DANIEL CHAPTER EIGHT - Daniel has a Dream

Bill Fritz

Adult Education

Fellowship Bible Church

Chapter Summary

King Nebuchadnezzar reign 605-652 B.C.

605 BC

Daniel Refuses the King's Portion Daniel 1

604 BC

Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar Dream Daniel 2

585 BC

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego Daniel 3

582 BC

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream Daniel 4

582 BC

Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream Daniel 4:19

Evil-Merodach 562-560

Neriglissar 560-556 B.C.

Nabonidus 556-539

Belshazzar 556-539 (seven years)

539 BC
Daniel Interprets Handwriting on the Wall Daniel 5

Babylon falls

539 BC
Daniel Survives the Lions' Den Daniel 6
539 BC

Daniel's Vision of Four Beasts Daniel 7
539 BC

Daniel's Vision of the Ram and Goat Daniel 8
539 BC

Daniel in Susa the Citadel

(Dan 8:1-2 ESV)

1 In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, Daniel, after that which appeared to me at the first. 2 And I saw in the vision; and when I saw, I was in Susa the citadel, which is in the province of Elam. And I saw in the vision, and I was at the Ulai canal.

This dream occurred about midpoint in king Belshazzar’s reign in Babylon.

Take a moment and see where these places are in the Middle East in relation to Babylon.

Daniel has a Vision
Dan 8:3-25

3 I raised my eyes and saw, and behold, a ram standing on the bank of the canal. It had two horns, and both horns were high, but one was higher than the other, and the higher one came up last.

           Remember the horn is a symbol of a ruler, a power, and or authority.  Therefore these two horns represent two rulers one greater than the other.  The larger horn represents the ruler Cyrus who rose in power and influence over Media.  The first and smaller horn represented king Darius of the Medes.  Darius was about sixty-two when he took Babylon (Dan 5:31).  The ram corresponds to the bear which corresponds to the silver torso of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue.

4 I saw the ram charging westward and northward and southward. No beast could stand before him, and there was no one who could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great.

Cyrus the Great conquests - (Dan 8:5 ESV)

5 As I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west across the face of the whole earth, without touching the ground. And the goat had a conspicuous horn between his eyes.

           Alexander the great is depicted by the leopard a swift cunning beast of prey.   How is he pictured in Nebuchadnezzar's statue?  He is the third kingdom pictured as the brass loin covering.  His kingdom was more vast than any before him and yet symbolically of less worth. Alexander moved swiftly and may have come to the Middle East by way of the Mediterranean Sea thereby not touching land.[1]  In Dan 7:6 the description of the leopard does not tell of a horn.

 

(Dan 8:6-7 ESV)

6 He came to the ram with the two horns, which I had seen standing on the bank of the canal, and he ran at him in his powerful wrath. 7 I saw him come close to the ram, and he was enraged against him and struck the ram and broke his two horns. And the ram had no power to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground and trampled on him. And there was no one who could rescue the ram from his power.

“Alexander defeats Darius in 334 B.C. in the location of the Ulai River.  Newton contends the wrath of the Greeks stemmed from the invasion of the Persians and their cruelty by the Persians. In 331 B.C. he defeated Darius Codomanus, and in 330 burned Persepolis and completed the conquest of Persia[2].”

[7]        Both ruler’s (Cyrus and Darius) reign were now broken.  The Ram having two horns (two kings Persian and Medes) was the Persian Empire now overthrown by the Leopard (Greece). 

            Remember this is Daniels vision of the future of Darius, Cyrus and the Persian Empire. 

In chapter seven we saw Greece symbolized by a leopard however in chapter 8 we see specifically Alexander symbolized by the single horn of the shaggy-haired goat.  Like Satan (Rev 12:8,9) Persia was defeated and thrown down to the ground.

8 Then the goat became exceedingly great, but when he was strong, the great horn was broken, and instead of it there came up four conspicuous horns toward the four winds of heaven.

            “The great horn was broken”, Alexander ruled his kingdom until his death in 323 B.C. in Babylon; Alexander’s kingdom was divided after his death.  The kingdom was divided between four princes “Seleucus, in the east, obtained Syria, Babylonia, Media, &c.; Cassander, in the west, Macedon Thessaly, Greece; PTOLEMY, in the south, Egypt, Cyprus, &c.; Lysimachus, in the north, Thrace, Cappadocia, and the north parts of Asia Minor[3].” (Jamieson, faucet and Brown)

The Rise of the Little Horn (Dan 8:9-10 ESV)

9 Out of one of them came a little horn, which grew exceedingly great toward the south, toward the east, and toward the glorious land. 10 It grew great, even to the host of heaven. And some of the host and some of the stars it threw down to the ground and trampled on them.

This is not the same symbol of the little horn found in Daniel 7:8.  Where the little horn came up among the other horns.  “like a bear… next I saw…like a leopard, with four wings of a bird on its back”. (Dan 7:5) We know the leopard symbolizes Alexander and the four heads are symbolic of the four princes to receive Alexander’s kingdom after his death.

            Paraphrasing Daniel 7:7 “The fourth beast …. Terrifying and exceedingly strong.”  The fourth beast is the Roman Empire who Concord all the lands held by the four Grecian rulers and much more in approximately 164B.C.  Returning now to Daniel 8:9 “out of one of the broken horns grew a little horn.”

 [9]       This verse changes the prophecy from the time of Alexander the Great to a time after Dan 8:26.  The little horn grew up out of one of those four kingdoms whose power became exceedingly great towards the South, the North, and the glorious land.  The glorious land, Israel see also Ezekiel 20:6.

            Quoting the Holman Christian Study Bible which may clarify the meaning of the little horn of Daniel 8:9. “as opposed to the little horn that will come from the fourth kingdom (Rome) described in Dan 7:8, a different little horn emerged out of one of the four kingdoms that divided the Greek Empire. This one was Antiochus IV (175-163 b.c.), ruler of the Seleucid dynasty[4], who conquered surrounding areas to the south and to the east but especially dominated the beautiful land of Israel. He brutally trampled and persecuted the Jewish people from 170-164 b.c. Antiochus blasphemously presented himself as the Prince of the host, God Himself (called the Prince of princes in 8:25), stopping daily sacrifice and defiling the holy temple (His sanctuary) in Jerusalem (167 b.c.). He will be successful, but only temporarily.”  (Holman Christian Study Bible HCSB, Dan 8:9-12).

 (Dan 8:11-12 ESV)

11 It became great, even as great as the Prince of the host. And the regular burnt offering was taken away from him, and the place of his sanctuary was overthrown. 12 And a host will be given over to it together with the regular burnt offering because of transgression, and it will throw truth to the ground, and it will act and prosper.

Antiochus IV elevated himself to the prince of the host, a position held by God.  He was not an antichrist because the Christ had not yet become flesh. Antiochus IV stopped burnt offerings and other Jewish forms of sacrifice offered daily morning and twilight proclaiming himself to be God the Prince of the host. (Exodus 29:38, 39)

After Antiochus IV death, “It took more than two decades of fighting before the Maccabees forced the Seleucids to retreat from the Land of Israel.” (Jewish virtual library)

So in Daniel 8:10 "the host" is used; and again in Daniel 8: 13, where also "give" is used as here for "giving up" for destruction (compare Daniel 11:6 ) [MAURER][5]. “it will throw truth to the ground, and it will act and prosper.”  Isaiah also speaks of truth as if it were a person. (Isaiah 59:13-15) The meaning is clear all that is righteous, true, and pure would be cast out of the hearts of men and fall into scorn and forgetfulness.  It will be a time of upheaval where right is wrong, and wrong becomes right.

(Dan 8:13-14 ESV)

13 Then I heard a holy one speaking, and another holy one said to the one who spoke, "For how long is the vision concerning the regular burnt offering, the transgression that makes desolate, and the giving over of the sanctuary and host to be trampled underfoot?" 14 And he said to me, "For 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state."

“2,300 evenings and mornings” figuring evening to morning to be 12 hours and calculating it out the result is 3.19 years and factoring the difference between the Gregorian and Jewish calendar we can be pretty safe in rounding off to 3 years.  Is this the first part of the tribulation? (Dan 8:17)

15 When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it. And behold, there stood before me one having the appearance of a man. 16 And I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, and it called, "Gabriel, make this man understand the vision."

The man commands Gabriel as Gabriel is an arch angle only God could command him.  

Daniel sees Jesus but how could he see Jesus, He was not born yet.  The form of Jesus has not changed since before the beginning of time, He existed with God from eternity. (John 1:1) So, therefore, Jesus is and always was the son of God in human form.  Most Christians believe it was Jesus in the flames with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

17 So he came near where I stood. And when he came, I was frightened and fell on my face. But he said to me, "Understand, O son of man, that the vision is for the time of the end."

            What is meant by the time of the end?  from the Hebrew word "ya’ad H3259; properly, an appointment, i.e. a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for a definite purpose); technically the congregation; by extension, the place of meeting; also a signal (as appointed beforehand):—appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn(-ity), synogogue, (set) time (appointed)"[6].

(Dan 8:18-19 ESV)

18 And when he had spoken to me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground. But he touched me and made me stand up. 19 He said, "Behold, I will make known to you what shall be at the latter end of the indignation, for it refers to the appointed time of the end.

What is the indignation? God’s displeasure against the Jews.  The calamities have an appointed time which means that the time of Israel’s punishment will end, it has an appointed duration.

20 As for the ram that you saw with the two horns, these are the kings of Media and Persia.

            We should now be able to see the cross references between Nebuchadnezzar’s and Daniel’s dreams.  Except for Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a statue Daniel’s dreams were comprised of animals which represent countries.  God is still dealing with Israel. Gentiles will not enter the picture until after Jesus is resurrected from the grave.

21 And the goat is the king of Greece. And the great horn between his eyes is the first king.

The first king--Philip was king of Macedon before Alexander, but the latter was the first who, as a generalissimo of Greece, subdued the Persian empire[7].   

22 As for the horn that was broken, in place of which four others arose, four kingdoms shall arise from his nation, but not with his power.

            Once again the horn is symbolic imagery of a king, kingdom, or power.  In this case, the single horn broken represents Alexander the greats kingdom which will be divided into four kingdoms.  United we stand divided we fall is a quote that describes this scenario.  The four kingdoms will not be as strong as the one.  Alexander’s kingdom is divided between his four generals.

Compare (Dan 8:23 KJV)

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.

            By all indication this ruler would be skilled in the dark arts understanding secret writings.  The word riddles were translated from the Hebrew word: "chîydâh, khee-daw'; from H2330; a puzzle, hence, a trick, conundrum, sententious maxim:—dark saying (sentence, speech), hard question, proverb, riddle"[8].  This ruler was in league with Satan. “His great power would not be his own but would have a satanic source” (Dan 8:23 HCSB)

24 His power shall be great--but not by his own power; and he shall cause fearful destruction and shall succeed in what he does, and destroy mighty men and the people who are the saints. 25 By his cunning he shall make deceit prosper under his hand, and in his own mind he shall become great. Without warning he shall destroy many. And he shall even rise up against the Prince of princes, and he shall be broken--but by no human hand.

[24]      This king is thought to have been Antiochus Epiphanes who was by all accounts ruthless, cruel, hated the people of God, and he changed their laws.

[25]      Who is the Prince of princes? Daniel 8:11 indicates that this Prince is the Arch Angle Michael, defender of Israel, who describes Antiochus to Daniel.  Antiochus by all historical accounts lived up Gabriel’s description.  Looking back once again at Nebuchadnezzar’s prophetic statue we will read of how this last king was destroyed not by human hands. (Dan 2:45)

(Dan 8:26-27 ESV)

26 The vision of the evenings and the mornings that has been told is true, but seal up the vision, for it refers to many days from now." 27 And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king's business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it.

---

[1] Note: In less than twelve years Alexander had conquered his empire

[2] Jamieson, Fausset & Brown. "Commentary on Daniel 7 by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown." Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 19 Feb, 2000. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/Dan/Dan_007.cfm

[3] Jamieson, Fausset & Brown. "Commentary on Daniel 7 by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown." Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 19 Feb, 2000. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/Dan/Dan_007.cfm

[4] Seleucid ruled over what is now Iran, Iraq, and Saria.

[5] Jamieson, Fausset & Brown. "Commentary on Daniel 7 by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown." Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 19 Feb, 2000. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/Dan/Dan_008.cfm

[6] "H3259 - ya`ad - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (ESV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 19 Sep, 2018. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H3259&t=ESV

[7] Britannica, the Editors of Encyclopedia. "Macedonia." Encyclopedia Britannica. March 29, 2018. Accessed September 19, 2018. https://www.britannica.com/place/Macedonia-ancient-kingdom-Europe.

[8]   "H2330 - chud - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (ESV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 19 Sep, 2018. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H2330&t=KJV

DANIEL CHAPTER 7 - Prophesy of World Powers

Prophesy of World Powers

Bill Fritz

Adult Education

Fellowship Bible Church

Book of Daniel Time Line Recap

605 BC

Daniel Refuses the King's Portion - Daniel 1

604 BC

Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar Dream - Daniel 2

585 BC

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego - Daniel 3

582 BC

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream - Daniel 4

582 BC

Daniel Interprets Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream - Daniel 4:19

539 BC

Daniel Interprets Handwriting on the Wall - Daniel 5

539 BC

Daniel Survives the Lions' Den - Daniel 6

539 BC

Daniel has a vision

(Dan 7:1 NKJV[1])

1 In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head [while] on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.

As you recall in Chapter five Daniel revealed the interpretation of the writing on the wall which spelled the doom of King Belshazzar.  Shortly thereafter Babylon fell to King Cyrus.

The Dream of Daniel was not jumbled or confused with other images but rather a clear prophetic image of three beasts.  Therefore Daniel had this dream sometime before his interpretation of the writing because the king was killed that very night (Dan 5:30).

The reason for Daniel writing just the main facts are not clear. 

Daniel’s Beastly Dream

(Dan 7:2-3 NKJV)

2 Daniel spoke, saying, "I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven were stirring up the Great Sea. 3 "And four great beasts came up from the sea, each different from the other.

There are many well know theologians who differ in their interpretation of words in verse two.  Dreams, for the most part, are packed with symbolic images.  It is helpful when looking at Daniels dreams to look for the symbolism.  Not all visions in Scripture are explained. 

The four winds come from the four points of the compass which indicates the entire world converging on a central point, Babylon.  The Aramaic word for sea literally is a sea in this case the Mediterranean.  However symbolically the same word might mean the sea of humanity.

The word wind or winds translates from the Aramaic word “ruwach used in the following manner: spirit (8x), wind (2x), mind (1x).” [2]   

The spirits of heaven would be angels or watchers who do the bidding of God. (Hebrews 1:14) We see other instances where a spirit referred to as breath (breath of life Gen 2:7, or wind (comparison in John 3:8).

The word “sea” has a figurative or symbolic meaning as the world, or humanity.  We must remember that this is a dream. Symbolism plays a key role in dreams giving clues as to its interpretation.  This was the case with King Nebuchadnezzar's dreams and also for Daniels dream.  Therefore, thinking along these lines, the sea probably means humanity.  The beasts rose up out of the sea of humanity.

 

The First Beast

(Dan 7:4)

4 "The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings. I watched till its wings were plucked off; and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a man's heart was given to it.

The first symbol appeared as a lion.  A lion, called the king of the beast because he fears no predator. The lion’s strength and courage establish him at the top of the food chain.

King Nebuchadnezzar was a fearless, ruthless king who conquered many nations.  We have learned that Nebuchadnezzar was like a tree (Dan 4) offering food and shelter for the inhabitants of his kingdom.  We also know he was made like the beasts of the field because of his boasting, and failure to worship the God of heaven.  Therefore it is reasonable to assume that he was the first beast. (see also Jer 4:7)

The Second Beast

(Dan 7:5)

5 "And suddenly another beast, a second, like a bear. It was raised up on one side, and [had] three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said thus to it: 'Arise, devour much flesh!'

When we picture a bear in our minds, we see a strong creature with powerful jaws and sharp claws.  What does the bear symbolize?  As we recall Nebuchadnezzar’s dream the second kingdom to rise in power is the Persians (silver), ruled by King Cyrus (638 to 333 B.C.).  The Persians were cruel and hungered for power, and riches.  If the lion is at the top of the food chain, then the bear is second to him.  Persia enriched itself on the plunder from the nations they had conquered, much like a bear.  What then of the three ribs in the bear’s jaws?

The Third Beast

(Dan 7:6)

6 "After this I looked, and there was another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it.

This strange looking beast is a symbolic representation of a kingdom and its power.

The leopard is smaller than the lion but swifter, attacking it's praying from its place of hiding without warning. The use of animals to depict kingdoms and or their actions is common in scripture.  This form of expression utilized familiar objects, or animals to give those who hear a better understanding. We see the Chaldeans pictured in (Habakkuk 1:6-11).  We also see this type of representation in Johns Revelation.  We will learn later in the chapter the explanation of this strange beast. 

The Fourth Beast

(Dan 7:7-8)

7 "After this I saw in the night visions, and behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, exceedingly strong. It had huge iron teeth; it was devouring, breaking in pieces, and trampling the residue with its feet. It [was] different from all the beasts that [were] before it, and it had ten horns.

Does the 4th beast correspond with the legs of iron?  This vision is explained in Dan 7:19

The iron teeth (an animal’s offensive and defensive weapon) is a picture of hard unyielding strength and supremacy. If we were to compare Revelation 13:1&2 we would see a lot of similarities.  And if we turned to Revelation17:12 we would see the meaning of the horns.

What is the residue referring too?

In Daniel 7:24, we will see the horns described as kings arising from this kingdom. 

Which king and kingdom are being discussed in Daniel 7&8, and is this prophecy talking about Babylon's future, Israel’s future or a future yet to come? Most theologians see this prophecy as the future yet to come with the little horn rising out of the Roman Catholic Papacy.   If this is the case then what about the stone striking at the feet of the statue?  In Daniels revelation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s statue dream (Daniel 2:41), the ten toes were ten kingdoms made of potters clay mixed with iron.  The composition of the splintered Roman Empire (the fourth kingdom) into ten kingdoms whereby some would be strong while others would be weak, was crushed along with the remainder of Nebuchadnezzar’s statue. The huge stone carved out of the mountain which destroyed the statue, believed to be the Christ Jesus.  However, no mention is made of the little horn in Daniel 2.  What then does the little horn mean? We can’t be certain who the 10 kings/kingdoms are which were symbolized by the statues ten toes.  

We can assume that the rock (Jesus) which was carved out of the side of the mountain, destroyed them.  It is not farfetched to believe this mountain was the holy mountain of God (pointing to Jesus as the rock).

Considering all these facts and hypotheses. One can deduce the ten kingdoms will be destroyed sometime between the fall of Rome and the Advent of Jesus.  Because Jesus was crucified before the fall of Rome; the advent must, therefore, be His second advent, when he descends from heaven to establish His millennial kingdom.  In doing so Jesus would establish His kingdom, and there will be no other kingdoms but His.

No consensus could be found on the ten world superpowers believed to be in existence today.   The following seems to fit the parameters: France, Spain, England, Germany, Japan, China, USSR USA, Turkey, and Islam (becoming a world power through propagation)

The Little Horn

(Daniel 7:8)

8 "I was considering the horns, and there was another horn, a little one, coming up among them, before whom three of the first horns were plucked out by the roots. And there, in this horn, [were] eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking pompous words.

This part of the revelation refers to a time after the Messiah ascended.  The horn (king or kingdom) started as being small (small power) but then grew larger (larger more influential in power) than the previous horns (previous four* powers).  After the division of the Roman Empire, the Holy Roman Empire grew in strength and influence; as described in Daniel chapter two.  Many theologians believe this fifth kingdom (the feet and toes) represents the Holy Roman Catholic church, arguably the most powerful kingdom after the fall of the Roman Empire of that time.  This kingdom did not rise to power until long after Calvary. 

We must ask ourselves what significance is the little horn?  The little horn refers to a power not yet matured at the time of the revelation.  The three horns plucked out by their roots represent kingdoms who would be overthrown never to rise again. We know these kingdoms to be Babylon, Greece, and Rome, which were also identified by Nebuchadnezzar’s statue dream.  These kingdoms were of great power defeated never to regain their power (plucked up by the roots).

                We cannot be sure whom the ten toes symbolize the ten kings/kingdoms; this is an instance where we have seen prophecy which has happened and prophesied I believe, we can agree, which has not happened yet but is very close. 

In scripture, eyes represent intelligence, shrewdness or revelation.  These “eyes like [in appearance] the eyes of a man." this could mean the eyes of a real man perhaps a Pope who sees himself as the high priest of God thereby making himself equal to Jesus who is of the order of Melchizedek, and the only high priest of God. 

The mouth that speaks boastfully could also be a Pope or some other world leader all of which speak boastfully.  However, most theologians profess this little horn is the antichrist, the beast of Revelation chapter 13.  Could the reference to eyes and mouth also apply to another power of significant influence? 

The Books are Opened

(Dan 9-10)

9 "I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment [was] white as snow, and the hair of His head [was] like pure wool. His throne [was] a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; 10 A fiery stream issued And came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; Ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened.

Who is the Ancient of Days? (Micha 5:2 ESV, Isiah 9:6)  According to the cited scriptures Jesus was, is and shall be, and therefore He is the Ancient of Days, God Almighty, Jehovah.  (See also Daniel 7:13-14)  There is a lot of symbolism in this verse, which is to be expected in a dream or night vision.

The following segments of verse nine describe a Judge and judgment; but when, and of what, and of whom?  The term seated is the same as a judge in a courtroom.  The judge comes into court and is the first to be seated, signifying that the judge is ready to judge. 

White is symbolic of purity, He was robed in white. The white hair symbolizes His judgments are pure and righteous.  His throne described as a fiery flame is symbolic of His all-consuming wrath.  His judgment is of Babylon initially and then of the ten powers yet not fully known.  The wheels of His throne are symbolic of the swiftness of His judgment. (Malachi 3:5)

Verse ten shows the majesty of Jesus and the authority of the only one who can open the books. 

Daniel’s vision encompasses different time periods.  It is at this point in Daniel’s prophesy we must begin to compare prophecies.  Turning back to Nebuchadnezzar’s statue dream, Jesus (the rock) destroys the four kingdoms as well as the fifth kingdom which is symbolized by the ten toes, of iron and clay, or ten powers or kingdoms yet to come, some stronger than others.

The last sentence of verse ten is a clue giving us some possible answers to our initial question, and a look into our future.  John’s Revelation 20:12 speaks of the books being open. 

The only one who can open the books is Jesus (Revelation 5:5).  Who or what was Jesus to judge?  According to John’s Revelation 6:1; the world would be judged through tribulation brought about by the breaking of the seven seals.  Ending with Satan possibly the last of the ten powers and his dominion being confined for a thousand years.

As we read on we will see the Beasts being judged

 

The Beasts Judged

(Dan 11-12 NKJV)

11 "I watched then because of the sound of the pompous words which the horn was speaking; I watched till the beast was slain, and its body destroyed and given to the burning flame. 12 "As for the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away, yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.

It is not hard to believe this is clearly a prophecy of the final judgment when Satan and his followers are cast into the lake of fire. (Rev 19:20)  That is, the three first had passed away not by direct destroying judgments, such as consumed the little horn.  They had continued to exist, but their "dominion was taken away"; whereas the fourth beast shall cease utterly, superseded by Messiah's kingdom.” [2]

What are the rest of the beasts and their dominion?  These beasts or men of influence and power to lure people from Jesus would be cut short during the first three years of the tribulation period. 

Mathew 24:22 & 23 speak of the Great Tribulation and how those days would be cut short else all would perish even the elect.  The angel reveals the fourth beast to Daniel and said to us in verses Daniel 7:23-25.

The Son of Man

(13-14 NKJV)

13 "I was watching in the night visions, And behold, [One] like the Son of Man, Coming with the clouds of heaven! He came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. 14 Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion [is] an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, And His kingdom [the one] which shall not be destroyed.

One like the Son of Man is Jesus who stands before the Ancient of Day (the heavenly Father personage of God).  This was the first ascension when Jesus was taken up into the clouds which received Him. (Acts 1:9)

 

  Daniel Help in Understanding

(15-18 NKJV)

 15 "I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit within [my] body, and the visions of my head troubled me. 16 "I came near to one of those who stood by and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things: 17 'Those great beasts, which are four, [are] four kings [which] arise out of the earth. 18 'But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.'

The phrase “arise out of the earth” would mean the word earth which is translated from the 'erets beneath the earth or inferior and in Hebrew corresponding to H776; the earth; by implication (figuratively) low:—earth, interior.[3] 

The four kingdoms each inferior to the proceeding king or kingdom; this would refer back to the statue dream of Nebuchadnezzar.  The saints of the most high are all those who acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah, who accept Him as Lord of their lives. 

What About the Fourth Beast

(Dan 7:19-22 NKJV)

19 "Then I wished to know the truth about the fourth beast, which was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, [with] its teeth of iron and its nails of bronze, [which] devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the residue with its feet; 20 "and the ten horns that [were] on its head, and the other [horn] which came up, before which three fell, namely, that horn which had eyes and a mouth which spoke pompous words, whose appearance [was] greater than his fellows. 21 "I was watching, and the same horn was making war against the saints, and prevailing against them, 22 "until the Ancient of Days came, and a judgment was made [in favor] of the saints of the Most High, and the time came for the saints to possess the kingdom.

The Fourth Beast Revealed

(Dan 7:23-24 NKJV)

23 "Thus he said: 'The fourth beast shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all [other] kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, Trample it and break it in pieces. 24 The ten horns [are] ten kings [Who] shall arise from this kingdom. Also, another shall rise after them; He shall be different from the first [ones] and shall subdue three kings. 

We have named the fourth kingdom as being Rome, because of the relevance to Nebuchadnezzar’s statue dream revelation.  What are the ten kingdoms (horns) arising from this kingdom?

“It is out of the fourth kingdom that ten others arise, whatever exterior territory any of them possess (Revelation 13:1, 17:12)[4].’

Fourth Beast Speaks Pompous Words

(Dan 7:25 NKJV)

25 He shall speak [pompous] words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, and shall intend to change times and law. Then [the saints] shall be given into his hand for a time and times and half a time.

How are we to recognize the Antichrist of the end of days? 

He will be boastful

He will unite the world

He will want to change Old Testament laws namely sacrifices.

He will intend on changing times (only God can change time). (Dan 2:21)

He will declare that there are no other gods but him, and he will demand worship. 

He will seat himself in the Temple.

He will persecute Christian (saints) still living and shall intend to change times and law

Has there been anyone in history thus far who matches all the above qualifications?

What time and what laws are being spoken of in this statement?  His (the antichrist) intention will be to change the times of sacrifice, by ending sacrifices.   The law referred to here is the law handed down through Moses. (Ezra 7: 6, 10, 12 NKJV) In order to alter or stop the practice of sacrificial law, it must first be observed; this is not the case in present-day Israel.  A logical conclusion might be that this prophecy is not of our future, but rather Israel’s future. 

An alternate conclusion would be Israel will institute the law of sacrifice which means the Temple must once again be rebuilt[5].  There has been a movement to rebuild the temple again for the third time. For a time and times and half a time.  What is meant by this sentence?

It is widely believed this is the time of the tribulation which is divided into two three and a half year period.  The total of this tribulation is 1,260 days.  Turn in your Bibles to Revelation chapter 12, and read Verses 1-17 stopping first at verse 6 then again at verse 14.  According to Revelation 12 time is established as 1,260 days, which is times and times and a halftime.  The logical conclusion is that the time period in Daniel 7:25 is 1,260 days; this is the same time frame given in Revelation 12 to the remnant of Israel to be nurtured.

The Court of Saints

(Dan 7:26-28 NKJV)

26 'But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy [it] forever. 27 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.' 28 "This [is] the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts greatly troubled me, and my countenance changed; but I kept the matter in my heart."

Bibliography and References

        1.  Robert Bryce, Easy English Bible Study, Daniel 5, https://www.easyenglish.bible/bible-commentary/dan-lbw.htm

        Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, . "Commentary on Daniel 7 by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown." Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 19 Feb, 2000. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/Dan/Dan_007.cfm

        3.  Wikepedia.org.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Prideaux_Tregelles

         4.  "H776 - 'erets - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (ESV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 18 Sep, 2018. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H776&t=ESV   

5. Ibid., H7308

[1]  Weisz, Tuly. "We're Ready to Rebuild the Temple." Breaking Israel News | Latest News. Biblical Perspective. September 09, 2015. Accessed August 18, 2018. https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/19539/ready-rebuild-temple/.

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[1] Unless otherwise specified all Biblical references are taken from the New King James Version -NKJV)

[2] "H7308 - ruwach (Aramaic) - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (NKJV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 18 Sep, 2018. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7308&t=NKJV

[3] "H776 - 'erets - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (ESV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 18 Sep, 2018. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H776&t=ESV

[4] Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, . "Commentary on Daniel 7 by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown." Blue Letter Bible. Last Modified 19 Feb, 2000. https://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/jfb/Dan/Dan_007.cfm

[5] Weisz, Tuly. "We're Ready to Rebuild the Temple." Breaking Israel News | Latest News. Biblical Perspective. September 09, 2015. Accessed August 18, 2018. https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/19539/ready-rebuild-temple/.

DANIEL CHAPTER FIVE Belshazzar and Darius Rule

Dan 5:1-4 NKJV

1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast for a thousand of his lords, and drank wine in the presence of the thousand. 2 While he tasted the wine, Belshazzar gave the command to bring the gold and silver vessels which his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the temple which [had been] in Jerusalem, that the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. 3 Then they brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple of the house of God which [had been] in Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them. 4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.

Nebuchadnezzar died in 625 B.C., and the throne went to his son Belshazzar who ruled from 625-605 B.C.  The Babylonian word shazzar, the latter part of the new king's name, means fire.  Most often in ancient times, names of people were an indication of their occupation, affiliation, or temperament.  Perhaps Belshazzar was hot-headed -quick to anger.

Note:  Daniel does not say that the other kings mentioned in other writers did not reign between Belshazzar and Nebuchadnezzar, namely, Evil-Merodach ( Jeremiah 52:31 ), Neriglissar, his brother-in-law, and Laborasoarchod (nine months). BEROSUS [1]

[1] Scripture does not tell us the occasion of this special massive celebration, with over one thousand guests including the king's lords, which was a departure from his norm. [1] We will see towards the end of this chapter that Cyrus was threatening the city the Persian king who eventually concord the city in October 539 B.C.  (Dandamaev 1989, p. 71)

[1] The king must have known of Cyrus’s attempts to breach the thick walls of the city.  Could it be he was more interested in celebrating his coronation than protecting the city?  Perhaps he thought the city was safe because of its location (encircled by water) and its thick walls.[2]  (Robert Bryce)    

[2] After toasting with much wine Belshazzar, under the influence of alcohol, made a disastrous error in judgment and called for the sacred artifacts, stolen by his father from the Temple in Jerusalem.  He and his nobles drank from these goblets and cups of gold and silver while praising their gods. 

This grievous sin will not go unpunished as God’s hand will exact His vengeance.

The Message to the King

Dan 5:5-9 NKJV

5 In the same hour the fingers of a man's hand appeared and wrote opposite the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the king's palace; and the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 6 Then the king's countenance changed, and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his hips were loosened and his knees knocked against each other. 7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke, saying to the wise [men] of Babylon, "Whoever reads this writing, and tells me its interpretation, shall be clothed with purple and [have] a chain of gold around his neck; and he shall be the third ruler in the kingdom." 8 Now all the king's wise [men] came, but they could not read the writing, or make known to the king its interpretation. 9 Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, his countenance was changed, and his lords were astonished.

            [5] This incident was not a vision in a dream but an actual occurrence as the king watched.  This spectacle happened during a lavish party.  Up to this point Belshazzar had not given any homage to the God of heaven being interested in his aggrandizement.  Imagine how terrifying it must have been to see a disembodied hand and its finger write on a wall in a language no one knew.

            [6] If you recall verse three told how the king commanded that the bounty from the Jewish Temple be brought to the banquet that he and his revelers could drink from them.  We can’t be sure if this was the cause of the inscription written on the wall.  However, we should not be surprised if this was God’s vengeance warning, as the writing appeared in the light cast by the Jewish Menorah, one of the Temple artifacts.  It is believed the writing on the plastered wall were in cuneiform letters[i].

 

            [8] King Belshazzar probably knew of the Hebrew God of heaven from the stories of King Nebuchadnezzar.  Knowing he had dishonored God by using the Temple treasures for his pleasure, now trembled at the sight of the writing.

            Once again we see the wise men being called to read the writing.  Just as in the case of Nebuchadnezzar he would give royal reward to anyone who could read and interpret the message.

            The reward was to be given to the one who could correctly interpret the writing on the wall and that person would be made third ruler or the chief satrap.

The Queen mother Introduces Daniel

Dan 5:10-12 NKJV

10 The queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came to the banquet hall. The queen spoke, saying, "O king, live forever! Do not let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your countenance change. 11 "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."

[10]      Since all the queens were already at the party, this queen must have been the kings mother Nitocris. (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown) (Dan 5:2).

[11]      The queen mother reminds the King of what Daniel had done for king Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 4:8, 9 and 18). 

[12]      The queen urged the King to send for Daniel because he had the strength and wisdom of the heavenly God.

Dan 5:13-17 NKJV

13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke, and said to Daniel, "[Are] you that Daniel who is one of the captives from Judah, whom my father the king brought from Judah? 14 "I have heard of you, that the Spirit of God [is] in you, and [that] light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. 15 "Now the wise [men], the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing and make known to me its interpretation, but they could not give the interpretation of the thing. 16 "And I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and explain enigmas. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple and [have] a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.” 17 Then Daniel answered, and said before the king, "Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another; yet I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.

         

   The king’s wise men may have been able to read the letters but they could not decipher what they meant.  As with the kings father Daniel did not want a reward.  By this time Daniel was quite old.

            Was it wrong for Daniel to refuse the kings reward?

No it wasn’t wrong in fact knowing what the writing said and its interpretation Daniel may have felt it would not be right to accept an honor for himself for God’s gift of interpretation.

Dan 5:18-21 KJV

18 "O king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your father a kingdom and majesty, glory and honor. 19 "And because of the majesty that He gave him, all peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whomever he wished, he executed; whomever he wished, he kept alive; whomever he wished, he set up; and whomever he wished, he put down. 20 "But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. 21 "Then he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling [was] with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of men, and appoints over it whomever He chooses.

[18]    Daniel reminds the King the story of his father and how God gave him his power, and how God also brought him down, and it was God who raised him up yet again from his disgrace.    Daniel was telling the king these things to prepare him for the worst possible news, revealed by the writing on the wall.  This writing was a message from the all-powerful God of heaven to Belshazzar.   

            “Knowing what was to come of king Belshazzar, it is no wonder why Daniel was not the least bit interested in the king's reward” (Bryce)

(Dan 5:18, 22-23 KJV)

22 "But you his son, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, although you knew all this. 23 "And you have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. They have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you and your lords, your wives and your concubines, have drunk wine from them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, bronze and iron, wood and stone, which do not see or hear or know; and the God who [holds] your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.

[22]      Belshazzar, who knew of his father’s story, failed to give honor to the God of heaven who had seated him on his father’s throne.

            Once again it is apparent how power corrupts the soul of man.  The more power received, the greater the hunger for even more power, while at the same time the acknowledgment and gratitude of its source are equally lessened.

[23]      Daniel now reveals that the hand he saw was from the God of heaven.  The same God who dealt with his father is now dealing with him.  Daniel tells the king of his great sin of taking and using the sacred objects from the Temple of God.  The king had compounded his sin by giving honor to the idols of gold and silver instead of to God.

The Writing Interpretation

Dan 5:24 - 28 KJV

24 "Then the fingers of the hand were sent from Him, and this writing was written. 25 "And this is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN. 26 "This [is] the interpretation of [each] word. MENE: God has numbered your kingdom, and finished it; 27 "TEKEL: You have been weighed in the balances, and found wanting; 28 "PERES: Your kingdom has been divided, and given to the Medes and Persians."

[26]      The litteral translation of Mene, Mene, H4484 has its roots in the Hebrew word mᵉnâʼ, men-aw'; (Aramaic) or מְנָה mᵉnâh; (Aramaic), corresponding to H4487; to count, appoint:—number, ordain, set[3].

Therefore, the meaning of Mene, Mene is your days have been counted or numbered and appointed.  In today’s vernacular “your number is up”

[27]      The literal meaning of Tekel  is “ek-al'; (Aramaic) corresponding to H8254; to balance:—Tekel, be weighed.”  Or put another way put on the scale of justice and found to be outweighed by sin. (Strong’s)

[28]      Upharsin literal translation is: pᵉraç, per-as'; (Aramaic) corresponding to H6536; to split up:—divide. 

His kingdom would be divided between the Meads and the Persians who during the king’s party had been outside the gates laying siege.  God had delayed the invasion of King Cyrus.

(Dan 5:18, 29-31 KJV)

29 Then Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed Daniel with purple and [put] a chain of gold around his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. 30 That very night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, was slain. 31 And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, [being] about sixty-two years old.

[29]      Once again Daniel was restored to a position similar to the position given to him by Belshazzar’s father (Nebuchadnezzar). (Dan 2:48)

[30]      There was very little time between the time of the writing and the death of Belshazzar at the hands of the Persians. [ii]

           

Bibliography

Bryce, Robert. "About This Book." Acts - Free Bible Commentary on the Book of Acts in Easy English. March 2007. Accessed September 04, 2018. https://www.easyenglish.bible/bible-commentary/dan-lbw.htm.

Jamieson, Robert, Aaron R. Faussett, and David Brown. "Bible Commentary Critical and Explanatory; Jamieson, Fausset, Brown." Bible Study Tools. Accessed September 04, 2018. https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/jamieson-fausset-brown/.

[2] Dandamaev 1989, p. 71 Dandamaev, M. A. (1989). A political history of the Achaemenid empire. Leiden: Brill. p. 373. ISBN 90-04-09172-6.

Strong, "H4483 - mĕna' (Aramaic) - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (ESV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 4 Aug, 2018. https://www.blueletterbible.org//lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H4483&t=ESV

Staff, "Daniel Bible Timeline, Accessed August 14, 2018.

End notes

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[1] Robert Jamieson, Aaron R. Faucet, and David Brown. "Bible Commentary Critical and Explanatory; Jamieson, Fausett, Brown." Bible Study Tools. Accessed September 04, 2018. https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/jamieson-fausset-brown/.

[2] Robert Bryce, "About This Book." Dan - Free Bible Commentary on the Book of Dan in Easy English. March 2007. Accessed September 04, 2018. https://www.easyenglish.bible/bible-commentary/dan-lbw.htm.

[3] Strong, "H4483 - mĕna' H8254-Takel H6536-Uparsin (Aramaic) - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (ESV)." Blue Letter Bible. Accessed 4 Aug, 2018.

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[i] denoting or relating to the wedge-shaped characters used in the ancient writing systems of Mesopotamia, Persia, and Ugarit, surviving mainly impressed on clay tablets

[ii]  “Cyrus diverted the Euphrates into a new channel and, guided by two deserters, marched by the dry bed into the city, while the Babylonians were carousing at an annual feast to the gods. See also Isaiah 21:5, 44:27, Jeremiah 50:38 Jeremiah 50:39, 51:36.” (Jamieson, Faucet, Brown)