17 September

Bible In 365 Days

Daniel 7-9

Daniel 7

We come now to the second half of the Book, which consists of visions, with their interpretations, granted to Daniel through three reigns. During the reign of Belshazzar two visions were granted to him, which constitute the prophetic light of that particular period.

The first of these was of four beasts rising from the sea, the last of which had ten horns. In their midst arose another, which destroyed them. The vision then became a vision of the setting of thrones, and the appearing of the glory of One who overcame the beasts and received dominion and glory, and a Kingdom.

These visions troubled Daniel, but an interpretation was given to him, first in general terms. The beasts symbolized four kings, and the final vision indicated that the saints of the Most High would yet receive and possess the Kingdom for ever and for ever. A particular interpretation of the meaning of the fourth beast and the horns, was vouchsafed to him, and the ultimate value was again declared to be the setting forth of the truth of the government of Jehovah, and the ultimate establishment of His Kingdom over all others. The whole matter troubled the prophet, but he kept it in his heart.

Daniel 8

Two years later, in the third year of king Belshazzar's reign, another vision came to Daniel. It was of a ram with two horns pushing westward, northward, and southward. As Daniel watched, a he goat attacked the ram, and overcame him, and magnified himself. Four horns appeared, out of one of which came another, which grew until it had broken down the sanctuary. A voice of a holy one inquired how long this would continue, and the answer was given to Daniel.

Again he pondered the vision, and sought to understand it, and an interpretation was given to him. The two- horned ram represented the united power of Media and Persia, the rough he goat was the king of Greece. Against him a fierce one would arise, succeeding through policy, but ultimately being broken without hand.

Daniel 9

In the first year of the reign of Darius, Daniel, who was evidently not only a man of prayer, but a diligent student of the prophetic writings, became conscious that the seventy years of judgment on Jerusalem foretold by Jeremiah were drawing to a close. He therefore set himself to seek the Lord by personal prayer and penitence on behalf of his people, making confession of their sin, and pleading their cause. He besought the Lord that the reproaches which had fallen on Jerusalem be put away, and, as men of vision had so often done, he based his plea on the honor of the Lord.

The language of this intercessory prayer reveals a man familiar with God in all the highest meaning of that word, and therefore keenly conscious of the sinfulness of the rebellion and failure of his own people.

During this intercession Gabriel came to him, declaring to him, first of all, that he was "greatly beloved," urging him to consider the matter, and understand the vision. He then made a revelation to him concerning the divine program. Seventy weeks were decreed on the people and the city. These were divided into three periods, the first of seven weeks, the second of sixty-two weeks, and the third of one week.