Daniel overview
Here we go from the very simplest to the complex, from the image of a man as found in our own person to represent human history as given in Daniel 2, to the complex to discover who is the King of the North and who is the King of the South and when shall the rock made without hands smash the image to pieces?
There is little understanding of but the superficial perimeters of the prophecies of Daniel if we refuse to do the will of God- HERE is why- “John 14:21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love Him, and will manifest myself to Him.” God manifests Himself to a commandment keeping people and by such He also reveals the future. Look carefully then at Exodus 20 and commit yourself to these standards, not by yourself alone but by His indwelling Spirit.
“As we near the close of this world’s history, the prophecies recorded by Daniel demand our special attention, as they relate to the very time in which we are living” The Story of Prophets and Kings pp. 547-58.
Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. The book of Daniel is sealed until the latter time in which knowledge shall be increased see Daniel 12:1-5. It is evident today that this is the time spoken of by Daniel when his book which was sealed till the time of the end would be opened and knowledge would be increased. Much of what has been made available for man’s benefit has lead to an incredible advancement in technology for warfare.
Daniel and Revelation must be a careful study rightly dividing the word of truth where God is made manifest, for many are mislead by false teachings because they do not hold dear the platform of truth.
The pillars to support this platform—-
High priesthood of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary- Conditional immortality/ death is a sleep until the resurrection day
- The seventh-day Sabbath
- Second coming of Jesus-
Symbols of the book of Daniel and also used in Revelation
Daniel 7:2 Winds represent strife
Revelation 17:5 water refers to people nations, tongues.
Daniel 7:17,8:20,21 and Revelation 17:12 nations, kingdoms and kings are referred to interchangeably as beast, heads and horns.
The book of Daniel starts as what may seem a simple kid’s story so all can understand what develops with greater complexity, so it is the aim in this first section to summarize and simplify the book of Daniel.
There is an invasion from the north by the King of Babylon because of the rebellion of Israel and Judah and the princes of Judah are included in those captured and these young men are taken back to the palace of King Nebuchadnezzar to be schooled in the ways of Babylon and to serve the King. This was no easy experience for these men who were most likely made eunuchs. They may well have compromised or rebelled against the harsh treatment that befell them. Jeremiah 25:9 Behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, saith the LORD, and Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants thereof, and against all these nations round about, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and an hissing, and perpetual desolations.
There is lots to learn from the book of Daniel right from the start. These young Hebrew men showed their faith in adverse circumstances and took advantage of the situation by their resolve to God. Finding themselves in straight places they determined in their heart that they wou
ld not compromise in physical and spiritual matters and because of their fidelity, they were empowered by the Holy Spirit. God was made manifest in their lives and to those around them. Daniel was used by God as a messenger to the King and to all throughout the ages of an example of how to act and what the Lord could do in one dedicated to God and He used Daniel as one of the most respected prophets, by Muslims, Christians and Jews alike, to foretell the future destiny and world history of the human race.
Daniel and his friends refused the King’s meat on two accounts which was the commandment not to have any other God before me and the Babylonian food was contrary to Biblical health standards. It was by this uncompromising faith in God that the Holy Spirit was to be manifest in foretelling the future and not by chance.
Appetite is at the very center of the fall of man into sin clouding the mind and causing disease where the Holy Spirit wants to reside and bring healing to the mind and body. The detail of this is found in Daniel chapter 1.
Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon had a dream (read Daniel 2) in which he saw the image of a man that was made of various metals and was destroyed by a rock. The dream’s meaning was explained by Daniel (the king was not able to recall the dream and he demanded the wise men of Babylon to recall and explain the meaning of his dream or be executed), and represented the kingdoms who would rule the world in succession till the end of time. Daniel made it plain that this image of various metals represents the different kingdoms that would rule the earth and to t
he King he said you are that head of gold. How did he know there would be only four kingdoms and not more and the order in which they would succeed and look at the simplicity and in whose image it is represented- the image of a man. Each person has the prophecy of world history in themselves.
So we have the head of gold, the breastplate and the arms of silver, the girdle of brass and the legs of iron and the feet and toes of iron and clay. These were Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome and then the division of Rome. Think of the metals that were foretold to fitly represent these nations. What was Rome known for? Its iron rule hence legs of iron at the stretch of the kingdom’s rule west and east it is represented by the two legs. The influence of Rome would be mingled amongst the nations till the end at which time the image of a man was complete and then a rock not carved by man’s hand but the hand of God would smash the image to pieces.
The book of Daniel continues to expand on this image of a man representing the history of mankind and the development of this power that would presenting himself as the son of man, being the Antichrist power or later in Revelation we learn it is the development of the power of that which is one of three beasts that comes up out of the bottomless pi
t and wages war against God’s people.
The dream King Nebuchadnezzar has is of a man and this simple outline of kingdoms is now represented to Daniel as beasts in vision and they are not natural creations but amalgamations. The number of beasts in Daniel 7 is the same number as found in the divisions of metal found in the image of the man of Daniel 2. Daniel tells us what nations certain of the beasts represent.
The lion with eagle’s wings represents Babylon, the Bear with ribs in its mouth Medo- Persia, the leopard with four heads and the wings of a foul Greece and the terrible ten horn beast Rome. And from this terrible ten horned beast the focus is given to a little horn or a little power representing a power that would come from Rome that was small but would say great things against the most High, wear out the saints of the Most High and think to change times and laws see Daniel 7:25. The smallest amongst the nations is the little horn with a mouth speaking great things and sets at war the nations while advocating peace.
A new power was to emerge from the ruins of the old, the Rome empire would be expanded and then reduced and give birth to a new political power – the church of Rome. Rome would first imbue all that came before it from Babylon to Greece as represented by the many gods of the pantheon and then the Roman church would take over this place of residence and is pictured elsewhere in Revelation 13 as a beast with the mouth of a lion, the paw of a bear, the body of leopard and ten horns all pictured as one beast arising from the sea. The last beast and the last power that comes from it’s head is the Rome church, the little horn, which is slain and given to burning flames Daniel 7:11. This power is something new on the scene that is different from that which preceded it, as it is a religious political power that uses others for its military might.
Kingdoms or powers that the Bible focuses on are those who affect God’s people, this one being one that would wear out the saints of the most high is given identification also by time periods. Even Rome itself in modern times was so revolted by the deeds of the church that it opened, as did Spain, the inquisition to the public for all to see in hope that such atrocities would never be repeated. Seven times the Bible represents this power by the same time period but spoken of in various ways (with a day representing a year). Time, times and half a time, 1260 days or 42 months all represent the 1260 years of rule in the dark ages of the Roman church where ignorance held sway- today as the world makes its way back to the teachings of the church of Rome, the Bible or God’s voice is belittled, the reformation is all but dead.
The purpose of the dreams and visions is more than just to prove God can foretell the future of nations. It is contrasting the false and the true and what is at the centre of the controversy and causing war. In chapter 7 the throne of God is introduced. The prophecy proceeds in time to the day of judgement. The fourth beasts that grew out of the three that ruled before it, would continue till the very end of earth’s history and in chapter 7 the judgment throne of God is also introduced.
In Daniel 8 Medo-Persia and Greece are introduced as the ram and the he-goat as quoted here: Daniel 8: 6 And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran unto him in the fury of his power.7 And I saw him come close unto the ram, and he was moved with choler against him, and smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none that could deliver the ram out of his hand.8 Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and for it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. 20 The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.21 And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. 22 Now that being broken, whereas four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not in his power.23 And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.10 And it waxed great, even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them.11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of the sanctuary was cast down.12 And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
It is plain from what the angel explains to Daniel that the symbols of the nations change but it is expanded on that which preceded in previous dreams and visions. Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece are all identified and Rome is well identified but not named for it does not yet exist in Daniel’s day. However the angel identifies for Daniel Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece specifically by their names.
In short the kingdom of Medo- Persia was over taken by Greece and after Greece Rome and from Rome the little horn power of an apostate church. Added here to this is a time period the 2300 days and this relates to the people of God- the sanctuary people. Hebrews 8:1. The Seventh-day Adventist movement is the only body that has kept the commandments in full and recognized by its teaching the sanctuary truth and is a worldwide movement. I would therefore suggest that they are the sanctuary people. Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here [are] they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. here is the time period mentioned Daniel 8:13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain [saint] which spake, How long [shall be] the vision [concerning] the daily [sacrifice], and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? 8:14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed
In Daniel chapter 9:23-27 this time period is further explained by the dissecting the 2300 days into more periods of time.
To secure the accuracy of interpretation of this time the coming of the messiah is marked in this period of the 70 weeks and the beginning of this time period is also marked by the time when Israel was given its own autonomy to rebuild the temple after its destruction by the Babylonians. The temple of God was a place where God would dwell amongst His people and its rebuilding was detailed by prophetic time with its rebuilding, destruction and cleansing. The 70 week time period is a subset and explanation of the 2300 days which ends as time marking the cleansing of the temple. Unto 2,330 days then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. Daniel 8:14 The beginning of the date for the restoration of the temple in 457 BC was first calculated by Sir Isaac Newton and placed as a footnote in the King James Bible.
The attributes of the little horn power are illustrated here. Notice this contrast which is also seen in Revelation 13 & 14 of cleansing and filth, darkness and light.
In Daniel 10 we are told Daniel is fasting and in earnest prayer concerning the meaning of these visions and what it means to God’s people and Daniel knew that the temple rebuilding, cleansing and the judgement of God concerning His people were very important issues. He had seen the great and solemn majesty of such events while in vision. Daniel 7:9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne [was like] the fiery flame, [and] his wheels [as] burning fire.
7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. 7:11 I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spake: I beheld [even] till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
Those who have already rejected Christ the Saviour have decided their destiny. The judgement concerns the people of God and is open to the angels of heaven as to who is worthy to eternal life and have decided to make an end of sin and make reconciliation for iniquity. Remember the word of Paul Romans 2:13 For not the hearers of the law [are] just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
The daily is not well understood
In relation to the “Daily,” it is important to understand that the word “sacrifice” was supplied by man’s wisdom, and does not belong to the text; as shown in some KJV Bibles in italics. The ‘Daily’ using Strong’s Hebrew & Greek dictionary comes form the root word- ‘tamiyd’ (taw-meed) in Hebrew meaning indefinite extension, perceptual, stretching out indefinitely.
In Daniel 11 and 12 what is the theme of these chapters? It is that which has preceded -the little horn and its establishment and judgement for the people of God. The angel is talking to Daniel and in summary in Daniel 12 gives three time periods. Two in relation to the little horn and to the daily and setting up of the abomination that maketh desolate and one concerning the blessing of the people of God. Comparison given in Daniel 11:31 and 12:11, between Pagan and Papal Rome, where Pagan Rome is designated as the “daily desolation,” while the Papacy is the “ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION.” {February 13, 1883 ATJ, ARSH 102.13}
However to clarify this further Jesus refer to the armies of Rome that destroy Jerusalem as the Abomination of desolation. Matthew 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) This is the name given this hideous destroying dragon like creature that crushes everything under its feet. While the temple of Paganism had continued throughout the ages to attack God’s people are taken away and persecution ceases for a short time as the soldiers of Rome are baptised into the church of Rome, the abomination that maketh desolate is again set up under the Emperor Justinian.
Daniel 8 11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily was taken away, and the place of the sanctuary was cast down.12 And an host was given him against the daily by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the daily, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
Now let repeats these verses and add words for meaning: Daniel 8 11 Yea, he magnified himself even to the position of Christ Himself: and by the little horn the continuance in rebellion that is paganism was taken away that had existed from before the time of the flood, and the place of paganisms’ temple was cast down.12 And an army (pagan or’Christian’, Constantine in the name of Christ vs his enemies who fought in the name of a pagan god) was given the little horn against the continuance in rebellion that is paganism, and it cast down the truth to the ground; and it practised, and prospered.13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain saint which spake, How long shall be the vision concerning the continuance of paganism, and the transgression of desolation that is the little horn, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.
“The continual rebellion started before the flood and it kept on going after the flood until the beginning of the sixth century, A.D. When it was taken away, something worse was put in its place. That something is described in the Scriptures as Antichrist, the Man of Sin. The apostasy of the latter times that would last until the Second Coming of Christ.”
“The Reformation … was really born of a twofold discovery–first, the rediscovery of Christ and His salvation; and second, the discovery of the identity of Antichrist and his subversions………The reformers were unanimous in its acceptance. And it was this interpretation of prophecy that lent emphasis to their reformatory action. It led them to protest against Rome with extraordinary strength and undaunted courage. … This was the rallying point and the battle cry that made the Reformation unconquerable.
The confusion in the Christian beliefs has been brought in by compromise with Romanism, by false teachings and false Bible translations, inspired by the Jesuits which has sent a death blow to Protestantism, who have been left with no vision of the future but to fulfill the will of Rome and make an image, note an image of the beast to Rome, soon to fulfill its destiny as Rome did in the past and will do again in the near future.
An understanding of the daily will help to anchor our understanding of events and who the angel is referring to in his explanation to Daniel. By studying this we can know in verse 39 of chapter 11 that we are at the start of the 1290 years ( the timeline given in Daniel 12) in history when there was a transition of power. What other references have we- the prince of the covenant, his anointing and death help to pinpoint time and history.
1. Continuance (daily) of transgression and the 2. abomination of desolation
1. Continuance (daily) of transgression and the
2. Abomination of desolation.
The Continuance of desolation is that which makes up the first heads of the beasts found in Revelation 13 and 17. The daily transgression never really went away but the images of Paganism the first 4 heads of the dragon or beast that is Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome were superseded by the abomination of desolation which is Romanism in its Christian phase’, the Roman Church’s persecution for 1260 years, Apostate Protestant America’s persecution influenced by the Little horn (this is in the immediate future), a united Europe with the church ruling the European powers, the ten Kings that come together for an hour, again a persecuting power- which shall be at the very last, the ten toes of the image of a man. Of course I’m jumping into Revelation 17 to give you this complete overview when referring to the seven heads of the beast or dragon. The image of man is fully formed by this transformed amalgamated beast ushering in the Antichrist himself, presenting himself as the Christ and yet he comes from all the occult symbols of Paganism. All this ‘work’ of deception makes way for Lucifer to present himself as the Saviour. (The circle is complete as we come back to the image of Daniel 2, the Antichrist is formed.) That which was from the beginning; deception -> Babylon stretches out to the end of this earth’s history. As Christ is crowned King so too Lucifer mimics this coronation.
Time periods
Daniel 8:13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain [saint] which spake, How long [shall be] the vision [concerning] the daily [sacrifice], and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? “HOW LONG” (Daniel 12:6 and Daniel 8:13)? The questions are answered with numbers: 2300 days, 1260/1290/1335 days.
In Daniel chapter 8, 2300 year prophecy is given concerning the little horn power and the restoration of the sanctuary. Daniel 8:13 Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint said unto that certain [saint] which spake, How long [shall be] the vision [concerning] the daily [sacrifice], and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?
8:14 And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. 8:15 And it came to pass, when I, [even] I Daniel, had seen the vision, and sought for the meaning, then, behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a man. The little horn power is explained but for Daniel this is yet future. 8:25 And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify [himself] in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many: he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.
8:26 And the vision of the evening and the morning which was told [is] true: wherefore shut thou up the vision; for it [shall be] for many days. 8:27 And I Daniel fainted, and was sick [certain] days; afterward I rose up, and did the king’s business; and I was astonished at the vision, but none understood [it].
In Daniel 9 the prophet is seeking an answer to what he has seen in the vision by prayer and fasting and by studying Jeremiah.
Another vision is given this time a 70 week time prophecy is given for explanation and division of the 2,300 days or years. 70 weeks the Bible says in Daniel 9 is determined or cut off on thy people This explanation came in answer to Daniel’s prayer who sort the meaning of vision of Daniel 8 concerning the cleaning of the sanctuary in relation to the 2300 days and the little horn power. (see Daniel 9)
By legislative authority and autonomy the rebuilding of the temple at Jerusalem commenced at the beginning of the 2300 day/ year prophecy in 457 BC. Divine authority was given Cyrus who was called by prophetic utterance over 150 years prior to this commencement date. Isaiah 44:28 That saith of Cyrus, [He is] my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid.
Daniel 9:25 Know therefore and understand, [that] from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince [shall be] seven weeks. 457 BC is the date that Sir Isaac Newton gave us for the commencement and is the recognized date in history for the commencement of th
e restoration of the temple by the Jews under the authority of the Medes and Persians and to do so under their own autonomy. In other words under their right to govern and rebuild without outside interference.
The time is given for us without a doubt by 1 the anointing of the messiah in which in Mark records the words of Christ ‘time is fulfilled’ Mark 1:15. 2 In the midst of the prophetic week the Messiah is cut off. These dates are like tent pegs or better still a nail in a building making solid the platform. The platform is the gospel which is as follows–>
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everla
sting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Daniel 9:24 Israel of old did not make an end of sins and reconciliation for iniquity in killing God’s son and refused the gospel message and also refused to anoint the most Holy therefore their time came to a finish at the end of the seventy weeks or seventy year prophecy. The gospel first given to the Jews would now be given to others who would accept the messiah- this is known as the time of the gentiles. The restoration of this gospel is to make a people ready for the second coming of Christ or for when Michael shall stand up is at the end of the 2300 days that is the day of judgement and atonement. Michael also known to us as Jesus shall stand up in the latter day and shall raise the dead. see Jude 1:9
The rejection of the gospel by the nation and its leaders gave birth to the new Christian era and so successful were their efforts that they had delivered the gospel to all the known world back in Paul’s time. Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
Therefore paganism that had continued since before the flood or the daily or the continuance came to an end and gave birth to a new imitation and persecuting power of truth the little horn.
It is interesting to note that by legislative authority the Roman emperor gave the little horn or Papacy it authority to prosecute heretics.
By Legislative authority the power of the Papacy came to an end. Three Arian kings who destroyed the Roman western empire were pluck up as the prophecy foretold and a Pope favorable to the Arian doctrine was removed and authority was given against such doctrine in favor of the trinity and all trace of Arian teachings were obliterated. (Daniel 7:8 I considered th
e horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were
three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.) 1260 years later Napoleon by his legislative authority removed the power and authority of the Papacy until it was reinstated in 1929 fulfilling the Prophecy in Revelation 13 ‘the deadly wound was healed and all the world wondered after the beast’. Again with the re-installment of the Papacy’s state and territory a legal agreement was issued by the Italian King’s and authority was restored to the Papacy.
The coming of the Messiah is by divine authority no human authority is involved- a voice from heaven and the words of Christ- two being witnesses. The restoration of the temple after its destruction in 457 BC by contrast was by divine and human authority. The restoration of the gospel is of physical and spiritual dimension and it comes in the judgement time.
John 15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Restoration of truth on a worldwide scale came after the deadly wound of the Papacy in 1798. The truths are as follows- the sanctuary in heaven and significance to us on earth, state of the dead, the second coming of Christ, the Sabbath, the relationship of the mind to the body and healing all fit together with the message that the hour of His judgement is come and a translation message as we wait for His appearing. He who has not sufficient faith in Christ to believe that He can keep him from sinning, has not the faith that will give him an entrance into the kingdom of God.–Manuscript 161, 1897 see also Daniel 9:24. Also the book of Daniel is open for our study after 1798 and the Spirit of prophecy is made alive. God is manifest to a commandment keeping people. The judgement commenced with the restoration of teachings that had been obscured through the teachings and persecutions of the Papacy. In 1844 an understanding of the heavenly sanctuary (see Hebrews 8) was for the first time plainly understood and with other teachings, incorporated into SDA organisation. Visions and dreams also were manifest that confirmed these positions which were to the law and testimony of God Isaiah 8:20. The laws of health and the seventh-day were incorporated into the faith.