Dan 2 31, 36-45
31 Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness [was] excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof [was] terrible.
36 This [is] the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king. 37 Thou, O king, [art] a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou [art] this head of gold. 39 And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth. 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron: forasmuch as iron breaketh in pieces and subdueth all [things]: and as iron that breaketh all these, shall it break in pieces and bruise. 41 And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. 42 And [as] the toes of the feet [were] part of iron, and part of clay, (These 10 toes are The Ottoman Empire) [so] the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken. 43 And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. 44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom,which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, [but] it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. 45 Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream [is] certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.
Neb’s Dream. A great image = 4 kingdoms
Gold, Silver, Brass, Iron, 2 feet, 10 toes
Iron = Rome = 2 legs = E. Rome & W. Rome
10 Toes = Revived Roman Empire = European Union = The Ottoman Empire
Prophecy of the Kingdom of God
2:31 Great image
Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, as interpreted by Daniel, gives the course and end of “the times of the Gentiles” Luke 21:24. (See Scofield “Revelation 16:19“) that is, of Gentile world-empire. The four metals composing the image are explained as symbolizing Daniel 2:38-40 four empires, not necessarily possessing the inhabited earth, but able to do so (Daniel 2:38), and fulfilled in Babylon, Media-Persia, Greece (under Alexander), and Rome. The latter power is seen divided, first into two (the legs), fulfilled in the Eastern and Western Roman empires, and then into ten toes (These 10 toes are The Ottoman Empire). See Scofield “Daniel 7:26. As a whole, the image gives the imposing outward greatness and splendour of the Gentile world-power.
The smiting Stone Daniel 2:34,35 destroys the Gentile world-system (in its final form) by a sudden and irremediable blow, not by the gradual processes of conversion and assimilation; and then, and not before, does the Stone become a mountain which fills “the whole earth.” (Cf. Daniel 7:26,27). Such a destruction of the Gentile monarchy-system did not occur at the first advent of Christ. On the contrary, He was put to death by the sentence of an officer of the fourth empire, which was then at the zenith of its power. Since the crucifixion the Roman empire has followed the course marked out in the vision, but Gentile world dominion still continues, and the crushing blow is still suspended. The detail of the end-time is given in Daniel 7:1-28, and Re 13.-19. It is important to see
(1) that Gentile world-power is to end in a sudden (maybe not so sudden) catastrophic judgment (see “Armageddon,” Revelation 16:14; 19:21).
(2) that it is immediately followed by the kingdom of heaven, and that the God of the heavens does not set up His kingdom till after the destruction of the Gentile world- system. It is noteworthy that Gentile world-dominion begins and ends with a great image. Daniel 2:31; Revelation 13:14,15.
2:35 Mountain
A mountain is one of the biblical symbols of a kingdom. (See Scofield “Isaiah 2:2“) . (Dan 2:35,44-45; Rev 17:9-11; Isa 2:2; in Rev 13:1-3 the 1st beast describes the 10 kingdoms, revived)
2:38 Wheresoever the children
This is universal dominion. It was never fully realized, but power was given for it.
2:41 But there shall be
From the “head of gold” (Daniel 2:38) to the “iron” of the “fourth kingdom” (Rome) there is deterioration in fineness, but increase of strength (Daniel 2:40). Then comes the deterioration of the “fourth kingdom” in that very quality, strength.
(1) Deterioration by division: The kingdom is divided into two, the legs (Eastern and Western empires), and these are again divided into kingdoms, the number of which when the Stone smites the image will be ten toes, (These 10 toes are The Ottoman Empire) Daniel 2:42; cf. Daniel 7:23,24.
(2) Deterioration by admixture; the iron of the Roman imperium mixed with the clay of the popular will, fickle and easily moulded. This is precisely what has come to pass in the constitutional monarchies which, the Republic of France and the despotism of Turkey, cover the sphere of ancient Roman rule.
2:44 And in the days
The passage fixes authoritatively the time relative to other predicted events, when the kingdom of the heavens will be set up. It will be “in the days of those kings,” i.e. the days of the ten kings (cf. Daniel 7:24-27 symbolized by the toes of the image. That condition did not exist at the advent of Messiah, nor was it even possible until the dissolution of the Roman empire, and the rise of the present national world system. See “Kingdom (O.T.)”; Genesis 1:26; Zechariah 12:8 “Kingdom (N.T.)” ; Luke 1:31-33; 1 Corinthians 15:28, (See Scofield “Matthew 3:2“) note (defining “kingdom of heaven”). Verse 45 repeats the method by which the kingdom will be set up. (Cf) See Scofield “Daniel 2:31” ; Psalms 2:5; 2:6; Zechariah 14:1-8; 14:9.
Copyright Statement
These files are considered public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that is available in the Online Bible Software Library.
Bibliography Information
Scofield, C. I. “Scofield Reference Notes on Daniel 2″. “Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)”. <http://www.studylight.org/com/srn/view.cgi?book=da&chapter=002>. 1917.
Dan 7:1-8
1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, [and] told the sum of the matters. 2 Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another. 4 The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle’s wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it. 5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and [it had] three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. 6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it. 7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it [was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns (These 10 horns are The Ottoman Empire). 8 I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Now Daniel has a vision. Is this the same as Neb’s dream? It is the same countries/kingdoms
Four Kingdoms = Lion = Babylon, Bear = Media/Persia, Leopard = Greece
4th Beast = Rome (revived)
The same Kingdoms as Neb’s dream, with
Additional information about the individual kingdoms is given.
The lion (Babylon) had eagle’s wings and they were plucked and it became as a man
The bear (Media/Persia) on one side, 3 ribs in its mouth, devours much flesh (see 11:2 note)
The leopard (Greece) with 4 wings, 4 heads and dominion
The 4th beast strong, dreadful, terrible and had iron teeth, broke in pieces. It had 10 horns and Up from among them another little horn And the little horn plucked up 3 of the first horns by the roots and became as a man
7:2 Great sea
The “sea” in Scripture imagery stands for the populace, the mere unorganized mass of mankind Matthew 13:47; Revelation 13:1.
7:5 Three ribs A reference to the three-fold dominion of the second empire, Media, Persia, Babylonia.(See 11:2)
devour i.e. Lydia, Babylonia, Egypt, etc.
7:6 leopard
Swiftness of Alexander’s conquests.
7:7 Horns
A horn symbolizes a king. Cf. Revelation 17:12.
little horn
The vision is of the end of Gentile world-dominion. The Roman empire revived (the iron kingdom of Daniel; 7:7) will have ten horns (i.e. kings, Revelation 17:12) corresponding to the ten toes of the image (These 10 toes are The Ottoman Empire). As Daniel considers this vision of the ten kings, there rises up amongst them a “little horn” (king), who subdues three of the ten kings so completely that the separate identity of their kingdoms is destroyed. Seven kings of the ten are left, and the “little horn.” He is the “king of fierce countenance” typified by that other “king of fierce countenance,” Antiochus Epiphanes, Daniel 8:23-25 the “prince that shall come” of Daniel 9:26,27 the “king” of Daniel 11:36-45 the “abomination” of ; Daniel 12:11; Matthew 24:15 the “man of sin” of 2 Thessalonians 2:4-8 and the “Beast” of Revelation 13:4-10. See “Beast” ; Daniel 7:8; Revelation 19:20. 2:33-35,40-44
Dan 7:17-27
17 These great beasts, which are four, [are] four kings, [which] shall arise out of the earth. 18 But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. 19 Then I would know the truth of the fourth beast, which was diverse from all the others, exceeding dreadful, whose teeth [were of] iron, and his nails [of] brass; [which] devoured, brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with his feet; 20 And of the ten horns (These 10 toes may be The Ottoman Empire) that [were] in his head, and [of] the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even [of] that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look [was] more stout than his fellows. 21 I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; 22 Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. 23 Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom [are] ten kings [that] shall arise:(These 10 toes are The Ottoman Empire) and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak [great] words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. 26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy [it] unto the end. 27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom [is] an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Gabriel explains vision to Daniel
Great Beasts = 4 kingdoms
The 4th Kingdom = Rome
Has 10 Horns = 10 kings that shall arise, (These 10 toes are The Ottoman Empire (revived))
Another comes up (another king Rev 13:6,7) 10 + 1 = 11 kings and 3 fell = 8 or (10 minus 3 = 7+1=8) That king is the eighth king of Rev 17:11, (“The beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth and is {one} of the seven, and he goes to destruction.)That king is the 1st Beast of Rev 13]
He has a time and times and the dividing of time (42 mo Rev 13:5)
And the greatness of that kingdom shall be given to the people of the Saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom.
7:17 Beasts
The monarch vision of Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2) covers the same historic order as the beast vision of Daniel, but with this difference: Nebuchadnezzar saw the imposing outward power and splendour of the “times of the Gentiles” Luke 21:24; Revelation 16:19 while Daniel saw the true character of Gentile world-government as rapacious and warlike, established and maintained by force. It is remarkable that the heraldic insignia of the Gentile nations are all beasts or birds of prey.
7:18 Saints vs. Daniel 7:18,22,25,27. That church saints will also share in the rule seems clear from ; Acts 16:17; Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:10-12; 1 Peter 2:9; Revelation 1:6; 3:21; 5:10; 20:4-6.
7:19 Know the truth of the fourth beast See note 4, (See Scofield “Daniel 7:17“) .
7:26 and they shall
The end of Gentile world-power.
(1) In the beast vision of Daniel 7. the fourth beast is declared to be “the fourth kingdom,” i.e. the Roman empire, the “iron” kingdom of Dan. 2. The “ten horns” (These 10 toes are The Ottoman Empire)upon the fourth beast (Roman empire), Daniel 7:7 are declared to be “ten kings that shall arise” (Daniel 7:24) answering to the ten toes of the image vision of Dan. 2. The ten kingdoms, covering the regions formerly ruled by Rome, will constitute, therefore, the form in which the fourth or Roman empire will exist when the whole fabric of Gentile world-domination is smitten by the “stone cut out without hands” == Christ ; Daniel 2:44,45; 7:9.
(2) But Daniel sees a “little horn” rise up and subdue three of the ten kings Daniel 7:24-26. His distinguishing mark is hatred of God and of the Saints. He is not to be confounded with the “little horn” of Dan. 8.–a prophecy fulfilled in Antiochus Epiphanes. (See Scofield “Daniel 8:9“) . In Rev. 13, additional particulars of the “little horn” of Dan. 7. are given. See Scofield “Revelation 13:1“.
7:27 Everlasting kingdom See, 2 Samuel 7:16; Psalms 89:35-37; Daniel 4:3; 7:13,14; Luke 1:31-33.
Copyright Statement
These files are considered public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that is available in the Online Bible Software Library.
Bibliography Information
Scofield, C. I. “Scofield Reference Notes on Daniel 7″. “Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)”. <http://www.studylight.org/com/srn/view.cgi?book=da&chapter=007>. 1917.
Dan 8:1-27
1 In the third year of the reign of king Belshazzar a vision appeared unto me, [even unto] me Daniel, after that which appeared unto me at the first. 2 And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I [was] at Shushan [in] the palace, which [is] in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai. 3 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and saw, and, behold, there stood before the river a ram which had [two] horns: and the [two] horns [were] high; but one [was] higher than the other, and the higher came up last. 4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither [was there any] that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great. 5 And as I was considering, behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat [had] a notable horn between his eyes. 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. 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 his 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. 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. 16 And I heard a man’s voice between [the banks of] Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this [man] to understand the vision. 17 So he came near where I stood: and when he came, I was afraid, and fell upon my face: but he said unto me, Understand, O son of man: for at the time of the end [shall be] the vision. 18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground: but he touched me, and set me upright. 19 And he said, Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end [shall be]. 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. 24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 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. 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. 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].
The Ram = Media/Persia.
The Goat = Grecia
Greece smote Media/Persia when Alexander the Great was in power. When he died his kingdom was divided into 4 kingdoms
and the great horn = the 1st king (Alexander). Horn broken = 4 kingdoms (1 + 4 = 5 kings) and in the latter time of their kingdom = when transgressors come to the full.
A King of fierce countenance shall stand up (5+1=6) and understanding dark sentences, his power mighty (but, not by his own power, but Rev 12:3 a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.)), he shall destroy, shall prosper, practice and destroy mighty and holy people. By peace shall destroy many. Shall stand up against the Prince of princes; shall be broken without hand.
Antioches Epiphanes or the 1st or 2nd Beast?
The first king (Alexander) plus the 4 kingdoms = 5
Rev 17:11: “The beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth and is {one} of the seven, and he goes to destruction.”
8:1 Vision
The eighth chapter gives details concerning the second and third world-kingdoms: the silver and brass kingdoms of Dan. 2.; the bear and leopard kingdoms of Dan. 7., viz., the Medo-Persian and Macedonian kingdoms of history. At the time of this vision (Daniel 8:1) the first monarchy was nearing its end. Belshazzar was the last king of that monarchy.
third year About B.C. 530.
8:3 Ram
(See Scofield “Daniel 8:20“) .
8:9 little horn
The “little horn” here is a prophecy fulfilled in Antiochus Epiphanes, B.C. 175, who profaned the temple and terribly persecuted the Jews. He is not to be confounded with the “little horn” of Dan. 7. who is yet to come, and who will dominate the earth during the great tribulation. (See Scofield “Daniel 7:8“) concerning “The Beast”. See Scofield “Revelation 19:20” and “The great tribulation,” Psalms 2:5. See Scofield “Revelation 7:14“. But Antiochus is a remarkable type of the Beast, the terrible “little horn” of the last days. Verses 24,25 go beyond Antiochus and evidently refer to the “little horn” of Dan. 7. Both Antiochus and the Beast, but the Beast pre-eminently, are in view in verses 24,25. That the “little horn” of Dan. 7. cannot be the little horn of Daniel 8:9-13,23 is evident. The former comes up among the ten horns into which the fourth empire (Roman) is to be divided; the little horn of Dan. 8. comes out of one of the four kingdoms into which the third (Grecian) empire was divided (Daniel 8:23), and in “the latter time” of the four kingdoms Daniel 8:22,23). This was historically true of Antiochus Epiphanes. They are alike in hatred of the Jews and of God, and in profaning the temple. Cf. Daniel 7:25 (the Beast) with Daniel 8:10-12 (Antiochus):
one of them Anticohus Epiphanes came out of Syria, one of the “four notable” kingdoms into which Alexander’s empire was divided.
8:10 And it waxed great
This passage (Daniel 8:10-14) is confessedly the most difficult in prophecy, a difficulty increased by the present state of the text. Historically this was fulfilled in and by Antiochus Epiphanes, but in a more intense and final sense Antiochus but adumbrates the awful blasphemy of the “little horn” of ; Daniel 7:8,24,25; 9:27; 11:36-45; 12:11. In Daniel Daniel 8:10-14 the actions of both “little horns” blend.
8:12 Daily sacrifice
Cf. Daniel 9:27 where the Beast comes into view:
8:13 Desolation
Seven times in Daniel the “desolation” is spoken of:
(1) Of the sanctuary, Daniel 8:13 fulfilled by Antiochus Epiphanes, B.C. 175-170.
(2) Of the sanctuary, Daniel 9:17 the condition in Daniel’s time, when the Jews were in exile and the sanctuary desolate.
(3) Generally, of the land, Daniel 9:18 also referring to Daniel’s time.
(4) Of the sanctuary, Daniel 9:26 fulfilled A.D. 70, in the destruction of city and temple after the cutting off of Messiah. Luke 21:20.
(5,6,7) Of the sanctuary, by the Beast, Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11 Cf ; Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:3,8-12; Revelation 13:14,15.
one saint Or, holy one, idem. Daniel 4:13,17.
8:15 A man
The theophanies. 10:6,10,18; Ezekiel 40:3; Genesis 12:7; Revelation 1:9.
8:19 End
Two “ends” are in view here:
(1) historically, the end of the third, or Grecian empire of Alexander out of one of the divisions of which the little horn of verse 9 (Antiochus) arose;
(2) prophetically, the end of the times of the Gentiles Luke 21:24; Revelation 16:14 when the “little horn” of Daniel 7:8,24-26 the Beast, will arise–Daniel’s final time of the end. (See Scofield “Daniel 12:4“) .
8:20 ram
vs. Daniel 8:3,4.
The “higher” horn which “came up last” is Cyrus, the other “Darius the Mede.”
8:21 First king
i.e. Alexander the Great.
8:22 Four kingdoms
The four empires into which Alexander’s empire was divided about B.C. 300; Greece, Asia Minor, including Syria, Egypt, the East.
8:23 King of fierce countenance
i.e. Antiochus Epiphanes who arose out of Syria, one of the “four kingdoms,” B.C. 170.
Copyright Statement
These files are considered public domain and are a derivative of an electronic edition that is available in the Online Bible Software Library.
Bibliography Information
Scofield, C. I. “Scofield Reference Notes on Daniel 8″. “Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)”. <http://www.studylight.org/com/srn/view.cgi?book=da&chapter=008>. 1917.
Dan 11:1-4
1 Also I in the first year of Darius the Mede, [even] I, stood to confirm and to strengthen him. 2 And now will I shew thee the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than [they] all: and by his strength through his riches he shall stir up all against the realm of Grecia. 3 And a mighty king shall stand up, that shall rule with great dominion, and do according to his will. 4 And when he shall stand up, his kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven; and not to his posterity, nor according to his dominion which he ruled: for his kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others beside those.
Once again Gabriel is sent to reveal to Daniel (Dan 10:21 that which is noted in the scripture) what the vision means to his people. Once again Gabriel is revealing to Daniel what shall be at the time of the end. Remember here that Alexander is the ‘1st King’. Plus the split into 4 kings = 5 kings.
Rev 17:11: “The beast which was and is not, is himself also an eighth and is {one} of the seven, and he goes to destruction.”
11:2 three The spirit of prophecy here returns to that which more immediately concerned Daniel and his royal masters–the near future of the empire in which he was so great a personage. Four kings were yet to follow in Media-Persia. Then will come Alexander the “mighty king” of Grecia (v.3). The division of Alexander’s empire into four parts (v.4) as already predicted Daniel 8:22 is foretold. The troublous course of affairs in two parts of the disintegrated Alexandrian empire, Syria and Egypt, is then traced down to verse 20. Here Antiochus Epiphanes, the “little horn” of Chapter 8., occupies the vision down to verse 36. His pollution of the sanctuary is again mentioned. (Cf) (See Scofield “Daniel 8:9“) . From verse 36 the interpretation is of the final “little horn” Daniel 7:8,24-26, See Scofield “Daniel 11:35“.
three kings Ahasuerus, Ezra 4:6, Artaxerxes, Ezra 4:7, and Darius called “Hystaspes” Ezra 4:24.
fourth Xerxes, who invaded Greece BC 483-480.
11:3 king Alexander the Great, B.C. 332. See Daniel 8:5-8,21,22.
Dan 11:36-45
36 And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvellous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished: for that that is determined shall be done. 37 Neither shall he regard the God of his fathers, nor the desire of women, nor regard any god: for he shall magnify himself above all. 38 But in his estate shall he honour the God of forces: and a god whom his fathers knew not shall he honour with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things. 39 Thus shall he do in the most strong holds with a strange god, whom he shall acknowledge [and] increase with glory: and he shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for gain. 40 And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him: and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. 41 He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many [countries] shall be overthrown: but these shall escape out of his hand, [even] Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries: and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt: and the Libyans and the Ethiopians [shall be] at his steps. 44 But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to take away many. 45 And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
Dan 11:37-45 does supply details not mentioned in the New Testament. A man who worships god as ‘Allah’, a Muslim would fit these details, also. In fact, it is my belief that this description is exactly that. A person who honors the god of forces, and believes he has been singled out to be a light to the people and chosen to rule at this time. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei , Supreme Religious Leader, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President are, they claim ‘in contact’ with the ‘12th Imam’. This ‘messianic 12th Imam’ is illusive and has all power from Allah (fits power from Satan Rev 12:3 a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads.)
11:35 The time of the end
Here the prophetic foreview, having traced the history of the two parts of Alexander’s empire which had to do with Palestine and the Jews, viz. Syria and Egypt, to the time of Antiochus Epiphanes, and having described his career, overleaps the centuries to “the time of the end,” when he of whom Antiochus Epiphanes was a type, the “little horn” of Daniel 7:8 the “Beast out of the sea” of Revelation 13:4-10 shall appear (cf) (See Scofield “Daniel 7:8“) . Prophecy does not concern itself with history as such, but only with history as it affects Israel and the Holy Land. Antiochus Epiphanes was insignificant as compared with historical personages whom the Bible does not mention, but he scourged the covenant people and defiled God’s altar, thus coming into prophetic light. From verse 36 the “little horn” of Daniel 7:8,24-26 fills the scene. His prosperity lasts until “the indignation” (the “time of trouble” of ; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21 is accomplished (Daniel 11:36). This is parallel with ; Revelation 17:10-14; 19:19-21. Daniel 11:37-45 supply details not mentioned in the N.T. The expression “God of his fathers” (Daniel 11:37) has been held to indicate that the “king” is an apostate Jew, but this does not accord with Daniel 9:26 which was fulfilled by the Gentile armies of Rome. The “little horn” is an apostate, but from Christianity, (I do not agree here) not Judaism (cf) 1 John 2:18,19. Daniel 11:38-45 describe his career. Substituting “the god of forces” (i.e. forces of nature) for the true God (Daniel 11:38,39), he soon presents himself as that god (cf) 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4. While his career lasts he is an irresistible conqueror Daniel 11:40-44). He established his palace in Jerusalem, probably at the time of his supreme act of blasphemous impiety ; Daniel 9:27; 12:11; Matthew 24:15; 2 Thessalonians 2:4. From this time begins the great tribulation ; Daniel 12:1; Matthew 24:21 which runs its course during the last half of Daniel’s seventieth week, viz. three and one half years ; Daniel 7:25; 12:7,11; Revelation 13:5. Scofield “Revelation 19:20“.
11:36 he shall exalt
The Beast. Daniel 11:36-45; Daniel 12:11; 7:8; Revelation 19:20.
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Bibliography Information
Scofield, C. I. “Scofield Reference Notes on Daniel 11″. “Scofield Reference Notes (1917 Edition)”. <http://www.studylight.org/com/srn/view.cgi?book=da&chapter=011>. 1917.
Dan 9:24-27
24 Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. 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, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. 26 And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make [it] desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.
Gabriel is sent to Daniel, Chapter 9:22‘I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding, I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.’
9:24 Seventy weeks
These are “weeks” or more accurately, sevens of years; seventy weeks of seven years each. Within these “weeks” the national chastisement must be ended and the nation re- established in everlasting righteousness (Daniel 9:24). The seventy weeks are divided into seven == 49 years; sixty-two = 434 years; one = 7 years (vs. 25-27). In the seven weeks == 49 years, Jerusalem was to be rebuilt in “troublous times.” This was fulfilled, as Ezra and Nehemiah record. Sixty-two weeks == 434 years, thereafter Messiah was to come (Daniel 9:25). This was fulfilled in the birth and manifestation of Christ. Daniel 9:26 26 is obviously an indeterminate period. The date of the crucifixion is not fixed. It is only said to be “after” the threescore and two weeks. It is the first event in Daniel 9:26. The second event is the destruction of the city, fulfilled A.D. 70. Then, “unto the end,” a period not fixed, but which has already lasted nearly 2000 years. To Daniel was revealed only that wars and desolations should continue (cf. Matthew 24:6-14.) The N.T. reveals, that which was hidden from the O.T. prophets ; Matthew 13:11-17; Ephesians 3:1-10 that during this period should be accomplished the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven Matthew 13:1-50 and the out-calling of the Church ; Matthew 16:18; Romans 11:25. When the Church- age will end, and the seventieth week begin, is nowhere revealed. Its duration can be but seven years. To make it more violates the principle of interpretation already confirmed by fulfilment. Daniel 9:27 deals with the last week. The “he” of Daniel 9:27 is the “prince that shall come” of Daniel 9:26, whose people (Rome or Syria/Greece) destroyed the temple, A.D. 70. He is the same with the “little horn” of chapter 7. He will covenant with the Jews to restore their temple sacrifices for one week (seven years), but in the middle of that time he will break the covenant and fulfil ;
Daniel 12:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4. Between the sixty-ninth week, after which Messiah was cut off, and the seventieth week, within which the “little horn” of Dan. 7. will run his awful course, intervenes this entire Church-age. Daniel 9:27 deals with the last three and a half years of the seven, which are identical with the “great tribulation.” Matthew 24:15-28 “time of trouble” Daniel 12:1 hour of temptation” Revelation 3:10. (see “Tribulation,” ; Psalms 2:5; Revelation 7:14). (See Scofield “Psalms 2:5“) .
make reconciliation
There is no word in the O.T. properly rendered reconcile. In the A.V. the English word is found 1 Samuel 29:4; 2 Chronicles 29:24; Leviticus 6:30; 8:15; 16:20; Ezekiel 45:15,17,20; Daniel 9:24 but always improperly; atonement is invariably the meaning. Reconciliation is a N.T. doctrine Romans 5:10(See Scofield “Colossians 1:21“)
thy people Cf. Hosea 1:9 The Jews, rejected, are “thy people,” i.e. Daniel’s, not Jehovah’s though yet to be restored.
reconciliation Heb. kaphar, atonement. See this verse note 1, and see note, Exodus 29:33 (See Scofield “Exodus 29:33“)
9:25 From the going forth of the commandment
Three decrees concerning Jerusalem are recorded, that of Cyrus, B.C. 536 (Ussher), for the restoration of the “house of the Lord God of Israel” 2 Chronicles 36:22,23; Ezra 1:1-3 that of Darius Ezekiel 6:3-8 B.C. 521-486), and that of Artaxerxes in his seventh year. Ezekiel 7:7 say, B.C. 458). Artaxerxes in his twentieth year, B.C. 444 (Hales, Jahn), 446 (A.V.), 454 (Ussher, Hengstenberg), gave permission for the rebuilding of the “city,” i.e., “Jerusalem” Nehemiah 2:1-8. The latter decree is, obviously, that from which the “seven weeks” (49 years) run, unless by “the commandment to restore,” etc. is meant the divine decree Daniel 9:23. In the present state of biblical chronology the date of the decree of Artaxerxes cannot be unanswerably fixed farther than to say that it was issued between 454 and 444 B.C. In either case we are brought to the time of Christ. Prophetic time is invariably so near as to give full warning, so indeterminate as to give no satisfaction to mere curiosity. (cf) ; Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:7. The 434 years reckon, of course, from the end of the seven weeks so that the whole time from “the going forth of the commandment to restore,” etc., “unto the Messiah” is sixty-nine weeks of years, or 483 years.
9:27 Abominations
(Cf) Matthew 24:15. The expression occurs three times in Daniel. In; Daniel 9:27; 12:11 the reference is to the “Beast,” “man of sin”; 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4 and is identical with Matthew 24:15. In Daniel 11:31 the reference is to the act of Antiochus Epiphanes, the prototype of the man of sin, who sacrificed a sow upon the altar, and entered the holy of holies.
