Revealing Eschatology.

The Power and Glory of God's Creation.

Commentary on the book of Daniel.

The book of Daniel, more than any other book in the Old Testament revealed very specific prophecies concerning the future. The book of Daniel is not only important as a key to understanding the past in God's supreme control of both Gentile and Jewish history, but also gives insight concerning the future, and helps to understand the symbolism in the book of Revelation. Daniel gives the most comprehensive and detailed picture concerning the time of the Gentiles of any book of the Bible as well as the future history of Israel from Daniel's time to the second coming of Christ.

Beginning in Dan. 2-36-45, Daniel explains to the king the meaning of the dream concerning the statue. He tells Nebuchadnezzar that he was a great king and that God had given him a great dominion (verses 37-38). He declared to the king "You are that head of gold" (v.38). Daniel explains that the upper part of the body represented another kingdom but inferior to the kingdom of Babylon (v. 39), and that it would be followed by "a third kingdom", one of bronze, who will rule over the whole earth" (v.39). We see later in Daniel that these kingdoms are named Medo-Persia and Greece (Dan. 8-20-21). Daniel then gave the meaning of the fourth kingdom represented by the iron legs and the feet which were part iron and part clay. Here he declares "Finally there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron-for iron breaks and smashes everything-and as iron breaks things to pieces, so it will crush and break all the others" ( Dan. 2-40). A seperate explanation is given of the feet and toes of partly iron and clay, which Daniel explained as being "the divided kingdom" (v. 41). This divided kingdom would have the strength of iron but the weakness of clay (v.42). Daniel explains this mixture of people who are not united, thus they represent a "divided kingdom" (v. 43).

Daniel then explains the vision of the rock that destroyed the image and then grew to be a mountain. "In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever. This is the meaning of the vision of the rock cut out of a mountain, but not by human hands-a rock that broke the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver and gold to pieces ( verses 44-45). The kingdom represented by the rock is the kingdom of Christ that God "set up in the time of those kings, Christ's first coming. The "kingdom that will endure forever" represented here as the rock is what Christ will bring in at his second coming, when he destroys all kingdoms.

Nebuchadnezzar died in 562 B.C., but the beginning of Belshazzar's service as co-regent with Nabonidus in 553 B.C. became important because it was in that year that Daniel had the first of his four visions in Daniel chapter 7. Actually Daniel chapters 7 and 8 both occur in the time period between Daniel chapter 4 and chapter 5, and are out of chronological order for whatever reasons Daniel had for doing so. The fact is that Daniel had received the revelation of chapters 7 and 8 before he came to Belshazzar's feast, where at that time Babylon fell ( see chapter 5).

Beginning in chapter 7, Daniel is shown visions of future world history. In Da. 7-1-7, the vision of this chapter occurred, as told to us by Daniel. "In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon" (v.1), probably the year 553 B.C. or 14 years before the Medes and the Persians conquered Jerusalem. As was noted, this vision already was past when Belshazzar held his feast in chapter 5. In seeing this vision Daniel records he saw "the four winds of heaven churning up the great sea" (Da, 7-2). The four beasts described later that came up out of this sea (verses 2-3).

The first beast was compared to a lion having the wings of an eagle (v.4). As Daniel watched the wings were  torn off and the eagle was lifted off the ground, and "the heart of a man was given to it" (v.4). Daniel describes the second beast as "like a bear." Raised up on one of its sides, and it had three ribs in its mouth, and it was told, "Get up and eat your fill of flesh" (v.5). The third beast resembled a leopard with four wings such as a bird would have and four heads. This beast also "was given authority to rule" (v.6). The fourth beast, Daniel sees as the most frightening. "It had large iron teeth; it crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. It was different from all the other beasts, and it had ten horns." In Dan. 7-8-10, Daniel continues recording the vision. He saw an 11th horn ( coming out from the 10th horn), "a little one, which came up among them, where in which three of the first horns were uprooted before it. This horn had eyes like the eyes of a man and a mouth that spoke boastfully" (v.8).

Then the vision changes from the four beasts to a scene in heaven. Daniel sees one as "the ancient of days" (v.9). A countless number stood before him and worshiped him. "The court was seated, and the books were opened." Dan. 7-11-14 continues recording the vision, where there he sees that "the beast was slain and its body destroyed and thrown into the blazing fire" (v.11). This refers to the fourth beast, or last of the four. Where at this point the first three beasts "had been stripped of their authority, but were allowed to live for a period of time"(v.12). Then Daniel saw "One like a Son of Man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed" (verses 13-14).

Like the image in chapter 2, these four beasts represent 4 kingdoms. The first which was like a lion and an eagle represented Babylon. The second kingdom represented the Medo-Persian Empire which conquered Babylon in 539 B.C. ( Dan. chap. 5). Like a bear it had great power, but not like Babylon. The third kingdom represented Greece (Dan. 8-21), the rapid conquests of Alexander the Great who conquered all of western Asia was the fulfillment of the Leopard. The Leopard is a beast capable of great speed like Alexander's conquests. When Alexander died in Babylon in 323 B.C., the Empire was divided among his four generals, represented by the four heads and four wings. They were Lysimachus who was given Thracr and Bithynia; Cassander who was given Macedonia and Greece; Seleucus who was given Syria, Babylonia, and land to the east; and Ptolemy who was given Egypt, Palestine and Arabia Petrea.

The fourth kingdom was not name, but most scholars see it was historically fulfilled by the Roman Empire. As described in Dan. 7-7, it crushed and devoured the countries which it conquered. The ten horns represents a future empire which would appear in the end time. The little horn represents a ruler(called anti-christ) who would come up in this final kingdom in the end time. Just as the image was destroyed in Daniel chapter 2, so this fourth beast was destroyed by fire seen in Dan. 7-11. The first three beasts were distinguished from the fourth in that instead of being cut off, they were allowed to continue for a time, that is, each was absorbed in the kingdom that followed, whereas the final kingdom will be suddenly destroyed (v.12).

In Dan. 7-15-22, he did not understand the image, and he asked one who was standing by the meaning of the vision (verses 15-16). Daniel was told "The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever, yes, forever and ever" (verses 17-18). Daniel then declares, "Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, which was different from all the others and most terrifying, with its iron teeth and bronze claws--the beast that crushed and devoured its victims and trampled underfoot whatever was left. I also wanted to know about the ten horns on its head and about the other horn that came up, before which three of them fell; the horn that looked more imposing than the others and that had eyes and a mouth that spoke boastfully" (verses 19-20). He continues, "As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints and the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom" (verses 21-22).

Dan. 7-23-28, here Daniel is given this explanation; "The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on the earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom (within this final kingdom). After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his saints and try to change the set times and the laws. The saints will be handed over to him for a time, times and half a time" (verses 23-25). Daniel is told that this final kingdom described as the fourth beast will "devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it."

Most agree that the first three kingdoms have come and gone in history, they being Babylon, Medo-Persia and Greece. The fourth Empire, though not named here, is seen by most scholars as being the Roman Empire. But the last stage of this fourth beast, described here as the ten horn stage, and seen in chapter 2 of Daniel as being the feet and toes of the image, called  "the divided kingdom", was never fulfilled. Nothing in history shows that fulfillment, neither by Rome or other kingdoms.

Dan. 7-26-27, tells us the conclusion of these events after their fulfillment. "But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him." We see that this interpretation runs parallel to chapter 2 where the prophecy of the destruction of the feet of the image and the whole image itself is destroyed, bringing in God's Kingdom forever. If it were not future prophecy, but prophecy fulfilled in history, then also would Dan. 7-26-27 here, be past fulfillment. So it is clear from scripture that it was future prophecy to be fulfilled in the end time.

Daniel begins to describe the second vision in Dan. 8-1-4. "There before me was a ram with two horns, standing beside the canal, and the horns were long. One of the horns was longer than the other but grew up later. I watched the ram as he charged toward the west and the north and the south. No animal could stand against him, and none could rescue from his power. He did as he pleased and became great"(verses 3-4). Verse 20 tells us who the ram is, "The two-horned ram which you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The longer horn represented the greater power of Persia. Verse 4 states they destroyed everything that was before them going to the west, north and south. At the height of the Persian power, it conquered Babylon in October 539 B.C.

In Dan. 8-5-8, he writes, "Suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between its eyes came from the west, crossing the whole earth without touching the ground. He came toward the two-horned ram I had seen standing besides the canal and charged him with great rage. I saw him attack the ram furiously, striking the ram and shattering his two horns. The ram was powerless to stand against him; the goat knocked him to the ground and trampled on him, and none could rescue the ram from his power. The goat became very great, but at the height of his power his large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up towards the four winds of heaven." Verse 21 of Daniel tells us the meaning of this vision. "The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between his eyes is the first king." We see that the goat represented Greece who would rule the Middle East in the time of Alexander the Great. Rather than two horns which is normal for a goat, only one large horn was placed between the eyes of the goat who was declared to be "the first king."

Alexander the Great with rapid marches of his army conquered the whole Middle East and went as far as India. We see this in Daniel chapter 7 where the 3rd Empire Greece, was compared to a Leopard, a very swift animal; also described as having 4 wings, implying great speed. The prediction that the large horn, representing Alexander the Great, would be broken off at the height of its power was fulfilled by Alexander's death in Babylon. He died in 323 B.C. at 33 years of age. After his death the conquered territories were divided among his four generals, they represented the four horns.

Dan. 8-9-12. Here, Daniel saw a little horn come up in addition to the four prominent horns, and this little horn "grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the beautiful land"(v.9). The ram, the Medo-Persian Empire, went largely to the west and not to the east in keeping with what the Medo-Persian Empire did. The goat instead, coming from Greece in the west, attacked the Middle East from the west. The conquests of Alexander were always east of Greece. However, the little horn began his power to the south and to the east and toward the beautiful land, refering to the holy land. Therefore this indicates that the little horn would have to lie at that time somewhere north and west of these areas it would come against that would lie to the south and east of it. So like Alexander who came from the west, so also the little horn can be seen as coming from, where it would first grow in power moving south then east, then further east toward the holy land. This is very important to know in order to know exactly "who" this little horn is in our history that most see and agree to have been Antiochus Epiphanes, but was it?

There is a distinction between the little horn which is mentioned here and the little horn of Dan. 7-8. The little horn of Daniel 7 came out of the 4th empire and its final stage referred to the future. But here, the little horn of Daniel 8 came out from the "4 horn kingdoms established at that time after Alexander's death." Alexander's kingdom being the 3rd , which was Greece. As Daniel watches he saw, "It grew until it reached the hosts of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them. It set itself up to be as great as the Prince of the host; it took away the daily from him, and the place of his sanctuary was brought low. Because of rebellion the hosts of the saints and the daily were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did., and truth was thrown to the ground" (Dan. 8-10-12).

Many view the interpretation as prophecy that has already been fulfilled in the person of Antiochus Epiphanes, a ruler of Syria (175-164 B.C.). According to history, Antiochus Epiphanes set himself up as God. He set himself up as "Prince of the host." Antiochus took away and stopped the daily sacrifices offered by the Jews in the temple and desecrated their sanctuary, turning it into a pagan temple. This act represented "throwing truth to the ground." In verse 14 Daniel was told by the angel, "It will take 2300 evening-mornings; then the sanctuary will be made right." Many of the details referred to in the preceding verses were recorded in the historical book of 1 Maccabees which described the desecration of the temple, the persecution of the Jews, and the Maccabean revolt of the Jews. Thousands of Jews were killed by Epiphanes in his attempt to stamp out the Jewish religion. The statement that it would take 2300 evening-mornings before the sanctuary could be made right or vindicated, has caused many different opinions and problems in understanding what it means. Some have taken that the 2300 days of evening-mornings "sacrifices", actually mean 1150 days. But this view does not meet with the history of the period. Some see the best interpretation is to go back to the fact that in the year 171 B.C., Onias 3 who was the reigning high priest, was assassinated and another line of priests assumed power. This time would be the beginning of the desecration, but the temple itself was not desecrated until December 25 of 167 B.C. when the sacrifices were forcibly stopped, a Greek alter was placed in the temple, and a Greek statue representing a pagan god was erected.

If the period from 171 B.C. to 164 B.C., when Antiochus died, is considered as being that period, this totals to 2455 days, and would have to be reduced to 2300 days. This done by taking the parts of the first and last years to be subtracted. Thus this would account for the 2300 days given us in Daniel. But even when taking this into consideration, the history does not provide enough evidence to come to this determination of rounding off these 2300 days in that manner. So history does not provide enough evidence to determine if the 2300 days were fulfilled under Antiochus Epiphanes, or is a future fulfillment for the end time events prophesied. When reading Dan. 8-19-21, we see Gabriel's interpretation fulfilled and confirmed in history. We see that this passage referred to Medo-Persia and Greece. But the passages of Dan. 8-23-26 have been the subject of different opinions and interpretations. Some say that this has already been completely fulfilled in the history of Antiochus Epiphanes. Others say that this represents a period entirely future, and refers to the final kingdom and ruler. Others suggest that it is a prophecy concerning Antiochus Epiphanes, but represents a double-fulfillment between him and the end time events of ruler anti-christ. Or as they believe to be the anti-christ to come as being an individual person. Daniel describes the wicked king of this prophecy as "a sternfaced king, a master of intrique. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He shall cause astounding devastation and will succeed at whatever he does. He will destroy the mighty men and the holy people. He will cause deciet to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. When they feel secure, he will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power." The description given here of this ruler is similar to what history and the Bible record concerning Antiochus Epiphanes. We see that Daniel had been told in verse 17 that "the vision concerns the distant future" (v.26). Jesus points us to this prophecy seen in Daniel in matthew 24 concerning the end time. He said, "When you see" the abomination spoken of in Daniel---." This was said by Jesus nearly 200 years AFTER the events of Antiochus Epiphanes. By these words Jesus is confirming that the prophecy "had yet to be fulfilled." In other words he confirms to us by this passage that though some or many may believe that Epiphanes completed this prophecy, they are in error, if we are to believe in the word of God. If we believe in what Jesus is saying, then we can believe that this prophecy in Daniel has yet to reach its fulfillment.

Going to Dan. 9-24-27, backed by historical and biblical evidence, the explanation of the 490 years is that the 483 years were fulfilled just before the time of Christ's crucifixion and the destruction of Jerusalem over 37 years later, fulfilled Dan. 9-26 with both events occurring in that period. However, the final "seven" would begin when beast anti-christ begins this final period. The final vision given to Daniel was recorded in Daniel chapters 10-12. Daniel 10-1 records, "In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia (here the year is 536 B.C.). Daniel was told that the vision was true and that it referred to a "great war." What is recorded in Dan. 11-2-35 are the major events, with the major rulers of the Persian Empire and from there continuing to the major events of the Alexandrian period, ending with the prophecy  which scholars say was about Antiochus Epiphanes from 175-164 B.C. All said to having been fulfilled in history by these rulers and events.

Dan. 11-2. The prophecy begins by describing four kings of Persia (v. 2). "Now then I tell you the truth; three more kings will appear in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than all the others. When he has gained power by his wealth, he will stir up everyone against the kingdom of Greece." Xerxes1 was the ruler who attempted to conquer Greece at the time and height of power of the Persian Empire. Xerxes1 had gathered an army of several hundred thousand and began a war against Greece (520 B.C.) in which his fleet and his troops were defeated. Persia never rose to great power after that. Dan. 11-3-4. Here Daniel prophecies the coming of Alexander the Great; "Then a mighty king will appear, who will rule with great power and do as he pleases. After he has appeared, his Empire will be broken up and parceled out towards the four winds of heaven. It will not go to his descendants, nor will it have the power he exercised, because his empire will be uprooted and given to others" (verses 3-4). This prophecy spoke of the rise of Alexander and his conquering the Persian kingdom. As history records, when Alexander died in 323 B.C., his conquests was divided among his four generals. The same events were prophecied in verses 5-8 interpreted by Daniel in verses 21-22.

Dan. 11-5-6. The passage concerned struggles between Syria as the king of the north and Egypt as the king of the south. Though Syria is not mentioned because it did not exist as a nation at that time and Egypt being a nation is referred to as king of the south. This passage clearly corresponds to history. Ptolemy 1 Sotor (323-285 B.C.) is the king of the south. The one who is stronger than he refers to Seleucus 1 Nicator (312-281 B.C.).

Dan. 11-7-9. A later king of Egypt, Ptolemy 3 Euegetes (246-222 B.C.) was able to conquer the northern kingdom, seizing a great deal of booty as is described by Daniel. "---he will attack the forces of the king of the north---and be victorious. For some years he will leave the king of the north alone" (verses 7-8). Verse 9 indicated an attack of the king of the north against the king of the south which occurred about 240 B.C. and was led by Seleucus 2 Callinicus. However he was defeated and returned without conquering Egypt.

Dan. 11-10-12. Here history reveals Antiochus 3 attacked Egypt with some success. As ruler of the kingdom of the north, Antiochus 3 had several successful campaigns against Egypt during a period when the Egyptian ruler, Ptolemy Philopator (221-203 B.C.) could not raise enough resistance against him.

Dan. 11-13-16. These prophecy passages correspond precisely to the history of the period which described these wars and the success of the kingdom of the north. The conquering of a fortified city (v.15) was fulfilled when the Egyptian armies were defeated at Paneas at the headwaters of the Jordan river, where there, Antiochus 3 was able to take Sidon which was captured 199-198 B.C. The result was that Syria controlled all the Holy land as far south as Gaza.

Dan. 11-17-20. At this time, Rome began to grow in power, and it seemed best for Antiochus to make peace with Egypt by marrying his daughter Cleopatra to Ptolemy V. Epiphanes (v.17). Antiochus having settled things with Egypt, attempted to conquer Greece but was defeated in 191 B.C. at Thermopylae and in 189 B.C. was again defeated at Magnesia southeast of Ephesus, this time by Roman soldiers. Daniel's prophecy now turns to two other rulers, Seleucus 4 Philopator (187-175 B.C.), and Antiochus 4 Epiphanes who was the famous persecutor of the Jews, and seen by most scholars as the little horn in Dan. 8-9-14. Seleucus 4 Philopator is indicated in Dan. 11-20, "His successor will send out a tax collector to maintain the royal splendor. In a few years however, he will be destroyed, yet not in anger or in battle (v.20). He had to pay Rome a tribute each year.

Dan. 11-21-35. The tax collector he appointed was named Heliodorus (2 Macc. 3-7). In these verses 21-35 a ruler of Syria, known as Antiochus 4 Epiphanes now appears. In comparison to the earlier rulers of the northern kingdom, he is described as "a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue" (v.21). The attempt of Antiochus to destroy the Jewish religion was described by Daniel in these passages. "His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily. Then they will set up the abomination that causes desolation. With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him (verses 31-32). "but those who are wise will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by the sword or be burned or captured or plundered. When they fall, they will recieve a little help, and many who are not sincere will join them. Some of the wise will stumble, so that they may be refined, purified and made spotless until the time of the end, for it will still come at the appointed time" (Dan. 11-33-35).

The reference to "the time of the end" referred to in the remaining prophecy beginning in verse 36 was not the fulfillment of the reign of Antiochus 4 Epiphanes, as many believe. The time gap between Antiochus ( verses 21-35) and the end time (verses 36-45) was common in the Old Testament, as many prophecies concerning the first and second coming of Christ though presented together, were seperated by thousands of years in their fulfillment. The detailed prophecies of Dan. 10-1-11-35 were prophetic from Daniel's viewpoint in the 6th century B.C., and have now all been fulfilled. But beginning with verse 36, the prophecies given by Daniel relate to the period just before the second coming of Christ.

Dan. 11-36-45. This ruler is described by Daniel, "The king will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify himself above every god and will say unheard of things against the God of gods" (v.36). Some interpreters have attempted to relate this king to Antiochus 4 mentioned in the earlier verses of this chapter. However, the evidence of history is that Antiochus died shortly after fulfilling the preceding verses in the year 164 B.C. He did not fulfill any of the events described in this last part of the chapter, beginning in verse 36. Daniel goes on, "He will be successful until the time of wrath is completed, for what has been determined must take place" (Dan. 11-36). This is seen in Dan. 7-27-28 and the destruction of this final ruler (kingdom) is seen in Rev. 19-20. He fulfills the prophecy of speaking "against the God of gods" (v.36) and Rev. 13-5-7. This ruler is described in an unusual way, "He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the one desired by women, nor will he regard any god, but will exalt himself above them all." ( Dan. 11-37).

Daniel goes on to describe him, "Instead of them, he will honor a god of fortresses, a god unknown to his fathers he will honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and costly gifts" (v. 38). He will place material things above all else, which will enable him to increase his power militarily and politically. "He will attack the mightiest fortresses with the help of a foreign god and will greatly honor those who acknowledge him. He will make them rulers over many people and will distribute the land at a price" (v.39). He will be successful as is seen in Rev. 13-8, "All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast (kingdom)--all whose names have not been written in the Book of Life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world." The final verses of Daniel chapter 11, beginning with verse 40, describes the final war or battle which occurs in the period just before Christ's second coming.

The Middle East, Israel and Jerusalem will be the catalyst that brings about this final war and battle prophesied for the end time. The battle called Harmagedon or the Day of the Lord. Daniel describes this, "At the time of the end the king of the south will engage him in battle, and the king of the north will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships" (v.40). "He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood." Daniel goes on, "He will also invade the Beautiful Land" Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand. He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape. He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Nubians in submission. But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many. He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain. Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him" (Dan. 11-41-45).

Daniel is given further information in chapter 12 concerning this vision of events given him of this final battle to come in the end time. He records that "at that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people--everyone whose name is found written in the Book--will be delivered" (v.1). This brings us to Rev. 7-1-8 where we see 12,000 Jews from each of the 12 tribes would be sealed (protected) in this tribulation, because their names were found written in the book "of deliverance."

 Dan. 12-2 clearly speaks of a resurrection, not only of Jews but Gentiles as well. "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth (worldwide) will awake; some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt." This prophecy clearly gives the fact of a great resurrection at the prophecy's fulfillment. This passage confirms the fact that those who believe that Antiochus Epiphanes 4 completed the prophecy seen in verses 11-36-45 are in error. The scripture here is given to us clearly and is not in any way to be speaking "figuratively". It concerns the end time as is seen and told to us in Dan. 12-4. "But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll "until the time of the end."

Daniel 12-5-13 gives us further revelation. Daniel sees two others, one on one side of the river, the other on the other side. "One of them said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, "How long will it be before these astonishing things are fulfilled?" (v. 6). "The man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, lifted his right hand and his left hand toward heaven, and I heard him swear by him who lives forever, saying, "It will be for a time, times and half a time" (v.7). Because this particular set of events period is said to be 42 months seen in Rev. 13-5, the expression here is understood  as "time" being one year, "times" being 2 years and "half a time" as half a year; adding up to three and a half years or 42 months. Daniel was told that this would occur "When the power of the holy people has been finally broken, all these things (the events given to that point in time) will be "completed" (v.7).

In Dan. 12-8, still not understanding, Daniel asks, "My Lord, what will the outcome (time and events from that point on) of all this be?" The angel replied, "Go your way Daniel, because the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end"(v.9). Dan. 12-11-12, closes up the words of the prophecy. "From the time that the daily is abolished and the abomination that causes desolation is set up, 1290 days. Blessed is the one who waits for and reaches the 1305 days and 30 days." The prophecy ends in Dan. 12-13, where he is told, "As for you, go your way till the end, you will rest, and then at the end of the days you will rise to recieve your allotted inheritance."

The revelation of Daniel is not only essential to understanding Old Testament prophecy, but also in a particular sense the key to understanding the book of Revelation. The book of Daniel supports the view that the book of Revelation was to be a future prophecy to come in the end time. Most agree that the iron legs of the statue represented Rome as being the 4th Empire. But there is a difference of opinion concerning the identification of the feet and toes of the statue. The key to understanding the passage rests on the interpretation of the rock that fills the earth. This rock that symbolizes the Kingdom of God and is declared in Dan. 2-44-45. So it follows that if the dominion described in verse 44 refers to Christ's second coming, then the last part of the statue, the feet of ten toes made up of iron and clay, must represent an earthly empire existing prior to Christ's return. In this case, it could not be ancient Rome.

It must also be noted, that since Rome is part of western Europe, when the empire of Rome dominated and the activities of the empire was centered there, it is reasonable to assume the prophecy's fulfillment to be stating that this area of the world would play an important role in this future kingdom to come. That kingdom being the feet and the ten toes that would come and extend from the iron legs of the kingdom of ancient Rome who dominated from western Europe.

Most see "the little horn" in chapter 8, coming out from one of the four horns as being Antiochus Epiphanes 4. But is that what the context is relating to us here in chapter 8? This is widely believed because of what is seen in Dan. 11-20-35 as being the history of Epiphanes, to whom most relate these scriptures to the "little horn" of chapter 8, the little horn coming from the divided "Greek kingdom." It is clear from the context seen in Dan. 11-20-35 to be that very history of Epiphanes during his reign. But is he the "little horn" of chapter 8 that most scholars relate and refer him to be? For if we read Dan. 8-9 closely, the context does not fit with the activities of Antiochus Epiphanes 4. We read, "Out of one of them ( the 4 horns representing "kingdoms") came another horn (another "kingdom"-a 5th kingdom) which started small but grew in power (dominance) to the south and to the east and (then) toward the Beautiful Land."

We see this little horn "kingdom", not king, coming out from one of the 4 "divided kingdoms" then in existence. Divided to the 4 generals after Alexander's death. And this is a "5th kingdom " (little horn) coming out from among these four kingdoms already established at that time. When Antiochus Epiphanes 4 became king, the four kingdoms were in existence and firmly established, and he was but a king of one of those 4 kingdoms, that being Syria and its territories given it. We see also in following the directions given in the context of Dan. 8-9, we are told that the kingdom started small (little horn) but grew in power as it moved to the "south." So we see as this little horn kingdom moved south, it expanded, gained more territory and dominance, and grew in power. Though this "seems" to parallel Antiochus' activities, these seen here are the activities of the little horn "kingdom" growing in power, and not those of Epiphanes. The next direction this little horn kingdom takes is said to be "to the east," growing further in power and dominance as it moved in that direction. The last direction given is it would then move further east "toward the Beautiful Land." This representation of this last direction is seen as being the land of Israel, then called Palestine. Now when we strictly follow this order of direction, as the little horn kingdom grew in power, it does not strictly fit the activities taken by Antiochus Epiphanes 4, though his "actions" concerning the Jews at that time are similar.

After Epiphanes became king in 169 B.C., Ptolemy Philometor launched an attack to regain territories ( Palestine and Phoenicia) he had lost to the Syrians. But Antiochus' forces defeated him and he was taken hostage by Epiphanes. Philometor made an agreement to become an ally with Antiochus if he helped him regain his throne in Egypt. Antiochus agreed only so that he could gain a foothold in Egypt. So with this first campaign, in the strictest sense, he did not grow in territorial power toward the south. He defeated the Egyptian king and plundered Egypt, but that is all. At that time, as he returned home by way of Palestine, he found an insurrection in progress. He quickly put down this rebellion by killing thousands of men, women, and children, looted the temple, then returned home in the north. Here again we see he did not grow in territorial power with this move "toward the east and beautiful land," for these territories "were already his possession and subject to his kingdom."

In 168 B.C., when Antiochus invaded Egypt again to conquer this territory to his south, he was not successful. Verse 30 tells us what was the cause of his failure. He encountered opposition from the "ships of the western coastlands." The word "kittim" was an ancient name for "Cyprus." Here it refers to the Roman fleet that had come to Alexandria at the request of the Ptolemies, Egypt's rulers. Here we are introduced to the fourth empire Rome, the iron legs that would dominate the known world. At that time it all but had dominated the Greek kingdoms and much of the known world. As the Syrians were moving to beseige Alexandria, the Roman legions prevented him from doing so. Antiochus then withdrew from Egypt in total humiliation. Again we see in this campaign against the south (Egypt), he did not grow in power, nor in territorial power, as is said  "the little horn kingdom" would do in Dan. 8-9. His later activities against the Jewish people beginning in 167 B.C. and their temple are "similar" to what is seen in Daniel chapter 8. The activities of Epiphanes are given us in Dan. 11-30-35, where he came against Jerusalem, its temple, its people and their religion.

Though the activities of Antiochus are similar to the context described in Dan. 8-9-14, they are not the fulfillment of the history of Epiphanes, nor is Epiphanes the  "little horn" in those verses. They were and are to be the fulfillment of the ancient Roman Empire, the iron legs, and the end time complete fulfillment of the kingdom of the feet and ten toes of iron and clay. The final kingdom that would come out of the Roman Empire in western Europe. This can be seen when we strictly follow the context of Dan. 8-9 as we look to the history of the Roman Empire from their early beginnings, then go on to the final kingdom to come.

In the 6th century B.C., the city of Rome was just a small fortress town in central Italy, but in a short time would begin to expand her territories. At that time this represents this "little horn" seen in the text that started "small," but would grow in power toward the "south." At the time of Alexander's death in 323 B.C., his four generals struggled for control of his empire. These were Antipator and later Cassander, who gained control of Greece and Mecedonia. The second, Lysimachus ruled Thrace and a large part of Asia Minor. The third, Seleucus1 Nicator governed Syria, Babylon and much of the Middle East ( all of Asia except Asia Minor and Palestine). The fourth, Ptolemy 1 Sotor controlled Egypt and Palestine. By about 275 B.C., after years of warfare, the Empire had been carved into "three" large kingdoms ruled by the descendants of these generals.

During those times, the Romans had expanded their territories in the Italian peninsula.; Except for the Greek city-states "in the south" and the Etruscan power in the north. After 300 B.C., Rome ( the little horn kingdom) dominated the Italian peninsula as far "south" as the Greek city-states of the great Greek kingdom. We see this meets the context of Dan. 8-9, where "Out of one of them" these 4 divided kingdoms "came forth another horn". From the "horn kingdom" given to Antipator and Cassander who controlled Greece and Mecedonia in western Europe. And the little horn kingdom grew in power "toward the south" where they dominated the Italian peninsula as far south as the Greek city-states of the great Greek kingdom.

The people of Carthage had contended with the Greeks for control of Sicily ( south of Rome) for over a century. In 264 B.C. the Greek ruler of Syracuse ( Sicily) invited Rome to join him in the fight for control. For the next 64 years (264-201 B.C.) Rome fought a series of long wars with Carthage known as the Punic Wars. The Romans finally defeated the famous Carthaginian General Hannibal in 202 B.C. Rome now had dominance "as far south" as Carthage and beyond in North Africa. After adding Spain in the north to her conquests, Rome then turned "toward the east". To the east of Rome lay Thrace, Mecedonia, Greece and her city-states.

During those times the Greek kings of Syria, the Seleucids, and the Greek kings of Egypt the Ptolemies, fought over Palestine from 323 B.C., after Alexander's death until 301 B.C. when the Ptolemies established control. Shortly after in 198 B.C., the Seleucids wrested control from the Ptolemies. For a time this would remain the possession of the Syrian Empire, with Rome under their control by a signed treaty made with her, where much of the Syrian military force and heavy payments to Rome kept them in obedience until Antiochus Epiphanes 4 would come to power. He would be the 8th Seleucid Greek ruler, and would rule from 175-163 B.C.

After Antiochus became ruler in 169 B.C., Ptolemy 6 Philometor (181-146 B.C.) launched an attack to regain territories ( Paledtine and Phoenicia) lost to the Syrians, but was defeated by Antiochus' forces. In 168 B.C., Antiochus invaded Egypt again, but this time he was not successful. The Roman fleet had come to Alexandria at the request of the Ptolemies. Antiochus backed down and withdrew from Egypt in humiliation. In that year, the Romans warred and won a victory over Mecedonia, who lay "east" of Rome, thus expanding her territory "to the east" as the context of Dan. 8-9 reveals concerning "the little horn kingdom" who would grow in dominance towards those directions seen in Dan. 8-9. But because of further disturbances in the following years, Rome invaded Mecedonia again, and in 147-146 B.C., Mecedonia was officially made a province, making it Rome's first acquisition of territory in the Greek kingdom empire itself. In that same year of 146 B.C., she also added most of southern Greece to this province in the "east" of Rome; which was placed under the authority of the governor of Mecedonia. At this time we now see Rome, the little horn kingdom, having gained power and dominance to the "south" and now "to the east" of her as far as the Mediterranean Sea, where further east now being the Middle East, where the Beautiful Land lay.

During that age of imperialism, running roughly from the first Punic War to the acquisition of the province of Asia (265-133 B.C.), the Roman Republic became the largest single power in the western world. It now controlled millions of people from Spain to Asia Minor. In 133 B.C., the last king of Pergamum in Asia Minor died without leaving a successor and willed his kingdom to Rome. Four years later (129 B.C.), Rome created the province of Asia. At this time we see Rome the little horn kingdom not only moving toward the Beautiful Land, but now gaining control of it. Where then Rome embarked on further expansion in the Middle East of Asia Minor, securing step by step the whole eastern seaboard of the Mediterranean. Julius Caesar was ruler of Rome from 100-44 B.C., and he continued with Rome's expansion of territory in Spain and Gaul. By 49 B.C. Rome's rule extended far beyond the Mediterranean basin. After Caesar's assassination in 44 B.C., there was a period of civil war, until in 31 B.C. Augustus achieved sole power.

But prior to that time in 63 B.C., Pompey took Jerusalem and made the state a tributary of Rome, and removed from it all the cities it had formally conquered, reducing Judea to its own borders. He gave Syria, Judea, and the countries as far as Egypt and the Euphrates to Scaurus to govern. Now at this time we see that Rome, the little horn, had now come toward and against the Beautiful Land of Judah and Israel, fulfilling the prophecy seen in Dan. 8-9. "Out of one of them came another horn (the kingdom of Rome), which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land." From 37-4 B.C., Herod the Great was made king and ruled over all of Judea. In 30 B.C. Rome conquered Egypt from the last descendant of Ptolemy Soter 1. Later during the first century A.D., much of "England and Whales" was added, and during the 2nd century Romania also. "It grew until it reached the host of the heavens,---." (Dan. 8-10). We can see the reference being given here, as being it grew "northward" until it reached the host of the heavens. As far north as whales and England, from which would come the Lord's host; his saints, and from there would come the final kingdom of the feet of ten toes of iron and clay. The rest of the prophecy of Dan. 8-10b-14 relate to the future, to this final kingdom of the feet and ten toes. Daniel 8-9-14 does not relate to the history nor fulfillment of Antiochus Epiphanes 4. Dan. 8-9-10a refer to the Roman kingdom, and Dan. 8-10b-14 relate to the final kingdom of the feet and ten toes which was prophesied to come in the end time.

In the east Rome made further gains, and for a time carried the frontier almost to the Caspian Sea. Over the next 400 years, the size of the Roman Empire varied little. The fall of the western Roman Empire ended with the last Roman Emperor ruling in the west until 476 A.D. The eastern division of the  Empire continued until 1453 A,D.

When the birth of Christianity came through our Lord Jesus Christ, Christianity spread quickly throughout the Roman Empire in spite of persecution. In the first several centuries it had spread as far as Spain in western Europe. For Christianity a major turning point came when the Roman Emperor Constantine, in A.D. 312, granted the Christians the freedom to worship. By 392 A.D., he had Christianity become the state religion of the entire Roman Empire, from England to Asia. All other religions were either banned or suppressed, and Christianity became an organized church with a hierachy closely identified with the Roman Empire. The organized church gained great power in governmental and civil matters.

From the 11th century on, there was a single church for the whole of Christendom ruled from Rome, later extending over the entire continent. From Iceland to Italy and from Sweden to Spain. By the time of the 17th century, most rulers were convinced that the key to stable government was the sovereign's exclusive control of both religion and politics. By this time much of western Europe had become monarchies. From the early days of the Reformation (the 1550's) monarchs found that extending their authority over the church greatly enhanced their power over the state. But this only caused chaos and wars throughout Europe. By the 18th century, it became the age of absolute monarchy in Europe. That time brought about the "Age of Revolutions" (1776-1848). The age of Revolution that brought about the birth of the United states.

This is the history of the little horn, the kingdom of Rome, the iron legs, which came forth from the division of the 4 Greek kingdoms (horns). Rome, the little horn which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and toward the Beautiful Land." Where "it grew until it reached the host (saints) of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry host down to the earth and trampled on them" (Dan. 8-10a). This brought an end to the little horn Rome, "the Holy Roman Empire," with the legs of iron who would fulfill this part of the prophecy. (Dan. 8-10a). Daniel 8-10b-14 relates to the final kingdom of the feet and ten toes of iron and clay, who would come forth and fulfill this part of the prophecy, in the "latter part of its reign." This kingdom would come from the iron legs of the "holy Roman Empire, from England and various parts of Europe and elsewhere of the Roman Empire's kingdom.

It was this absolute monarchy in Europe and England that caused the saints being trampled upon to "set itself up" to become a kingdom. That kingdom being the birth of the United States established in 1776. The final kingdom of the statue seen as being the feet with the ten toes of iron and clay. This final kingdom would fulfill Dan. 8-10a-14 in the "latter part of its reign." At that time it would "set itself up to be as great as the Prince of the host; it took away the daily from him, and the place of his sanctuary was brought low. Because of rebellion, the host (the saints) and the daily were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did, and truth was thrown to the ground."

It is clear from history that the fourth kingdom which was represented by the legs of iron was the kingdom that dominated the world after Greece, which was Rome. Looking to Dan. 2-41-43 the statue, we see a final kingdom coming from the iron legs (Rome), a "5th kingdom", represented as being the feet and toes of the statue. "Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so this (5th kingdom) will be partly strong and partly brittle. And just as you saw the iron mixed with baked clay, so the people (also) will be a mixture and will not remain united, anymore than iron mixes with clay."

We see here that the feet and toes are made up of a mixture of iron and clay, not so with the Roman Empire's "legs of iron." Neither is there a mixture seen of the other kingdoms. This indicates  that this is to be "another coming kingdom", that being the feet and toes. But a "divided kingdom" with the strength of iron in it. It is seen that this kingdom would come from the iron legs of the Roman kingdom, for it would have the strength of iron (Rome) in it. Thus this kingdom would come out from the Roman kingdom's Empire or "territories" she had dominated, of which whom the people were a part of.

The "peoples" of this kingdom of the feet and ten toes will be one kingdom, but they, the people, will be a "mixture" and will not remain united. Though one kingdom, the people will maintain their separate cultures, national identities and religions. In chapter 7 are seen ten horns on the head of the 4th beast. Where this 4th beast is seen as being Rome (Dan. 7-7,24). This symbolism, the ten horns that represent kings, corresponds to the ten toes coming forth from the feet "kingdom" at the prophecy's fulfillment. This is seen in Revelation chapter 13, where at the prophecy's fulfillment we see the beast with ten crowned horns coming forth in that end time. Dan. 7-24  specifically states that the ten horns seen on the head or body of the 4th beast kingdom represents "ten kings" and not "ten kingdoms" as some teach. And the ten toes of the statue represent the same meaning, while "the feet" represents "the kingdom itself." The "ten kings shall come out of this kingdom."

In Dan. 7-8, it jumps directly to this final kingdom, as it introduces the actions this kingdom would take against God. Many today believe that this is to be an "individual" called "anti-christ", but it is not, it is "a kingdom" that is being referred to here. The kingdom that Satan would give his authority to, as is seen in chapter 13 of Revelation. A further explanation of this kingdom's actions are given us beginning in Dan. 7-20-21, 24,25. The ten horns are said to be ten kings who would come from this kingdom. At the prophecy's fulfillment "another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High, oppress his saints, try to change set times and laws, and that the saints would be handed over to him for three and a half years."

It has been noted that the final kingdom to come, the kingdom of the feet and ten toes made of iron and clay is the United states of America. The beast that comes out of "the sea" in chapter 13 of Revelation. Coming out from the "sea of peoples" (sea represents "people" in scripture), throughout England, Europe and the world. The kingdom that comes "from the earth", the "two horned lamb that speaks as a dragon," is the false prophet "church", the rebellion of "the falling away" prophesied by Paul in 2 Thessalonians chapter 2. The final kingdom that is both political and religious in church and civil government power. "And he exerciseth all the power (authority) of the first beast (political and religious in his being) before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast (the political beast), whose deadly wound was healed" (Rev. 13-12).

"Here is wisdom, let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast for it is man's number; and his number is 666" (Rev. 13-18). The beast with this number is the first beast that comes "from the sea", and is seen as being the political kingdom in Revelation chapter 13. The beast that comes "from the earth" is noted to be the religious "anti-christ" kingdom, Christianity, corrupted by Satan's servants. This kingdom is also of the first beast's make-up and being. Though they are seen as separated in chapter 13 of Revelation, it was in order to give us their history and motives, for in reality they are a part of each other. Therefore the number of the beast 666 would represent the number of both beasts. But it will be seen that both beasts would have the number 666, and not only the beast of the sea. The beast of the sea that to come would be the "people" (number of letters)-6-of the-"United" (number of letter)-6-"States" (number of letters)-6. The Declaration and the constitution begin with the words, "We the people of the United States--." The number of the beast of "the earth" to come is seen in this way; "people" or "saints" (number of letters )-6-of the "church"(number of letters)-6-of "Christ" (number of letters)-6. Those seen here is what scripture calls "the falling away in the body of Christ." Those who have fallen, rebelled, rejected Christ's teachings and became the "false prophet." So here we have found the number of the beast of the sea and the number of the beast of the earth. The one seen in our history in its making and birth of how each beast came to be, and came to be as one in their being.

"And the angel said unto me, "Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman (the beast of the earth), and of the beast that carrieth her (the beast of the sea), which hath the seven heads and ten horns" (Rev. 17-7). "And he said unto me, the waters which thou sawest, where the harlot sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations and tongues" (Rev. 17-15). Here we see the harlot sitting and being carried upon the beast of the sea. But "the ten horns (kings) which thou sawest upon the beast, (the political beast), these shall hate the harlot, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.(Through the political system, the Supreme Courts, secular society,etc.). For God hath put (it) in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree (these 10 kings to be of one mind) and give their kingdom (their authority to rule a kingdom) unto the beast (the U.S.) until the words of God shall be fulfilled" (Rev. 17-16-17). "And the woman which thou sawest is that great city (in this political religious entity) which reigneth over the kings of the earth"(v.18).

"Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. (For) "in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth"(Rev. 18-21,24).

"And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor and power, unto our Lord God;---.Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him; for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready" (Rev. 19-1,7).

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