Daniel – La Vista Church of Christ

Jesus’ and Daniel’s Amazing Prophecy

Jeffrey Hamilton — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 14:01:30 +0000

by Terry Wane Benton

Consider one of the most amazing prophecies in all of Scripture. Jesus is leaving the temple when his disciples call his attention to its buildings. As they gaze upon the temple's massive stone and magnificent buildings, Jesus utters the unthinkable: "I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down" (Matthew 24:2; see also Mark 13:2 and Luke 21:6). One generation later this prophecy, no doubt still emblazoned upon the tablet of their consciousness, became a vivid and horrifying reality. [Hank Hanegraff, Has God Spoke? Memorable Proofs of the Bible's Divine Inspiration, p.30].

Daniel 9:24ff prophesied that after the Messiah was “cut off,” the temple would be destroyed. Jesus and Daniel, by the Holy Spirit, team together to forever demonstrate that Jesus and the Old Testament prophecies are one unit under God’s approval. The temple fell to the Romans in AD 70, proving both Daniel and Jesus were correct, and the Jews suffered rejection by God.

All of this is too amazing to dismiss as a lucky guess. The Roman government had only recently helped rebuild and refurbish the temple compound and would dismantle it in less than 60 years. Daniel pinpointed it in time (Daniel 9:24f). Jesus was cut off according to that prophecy. Shortly after, the relatively new temple was torn down in “this generation” (Matthew 24). It forever verifies that God confirms the scriptures of the Bible and Jesus. No man by human wisdom alone could get these things right by lucky guess! This is the wisdom and work of God.

Christ is the dependable rock on which we must stand. Are you standing on this solid Rock?

Can Teens Make an Impact?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 20:12:56 +0000

by Ronald D. Kelly

Have you ever wished you lived ages ago? Like in pioneering days? Or during the age of knights and ladies? Or even in Bible times? Most of us have. We’ve read books or seen movies about life long ago and experienced a little of what it must have been like.

The Bible is a good book to read for such stories of life long ago. Consider Daniel, one of the best-known prophets. Nearly everyone has heard the story of Daniel and the lion’s den. But not so many know about Daniel as a teenager. Let’s look into the life and times of Daniel — it just might inspire you to succeed in your own teen years.

The time setting

Daniel was born in the ancient nation of Judah during a troubled time. Judah was at war with the mighty Babylonian Empire. By the year 604 B.C., the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, had marched his army into Jerusalem. Many Jews were killed. Thousands were taken away into captivity. Among the captives taken to Babylon were four teenagers — Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

Their story, at least the part about their teen years, is told in the first chapter of the book of Daniel. You might like to read it at this time.

In the nation of Babylon, most of the Jews were put to work as laborers to serve their captors. But King Nebuchadnezzar had an idea. Among the captives were some outstanding young men. Why not train them for special service at the court of the king?

But these special servants had to be the best. They had to look good, speak different languages, be skilled in science and mathematics (Daniel 1:4). So the king set up a special school to train these teenage boys—then he would personally choose the best himself.

That would be much like a three-year, college-level program to teach language, literature, science, and wisdom — as well as teaching the social customs of serving at the highest level of government.

Sound like an exciting challenge?

It certainly beats working in the hot desert sun! You might stop to think about what you will study during your school years. A lot of us get lazy and don’t want to tackle the hard subjects. We try to avoid algebra and geometry. We think we’d be bored by biology and chemistry. And few really want to learn a foreign language.

Had Daniel been a teenager with those attitudes, we would not have heard of him. Like so many others, he would have worked as a totally unknown slave till the day he died. But Daniel and his three friends were not content just to be average. They took full advantage of the opportunities that came their way. And they plunged into the educational program of the king.

Standing up for what is right

Before they had even gotten off to a good start there was a crisis. The king had ordered these young men to be fed on a special diet of what the Babylonians considered the best food. Most of the other students were delighted to have such fine food.

But just because food is considered a delicacy by some, does not make it good for you. Daniel and his friends had carefully observed the principles of the good diet God had given. They did not eat pork or shellfish. And because the Jews were even forbidden to eat food or have drinks that had been offered to a false pagan god, Daniel did not even want to eat any of the food normally served.

How many teenagers today really look carefully at their diets to eat food that is good for them and not to eat or drink in excess? Daniel knew that the king’s diet of rich food was not good for him. Because of health and religious principles, what did Daniel request?

“Please test your servants for ten days, and let us be given some vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then let our appearance be observed in your presence and the appearance of the youths who are eating the king's choice food; and deal with your servants according to what you see" (Daniel 1:12-13).

So many young people today would just a soon eat what has come to be called “junk food.” Well-named it is. And how many teenagers have the wisdom to make the right decisions about alcoholic beverages? Daniel turned down the wine.

The teen years are so important to health, yet they are the years when many neglect their health and nutrition more than any other time of life. Follow Daniel’s example — eat a good diet now.

After the 10-day trial, Daniel and his friends had a better complexion and were more energetic than all the others. There was nothing that the Babylonians could say — they let them stay on the diet.

Willing to learn

Remember the total time of learning was three years. And remember the subjects — science, literature, wisdom, and foreign language. That is pretty much what you have to study today to round out your education. There is certainly nothing wrong with taking some fun courses. But don’t neglect science, math, and language.

What you should learn from Daniel is that a good education and doing your best pay off.

And during your teen years, don’t think that God and religion are just for old folks. Notice what the book of Daniel says about these young fellows: “As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17).

You see, God is interested in your life now. You can ask Him for help in your studies, but you have to work at it. You can’t just sit there and expect God to give you the answer to the test when you haven’t even studied.

So what happened? Do you suppose Daniel and his friends got the jobs in the king’s court?

“Then at the end of the days which the king had specified for presenting them, the commander of the officials presented them before Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and out of them all not one was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king's personal service. As for every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king consulted them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and conjurers who were in all his realm” (Daniel 1:18-20).

Though example, the Bible teaches you can stand out from the crowd — you can make an impact. It is OK to be intelligent and work hard in school. It isn’t always the easy way to go. But it is the best way.

Remember the good example of Daniel and his friends.

Summary of Daniel 11

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 05 Feb 2020 20:37:36 +0000

compiled by Raymond Warfel

The Last Vision

The Conflict Between Persia and Greece (Daniel 11:1-4)

vs 1 - Who strengthened whom? Verse 1 is a continuation of chapter 10, so it is referring to the angel who brings Daniel the message.
vs 2 - Three more kings are to come in Persia, then a fourth will be richer the others and stir up the kingdom against Greece, probably Cambyses; Smerdis; Darius Hystaspis or Darius the Great; then a fourth richer than the others, Xerxes (Ahasuerus) will stir up trouble with Greece.
vs 3 - A mighty king will arise in Greece doing as he pleases. This king of Greece is Alexander.
vs 4 - As soon as this king is great, his kingdom will be broken into four parts.

The Conflict Between Egypt (the South) and Syria (the North) - Daniel 11:5-20

vs 5 - Ptolemy I (king of the south) and Seleucus I (king of the north) fight. Ptolemy wins. Judah is sort of kicked back and forth between these two kingdoms.
vs 6 - A daughter of Ptolemy II is sent to the king of the north (Antiochus I) to help form an alliance but this fails and all concerned lose. Bernice, daughter of Ptolemy II, is sent to Antiochus I to marry his son in order to form an alliance but fails because Laodice (the first wife of Antiochus II) plots the death of the king, Bernice and her son -- she has them poisoned.
vs 7-9 - Her family member will attack the king of the north and carry off much plunder. Then reigns in peace for some time. Then the king of the north will attack the king of the south and be defeated. Bernice's brother (Ptolemy III) attacks the north (Seleucus II, son of Laodice) and is successful in bringing back much plunder and many captives. He does not attack the king of the north but then Seleucus II attacks him and returns home with nothing.
vs 10 - The king of the north's sons will make war with the south, but fail. Seleucus II has three sons (Seleucus III, Antiochus II, Seleucus IV) that war with Ptolemy III, they are beaten off and many are taken captive. Antiochus III will make war with the king of the south.
vs 11 - The king of the south will war against the north and a great multitude are given to him. Ptolemy IV will fight with Antiochus III and many will be given to him.
vs 12 - When the king of the south carries off many, his heart is lifted up, but it will be short-lived. Ptolemy IV and the army are proud, but it will not last.
vs 13 - The king of the north will build a larger army, better supplied and defeat the south. Antiochus III will raise a larger army and defeat the king of the south (Ptolemy IV).
vs 14 - Jews will ally with Syria against Egypt. Though many Jews ally with Antiochus III it will be their undoing because this will allow Antiochus IV to rule Palestine.
vs 15 - King of Syria defeats Egypt. Antiochus III takes Sidon where Scopas (Ptolemy's general) took refuge after being defeated at Panium.
vs 16 - Syria is undefeatable at this point and he takes Palestine. Now Judah is in the hands of the Seleucids (Antiochus III).
vs 17 - Syria tries to make an alliance with Egypt by giving a daughter as wife to Ptolemy. Antiochus III makes an alliance with Ptolemy V by giving him his daughter (Cleopatra) as a wife, but this fails because she does not stay loyal to her father but to her husband.
vs 18-19 - Syria turns its attention to the coast but is defeated by the Romans and dies at home. Antiochus III turns his attention to the coast of the Mediterranean Sea (Asia Minor, Thracia, Greece). A Roman general stops his attacks on their dominion. He is defeated at Thermopylae and Magnesium. The Romans place heavy taxes on Antiochus III so he loses all the property he held west and north of the Taurus Mountains. He turns his attention to his own territory while trying to raise money to pay the Roman taxes. He is killed (while robbing temples to raise money).
vs 20 - Seleucus IV comes to power but is killed by his own prime minister. He is killed by Heliodorus after he returned from raising taxes for the Romans.

Antiochus Epiphanes (Daniel 11:21-35)

vs 21 - The despicable person comes to power by flattery and intrigue. Antiochus Epiphanes, the little horn of Daniel 8:9-12, he was not in line to be king (Demetrius I is the son of Seleucus IV) but by flattery and intrigue he gains support and takes the throne.
vs 22 - Antiochus plunders the Temple. Antiochus Epiphanes replaces Onias III the High Priest with Jason (2 Mac. 4:7) and plunders the Temple.
vs 23 - He makes alliances with many but later for his own gain breaks them.
24-26 - The despicable person comes to power by flattery and intrigue. By subduing small groups at a time he gets stronger though the Syrian people are not great in number. He even conquers Egypt this way, something his father could not do. Antiochus Epiphanes is successful against the armies of Ptolemy VI in part by sedition and men deserting the army. Ptolemy's friends even help in his defeat.
vs 27 - Both kings are intent on doing evil and speak lies to each other at the peace table. Ptolemy VI and Antiochus IV speak lies to each other at the peace table but God is in control and has set the time of their kingdoms ends.
vs 28 - He returns home with much plunder, but his heart is set against the holy covenant. Antiochus IV returns to Syria with much booty and on the way stops at Jerusalem and tries to Hellenize Israel.
vs 29 - At the time God appoints he returns to fight Egypt but fails. On God's time schedule Antiochus returns to fight with Egypt but fails.
vs 30-31 - Ships of Kittim are in Egypt. They order him out, on the way home he desecrates the Temple. The Romans are in Egypt and order him to leave. On the way home, he is enraged, turns on God's people, stops the daily sacrifices and offerings, sacrificed pigs on the altar, and places an idol in the Temple. He also forbids circumcision, observing the Sabbath and no one can possess a copy of the Law.
vs 32 - Some will be deceived, but others will be strong and faithful. Weak-willed Jews by smooth words will be deceived but faithful Jews with resist. This may refer to the Maccabees (Mattathias an elderly priest and his 5 sons)
vs 33-35 - Severe persecution will come on the faithful but God has appointed a time when the Seleucids kingdom will end. Strong Jews will teach what is right but will suffer great persecution. Some help will be given (Maccabees) but will be hypocrites among them. Some will suffer but they will be refined (it will word for their good) for the end (when God brings the Seleucids to an end because it is appointed).

The Romans (Daniel 11:36-45)

vs 36 - Is this a new king or the same one? What is the "indignation is finished" talking about? God's wrath against Jews comes to completion. We are still talking about the king of the north, but the Romans have replaced the Seleucids.
vs 37-39 - Power and conquest were his gods and he would worship any god that helped him conquer. His god is not the God of heaven nor the gods of his fathers but his god is power and conquest, any god that would help him conquer he worshiped. Most often when he conquered a king if that king would readily submit and acknowledge him as ruler and pay taxes then he might be allowed to continue ruling. "Parcel out land for a price" may refer to these "client kings."
vs 40-41 - The end time of the king of the south and Palestine comes under Roman rule. The time is chosen by God for the bring down of the Ptolemy kingdom. Cleopatra pushes Mark Antony into pushing against Rome and Rome under Octavian (Augustus) defeats them then takes the land of Palestine. Remember Herod was a friend and supporter of Mark Antony. He tells Octavian (in Rhodes) that if he had not been warring with the Arabs he would have supported Antony. He also is to have said, "Remember not whose friend I have been, but remember how loyal I have been to him." This is how he stayed in power.
vs 42-43 - The Romans will conquer other countries and Egypt does not escape. Much booty along with captives from Libya and Ethiopia.
vs 44 - The Parthians and Germans were always a trouble spot for Rome.
vs 45 - Though Rome had authority over Palestine her end has been set by God.

Sources:

"Daniel" by Robert Harkrider
"The Book of Daniel" by Jim McGuiggan

Are there any prophecies about Julius Caesar and Cleopatra in the Bible?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 04 Nov 2019 03:02:32 +0000

Question:

Are there any prophecies about Julius Caesar and Cleopatra in the Bible?

Answer:

People claim to see Julius Caesar and Cleopatra in Daniel 11:17-19, "He will set his face to come with the power of his whole kingdom, bringing with him a proposal of peace which he will put into effect; he will also give him the daughter of women to ruin it. But she will not take a stand for him or be on his side. Then he will turn his face to the coastlands and capture many. But a commander will put a stop to his scorn against him; moreover, he will repay him for his scorn. So he will turn his face toward the fortresses of his own land, but he will stumble and fall and be found no more."

Throughout Daniel 11 there are frequent references to the King of the North and the King of the South. But to understand who these kings are we need to look at the context.

"In the first year of Darius the Mede, I arose to be an encouragement and a protection for him. And now I will tell you the truth. Behold, three more kings are going to arise in Persia. Then a fourth will gain far more riches than all of them; as soon as he becomes strong through his riches, he will arouse the whole empire against the realm of Greece" (Daniel 11:1-2).

We start with the Persian Empire. At the time of Daniel, Cyrus was king. He was followed by three more kings: Cambyses, Smerdis, and Darius I. The fourth king, Xerxes launched an attack against Greece, but he was unable to conquer it.

"And a mighty king will arise, and he will rule with great authority and do as he pleases. But as soon as he has arisen, his kingdom will be broken up and parceled out toward the four points of the compass, though not to his own descendants, nor according to his authority which he wielded, for his sovereignty will be uprooted and given to others besides them" (Daniel 11:3-4).

Alexander, the Great, rose from Greece and destroyed the Persian Empire. But at the height of his success, he died at the age of 32 in Babylon. He had an infant son, but the child was killed. His empire was divided between his four generals and they fought among themselves over the territories. The remainder of the prophecy focuses two: Seleucus took control of Syria, which is north of Israel, and Ptolemy took control of Egypt, which is south of Israel. The territory of Israel became a battleground between these two kingdoms.

"Then the king of the South will grow strong, along with one of his princes who will gain ascendancy over him and obtain dominion; his domain will be a great dominion indeed. After some years they will form an alliance, and the daughter of the king of the South will come to the king of the North to carry out a peaceful arrangement. But she will not retain her position of power, nor will he remain with his power, but she will be given up, along with those who brought her in and the one who sired her as well as he who supported her in those times" (Daniel 11:5-6).

Seleucus' grandson, Antiochus II, "made an agreement with Ptolemy Philadelphus, which was sealed by his marriage to Berenice, the daughter of Ptolemy. In order to marry Berenice, Antiochus had to divorce his wife Laodice. The new marriage did not work out. Berenice did not 'retain the strength of her arm.' When Berenice's father died, Antiochus divorced her and took back Laodice. But Laodice, fearing that she could not depend on Antiochus, had him poisoned, and encouraged her son to kill Berenice and her infant and anyone else that had any part in arranging her marriage to Antiochus." [Bob Waldron, A Remnant Shall Return, p. 230].

The rest of chapter 11 gives an account of the dealings between these two kingdoms.

By the time we get to Daniel 11:10, we are talking about Antiochus the Great, the second son. His older brother Seleucus Ceraunus died in battle. In Daniel 11:13, Antiochus the Great leads a large army and attacks Egypt. Many of Daniel's people, the Israelites (Daniel 11:14), sided with Antiochus the Great, thinking they would gain more independence -- it didn't work. Antiochus did win and made Israel (the Beautiful Land) a part of his territory (Daniel 11:15-16). He made a deal with Egypt that their ruler, Ptolemy, who was only less than 10 at the time, would marry Antiochus' daughter, Cleopatra (not the Cleopatra that got involved with Julius Caesar) who was seven at the time. Antiochus thought he would control Egypt through his daughter, but it didn't work because when she grew up she sided with her husband against her father (Daniel 11:17).

Having subdued Egypt (or so he thought), Antiochus then turned his attentions to the west: Asia Minor and Greece (Daniel 11:18). What he didn't count on is that Rome was rising to power. In 190 B.C. his army was defeated by the Romans. The Romans forced Antiochus the Great to disband his army, abandon the territories he conquered in Asia Minor, and pay a huge tribute to the Romans. He tried to rob a temple to get enough money to make the payment and was killed (Daniel 11:19).

Daniel 11:36-45 appears to describe the Romans coming into the area defeating both the King of the North and the King of the South and occupy the land of Israel. It was Pompey who defeat Syria (the King of the North) in 63 BC. Julius Caesar defeated Egypt (the King of the South) in 45 B.C. (Daniel 11:42). His successor, Augustus set up Herod the Great as king in Israel in 40 B.C.

Daniel’s Integrity

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 02:10:00 +0000

https://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/cms/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/DanielsIntegrity.mp3

Text: Daniel 6

I. Daniel’s Background

A. Daniel was a young man when Judah was conquered by the Babylonians. He was among those carried off into exile.

B. Because of his abilities, Daniel rose to prominence in the Babylonian kingdom serving under the conqueror, Nebuchadnezzar, his son and his grandson.

C. When the Medes and Persians conquered Babylon, Daniel had the unusual distinction of rising to power under this conqueror as well - Daniel 5:30-6:2

D. Daniel was so good at governing, that Darius planned to put him in charge of the entire kingdom - Daniel 6:3

II. Daniel remained faithful in prosperity

A. We expect difficult times to challenge our faith, to try us by fire, and to show our true character - Romans 5:3-5

B. But prosperity is also a challenge to the follower of God - Proverbs 30:7-9

1. When we lose sight of our need for God, it is so easy to stray - Deuteronomy 32:15

2. There is a danger of thinking that what you have is because of your own ability - Deuteronomy 8:17

C. Daniel remained faithful to God even in his prosperity

III. Daniel had integrity that showed - Daniel 6:4

A. Imagine this in our current government. How likely do you think it possible that if other politicians wanted to bring another down would not be able to find something somewhere to pin on the one they despised?

B. Daniel had integrity

1. It means to be complete, upright, innocent of willful wrong doing, a person with a clear conscience.

2. Job was such a man - Job 1:1

a. Even when Satan tried to bring him down, he held to his integrity - Job 2:3

b. Job would not let go - Job 27:3-6

C. There are two other words, closely related to this idea of integrity: upright and blameless

1. None are saying that such a person lives a perfect life and never sins

2. Rather we are seeing an attitude or character of the person. They choose not to degrade themselves and walk the path of sin

3. Psalm 27 - David knew where he stood before God, he knew the direction he was heading, he has kept his innocence.

a. David was a man of integrity, both in man’s eyes and God’s - I Kings 3:6; 9:4

b. Yet we know about David’s sins. It isn’t a lack of sin that defines the upright man, but his attitude toward sin.

4. Too often we put more demands of perfection on ourselves and our fellow man than God requires.

a. It is not that we tolerate or expect sin

b. But we should never expect or demand sinlessness

c. What we should demand is true integrity, true uprightness, and true blamelessness from ourselves and others - Philippians 2:14-16; Colossians 1:21-23; I Thessalonians 3:12-13

d. You see, this is not some lofty goal that only elders obtain. It is a characteristic which ought to be displayed in every Christian

5. A beautiful description of integrity - Isaiah 33:15-17

IV. Notice also that the wicked don’t like those with integrity

A. Those with integrity become a target - Psalm 11:2; 37:14; 64:4

B. They don’t get along - Proverbs 29:27

C. There is hatred - Proverbs 29:10

D. Why?

1. They don’t like the concept of sin, so they mock those who avoid sin - Proverbs 14:9

2. They don’t like being told they are wrong, even indirectly - Amos 5:10

3. In other words, they can’t stand that there is someone successful at living better than themselves.

V. Having found no fault, they turned to another scheme, they make being right a “wrong” - Daniel 6:5-9

A. Woe to those who call good evil - Isaiah 5:20

B. It is an abomination - Proverbs 17:15

C. Today society calls this “political correctness.” Something that once was right is declared to be a wrong for political reasons, not moral reasons.

VI. Daniel maintained his integrity - Daniel 6:10

A. Integrity is not defined by others. It is the choice of following God’s ways - Proverbs 10:29

B. Integrity guides a person into making the correct decisions - Proverbs 11:3

C. It is a clear marked highway - Proverbs 15:19

1. A highway that leads away from evil - Proverbs 16:17

D. There was no question as to how Daniel would respond. He did not compromise his principles simply because others declared them to be wrong.

VII. Daniel was reported, and the punishment handed down, but the king’s response is interesting - Daniel 6:14-16

A. Daniel’s integrity made an impression on the king. The king knew that Daniel constantly served God.

B. The nature of walking in integrity influences people around you - Proverbs 20:7

C. It is why integrity is important in a preacher - Titus 2:7-8

VIII. Daniel was saved because of his integrity - Daniel 6:17-23

A. Integrity is a source of security - Proverbs 10:9

B. It preserves a person - Psalm 25:21

C. Not so for those who sought Daniel’s death - Daniel 6:24

D. Such is the nature of our God - Daniel 6:25-28

E. Knowing this, is integrity the path you choose to walk? - II Peter 3:13-14

I found an answer to something I often wondered about in Daniel

Jeffrey Hamilton — Tue, 30 May 2017 02:41:00 +0000

Question:

I often wondered why Daniel was made third in the kingdom and found the answer on your site. Thanks.

Answer:

You're welcome.

Does Daniel 7:25 support the cause of Sabbath-keepers?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Thu, 27 Jun 2013 01:08:00 +0000

Question:

No matter how much I search your site, I can't seem to find anything on Daniel 7:25. This verse seems to be widely ignored by everyone except Sabbath-keepers. In fact, I can't find any explanation of it except in the meaning of changing worship days or changing systems of time.

Answer:

"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. The ten horns are ten kings who shall arise from this kingdom. And another shall rise after them; he shall be different from the first ones, and shall subdue three kings. 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. But the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever. 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" (Daniel 7:23-27).

Daniel's prophesy deals with the early persecution of the church by the Roman Empire (the fourth kingdom). A similar prophecy is found in Revelation 11-17. The horn refers to a king who believes himself to be above God. He persecutes the church.

"When they finish their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit will make war against them, overcome them, and kill them" (Revelation 11:7).
"Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation" (Revelation 13:6-7).
"These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful" (Revelation 17:14).

It would appear that this king would be successful for a short while. Three and a half years is used repeatedly to represent a short, distressful time of persecution. But eventually, he and the empire would be destroyed. "And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet who worked signs in his presence, by which he deceived those who received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone" (Revelation 19:19-20).

In the midst of this persecution, this arrogant king would attempt to change the times and law. Now, let's first take note that this verse does not mention any particular times or particular law. To claim that this somehow refers to the changing of the day of worship is pure speculation by those who wish to imagine that the early church worshiped on the Sabbath (Saturday). Please note that intentions do not equate to actual accomplishment, regardless of what these times and laws refer to.

Daniel notes that only God has the power to change times. "And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding" (Daniel 2:21). By this, it is meant that God alone has the ability to change eras, dynasties, and the like. Daniel also talked of a king who would take away the worship of God in the Temple:

"And forces shall be mustered by him, and they shall defile the sanctuary fortress; then they shall take away the daily sacrifices, and place there the abomination of desolation. ... Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things" (Daniel 11:31, 36-38).

Jesus referred to this prophecy and applied it to the destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20). See The Fall of Jerusalem for details.

Given this king's arrogance against God, most likely the law referred to is, "You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve" (Matthew 4:10). This matches the context and the disobedience of the king. "Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God" (II Thessalonians 2:3-4).

However, it isn't critical to the context of the passage to understand exactly what times and laws were intended to be changed. What matters is recognizing the extreme arrogance of a man who thought he had more power than God.

For Sabbath-keepers the problems faced are:

Proving that "times" has to refer to the day of worship by the church.
Showing how this king attempted and failed to accomplish the changes.
Proving that the early church did worship on the Sabbath
Proving that a Roman emperor changed the day of worship for Christians.

As pointed out in Answering the Sabbath Observance, it is well documented both in the New Testament and in secular history that the early church worshiped on the first day of the week. Daniel 7:25 doesn't make the case desired by the Sabbath-keepers.

I have a Seventh Day Adventist claiming that Daniel’s vision of the statue is still being fulfilled

Jeffrey Hamilton — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 23:03:00 +0000

Question:

Hello Jeffrey,

I hope all is well with you and your family. As always I find your responses very insightful and logical. I have another question based on the book of Daniel.

I know there are many who claim to understand the meaning and try to interpret what it is saying. I have a Seventh Day Adventist friend who basically tried to interpret what is going on now with what was prophesied in Daniel. He claimed the story of the statue in Daniel 2 where the representation is the: Head Gold (Babylon), Chest and two arms Silver (Media-Persia), Belly and thighs Bronze (Greece), Two legs Iron Pagan and Papal Rome, Two Feet with toes Clay and Iron Global religion-political government, Rock God's unending kingdom left to no other people. He basically was saying that Europe (Eurozone) is the last piece (clay and iron) that remains of the statue. Saying that once that occurs then the rock will come to destroy the nations and God’s nation will remain standing. So basically this is a sign of the end of time and judgment upon the earth (second coming of Jesus). Hard to believe since God clearly states that there will be no sign of the second coming of Jesus. "For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape" (I Thessalonians 5:2-3).

Answer:

The supposed interpretation ignores what Daniel said was the meaning of the dream:

"And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and shatters everything; and like iron that crushes, that kingdom will break in pieces and crush all the others. Whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potter's clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; yet the strength of the iron shall be in it, just as you saw the iron mixed with ceramic clay. And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly fragile. As you saw iron mixed with ceramic clay, they will mingle with the seed of men; but they will not adhere to one another, just as iron does not mix with clay. And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Inasmuch as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold-the great God has made known to the king what will come to pass after this. The dream is certain, and its interpretation is sure" (Daniel 2:40-45).

Daniel states that there are four kingdoms and it is in the days of the kings of the fourth kingdom that God would set up His eternal kingdom. Each of the four empires listed ruled over Israel and Jerusalem -- the Europeans do not rule over this territory. Then there were other, different kingdoms that ruled over this region between the Romans and modern-day Israel which are being glossed over. This is a person who has decided what he wants for an answer and has made a poor attempt at fitting facts to support his claim.

How do we know that one day equals a year in Daniel’s prophecy of the seventy weeks?

Jeffrey Hamilton — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 17:44:00 +0000

Question:

I understand how they came up with the 483 years in Daniel 9, but how do we know from scripture that the 69 weeks is supposed to mean 69 weeks of seven years? Why do they do this or are they just figuring this backward and then saying well it must have meant years and not weeks?

Answer:

One year for one day is a common substitution in prophecy:

"For forty years -- one year for each of the forty days you explored the land -- you will suffer for your sins and know what it is like to have me against you'" (Numbers 14:34).

"And when you have completed them, lie again on your right side; then you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days. I have laid on you a day for each year" (Ezekiel 4:6).

In addition, God issued commands for sabbatical years, which He treated as sets of seven years or "weeks." "And you shall count seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years; and the time of the seven sabbaths of years shall be to you forty-nine years" (Leviticus 25:8).

That he did not mean a literal 70 weeks can be determined by the context. Seven weeks were assigned to the rebuilding of Jerusalem. That was an impossibly short period of time. The walls alone, though done in record time took 52 days by themselves (Nehemiah 6:15); thus, we know that the time given in this prophecy represents another scale. Since God used the scale of 1 day equals 1 year in the past, it was a reasonable substitution and one that fits all events.

Interestingly, in the Hebrew, it literally says that God appointed seventy sevens. The time scale isn't actually mentioned, but since "sevens" is also the word for a week, it is translated as such. A bit later in Daniel 10:2, Daniel mentions a three week period, but to distinguish it from the weeks he just mentioned in Daniel 9, he called it "weeks of days" in the Hebrew. This also is a clue that the weeks in Daniel 9 were weeks of another time period.

Daniel’s Seventy Weeks (Sermon)

Jeffrey Hamilton — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 02:25:00 +0000

Seventy Weeks Seventy Weeks Part 2

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton

I. Daniel 9:20-27

A. Many ideas have been attributed to what was predicted by Gabriel in this prophecy and when these things would take place.

B. I will not claim to be an expert on these matters, but I would like to examine this prophecy in detail so that we may all understand better what Gabriel was discussing.

II. Historical Context

A. Because of Israel’s apostasy, Jeremiah foretold that the Jews would be held captive in Babylon for 70 years - Jeremiah 25:12; 29:10

B. This prophecy came true - Daniel 9:1-2

C. Why seventy years?

1. II Chronicles 36:21 - Until the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest.

2. The Old Law required that the ground not be plowed every seventh year - Leviticus 25:1-7

3. Apparently, the Israelites ignored this commandment.

a. There is no record of it being followed prior to the captivity

b. It was prophesied to occur - Leviticus 26:33-35

4. If each year of captivity represents a violation of the Sabbath year rest, then the captivity represented 490 years of neglecting God’s law.

D. While the captivity looked back 490 years, the prophecy given to Daniel looks forward 490 years to the coming “Anointed One” who would make an end to sin - Daniel 9:24

1. Daniel, at the time of this prophecy stood at the half-way point between two eras

E. Daniel, knowing that the prophecy of Jeremiah was about to end, prayed for his people - Daniel 9:1-2

1. He confessed the sins of himself and his people and asked that God restore Jerusalem and rebuild the temple - Daniel 9:16-17

2. While Daniel prayed, God answered his prayer by sending Gabriel with an answer.

3. A decree would be going forth to restore Jerusalem and rebuild the temple - Daniel 9:25

4. However, something more important would be coming — The anointed one.

III. The Messiah’s Mission

A. Dealing with sin

1. He would make an end of sins

a. Matthew 1:21 - Jesus (“savior”) would save his people from sin.

b. I Corinthians 15:3 - He died for our sins

c. Galatians 1:4 - Gave himself for our sins

2. He would reconcile iniquity

a. Matthew 20:28 - Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for sin

b. Ephesians 1:7 - forgiveness through his blood

c. Colossians 1:20 - reconcile all things to himself through his sacrifice

3. He would bring in righteousness

a. II Corinthians 5:21 - He took on our sins so we might have righteousness

b. I Peter 2:24 - We were healed by his strips so we might live for righteousness

4. Daniel prayed for forgiveness for Israel, and what an answer he received!

a. Christ’s coming did not end sin in the sense of eradicating it from the world.

b. Rather, Jesus introduced a system that permanently solved the problem of sin for mankind.

c. Hebrews 9:26 - Jesus died once, for all. He will never have to return to repeat the events at Calvary.

5. Isaiah 53 uses the same words (transgression, sin, and iniquity) to describe the Messiah’s work in dealing with this problem.

a. Isaiah 53 is frequently quoted in relationship to Jesus’ first coming.

b. The sin that Jesus dealt with was during his first coming, not waiting to be resolve at some future date.

c. Hebrews 9:23-28 - It was only done once

B. Bring in everlasting righteousness

1. Paul shows that Jesus brought this era of righteousness into effect - Romans 3:21-26

2. This righteousness is brought to the people through the gospel - Romans 1:16-17

C. Vision and prophecy would be sealed

1. “Sealed” means to be brought to a conclusion

2. The prophecies of the Old Testament were about the Messiah and the Christian era - I Peter 1:10-12

3. With the completion of the New Law, the need for prophecy ended - I Corinthians 13:8-13

4. God would stop sending prophets into the world - Zechariah 13:2-3

5. Claiming to prophecy will cut you off - Matthew 7:21-23

D. The Most Holy will be anointed

1. Most Holy is referring to God

2. Jesus, the Son of God, came to this world in human form - John 1:1-4,14

3. Anointing was used to dedicate something to God. In other words to declare it holy.

a. Example: I Kings 19:16 - a king and a prophet

b. Example: Exodus 28:41 - a priest

c. Interestingly, the Christ functions in each of these roles

(1) Acts 3:30-22 - A prophet

(2) Hebrews 3:1 - A priest

(3) Matthew 21:5 - A king

4. It was prophesied that the anointing would be by the Spirit of God - Isaiah 61:1

a. Fulfilled at Jesus’ baptism - Matthew 3:16-17

b. Confirmed by the apostles - Acts 10:38

5. The meaning of “Christ” and “Messiah” is “anointed”

E. He would make a firm covenant

1. Hebrews 8:7-9 - The old covenant would be replaced with a new one

2. Hebrews 9:15 - A mediator of a new covenant

F. Sacrifice and offerings would end

1. With Jesus’ sacrifice, the sacrifices of the Old Law ended - Hebrews 10:8-10

2. Jesus nailed the Mosaic law to the cross - Colossians 2:14

3. He abolished the division between Jew and Gentile - Ephesians 2:13-17

IV. Daniel’s prophecy not only told the Israelites what would happen, it also told them when it would happen.

A. The beginning point is placed at the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.

B. The length would be 70 weeks or 490 days. It is generally agreed that each day of the prophecy would represent one year.

1. The time is divided into 3 segments

a. Seven weeks

b. 62 weeks

c. In the middle of the 70^th week, sacrifice would end

d. i.e. a total of 486 ½ years.

C. The ending point would be the cutting off of the anointed one

D. So when did it occur?

1. There are three possible dates for the start

a. Zerubbabel led a group out of captivity in 536 B.C.

(1) However, 486 years from this would be 50 B.C., or 80 years prior to Christ’s death.

b. Nehemiah led a band back in 444B.C.

(1) However, 486 years from this would be A.D. 42, or 12 years after Christ’s death

c. In 457 B.C., Ezra took a group from Babylon to Jerusalem

(1) 486 years from this would be A.D. 30 — the year of Christ’s crucifixion!

(2) Ezra 7:6-7; 9:9 - Ezra and the people came for the rebuilding of Jerusalem (though not actually rebuilt until Nehemiah came 13 years later).

2. The 7 weeks (49 years) covers the rebuilding of Jerusalem

a. The walls would be rebuilt and the temple restored in troubled times - Daniel 9:25; Ezra 4:1-6

3. The 62 weeks added to the 7 weeks (483 years) or A.D. 26, the baptism of Jesus and the beginning of his ministry.

4. Then in the midst of the 70^th week (3 ½ years later), he would be cut off or killed.

V. The consequences of rejecting the Christ

A. No matter how people wish to rewrite history, it remains a fact that Jesus was rejected and killed by his own people - John 1:11

B. Daniel prophesied the consequence of that rejection - Daniel 9:26-27

1. A prince that would come who would destroy the city and the temple like an overwhelming flood.

2. All has been determined, set in place by God, as a result of their rejection of the Christ.

C. Jesus explained this portion of the prophecy in Matthew 24:1-34, see Matthew 24:15

1. In A.D. 66, the Jews, who were subject to Rome, revolted against the empire and fought a bloody war with Rome for several years.

2. The prince was Titus, son and successor of Vespasian.

3. He overthrew the city of Jerusalem after a five-month siege in the summer of A.D. 70.

4. Jerusalem was burned (see Matthew 22:7) and the temple was destroyed (see Matthew 23:38). Not one stone was left upon another (Matthew 24:2).

5. J. N. Geldenhuys: Titus “overran the city with his army, destroyed and plundered the temple, and slew the Jews — men, women, and children — by tens of thousands. When their lust for blood had been sated, the Romans carried off into captivity all the able-bodied remnant of the Jews (for they had done away with all the weaklings and the aged), so that not a single Jew was left alive in the city or its vicinity. Only on one day in the year — the day of remembrance of the destruction of the temple — were they allowed to mourn over the city from the neighboring hilltops.”

6. This completed the “abomination of desolation” referred to by Daniel.

a. The city of David was desolated by the Roman army.

b. The Romans were abominable, idolatrous force.

c. Even the Jews recognized the destruction was a fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy. Josephus: “Daniel also wrote concerning the Roman government, and that our country should be made desolate by them.”

VI. How powerful is our God to foretell the future in such detail, to even establish the date of the events centuries in advance!

The Messiah’s Mission

Daniel 9:20-27

To finish transgression, to make an end of sin

Matthew 1:21, I Corinthians 15:3, Galatians 1:4

To make reconciliation for iniquity

Matthew 20:28, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:20

To bring in everlasting righteousness

II Corinthians 5:21, I Peter 2:24, Romans 3:21_26, Romans 1:16-17

To seal up vision and prophecy

I Peter 1:10-12, I Corinthians 13:8-13, Zechariah 13:2-3, Matthew 7:21-23

To anoint the Most Holy

John 1:1-4, 14; Isaiah 61:1, Matthew 3:16-17, Acts 10:38

He shall confirm a covenant with many

Hebrews 8:7-9, 9:15

He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering

Hebrews 10:8-10, Colossians 2:14, Ephesians 2:13-17

Daniels’ prayer was for the forgiveness of Israel’s sins (Daniel 9:16-17). The answer was not forgiveness of only Israel’s sins, but forgiveness of the sins of the whole world!

Hebrews 9:23-28; Isaiah 53