiopians and Libyans following his hand. There will be this great battle in the Valley Megiddo. What many Christians do not realize is that, while most are coming to fight WITH the Antichrist, some are coming to fight AGAINST the Antichrist. This is what’s known to Bible students as the Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:11-20). We have some details provided about the battle.
Daniel 11:45 (NKJV) “And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas and the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and no one will help him.”
The Antichrist will set up camp, between the Mediterranean Sea, and the Dead Sea, at the glorious holy mountain, Mount Zion. He thinks he can claim Jerusalem. “And yet, he shall come to his end…” (Daniel 11:45), captured, and thrown alive into the lake of fire! (Revelation 19:20).
Daniel 12 begins with Michael the Archangel standing up to protect the Jews during the Tribulation Period. Michael is mentioned 5 times in the Bible, 3 times in Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1, as well as Jude 1:9 and Revelation 12:7. He clearly is the warrior-angel, while Gabriel seems to more of the messenger-angel.
Many will be saved during the Tribulation Period, and those who share the gospel will shine forever.
Daniel 12:3 (NKJV) “Those who are wise shall shine Llke the brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.”
Isn’t it interesting how Hollywood has it’s stars, but who’s really a star?
Maybe you’ve heard of the Hollywood Walk of Fame which at the time of this writing, has more than 2,600 five-pointed stars embedded in the sidewalks along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street in Hollywood, California.
According to one article, “The stars are permanent public monuments to achievement in the entertainment industry, bearing the names of a mix of actors, musicians, directors, producers, musical and theatrical groups, fictional characters, and others. The Walk of Fame is a popular tourist destination, with a reported 10 million visitors each year.”
I wonder how they feel when they get their “star’ on Hollywood Boulevard, or Vine Street there in Hollywood. For some it might be their lifelong ambition, this type of recognition, a star in the sidewalk for a season. But I’m actually shooting for a different star, a little higher, a little longer, a little brighter, a little bigger, for a better reason – His glory not mine, that’s why I want to shine…and that’s why I share.
Daniel seems to be teaching us that those who are saved, are wise, and will shine like the sky, but those who turn many to righteousness – in other words – they’re doing their part of the great commission, are going to shine like the stars forever and ever. I don’t know everything that that entails, but it’s pretty fascinating. Jesus said in:
Matthew 13:43 (NKJV) “Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Warren Wiersbe, “How we have lived and served will determine the rewards the Lord will give us at the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:9–12; 2 Corinthians 5: 6– 10). Those who have sought to win others to Christ will shine like the stars in the heavens.”
Daniel’s prophecies were/are absolutely amazing. He didn’t understand them all when he wrote, but as time has transpired, they’ve become very understandable to us who read…they were sealed til the time of the end.
It’s interesting to note that some form of the word “understand” occurs 23 times in the book of Daniel! God wants us to understand His Word.
I’m reminded of Jesus’ personal message to the disciples on the road to Emmaus, in:
Luke 24:45 (NKJV) “And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”
You see, God wants Christians to comprehend, He wants us to understand, so we can know the Lord, and make Him known…as we read back in:
Daniel 11:33a (NKJV) “And those of the people who understand shall instruct many…”
Even the meaning of Daniel 12:11, how do we understand this prophecy?
David Guzik, “It is difficult to be certain. We could say that at the end of the 1,260 days Jesus returns. At the end of the 1,290 days, Jesus’ government is officially installed. At the end of the 1,335 days the nations are judged (Matthew 25:31-46).”
Imagine what it will be like when these days are done, when those days are done, at the end of 1,335 days, and the literal, actually, physical reign of Christ begins! Blessed are those who wait, who believe, who endure til that day. We will rise to our glorious and everlasting inheritance.