Daniel 9: Daniel’s Prayer and the 70 weeks

Daniel 9: Daniel’s Prayer and the 70 weeks

• Setting
• This chapter was written during the reign of King Darius of Medo-Persia, the same king who is mentioned in Chapter 6 where we learned of Daniel being placed in the Lion’s Den.   
• King Darius was the Medo-Persian king who captured Babylon by overtaking King Belteshazzar.
• This chapter was written between 539 BC and 538 BC.
• Daniel is reflecting upon the 70 years mentioned by the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah.   The 70 year period would begin in 606 BC.   (Jeremiah 25:11-14).
• Jeremiah was the last prophet to call to God’s people to repent before their exile to Babylon.
• A ‘Week’ in Hebrew refers to a period 7 periods, which would equal 7 years.   The Hebrew calendar was also based upon 360 days.
• The Israelites were held captive for 70 years as a punishment for how they treated the land, which was sacred in God’s eyes.  They were to plant and harvest for 6 years and then let the fields rest the 7th year.  After the 7th cycle, the year of Jubilee was declared.  Here the slaves and prisoners would be freed, debts would be forgiven and the mercies of God would be manifested. (Leviticus 25:8-13)   Approximately 490 years had passed since God’s decree, which would equal 70 Sabbath years.   (2 Chronicles 36:15-21).
• Overview
• This chapter is a prayer of supplication and confession for the nation of Israel from the prophet Daniel.   The Israelites had disobeyed God and they refused to listen to God’s warning as well.   God is forgiving but there are also consequences for sin.
• Attributes of the nation of Israel - Shameful, rebellious, and unfaithful.
• Attributes of God - Covenant keeping, merciful, and forgiving.
• Breakdown of the Verses.
• verse 9:1-2 - Daniel Learns Insight through God’s plan.
• The exiles of the Jews in Babylon was no accident. It was planned by God just as God would allow them to return back to their land.
• Daniel had taken the scrolls written by Jeremiah to Babylon with his exile.   
• Daniel came to God, pleading for mercy and forgiveness.   (Leviticus 26:40-42)
• Daniel pleaded with God to bring about the promised return of his people to their promised land.   The prophet Jeremiah had written that God would not allow his captives to return to their land for 70 years.   Daniel realized this 70 year period was coming to an end.   (Jeremiah 25:11-12, Jeremiah 29:10)
• Daniel had revealed his future plans for Israel and the events of Babylon to Daniel.
• verse 9:3-19 - Daniels Intercession, Praying for God’s Mercy.
• Daniel devoted himself to the word of God and prayer during his exile in Babylon.   Daniel was humbled by the word of God and he also sought God when his life was threatened.
• Prayer was a vital part of Daniel’s life as he prayed 3 times a day, during this prayer he wore sackcloth and ashes, he fasted, and he prepared his heart.   This prayer included praise to God as well as confession.   Daniel used the word ‘we’ to show that all Israel had sinned.   Daniel also acknowledges the glory of God.
• Verses 9:20-27 - Daniel’s Instruction and Discovery of God’s Time Table.
• Daniel was interrupted by the Angel Gabriel during his prayer, who had come to explain what God had planned for the temple, Jerusalem, and the Jewish people.
• ‘Fly swiftly’ refers to angels having wings and they fly from place to place.   Angels are spirits and do not have a physical body.   They can take on a temporary human form.   (Psalm 104:4, Hebrews 1:7, Isaiah 6:2, Ezekiel 1:6-11)
• The Hebrew word ‘week’ means ‘sevens’, so Gabriel was speaking about 70 periods of 7 years, or 490 years in total.
• Daniel prayed the Jewish people would be forgiven for their sins against the LORD, Jerusalem would be rebuilt, and the temple to be restored.  These were the matters that Gabriel was going to discuss with Daniel.
• During these 490 years, God was going to accomplish 6 specific purposes for the Jewish people.   The first 3 deal with sin and the last 3 deal with righteousness.

• verse 9:24 - Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection have fulfilled the first 3 items mentioned: finishing of transgression, putting an end to sin, and the atonement for wickedness.   The last 3 will be fulfilled upon Christ’s newly established kingdom: everlasting righteousness, to seal up Daniel’s vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy One.   (Revelation 5:9, John 11:44-52, I John 2:2, Isaiah 53:8, Jeremiah 23:5-6, Isaiah 4:2-6)
• Israel’s sins would be forgiven.
• The city of Jerusalem was rebuilt.
• The temple and its ministry were restored.
• The 490 years is broken up into 3 different periods of 49 years, 434 years, and finally 7 years.
• verse 9:25 - King Artaxerxes issued the decree to rebuild the walls and streets of Jerusalem.   Nehemiah is authorized to return to lead the people back to return to Jerusalem.   (Nehemiah 2:5-8).   
• Using calculations from Sir Robert Anderson, this decree would have been made on March 14, 445 BC.
• Seven ‘sevens’ (49 years) and Sixty-two ‘sevens’ (434 years) refers to a period of 69 ‘sevens’.
• The first 7 weeks refers to the complete restoration of Israel and the next 62 weeks refer to the coming of the Messiah.
• 69 weeks * 7 years/week * 360 days/year = 173880 days.

• This calculation puts the date to Palm Sunday (April 6th, 32 AD) when Jesus rode through Jerusalem on a Donkey and was declared the Messiah.
• verse 9:26 - The ‘Anointed One’ means ‘Messiah’ in Hebrew and ‘Christ’ in Greek.   
• Jesus was upset the Jewish people did not recognize his coming.   According to Daniel they should had been able to calculate this date.   It appears the Wise Men (Magi) came from the East to look for the King of the Jews based upon Daniel’s prophecy.   Daniel was a Wise Men (Magi) under King Nebuchadnezzar.
• The Messiah or Anointed One was rejected and killed by his own people.  His perfect eternal kingdom has yet to come and will come at the end of times.   
• Daniel mentions ‘the Anointed One will be cut off, but not for himself’ refers to this rejection by the Jewish people and his crucifixion on the cross to pay for the price of sin for all nations.
• This prophecy was fulfilled in 70 AD when the Roman armies destroyed Jerusalem and the temple.  The Jewish people were then scattered among the nations.
• verse 9:27 - This focuses on the 70th week of Daniel and there are 3 different views on the fulfillment of this verse.
• The prophecy was fulfilled in the past with the desecration of the temple by Antiochus IV Epiphanes around 168 - 167 BC.   (Daniel 11:3)
• The prophecy was fulfilled in the past at the destruction of the temple by the Roman general Titus in 70 AD when 1 million Jews were killed.
• The prophecy is to be fulfilled in the future by the AntiChrist and the ‘Abomination of Desolation’ which occurs at the midpoint of the Tribulation period at the end times.   (Matthew 24:15)
• This period of time begins once the AntiChrist signs a covenant with Israel.   This person will be a key political person from one of the nations of Europe.  During this period of 7 years, the covenant will be broken after 3-½ years and the temple will be seized with the image of the beast being placed in the temple.
• Jesus Christ will return to defeat Satan and the AntiChrist at the end of this 7 year period, which is referred to as the Tribulation period.   Jesus will return to establish his kingdom here upon Earth.
• The Angel Gabriel does not explain the period between the 69th and 70th ‘seven’.  This is the period of the Church, which is the great mystery of the New Testament.   (Ephesians 3:1-13)
• We are currently living in this period of the Church.
• Conclusion
• The Israelites did not obey the commands of the Prophets, but instead listened to the teachings of the False Prophets.   The Church of today should heed the words of the Prophets.   (2 Peter 1: 19-21).
• In Daniel’s prayer for the nation of Israel he confessed his own sin, using the pronoun ‘we’ throughout.   In times of trouble it is easy to blame others and excuse our own actions.   If any Israelite was righteous, it was Daniel.   Yet he confessed his sinfulness and the need for God’s forgiveness.   Instead of looking toward others to blame, first look inside and confess our sins to God.
• Daniel knew how to pray.  As he prayed, he also fasted, confessed his sins, and he pleaded that God would reveal his will.  He prayed with complete surrender to God with a complete openness to what God was saying to him.   When we pray, do we speak openly with God?
• Do not let your past disobedience keep you from returning to God.  He is waiting for you and he wants you to return.
• Daniel begged for God’s mercy, not God’s help.  He knew his people deserved God’s punishment and wrath.  God sends help not because we deserve it, but because he wants to show us his great mercy.
• We should also be in fervent prayer and pray frequently.   (James 5:16)
• The 3 hardest words to say are ‘I have sinned’.   
• Confession means to ‘admit guilt’.

Daniel 8: The Second Vision of Daniel

Daniel 8: The Second Vision of Daniel

• Setting
• This vision occurs 2 years after Daniel’s vision in Chapter 7 with Daniel being between 60 and 70 years old.   It was written in the 3rd year of reign of King Belshazzar of Babylon.   Daniel was in Susa during this vision, which is in modern day Iran.   
• Susa (or Shushan) is located 200 miles southeast of Babylon.   Susa was the eventual capital of the Persian Empire during Cyrus’s reign.   It is also mentioned in the Books of Esther and Nehemiah.   (Esther 1:2, Nehemiah 1:1).

• The River Ulai was probably a canal that flowed through the city.
• King Xerxes reigned in Susa with Queen Esther.
• This vision was given 14 years before it occurred and takes place between Chapters 4 and 5 of Daniel.
• This chapter returns to being written in Hebrew as it concerns the future of the Nation of Israel.
• A Horn is used frequently in the Bible to symbolize strength.
• The Goat was the official symbol of Greece.
• Aegean translates to ‘Goat’.
• The Ram was the official symbol and emblem of the Medo-Persians.
• Overview
• The Ram with 2 Horns represents the coalition formed by the Medes and Persian Empires.   The larger horn or 2nd horn represents the Persian Empire, which was more dominating the Medes.
• The Goat from the West represents the nation of Greece.
• The first Greek colony was said to be established by an Oracle that sent a Goat for a guide to build a city.   This city was called Aegea, which means ‘Goat City’.   It was on the shores of what became known as the Aegean Sea.
• ORACLE:   a person (as a priestess of ancient Greece) through whom a deity is believed to speak
• The Large Horn that first appears and then was broken off represents Alexander the Great, who at the height of his career dies at around 33 years old.
• Alexander the Great was tutored by Aristotle and considered to be a bookworm.  His father was Philip the Macedonian, who was a great military leader during his time.   His mother convinced Alexander that he was a ‘god’ after his father died, the son of Achilles and Hercules.   
• Greece had conquered the whole world in 12 years without losing a battle.
• Even though Alexander considered himself to be great, he was a ‘tool’ used by God to fulfill prophecy.
• Alexander had died from drunkenness and depression.
• The 4 horns that grow up in place of the broken horn represent the 4 Generals who served under Alexander the Great.  They each received a part of the Grecian Empire after Alexander’s death.
• The small horn that grows from one of the 4 horns represents Antiochus IV Epiphanies, who was from the lineage of Seleucus (8th in line).  This horn started small but grew to great power in the South, East, and in Israel.   This smaller horn sets itself up as the ‘Prince of Host’ (or God).  The daily sacrifices are stopped and ‘Truth’ is thrown to the ground.  He also desecrates the alar in the Temple and attempts to destroy all of the Jews.
• Epiphanies translates to ‘God manifest’ or ‘Little God’.
• The Maccabean army rebels against Antiochus and recaptures the Temple Mount.   Judas Maccabeus cleanses and rededicates the Sanctuary in the Temple.
• The 2300 evenings and mornings corresponds to the time period from 168 BC until 165 BC.   The beginning of this period begins when Antiochus IV Epiphanies desecrates the altar by sacrificing a pig on it until the time when the Temple is rededicated Judas Maccabeus.
• There were 2 daily sacrifices in the Temple, with only 1 sacrifice being offered on the Sabbath.
• Breakdown of the Verses.
• This Chapter introduces 5 people who move across the stage of History.
• Daniel the Prophet      (verses 8:1-2, 15-19, 26-27).
• Daniel had to ask an Angel for the interpretation of the meaning of the Ram and Goat he saw in his vision.   This angel was Gabriel.

• Gabriel means “Man of God”
• Michael is another Angel that is mentioned in the Bible.  His name means ‘Who is like God’.  Michael was used to announce the births of John the Baptist and Jesus.
• When Gabriel approached Daniel, he became afraid, he also fell faint, and then he went into a deep sleep   Gabriel refers to Daniel as ‘son of man’ to symbolize his weakness and human nature.
• The Angel Gabriel gives Daniel an explanation of the vision he sees which refer to the later days of Jewish history.
• Verse 19 mentions the events seen concern the appointed time of the end.
• Verse 26 refers to the events of the distant future, the vision of the morning and evenings.
• ‘Indignation’ refers to God’s displeasure with his people Israel and the times of suffering for Israel would endure before the coming of the end and the establishment of a new Kingdom.
• Daniel becomes ill after this vision.   He was troubled because he did not understand ‘the King of Countenance’ and ‘the Little Horn’ and how they fit into the prophetic scheme of Israel.
• Daniel was instructed to seal up the vision by the Angel Gabriel.
• Cyrus the King of Persia      (verses 8:3-4, 20)
• Cyrus was chosen by God and he conquered Babylon centuries afterwards the prophecy of Isaiah.   (Isaiah 41:2 and 25, Isaiah 44:28-45:4).
• Cyrus moved westward to first conquer Libya, Egypt, Asia Minor, and then parts of India.   He then attacked and defeated Babylon.
• Cyrus was noted for being kind to his captives.
• Cyrus permitted the Jews to return back to their homeland.   (Isaiah 44:28, 2 Chronicles 36:22-23, Ezra 1:1-3).
• Cyrus also permitted the Jews to take back the Sacred Vessels back to Israel.   
• Cyrus was also called righteous by Isaiah.   (Isaiah 41:2, Isaiah 41:25)
• Isaiah called him the ‘LORD’s anointed’.   (Isaiah 45:1).
• His conquests were portrayed as a man walking on mortar or soft clay to represent others could not resist him.
• Alexander the Great      (verses 8:5-8, 21-22).
• In Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Greece was depicted as the thighs of brass.   In Daniel’s vision of Chapter 7, he is seen as the swift leopard with 4 heads.  In this vision in Chapter 8 he is seen as an angry goat that runs so swiftly that his feet do not touch the grass.
• Alexander’s Empire extended far beyond the boundaries of Cyrus.
• God had a purpose in Alexander the Great and it was accomplished.   Alexander the Great stopped the Oriental Influence that had threatened the Western World.   The Greek culture and language helped to bring peoples together and Greek also became the official language of the New Testament.
• Alexander was also noted for being kind to his captives.   100,000 of his soldiers married Eastern woman in one mass wedding.
• The Roman Empire completed what the Greek Empire started, and the Romans prepared the world for the coming of Jesus Christ.
• The Roman Empire built roads for the world to travel upon.   The Roman Empire also ruled the world with an iron fist.   The Roman Empire also offered peace and an opportunity to experience security.   This contributed to the Christian message being spread throughout the Roman Empire.
• Antiochus IV Epiphanes     (verses 8:9-14)
• He was the ruler of Syria from 175 BC until 163 BC.   He is known as one of the cruelest tyrants in history.   He claimed to be a ‘Revelation of the gods’ (Epiphanes).   Coins were minted with his image and contained the word ‘Theos’ (or God).
• His desire was to turn the Jews into good Greeks.   He replaced the Jewish High priest Onias with Jason, a patron of the Greeks.   He pronounced and edict in Jerusalem that there would only be 1 religion and it would not be a Jewish religion.   He prohibited them from celebrating the Sabbath, circumcision, and the Levitical dietary laws.   The Jewish altar was replaced with the altar of Zeus and a pig was sacrificed upon it.   Any Jew possessing the Law of Moses was slain and the Torah was burned.   This brought forth the rise of the Maccabeus who purified the Altar in 165 BC.   Antiochus died in 163 BC.
• Judas Maccabeus, also known as Judas the Hammer cleanses the Temple in 8 days with one cruse of oil for all the Temple Lights.  This cruse of oil should have been insufficient to keep the lamps lit as required.   The lights were required to burn for 8 days for the Temple purification.  This resulted in the Jewish Holiday of Hanukkah.
• Antiochus killed 800,000 Jews and sold 400,00 into slavery.   (Read page 165 from ‘The Handwriting on the Wall’.
• Antiochus started out small but he gradually accumulated great power during his reign.   He is to be a fore shadow to what the AntiChrist will do in the end of times.
• The AntiChrist      (verses 8:23-27)
• The End Times is referred to as the Tribulation Period in the Book of Revelation.  The Old Testament also refers to this time as ‘the time of Jacob’s trouble’ and ‘the day of the LORD’.
• There are many parallels between the AntiChrist and Antiochus.
• Both begin modestly and increase in power.
• Both blaspheme God with the words they speak.
• Both persecute the Jewish people.
• Both claim to be a god and they both desecrate the Jewish Temple.
• Both impose their own religion upon the people.
• Both are opposed by a remnant of people who believe in the LORD.
• Both are influenced by Satan and both are great deceivers.
• Both appear to succeed and both seem to be invincible.
• Both will be defeated.
• Jesus is referred to as the ‘Prince of Peace’, ‘God of Gods’, and ‘the King of Kings’.
• The AntiChrist opposes Jesus and seeks to replace him.
• Jesus throws the AntiChrist into the Lake of Fire at the End of Times.
• The AntiChrist will appear when corruption is at an all-time high, all restraints of the world will be lifted, evil will appear to be rampant, society will be disintegrated, and nothing will be sacred.   This person will appear to have all the right answers to the world’s problems.   The world will be willing to do anything to prosper.   (2 Thessalonians 2:4)
• Conclusion
• We are in a spiritual battle.   (Ephesians 6:12).
• A New Testament Prophecy by the Apostle Paul.   (2 Thessalonians 2:4)
• How do we respond to the future events of the World?   Are we as troubled as Daniel?   Do we take comfort instead in the fact that God shall triumph and Good shall prevail over Evil?   God has given a glimpse of the future and he also has given us a hope as well.   We should be motivated to see a lost world which is falling into the lap of Satan.    What can we do to change this picture?

Daniel 7: The First Vision of Daniel

Daniel 7: The Visions of Daniel

• Setting
• The first 6 chapters of Daniel give us a history of Daniel’s exile in Babylon.  The remaining chapters talk about Daniel’s visions and prophecies.
• Daniel Chapter 7 takes place before Chapters 5 and 6.  Chapter 8 of Daniel will give a further explanation to Chapter 7.
• This dream/vision happened during the first year of reign of King Belshazzar of Babylon.   Daniel was in his 60’s or 70’s when he wrote this chapter.   As we saw last week, Daniel was 85 when he was thrown in the Lion’s Den.   This vision also occurred approximately 62 years after Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of a large statue.   We also know that Daniel was in obscurity until Belshazzar calls Daniel to interpret the ‘Handwriting on the Wall’.
• Daniel reacted to his vision by being troubled and his face turned pale.   It is not recorded that he told anyone his vision.   We will also learn in later chapters that Daniel often became ill and he was unable to work.
• Daniel’s Vision will introduce us to 4 beasts, one of which is the AntiChrist.   We will also hear about the final Judgment upon the planet Earth.
• The final Gentile power will be a 10 nation power that arises in Europe.  An additional King will appear which will be the AntiChrist.   This 10 nation power will eliminate 3 of those nations.
• This vision also parallels King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream in Chapter 2 of Daniel.
• Prophecy is used to authenticate the word of God and the ministry of Jesus Christ.   Holy men would speak as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
• Prophecy is object proof that God is God.   (Isaiah 45:5-7, Isaiah 46:9-10, Isaiah 41:21-28, Psalm 14:1)
• Overview
•  

Daniel 2: Nebuchadnezzar’s Statue	Daniel 7: Daniel’s Vision	Daniel 8	Identification	Approximate Dates
Head of Gold	Lion		Babylon (Daniel 2:37-38)	608-539 BC
Chest and Arms of Silver	Bear	Ram	Medo-Persia Daniel 8:20	539-330 BC
Belly & Thighs of Bronze	Leopard	Goat	Greece Daniel 8:21-22	330 - 168 BC
Legs of Iron (Feet of Clay & Iron, Mixed)	Terrifying and Frightening Beast		Rome	168 BC - 476 AD

• Beast #1
• The Babylonian Empire - Like a Lion with the wings of an Eagle.  The wings would be torn off.   The beast then stood up and was given a heart of a man.   (Nebuchadnezzar after he spent 7 years living as a beast of the field among the animals).
• Beast #2
• The Medo-Persian Empire - Like a Bear which was raised up on 1 side (The Persians dominate at this time with the Medes assistance).   He had 3 ribs in his mouth (The 3 kingdoms of Babylon, Egypt, and Lydia formed an alliance in order to oppose the Medo-Persians).
• Beast #3
• The Greek Empire - Like a Leopard which is swift (Alexander the Great conquered the world in less than 10 years while being in his 20’s.   This beast also had 4 wings on its back and 4 heads   (When Alexander died, his 4 Generals took over and the Kingdom was divided into 4 parts (Daniel 8:21-22).

• Alexander the Great developed the technique for the Blitzkrieg.   He used 35,000 men compared to the 200,000 - 300,000 Medo-Persians to overtake them.
• Beast #4
• The Roman Empire - This beast was very terrifying and it was powerful.     The beast had large iron teeth and it crushed and devoured its victims.  This had 10 Horns (Horns are a symbol of strength used in the Bible) and they uprooted 3 of the horns.  A little horn then appears (Daniel 8:9-14 - This signifies the appearance of Antiochus Epiphanies and later foreshadows the AntiChrist who will appear at the End Times.
• Rome has crucified Jesus and Peter, beheaded Paul, banished John to Patmos, burned Christians, and butchered men, women, and children.
• Rome fell apart in 476 AD but it never completely disappeared.
• The Empire of 10 nations of Europe has to be in place before Jesus’s return.   Currently there are 12 nations that make up the European Community.
• This beast also provided a picture of a future revised Roman Empire.
• Breakdown of the Verses.
• In Daniel’s vision we will be introduced to 6 different Kingdoms.  4 of them will be of this world, 1 will be the Kingdom of Satan (the AntiChrist), and the final Kingdom will be that of the Messiah (Jesus Christ).
• The Kingdom’s of this World   (Verses 7:1-7, 15-23).
• God communicated this dream to Daniel while he was sleeping.   During this vision Daniel was able to approach an angel and ask for its interpretation.
• The restless sea is used throughout the Bible as an image for this world.
• Stormy Oceans are used to represent nations at confusion and at war.
• Waves are unpredictable.  The world’s history is beyond man’s capability to predict.
• Human eyes see the world as great and impressive.   God’s eyes see the world as ferocious beasts that attack and seek to devour one another.
• The First Kingdom - The Babylonian Empire.
• The Lion with the wings of an Eagle.   (Head of Gold).
• Jeremiah 4:7, Jeremiah 4:13, Jeremiah 48:40, Jeremiah 49:19-22, Jeremiah 50:17, Ezekiel 17:2-3, Habakkuk 1:6-8).
• The Second Kingdom - The Medo-Persian Empire.
• The Bear with 3 ribs in its mouth.   (Arms and Chest of Silver).
• The Third Kingdom - The Greek Empire.
• The Leopard with 4 wings.   (Belly and Thighs of Bronze).
• The Kingdom was divided as follows:

• Ptolemy - Palestine and Egypt.
• Seleucus - Syria.
• Lysimachus - Thrace (South Eastern Balkans) and Asia Minor (Turkey).
• Antipater/Cassander - Macedonia and Greece.
• The Fourth Kingdom - The Roman Empire.
• The Dreadful and Terrible Beast.
• The Legs of Iron and Feet of mixed Clay and Iron.   The 10 toes also refer to the 10 horns of this beast.   The Horns symbolize a ruler or a royal authority.
• The 10 Horns    (verses 7:7-8, 24, Revelation 13:1, Revelation 17:3,7, 12, 16).
• In Daniel’s days, countries were ruled by Kings, but Daniel’s reference to Kingdoms will be nations as we know them today.   The 10 horns refer to an extension of the Roman Empire, which leads way to the AntiChrist (the Little Horn).
• The Little Horn   (verses 7:8, 11, 24-26)
• This represents the last world ruler, also known as the AntiChrist, who arises from the European nations.
• Anti is a Greek word which means against or instead of
• He will be both a counterfeit Christ and an enemy who is against Christ as well. (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, Revelation 13:1-10)
• The AntiChrist will be leading one of the 10 nations of Europe and he must overcome the power of 3 other rulers to be able to do what he wants.   The reference to his eyes suggests he has remarkable knowledge and skill in planning his exploits.   He will be a man using words and be able to promote himself so others will follow him.   He will also blaspheme God and convince unbelievers that he is a ‘god’.   He will become ruler of the world as he will control the economy and religion of all.   He will also seek to change the times and laws.
• His dictatorship shall last 3-½ years, or 42 months (1260 days).  Daniel speaks of this as a ‘time, times, and half a time’.
• This period is half of the 7 years which are spoken of in Revelation.   The AntiChrist will make a covenant with the Jewish nations for 7 years but he will break that covenant in the midst of this period.  He will then begin to persecute the Jews.   (Revelation 11:2-3, Revelation 12:6-14).
• The signing of the Treaty will begin the 7 year period known as the ‘Tribulation’.
• Satan will help this person overtake 3 of the nations of Europe and then have this person proclaimed as a dictator.   He will appear friendly to the Jews at first by making a treaty with them, but to only break it midway through the treaty.   Once the treaty is broken, the AntiChrist will set up the ‘Abomination of Desolation’.   He will set up his own image in the Jewish temple of Jerusalem, forcing the world to worship him and the Devil.   (Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:4-7, 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-4)
• The Tribulation period will also trigger the wrath of God and the eventual final return of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
• The Kingdom of Satan   (Verses 7:8, 11-12, 21-26).
• Daniel’s vision indicates that the 4 Kingdom’s of this world will come and go, but they will continue to exist in the same way after their fall.   This Kingdom will be a frightful Kingdom unlike any of the previous ones.  This Kingdom will declare war on God and it will be the Kingdom of the AntiChrist   (Revelation 13-19).   This kingdom shall also be destroyed and it will be when Jesus Christ returns.
• This was seen in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream as the ‘stone cut out without hands that tumbled down the mountain and destroyed the image.   (Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45).
• The War on Saints   (verses 7:21-23, 25)
• The Saints refer to the people of God living on the Earth during the Tribulation period (Revelation 7).   There will be some who will accept Jesus as savior during this Tribulation period.   It will include Jews and Gentiles.  Both Daniel and Revelation mention that some shall die for their faith.
• The Saints shall be victorious.   (Daniel 7:18, 27)
• God permits Satan to temporarily win victory, but Satan will be defeated in the final battle.
• The AntiChrist will continually oppress the Saints.
• The Kingdom of Christ   (verses 7:9-14, 27-28)
• This will be the final Kingdom established on Earth to the Glory of God.   (Matthew 6:10, John 3:1-8, Colossians 1:13, Matthew 16:28, Matthew 25:34, Matthew 26:29, Luke 22:28-30).
• The Heavenly Throne of the Father   (verse 7:9-12)
• All the other thrones (Kingdoms) were put into place by God.   The Throne of the Father will be cast down upon Earth.   
• The Throne Room of God.   (Revelation 4 and 5)
• The ‘Ancient of Days’ is a name for God that establishes he is Eternal.   He existed in the past, he has planned all things, and he is working out his plan.   God is eternal, holy, and sovereign.
• Jesus Christ is referred to as the same, the eternal Son of God.   (Revelation 1:12-20).
• God’s Majesty - Psalm  90:2
• God’s Presence - Psalm 97:3
• God’s Books - Psalm 56:8, Malachi 3:16
• Ezekiel 1:15-27 parallels Daniel’s vision of God’s throne.
• Fire - Represents God’s holiness and judgment of sin.   (Deuteronomy 4:24, Hebrews 12:29)
• Wheel - Represents God’s providential working in the world.
• God will be praised by a multitude of Saints.   (Revelation 5:11-12)
• The Earthly Throne of the Son of God      (verses 7:13-14, 27)
• The Son of Man is used 82 times in the New Testament, which refers to Jesus Christ.
• “Cloud of Heaven” reminds us of Jesus’s promise to return in Glory and reign on Earth.  (Matthew 24:30, Mark 13:26, Revelation 1:7)
• The Son of Man (Son of God) is presented before the throne of God and he is given dominion over all the Earth.   (Revelation 11:15)
• In King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, this is the stone being cut out of the mountain and destroying the world.   (Daniel 2:34-35, 44-45, Revelation 5:1-7).
• This Kingdom established by Jesus will never end or be destroyed.
• David was told of this Kingdom.   (2 Samuel 7:13,16)
• This Kingdom will be shared with his people.   (His Church, the Saints).
• His people shall reign with him.   (Revelation 5:10, 11:15, 20:4).
• Six Times it is mentioned that his Kingdom will reign for a 1000 years, which is called the Millennium (Revelation 20:1-8).   During this time the LORD will fulfill the Kingdom promises made in the Old Testament.   Nature will be delivered from bondage to sin and decay (Romans 8:18-25).   There will also be peace on the world during the Millennium (Isaiah 2:1-5, 9:1-7)
• The Kingdom of Christ vs. the Kingdom of the World.
• The Kingdom of the world is limited, Christ’s Kingdom is not.
• The Kingdom of Christ will be unique.   It is about the aura of God.   It is filled with deity and it will be a glorious Kingdom.
• Christ's Kingdom will be unified and it will stretch to all corners of the world.  It will be an unending Kingdom.
• Parallels between Daniel 7 and Revelation 13.
• Both speak of a charismatic leader, a mouth speaking with great authority.   He establishes a great image that everyone must worship.   He will be a great politician and a great diplomat in the eyes of the people.   He will be a clever leader who will change the moral and natural laws of the universe.   He will be equipped by Satan and he will be able to perform miracles and signs to deceive the people.   He will devour the whole world and he will target the converted Christians during the Tribulation Period.
• Conclusion
• Daniel sees the history of the Earth, beginning with the Babylonian Empire and ending with the reign of Christ upon the Earth.
• We have a promise that Christ shall return.   (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 22:20)
• The stage is being set for the AntiChrist to arise.
• Economic Stress of countries and the reign of terror.   (I John 4:3, I John 2:18)
• Political turmoil due to a lack of leadership
• We should not worry ourselves looking for the AntiChrist but we should know what his plans are instead.   (Luke 19:13, Matthew 25:13)
• When we see these events take place, it should help us focus on the coming of Christ.