Q14 In describing this new horn power what identifying factors did Gabriel give?
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. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practice, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 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. Daniel 8:23-25
NOTE: This is parallel to the iron kingdom in the great image of Daniel 2 that was destroyed with a stone cut out ‘without hands’ that struck the image on its feet. There are strong parallels here with the 4th beast of Daniel 7, that was exceedingly dreadful with iron teeth and brass nails, that brake and stamped and devoured. This kingdom is Rome. It was a Roman centurion that crucified Christ. Rome was already in power at that time. Prophecy shows that the influence of Rome will remain until the end of time.
Q15 What was Daniel’s reaction to all that he had seen and heard?
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. Daniel 8:27
NOTE: Due to Daniel’s collapse, Gabriel was unable to complete the explanation of the prophecy. Daniels seem to have been distressed by the length of time spoken of.
Q16 Why was Gabriel sent to speak with Daniel again?
Yea, whiles I was speaking in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation. And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill and understanding. Daniel 9:21,22
NOTE: This chapter is not about a new vision. It is the continuation of the vision of the ram and the goat and the little horn power. Daniel was thinking of the situation of His own people, their captivity in Babylon and the temple that was laid waste in Jerusalem. He knew it had happened because they had sinned against God and God had allowed them to be taken out of their land. The prophecy of Jeremiah had said the captivity, and the desolation of the temple in Jerusalem would be for 70 years (Jeremiah 25:12) but then Gabriel told Daniel that the sanctuary will not be cleansed for 2300 days (literal years). The disappointment of this was immense. He searched in his mind to know what it meant.
Q17 How did the angel begin to explain the long vision of the 2300 days?
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. Daniel 9:24
NOTE: ‘Determined’ in prophecy means to be measured off, to be allocated to. The first 70 prophetic weeks or 490 literal years at the beginning of the 2300 years prophecy were specifically about Daniel’s people, the children of Israel.
Q18 Where in the Bible does it say that a prophetic day equals one literal year?
After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. Numbers 14:34
NOTE: Here is a God-given prophecy about the children of Israel that gives the key to understanding and interpreting time prophecies. The same principal is given again the prophecies of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 4:6 God says, I have appointed thee each day for a year. |
