Daniel and Revelation DANIEL AND REVELATION. B.K.KIMANI. BA., BRS., DIP.

TH This course covers four main things: 1. The Core of End Time Events This involves: An overview of the book of Daniel. Perspectives of the coming world ruler Perspectives of the coming times of distress. 2. The Commencement of End Time Events This involves: Understanding the Book of Revelation hat !ohn "aw #etters to the seven churches 3. The Continuation of The End Time Events This covers: The church and the great tribulation The beginning of the seventieth seven $id%tribulation events Progress in the prophetic panorama 4. The Consummation of End Time Events This covers: The dragon and his agents The final events of the great tribulation. The millennial reign of &hrist and afterward. Introduction. Prophec' has been defined as histor' written in advance. Daniel and Revelation are the two most outstanding prophetic books in the bible. Daniel unfolds (od)s timetable for the nations of the world%particularl' *srael. Revelation portra's the culmination of (od)s program for all his creation. ithout it the bible would be called a stor' without an end+ a m'ster' that would leave us guessing and it would rob us of our blessed hope for we)d never know what awaits the faithful. ,ow we can see the end with Paul in &or .:/.

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Daniel and Revelation

What to expect: As ou go through this stud ! expect: a. A fresh revelation of (od)s glor'.power+kingdom especiall' his son. b. A greater awareness than ever before that (od is in full control. c. An awareness that (od)s plan will be accomplished in all of creation according to his timing. d. A fresh vision of !esus &hrist as 0ing of 0ings and #ord of #ords. e. That assurance that Phil .:-1%-- will become a realit'. The centra" theme. The second coming of &hrist is the central theme of the course. This course is designed to help the student be read' for !esus) coming and to encourage others to prepare for his coming. Course pro#ect. 2$ m%s. Anal'se the messages given to the churches of 2phesus+ "m'r'na+ Pergamum+ and Th'atira in Revelation .+ develop a theme for each+ and suggest applications of these messages for 'our own church. 3our pro4ect should include: a. A five part description of each church mentioned in Revelation . including: *ts description of &hrist. The description of the church. The correction and condemnation of the church The admonition to the church The promise to the believer who overcomes. b. A brief summar' of the theme of the message to each of the four churches mentioned in Revelation . c. At least one application from each message for 'our own congregation or national church. The e5planation for should be at least one paragraph. &our pro#ect shou"d have a tota" of 12$$ 'ords (4 )* pages of t pe'ritten 1.* spacing+ We"come. ,et us stud together.

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Daniel and Revelation

The Core of End Time Events

Lesson 1 An Overview of the Book of Daniel
Daniel is generall' a prophetic histor' of the (entile world power from the reign of 0ing ,ebuchadne66ar to the coming of &hrist. Daniel)s emphasis is on (od)s sovereign rule in relation to gentile world empires. 7is prophecies reveal (od as the one who overrules in their affairs until their time of destruction at the second coming of &hrist. The book has prophetic but also spiritual practical messages.

The Background of the Book of Daniel

The Cit of -a. "on The cit' was the centre of Bab'lonian empire. *t was a golden cit' in a golden age. *t had broad avenues+ canals+ temples+ and places+ which were within its massive walls. *t has a tall 6iggurat 8p'ramid st'le9 built in eight stages overlooking the cit'. *t had hanging gardens considered b' the (reeks as one of the "even onders of the orld. *t reached the height of glor' in ,ebuchadne66ar)s time who desired to demonstrate his might and make the cit' splendid and secure.

The /eograph of Ancient -a. "on The cit' was located between the Tigris and 2uphrates rivers in the :ertile &rescent. *ts climate+ weather+ and natural features favoured the development of large population. The same features encouraged the development of culture+ education+ and civic enterprise.

The 0istorica" 1etting The architect of the ,eo Bab'lonian 2mpire was the father of ,ebuchadne66ar whose name was ,abopolassar. *n the 'ear ;.< B&+ he had purposed to establish control over the lucrative trade routes and commerce of 2astern $editerranean. *n ;1< B&+ ,ebuchadne66ar was involved in militar' campaigns in this area when ,abopolassar died leaving his kingdom and growing empire under his able leadership. Bab'lon rose to prominence as an empire. *n ;1< B& militar' campaigns+ ,ebuchadne66ar had defeated the 2g'ptian arm' at the battle of &archemish and established Bab'lon as the dominant political power in the region. As a result+ he B.K. =

Daniel and Revelation gained control over !udah+ which had been under 2g'ptian rule since ;1/ B& when 0ing !osiah was defeated at $egiddo 8!er >;:.9. Before he returned to claim the kingdom+ ,ebuchadne66ar visited !erusalem and took captives 8among them Daniel and his friends9 and treasures from !erusalem and returned to Bab'lon 8Daniel -:-%?9 *n </? B&+ ,ebuchadne66ar returned to !erusalem to reinforce his control over the !ews since 0ing !ehoiakim had not paid tribute nor lo'alt' to the Bab'lonian 2mpire. !ehoiakim had turned to 2g'pt for help. During this siege+ he died and !ehoiachin his son succeeded him as king. !ehoiachin surrendered to ,ebuchadne66ar 8.0ings .=:=>%.>:->9 ,ebuchadne66ar removed all the treasures from the temple and palace+ took people captives including officers+ fighting men+ craftsmen and artisans+ the king and the ro'al famil'. *n <@; B&+after along siege+ ,ebuchadne66ar destro'ed the temple and !erusalem cit'+ removed 0ing Aedekiah to Bab'lon and left onl' the poorest people to cultivate the land and vine'ard8. 0ings .>:-@%.<:-.9 The 2e"igious 1etting Before the Bab'lonian 25ile+ the nation was marked b' a c'cle of apostas' and spiritual recover'. 0ing !osiah led !udah back to (od and he e5tended !udah)s political influence at the e5pense of the declining Ass'rian 2mpire. *n order to maintain a balance of power in the area+ the 2g'ptian arm' was on its wa' to support the failing Ass'rian 2mpire against Bab'lon when 0ing !osiah interfered. Due to their faithfulness+ (od sta'ed the e5ecution of !udgement on !udah. . &hronicles =;:-?%.reveals to us that !udah went into e5ile because the people despised (od)s words and failed to walk according to his #aw and therefore after his patience was e5hausted+ (od brought !udgement upon their cities and lands. The !ewish remnant was demorali6ed that now their freedom was gone and temple destro'ed. The' were in serious trouble and great unhappiness. The' wondered how their faith would be relevant in a strange land 8Psalm -=?:-%;9 #arge number of captives attracted b' the glamour and wealth of Bab'lon were read' to give up their religion for the sake of material prosperit' and success. At such a time+ Daniel was raised up as a prophet in e5ile to: 2ncourage his people who were discouraged and disillusioned. Assure his people that (od is in control of histor'.

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Daniel and Revelation

Essential Facts about the Book of Daniel

The 1tructure of 3anie" The Book ma' be divided into two eBual parts: Chapters 1-6 dealing with the personal biograph' and local histor' and referring to si5 moral conflicts that concerned Daniel and his companions. Chapters 7-12 dealing with visions and prophecies showing the controlling hand of (od arranging the scenes in the ongoing stor' of histor'. 45T,I6E. I. 7E2146A, -I4/2A70& A63 ,4CA, 0I1T42& 48 3A6IE,. A. &hapter -% The -st conflict and first test of faith B. &hapter .%The .nd conflict% pagan magic versus 7eavenl' isdom8The Times of the (entiles9 &. &hapter =%The =rd &onflict%*dolatr' versus #o'alt' to (od. D. &hapter >% The >th &onflict% A 0ing)s Pride versus (od)s sovereignt'. 2. &hapter <% The <th &onflict%*mpiet' versus Divine "overeignt'. :. &hapter ;% The ;th &onflict%!ealous' versus (od)s providential &are. II. /E6TI,E 6ATI461!I12AE, A63 T0E W42,3 25,E2 I6 72470EC& A. B. &. D. 2. :. &hapter ?% The :our Beasts. &hapter @% The Ram and the (oat. &hapter /% The "event' "evens. &hapter -1% The (lor' of (od. &hapter --% the flow of histor' from $ede Persia to the 2nd time. &hapter -.%The (reat Tribulation and the resurrection

The 9atter of Authorship. Daniel wrote the book and he was either of the ro'al seed or of ,obilit'. !esus attests his authorship in the gospels. 8$atthew .>:.<+ $ark -=:->9 The 3ate and Theme. The period covers ?= 'ears ie: The entire period of !udah)s e5ile in Bab'lon to the 0ingdom of $edo%Persia. *t appears to have been written during the si5th centur' before &hrist. The theme of the book is the sovereignt' of (od. The termCC(od of 7eavenD is used man' times and is seen as one who rules in the affairs of men and kingdoms.

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Daniel and Revelation

The ersonal !istor" of Daniel#

The focus will be more on prophec' than narratives. Daniel and his companions faced si5 conflicts. The first conf"ict: An Initia" Test of 8aith 3anie" 1:1)21 This was a conflict between pagan self%indulgence and godl' abstinence. Daniel and his three friends are being trained in the 0ing)s college for the service of the 0ing. The' are reBuired to take things forbidden in the ET law.8v=%<9 Ferses ;%? shows the' were given new names to: Destro' their faith in (od. Destro' their identit' and identif' them with Bab'lon. Attempt to blot out their past life with its emphasis on (od. hereas their old names identified them with their gods+ their new names identified them with the gods of Bab'lon. 4"d name Daniel: (od is !udge 7annaniah:!ehovah is gracious $ishael: ho is hat (od is A6ariah: The #ord helps 6e' 6ame Beltsha66ar: Bel)s Prince "hadrach: *nspiration of Rach $eshach: ho is hat "hach is Abednego: servant of ,ebo.

The 'oung men were e5posed to corrupting influences of pagan court life+ idolatr' of their teachers and the ungodl' customs of Bab'lon. Their homeland was devastated+ freedom gone+ religious centre destro'ed but the' were not affected for the' had a resolve: to be faithful to (od. 8v.@9 Ferses @%.1 shows: Because of their decision+ (od honoured Daniel and his friends. The' gave no sign of indecision+ knew what was right+ and resolved to do it. The first test: Proved to be a stepping%stone to reasonable service. #ed to more effective service for (od. *ndicated a set of mind and priorities of the 'oung men. "howed the value the' attached to their faith in (od. "ee also eaver)s "tud' (uide p..11%.1-. The 1econd Conf"ict: 7agan 9agic versus 0eaven" Wisdom 3anie" 2:1)4: ,ebuchadne66ar was concerned about the future of his kingdom. *n his concern+ (od gave this heathen king a dream that revealed an outline of histor' of the world from his own time to the second coming of &hrist. B.K. ;

Daniel and Revelation The 3ream The 0ing dreamt 8v-9 and forgot his dream. 7e asked his magicians but the' could not 8v.%?9 and so ordered all the wise men of Bab'lon including Daniel and his three friends to be killed. hen he learnt of this+ Daniel reBuested to speak to the king and assured the king he would interpret the dream given some time 8v.->%-;9. 7e asked his friends to pra' to (od 8the revealer of m'steries9 who would give satisfaction to the king. Ferses -?%.@ reveals that Daniel and his friends were people of spiritual character+ deep trust in (od+ faith in 7is abilit' and desire to meet their personal needs and appreciation for what 7e is. The' lived their faith in honour and humilit'. Ferses .@%=1 gives phrases that help understand the dream better. Daniel speaks of the Gda's to come+D Gthings to come.D These e5pressions state that the dream is a picture of future things. *t is a prophec' that deals with things that ha not 'et happened. *t concerned the da's ahead even the distant future. *n his interpretation+ Daniel e5plained to the king what 7e 8the king9 saw in the dream 8v.=-%=<9 The image represented human gifts+ rise+ and succession of empires until &hrist)s kingdom is established. The interpretation of the 3ream The Head of gold-Babylonian Empire. (V. 6- !" This represented Bab'lon headed b' ,ebuchadne66ar. Breast and arms of sil#er-$edo %ersian Empire 7istor' records that Bab'lon gave wa' in the $iddle 2astern imperial struggle to the two%part kingdom of $edia and Persia Belly and thighs of Bron&e-'re(ian)Hellenisti( Empire Ale5ander the (reat rose to prominence conBuering (reek and Persia and throughout the $iddle 2ast including 2g'pt for a period of =11 'ears. *egs of iron-The +oman Empire This absorbed what previous kingdoms had controlled and added greatl' to these domains. *t was divided into two parts: the 2astern and estern 2mpires. Rome the capital of estern Division lasted until >?;AD but the eastern division until -><= AD under &onstantinople. 2ven as it ended+ a number of nations of which it was composed continued to e5ist as independent states.

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Daniel and Revelation ,eet of iron and (lay-The Ten -ation (onfederation .tates This is a future government unit+ which would be partl' strong and partl' brittle. *t represents $an)s last attempt to rule on earth characterised b' people who lack desire and commitment to form a unified government. The stone cut out with human hands 8v.><9 represents (od)s divine intervention in the affairs of men. A new movement e5ternal to the world and its s'stem will change the course of histor'. The stone destro's the image and fills the whole earth. As man)s kingdom ends+ nothing is left but (od)s kingdom enduring and filling the whole earth. The third conf"ict: Ido"atr versus ,o a"t . 3anie" 3:1)3$ ,ebuchadne66ar tries to impose a uniform religion in his further attempts to destro' the lo'alt' of the !ewish men to their (od. The issue was simple: bow or burn. The !ewish bo's had no alternative lo'alt'. The' were put in the fire but were delivered with the visibilit' of the fourth man in the fire. 8v.<9 Ence again+ the' were promoted in the civic affairs of Bab'lon. The fourth conf"ict: A ;ing<s pride versus /od<s sovereignt 3anie" 4:1)3*. ,ebuchadne66ar is warned b' (od of his pride and self%sufficienc'. 7e was en4o'ing peace in the cit' and his far%flung conBuest. 7is energ' had been turned from the task of consolidating his empire to refining his rule in the affairs of Bab'lon. 7is government was running well+ massive public works pro4ects and fortifications were being built+ food and water suppl' was abundant. At this point+ (od gave him a dream intended to bring a change in his attitude and behaviour 8>%-?9 and was interpreted for him 8-/%.?9 Though he gave an immediate reaction+ he forgot 8v.=19. 7e lost his sanit' for an e5tended period+ lived apart from people in the open field while his advisors maintained his kingdom for him. 7is proud spirit was broken+ spiritual priorities reordered and he greatl' acknowledged (od)s control over the affairs of the people 8v.-?+ .<+ =.9. The main lesson in Daniel > is that (od is sovereign in establishing and preserving the kingdoms of men. The fifth conf"ict: 9an<s impiet (disrespect for /od+ versus 3ivine sovereignt 3anie" *:1)31 This is the final scene of the histor' of Bab'lon. $edes and Persians surround the cit' as 0ing ,abodinus is awa' from the cit' and Beltesha66ar his coregent is throwing a wild part'. B.K. @

Daniel and Revelation Beltesha66ar ordered the sacred vessels taken from !erusalem to be brought to use in toasting the gods of Bab'lon. This move of impiet' brings an immediate reaction from (od: the fingers of hand appear and write a strange message on the wall 8v.<9. All are baffled and Daniel is called. 8F.-1%-.9 *nspite of the knowledge that his grandfather ,ebuchadne66ar had been greatl' humbled for his arrogance+ Belsha66ar had ignored his accountabilit' to (od 8-:;9. The 0ingdom had ended and that ver' night+ Beltesha66ar was slain. 8Dan <:=19. ilful and presumptuous sin is dangerous 8v.-@%.-+ ..%.=9. David had earlier pra'ed to be delivered from it 8Psalms -/:-=9 "ee also eaver+ p..-1%.-..

The 1ixth Conf"ict: =ea"ous versus /od<s providentia" Care 3anie" >:1)2?. The focus of the narratives shift from Bab'lon to the realm of the $edes and Persians. Daniel)s service under ,ebuchadne66ar and his successors as a counsellor led to a place of authorit' under the $edo Persian 2mpire. This caused criticism and 4ealous' among administrators and satraps 8v.-%<9. The' conspired to trap Daniel in his behaviour towards (od. 8F.;%-19. Their conspirac' led to a death penalt' for Daniel 8v.--%->9. (od intervenes in the den of lions 8v.-?%.>9 (od)s providential care for his people can be depended upon in all situations. Ene who puts his faith and trust in (od will not be ashamed.

Lesson $ ers%ectives of the coming &orld 'uler

This covers the second half of the book of Daniel: &hapters ?%-..since it)s Buite large+ #esson . covers &hapters ?%/ and #esson = covers &hapters -1%-.. This section covers the future. &ertain gentile nations+ *srael+ and coming world ruler are introduced and e5amined. "ensationalism and foolish speculation should be avoided as we go through this section. look at: The four beasts and their interpretation. The Ram and the (oat and their interpretation. The sevent' sevens. The 8our -easts 3anie" @:1)2? This is called the Beast vision. The vision seems similar to the one in Daniel .. 7owever+ in one vision the point of view is that of a pagan ruler who sees man)s rule as splendid+ progressive+ and B.K. / e will

Daniel and Revelation refined. *n the other though+ man)s rule is seen from (od)s point of view as beastl'+degrading and corrupt. 3escription :our beasts came out of the sea 8people)s+ multitudes+ nations+ and languages according to Rev -?:-<. First Beast #ike a lion with the wings of an eagle ings were torn off+ lifted up from the ground+ and given a man)s heart. Second Beast #ike a bear. Raised up on one side. Three ribs in the mouth. &ommanded to arise and eat its fill of flesh. 8v.<9 Third Beast #ike a leopard. :our wings on its back. :our heads. (iven authorit' to rule 8v.;9 Fourth Beast ,one descript. #arge and powerful. (reat iron teeth. &rushed and ate its victims and trampled on those it did not eat. 7ad ten horns. Another little horn arose among the ten and uprooted three of the ten. The little horn had e'es like the e'es of man and a boastful mouth. 8v.?%@9 The arrogance of the little horn and beast was cut short and destro'ed b' divine appointment. 8v./%-.9. Ene like the son of man came to take charge of an eternal kingdom. 8F.-=%->9 7oints of simi"arit 'ith the visions of chapter 2 The' both involve progression of kingdoms and political entities. Ten%nation order from the fourth 0ingdom is seen in each. (od intervenes to establish his kingdom and demolish that of man in both cases helping us to understand the courses of the future. &hapter . gives a general outline while chapter ? gives a more complete picture. The interpretation 3anie" @:1*)2? The four beasts are the four kingdoms to rise from the earth. The informer does not give specific representations of the beasts. The first three beasts ma' s'mboli6e modern nations that will support the final world ruler% since Daniel is writing during the ,eoBab'lonian 2mpire+ which had e5isted for sometime. Revelation -=:. connects these three beasts with the final world ruler in verse .. Daniel ? and Revelation -= are the onl' places these = beasts appear together in scripture. Aerse 1:)22 The fourth beast is a kingdom or political entit' that will have a might' impact on the earth. *t)s rule will be e5tended efficientl' and irresistibl'.8v..=9 Ten kings or governmental leaders 4oined together in some sort of alignment will come from this kingdom. 8v.>9. Another 0ing different from the ten will arise and subdue three of the ten and make himself the ruler of the coalition. B.K. -1

Daniel and Revelation 6-: -. Though the first three beasts are not identified+ a similarit' in chapters . and ? occurs with the fourth kingdom. .. A strong leader takes control of the empire%the first time we get a glimpse of the antichrist%his nature+ method of operation and final destin'. T0E 2A9 A63 T0E /4AT 3anie" ?:1)2@ ;e figures! their s m.o"ism and significance in -i."ica" prophes . A ram. "everal things are noted about it: *t moved "outh ,orth and est at will. *rresistible+ grew and became great. Attacked and overpowered b' a goat from the west with one permanent horn between his e'es. The /oat. Became great but its notable horn was broken at the 6enith of its power. :our prominent horns grew up in its place but from one of these+ another horn emerged which started small and grew graduall' towards the "outh+ 2ast and Beautiful #and. *t overthrew some+ established itself as prince and prospered for a time+ elevating evil and trampling truth to the ground. There was a time of chaos%.=11 da's%a bit less than seven 'ears. Truth will then be reestablished and right prevail. 7e will speak against (od and prosper as he oppresses (od)s people. 7e will attempt to change set times and laws that are sacred and meaningful.8v.<9 7e will succeed ain his purposes for three and a half 'ears.8>. months+-.;1 da's9 7e will be deprived of power and be destro'ed b' the coming kingdom of (odH but the people of the most high will rule and reign under (od forever.

Interpretation The 2am The ram stands for the 4oint kingdom of $edia and Persia. The two horns represent the kings of this kingdom. &omparing verse = with secular histor' shows media as stronger part of the kingdom at the beginning but was graduall' dominated b' Persia. The conBuests of $edoPersia were to the "outh+ ,orth+ and especiall' the est. This powerful empire ruled for .11%'ear but then faced an irresistible force from the west.

The /oat. *t represents the kingdom of (reece and its prominent horn its first king B.K. --

Daniel and Revelation "ecular histor' shows the rise of Ale5ander the great and his conBuests as he swept eastward over the empire of $edo Persia. 7is empire was divided among four of his generals. Two of these are ver' significant in Daniel: Ptolem' and "eleucus. Ptolem' developed a powerful kingdom in 2g'pt and "eleucus in greater "'ria+ later e5panding to Palestine8beautiful #and9 The kingdom of Ale5ander hence divided into four without the same power he had wielded. 8v..9

Aerses 23)2* cf.'ith :)14 The po'erfu" ru"er 7istorical and religious literature has given us information+ !osephus included. *n -?< B&+ the throne of the "eleucid 2mpire became vacant. A member of the "eleucid famil'+ Antiochus *F+ determined to get control of the throne though he was not the crown prince. 7e gained control of the empire with the help of a s'mpathetic 0ing. 7e consolidated his position through flatter'+ briber' and deceit and lavish gifts. 7e began in a small wa' but soon became great. 7e e5ercised a degree of control over the Ptolemaic kingdom. 7is ambition to unite the two kingdoms was thwarted b' the Roman senate and hence directed his energies elsewhere. 7e turned to the beautiful land 8v/9. *n an effort to destro' !ewish nationalism and impose a s'stem of religious lo'alt': -. 7e forbade !ewish worship+ reading of the #aw+ celebration of feasts and the rite of circumcision. .. 7e decreed that his sub4ects must transfer religious lo'alties to him+ adopt pagan values+ and honour pagan feasts. =. 7e attempted to use militar' power to force compliance%from -;@ B& onward for the ne5t three and a half 'ears+ devout !ews endured cruel atrocities b' him. >. 7e replaced the incumbent high priest with the one who would carr' out his purposes. <. 7e killed in cold blood those who circumcised their bab' bo's and celebrated feasts. ;. 7e defiled the sacred Torah scrolls with the grease of a pig before he destro'ed them. ?. 7e sacrificed a pig upon the altar in the temple to show his contempt for the law+ leading to (od fearing !ews forsaking the temple. @. The continuing faithful were reBuired to either defile themselves with the meat of swine or be killed+ this was too much. A godl' priest+ $attathias revolted and one of his sons+ !udas $accabaeus led the revolt that led to the defeat of the "eleucid 2mpire. The king was not there to witness this failure but was in the 2astern part of the 0ingdom where he died a strange and m'sterious death. The "eleucid ruler accuratel' fulfilled this prophec'. What does it have to do 'ith usB -. &hapter . gives an end time entit' but gave no hint of leadership B.K. -.

Daniel and Revelation .. &hapter ? spoke of the ten%nation confederation and an arrogant leader who will wage war on (od)s people for =-I. 'ears till he is destro'ed b' &hrist)s coming. =. Thus+ another person like Antiochus will arise during the end time. $an' bible scholars see Antiochus *F as a preview of the coming Antichrist.

T0E 1EAE6T& 1EAE61. 3A6IE, ::24)2@ Daniel is concerned about the ruin of his homeland and discovers the ?1%'ear period prophesied b' !eremiah was over. 8!er .<:--+ ./:-1 and pra'ed to (od. Daniel thought of >/1%'ear period as he pra'ed in Daniel /:-%-/ but the angel (abriel revealed to him another >/1%'ear period concerning *srael)s future. The prophec of the sevent 'ee%s. "cholars regard this GsevensD as Gweeks of 'earsD eBualling seven 'ears each. The events refer to *srael as a nation and not to the &hurch. According to v..>+ si5 things will happen to *srael and !erusalem: -. Transgression will be finished. .. "in will be put to an end. =. ickedness will be atoned for. >. 2verlasting righteousness will be brought in. <. Fision and prophec' will be sealed. ;. The $ost 7ol' will be anointed. The above is (od)s redemptive purpose for *srael. Ferse .<+ .< shows: -. !erusalem will be rebuilt in a time of trouble. .. After ;/ sevens+ the anointed one will be cut off and have nothing8crucifi5ion9 =. The people of a coming ruler would destro' the cit' and the sanctuar'+ ushering in ruin+ war+ and desolation. "ee below: ? sevens ;. sevens ;/ 8? 5 ? 'ears9 8;. 5 ? 'ears9 ;/ 5 ? 'ears J J J >/ 'ears. >=> 'ears >@= 'ears.

!esus was Gcut offD 8crucified9 somewhere between AD ./ and AD ==% >@= 'ears after the decree to rebuild !erusalem. !erusalem was destro'ed 8v..;9 but in AD ?1 hence there was a time gap of >1 'ears. Daniel was apparentl' unaware. 3anie" ::2@ B.K. -=

Daniel and Revelation The ru"er mentioned as CheD 7e is different from the one in verse .; and is spoken of in future tense. F..? shows ;/ sevens alread' passed+ there 'et remains - seven% the seventieth seven. A time gap e5ists between the first ;/ sevens and the final seven. 8.111 'ears have passed since then9 The GheD referred in F..? is the Antichrist which will be focused in Revelation -= and -?. 7e will make a contract of peace with *srael and break it after three and a half 'ears and den' them their religious freedom. 7is rule will continue until its decreed end at Armageddon. 2evie' and App"ication: Based on our stud' the order of events ma' be listed as: -. Through intrigue and diplomac'+ the master of deceit takes control of the ten nation coalition. .. The master of Deceit makes a ? 'ear treat' with (od)s people the !ews. =. The treat' between the deceitful ruler and the !ews is broken. >. Religious freedom is taken from (od)s people+ man' of them are destro'ed and some kind of sacrilege causes the temple to be destro'ed. <. The ten nation coalition is destro'ed and replaced b' the coming 0ingdom of the crushing stone. The progression of Revelation in Daniel .+ ?+ @ and / means the move from a general outline of the future in chapter . to more specific details in each additional chapter. The significance of progressive revelation: e get a complete picture of (od)s truth as we stud' it in its entiret'. Ene chapter does not necessaril' provide all the facts on the sub4ect.

Lesson ( ers%ectives of the Coming Times of Distress

Basicall' this will be a stud' of Daniel chapters -1%-.. The /"or of /od Daniel -1 helps us understand the role of spiritual warfare in the affairs of men and nations. Traumatic 2eve"ation 3anie" 1$:1)12 The revelation that Daniel received gave him concern. The war that was revealed to Daniel seems to refer to the future seventieth seven. The vision brought Daniel both understanding of the revelation he had received and a glimpse of (od)s glor'. Fisions+ it seems+ are given to encourage and uplift as well as to inform (od)s people about the course of the future. The vision gave Daniel some understanding of when the prophesied events in relation to others would occur. e can safel' assume that special revelations and visions are not given to all (od)s people but are reserved for those who draw especiall' close to him. 1piritua" Warfare 3anie" 1$:13)21 Answers to the pra'ers of (od)s people can be hindered b' evil angels. The important thing+ however is that there is no power that can hinder pra'ers getting through to (od and if we are patient+ our pra'ers will come. B.K. ->

Daniel and Revelation Daniel -1 shows an e5ample of the usual opposition to (od and 7is servant that goes on continuall'. "cripture seems to indicate that there is+ in addition to messengers from (od and angels that stand for nations+ a more powerful rank of angels which is represented b' $ichael. Answers to pra'er ma' on occasion be dela'ed because of spiritual opposition.

The f"o' of 0istor : 8rom 9edo 7ersia to the End time 3anie" 11:1)4 The message concerning the future of the Persian 2mpire was one that would have tended to encourage the Persian king. Persia wars against (reece aroused intense hatred in (reeks and led to the final downfall of Persia)s 2mpire. The might' leader who would do as he pleased+ rule with great power and not leave his kingdom to his heirs is identified as Ale5ander the (reat. Ale5ander)s 0ingdom was divided among his generals not his heirs: &assander+ #'smachus+ Ptolem' and "eleucids. 7to"emaic and 1e"eucid Empires to Antiochus IA 3anie" 11:*)2$ The 0ingdom of Ale5ander would be divided into two: The "eleucid branch: ,orth of *srael Ptolem' branch: "outh of *srael Their leaders are significantl' referred as Gthe 0ing of the ,orthD and Gthe 0ing of the southD. The Ptolem' and "eleucids were important in biblical histor' because *srael la' between them and was involved in their histor'. :rom =.= B& until -/@ B& we can sa' most accuratel' that the control of *srael was in the hands of the Ptolem's+ the kings of the "outh. The value of the prophetic facts given in verses <%.1 to the student of Bible prophec' is in their abilit' to verif' the accurac' of the word of (od. The evidence shows that each prophec' received an ama6ing fulfilment. Antiochus IA Epiphanes: 7rotot pe of the Anti Christ. 7e rose to power in a deceitful wa'. The e5pansion of his kingdom was stopped b' Rome. 7is efforts to wipe out the religion of the !ews was based on his desire to bring overall unit' to his realm. The forced helleni6ation polic' met with failure because of the united efforts of the faithful !ewish people who were willing to die for their faith. The Coming Anti Christ. 3anie" 11:3>)4* The 0ing mentioned here is not Antiochus *F because: F.>1 distinguishes him from Antiochus *F. The 0ing will invade man' countries e.g. 2thiopia and #ib'a which Antiochus did not do. 2vidence suggests that Antiochus *F appears in histor' to give (od)s people a preveiw of the coming antichrist. The $iddle 2ast will figure prominentl' in the seventieth seven and it will be the scene if intense fighting. B.K. -<

Daniel and Revelation B' comparing the king of the south and the 0ing of the ,orth in histor' with what is spoken of the se same ones in the future+ we gather that 2g'pt and "'ria are not intended. The Times of 3istress. 3anie" 12:1)13 The evidence suggests that great distress will come in the second half of the seventieth seven. *t will last for =-I. 'ears. B' comparing this evidence with what is given in Daniel / about the seventieth sevens we conclude that the times of great distress will commence when the coming ruler breaks the pacts with the 4ews.

Events of the seventieth seven. -. craft' leader comes to power%ten nation coalition .. ill make a peace pact with !ews for ? 'ears. =. will break it after = and half 'ears >. ill turn in fur' on the !ews and seek to destro' them. <. !ews helped b' $ichael and the godl' will be delivered. ;. Before he sets his eternal 0ingdom+ (od will break in on the ungodliness of the end time and end the rule of the Antichrist. ?. The wicked will be resurrected to shame and the righteous to eternal blessedness.

The Commencement of End Time Events

Lesson ) *nderstanding the Book of 'evelation

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Daniel and Revelation

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Daniel and Revelation

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Daniel and Revelation

The Continuation of End Time Events

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Daniel and Revelation

The Consummation of End Time Events

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